Believe spanish sessions v1 by Lifetogether Ministries

DOUBT

SESSION 1

SARAH P | 2

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CONNECT Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular sitation comes up during your discussion. What does it mean to believe? Although it may seem a contradiction, doubt is part of belief. In order for us to choose to believe anything, that very thing must be doubtable. Our choice is between doubt and belief—and sometimes we first doubt before we move on to belief. Sarah, Abraham’s wife, doubted God’s promise that she would have a child after decades of barrenness—in fact, the Bible says she laughed at God. Her doubt seems reasonable: if you were promised your first child at 89 years old, you might laugh too. God’s faithfulness, however, is steadfast, even when our faith wavers. God came through for Sarah—even though she struggled to believe him. And His faithfulness ultimately strengthened her faith. Believe Him for greater things—and He’ll do the same for you. P | 4

As you begin, take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page ???, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Small Group Roster. Have everyone write down their contact information. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group this week.

1 The title of this study is “Believe.” Let’s brainstorm about what it means to believe. What comes to mind when you think about belief? What are some things that you believe in, or that people you know believe in?

2 Finish this sentence: “I find it hard to believe that…” Be as honest as you can, and listen without judgement to everyone in the group. Perhaps you find it difficult to believe that God loves us even when we sin, or that your financial situation can be turned around. What do you find it hard to believe? P | 5

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3 Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On pages ???-??? is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health.

4 Rotating leaders is one of the group values we highly recommend for your group. People need opportunities to experiment with ways in which God may have gifted them. Your group will give you all the encouragement you need before, during, and after the session. 5 We also suggest you rotate host homes, with the host of each meeting providing the refreshments. Some groups like to let the host lead the meeting each week, while others like to let one person host while another person leads. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside him (Mark 6:30–44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendices additional information about hosting or leading the group.

The Small Group Calendar on page ??? is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t pass this up! It will revolutionize your group. P | 8

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Watch the DVD for this session now. Use the Notes space provided on page ??? to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Grow section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

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GROW

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced, and the Bible passage below.

NOTAS

READ GENESIS 18:1-15

6 In the video, we heard this question: “What dreams has God put in your heart that causes you to wrestle with doubt or laugh at God’s plans?” How would you answer this question? 7 What promise did God make to Abraham and Sarah? What was their response? 8 At the end of this passage, we read: “Sarah was afraid, so she lied…” (Genesis 18:15) Have you ever tried to cover up or deny your doubts? What happened as a result?

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9 Have you ever laughed at God? Had a promise from him that just seemed ridiculous? What happened? 10 When God keeps his promises, our faith is strengthened. Tell about a time God kept a promise to you, and how that impacted your faith. 11 In the video, we were challenged to believe God for greater things, and we heard, “God’s presence will show up in your life, even in the midst of your doubt, fear and frustration.” What situation are you in right now where you need God’s presence to show up in the midst of doubt? P | 15

FOR

Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme as a group (if there is time) or on your own between sessions.

Read Ephesians 3: 20-21

Q What situation comes to mind when you read this verse? In which specific situation do you need God to do “immeasurably more” than you can imagine? Q What impossible dream might God want to birth in your life? In what ways might your doubts be getting in the way of what God wants to do in and through you? P | 16

Read Mark 9: 14-29

Q How did Jesus respond to the father’s doubt? Did the father’s doubt prevent his son from being healed? Q What might we conclude about our own doubts from this story? Q What specific situation in your life are you praying “help my unbelief!” for right now? P | 17

SERVE The Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts to serve the body— including your small group. When we use our gifts, everyone benefits: others are blessed, and we grow in our faith and experience God in new ways. Look at the following questions and decide how, specifically, you will serve this week. (See Team Roles in the Appendices)

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12 Based on your spiritual gifts and passions, what is one thing you could do to serve others in the group: pray for them, lead worship, organize the snack list or schedule, or something else? Share what one role you are willing to play, and the specific step you will take this week in that role. 13 Developing our ability to serve God according to the leading of the Holy Spirit takes time and persistence in getting to know our Lord. So the first step toward serving others is, paradoxically, spending time alone with God: in prayer, in studying and reflecting on God’s Word. Here are some simple ways to connect with God.

