Dear Friends,
2018 is fading fast with 2019 quickly approaching. Looking toward the future can make people excited or anxious, happy or depressed. As Christians, no matter how we feel, we know that God is with us. He is the beginning and the end and has promised to never leave us or forsake us.
Moses experienced many of the same feelings we do yet he lived thousands of years ago. As he reflected on his life and what he had learned, it came down to a few basic principles. Come join us Sunday as we look into the wise prayer of Moses found in Psalm 90. I believe he lays a foundation of wisdom that will help us to stay grounded no matter what season our life is in.
See you Sunday!
Pastor Scott
STEPS TO PREPARE
PRAY FOR THE SERVICES AND FOR YOURSELF
AND ME AND THE OTHER TEACHERS.
PRAYERFULLY READ THE SCRIPTURES
AND CONSIDER THE DISCUSSION QUESTIONS.
MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND A PREACHING SERVICE AND A SMALL GROUP.
INVITE SOMEONE TO COME WITH YOU.
PREPARING FOR SUNDAY: SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
1) The Bible talks about wise and foolish decisions. What are examples of wise and foolish living that we see in scripture?
Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17
2) Why do you think God wants us to avoid foolish living?
3) Psalm 90 Moses lays out a prayer. He is reflecting back on his life and what he has learned. Read through the first two verses and highlight keywords that stand out to you. Why do they stand out?
V 1&2 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
4) In the next 4 verses, what do you think Moses was trying to say to God?
V 3-6 You turn men back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, O sons of men.” For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death— they are like the new grass of the morning: though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered.
5) Proverbs 9:10 states, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding”. In the 5 verses below, Moses speaks of this. Is fear ever a good thing? Is fear tied to respect?
V7-11 We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you.
6) In the remaining passages, Moses asks different things from God. Reflecting back on the life of Moses, what events in his life do you think motivated him to write this?
V12-17 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.
7) How can we pray for you?