Key Takeaways

Don’t settle for bones when God has promised you breath.

Every one of us will face situations that feel impossible, or areas of our lives that seem too far gone to change. In Ezekiel 37, we are reminded that what seems impossible to us is never impossible for an extraordinary God. God doesn’t just want to make us better; he wants to breathe new life into us.

• Ezekiel 37:1-14 – God gives Ezekiel a vision of a valley filled with dry bones and asks Ezekiel if they can live again. What seems impossible becomes possible when God speaks, restores, and brings life into what was dead.
• Listen for the rattle – Sometimes we hear the “rattle” before we see the miracle. God may be moving and bringing things together before we can see the full picture.
• Don’t settle for better – God didn’t just bring the bones together; he breathed life into them. Following Jesus is more than becoming a better version of ourselves. He wants to transform us and give us new life.
• God alone can do the impossible – We cannot fix our sin or restore ourselves on our own. What seems impossible to us is possible for God. When we recognize that only he can truly change us, we are ready to surrender to him.
• Let God take hold of you – God wants to do more than forgive us and leave us where we are. He wants to take us beyond simply going through the motions of faith. When we trust him with our lives, he can bring life to what we thought was dead.
• Baptism is a picture of new life – Baptism is a public declaration that we trust God to restore us, put us back together, and lead us into a new life with him.

Want a printable version of this Message Guide? Download it through the link below!

Pray

What area of your life feels like a valley of dry bones? Ask God to breathe new life into that area, and pray for the faith to trust his promises before you see the results.

Dear Heavenly Father,

You bring death to life. Just as you said in Ezekiel 37:5, you alone are capable of providing the breath that makes us live again. If you are capable of doing this, how much more are you able to do in the lives of those who trust in you?

We admit that we are often blind to the transformation you are accomplishing in our lives. We ask that you continue to remind us of what you are doing, even when our eyes cannot see it. Keep us faithful to you.

Thank you for your Word and for the incredible reminders of your power. Help us surrender our own will and give you full access to shape us into the people who most glorify you. Keep the enemy at bay, and silence his words when he attempts to speak death over your message of life.

For it’s in Jesus’ name we pray,

Amen.

Worship

Bring the worship set from this weekend into your Slot and Spot and praise him for breathing new life into you.

The Joy – The Belonging Co.

Mighty Name of Jesus – Hope Darst

Alleluia – Elevation Worship

Learn

This week, read through the scripture shared in the message and dive deeper into God’s word.

Then he asked me, “Son of man, can these bones become living people again?” “O Sovereign Lord,” I replied, “you alone know the answer to that.” – Ezekiel 37:3

• Scripture – Ezekiel 37:1-14
• Read – Come Alive! – a 7 day devotional
• Watch – Ezekiel 34-48 from Bible Project
• Listen –Ezekiel 37 from Through the Word

Reflect

Reflect on these questions during your slot and spot/discussions with others.

Read Ezekiel 37:1-14. God asks Ezekiel a ridiculous question and puts him in an impossible situation.

• Have you ever felt like God placed you in an impossible situation? What happened? Did you trust God to lead you through it or did you try to control the outcome?
• Have you ever tried to ignore a question or impossible situation from God? Who or what helped you through it? What advice would you give someone who might be dealing with this now?

Oftentimes, the “rattle” precedes the miracle- things start to come together, but without purpose yet. We tend to think the rattle is enough, but God wants us to truly live and become the people we were meant to be.

• Have you experienced a rattle that has turned into a miracle? Tell about it.
• In what areas do you feel you are not living up to the person God has called you to be? What is stopping you? Where can you leave more room for the Holy Spirit to lead you in this area?’

Baptism is when we choose to make our faith publicly known. Reflect on your own faith journey.

• Have you chosen to be baptized? Why or why not? Who or what had an impact on your decision?
• Is there someone in your life you would like to see experience Baptism? How do you- or how can you- encourage them in their faith journey?

Next Steps

• Summer can get busy, but don’t let that keep you from enjoying God’s presence. Learn more about how to get started practicing a slot and spot here: Slot and Spot Resources

• Want to get more involved and start serving at church? Join us for all three steps of Plugged In to learn how you can take your next step and find your place to serve!

What’s one thing you learned from this message that you want to apply to your life this week? Share it in the comment section below.