This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.

This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.

First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).

• How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
• What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
• How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?

Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.

The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).

Scripture References from Message: Mark 7:14-16, 20-23, Ephesians 5:15-16
Big Idea from Message: God wants the time we have, not the time we wish we had.

Pastor Brad opened by saying how time is something we can’t control, and yet we often find ourselves wanting more of it, or wishing it would speed up. What are the moments in your life when you wish time could slow down, or moments you wish time could speed up? Why?

Read Mark 7:14-16 and 20-23 together as a group. How are the ways we spend our time a reflection of what comes out of the heart?

The GIGO Principle: Garbage In, Garbage Out. What are some “garbage” things that you might be taking in on a regular basis that are producing “garbage” results? Can you think of any alternatives that would be a better use of your time? How can we offer grace towards ourselves and others instead of being legalistic about these things?

For most people, the percentage of the day spent on spiritual practices is small compared to what the rest of the day is filled with (work, kids’ sports, grocery shopping, sleep). How do we honor God with our time during all the mundane and ordinary things in life?

Think about the Brother Lawrence quote: “Think often on God, by day, by night, in your business and even in your diversions. He is always near you and with you; leave him not alone.” How does this quote sit with you? Does it bring hope? Frustration? Comfort? Why?

The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.

This week, instead of feeling guilty for not doing enough spiritual practices or churchy things, think about how to honor God while doing everything else. Reflect on the following questions, “How can I embody the teachings of Jesus in this moment? Is there something I can do, or say (or not do or say!) in this situation that will reflect Him? “