Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Ruth 1:12-21
12 Turn again, my daughters, go [your way]; for I am too old to have an husband. If I should say, I have hope, [if] I should have an husband also to night, and should also bear sons; 13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me. 14 And they lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed her mother in law; but Ruth clave unto her. 15 And she said, Behold, thy sister in law is gone back unto her people, and unto her gods: return thou after thy sister in law. 16 And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee, [or] to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people [shall be] my people, and thy God my God: 17 Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, [if ought] but death part thee and me. 18 When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her. 19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, [Is] this Naomi? 20 And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the LORD hath brought me home again empty: why [then] call ye me Naomi, seeing the LORD hath testified against me, and the Almighty hath afflicted me?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Naomi's husband and two sons died in Moab. What did Ruth tell her daughters-in-law to do? Why? (v.12)
2) What did Naomi believe about God and what did she ask the young women to do, as a result? (v.13)
3) What did the women do in response to her suggestion? (v.14)
4) What was Naomi's response when Ruth would not leave? (v.15)
5) How did Ruth respond to Naomi? (v.16-17)
6) What was Naomi's reaction to Ruth? (v.18)
7) How did Naomi's people respond when she returned to Bethlehem? (v.19)
8) What did Naomi say to them? (v.20-21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Have you ever felt that the Lord was angry with with you? Why?
10) How do you typically respond to your brothers and sisters in Christ, when you feel that you've lost fellowship with the Lord?
11) Who has encouraged you in your faith despite trying seasons in your journey with the Lord? How did their encouragement make you feel?
PRINCIPLES
12) Though He may seem distant, the Lord is never far from any one of us.
13) The Lord asked us to encourage one another in our journey of faith.
14) Our journey of faith need never be solitary. We need the fellowship of other believers.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
How Are You Silent?
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Habakkuk 1:12-17
12 [Art] thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.
13 [Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he?
14 And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, [that have] no ruler over them?
15 They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.
16 Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion [is] fat, and their meat plenteous.
17 Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who had the Lord ordained to bring judgment (correction) to His people? (v.6, 12)
2) How did the prophet describe the Lord? (v.13)
3) What did the prophet ask of the Lord? (v.13-14)
4) How did the prophet describe the enemies of God's people? (v.15-16)
5) What was the prophet's final question of the Lord in this Scripture passage (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Has the Lord ever allowed prolong periods of distress in your life? If so, please describe one such time.
7) If you answered positively to the previous question, what was your response to the Lord if your distress did not lessen, but increased?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord may, at times, allow our chastisement to be more severe than our transgressions.
9) The Lord's actions (or inaction) are (is) always just and righteous, whether we understand them or not.
10) The Lord owes no one any explanation for judgment against His disobedient children.
Habakkuk 1:12-17
12 [Art] thou not from everlasting, O LORD my God, mine Holy One? we shall not die. O LORD, thou hast ordained them for judgment; and, O mighty God, thou hast established them for correction.
13 [Thou art] of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, [and] holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth [the man that is] more righteous than he?
14 And makest men as the fishes of the sea, as the creeping things, [that have] no ruler over them?
15 They take up all of them with the angle, they catch them in their net, and gather them in their drag: therefore they rejoice and are glad.
16 Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion [is] fat, and their meat plenteous.
17 Shall they therefore empty their net, and not spare continually to slay the nations?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who had the Lord ordained to bring judgment (correction) to His people? (v.6, 12)
2) How did the prophet describe the Lord? (v.13)
3) What did the prophet ask of the Lord? (v.13-14)
4) How did the prophet describe the enemies of God's people? (v.15-16)
5) What was the prophet's final question of the Lord in this Scripture passage (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Has the Lord ever allowed prolong periods of distress in your life? If so, please describe one such time.
7) If you answered positively to the previous question, what was your response to the Lord if your distress did not lessen, but increased?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord may, at times, allow our chastisement to be more severe than our transgressions.
9) The Lord's actions (or inaction) are (is) always just and righteous, whether we understand them or not.
10) The Lord owes no one any explanation for judgment against His disobedient children.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
How Long Shall I Cry Out?
Monday, September 29, 2014
Habakkuk 1:1-5
1 The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save!
3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention.
4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the prophet going to write about? (v.1)
2) What did Habakkuk see in a vision that troubled him? (v.2-3)
3) What did the prophet conclude about all that the Lord showed Him? Why? (v.4)
4) What did the Lord proclaim concerning the wickedness among the nations? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever witnessed a time when wickedness seemed to prevail in a nation? If so, please describe what was happening.
6) Have you asked yourself why the Lord withheld His judgment in the face of evil? If so, describe the situation and why it deserved the Lord's intervention?
