Scripture:

That’s why, as long as that promise of entering God’s rest remains open to us, we should be careful that none of us seem to fall short ourselves. 2 Those people in the wilderness heard God’s good news, just as we have heard it, but the message they heard didn’t do them any good since it wasn’t combined with faith. Hebrews 4:1-2 (Voice)

The Gist:

Melissa takes us through the last question of our year-end reflection: What did you learn about yourself this year? We see how her year was one where she lived out God's Word and faith. As Hebrews 4:2 warns us: truth without faith stays external and doesn't penetrate the heart. It's known, but not lived out. Melissa shares how she has been living it out.

Digging Deeper:

What did you learn about yourself this year?

How will you approach this new year as you enter with this new knowledge about yourself?

Scripture

Hope of all hopes, dream of our dreams,
a child is born, sweet-breathed; a son is given to us: a living gift.
And even now, with tiny features and dewy hair, He is great.
The power of leadership, and the weight of authority, will rest on His shoulders.
His name? His name we’ll know in many ways—
He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Dear Father everlasting, ever-present never-failing,
Master of Wholeness, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (The Voice)

The Gist

Melissa takes us through several questions that help us reflect on the past year, settle into the lessons, laugh a little, and leave space for tears and gratitude.

Digging Deeper

Pick three words to describe your year.

What was most challenging?

Who was God/ How did God show up for you this year?

What did you learn about God this year?

What did you learn about yourself this year?

Scripture: Proverbs 2:1-5

Good friend, take to heart what I’m telling you;
collect my counsels and guard them with your life.
Tune your ears to the world of Wisdom;
set your heart on a life of Understanding.
That’s right—if you make Insight your priority,
and won’t take no for an answer,
Searching for it like a prospector panning for gold,
like an adventurer on a treasure hunt,
Believe me, before you know it Fear-of-God will be yours;
you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.

The Gist:

Wisdom comes in two ways: it’s both a God-given gift and the result of diligent searching.

(v.1) Begins with a willing heart—open to God’s voice & instruction. “To store up” or “to collect” means more than just hearing the truth. It means making it part of ourselves.

(v.2) Tune your ears to wisdom & set your heart on understanding.
Active listening leans into things. It’s the difference between hearing a sermon or reading Scripture and posturing your heart & applying it to our lives.

(v.3) searching for it [wisdom] is like panning for gold
The hunt for wisdom is active, but it isn't just intellectual; it's spiritual.

(v.4) Like an adventurer on a treasure hunt—having a desire and a passionate pursuit to seek God.

(v.5) “Then Fear-of-God will be yours, you’ll have come upon the Knowledge of God.” The reward or end-goal isn’t an answer or even wisdom itself.
The end-goal is God Himself—a relationship with Him.

Digging Deeper:

What does wisdom-seeking look like in real life?

What is one specific area this week where you will seek wisdom as if it were treasure?

If wisdom is like a treasure hunt, what tools/resources do you need to pursue it better (mentor, Bible, prayer, accountability, quiet time)?

Resources:

biblegateway.com

Sinner and the Saint blog and free resources

The Bible Recap