How I leave a season determines how I enter the next season.
What will I leave behind in 2019? How will I enter into 2020?

“The unexamined life is a life not worth living.” – Socrates.

“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire

We are living in times of great upheaval. Dividing lines are ever widening – culturally, politically, racially, spiritually, emotionally, economically.

A Powerful Solution

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. —Psalm 118:1

¹⁹ Open for me the gates of the righteous; I will enter and give thanks to the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter. ²¹ I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation… —Psalm 118:19-21

Why?

Because of God’s goodness and faithful enduring love. — Psalm 118:1, Romans 12:1-2

When?

¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. —1 Thess. 5:16-19

Where?

• In church - Psalm. 35:19 (NKJV)

• Among the nations - Psalm. 18:49 (NASB)

• Before other generations - Psalm 79:13

How?

• Reflect - Create space and solitude in your daily schedule to slowly evaluate and redefine priorities in order to live well.

• Remove – Free yourself from unnecessary activities, distractions, associations, etc. The decluttering of our soul is much more important than tidying up our surroundings.

• Restore – Put into practice important disciplines you know should be doing concerning your spiritual, emotional, physical health. Start with one discipline and take it slow.

• Reach Out – Extend your focus beyond your personal needs and wants. When we do this, amazing things happen.

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Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

• What’s one New Year’s tradition you enjoy? What about one you can do without?

Let’s Talk About It

We are moving into another new decade of life, from 2019 into 2020. How we leave a season determines how we enter the next season.

Psalms 118:1,19-21; Romans 12:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Psalm 35:19; Psalm 18:49; Psalm 79:13

• Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?

• What does Socrates’ statement that “[t]he unexamined life is a life not worth living” mean to you?

• How difficult is it for you to give thanks in everything, not for everything?

• Looking back over 2019, can you see the Lord’s grace and mercies intervening in your life? Romans 12:1-2, states when we see His goodness, our reasonable and spiritual response is worship or giving thanks. How has your worship response been?

• Of the four “Rs”, reflect, remove, restore and reach, which presents the greatest challenge for you? Why?

Take a Step

• What can you do to raise your level of gratitude as you move into 2020?

• Is there a discipline you can start or restore thankfulness?

• Who’s one person you can reach out to show God’s goodness to in this next season.

Here’s My Prayer

• Lord, thank you for allowing me to experience your goodness in my life. Help me to express gratitude to you and others in ever increasing ways. And may this thankfulness reach others for you. Amen.