7) What are your thoughts about the current state of the world and the judgment of the Lord, if you have not already addressed that matter.
PRINCIPLES
8) There is a day coming when the Lord will repay the evil for their deeds.
9) The Lord is long suffering and allows wickedness to prevail, for a season, to preserve the righteous.
10) The Lord is patient, during times of tremendous wickedness, because He is not willing that any perish.
Habakkuk 1:1-5
1 The burden which Habakkuk the prophet did see.
2 O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! [even] cry out unto thee [of] violence, and thou wilt not save!
3 Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause [me] to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence [are] before me: and there are [that] raise up strife and contention.
4 Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.
5 Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvellously: for [I] will work a work in your days, [which] ye will not believe, though it be told [you].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the prophet going to write about? (v.1)
2) What did Habakkuk see in a vision that troubled him? (v.2-3)
3) What did the prophet conclude about all that the Lord showed Him? Why? (v.4)
4) What did the Lord proclaim concerning the wickedness among the nations? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever witnessed a time when wickedness seemed to prevail in a nation? If so, please describe what was happening.
6) Have you asked yourself why the Lord withheld His judgment in the face of evil? If so, describe the situation and why it deserved the Lord's intervention?
7) What are your thoughts about the current state of the world and the judgment of the Lord, if you have not already addressed that matter.
PRINCIPLES
8) There is a day coming when the Lord will repay the evil for their deeds.
9) The Lord is long suffering and allows wickedness to prevail, for a season, to preserve the righteous.
10) The Lord is patient, during times of tremendous wickedness, because He is not willing that any perish.
Friday, September 26, 2014
The Lord Acts with Steadfast Love
Saturday, September 27, 2014
Jeremiah 9:17-24
17 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come:
18 And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.
19 For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast [us] out.
20 Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
21 For death is come up into our windows, [and] is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, [and] the young men from the streets.
22 Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather [them].
23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did the Lord say to call for? (v.17)
2) Why did He call for them? (v.18)
3) What was heard out of Zion? (v.19)
4) Who was to be taught and why? (v.20-21)
5) What would happen to the carcases of dead men and why? (v.22-23)
6) What does the Lord glory in and why? (v.24)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever lamented before the Lord concerning a difficulty in your life? If so, what happened.
8) Who, or what, do you place your hope in during times of trouble? Why?
9) Who, or what, do you trust in to help you succeed in life? Why?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord delights in those who delight in Him.
11) Our glory is in knowing and understanding the Lord.
12) The Lord delights in lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness.
Jeremiah 9:17-24
17 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Consider ye, and call for the mourning women, that they may come; and send for cunning [women], that they may come:
18 And let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.
19 For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we spoiled! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because our dwellings have cast [us] out.
20 Yet hear the word of the LORD, O ye women, and let your ear receive the word of his mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and every one her neighbour lamentation.
21 For death is come up into our windows, [and] is entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from without, [and] the young men from the streets.
22 Speak, Thus saith the LORD, Even the carcases of men shall fall as dung upon the open field, and as the handful after the harvestman, and none shall gather [them].
23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise [man] glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty [man] glory in his might, let not the rich [man] glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I [am] the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these [things] I delight, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did the Lord say to call for? (v.17)
2) Why did He call for them? (v.18)
3) What was heard out of Zion? (v.19)
4) Who was to be taught and why? (v.20-21)
5) What would happen to the carcases of dead men and why? (v.22-23)
6) What does the Lord glory in and why? (v.24)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever lamented before the Lord concerning a difficulty in your life? If so, what happened.
8) Who, or what, do you place your hope in during times of trouble? Why?
9) Who, or what, do you trust in to help you succeed in life? Why?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord delights in those who delight in Him.
11) Our glory is in knowing and understanding the Lord.
12) The Lord delights in lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
The Hope of Israel
Friday, September 26, 2014
Jeremiah 17:12-17
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning [is] the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou [art] my praise.
15 Behold, they say unto me, Where [is] the word of the LORD? let it come now.
16 As for me, I have not hastened from [being] a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was [right] before thee.
17 Be not a terror unto me: thou [art] my hope in the day of evil.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Where did the prophet say that the sanctuary for the people of God was (is)? (v.12)
2) What did the prophet say would become of all who forsake the Lord? Why? (v.13)
3) For those who praise the Lord, what will He do for them? (v.14)
4) What were did the people of God ask the prophet? (v.15)
5) What did the prophet do, and refrain to do, as a servant of the Lord? (v.16)
6) What did Jeremiah ask from the Lord and why? (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How faithful have you been in ministering to God's people?
8) How have God's people responded to your ministry?
9) How frequently do you praise the Lord in good times, and in troubled times?
PRINCIPLES
10) Those the Lord places in authority over us are ultimately accountable to the Lord.