PRAYER. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal. DAILY DEVOTIONS. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity for reading a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of this study. In our hurry-up world, we often move too quickly through everything—even reading God’s word! Slow down. Don’t just skim, but take time to read carefully and reflect on God’s word. Write down your insights on what you read each day. Copy a portion of Scripture on a card and tape it somewhere in your line of sight, such as your car’s dashboard or the kitchen table. Think about it when you sit at red lights, or while you’re eating a meal. Reflect on what God is saying to you through these words. On the sixth day summarize what God has shown you throughout the week.

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GO FAMILY

IMMEDIATE OR EXTENDED

FRIENDS

FAMILIAR

NEIGHBORS. SCHOOL. KIDS’ SPORTS TEAMS AND SO FORTH

14 Jude 1:22 instructs us: “Be merciful to those who doubt.” What does this verse tell us about how to relate to unbelievers, or even believers who are struggling with doubt? Sarah laughed at God when she doubted, then laughed with God when he fulfilled his promises. How might being honest about our doubts actually help our unbelieving friends move toward faith? How could you, as you engage in evangelism this week, “be merciful to those who doubt”? Be specific about a conversation you hope to have. P | 22

15 Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram to the right and write the names of two or three people you know who need to know Christ. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them.

FUN

GYM. HOBBIES. HANGOUTS.

FIRM WORK

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WORSHIP Worship is not just singing or raising our hands—it is giving our attention to God. Our discussion has allowed us to give attention to one another—which is good and right because we are to love each other. But now we will spend some time giving God attention and honor.

16 Allow everyone to answer this question: “How can we pray for you this week?” Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page ???.

18 Read a passage of Scripture together, making it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you. Choose a psalm or other favorite verse.

17 What kind of worship fits your group? Spend a few minutes worshiping God together. Here are two ideas:

19 Our corporate worship is enriched by our individual worship. Spending time alone with God is our sweet privilege. To guide you in this daily practice, we provide Daily Devotions at the end of each lesson. There are five daily Scripture readings with space to record your thoughts. On the sixth day there is space to record your summary of the five Daily Devotions. These will offer reinforcement of the principles we are learning, and provide a bit of structure for your time alone with God throughout the week.

Have someone use their musical gifts to lead the group in a worship song. Try singing á capela, using a worship CD, or have some one accompany your singing with a musical instrument. Read a passage of Scripture together, making it a time of praise and worship as the words remind you of all God has done for you. Choose a psalm or other favorite verse.

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GOD WILL LAUGHTER & TEARS

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DAILY DEVOTIONS Each day, read the daily verses and give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Take your time! Listen to what God is telling you. Ponder and reflect. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned over the entire week through this study.

DAY 1. Hebrews 11: 1, 8

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see….By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. REFLECT What is the thing you “do not see” in your life that God is asking you to trust him about?

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DAY 2. Hebrews 11: 9

By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. REFLECT Do you ever feel like a foreigner or a stranger? How might this impact your faith? How might it help you empathize with others?

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DAY 3. Hebrews 11: 10

For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. REFLECT What are you trying to build, perhaps in your ministry or your career, that you need to allow God to build? Are you letting him be the architect? DAY 4. Hebrews 11:11

And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. REFLECT What impossible dream does God, the faithful one, want to birth in you?

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DAY 5. Hebrews 11:12

And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

NOTES

REFLECT Do you believe God for greater things? What hopes do you have that need to be expanded? DAY 6. Thoughts

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week. What is one thing you will do as a result of what you’ve heard from God?

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PERSEVERANCIA

Sesi贸n 2

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NAOMI P | 33

CONECTAR Abra el grupo de oración. Oren simple y breve , ahorrando más solicitudes en profundidad hasta el final de la reunión. Pídale a Dios que le dará ideas y sabiduría al estudiar y discutir juntos.

