Locations & Times

Oftentimes the things we want the most, we end up spending the least amount of time on because we're distracted. As we dig into Proverbs today, be thinking about what's distracting you.

SETLIST

Prodigals By North Point Worship Available on “Prodigals Live” from North Point Worship 

We Praise You By Bethel Music Available on “We Praise You - Live” from Bethel Music 

Gratitude By Brandon Lake Available on "House Of Miracles" From Brandon Lake

Highest Praise By Flatirons Music – Unavailable

GROUP QUESTIONS

// Bible References
Prov 4:14-15, 18-19, 25-27; Luke 9:62; Heb 12:1-2; Matt 7:24, 11:28-30; Exod 14:5-15; Ps. 27:4; 1 Chron 22

// Community Question
What are some of our “go-to” life distractions? (I.E Redfin, hunting, golf, social media, weird hobbies.)

// Discussion Questions

1. Read Matthew 7:24; Luke 7:35. (Review) Knowledge is what you know…wisdom is how what you know impacts what you do. Distractions can keep us from obtaining wisdom and falling into moments of distress, fear, anxiety, or being cruel and inflicting pain on others. What are some distractions in our life that we know could lead to “evil” for us and/or others?
2. Read Proverbs 4:25, Luke 9:62 These passages say we can prevent distraction/temptation by fixing our gaze, straight ahead. “Straight ahead” means when faced with distraction/temptation we 1) Keep our cool 2) Go in the best direction even if difficult 3) Expect God to work. What does fixing our gaze straight ahead look like in our lives? How could this prevent us from distraction/temptation?
3. Read Proverbs 4:26 Another way we can prevent distraction is to ponder where our lives are headed. By keeping the big picture in mind, it keeps us from getting distracted by trivialities that don’t contribute to our overall goal. Think about your relationships, how would keeping the big picture in mind help us love others better?
   
   
4. Read Proverbs 4:14-15 The third way we can prevent distraction is by being present. What does “being present” look like? How can being present in the moment increase our impact with those in our world?
   
   
5. Read Exodus 14: 5-15 This passage illustrates the pitfalls of being distracted from being present with God. The Israelites looked only at present circumstance, blame shifted, developed a negative perspective, and made rash, unhealthy decisions. Was there a time you made some of these pitfalls during a hard time in your life? Please share.
   
   
6. Read Psalm 27:4; Matt 11: 28-30 In the first passage David is referring to the “temple” as the presence of God and his desire to be in it. In the second passage Jesus describes what presence with God looks like. What does being present with God look like in your life?

// Challenge:  Get to Know God and practice being in his presence by reading a proverb a day through May. As you read, consider utilizing S.O.A.P.  1) Scripture 2) Observation 3) Application 4) Prayer