11) Those who follow the Lord will never be ashamed.
12) God is the source of healing, salvation, and refreshing through Jesus Christ.
Jeremiah 17:12-17
12 A glorious high throne from the beginning [is] the place of our sanctuary.
13 O LORD, the hope of Israel, all that forsake thee shall be ashamed, [and] they that depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken the LORD, the fountain of living waters.
14 Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou [art] my praise.
15 Behold, they say unto me, Where [is] the word of the LORD? let it come now.
16 As for me, I have not hastened from [being] a pastor to follow thee: neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was [right] before thee.
17 Be not a terror unto me: thou [art] my hope in the day of evil.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Where did the prophet say that the sanctuary for the people of God was (is)? (v.12)
2) What did the prophet say would become of all who forsake the Lord? Why? (v.13)
3) For those who praise the Lord, what will He do for them? (v.14)
4) What were did the people of God ask the prophet? (v.15)
5) What did the prophet do, and refrain to do, as a servant of the Lord? (v.16)
6) What did Jeremiah ask from the Lord and why? (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How faithful have you been in ministering to God's people?
8) How have God's people responded to your ministry?
9) How frequently do you praise the Lord in good times, and in troubled times?
PRINCIPLES
10) Those the Lord places in authority over us are ultimately accountable to the Lord.
11) Those who follow the Lord will never be ashamed.
12) God is the source of healing, salvation, and refreshing through Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
I Will Heal Your Faithlessness
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Jeremiah 3:19-23
19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
20 Surely [as] a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.
21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping [and] supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, [and] they have forgotten the LORD their God.
22 Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.
23 Truly in vain [is salvation hoped for] from the hills, [and from] the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God [is] the salvation of Israel.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord want to give His people and why? (v.19)
2) How did Israel respond to the Lord? (v.20)
3) Why were the people of God weeping? (v.21)
4) What did the Lord promise His people if they returned to Him? (v.22)
5) What did God's people conclude about the Lord? (v.23)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Who, or what, do you seek answers from, besides God, to live your life? Why?
7) Have the solutions that you've received from sources other than God, helped you?
8) If you responded positively to the above question, were the solutions you received permanent, or temporary?
PRINCIPLES
9) God never gives up on His people.
10) Though we may wander from Him, the Lord is always available to us.
11) The Lord wants to save, and to deliver, us from all of our sinful ways.
19 But I said, How shall I put thee among the children, and give thee a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the hosts of nations? and I said, Thou shalt call me, My father; and shalt not turn away from me.
20 Surely [as] a wife treacherously departeth from her husband, so have ye dealt treacherously with me, O house of Israel, saith the LORD.
21 A voice was heard upon the high places, weeping [and] supplications of the children of Israel: for they have perverted their way, [and] they have forgotten the LORD their God.
22 Return, ye backsliding children, [and] I will heal your backslidings. Behold, we come unto thee; for thou [art] the LORD our God.
23 Truly in vain [is salvation hoped for] from the hills, [and from] the multitude of mountains: truly in the LORD our God [is] the salvation of Israel.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord want to give His people and why? (v.19)
2) How did Israel respond to the Lord? (v.20)
3) Why were the people of God weeping? (v.21)
4) What did the Lord promise His people if they returned to Him? (v.22)
5) What did God's people conclude about the Lord? (v.23)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Who, or what, do you seek answers from, besides God, to live your life? Why?
7) Have the solutions that you've received from sources other than God, helped you?
8) If you responded positively to the above question, were the solutions you received permanent, or temporary?
PRINCIPLES
9) God never gives up on His people.
10) Though we may wander from Him, the Lord is always available to us.
11) The Lord wants to save, and to deliver, us from all of our sinful ways.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
I Will Bring You to Zion
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Jeremiah 3:11-15
11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.
12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.
13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were the people of God guilty of? (v.11)
2) What did the Lord tell the prophet to say to His people? (v.12)
3) What did the Lord require from His people before they returned to Him? (v.13)
4) Why did the Lord say that he would bring His sinful people to Zion? (v.14)
5) What else did the Lord promise His wayward children? (v.15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever allowed your will to lead to disobedience against the Lord? If so, please describe one such instance.
7) If you responded positively to the above question, did you confess and repent of your sin? If not, why not?
8) Are you in a state of rebellion at the present time? What are you going to do to be in right relationship with the Lord again.
PRINCIPLES
9) God is married to the backslider.
10) God will not remain angry when we rebel against Him, if we confess and repent of our sins.
11) The Lord gives us pastors (leaders) who will teach us with the same heart that He has for us.