V E R S Í C U LO PA R A

ME MOR I ZA R “YO SOY LA

ESCLAVA DEL SEÑOR”, CONTESTÓ MARÍA. “QUE TU PALABRAPARA PARA

MÍ SER CUMPLIDO.” Y EL ÁNGEL

LA DEJÓ.

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¿Qué significa obedecer a Dios? La verdadera obediencia implica mucho más que sólo evitar el pecado y mantener las reglas. Significa estar dispuesto a ser all-in por Dios, para hacer lo que le pide, incluso si es realmente difícil. María dijo que sí, a pesar de que significaba cierta burla y vergüenza. Ella dijo que sí a pesar de que el plan de Dios puede parecer extraño o incluso ilógica a ella (el Rey de la gloria que nace de una campesina?). Ella nunca dudó. Dios nos pide que demos a nosotros mismos completamente a él, y, a cambio, él nos bendecirá. Nunca es fácil someterse a la voluntad de Dios, pero si lo hacemos, las recompensas son inconmensurables.

Contando nuestras historias personales construye conexiones más profundas entre los miembros del grupo. Elija una de las actividades siguientes para construir sus conexiones dentro del grupo.

1. Todos los niños de vez en cuando desobedecen a sus padres. Pero a veces lo hacen bien y los obedecen . Cuéntanos sobre una vez que , cuando era niño, obedeció a sus padres, y más tarde fueron alegro de que lo hacía.

2. Tómese su tiempo en esta sesión final para conectarse con su pareja espiritual. Lo que Dios ha estado mostrando a través de estas sesiones acerca de la creencia en Dios . Llegada entre sí acerca de los progresos que ha hecho en su crecimiento espiritual durante este estudio. Hacer planes sobre si va a continuar en su relación fuera de su grupo de estudio bíblico .

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GIVE GOD YOUR

ATTENTION AND YOUR

HONOR

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CRECER

Use las siguientes preguntas para guiar la discusión de la enseñanza y las historias que usted acaba de experimentar , y el pasaje bíblico que aparece a continuación.

LEA LUCAS 1:26-38

1. En el video, Choco de Jesús nos retó a decir sí a Dios , incluso si se trata de sacrificio. Dígale al grupo acerca de un tiempo que Dios le pidió que dijera “sí” a su líder , y los sacrificios que implica . 2. Mira el pasaje de Lucas . De acuerdo con el ángel Gabriel , ¿cómo Dios ver a María , incluso antes de que ella dijo que sí ? ¿Cómo cree que la capacidad impactado de María a decir que sí ? 3. El versículo 37 dice: “Porque ninguna palabra de Dios nunca falla. “ ¿Qué situación en tu vida estás rezando este versículo ? 4. Qué historia o enseñanza en el video usó Dios para P | 38

hablarte a ti? ¿Qué paso específico tenían esa historia o enseñanza dan ganas de tomar en su vida? 5. Para la mayoría de la gente , ¿qué cree usted que las barreras en el camino de escuchar los susurros del Espíritu Santo y la obediencia a ellos? 6. En el video , escuchamos varios testimonios en los que el Espíritu Santo le dio a la gente instrucciones específicas para hacer algo, y ellos obedecieron a pesar de que no parecía tener sentido. Cuéntenos un momento en que escuchó las instrucciones de Dios y obedecido , aunque parecía ilógico.

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WHEN WE LOVE

OTHERS, WE GROW IN OUR FAITH

EXPERIENCING GOD IN A

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DEEPER WAY

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NOTAS

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PA R A

E ST U D I O

PR OF UND O

Explora los pasajes bíblicos relacionados con el tema de esta sesión como un grupo (si hay tiempo) o por su cuenta entre las sesiones.

