Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Devotional: In the valley of dry bones, God asked Ezekiel a profound question: "Can these bones live?" Like Ezekiel, we often find ourselves in spiritual deserts, surrounded by what seems lifeless and hopeless. Yet even in these barren places, God speaks. Today, reflect on the areas of your life that feel dry or dead. Remember that God's voice can penetrate even the driest bones. His word has the power to breathe life into what seems beyond hope.
Ask yourself: Where do I need to hear God's voice today? Am I listening, even in the midst of my "valley"? Pray for ears to hear and a heart ready to respond to God's life-giving words.

Reading: Romans 4:16-21

Devotional: Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy to the dry bones. Similarly, Abraham "called things that are not as though they were." There is power in speaking God's truth over seemingly impossible situations. When we align our words with God's promises, we participate in His creative work.
Today, identify an area in your life or community that needs God's reviving touch. Speak life over it, not based on what you see, but on what God has promised. Remember, faith is "being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1). Your words, filled with faith, can be the catalyst for God's miraculous work.

Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10

Devotional: The transformation of dry bones to a living army in Ezekiel's vision mirrors our own spiritual journey. We were once dead in our transgressions, but God made us alive with Christ. This resurrection power is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of renewal and purpose.
Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How has God breathed new life into you? Consider areas where you still need His reviving touch. Remember, you are God's workmanship, created for good works. How can you allow God's life-giving Spirit to empower you for His purposes today?

Reading: John 20:19-22

Devotional: In Ezekiel's vision, it wasn't enough for the bones to come together; they needed the breath of God to truly live. Similarly, Jesus breathed on His disciples, saying, "Receive the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is God's life-giving presence in us, empowering us for life and ministry.
Today, focus on your need for the Holy Spirit's fresh breath. Are there areas of your life where you're trying to function on your own strength? Invite the Holy Spirit to fill you anew. Ask for His guidance, power, and presence in every aspect of your life.

Reading: 2 Chronicles 7:11-14

Devotional: Ezekiel's vision wasn't just for individuals; it was a promise of national revival for Israel. God's heart is for the restoration of not just persons, but entire communities and nations. Yet, this revival begins with individual humility and repentance.
As you pray for revival in your nation, church, or community, remember that it starts with you. Examine your heart. Are there areas of pride, sin, or complacency that need addressing? Humble yourself before God, seek His face, and turn from any wayward paths. Trust that as you do, God can use you as a catalyst for wider revival. Your transformed life can be the start of a greater movement of God's Spirit.

We encourage you to continue the discussion with a few friends within your HOW Church Community.  Here is a short discussion guide based on Pastor Free's sermon “Dead Things Still Hear”.

Opening Prayer: Ask a volunteer to open the session in prayer, inviting God's presence and guidance.

Ice Breaker Question: Share a time when you felt spiritually "dry" or disconnected from God. How did you overcome it?

Key Scripture: Ezekiel 37:1-10

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that "global problems start with individual compromise." How have you seen this play out in your own life or in society?
2. Ezekiel was asked, "Can these bones live?" When facing seemingly impossible situations, how do you respond? Do you tend to doubt or trust in God's power?
3. The sermon states, "We've got the form, but not the fire." In what areas of your spiritual life do you feel you might have the appearance of faith without the inner vitality?
4. How does the concept that "dead things still hear" challenge or encourage you in your faith journey?
5. The sermon outlines several signs of spiritual dryness (e.g., no movement, isolation, lack of prayer life). Which of these resonate with you, and why?
6. How can we, as individuals and as a community, be more intentional about "prophesying life" into dead situations around us?

Key Takeaways:

1. God can bring life to even the driest, most hopeless situations.
2. Our words and declarations, aligned with God's will, have power to shift atmospheres.
3. Spiritual dryness often begins with small compromises and disconnection from God and community.
4. Revival requires both the Word (structure) and the Spirit (breath of God).

Practical Applications:

1. This week, identify an area in your life that feels "dry" and commit to speaking life over it daily.
2. Reach out to someone you know who might be feeling isolated or disconnected from their faith community.
3. Evaluate your prayer life. If it's lacking, set a specific goal to increase your time in prayer this week.
4. Look for opportunities to "prophesy life" into challenging situations you encounter, whether at work, home, or in your community.

Closing Prayer: Close the session by praying as a group, asking God to breathe new life into any dry areas in your lives, families, and communities.