Discussion Guide: The Domino Effect – Dreaming

PRAYER

Let’s start by praying and inviting God to be with us as we reflect on His call to live with purpose, love, and hope. May this time bring us closer together and open our hearts to hear and respond to Him.

Does anyone have prayer requests or stories of how God has been moving in your life that we can celebrate together?

THE DOMINO EFFECT

Dreaming

THIS WEEK

The Book of Ruth shows us how one nation’s forgetfulness led to chaos, yet the decisions of a few faithful people sparked hope and transformation. This story is a powerful reminder of the domino effect our choices can have—not only on our own lives but also on those around us, our communities, and even generations to come.

On Sunday, we were reminded that one faithful decision can create an unstoppable, eternal impact when we remember God’s faithfulness and dream in alignment with His story.

Consider the following: What is one dream you hold close to your heart? What makes this dream meaningful for you?

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO FORGET?

Read Judges 21:25 out loud. Let’s reflect on how this passage shows us what happens when we forget what truly matters—and consider what we’re called to remember in our lives as we think about the significance of the stories in Judges and Ruth.

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. —Judges 21:25

Have one person to read the following aloud:

“Becoming and continuing as a Christian is about same pattern—becoming weak to become strong. Only those who admit they are unrighteous receive the righteousness of Christ. Only those who know their life and strength are theirs purely because of grace…Only those who know their own weakness are able to know God-given inner strength; the strength which enables us to avoid the pitfalls of Samson’s life: pride, lust, anger, vengefulness and complacency.” — Timothy Keller, Judges for You

What are some essential truths about God or ourselves that people often forget?

Why do we tend to forget what truly matters in life?

What consequences have you seen (or experienced) from forgetting what’s true?

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO REMEMBER?

Read Ruth 1:8, 16-17, and Ruth 4:11-12 out loud. As you listen, consider what these verses show us about the power of remembering—and consider how Ruth’s story can help us understand what we’re meant to remember in our lives.

“Then Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go back, each of you, to your mother’s home. May the Lord show you kindness, as you have shown kindness to your dead husbands and to me”…. But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” — Ruth 1:8, 16-17

“All the people who were in the court, and the elders, said, “We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, both of whom built the house of Israel; and may you achieve wealth in Ephrathah and become famous in Bethlehem. Moreover, may your house be like the house of Perez whom Tamar bore to Judah, through the offspring which the Lord will give you by this young woman.”—Ruth 4:11-12

What do you think Ruth remembered about Naomi and God when she committed to stay with her?

What do the people of Bethlehem remember when they blessed Ruth?

How do our memories shape us, individually and as a community?

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE TO DREAM?

Read aloud Ruth 4:14-17.  Reflect on how this passage illuminates what it looks like to dream as it applies to our own life when we remember Ruth’s story:

“Then the women said to Naomi, “Blessed is the Lord who has not left you without a redeemer today, and may his name become famous in Israel. May he also be to you a restorer of life and a sustainer of your old age; for your daughter-in-law, who loves you and is better to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.” —Ruth 4:14-17

In what ways did the people of Bethlehem’s hope for a redeemer shape their view of the future?

What are some practical ways we can remember to hope in God’s promises, even when we face difficulties?

What is God’s ultimate dream for humanity?

How do the teachings of Jesus invite us to participate in that dream?

CLOSING THOUGHT

Reflect on the following words and how they relate to dreaming for God’s purposes:

“We should commend Naomi for not allowing bitterness to taint her hopes for Ruth. Naomi’s generous friendship proved she hadn’t relinquished all hope for redemption even after losing her comfort and security and renaming herself “bitter.” She didn’t become permanently jaded and suggest that all marriages would end in sorrow and despair as hers ended. Naomi hadn’t deconstructed her life to the extent that left her with nothing to offer when Ruth needed wisdom and guidance. Despite all she had gone through—first on the road back to Bethlehem, and now here with a man like Boaz in view—Naomi told Ruth, both times, there could still be manoach (“rest”) in her future. Naomi said, I want to be the friend who helps you experience rest and tranquility. And then she went for it. Naomi didn’t just talk about it—she made a plan to find it.” — Carrie & Morgan Stephens, Friendship Can Save the World

This week, let’s remember how our choices can have a real, lasting impact. Let’s remember God’s faithfulness, dream in accordance with His purposes, and be part of His story by loving each other well.

Let’s end by praying for one another, asking God to shape our dreams to match His heart. Let’s ask Him to make us people who show His love and kindness, joining in what He’s doing to bring hope and healing in our communities and beyond.