LEA 1 Samuel 15:22

Q ¿Qué dice este pasaje del Antiguo Testamento nos dice acerca de las prioridades de Dios? Q Hoy en día, no traer animales a sacrificar como ofrenda. Pero lo que sería un equivalente moderno de esas ofrendas? Q ¿Alguna vez has encontrado a ti mismo “pasando por los movimientos” en su fe? ¿Qué nos dice este versículo acerca de eso? Lea Deuteronomio 30:9-20

Lea Lucas 22:39-46

Q ¿Qué pide Dios a su pueblo a hacer?

Q ¿Qué tarea difícil se enfrentó a Jesús?

Q Dios exhorta a su pueblo a “elegir la vida”? ¿Por qué deberíamos elegir deliberadamente algo que sabemos que no es bueno para nosotros? ¿Cuál sería un ejemplo de “la muerte de elegir” ser en tu vida?

Q ¿Cuál era su oración? Q ¿Qué podemos aprender de él acerca de cómo manejar las tareas difíciles de Dios?

Q ¿Qué promesas hace Dios a los que le obedecen?

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SERVIR El Espíritu Santo da a cada uno de nosotros los dones para servir al cuerpo-incluyendo su pequeño grupo. Cuando usamos nuestros dones, todos se benefician: los demás son bendecidos, y crecer en nuestra fe. Mira las siguientes preguntas y decida cómo , en concreto, que va a servir esta semana.

1. Tómese unos minutos para discutir el futuro de su grupo. ¿Cuántos de ustedes están dispuestos a permanecer juntos como grupo y trabajar a través de otro estudio juntos? Si tiene tiempo , apague el Acuerdo de Grupo Pequeño de la página ? ? ? y hablar

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¿CÓMO VA A SERVIR EL GRUPO ESTA SEMANA? ¿VA A ORAR POR ELLOS? ENVIAR UN CORREO ELECTRÓNICO ALENTADORA? INVITE A LOS MIEMBROS DEL GRUPO PARA REUNIRSE FUERA DEL GRUPO? SEA CREATIVO EN CUANTO A CÓMO VA A BENDECIR A OTROS.

de los cambios que le gustaría hacer a medida que avanza como un grupo. 2. En su Plan de Salud Personal en la página ? ? ? , Junto al icono de “Compartir” , contesta la “ cuando se le pastorear a otra persona en Cristo? “ Pregunta .

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GO Vamos a hablar de cómo podemos aplicar lo que hemos aprendido , y cómo hacerlo, permitirá a nuestras vidas para ir y ser un testigo de Cristo . Parte de ser una comunidad incluye la forma en que vivimos cuando no estamos juntos, y cómo nos representamos a nuestra comunidad a través de la evangelización.

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1. En la primera sesión que le pedimos que escriba algunos nombres en los círculos del diagrama de la Vida. ¿A quién se identifica como la gente en tu vida que necesitan conocer a Jesús? Volver a los Círculos de la Vida diagrama en la página??? para ayudarle a pensar en las diferentes personas que entran en contacto con sobre una base regular que necesitan conocer a Jesús más profundamente. Considere las siguientes

Considere invitar a un amigo para asistir a un servicio de fin de semana con usted y posiblemente planear para disfrutar de una comida juntos después. Esto puede ser una gran oportunidad para hablar con alguien acerca de su fe en Jesús. Este es un momento maravilloso para dar la bienvenida a algunos amigos en su grupo. ¿Cuál de las personas que anotó podrías invitar? Es posible que usted tenga que ayudar a su amigo a superar los obstáculos para llegar a un lugar donde él o ella puede encontrar a Jesús. ¿Necesita su amigo un paseo con el grupo? Ayuda con el cuidado de niños?

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ADORACIÓN

Al igual que hizo en la primera sesión , es posible que desee incluir alguna música de adoración en la reunión. Cantar una canción juntos, o leer un salmo en voz alta juntos. Si alguien en el grupo ha asumido el papel líder de adoración , se los llevan poco tiempo de adoración.

