Life is a journey, make the most of it.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Three Road Trip Essentials:

Choose Joy

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! —2 Corinthians 5:17

Ask God

And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” —Genesis 2:16–17

Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” —Genesis 11:4

I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say. —John 12:49–50 (NLT)

Say Thank You

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. —Psalm 100:4-5

Life has a destination

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. —Hebrews 11:8-10

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Discipleship Guide

Connect

• What was your favorite road trip ever? What are your favorite road trip essentials?

Word and Reflection

Life is a journey. Paul shares three things, which are essential for everyone on this journey in order for us to become the person God intended, regardless of what the journey may bring our way.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Genesis 2:16–17; Genesis 11:4; John 12:49–50 (NLT); Psalm 100:4-5; Hebrews 11:8-10

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

• Why do you think joy is an essential for life’s journey?

• Why do you think prayer is an essential for life’s journey?

• Why do you think gratitude is an essential for life’s journey?

Action

• What is one step you can take to choose joy every day?

• What is one step you can take to prioritize prayer in every situation?

• What is one step you can take to respond with an attitude of gratitude in all circumstances?

Prayer

• God, I want to follow your will every day, in every situation. Teach me to choose joy, prioritize prayer, and respond with thanksgiving regardless of where this journey takes me. In Jesus’ powerful name Amen!
• Pray for your group and for those whom you’re reaching out to.