This week’s devotionals are based on Dave Holden’s message from our New Ground Sunday. You can watch the service and the message at https://vimeo.com/638751563
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5 ESV)
This phrase, ‘in whose hearts are the highways to Zion’ is about a people whose hearts and lives are focussed on eternity; going up to Zion can be seen as our going up to God’s presence in heaven. We are not to live for this world. This is not our home. In Hebrews, we read,
‘All these people (the people who live by faith) were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.’ (Hebrews 11:13)
Our lives and this world is temporary. God is waking us up to live for things of eternal worth. Paul expressed this when he wrote,
‘For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labour for me...’ (Philippians 1:21-22)
Where do the ‘roads’ in our heart lead? Do our roads lead to worldly comfort and ambition? Do the highways of our heart lead to God? Are we guarding our hearts against worldly values? Are you and I mindful and battling the drift toward settling and living, distractedly for this passing world. God will do great things through people who hold lightly these temporary things because their hearts are set on heavenly things.
OVER TO YOU - PRAY AND WORSHIP OUT OF THE BIBLE
I’ve made a few comments. However, it’s more important that you engage with the text yourself. Take a moment to pray and listen to God’s voice out of today’s text.
“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, in whose heart are the highways to Zion.” (Psalm 84:5 ESV)
I find it helpful to use the following questions which are based upon The Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13).
1. Praise - What does this text teach me about God? What can I praise Him for?
2. Petitions - What does this teach me about His will for me and others? What could I pray for from this text? This is a good time to pray for our non-believing. friends. It’s good to ask, Is the Holy Spirit leading me in any specific response?
3. Peace-making - Is the Holy Spirit convicting me of sin for which I need forgiveness? Do I need to forgive others?
4. Protection - Ask for God’s protection generally and for any specific areas of vulnerability. Am I believing lies regarding the truths in this text?
COMMUNITY GROUP NOTES AND STUDY
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
1. Let's be praying and actively preparing to invite friends to our carol service on 5th December. Please make sure this is in your diary.
2. Don't forget to come along and invite your friends to our Christmas Pudding making event on 20th November. Go to the website to book tickets.
3. We have our next gift days on the 14th, 21st November. Let's be praying for How the Father wants us to get involved.
2. Icebreaker
How has God spoken to you from the Bible this week?
3. Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group
On Sunday, Dave Holden spoke from Psalm 84:5-7
'Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.' (Psalm 84:5-7)