La adoración no es sólo cantar o levantando las manos - que está dando nuestra atención a Dios . Nuestro análisis nos ha permitido dar atención a los otros , lo cual es bueno y correcto , porque estamos a amarnos unos a otros . Pero ahora vamos a pasar algún tiempo prestando atención a Dios y el honor.

1. Comparte tus peticiones de oración en su grupo y luego se reúnen en círculos más pequeños de tres o cuatro personas para orar. Asegúrese de tener todos escriban las peticiones personales de los miembros para utilizar como un recordatorio para orar por su grupo durante toda la semana . ( El informe de Oración y Alabanza es en la página ? ? ? ).

2. Entonces orad unos por otros en su círculo . No presionar a nadie a orar en voz alta . Cuando usted ora por cada persona , puede que le resulte significativo para tomarse de las manos o colocar las manos sobre el hombro de otra persona. A menudo Jesús tocó los sanó a comunicar su cuidado por ellos.

Tómese unos minutos para hablar de lo que se necesitaría para hacer tiempo con Dios una prioridad todos los días o incluso cinco o seis días a la semana. No exija de una hora o incluso una media hora de tiempo, considere acercarse a Dios por unos pocos minutos cada día y poco a poco va a desear más . Utilice las reflexiones al final de cada sesión para acercarse a Dios. P | 52

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DEVOCIONALES DIARIOS Cada día , leer los versículos diarios y dar consideración en oración a lo que aprende acerca de Dios, su Espíritu , y su lugar en su vida . Luego anote sus pensamientos , ideas , o la oración en la sección reflejan a continuación los versículos que usted lee . En el sexto día grabar un resumen de lo que han aprendido a lo largo de toda la semana a través de este estudio.

DÍA 1 . SANTIAGO 1:22

No se contenten sólo con escuchar la palabra , pues así se engañan ustedes mismos. Haz lo que dice. REFLEXIONE ¿Qué palabra te ha dado Dios últimamente? ¿Cuál es, específicamente , te pide Dios que hacer en este momento?

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DÍA 2 . SANTIAGO 1:23,24

El que escucha la palabra pero no hacedor de ella, éste es como el que se mira el rostro en un espejo y , después de mirarse , se va y se olvida en seguida de cómo es. REFLEXIONE ¿Alguna vez has tenido la experiencia de leer la palabra de Dios , pero luego olvidar rápidamente lo que dice (o no hacer lo que dice) ? Lo que nos lleva a “olvidar” a obedecer a Dios?

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DAY 3. Romans 5: 3

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; REFLECT If suffering produces good things in us, why do you think we spend so much time and effort trying to avoid it? DAY 4. Romans 5: 4

perseverance, character; and character, hope. REFLECT What do you think it means to have Christian character? What traits do you associate with good character? How does perseverance build character?

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DAY 5. Romans 5: 5

And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

RESUMEN

REFLECT How, in your life, has the gift of the Holy Spirit enabled you to experience God’s love? DAY 6. Thoughts

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

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BROKENNESS

SESSION 3

HANNAH P | 60

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We sometimes mistakenly believe that as Christians, we should be happy all the time. But the Bible is full of stories of godly men and women who cried, who wept, who were broken by grief. Hannah is such a woman. She had blessings in her life: a home, a husband loved her. And yet, she longed to have a child. She wept before God, asking him to give her a son. Eventually, God responded to her prayers and grants her request. Sometimes, God meets us in the midst of our brokenness. The Bible promises that He will comfort those who mourn. So don’t assume that brokenness is a sign of weakness—often it’s a sign of our passion, our longing for more of God. Sometimes, it’s because we believe God is compassionate that we are able to weep—and then experience his sweet comfort.

CONNECT Open your group with prayer. Pray simply and briefly, saving more in-depth requests until the end of the meeting. Ask God to give you insights and wisdom as you study and discuss together. Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Use the following questions to open your discussion.

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GOD IS HERE

LISTENING TO

1. Last week, we talked about perseverance. Since we last met, what’s one situation in which you had to persevere?

2. Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now. (Refer to the session two Serve section for help.)

