Big idea
This week, we are celebrating the beginning of a new year. During this time of the year, many people consider how they would like their lives to change in the upcoming year. Some make a resolution to lose weight. Others decide to save more money in the next year. Some determine to be more organized. Whatever they decide, these changes people resolve to make in the next year may be good things, but they will not bring us ultimate fulfillment. In one year from today, what do you want to say about the year of 2020? What if this year was about more than losing weight, saving money, or being more organized? What if 2020 was the year we grew closer to God and learned more about Him and His word?
Break the ice
What is the most unusual New Year's resolution you have ever heard of someone having?
Small group questions
- What are some of your goals or hopes for 2020?
- Read Psalm 126:1-6. Why did the Psalmist trust God to be faithful to His people? How was God faithful to you in the last year? How does His faithfulness to you give you confidence for this next year?
1When the Lord brought back his exiles to Jerusalem,[1]
it was like a dream!
2We were filled with laughter,
and we sang for joy.
And the other nations said,
“What amazing things the Lord has done for them.”
3Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us!
What joy!
4Restore our fortunes, Lord,
as streams renew the desert.
5Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest.
Translation notes (1)
- 126:1 Hebrew Zion.
- As you consider growing closer to God this year, do you struggle to spend time reading the Bible and praying each day consistently? Why or Why not?
- What is one change you can make in your routine to prioritize spending time with God through reading your Bible and praying each day?
- Read Romans 10:13-15. Who are you praying will come to know God in 2020?
13For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”[1]
14But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”[2]
Translation notes (2)
- 10:13 Joel 2:32.
- 10:15 Isa 52:7.
6. Read Isaiah 40:28-31. According to these verses, why is God trustworthy? What areas of your life are you struggling to trust God or what things do you find yourself placing your hope in other than God?
28Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.
7. In light of what we have studied today, as 2020 is approaching, what resolution would you like to set for the new year?
Moving forward
As you consider this next year, share specifically with your group what you can do to grow closer to God this year. If you need some ideas, here are some examples:
- Commit to reading Scripture regularly. Read our Daily Devotional that we post every week on our Sagebrush App or follow along with our Bible Reading Plan on our app under the Bible tab.
- Memorize the Monthly Memory Verse in order to keep the Bible on your mind. You can find wallpapers for these verses on our Sagebrush App under the Resources tab.
- Pray for five people (friends/neighbors/coworkers/relatives) to come to know Christ this year. Ask God to use you by sharing your faith with them.
- Serve at one of our services at Sagebrush or one of our M1 Game Day events.
Monthly memory verse
Wallpaper available for download in the Sagebrush App.
6For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,[1] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Translation notes (1)
- 9:6 Or Wonderful, Counselor.
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