Jeremiah 3:11-15
11 And the LORD said unto me, The backsliding Israel hath justified herself more than treacherous Judah.
12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, thou backsliding Israel, saith the LORD; [and] I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I [am] merciful, saith the LORD, [and] I will not keep [anger] for ever.
13 Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the LORD thy God, and hast scattered thy ways to the strangers under every green tree, and ye have not obeyed my voice, saith the LORD.
14 Turn, O backsliding children, saith the LORD; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:
15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were the people of God guilty of? (v.11)
2) What did the Lord tell the prophet to say to His people? (v.12)
3) What did the Lord require from His people before they returned to Him? (v.13)
4) Why did the Lord say that he would bring His sinful people to Zion? (v.14)
5) What else did the Lord promise His wayward children? (v.15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever allowed your will to lead to disobedience against the Lord? If so, please describe one such instance.
7) If you responded positively to the above question, did you confess and repent of your sin? If not, why not?
8) Are you in a state of rebellion at the present time? What are you going to do to be in right relationship with the Lord again.
PRINCIPLES
9) God is married to the backslider.
10) God will not remain angry when we rebel against Him, if we confess and repent of our sins.
11) The Lord gives us pastors (leaders) who will teach us with the same heart that He has for us.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Where are your gods?
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Jeremiah 2:26-32
26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
27 Saying to a stock, Thou [art] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.
28 But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.
29 Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.
30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.
31 O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?
32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is Israel's shame like, according to the Lord? (v.26)
2) Why should Israel be ashamed? (v.27)
3) Why was Israel foolish in depending on their other gods (idols)? (v.28)
4) Why was it foolish for Israel to cry out to God? (v.29)
5) What had the Lord done in vain and why? (v.30)
6) What was Israel's ultimate transgression against the Lord? (v.31-32)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever felt that you could handle life on your own terms and forgotten about the Lord? If so, describe one such time.
8) What are the idols (the things you place above God) in your life?
9) Will you forsake your idols and return to your Creator?
PRINCIPLES
10) An idol is any person, place, or thing that is more important to you than God.
11) God expects His children to live in complete dependence upon Him.
12) When Christians live independent of Christ, we forfeit His guidance and blessings.
Jeremiah 2:26-32
26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets,
27 Saying to a stock, Thou [art] my father; and to a stone, Thou hast brought me forth: for they have turned [their] back unto me, and not [their] face: but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.
28 But where [are] thy gods that thou hast made thee? let them arise, if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble: for [according to] the number of thy cities are thy gods, O Judah.
29 Wherefore will ye plead with me? ye all have transgressed against me, saith the LORD.
30 In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.
31 O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee?
32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, [or] a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is Israel's shame like, according to the Lord? (v.26)
2) Why should Israel be ashamed? (v.27)
3) Why was Israel foolish in depending on their other gods (idols)? (v.28)
4) Why was it foolish for Israel to cry out to God? (v.29)
5) What had the Lord done in vain and why? (v.30)
6) What was Israel's ultimate transgression against the Lord? (v.31-32)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever felt that you could handle life on your own terms and forgotten about the Lord? If so, describe one such time.
8) What are the idols (the things you place above God) in your life?
9) Will you forsake your idols and return to your Creator?
PRINCIPLES
10) An idol is any person, place, or thing that is more important to you than God.
11) God expects His children to live in complete dependence upon Him.
12) When Christians live independent of Christ, we forfeit His guidance and blessings.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
In Returning You Shall Be Saved
Monday, September 22, 2014
Isaiah 30:9-17
9 That this [is] a rebellious people, lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the LORD: 10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: 11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. 12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. 14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit. 15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. 16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. 17 One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How did the Lord describe His people? (v.9)
2) What had the people of God done wrong? (v.10-12)
3) How did the Lord say that He would punish His people? (v.13-14)
4) How did the Lord say that His people would be saved? (v.15)
5) What would the people do instead? (v.16-17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever refused to heed the Lord's word of correction, after transgressing His commands, choosing instead to read (hear) pleasant messages from motivational speakers to comfort your soul? If so, briefly describe what happened.
7) Have you ever refused to allow the Lord to comfort you, opting instead to seek comfort in your own way? If so, what was the result?
8) What do you do when you need to hear a word from the Lord directly?
PRINCIPLES
9) When we ignore the Lord's correction, He may allow our enemies to overtake us.
10) It is often easier to listen to comforting words of an enemy, than the corrective words of the Lord.
11) The Lord wants to strengthen us, but can only do so as we turn to Him and listen for His voice, with a desire to obey what we hear.
