May 10, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#23 in series)
1 Samuel 1 – 2
Key Truth: __ people learn to pray specifically; __ people continue to pray specifically.
Here are 3 quick observations from Hannah’s story:
• Our crisis is always under His __ (v.5-6).
• Our circumstances add __ to our prayers (v.10-11).
• God’s answers lead to closer __, renewed trust and deeper __ (1:26-2:10).
How do you pray specifically for your kids?
• Be willing to engage in the __.
• Pray __ over your kids.
• Allow your __ to add specificity to your prayers.
• Keep a prayer __ and record God’s answers.
May 3, 2026
Ken Bevel
(#4 in series)
Matthew 14:13-23
Key Truth: The boundaries God has established in Scripture, along with the examples He has provided, will help us to serve in __, __ and GOD honoring ways.
• Our serving must be motivated by __, not pressure, guilt or compulsion. (Mark 1:41, Luke 7:13)
• Our serving should allow time for physical __. (Mark 6:31)
• Our serving must remain anchored in the __ God has entrusted to us.
(Luke 4:18–19 )
• Our serving must not create __. (2 Thessalonians 3:10)
• Our serving should never be a substitution for __ with GOD. (Psalm 105:4)
• Our serving should always include times of __.
Biblical Rhythm of Serving Within Boundaries
1. __ people with compassion.
2. Serve people with love.
3. __ the Lord through prayer.
4. Spend time resting.
Reflection Questions:
1. What are my motives when I serve?
2. Am I serving from an empty cup?
3. Am I staying focused on the mission GOD has entrusted to me?
4. Am I teaching someone not to depend on GOD, but depend on me?
5. Is prayer a regular part of my service to others?
April 26, 2026
Dalton Moore
(#3 in series)
1 Peter 1:13-16
Series Truth: When God establishes a boundary, it’s because He’s
loving us well by protecting what’s His.
Key Truth: For the follower of Christ, all of life is meant to
bear __ to His __and His __.
A Holy Mindset: (v.13)
• prepared and __
• __ and self-controlled
• has its hope fully set on __
God’s children must choose __ over __. (v.14)
Two Holy Filters:
1. What does the __ say?
2. If something cannot be done to the __ of God, then we can be sure it must be __ the will of God.
Holiness is not __ gratitude, but the necessary outworking of __ itself. (v.15-16)
Reflection Questions:
1. Where has culture pressured you to blur God’s boundaries?
2. What “net” is Christ asking you to drop for holy living?
3. How does fixing your hope on Christ’s return reshape daily decisions?
4. What fence has God placed in your life that you’re tempted to resist and/or cross?
April 19, 2026
Paul Gotthardt
(#2 in series)
Matthew 22:39; Romans 12:18; Matthew 7:12
Matthew 22:39: “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (NIV)
Romans 12:18: “If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (NIV)
Matthew 7:12: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV)
Series Truth #1: God’s boundaries bring clarity, protection, direction and blessing.
Series Truth #2: When God establishes a boundary, it’s because He’s loving you well by protecting what’s His.
Key Truth 1: When relating to others, God’s general boundaries are to __ people, pursue __ and do __.
• Love People: (Matthew 22:39)
• Pursue Peace: (Romans 12:18)
• Do Good: (Matthew 7:12)
Key Truth 2: When relating to others, God’s specific and circumstantial boundaries give greater __, limit deceptive __ and provide additional __.
God tells us not to associate with certain people. Who are those people?
• Habitually sinful or __ “believers” (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
• Divisive and __ people (Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:9-11)
• False __ and deceivers (1 Corinthians 15:33; Romans 16:17; Galatians 1:8-9; 2 John 1:10-11)
• People marked by last-days __ (2 Timothy 3:1-5)
• Habitual __ and scoffers (Proverbs 13:20)
• __ and hot-tempered people (Proverbs 22:24-25; James 1:19-20)
• Chronic __ and those who sow strife (Proverbs 20:19, 20:3, 16:28, 17:9, 6:16-19; Romans 1:29)
Response/Reflection:
• Where are you currently living outside God’s relational boundaries?
• Ask God if you are loving people, pursuing peace, and doing good to others. Journal what He shares.
• Could you be characterized by any of the categories on the “do not associate” list? If so, what’s holding you back from repentance?
• Where is God calling you to establish one of His relational boundaries in your life?
• What is your greatest fear of standing on a relational boundary?
• Think back over major points of relational division in your life. Would adherence to one of these boundaries have protected you from that pain?
• If our ability to relate well to others is based on our knowledge of God’s Word and reliance upon the Holy Spirit, how are you growing in each discipline?