Bible Study: Faith, Focus, and Thanksgiving: Finding Grace in the Everyday

 


Bible Study: Faith, Focus, and Thanksgiving: Finding Grace in the Everyday

Theme: This study encourages us to cultivate a life of faith that permeates our daily routines, to focus our minds on God's presence amidst the ordinary, and to develop hearts of gratitude that recognize His grace in every moment.

Key Scriptures:

  • Faith: Hebrews 11:1 ("Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.")

  • Focus: Colossians 3:2 ("Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.")

  • Thanksgiving: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ("Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.")

  • Finding Grace: Ephesians 2:8 ("For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—")

Study Objectives:

  • To understand how faith operates in the everyday moments of life.

  • To learn practical ways to focus our minds on God's presence throughout the day.

  • To cultivate a habit of intentional thanksgiving, recognizing God's grace in all circumstances.

  • To connect the concepts of faith, focus, and thanksgiving as pathways to experiencing God's grace.

Study Format:

This study is designed for individual or group use. Each section focuses on one of the key themes, providing scripture, reflection questions, art prompts, and a prayer.

Week 1: Faith in the Mundane

  • Scripture: Hebrews 11:1; Matthew 6:33 ("But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.")

  • Reflection Questions:

    • How does Hebrews 11:1 challenge your understanding of faith? How can faith be "assurance about what we do not see" in your daily life?

    • How can seeking God's kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) influence your daily tasks and decisions?

    • Where do you find it most challenging to exercise faith in the ordinary moments of your day? (e.g., work, chores, interactions)

    • Think of a small, seemingly insignificant task you do regularly. How could you approach it with an attitude of faith, trusting God's provision and guidance even in this area?

  • Art Prompt: Create a visual representation of an ordinary object or daily routine infused with an element of the unseen – God's presence, guidance, or blessing.

  • Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of faith. Help me to see beyond the visible and trust in your unseen hand at work in every detail of my life, even the mundane. Strengthen my assurance in your promises as I navigate my day. Amen.

Week 2: Focusing on the Above

  • Scripture: Colossians 3:2; Psalm 46:10 ("Be still, and know that I am God.")

  • Reflection Questions:

    • What does it mean to "set your minds on things above" (Colossians 3:2)? How can we practically do this amidst our busy lives?

    • How can practicing stillness (Psalm 46:10) help us to focus on God's presence during the day?

    • What are some "earthly things" that often distract you from focusing on God? How can you intentionally shift your focus?

    • Identify a time of day when you struggle most with distractions. Brainstorm one practical way you could intentionally refocus your mind on God during that time.

  • Art Prompt: Create a visual representation of your mind being drawn upwards towards light or a heavenly realm, away from earthly distractions.

  • Prayer: Lord, my mind is often cluttered and pulled in many directions. Help me to intentionally set my thoughts on you, on things above. Grant me moments of stillness where I can truly know your presence and find my focus in you. Amen.

Week 3: The Habit of Thanksgiving

  • Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Psalm 100:4 ("Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.")

  • Reflection Questions:

    • How does 1 Thessalonians 5:18 challenge the idea of only giving thanks when things are "good"? What does it mean to give thanks "in all circumstances"?

    • How does approaching God with thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4) shape our perspective and our relationship with Him?

    • What are some small, often overlooked blessings in your everyday life that you can intentionally give thanks for today?

    • Think of a challenging circumstance you are currently facing. How can you find even a glimmer of something to be thankful for within that situation?

  • Art Prompt: Create a visual representation of a collection of small, everyday blessings that you are thankful for.

  • Prayer: Gracious God, teach me to cultivate a heart of gratitude in all circumstances. Open my eyes to the countless blessings you pour out daily, both big and small. Help me to enter your presence with thanksgiving and praise. Amen.

Week 4: Finding Grace in the Interplay

  • Scripture: Ephesians 2:8; Romans 5:1-2 ("Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.")

  • Reflection Questions:

    • How does Ephesians 2:8 connect faith and grace? How is grace a gift received through faith?

    • According to Romans 5:1-2, how does faith lead to peace with God and access to His grace?

    • Reflect on how practicing focus and thanksgiving can open your heart to recognizing and experiencing God's grace in your everyday moments.

    • Consider a time when you unexpectedly experienced God's grace. How did your faith, focus, or attitude of thanksgiving (or lack thereof) play a role in your ability to recognize it?

  • Art Prompt: Create a visual representation of faith, focus, and thanksgiving converging to reveal or receive God's grace, perhaps depicted as a radiant light or a gentle rain.

  • Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the immeasurable gift of your grace, received through faith. Help me to cultivate a focused mind and a thankful heart, so that I may be ever aware of your grace at work in my everyday life. May my faith be a constant posture of receiving your love. Amen.

Optional Group Activities:

  • Share and Discuss: In a group setting, allow time for individuals to share their reflections and artwork.

  • Gratitude Sharing: Begin or end each session by having each person share one thing they are thankful for from their week.

  • Prayer Support: Offer to pray for one another based on the reflections and needs shared during the study.

This Bible study aims to help you see God's presence and grace not just in grand events, but in the quiet rhythm of your daily life, through the lenses of faith, focus, and thanksgiving.

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