Be Open to God

Be Open to God

April 7, 2024

Series: Relationship Goals

Jason Cusick

Jason Cusick

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We all want to have great relationships in life, but where do we start?  Jesus suggests we start at the beginning with our relationship with God.  We all have some kind of relationship with God (or the idea of a higher power).  In the first week of our series, Relationship Goals, we’ll explore what it takes to have a flourishing relationship with our Creator by looking at one of Jesus famous parables – the Sower and the Soils. Whether you are new to faith, recovering from a challenging religious upbringing, or a deeply committed believer, we’ll discover the joy that comes from being open to God and seeing meaningful change in our lives. 

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Groups Discussion Guide

To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.

Introduction 

As we begin this new series on Relationship Goals, take a few minutes at the beginning of your group to check in with one another. How was Easter? Spring Break? What can we celebrate together?

After your time of connecting, begin your meeting with prayer.

Key Verse for the Week  

*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization through the week. 

Matthew 22:37-38

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”

*Matthew 22:37–39 is the foundation for this three-week sermon series, Relationship Goals. Let’s memorize the first part of the verse this week and we’ll add to it each week!

**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us. 

Connect   

  • What words come to your mind when you think about healthy, flourishing relationships?
  • Have you personally experienced, or witnessed, a flourishing relationship in your life? What stands out to you about that relationship?
  • What kinds of things keep you from developing flourishing relationships with others?
  • To what degree does spending undistracted time with another person affect your relationship with that person?

Opening Thought  

We all want to have great relationships in life, but where do we start? Jesus suggests we start at the beginning with our relationship with God. Sometimes we might see a relationship with God as secondary to our other relationships but when we pursue a connection with God, every other aspect of our lives will be impacted, which is exciting news!

This leads us to our big idea for this week:  

Big idea for the week  
We can enjoy a flourishing relationship with God. 

Unpack 

Go around your group and have someone read each of the following verses, then discuss the connected questions.

In Sunday’s message, Pastor Jason talked about how we can experience a flourishing life with God when we have an openness to Jesus’ teachings in our lives. He referred to this openness as being “good soil.” As you read the following verses, keep this concept of being “good soil” in mind.

Read  

Ephesians 3:16-20

Unpack

  • What do these verses teach us about having a flourishing relationship with God? What do they teach about the character of God?
  • Why is allowing Jesus a space to “make his home in your heart” key to flourishing in a relationship with him? What does allowing Jesus to “make his home in your heart” look like in your life? Are there areas of your life that you’ve allowed Jesus to make his home in your heart? What about areas of your heart where Jesus needs to feel more at home?
  • How would keeping the theme and spirit of this passage at the forefront of your mind cause you to seek Jesus when you are facing fears, uncertainty, or anxiety? What about when you are experiencing times of joy, or just having an ordinary day?

Read  

Matthew 14:23
Mark 6:46
Luke 5:16
Mark 1:35

Unpack 

  • These are just a few of the examples we read of Jesus spending time in prayer with God. How do you think having this time of connection with God helped Jesus grow in relationship with God?
  • What do you think Jesus is teaching us through his example?
  • What do Jesus’ examples teach us about the importance God places on building a relationship with us? How does having this time help us to create “good soil” for our relationship with God?
  • Many times, after Jesus spent time in prayer, he went on to perform a miracle or teach people about God. What role does your relationship with God play in your life and your decision-making?

Apply 

Based on the verses we just read, and Sunday’s message, there are some things that we can do in response. Take a moment to discuss these questions as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be:

  • In Sunday’s sermon, Be Open to God, Pastor Jason mentioned four things that can help us flourish in our relationship with God: 1. Attending church and inviting friends, 2. Joining a life group (You did it!), 3. Serving, and 4. Personal Spiritual Practices. Is there one area this week that you could focus on as a way to grow in your relationship with God? Which area would you like to focus on this week and what practical steps can you take to make that happen?
  • There are many examples in the Bible of people praying to God for things like wisdom, strength, and mercy. Psalm 143:8–10 is one example. Would you commit to praying this prayer each morning as a way to grow in your relationship with God? Take a few moments to pray this silently together and then have one person in the group read the verses out loud as a prayer for your group.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
    for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
    for I give myself to you.
Rescue me from my enemies, Lord;
    I run to you to hide me.
Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God.
May your gracious Spirit lead me forward
    on a firm footing.

