Description:
This study guide examines the question of our personal journey and purpose. Why are you here on Earth? Looking at Proverbs 19:21, Jeremiah 29:11, Deuteronomy 2:7, Isaiah 14:24, Jeremiah 23:20, and Psalm 16:11, we’ll seek to gain understanding regarding the discovery and fulfillment of God’s personal plan for us and applying our amazing God given skills and abilities to His purpose.
Message from Marsh: “May your personal walk with the Lord lead you to be transformed, renewed and blessed.”
Marsh
Founder/President/"Survivor"
Thank you for coming to: mensgroup.org
Personal Journey and Purpose
(www.mensgroup.org – “Original Study”)
PRAY: A suggested opening prayer for small group members or individuals to invite God to connect as we seek Him in His Word. Feel free to add your own words, “in prayer.”
Lord, our prayer is that you help us in our search to discover our true purpose on earth. Lead us as we read your word to discover the pure joy and peace once we understand and accept God’s purpose for each of us. We pray in your name. Amen.
READ: Scripture Reference Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Holy Bible - New International Version
What are the personal plans that are on your heart, or in your thoughts?
Our journeys are very different and of course, very personal. Some journey's take a long time and entail significant pain and confusion. Other individual journeys can be much shorter and less agonizing to experience.
Whatever your personal "life journey," you will not find peace and happiness unless you discover and accept God’s purpose for you. Until you come to this realization, you will have difficulty finding true joy, contentment and serenity in your life. You will always feel as if something is missing in your life, something that is keeping you from feeling full, secure and joyful.
In Jeremiah 29:11 it says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Holy Bible - New International Version
Did you know that God has plans “only for you,” and His plan is for you to prosper now and in the future? Knowing this should help you feel loved, protected and unafraid of the future.
In Deuteronomy 2:7 it says, “The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.” Holy Bible - New International Version
This Scripture from the Old Testament affirms the Lord’s faithfulness in watching over the Israelites for 40 years in the desert. Do you know God’s faithfulness has, is and will always be with you?
REFLECT: Questions below help us pause and consider how the passage above applies to our life.
1. Do you believe God has a plan, “just for you?” If you know God’s plan is for you, what is it? If you don’t know, what do you “think it might be?”
2. If you really do not know God’s purpose for you on earth, how can you discover it? What tools can you use in your journey of discovery and enlightenment? Is prayer a tool you can use? Why?
RESPOND:
An “application challenge” for the reader or Small Group Members to put into practice.
When we are faced this month with questions of following our own personal desires or discovering and following God’s plan for us, help us to pray fervently for God’s direction. Help us to discover God’s purpose for us and give us the strength, humility and grace to follow His direction.
We understand knowing your purpose for us does not mean life necessarily gets easier, or less trouble free. We do know it means our "life's journey" becomes better knowing God is in our hearts and on our side. We know His Holy Spirit will live in us and guide us in our life’s journey.
DISCIPLESHIP STUDY QUESTIONS:
Below are three discussion questions based upon Scripture encouraging discussion and/or personal reflection.
1. Isaiah 14:24 says, “Surely as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.” Holy Bible - New International Version
Do you now believe with your heart and soul that God does have a specific personal plan for you on Earth? What are some of the skills and abilities you have enabling you to fulfill His plan for you?
2. Jeremiah 23:20 says, “The anger of the Lord will not turn back until he fully accomplishes the purpose of his heart. In days to come you will understand it clearly.” Holy Bible - New International Version
What does this Scripture say to you regarding God’s seriousness about the plan he has for you? How will you know if you are following his plan and purpose for you?
3. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life, you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Holy Bible - New International Version
How do you know when you are following God’s plan and purpose for you? Do you currently feel the joy and blessings of knowing you are following the plan? What does it feel like?
SUGGESTED CLOSING PRAYER:
Lord, help each of us to learn our true purpose on Earth. Give us the insight to read Scripture with understanding regarding the discovery and fulfillment of your personal plan for us. Help us in applying our amazing God given skills and abilities to your purpose. When praying, may we be more wide-open to hearing your words of wisdom leading us to become more like you. Amen.
All our Blessings,
Men’s Group Foundation, Inc.
(A mensgroup.org - “Original Study”)
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