We Are Locally Grown
5/19/2024
Life is full of transitions. Sometimes we choose the transition and sometimes it is forced upon us. Whatever leads us to it, change is an opportunity to grow and serve God as we commit to following Him. Join us for part 7 of This Is Us, where we will learn that God is calling us to bloom wherever He plants us.
Passage
Jeremiah 29:1-7
Principle
We are ##locally## grown and need to ##bloom## where we are ##planted##.
Practices
Evaluate your relationship with ##God##
Evaluate your relationship with your ##Family##
Evaluate your relationship with your ##Community##
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
Have you ever been forced to move from one city to another? What happened? Do you think God was involved in that transition? Why or why not?
HEAR
Read Jeremiah 1:1-10
- What choices did Jeremiah have in his calling? What was chosen for him?
- What do you believe you were specifically made to be or do?
- What makes it difficult to know what you are supposed to be or do?
Read Jeremiah 39:1-10
- What led to the destruction of Jerusalem?
- How might the people of Jerusalem have felt when this was happening?
Read Jeremiah 39:11-40:6
- Was it fair for Jeremiah to suffer through the destruction of Jerusalem? Why or why not?
- What choice did Jeremiah face? Why did he make the decision he did?
- Have you ever decided to stay in a difficult situation when you could have escaped? Why did you stay?
- Read Ephesians 2:8-9. How do these verses relate to Jeremiah 39:18? What part did Jeremiah’s faith play in his salvation? What part did God’s grace play?
HUDDLE
Is there something difficult God is calling you to do? What makes this so difficult? How will you depend on others to help you through this situation? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: 2 Kings 24-25
- Day 2: Jeremiah 39-40
- Day 3: Jeremiah 41-42
- Day 4: Jeremiah 43-44
- Day 5: Obadiah
- Day 6: Daniel 1
- Day 7: Ezra 1-2
Think Deeper
- Have you ever been transplanted? Have you ever uprooted yourself? How do you know the difference?
- What is one way you can seek the welfare of your city?
- Is there something difficult God is calling you to do?
Suggested Reading
Future Church, by Will Mancini
The Most Loving Place in Town, by Kenneth Blanchard
I Am a Church Member, by Thom Rainer
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.