Isaiah 30:9-17
9 That this [is] a rebellious people, lying children, children [that] will not hear the law of the LORD: 10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: 11 Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us. 12 Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon: 13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you as a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking cometh suddenly at an instant. 14 And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit. 15 For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. 16 But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they that pursue you be swift. 17 One thousand [shall flee] at the rebuke of one; at the rebuke of five shall ye flee: till ye be left as a beacon upon the top of a mountain, and as an ensign on an hill.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How did the Lord describe His people? (v.9)
2) What had the people of God done wrong? (v.10-12)
3) How did the Lord say that He would punish His people? (v.13-14)
4) How did the Lord say that His people would be saved? (v.15)
5) What would the people do instead? (v.16-17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever refused to heed the Lord's word of correction, after transgressing His commands, choosing instead to read (hear) pleasant messages from motivational speakers to comfort your soul? If so, briefly describe what happened.
7) Have you ever refused to allow the Lord to comfort you, opting instead to seek comfort in your own way? If so, what was the result?
8) What do you do when you need to hear a word from the Lord directly?
PRINCIPLES
9) When we ignore the Lord's correction, He may allow our enemies to overtake us.
10) It is often easier to listen to comforting words of an enemy, than the corrective words of the Lord.
11) The Lord wants to strengthen us, but can only do so as we turn to Him and listen for His voice, with a desire to obey what we hear.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Surely God is my Salvation
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Isaiah 12:1-6
1 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this [is] known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) "In that day" why will the people of God exalt the Lord? (v.1)
2) Why will the people of God trust in the Lord, according to this verse? (v.2)
3) What will the people draw from in their jubilence? (v.3)
4) What else will God's people say about the Lord "in that day"? (v.4)
5) What will God's people do "in that day" and why? (v.5-6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you express your thanksgiving to the Lord?
7) What do you tell others about the Lord when you are rejoicing in Him?
8) How do you worship the Lord when He has blessed you unexpectedly?
PRINCIPLES
9) The Lord will not stay angry with His people forever.
10) The Lord is our Savior and Deliverer and He is worthy to be praised.
11) The redeemed of the Lord cannot be lukewarm about our Awesome God.
Isaiah 12:1-6
1 And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
2 Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.
3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.
4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
5 Sing unto the LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this [is] known in all the earth.
6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great [is] the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) "In that day" why will the people of God exalt the Lord? (v.1)
2) Why will the people of God trust in the Lord, according to this verse? (v.2)
3) What will the people draw from in their jubilence? (v.3)
4) What else will God's people say about the Lord "in that day"? (v.4)
5) What will God's people do "in that day" and why? (v.5-6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How do you express your thanksgiving to the Lord?
7) What do you tell others about the Lord when you are rejoicing in Him?
8) How do you worship the Lord when He has blessed you unexpectedly?
PRINCIPLES
9) The Lord will not stay angry with His people forever.
10) The Lord is our Savior and Deliverer and He is worthy to be praised.
11) The redeemed of the Lord cannot be lukewarm about our Awesome God.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
The Wolf and Lamb Live Together
Friday, September 19, 2014
Isaiah 11:1-12
1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. 10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. 11 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTION
1) Who, or what, is the Branch that Isaiah is referring to in this passage? (v.1)
2) What will this Branch be like? (v.2-5)
3) How will the Lord's creation respond when the kingdom is established? (v.6-8)
4) Why will these things happen? (v.9)
5) Who shall be recovered from the lands of their enemies? (v.11)
6) Who will be gathered from the "four corners of the earth"? (v.12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Are you doing anything, at the present time, to prepare for the day when our Lord's kingdom is established on the earth? If so, please describe something that you are doing now to prepare the way for the Lord.
8) What has the Lord assigned you to do to bring peace on earth where you live?
9) Who in your life needs to know about our Lord's return?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord has assigned His people to rule on earth as the time of His return draws near.
11) Jesus has ordained that we be His ambassadors on earth until He returns.
12) Ambassadors are representatives of the place of their citizenship.
13) Our citizenship is in heaven.
Isaiah 11:1-12
1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; 3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. 6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. 7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. 8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. 9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. 10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious. 11 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTION
1) Who, or what, is the Branch that Isaiah is referring to in this passage? (v.1)
2) What will this Branch be like? (v.2-5)
3) How will the Lord's creation respond when the kingdom is established? (v.6-8)
4) Why will these things happen? (v.9)
5) Who shall be recovered from the lands of their enemies? (v.11)
6) Who will be gathered from the "four corners of the earth"? (v.12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Are you doing anything, at the present time, to prepare for the day when our Lord's kingdom is established on the earth? If so, please describe something that you are doing now to prepare the way for the Lord.
8) What has the Lord assigned you to do to bring peace on earth where you live?
9) Who in your life needs to know about our Lord's return?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord has assigned His people to rule on earth as the time of His return draws near.
11) Jesus has ordained that we be His ambassadors on earth until He returns.
12) Ambassadors are representatives of the place of their citizenship.
