3_Gods_Plan_for_Compass_pt_2.pdf

**Bible Study Discussion Guide**

**Bible Reading:**
1. Genesis 37 (Joseph's Dreams)
2. Nehemiah 1-2 (Rebuilding Jerusalem's Walls)
3. Jonah 1:1 (Jonah's Call to Nineveh)

**Observation Questions:**
1. What challenges did Walt Disney face in his journey to create Disneyland, and how did his persistence relate to the sermon’s message about vision?
2. How does the story of Joseph in Genesis 37 illustrate the concept of dreaming big and trusting in God's plan?
3. In Nehemiah 1-2, what steps did Nehemiah take to begin the work of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls?
4. How did Jonah initially respond to God's call to go to Nineveh, and what does this reveal about human reluctance to step out of comfort zones?

**Interpretation Questions:**
1. How does the pastor’s comparison of Walt Disney’s vision to God’s vision for our lives help us understand the importance of persistence in faith?
2. What does the call to "deepen our well" mean in the context of the sermon, and how can this be applied to personal spiritual growth?
3. How can the story of Jonah and Nineveh challenge us to identify and reach out to the "Ninevites" in our own lives?
4. In what ways does Nehemiah’s commitment to rebuilding the walls serve as a model for investing in God’s mission today?

**Application Questions:**
1. Reflect on a personal setback you’ve experienced. How can you view it as a stepping stone in your faith journey, similar to Walt Disney’s challenges?
2. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your spiritual life through prayer, scripture, or community involvement?
3. Identify someone in your life who might be considered a "Ninevite." What steps can you take to reach out to them with grace and love?
4. Consider a part of your community or church that is "broken" or in need of rebuilding. How can you invest your time or resources to help strengthen it?
5. Reflect on the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41-44. What does true generosity look like in your life, and how can you increase your trust in God with your resources?
6. Think about a time when you felt God calling you to serve in a specific way. How did you respond, and what might be holding you back from fully investing in God’s mission now?
7. How can you allow God to transform your personal brokenness into something beautiful, like the art of Kintsugi, in your current circumstances?

Day 1: Embracing God's Vision with Persistence
In our journey of faith, we are called to dream big and persist, much like Walt Disney did in creating Disneyland. Despite facing numerous setbacks, Disney's vision never wavered, and his persistence led to a transformative outcome. Similarly, God invites us to align our dreams with His purpose, trusting that He is working through our challenges to fulfill a greater plan. Embracing setbacks as stepping stones, we are encouraged to hold onto our faith and continue pursuing the vision God has placed in our hearts. By doing so, we can witness the unfolding of His divine plan in our lives and communities.

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What is a dream or vision God has placed in your heart that you have been hesitant to pursue? How can you take a step of faith today to move closer to that vision, trusting in God's timing and persistence?


Day 2: Deepening Our Spiritual Wells
Deepening our spiritual lives is essential for sustaining us through life's challenges. By investing in prayer, scripture, and community, we build a reservoir of strength that allows us to draw from the Rivers of Living Waters that Jesus offers. This deepening of our spiritual well equips us to serve others effectively and experience the fullness of God's presence. As we grow in our relationship with God, we become more attuned to His voice and guidance, enabling us to navigate life's ups and downs with grace and resilience.

Isaiah 12:3 (ESV): "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."

Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to deepen your spiritual life? How can you create space for God to fill your well with His living water?


Day 3: Reaching Out to the Unreached
Just as Jonah was called to reach the people of Nineveh, we are called to step out of our comfort zones and extend grace to those who seem distant or opposed to the Gospel. This requires us to identify the "Ninevites" in our lives and offer them the love and grace of Jesus. By doing so, we participate in God's story of transformation, bringing His love to those who need it most. It is through these acts of grace and compassion that we can witness the power of God's love to change hearts and lives.

Matthew 5:44-45 (ESV): "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: Who are the "Ninevites" in your life that God is calling you to reach out to with love and grace? What practical steps can you take today to extend God's love to them?


Day 4: Investing in God's Mission
Nehemiah's commitment to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls serves as a powerful example of investing ourselves in God's work. Each of us has a role to play in strengthening what is broken, whether in people's lives or our community. By joining together, we can accomplish great things and fulfill God's vision for our church and beyond. This investment requires us to be intentional with our time, talents, and resources, trusting that God will use our efforts to bring about His kingdom on earth.

1 Corinthians 3:9 (ESV): "For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building."

Reflection: What is one area in your community or church where you feel called to invest your time and talents? How can you take a step today to actively participate in God's mission?


Day 5: Generosity and Trust
The story of the widow's offering teaches us that true generosity is measured by the sacrifice behind the gift, not its size. God calls us to trust Him with our resources, knowing that even small acts of generosity can lead to significant impact. As we increase our generosity, we participate in God's work and witness His faithfulness in our lives and community. This trust in God's provision allows us to give freely and joyfully, knowing that He will use our offerings to bless others and further His kingdom.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: In what ways can you practice generosity today, trusting God with your resources? How can you cultivate a heart of cheerful giving in your daily life?

1. "Dreaming big isn’t just for visionaries like Disney—it’s also part of God’s design for His people. The Bible is filled with stories of God placing dreams in the hearts of individuals."


2. "When the things of life come against you, you’ll have a reservoir of strength to get you through. Deepen your well by praying more, engaging with Scripture, and finding a place to serve."


3. "God’s call to Jonah is also His call to us. It’s a call to go to the people who need Him most, even if it’s uncomfortable for us."


4. "People come to church because, in their deepest, darkest, most painful moments, they heard about a man named Jesus who could save their soul, and they’d like to know Him."


5. "God always moves in a big way when the people of God get connected to the heart of God for those who are far from God."


6. "Like Nehemiah, we are called to invest ourselves in rebuilding and strengthening what is broken—whether it’s people’s lives, relationships, or our community."


7. "Generosity is not about how much you give but about the heart behind it. God can use even our smallest acts of generosity to accomplish great things."


8. "Sometimes God will put a Goliath in your life to find the David in you. Don’t wait for the perfect moment to begin. Start today, even if it feels small."


9. "The ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi teaches us that our flaws aren’t hidden; they’re transformed into something beautiful. God wants to fill your cracks with His grace, love, and forgiveness."


10. "Through Jesus, God takes our brokenness and makes it beautiful. He forgives every sin, heals every hurt, and gives us a purpose that shines brighter than gold."