Awakening to Longing
Finding Your Way Back to God

Pastor Kirk, Jan 5^th, 2020

Scripture: Luke 15:11-13; Eph 2:8-10

Summary: The longing to be loved, to find purpose for our days to find meaning in our pain is given to us by God and are intended to lead us back to him.

Main Thought: We are created with longings, to lead us to God.

Getting to Know Each Other (Start Here): 

• How was your Christmas season? Did you make any New Years resolutions?

Going Deeper: 

1. When you read the parable of the prodigal son, do you read yourself into it? Which of the characters do you relate to?
2. Discuss the parable and share anything that you have learned from it in the past. Since we are going to be studying the parable for the next 5 weeks let’s create a shared pool of knowledge about the parable.
3. Do you think that all the longings that people have fall into the three categories of connection, purpose and meaning?
4. In Genesis 25-33 focuses on the lives of Jacob and Esau. How did their longings impact their choices and relationships?
5. In what ways do people express their longings today?
6. How have your longings led you to God? Or how have they led you away from God?
7. In some of the Psalms the psalmist asks, “Oh soul what are you longing for?” How can this question help your self awareness and your journey towards God?

Apply it:

• At the end of each day ask the psalmists question, “Oh soul what are you longing for?” Think about key interactions in your day and what you soul was longing for in them.

Pray without ceasing:

              Pray for the people of Australia for relief from the intense wild fires. Pray for the families of those who are missing, that the lost will be found. Pray for the safety of the workers and for those who are helping people who have been displaced.

Community Reading Plan: Genesis 25&26

This week add Genesis 25&26 to your devotions. Look at the relationships that are present in these chapters and keep two questions in mind.

• What do I need to know from this chapter (a truth about my reality or God or a life lesson)?
• What do I need to grow (Is there something God is trying to teach me through His Word)?

Keep a journal nearby and write down any questions or thoughts you can share with your Community Group. Remind and encourage each other to participate in this group devotion.