13) Our citizenship is in heaven.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
I Will Surely Gather Them
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Jeremiah 32:36-44
36 And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;
37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.
42 For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
43 And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, [It is] desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.
44 Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal [them], and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were the Lord's promises to His people concerning their captivity in Babylon? (v.36-41)
2) Who brought all of the evil upon the people of God and how would that evil be turned around for their good? (v.42)
3) What did the Lord promise the people concerning their native land? (v.43-44)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Has the Lord ever blessed you following a season of correction? If so, what was your response to Him?
5) Have you ever felt forsaken by the Lord? If so, briefly describe the situation and how your relationship with God was restored.
6) Have people around you ever abandoned you because they believed that the Lord had forsaken you? If so, please describe one such time.
PRINCIPLES
7) Though the Lord has allowed Israel to suffer affliction many times, He has never given up on them.
8) Though the Lord may chasten us numerous times, He keeps His promise to never leave us or forsake us.
9) The Lord always intends His best for His people, even when He allows hardships in our lives.
Jeremiah 32:36-44
36 And now therefore thus saith the LORD, the God of Israel, concerning this city, whereof ye say, It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence;
37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:
38 And they shall be my people, and I will be their God:
39 And I will give them one heart, and one way, that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:
40 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them, to do them good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from me.
41 Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.
42 For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.
43 And fields shall be bought in this land, whereof ye say, [It is] desolate without man or beast; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.
44 Men shall buy fields for money, and subscribe evidences, and seal [them], and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south: for I will cause their captivity to return, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were the Lord's promises to His people concerning their captivity in Babylon? (v.36-41)
2) Who brought all of the evil upon the people of God and how would that evil be turned around for their good? (v.42)
3) What did the Lord promise the people concerning their native land? (v.43-44)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Has the Lord ever blessed you following a season of correction? If so, what was your response to Him?
5) Have you ever felt forsaken by the Lord? If so, briefly describe the situation and how your relationship with God was restored.
6) Have people around you ever abandoned you because they believed that the Lord had forsaken you? If so, please describe one such time.
PRINCIPLES
7) Though the Lord has allowed Israel to suffer affliction many times, He has never given up on them.
8) Though the Lord may chasten us numerous times, He keeps His promise to never leave us or forsake us.
9) The Lord always intends His best for His people, even when He allows hardships in our lives.
10) The Lord is a covenant keeping God!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Very Soon My Anger Will End
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Isaiah 10:20-25
20 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
21 The remnant shall return, [even] the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
23 For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
24 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.
25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Whom had God's people relied upon before their captivity? (v.20)
2) To whom would the remnant of God's people return after their captivity to Assyria was ended? (v.20-21)
3) What had the Lord righteously determined to do in "the midst of the land"? (v.22-23)
4) Why did the Lord tell His people not to be afraid of their enemies? (v.24-25)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever wondered why the Lord has allowed certain hardships or calamities to befall you? If so, what was your conclusion?
6) If you answered affirmatively to the previous question, have you ever considered that the Lord allowed difficulties in your life to draw you closer to Himself?
7) Are you still suffering as a result of your choices that were not in keeping with God's perfect will for your life? If so, will you confess your sin and abandon your will to obey God's will for your life?
PRINCIPLES
8) God often uses our enemies (e.g., sickness, disease, or death) to draw us back to Himself.
9) God punishes, or vanquishes, our enemies for the torment caused in our lives.
10) God always reserves a remnant of His people for His glory.
Isaiah 10:20-25
20 And it shall come to pass in that day, [that] the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.
21 The remnant shall return, [even] the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.
22 For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, [yet] a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness.
23 For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.
24 Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt.
25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger in their destruction.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Whom had God's people relied upon before their captivity? (v.20)
2) To whom would the remnant of God's people return after their captivity to Assyria was ended? (v.20-21)
3) What had the Lord righteously determined to do in "the midst of the land"? (v.22-23)
4) Why did the Lord tell His people not to be afraid of their enemies? (v.24-25)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever wondered why the Lord has allowed certain hardships or calamities to befall you? If so, what was your conclusion?
6) If you answered affirmatively to the previous question, have you ever considered that the Lord allowed difficulties in your life to draw you closer to Himself?
7) Are you still suffering as a result of your choices that were not in keeping with God's perfect will for your life? If so, will you confess your sin and abandon your will to obey God's will for your life?
PRINCIPLES
8) God often uses our enemies (e.g., sickness, disease, or death) to draw us back to Himself.
9) God punishes, or vanquishes, our enemies for the torment caused in our lives.
10) God always reserves a remnant of His people for His glory.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Provoking God
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Jer 32:26-35
26 Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,
27 Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
28 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it: 29 And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, upon whose roofs they have offered incense unto Baal, and poured out drink offerings unto other gods, to provoke me to anger.
