Start from Christ (1–3)River ↑
In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:10
Passage: He Loved Us First ~ 1 John 4:7-19
- God loved us and sent his Son before we ever loved him. What does this show you about him?
- Our love for God is an answer to his love. Tell him now what his love means to you.
God loved me first:
- Sent his Son (1 John 4:9)
- Paid for my sins (1 John 4:10)
- Lives in me (1 John 4:13)
Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. Luke 7:47
Story: The Woman Who Loved Much ~ Luke 7:36-50
- She came uninvited and wept at Jesus’ feet. Jesus welcomed her. What does this show you about him?
- What has Jesus forgiven you? Thank him for it now, out loud or in silence.
Forgiven much, I:
- Come near to Jesus (Luke 7:38)
- Pour out my love (Luke 7:38)
- Go in his peace (Luke 7:50)
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Matthew 22:37
Passage: The Greatest Commandment ~ Matthew 22:34-40
- Jesus said loving God comes first, before every other command. What does this show you about God?
- What takes first place in your heart instead of God? Give it to him now.
I love God with all my:
- Heart (Deuteronomy 6:5)
- Soul (Matthew 22:37)
- Mind (Matthew 22:37)
- Strength (Mark 12:30)
Sit with Him (4–7)River ↑
…one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her. Luke 10:42
Story: Mary Sits at Jesus’ Feet ~ Luke 10:38-42
- Martha was busy serving. Mary sat at his feet and listened. Jesus said Mary chose the good part. What does this show you about him?
- What keeps you busy instead of being with Jesus? Put it down, and sit with him now in silence.
I sit with Jesus by:
- Stopping my work (Luke 10:39)
- Listening to him (Luke 10:39)
- Seeking one thing (Psalm 27:4)
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there. Mark 1:35
Story: Jesus Goes Off Alone ~ Mark 1:35-39
- Everyone was looking for Jesus, but first he went to be with his Father. What does this show you about him?
- When and where can you be alone with God each day? Choose a time now.
I make room for God by:
- Setting a regular time (Mark 1:35)
- Finding a quiet place (Matthew 6:6)
- Coming back often (Luke 5:16)
The LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.” 1 Samuel 3:10
Story: The Lord Calls Samuel ~ 1 Samuel 3:1-10
- The Lord called the boy Samuel by name, again and again. What does this show you about God?
- Be still together for a few minutes. Say, “Speak; for your servant hears.” What does he bring to mind?
I listen to God by:
- Being still (Psalm 46:10)
- Answering when he calls (1 Samuel 3:10)
- Testing it by Scripture (Acts 17:11)
Jacob awakened out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I didn’t know it.” Genesis 28:16
Story: Jacob’s Dream at Bethel ~ Genesis 28:10-22
- Jacob was running away and alone, but God was there and spoke to him. What does this show you about God?
- Where do you feel far from God? Tell him now that he is here with you.
God is with me:
- Where I am (Genesis 28:16)
- Wherever I go (Genesis 28:15)
- When I do not see him (1 Peter 1:8)
Him above all (8–11)River ↑
If your presence doesn’t go with me, don’t carry us up from here. Exodus 33:15
Story: Moses Asks for God’s Presence ~ Exodus 33:12-23
- Moses would not go on without God’s presence. What does this show you about God?
- What do you want from God more than you want God himself? Tell him honestly.
I seek God himself:
- More than his gifts (Exodus 33:15)
- To know him (Exodus 33:13)
- To see his glory (Exodus 33:18)
Jesus looking at him loved him … One thing you lack. Mark 10:21
Story: The Rich Young Man ~ Mark 10:17-27
- Jesus loved the man and asked for everything. The man went away sad. What does this show you about Jesus?
- Is anything holding your heart more than Jesus? Tell him, and ask for help to let go.
Jesus is worth more than:
- My riches (Mark 10:22)
- My good record (Mark 10:20)
- Anything I hold (Philippians 3:8)
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the LORD’s name. Job 1:21
Story: Job Worships in Loss ~ Job 1:13-22
- Job lost everything in one day. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped. What does this show you about God?
- What loss are you carrying? Bring it to God, and worship him with it.
