The Sustenance of Life: A Small Group Study Guide

By James Lewis

Every word in the Bible is food for our daily life. No matter how many times we read passages, they seem to take on new meaning that applies immediately. However, there are times when understanding eludes us. In those times, dialogue with someone else enhances our understanding. I have found that studying God's Word is most enjoyable and complete when there is an opportunity to share with others. The Sustenance of Life draws attention to the wonderful things we receive from God that sustain us from day to day and through the trials, frustrations, anxieties and challenges that attempt to turn us from Him. Regardless of your circumstances, God is always near to carry you through them. He is the only one who can provide the sustenance we need for a full and joyous life. Feed on His Word and you shall not want. We have assurance of that in Jesus own words captured by the Apostle John, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35 NIV).

• Language: English
• Publisher: James Lewis
• Release date: May 14, 2020
• ISBN: 9798645895679

James Lewis

JAMES W. LEWIS is a novelist and freelance writer published in several books that include Zane’s Caramel Flava, Chicken Soup for the Soul (two series), Gumbo for the Soul, Truth Be Told: Tales of Life, Love and Drama and Don’t Forget your Pepper Spray. Magazine credits include 3AM Magazine, Eyeshot, Dare Magazine, Naptural Roots Magazine, Lucrezia Magazine, Circle Magazine, Rundu Bedtime Stories and an upcoming article in the fitness magazine AFAA. His debut novel SELLOUT will launch in July 2010. After spending twenty years in the Navy, James retired from active duty and now moonlights as a personal trainer while completing his studies in Kinesiology. In addition to writing, he loves to DJ and has a collection of over 300 vinyl records. He also does extensive volunteer work at a local veterans assistance center. James hopes to resume his role as a Big Brother in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters program soon.

Book preview

The Sustenance of Life

By Jim Lewis

Distributed by Smashwords

©2020 Lewis

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

The NIV and New International Version trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by International Bible Society. Use of either trademark requires the permission of International Bible Society.

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), ©2001 by Crossway. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition, License Note

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Cover design by Katie Zaske Gleason, Hamilton, MI.

Contact the author at:

[e-mail]

Other books by the author:

Adrift - In The Sea Of Life

The Good Life - According to God

Invisible Heroes - Role Models For Christ

Unsung Pioneers - The Spirit That Made America Great

All books are available in print from most online retailers.

Table of Contents

Intent

Introduction

Lesson One: Does God Require The Same Sustenance As You and I?

Lesson Two: God’s Sustaining Mystery - Water

Lesson Three: God Created Everything To Sustain Us

Lesson Four: God Sustains Through Seemingly Impossible Situations

Lesson Five: Sustainment Through His Word

Intent

What I hope to achieve through this book is to engage small groups in investigating God’s Word to discover how wonderful a relationship with Him can become. Each section focuses on one aspect of sustenance that we receive from God every minute of every hour of every day of our lives. It is right to give Him thanks and praise for all He provides.

The additional scripture references at the end of each section are intended not only for personal reflection, but for helping each other grow in our faith. It is important that the discussions be open and honest. After all, we are all believers who were somewhere else before we came to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

Introduction

Many skeptics who will contend that the Holy Spirit no longer ‘inspires’ people as during early biblical days, but I know the limits of my capabilities, and they don’t extend to the intellect necessary to create a literary work such as what you are about to read. When I felt the nudge to write this book, I thought the content would be too straight forward and mundane to merit anyone’s interest. Everyone knows we need food, shelter and water for sustenance, so how could a book on the sustenance of life be informative, enlightening and challenging of thought? Throughout my research, I discovered there is much more to the sustenance that God provides than I first presumed. My biggest discovery, although I knew it, but never pondered it, is that the Bible is the True Sustenance of Life. Every word, every verse on every page is manna for our well-being in this life. It is also the Living Water that cleanses us for the perfect life to come.

I am writing this during the pandemic of 2020. It is a time of great consternation to people around the world. The panic, which is fueled by stories that have been embellished to garner the greatest attention, is real, but the assurance of God’s sustaining love and care are