YOUR HEART

Turn to your Personal Health Plan on page ??? now. Share with your partner how your time with God went this week. What is one thing you discovered? Did you make a commitment to a next step that you can share? What obstacles hindered you from following through this week? Make a note about your partner’s progress and how you can pray for him or her.

3. Our next session is the last in this study—a good time to pause and reflect on what you’ve experienced in this group, how you’ve grown. Talk about how you might worship God and celebrate his goodness in your final meeting.

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GROW

Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced, and the Bible passage listed below.

NOTAS

READ 1 SAMUEL 1

1. What was the source of Hannah’s pain? What was she believing God for? How did Hannah’s brokenness demonstrate her belief in God? 2. In the video, Dr. Wood talked about how Hannah was so grieved and wounded that she could not even articulate her pain. Have you ever felt so broken you couldn’t even find the words to express your grief? What happened? How did God meet you in that situation? 3. Hannah wept over her barrenness—she wanted a child. In your own life, think of the metaphor of barrenness. Is there a situation where you feel barren, like there is no life or energy, no answer to prayer? How are you praying about that? P | 68

4. In the video, Jeannie Mayo talked about giving the broken pieces of her life to God to make something pretty, and how she “decided to go after a new picture of the Father.” What broken pieces of your life do you sense that God is asking you to give to him in order to create something beautiful? 5. In the video, we heard that sometimes adversity becomes an opportunity to reach out to someone else. Tell about a time in your life when your brokenness enabled you to help someone else going through similar trials.

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Read Isaiah 61:1-3

Q What promises does God make in this passage? Q What does it mean to bind up the brokenhearted?

FOR

Explore the Bible passages related to this sessionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theme as a group (if there is time) or on your own between sessions.

Read Psalm 30

Read John 20:1-18

Q What does this Psalm teach us about our sorrow and brokenness?

Q In this passage, who was crying? Why are they crying?

Q Tell about a time in your life when God turned your wailing into dancing, when he lifted you out of sadness into joy.

Q How did God respond to her tears? What happened to change her outlook in that moment?

Q Pick one verse from the Psalm that is particularly significant to you or relates to your life situation. Share the verse with the group, and tell why it is meaningful to you. P | 70

Q A broken heart is linked in this poem with being in prison, or being a captive. In what ways have you found this to be true in your experiences of brokenness?

Q Tell about a time when it seemed that Jesus was absent from your life (as he seemed to Mary in the beginning of this passage). What incident or person helped you become aware of his presence again? P | 71

SERVE The Holy Spirit gives each of us gifts to serve the body— including your small group. When we use our gifts, everyone benefits: others are blessed, and we grow in our faith. Look at the following questions and decide how, specifically, you will serve this week.

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1. Is there an area of service that God has put on your heart to serve this group or the body of Christ in your local church? Commit to taking the first step and be willing to let God lead you to the ministry that expresses your passion. In your Personal Health Plan on page ???, next to the “Develop” icon, answer the “WHERE are you serving?” question. If you are not currently serving, note one area where you will consider serving.

2. Romans 12:15 says: “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Who is someone in your life who is currently mourning? According to this verse, how could you serve that person? spending time alone with God: in prayer, in studying and reflecting on God’s Word. Here are some simple ways to connect with God.

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WHEN WE LOVE

OTHERS, WE GROW IN OUR FAITH

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GO FAMILY

IMMEDIATE OR EXTENDED

Let’s talk about how we can apply what we’ve learned, and how doing so will allow our lives to go and be a witness for Christ. Part of being a community includes how we live when we are not together—and how we represent our community through evangelism. We have found that groups that connect outside of the regular meeting time build stronger bonds and feel a greater sense of purpose. As a group, brainstorm about ways that you could reach out to the community around you together, to share the love of Jesus. Think particularly about this week’s lesson: where might you encounter people who are hurting and broken? How could you, as a group, “mourn with those who mourn” and share God’s love with them?

