Sunday, January 26, 2025

Have you ever been in a season of big change and thought to yourself, “I’m all in!”? You were excited and ready for new beginnings! Maybe it was that new job or a big move—whatever it was, you thought, “bring it!” If so, you can resonate with the Israelites who were just freed from Egypt and ready to follow God wholeheartedly.

Exodus 24:3
Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”

But then a little time passed … and if you’re anything like the Israelites, you found yourself pining for the familiar, missing what you knew, and not remembering exactly where God was taking you in the first place. It doesn’t take long before you're worried and anxious and ready to turn to something that seems like it will bring comfort in the moment.

It’s here that we would be better off turning to God, but so often, we end up seeking approval from places that can never really provide what we desire. We put our trust in the idols of our day (i.e.: our job, our family, our need for control) instead of the Lord.

Today, set aside time to seek God and be in his presence. Listen to what God is saying to you and consider where you may tend to seek approval that is not from God. Then respond to the following questions and reflect on how you can take a step or two forward to deepen your connection with him.

Discussion Questions:

Ice breaker: What was the best part of your week?

What sorts of things do people tend to make into idols today?

Read Exodus 32:1 and John 16:33. Compare and contrast these two verses.

What can you learn about yourself from these verses, and what do you learn about God?

What idols/false needs do you need to surrender today?

What is one step you could take toward trusting God?

21 Days of Prayer

Day 21 - Praise

Today’s Prayer Focus: To Praise Him (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Today’s Prayer:
Dear Father, I praise you for all you have done in my life and in my heart over these last 21 days. Thank you for drawing close to me and for leading me. Help me to continue growing and taking steps toward you throughout this year, so that I might know you more and make a difference for you. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut