Ashes of Renewal - Discussion Guide

Icebreaker

If you could exchange one "ash" (disappointment, struggle, or hard season) in your life for something beautiful right now, what would it be?

Discussion

1. Heart-Level Honesty

• Question: When have you caught yourself going through the motions spiritually—looking good on the outside but knowing your heart wasn't fully in it?

• Scripture Focus: Joel 2:12-13 and Matthew 23:27 remind us that God wants our hearts torn open in genuine repentance, not just outward religious performance. True transformation happens when we get real with God about where we actually are, not where we think we should be.

2. Trading Ashes for Beauty

• Question: Where do you need God to bring renewal or hope in your life right now?

• Scripture Focus: Isaiah 61:1-3 and Hosea 6:1 show us that God specializes in redemption—He takes our mourning and exchanges it for joy, our despair for splendid clothes. Jesus came specifically to heal the brokenhearted and give us beauty instead of ashes.

3. Spirit-Powered Living

• Question: How have you seen the Holy Spirit work in your life or in someone else's recently?

• Scripture Focus: Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:1-21 reveal God's promise to pour out His Spirit on all people. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us—we're not meant to live the Christian life in our own strength.

Prayer

• What are you celebrating this week?

• What are you praying about this week?

• Focused Prayer: Let's pray for ourselves—that God would deepen our roots during this Lenten season. Pray for unity in our group and church—that we'd encourage each other toward genuine faith. And pray for others—for those who need to experience God's beauty instead of ashes.

Closing Reflection

These next 40 days aren't about shame or religious duty—they're about drawing closer to the God who loves us enough to exchange our worst for His best. Let's walk this Lenten journey together, turning our hearts fully to Him and watching what He does.