COVE GROUP GUIDE – Going Around In Circles – Dec 27/28

by | Dec 28, 2025 | Weekly Message Content

Cove Group Guide: “Turn North”

Deuteronomy 1-2 | New Year’s Message

Opening Prayer

Begin by asking God to help your group move forward in areas where they’ve been stuck, and to give clarity about what “turning north” means for each person.

Icebreaker

Question: If you could describe your 2025 in one word, what would it be? What word would you like to define your 2026?

Message Overview

Moses reminded Israel that their 11-day journey took 40 years because they kept circling the same mountain. God finally said, “You have circled this mountain long enough—now turn north.” As we enter 2026, God may be calling us to stop going in circles and move forward toward His promises.

Key Scripture

Deuteronomy 2:3 – “You have circled this mountain long enough, now turn north.”

Discussion Questions

Part 1: Recognizing Where We’re Stuck

  1. The 11-Day Journey That Took 40 Years
    • Why do you think it’s so easy to get stuck in spiritual “circles” even when we know God has something better for us?
    • What’s the difference between being busy and actually making progress in your spiritual life?
  2. Personal Reflection
    • Pastor Bob said, “Stuck doesn’t mean nothing is happening. It means nothing’s changing.” Where in your life have you been busy but not becoming more like Christ?
    • What “mountain” have you been circling? (This could be fear, unforgiveness, a habit, a comfort zone, a delayed calling, etc.)
  3. Comfort vs. Growth
    • Israel was comfortable at Mount Sinai for a year—God provided for them, but it wasn’t their destination. How can God’s provision sometimes make us complacent instead of moving us forward?
    • What’s the difference between resting in God and getting stuck in your comfort zone?

Part 2: Understanding “True North”

  1. What is Your True North?
    • Pastor Bob explained that Jesus is our “true north”—our constant reference point. What things tend to pull you away from Jesus (your “magnetic north”)?
    • Read Matthew 6:33 together. What does it practically look like to “seek first His kingdom”?
  2. God’s Presence Over Promises
    • Moses said in Exodus 33:15, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” Why is God’s presence more important than even reaching our goals?
    • How can you cultivate a daily awareness of God’s presence in 2026?

Part 3: Taking Action

  1. Small Steps, Big Change
    • Pastor Bob shared his personal journey of reversing his diabetes through small, daily decisions. What small, daily action could you take in one of these areas:
      • Pursue God (Bible reading, prayer, Lectio 365 app)
      • Health (limiting processed foods, daily movement)
      • Finances (spending plan, debt repayment)
      • Relationships (daily check-in with spouse, intentional friendships)
      • Unhealthy habits (identifying one thing to stop)
  2. The Power of Community
    • Pastor Bob and his wife did their health journey together. Who in your life could be an accountability partner as you “turn north” in 2026?
    • How can this small group support each other in breaking circles and moving forward?
  3. Faith Without All the Details
    • The message emphasized that “faith means moving without all the details.” What step is God asking you to take even though you don’t have everything figured out?

Key Takeaways

  1. Stuck doesn’t mean nothing is happening—it means nothing is changing. God wants us to move forward, not stay comfortable.
  2. God never points out where we’re stuck to shame us—He calls us to move. His nudge is an invitation, not condemnation.
  3. True North is Jesus. Everything else in life will shift, but He remains constant. Make Him your reference point for every decision.
  4. Real change starts with small, daily actions. Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today with one step.
  5. God’s presence is more important than the destination. Don’t move forward in 2026 without Him.

Practical Application

Individual Exercise

Give everyone time to complete this exercise from the sermon:

  1. What mountain have I been circling? (Write it down)
  2. Where is God saying to turn north? (Be specific)
  3. What is one small, daily action I can take starting this week?

Group Commitment

  • Take a picture of what you wrote
  • Set a reminder to review it on the 1st of each month in 2026
  • Share one thing you wrote with the group (only if comfortable)

Accountability Partner

Pair up with someone in the group to check in with monthly about your commitment to “turn north.”

Group Declaration

Close by reading this together (from the sermon):

“This year, I’m not circling, I’m climbing.
This year, I’m not stuck, I’m moving.
This year, I’m turning north.”

Closing Prayer

  • Pray for each person’s specific “mountain” if they shared it
  • Ask God to give the group courage to step out of comfort zones
  • Pray for God’s presence to go with each person throughout 2026
  • Thank God that He is patient and wants the best for us

Additional Resources

  • Lectio 365 App – Daily prayer guide (morning and evening)
  • Church Website – 5-day devotional based on this sermon (available this week)
  • Prayer Room – Available for anyone who needs additional prayer support

For Next Week

Encourage group members to:

  1. Download and try the Lectio 365 app
  2. Complete the 5-day devotional from the church website
  3. Take one daily action toward “turning north”
  4. Be ready to share progress or struggles at the next meeting

Remember: The best time to change was 10 years ago. The second best time is right now. The worst time is tomorrow. Don’t wait—turn north today!