Kernan Community Groups
Sermon Discussion Guide
January 11, 2026
Spending Time With God In 2026
Psalm 16
[1] Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
[2] I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
[3] As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,
in whom is all my delight.
[4] The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
[5] The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
[6] The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
[7]I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
[8]I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.
[9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
[10]For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
[11]You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
1. We must learn to value spending time with the Lord.
What’s something that is difficult or challenging, but you believe is worth your time, so you do it? (Or the opposite: what is not worth your time so you don’t do it?)
a) Acknowledge our dependence on God
What are some ordinary things you do every day because your health or well-being depends on them? Why does no one have to remind you to do these things?
Psalm 16:1-2
[1] Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
[2] I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
I have no good apart from you.”
How are you dependent on God every day?
b) Acknowledge God as our only true source of goodness and joy
Psalm 16:4
[4] The sorrows of those who run after another god shall multiply;
their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out
or take their names on my lips.
What does this verse mean?
Psalm 16:5-6; 9-11
[5] The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;
you hold my lot.
[6] The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.
[9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices;
my flesh also dwells secure.
[10]For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,
or let your holy one see corruption.
[11]You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
c) Acknowledge the power of God’s Word and prayer
How has God designed for us to communicate with him?
Philippians 4:6-7
[6] do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. [7] And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What does this verse teach you about prayer, and how does it comfort you?
Hebrews 4:12
[12] For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
What does this verse teach you about the Bible? How does that change the way you look at the Bible?
Create a time and space that works for you.
Let’s share what strategies work for us and ideas that may help others. What part of the day do you usually pray and study your Bible? What location do you do this?
What is one practical thing you can do to create a regular rhythm of Bible study and prayer this year?
Get the right resources to help you.
If you haven’t already, go to our website and check out the resources found on the Discipleship Pathway page.
Each one has a description for how you can use it to better spend time with God this year.
