Groups Discussion Guide
Read Scripture. Go Deeper. Ask Questions. Take Action.
Hallmark Moments
Scripture
Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies. Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.
Main Idea
David wanted to build a house for the Lord, yet the Lord also wanted build a house for David and do so much more. God wanted to build a kingdom whose throne will rule forever. Even though David heard from God, this communication came through the prophet Nathan.
The Hall brothers sold postcards before a fire destroyed their building and inventory. As they were assessing the impact of the fire and their future, the brothers decided there were too many post cards out on the market and moving forward their company would offer Christmas greeting cards. Their new company would be called "Hallmark", which is a unique royal marking indicating authenticity and trust. The Hall brothers chose a crown as their logo as to say, "this message matters and can be trusted."
The Word of God is no different. The content comes from our king and is marked by His promises that can be trusted and have a meaning in your life. When we face certain challenges in the Christmas season, we can be reassured that God is with us if we know how face them.
Expectations
All of us have expectations that go unmet. David wanted to build God a house, but God wanted to build a legacy. The people of Israel wanted a king appointed immediately but God developed David quietly. Not everything went the way David hoped and this season will have some things that do not go the way we want.
Preparations
Think of the things you do to prepare for Christmas. You want them to go right, and sometimes we work so hard on preparations that we forget about the very thing we are preparing for. The angels came to Mary with no to-do list, no strategic plan, but simply asked for her participation. Don't let the details make you miss the moment.
Obligations
There is pressure to be there for everything. Sometimes resentment grows in the stress of the moment. God answers us by lifting the weight off. Why did David feel obligated to build a house for the Lord? Was it guilt? Was it gratitude? Are we focusing on the gift or the gap? Jesus' life was filled with demands and responsibilities. Everyone wanted something from Jesus nearly all the time. Even Jesus needed a quiet escape. We can choose to prioritize the presence of Christ.
Hesitations
When life feels unfinished we can feel tension and anxiety. We tend to work, or maybe we wait. Sometimes we don't do anything at all if we cannot sense a resolution. Just because something isn't finished doesn't mean it's a failure. God will raise you up and establish you. He is well able to perform.
"This message matters and can be trusted."
Discussion Questions
- What is a seasonal expectation you have that is unmet? What would it look like if God could shoulder that burden?
- What is a seasonal preparation that consumes you? Are you doing it for God and your family or are you doing it to stay busy?
- What is a seasonal obligation that stresses you out? Don't forget Jesus had a full schedule and also took time to rest. What obligation could you give to God?
- What is a seasonal hesitation you have? Just because it's unfinished doesn't mean it's a failure. God sees your life, knows your name, and hasn't forgot of his promises.
Summary
David wanted to do something for God, but God had much bigger plans in store. God works on a different schedule, and if our minds aren't set on Him, we can get caught up in the stresses of unmet expectations, unfocused preparations, unnecessary obligations, and unhealthy hesitations. God can handle your burdens, and it requires our participation. All you have to do is reach out and God will respond.
Take Action
- Write down your unmet expectations, challenging preparations, stressful obligations, and frustrating hesitations. Pray over them, ask God to move, and store that note in a safe place. Set a calendar reminder to revisit once a month.
- Share one of these challenges with a friend in the Church and ask them to pray for you.
- Do you have a favorite person or prophet in the bible? Do a little research on them and see what they faced in their life? Write them down on your card of your own challenges.
Announcements
Velocity Christmas Services : Dec 23 @ 7 pm, Dec 24 @ 3:30 pm and 5 pm
Year End Offering thru Dec 31
Service on Dec 28 - NO 8:30 SERVICE, Baptisms at 10:00 am and 11:30 services
