
Date: September 8, 2019
A Daily Pursuit
The Point: Deepen your relationship with God by spending time with Him every day.
Get Into the Study
Use the following as an alternate to the Bible Meets Life and Question 1.
The Mediterranean diet was ranked #1 in the Best Diets for Healthy Eating Category by U.S. News and World Report this year. The diet emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, olive oil, nuts, and fish. It conjures up images of al fresco dining in a Greek villa.
However, a new diet has entered the scene: the Nordic diet. Like the Mediterranean diet, the Nordic diet focuses on a specific geographic region, and is high in whole grains and fish. However, with the Nordic diet, you might picture yourself bundled up in the snow eating fermented fish and vegetables with pumpernickel bread.
There is less data available on the overall benefits of the Nordic diet. But whichever diet someone chooses, the first hurdle is sticking to it. Speaking to the Washington Post on the potential benefits of the Nordic diet, Registered dietitian Jennifer Bruning, a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasized, “And remember that a Nordic-style diet isn’t meant to be a short-term or fad diet — it’s a lifestyle.”
Ask: “What are some tips or tricks you have used to get good habits to stick?”
Explain that in this session we will study a daily practice that we all need to stick to. We will learn why daily time with God is more than just a good habit. Spending time with God is a necessity, and we need to treat it that way.
GET INTO THE STUDY (OPTION)
Use the following optional activity after calling attention to “The Point.”
In advance, load and play the song “Psalm 63” or a similar song about seeking God. After the first verse. invite group members to join the singing. Following the song, ask members to share experiences of seeking God when they first awake in the morning.
Click here for the video.
This idea supports the teaching plan found in the Bible Studies for Life: Adult Leader Guide.
Live It Out
Use the following story as you conclude the session.
At the 2019 CROSS conference, students donated $49,575 to translate the New Testament into four North African languages. A donor gave the remaining money to reach the goal of $60,000. This will cover the cost of the translations, which will now give 1.7 million people access to God’s Word.
As Americans, we are blessed to have God’s Word readily available. Let’s not take this for granted but commit to daily Scripture reading.
Ask: “What daily Bible reading plan have you found most helpful?”
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she remained in Southern California, enjoying a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Additional Questions
Icebreaker
- What is your favorite part of your daily routine?
- When do you feel the strongest connection with God?
- When your alarm goes off in the morning, what are the first few things you do?
Philippians 4:4-5
- What difference does it make when we start our days with praise?
- How can gratefulness and thanksgiving change the way you approach life?
- What’s the relationship between rejoicing and graciousness?
Philippians 4:6-7
- Why is prayer so often used as a last resort?
- Why do you think some people neglect to bring the little things before God?
- What’s the difference between praying and praying with thanksgiving?
Philippians 4:8-9
- Of the characteristics listed in these verses, which stand out as most needed in our culture? In our church?
- What does Paul’s strategy for godliness look like in your life?
- Who has given you a great example of filling their minds with the things of God?
Member Extra
Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:
Who Gets Your Attnetion First?
Video
Here’s a brief video giving you an overview of this session: Simplicity, Session 2.
Magazine Article
This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.
- ParentLife – Family Time with God as the Focus
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