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To Change What Needs to Change

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers. But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalm 1:1-3 ESV

To change my life I need to…

Change who I am listening to

Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked. Psalm 1:1 NLT

Change who I spend time with

Oh, the joys of those who do not… stand around with sinners… Psalm 1:1 ESV

Show me your friends and I will show you your future

Change my negative attitude about:

Oh, the joys of those who do not… join in with mockers. Psalm 1:1 NLT

God’s word, the Bible

But they delight in the law of the LORD, meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:2 NLT

It’s confusing

The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand. Psalm 119:130 NLT

It’s out of touch

The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:8 NLT

All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal. Psalm 119:116 NIV

God’s people, the church

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. Colossians 3:16 NIV

My future

For the LORD watches over the path of the godly, but the path of the wicked leads to destruction. Psalm 1:6 NLT

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD. Jeremiah 29:11-14 NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me…” Matthew 11:28 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a place where you can quiet your mind and heart before the Lord. Take some deep breaths and as you exhale, repeat the phrase, “The Bible points me to God.” When you’re ready, open up a conversation with God about your rhythm and intentionality of engaging with him through reading your Bible. Talk to him about some of the following questions: How often do you read your Bible? What’s your approach to reading it? Is it for knowledge? Is it for heart change? Is it for both? What sort of time do you give to it? Where is your focus? When you’re ready, talk with God about ways in which you can elevate your engagement through reading the Bible. What practical steps can you take as you begin this new year? What routines can you adjust to make it a higher priority to engage with God through Bible reading? Close your time by thanking him for your time together. And consider with whom you need to share your experience and decision.

Discussion Questions

  1. As you start a new year, what new things are you currently motivated to do?
  2. How might 2020 be different if you begin everyday with some time in God's word?
  3. Read Psalm 1. In what specific ways has God’s way of living made your life awesome when you have followed it and miserable when you haven't?
  4. Who are you listening to and spending time with in your life? In what way are they directing you toward God and his word?
  5. Read Psalm 1:2. To what extent do you delight in God’s Word? How does that show in your life?
  6. Read Colossians 3:16. How would you grade your engagement with God’s people and the church in light of this passage? Explain your response. What needs to change?