I worship God:
- When he gives (Job 1:21)
- When he takes away (Job 1:21)
- With honest grief (Job 1:20)
Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire. Mark 14:36
Story: Jesus Prays in Gethsemane ~ Mark 14:32-42
- The Father did not take the cup away. Jesus still called him Abba. What does this show you about God?
- What prayer has God not answered the way you hoped? Tell him honestly, and stay with him.
When God says no, I:
- Call him Father (Mark 14:36)
- Tell him my sorrow (Mark 14:34)
- Rest in his grace (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Keep loving Him (12–15)River ↑
God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. Psalm 63:1
Story: David Thirsts in the Desert ~ Psalm 63
- In the desert, David still longed for God and remembered his love. What does this show you about God?
- Is your heart dry right now? Tell God that you thirst for him.
In a dry place I:
- Seek him earnestly (Psalm 63:1)
- Remember his love (Psalm 63:3)
- Cling to him (Psalm 63:8)
But I have this against you, that you left your first love. Revelation 2:4
Passage: Return to Your First Love ~ Revelation 2:1-7
- Jesus praised the church’s hard work, but he wanted their love. What does this show you about him?
- Has work for Jesus taken the place of love for him? Turn back to him now.
I return to my first love by:
- Remembering (Revelation 2:5)
- Turning back (Revelation 2:5)
- Drawing near again (James 4:8)
Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me … Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you. John 21:16
Story: Jesus Restores Peter ~ John 21:1-19
- Peter had denied Jesus three times. Jesus made him breakfast and asked him again whether he loved him. What does this show you about Jesus?
- Where have you failed Jesus? Hear him ask you whether you love him. Answer him.
After I fail, Jesus:
- Comes to me (John 21:4)
- Asks for my love (John 21:15)
- Gives me work again (John 21:17)
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them.” Acts 13:2
Story: The Church at Antioch Worships ~ Acts 13:1-4
- The leaders were worshiping the Lord together. Then the Holy Spirit spoke and sent them out. What does this show you about God?
- How can our group spend more time worshiping the Lord together? Begin now.
Together we:
- Worship the Lord (Acts 13:2)
- Listen to the Spirit (Acts 13:2)
- Go where he sends (Acts 13:4)
Questions People AskRiver ↑
What if I feel nothing when I come to God?
Jacob did not know the Lord was in that place until God showed him. David still sought God in a dry land. You can love the Lord even when you do not see him. You do not need to make God notice you.
See Him in: cards 7 and 12
Read:
- Genesis 28:16
- 1 Peter 1:8
- Psalm 63:1
There is so much to do. Is it selfish to sit with God?
No. Martha was anxious about many things, but Mary chose the good part. Jesus went away to pray before the crowds found him. At Antioch, the Spirit sent workers while they served the Lord. Work for God flows from remaining in him.
See Him in: cards 4, 5 and 15
Read:
- Luke 10:41-42
- Mark 1:35
- John 15:5
How do I know it is God speaking, and not just me?
Test what you hear by Scripture. Share it with other believers. Samuel needed Eli’s help. God will not lead you to harm yourself or others. If you are unsure, wait and keep listening.
See Him in: cards 6 and 15
Read:
- 1 John 4:1
- Acts 17:11
- John 10:27
Do I need a special place or person to come near God?
No. Through Jesus, every believer may draw near to God. You can pray in a small room with the door shut. If you cannot sing aloud safely, sing in your heart.
See Him in: cards 5 and 7
Read:
- Hebrews 10:19-22
- Matthew 6:6
- Ephesians 5:19
I have failed God badly. Can I still come near?
Yes. The woman with many sins came, and Jesus welcomed her. Peter denied Jesus three times, and Jesus restored him. Confess honestly. The way is already open through Jesus. He wants you near him.
See Him in: cards 2 and 14
Read:
- 1 John 1:9
- Hebrews 10:22
- Luke 15:20
Is loving God a feeling, or something I do?
Love for God is more than a feeling. We love him with heart, soul, mind and strength. Jesus said that those who love him will obey him. Obeying is one way to tell him that you love him.
See Him in: cards 3, 9 and 14
Read:
- John 14:15
- 1 John 5:3
- Mark 12:30