Looking Back

God set up signs of remembrance for His people:
A) The Ebenezer stone (1 Samuel 7:1-12)

B) Reminders of the law (Deuteronomy 6:20-23)

C) The Passover (Exodus 12:14)

D) The 12 Stones (Joshua 4:1-7)

E) Communion (Luke 22:14-19)

God built in times of resting and rejoicing from Creation to the Sabbath (Genesis 1, Leviticus 16:29)

It is good to slow down and remember all that the Lord has done for you (Psalm 77:11-12)

Bulletin Insert

What can you look back on this year and thank God for?

1. What specific things are you most thankful to God for?

2. What ordinary pleasures (food, trips, music, nature etc.) can you thank God for experiencing this year?

3. What were your most encouraging experiences this past year?

4. What relationships can you praise God for this year?

5. What did you see God do in the lives of people you love?

6. What did you see God do in your church/ spiritual community?

7. What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn about God?

8. How has God sustained you through painful experiences?

9. How did God grow your character this year?

10. How did God speak to you, convict you, encourage you, or lead you this year?

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. What’s one of the funniest stories you remember from your childhood?

2. Read 1 Samuel 7:1-12 and Joshua 4:1-7. Why do you think God would have Samuel set up the Ebenezer stone and Joshua the 12 stones? What’s so significant about it? Why not just move on to the next thing?

3. How often do you regularly look back and thank God for what He has done in your life?

4. How are you at, just sitting and resting? Is it easy for you, or do you feel the need to be constantly distracted? Why?

5. Why do you think God gave His people the gift of Sabbath? What are the benefits/purposes of having an entire day to rest and rejoice?

6. Look back on the questions on the back of the paper from this Sunday. What can we rejoice in together about what God did in our lives over this past year?