Keeping Place / week 2

Watch the video for week 2 of Keeping Place at RightNow Media and answer the questions below.

BIBLE EXPLORATION

What might be different about your walk with Jesus if you could see Him face to face?

John 16:7. Why is it better for Jesus to go away?

John 14:15–21. According to verses 15 and 21, what should we do out of love for God?

How does Jesus describe the Helper/Advocate He sent to help us and be with us? What is significant to you about God’s presence? How does that change the way you respond to your circumstances? Why?

John 14:22–27. Reflect on God “making a home” in you. What stands out to you about this image? Why?

How might remembering that God has made a home in you shape your perspective when life feels empty? What encourages you about His presence in difficulty?

In verse 26, what does it say the Holy Spirit will do?

When is it difficult for you to remember what God has done for you? When has it been easier to think back on God’s faithfulness? How has remembrance in those times grown your faith?

When have you experienced God’s peace—especially during a time of loss?

Psalm 13:1–6. Have you ever cried out to God before? If so, what was your experience like? If not, what hesitations or concerns do you have about crying out to God?

Looking back on what we just learned about the Holy Spirit, how do you think He plays a role when we cry out to God?

Are you in a time of suffering or of peace? Either way, what do you think is the next step forward, based on what we talked about today?

DEEPER WALK

Select at least one activity below to complete before next week.

Study: Choose the story of Jacob or Ruth to study this week. Read Genesis 25, 27–33, 35 for Jacob’s story or Ruth 1–4 for Ruth’s. Take note of how God provides for them at each part of their journeys.

Pray: Use the structure of a Lament Psalm and write out a prayer to God. Cry out to Him and ask Him questions. Make requests and finish with praise. Consider using Psalm 13 as template as you pray.

Remember: Pick one thing that God has done for you over the past few years and choose a creative way to remember it. Take a rock, write a word to remind you what God did, and keep the rock in a prominent place. Or pick a verse that summarizes what you learned during that time and write it on a chalkboard. Or get creative! Come up with something unique that helps you remember God’s activity in your life.

Conversation: Sit down with a trusted friend this week, maybe even someone from your group, and chat about the ways God has been faithful to you. If you’re feeling like abandoned like Naomi, be honest with your friend about how you feel. Spend some time in prayer for each other and ask God to reveal His presence to both of you.

Memorize: Memorize John 14:23. Write it on a sticky note, put it as the background of your phone, or recite it in the car to remind yourself that God has made a home in you.