Let It Spring Forth It’s Time to Be Refreshed – Week 3 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19 Study by: Anita Venning Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Look Back Sharing Our Journey | 10–20 minutes Praise, Thanks and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. This can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. What are you thankful for? Where have you seen God at work? How has God used you? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where have you struggled to follow the way of Jesus? Has anything happened in the lives of those on your relational map who are far from God? (See the Relational Map Video) Pray In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Look Up Opening God’s Word | 20–30 minutes Setting the Scene God wants our hearts to be open and receptive to Him and the new things He wants to do. Often sin and self get in the way and need to be repented of, so God can refresh, lead, and guide us. Read Isaiah 43:19, Acts 3:19–21, and Psalm 23:2–3 Read in different translations one reading at a time with corresponding questions. Discuss Who or what situation have you been praying about and for, that could benefit from God doing a new thing? What would rivers in the wasteland look like, and what difference would it make to you or for our church family? Renewal flows through repentance. Turning back to God brings refreshment and clarity of purpose. Discuss the difference between remorse, confession, and repentance, and why we stop short at times. (Use a dictionary to help.) How do we release and deal with the resentments we encounter? What blocks people from being refreshed by the Lord? How is the restoration of the soul linked to repentance and God doing a new thing? Where do you need restoration and God's guidance? 3. Look Forward Living Out God’s Word | 10–20 minutes What part of the study stood out to you, and is there something you feel you can do as a response? How can you make time for repentance in your time with God? Practice one of the following suggestions this week: Reflection Practices Pray – Use Psalm 139:23–24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” Listen and talk to God about what He reminds you of. Reflective Journaling – Review your day before God, noting moments of grace or challenge. The 5 Steps of Examen – An ancient practice of Jesuit priests: Be aware of God’s presence. Review your day with gratitude. Pay attention to your emotions. Choose one moment to pray from. Look forward to tomorrow. Pray Vision for ministry growth at Hope Valley, including upgrades to facilities and outreach into the Barossa and our upcoming Gift Day. Pray for those on your Relational Map using the three scriptures as help. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: 📧 scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au