Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel GATHERING / WORSHIP / PRAYER Take a few minutes to catch up with each other and build community. If you have new people present give time to getting to know each other. Possibly listen to ‘Goodness of God’ by Bethel Music. Pray and give thanks for God’s goodness in your lives. FOCUS Our series ‘The Good and the Beautiful’ is based on three books by James Bryan Smith. Our focus throughout May is from the first book 'The Good and Beautiful God’. This series will challenge us to unpack God’s character and discover how this knowledge impacts both who we are and how we live. SETTING THE SCENE The Psalms record that even when David was desperate and fearful, he fled to God for refuge. Rather than defeating him, these troubles grew his faith and grasp of God's perfect character. And having seen the faithfulness of God proven by experience David could declare “taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). As we grow in our knowledge of “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18), let us together "give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever" (Psalm 107:1). OPENING GOD’s WORD Warm Up Question: When you first think of God, what word comes to mind to describe Him? Read: Psalm 23 Take turns reading a few verses each or read the passage from several translations. What first caught your interest or stuck out to you as we read this passage? What pictures or descriptions of God do we discover in this psalm? What encouragement and hope might Christians find in these verses? How do these verses challenge, help or encourage you in your life today? LIVING OUT GOD’s WORD Is there a new truth from this Psalm on which you can rely or meditate to build your trust in God? Is there an encouragement in this Psalm that you could share with someone else? PRAYER Silently reflect on examples of God’s faithfulness and love in your life. Pray that those who do not yet know Jesus could discover his goodness and love too. Contacts If you would like more information or further help please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au