FRIENDS

FAMILIAR

NEIGHBORS. SCHOOL. KIDS’ SPORTS TEAMS AND SO FORTH

FUN

GYM. HOBBIES. HANGOUTS.

F or example, perhaps you’ll want to go as a group to visit a local nursing home or hospital, to simply show God’s love to the people who are there. Make plans to make this kind of visit this week with other group members.

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I s there someone whom you wouldn’t invite to your group but who still needs a connection? Would you be willing to have lunch or coffee with that person, catch up on life, and share something you’ve learned from this study? Jesus doesn’t call all of us to lead small groups, but he does call every disciple to spiritually multiply his or her life over time.

FIRM WORK

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WORSHIP

1. Share your praises and prayer requests with one another. Record these on the Prayer and Praise Report on page ???. Then, spend time now praying for each other.

2. End your meeting by singing a song together or with someone closing the evening with a prayer.

Worship is not just singing or raising our handsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;it is giving our attention to God. Our discussion has allowed us to give attention to one anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;which is good and right because we are to love each other. But now we will spend some time giving God attention and honor.

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DAILY DEVOTIONS Each day, read the daily verses and give prayerful consideration to what you learn about God, His Spirit, and His place in your life. Then record your thoughts, insights, or prayer in the Reflect section below the verses you read. On the sixth day record a summary of what you have learned over the entire week through this study. This week, we’ll reflect on a Psalm of lament—a form of poetic prayer that begins with honest sadness, but moves toward hope.

DAY 1. Psalm 6: 1, 2

Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger or discipline me in your wrath.Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint; heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony. REFLECT What situation in your life comes to mind when you read this verse? Pray for God’s mercy and healing.

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DAY 2. Psalm 6: 3, 4

My soul is in deep anguish. How long, Lord, how long? Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love. REFLECT In the midst of pain, what is one sign you’ve seen of God’s unfailing love? Thank God for that love right now (even if it seems hard to feel it).

DAY 3. Psalm 6: 5, 6

Among the dead no one proclaims your name. Who praises you from the grave? I am worn out from my groaning. All night long I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. REFLECT Is this your situation? If not, who do you know who might be feeling this way? Pray for that person right now.

DAY 5. Psalm 6: 9, 10

The Lord has heard my cry for mercy; the Lord accepts my prayer. All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish; they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame. REFLECT Who is someone you know who needs to be encouraged with this truth today? DAY 6. Thoughts

DAY 4. Psalm 6: 7, 8

My eyes grow weak with sorrow; they fail because of all my foes. Away from me, all you who do evil, for the Lord has heard my weeping.

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

REFLECT How does the fact that God hears our weeping make you feel? Do you believe this to be true?

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RESUMEN

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OBEDIENCIA

Sesión 4

MARÍA P | 84

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V E R S Í C U LO PA R A

ME MOR I ZA R “YO SOY LA

ESCLAVA DEL SEÑOR”, CONTESTÓ MARÍA. “QUE TU PALABRAPARA PARA

MÍ SER CUMPLIDO.” Y EL ÁNGEL

LA DEJÓ.

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Contando nuestras historias personales construye conexiones más profundas entre los miembros del grupo. Elija una de las actividades siguientes para construir sus conexiones dentro del grupo.

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OUR CHOICE IS

BETWEEN D OU BT P | 88

BELIEF P | 89

CRECER

Use las siguientes preguntas para guiar la discusión de la enseñanza y las historias que usted acaba de experimentar , y el pasaje bíblico que aparece a continuación.

LEA LUCAS 1:26-38

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NOTES

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Lea Deuteronomio 30:9-20

PA R A

E ST U D I O

PR OF UND O

Explora los pasajes bíblicos relacionados con el tema de esta sesión como un grupo (si hay tiempo) o por su cuenta entre las sesiones.

Lea Lucas 22:39-46

Q ¿Qué pide Dios a su pueblo a hacer?