30 For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have only done evil before me from their youth: for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, saith the LORD.
31 For this city hath been to me [as] a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face, 32 Because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
33 And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching [them], yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. 34 But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it. 35 And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Despite God's great love for His people and power, why was He handing them over to their enemies? (v.26-27, 30-34)
2) What would their enemies do to them? (v.28-29)
3) What abomination did the God's people commit that may have further provoked the Lord to anger? (v.35)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What sins have the citizens of the U.S. committed that may have provoked God to anger against us?
5) What sins have you committed in your own life that may have provoked the Lord to anger against you?
6) Have you confessed and repented of (turned away from ) all your sins? If not, why not.
PRINCIPLES
7) When God chastens His people He does so out of love.
8) The promises of God remain to the people of God despite the punishment of God.
9) The only way to escape God's wrath is to humble ourselves, seek the Lord through prayer, and repent of our sins (see 2 Chronicles 7:14).
Jer 32:26-35
26 Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,
27 Behold, I [am] the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
28 Therefore thus saith the LORD; Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon, and he shall take it: 29 And the Chaldeans, that fight against this city, shall come and set fire on this city, and burn it with the houses, upon whose roofs they have offered incense unto Baal, and poured out drink offerings unto other gods, to provoke me to anger.
30 For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have only done evil before me from their youth: for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, saith the LORD.
31 For this city hath been to me [as] a provocation of mine anger and of my fury from the day that they built it even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face, 32 Because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
33 And they have turned unto me the back, and not the face: though I taught them, rising up early and teaching [them], yet they have not hearkened to receive instruction. 34 But they set their abominations in the house, which is called by my name, to defile it. 35 And they built the high places of Baal, which [are] in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through [the fire] unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Despite God's great love for His people and power, why was He handing them over to their enemies? (v.26-27, 30-34)
2) What would their enemies do to them? (v.28-29)
3) What abomination did the God's people commit that may have further provoked the Lord to anger? (v.35)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What sins have the citizens of the U.S. committed that may have provoked God to anger against us?
5) What sins have you committed in your own life that may have provoked the Lord to anger against you?
6) Have you confessed and repented of (turned away from ) all your sins? If not, why not.
PRINCIPLES
7) When God chastens His people He does so out of love.
8) The promises of God remain to the people of God despite the punishment of God.
9) The only way to escape God's wrath is to humble ourselves, seek the Lord through prayer, and repent of our sins (see 2 Chronicles 7:14).
Sunday, September 14, 2014
The Steadfast Love of God
Monday, September 15, 2014
Jeremiah 32:16-23
16 Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto the LORD, saying,
17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:
18 Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,
19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
20 Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, and in Israel, and among [other] men; and hast made thee a name, as at this day;
21 And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror; 22 And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey;
23 And they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do: therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them:
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1)Though Judah and Jerusalem were on the brink of captivity, Jeremiah purchased a field, in obedience to the Lord. What did the prophet do after obeying God? (v.16)
2) How did Jeremiah describe the Lord? (v.17-19a)
3) What did the prophet say the Lord had done? (v.19b-22)
4) Why were God's people being taken captive, according to Jeremiah? (v.23)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What is the likelihood that the Lord will allow the United States to go into captivity because of our rebellion against Him? Please provide a brief explanation for your answer.
6) Do you personally know of anyone who has been overwhelmed by troubles as a result of their rebellion against God? If so, please explain what happened.
7) If you answered affirmatively to the above question, how was the rebellious individual reconciled to God?
PRINCIPLES
8) God expects His people to obey Him whether they understand Him, or not.
9) The Lord allows trouble(s) to overwhelm the rebellious.
10) In His mercy and love, the Lord will never allow our trouble(s) to be overly burdensome.
Jeremiah 32:16-23
16 Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed unto the LORD, saying,
17 Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, [and] there is nothing too hard for thee:
18 Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, [is] his name,
19 Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes [are] open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
20 Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, and in Israel, and among [other] men; and hast made thee a name, as at this day;
21 And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror; 22 And hast given them this land, which thou didst swear to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey;
23 And they came in, and possessed it; but they obeyed not thy voice, neither walked in thy law; they have done nothing of all that thou commandedst them to do: therefore thou hast caused all this evil to come upon them:
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1)Though Judah and Jerusalem were on the brink of captivity, Jeremiah purchased a field, in obedience to the Lord. What did the prophet do after obeying God? (v.16)
2) How did Jeremiah describe the Lord? (v.17-19a)
3) What did the prophet say the Lord had done? (v.19b-22)
4) Why were God's people being taken captive, according to Jeremiah? (v.23)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What is the likelihood that the Lord will allow the United States to go into captivity because of our rebellion against Him? Please provide a brief explanation for your answer.
