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Light In Dark Times

Know the signs that Jesus gave

“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?” Luke 21:7 NLT

Watch your life closely

“Watch out! Don’t let your hearts be dulled by carousing and drunkenness, and by the worries of this life. Don’t let that day catch you unaware, like a trap. For that day will come upon everyone living on the earth. Keep alert at all times. And pray that you might be strong enough to escape these coming horrors and stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:34-36 NLT

What am I watching

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Luke 11:34 NLT

My eyes will not control themselves

… never satisfied are the eyes of man. Proverbs 27:20 ESV

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look with lust at a young woman.” Job 31:1 NLT

I must redirect them

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 NLT

What am I missing

“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying, ‘Friend, let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First, get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye. Luke 6:41-42 NLT

I need to welcome input.

What am I preparing for

“However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. And since you don’t know when that time will come, be on guard! Stay alert!” Mark 13:32-33 NLT

“The coming of the Son of Man can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. When he left home, he gave each of his slaves instructions about the work they were to do, and he told the gatekeeper to watch for his return. You, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know when the master of the household will return—in the evening, at midnight, before dawn, or at daybreak. Don’t let him find you sleeping when he arrives without warning. I say to you what I say to everyone: Watch for him!” Mark 13:34-37 NLT

How am I?

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. Hebrews 4:13 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place that is free from distractions. Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. When you sense they are reasonably calm, invite God to guide your time with him. Reflect on the return of Jesus and what the Bible says are actions you can take to be ready. Allow your emotions to surface as you think about his return and being prepared. Feelings can be useful in discerning what you believe in your heart. Ask Jesus questions such as, “What do my feelings show about how ready I believe I am for your return? What is an area of action you want me to focus on to be better prepared? What are some things I can do to grow in this area?” What thoughts come to mind? Ask God to impress upon you an action he wants you to take this week to be better prepared for Jesus’ return. Depend on him to enable you to take this action and thank him when he helps you do it.​

Discussion Questions

  1. What have you been learning about God lately (in your personal Bible reading time, things he has been revealing to you recently, etc.)? Has anything stood out to you?
  2. Read Luke 21:34-36. It’s often hard for us to see our life clearly. What are some of the things that people consistently point out in your life that need improvement, and how do you usually react when they do?
  3. Read Luke 11:34. In this season of near-constant screen time, what are some things you watch that are not healthy for your spiritual life?
  4. Read Hebrews 12:2. In what practical ways can you replace those unhealthy things you open your eyes to, with something more life-giving that helps you keep your eyes on Jesus?
  5. Of the four hallmarks of being prepared for the return of Jesus that Pastor Matt mentioned this weekend (sharing my faith, building his church, encouraging believers and caring for my community), which is easiest for you, and which do you need the most help with?
  6. Read Mark 13:34-37. In what ways can we in this group help you keep watch and be prepared for Jesus’ return?