Psalm 143:8–10

Closing 

God desires that we have a relationship with him and thankfully there are many ways we can nurture that relationship. This week, find ways to nurture that relationship through the application steps from Sunday’s message and this study. We’ll talk next week about how you’ve seen God working in your relationships! Take some notes on your phone or in a journal so that we can encourage and support one another with our Relationship Goals.

Prayer and Verses 

Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer then share the Key Verse for the Week and Daily Devotional Verses with the group. 

Daily Devotional Verses  

Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below. 

Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well. 
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read? 
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read? 
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned. 

Day 1: Matthew 22:37-38

Day 2: Psalm 63:7–8

Day 3: Jeremiah 28:13

Day 4: James 1:5

Day 5: John 15:4

Day 6: John 15:9

Key Verse for the Week  

Matthew 22:37-38

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.

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PAUL & HOLLY ZWIERZYNSKI

  • Translating the Bible Support
  • North Carolina

Paul and Holly Zwierzynski serve at the JAARS Center in Waxhaw, North Carolina, where they support Bible translation efforts around the world. Paul specializes in solar power and computer networking. He helps missionaries use low-power computers in remote areas and sets up reliable internet connections using tools like satellite and radio links. His work has supported over 180 field sites, allowing translation teams to collaborate across long distances. Holly works in the translation office as a project assistant. She helps develop Old Testament translation guides and reference materials used by Bible translators worldwide. Before moving to North Carolina, Paul and Holly served in Cameroon, where their passion for this work first began.

JERRY & BETH TUCKER

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Southern California

Jerry and Beth help prepare new missionaries for the field by leading orientation, providing training, building teams, and offering mentorship during the first year of overseas service. They serve with Wycliffe, a Bible translation organization, and bring years of experience to this important work. Their work began in 1995 in the Philippines, where they served as dorm parents and teachers. Both Jerry and Beth grew up at Journey of Faith, and the church has been supporting their ministry for 30 years. They remain committed to serving for many years to come.

TOM SHECK

  • Youth Development
  • South Bay

 Tom serves as the South Bay Director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His goal is to see lives changed through the influence of athletes and coaches on middle school and high school campuses. FCA focuses on values like integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence. The ministry equips students and coaches to grow in their faith and lead others by starting small group gatherings on campus, known as “Huddles.” These groups become places of encouragement, leadership, and spiritual growth within the school community.

CODY & LEXI SCRIVENS

  • Meeting Community and Church Needs
  • Dublin, Ireland

 Cody and Lexie are serving in Ireland, partnering with a local church to build relationships and share the message of Jesus. Their work takes place in a culture shaped by both deep religious tradition and growing secularism. Navigating this tension is challenging, especially in light of Ireland’s complex religious history, but they remain committed to reaching people who often feel distant from faith.

BRYAN & JACINDA MARTIN

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Philippines

 The Martin family is planting churches in the Philippines through World Team. One of the key ways they serve is by caring for creation. They work with vulnerable communities that are struggling as natural resources become scarce. By teaching sustainable practices for managing the environment, they help meet practical needs while also creating space to share about God’s design for humanity and introduce people to the Creator.

BARBARA LEE

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • San Diego, CA

Barbara supports missionary families by helping their children access quality education and navigate the many transitions that come with cross-cultural life. She currently leads the Indonesia MK (Missionary Kid) Care and Education Team, providing guidance, resources, and support for families across the region. In late 2025, she will join the U.S.-based MK Care and Education Team, where she will train new missionaries, equip education consultants, offer academic testing, and provide personalized educational help for families preparing to serve.

K & L

  • Starting New Churches
  • Southeast Asia

L and K are working to start churches among ten large, unreached, and unengaged people groups in Southeast Asia. They also lead a growing team that has expanded from 11 to 22 units since the pandemic, increasing their reach and impact in the region.

TIM & ERICKA HARRIS

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Oregon

 Tim and Ericka Harris understand the preparation, training, and lifelong commitment it takes to serve in missions. Their work has included cross-cultural ministry throughout Latin America, including eight years living and serving in Costa Rica with their family. Out of a desire to support those serving in demanding ministry roles, they provide pastoral care to missionaries, pastors, and ministry leaders around the world. Through their R.E.S.T. initiative—Retreat, Encouragement, Safety, and Transformation—they offer spaces for leaders on every major continent to step away, recharge, and return to their work with renewed strength and clarity.