Q ¿Qué tarea difícil se enfrentó a Jesús?

Q ¿Cuál era su oración? Q ¿Qué podemos aprender de él acerca de cómo manejar las tareas difíciles de Dios?

Q ¿Qué promesas hace Dios a los que le obedecen?

LEA 1 Samuel 15:22

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53 Tómese unos minutos para discutir el futuro de su grupo. ¿Cuántos de ustedes están dispuestos a permanecer juntos como grupo y trabajar a través de otro estudio juntos? Si tiene tiempo , apague el Acuerdo de Grupo Pequeño de la página ? ? ? y hablar de los cambios que le

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gustaría hacer a medida que avanza como un grupo. 54 En su Plan de Salud Personal en la página ? ? ? , Junto al icono de “Compartir” , contesta la “ cuando se le pastorear a otra persona en Cristo? “ Pregunta .

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1. Cada uno de ustedes comparten cómo se ha hecho con invitar a la gente en los Círculos de la vida a la iglesia o su grupo pequeño .

¿Qué conversaciones específica estás orando acerca de las próximas semanas?

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ADORACIÓN

NOTES

Q Comparte tus alabanzas y peticiones de oración con los otros. Anote estos en la Oración y Alabanza Informe en la página ? ? ? . Luego , pase el tiempo ahora orar unos por otros .

Q La obediencia es la rendición . Gire al Plan de Salud Personal en la página ? ? ? y considerar individualmente el “¿cómo estás entregando tu corazón? “ cuestión . Mira a la Muestra del Plan de Salud Personal en la página ? ? ? para obtener ayuda. Comparte algunos de sus pensamientos en el grupo.

Como se trata de la última reunión de este estudio , tomar algún tiempo para celebrar la obra que Dios ha hecho en la vida de los miembros del grupo. Haga que cada persona en el grupo comparta alguna etapa de crecimiento que se han dado cuenta de otro miembro. (En otras palabras , nadie va a hablar de sí mismos , pero afirmar que otros en el grupo) . Asegúrese de que cada persona se afirma y se dio cuenta y celebra - si los pasos que han hecho son grandes o pequeños .

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DÍA 1 . SANTIAGO 1:22

GOD OFFERS THAT EXPERIENCE OF CONNECTION, THROUGH THE HOLY SPIRIT

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DÍA 2 . SANTIAGO 1:23,24

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DÍA 3 . SANTIAGO 1:25

Pero el que mira atentamente en la ley perfecta que da libertad, y persevera en ella , no olvidando lo que ha oído sino haciéndolo , recibirá bendición en lo que hacen. REFLEXIONE De acuerdo con este versículo , ¿qué prometió Dios a los que obedecen su palabra? DÍA 4 . SANTIAGO 1:26

Los que se consideran religiosos y sin embargo no le pone freno a su lengua engañan a sí mismos , y su religión no sirve para nada. REFLEXIONE ¿Qué lugar o tiempo específico en su semana ¿te es el más difícil de controlar la lengua? ¿Es en el trabajo, o cuando están con ciertos amigos ? Cuando se sienten frustrados con sus hijos? ¿Qué nos dice este versículo acerca de cómo nuestras palabras son parte de la obediencia?

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DÍA 5 . SANTIAGO 1:27

La religión de Dios el Padre pura y sin mancha es esta: Visitar a los huérfanos ya las viudas en sus tribulaciones, y guardarse sin mancha del mundo.

SUMMARY

REFLEXIONE De acuerdo con este versículo , ¿qué acciones concretas piensa que Dios quiere que sus hijos obedientes a participar en ? ¿Qué significa , en términos prácticos , para cuidar de los huérfanos y de las viudas ? ¿Qué significa para mantenerse sin mancha? DÍA 6. PENSAMIENTOS

Use el siguiente espacio para escribir cualquier pensamiento que Dios ha puesto en tu corazón y la mente en las cosas que hemos visto en este período de sesiones y durante su tiempo de reflexión de esta semana .

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