The Year Of The Tree.
Vision Sunday.
Opening Reflection.
Where have you seen God at work in your life this week?
Share any brief examples and encouragements.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 7:7-8
The Lord answered me: “Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.”
Habakkuk 2:2-3
Pete Greig shared a vision for Emmaus Road Church this year as, “The Year of the Tree”…
What do you think that could mean for you personally?
In what ways does that seem different to last year’s emphasis on “digging in” for “The Year of the Spade”?
What does it mean for you to be “planted by the water”? What can we do to deepen our “roots by the stream”?
What sorts of leaves and fruit are you hoping for?
In The Message Bible, Proverbs 29:18 reads, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”
What do you see God doing?
Where do you see yourself fitting in to the bigger picture? Is there something new you would like to be doing that you haven’t done before (or something you used to do you feel challenged to take up again)?
What holds you back?
Do you have a personal “vision”? A sense of purpose for the future?
What steps could you take to begin to“write the vision” (or perhaps you have already done that)?
Closing Reflection.
Is there anything you will take away from this study and discussion? What has stood out that you can take into your week ahead?
Pray together (in pairs or small groups) for each other, in response to your answers.