MARK & BRENDA HALL

  • Starting New Churches
  • Guadalajara, Mexico

Mark and Brenda Hall moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2018, where Mark now serves as a teaching pastor at English Fellowship. The church brings together people from different cultures, backgrounds, and denominations, serving both international residents and Mexican nationals living in the city for work. Although their focus is now in Mexico, they remain connected to their previous work in Guatemala, where they spent 18 years investing in the lives of young people. Their move to Guadalajara opens new doors to build relationships, support the local community, and share the message of Jesus in meaningful and relevant ways.

RICH FRAZER

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Nepal and North India

The Fraziers serve with an organization called SOS, which stands for Spiritual Overseers Service International. Rick serves as the president and helps lead the organization’s three core objectives. The first is evangelism, which focuses on spreading the message of Jesus. The second is discipleship, aimed at strengthening the global Church. And the third is compassion, which means meeting the physical and spiritual needs of fellow believers. The Fraziers train Christian leaders and partner with Tabernacle Ministries in Nepal and North India. Through this work, SOS is mentoring more than 100 leaders who are reaching urban migrants with God’s love.

MARK & LISA DENEUI

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • France

 Mark is a Bible teacher focused on the New Testament who trains church leaders and church planters in French-speaking Europe. Lisa teaches English as a Foreign Language and French, using her skills to build relationships and serve the local community while sharing her faith. Together, Mark and Lisa serve with a network of church plants in the city of Strasbourg. They are committed to making Christ’s love known by partnering with the local French church to love their neighbors, share the gospel, and disciple new believers.

D & J

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Southeast Asia

D and J are building relationships with an unreached people group in Southeast Asia. Their hope is to see a new community of believers grow through intentional disciple-making and personal connection.

JOSEPH BRADFORD IV

  • Meeting Community Needs
  • Los Angeles, CA

Joseph launched his nonprofit, B.A.R.E. Truth, Inc., in 2018 to serve individuals and families in Los Angeles facing homelessness, food insecurity, and other critical needs. Through mentorship, independent living support, housing assistance, and wellness services, Joseph and his team help people move toward healthier, purpose-filled lives. They also host weekly feeding events on Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles. B.A.R.E. stands for Balance, Ambition, Respect, and Encouragement.

BILL ANKERBERG

  • Developing Indigenous Pastors
  • Estonia

Bill leads a missions movement in the Nordic-Baltic region, focusing especially on Estonia, where fewer than 2% of people identify as Christian. His work includes supporting church planters, developing local leaders, strengthening compassion ministries, and mentoring pastors and missionaries across both the Baltics and Scandinavia. This ministry began in 2008 and continues to grow in reach and impact.

PAT & BETH ANDREWS

  • Bible Translation
  • Arlington, TX

 Pat serves with Seed Company, a subsidiary of Wycliffe Bible Translators, as Director of Field Projects for the Pacific Region and as a Translation Consultant. He helps oversee translation work in more than 60 languages, coordinating efforts across 11 organizations and 28 internships. Many of Pat’s teams are based in remote island communities, which often presents communication and travel challenges. Even so, Pat makes it a priority to visit his project teams and interns each year.

DENNIS & DENISE AHERN

  • Caring for Christian Workers
  • Washington State

Since 1992, the Aherns have provided counseling and care to missionaries in more than forty countries. They have a deep understanding of the unique needs, challenges, and opportunities that come with full-time ministry. Their commitment to supporting ministry workers led them to open a retreat center in Washington state called Selah Glen, where they host and lead pastoral care retreats. Through this work, the Aherns are able to care for those who spend their lives caring for others.

MIGUEL & MARIA ADAME

  • Church Planting
  • Baja Mexico

Pastor Miguel leads a growing church in Mexicali, Mexico, where he and his family have been serving the community since 2013. Their church runs weekly Bible studies, monthly outreach events, and provides a steady, welcoming presence in the neighborhood. In 2024, they opened a free private Christian elementary school that supports students with special needs or who are considered at-risk. Journey of Faith has partnered with this ministry through more than a dozen short-term mission trips.

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