6) Do you personally know of anyone who has been overwhelmed by troubles as a result of their rebellion against God? If so, please explain what happened.
7) If you answered affirmatively to the above question, how was the rebellious individual reconciled to God?
PRINCIPLES
8) God expects His people to obey Him whether they understand Him, or not.
9) The Lord allows trouble(s) to overwhelm the rebellious.
10) In His mercy and love, the Lord will never allow our trouble(s) to be overly burdensome.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Set Up Road Markers
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Jeremiah 31:18-25
18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.
19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.
20 [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.
21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, [even] the way [which] thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.
22 How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.
23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, [and] mountain of holiness.
24 And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they [that] go forth with flocks.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did Ephraim say that demonstrated remorse over their sin? (v.18-19)
2) What did the Lord say about Ephraim and how did He feel about him? (v.20)
3) What did the Lord instruct His people to do? (v.21)
4) What was the "new thing" that the Lord promised His people? (v.22)
5) How did the Lord say His people would respond after He ended their captivity and why? (v.23-25)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever had to punish a rebellious child? If so, how did you feel about that child while you were punishing him (her)?
7) Have you ever rebelled against the Lord? If so, how did you feel, and what did you do, after realizing that you were in error?
8) Do you record your journey of faith with the Lord? If not, why not.
PRINCIPLES
9) Repentance is the only way back to God.
10) Godly sorrow leads to repentance.
11) The Lord restores and satisfies the penitent hearts of His backsliding children.
12) Markers on our journey of faith in God are reminders of God's goodness to us when we did not deserve it.
Jeremiah 31:18-25
18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself [thus]; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed [to the yoke]: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou [art] the LORD my God.
19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon [my] thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.
20 [Is] Ephraim my dear son? [is he] a pleasant child? for since I spake against him, I do earnestly remember him still: therefore my bowels are troubled for him; I will surely have mercy upon him, saith the LORD.
21 Set thee up waymarks, make thee high heaps: set thine heart toward the highway, [even] the way [which] thou wentest: turn again, O virgin of Israel, turn again to these thy cities.
22 How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.
23 Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities thereof, when I shall bring again their captivity; The LORD bless thee, O habitation of justice, [and] mountain of holiness.
24 And there shall dwell in Judah itself, and in all the cities thereof together, husbandmen, and they [that] go forth with flocks.
25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did Ephraim say that demonstrated remorse over their sin? (v.18-19)
2) What did the Lord say about Ephraim and how did He feel about him? (v.20)
3) What did the Lord instruct His people to do? (v.21)
4) What was the "new thing" that the Lord promised His people? (v.22)
5) How did the Lord say His people would respond after He ended their captivity and why? (v.23-25)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Have you ever had to punish a rebellious child? If so, how did you feel about that child while you were punishing him (her)?
7) Have you ever rebelled against the Lord? If so, how did you feel, and what did you do, after realizing that you were in error?
8) Do you record your journey of faith with the Lord? If not, why not.
PRINCIPLES
9) Repentance is the only way back to God.
10) Godly sorrow leads to repentance.
11) The Lord restores and satisfies the penitent hearts of His backsliding children.
12) Markers on our journey of faith in God are reminders of God's goodness to us when we did not deserve it.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Hope for your Future
Friday, September 12, 2014
Jeremiah 31:12-17
12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
14 And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.
15 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, [and] bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they [were] not.
16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
17 And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After Israel was restored to its land, how would the Lord bless them? (v.12-13)
2) How would the people respond after their captivity was ended? (v.12-14)
3) What would become of "Rachel" and her children? (v.15-17)
4) Read Matthew 2:16-18. How was the prophecy concerning "Rachel" partially fulfilled?
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever gone through a time of sorrow or loss in your life? If so, please describe briefly one such season.
6) Do you believe that the Lord always has plans to end your times of sorrow or loss? If so, why.
7) Has the Lord ever blessed you following a season of difficulty? If so, please briefly explain how He turned your sorrow to joy.
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord always turns the sorrow of His people into joy!
9) The Lord may not comfort His afflicted people immediately, but in due season.
10) The Lord always has plans to restore his wandering, or backsliden, children to Himself.
Jeremiah 31:12-17
12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.
14 And I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, saith the LORD.
15 Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, [and] bitter weeping; Rachel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they [were] not.
16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.
17 And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After Israel was restored to its land, how would the Lord bless them? (v.12-13)
2) How would the people respond after their captivity was ended? (v.12-14)
3) What would become of "Rachel" and her children? (v.15-17)
4) Read Matthew 2:16-18. How was the prophecy concerning "Rachel" partially fulfilled?
5) Have you ever gone through a time of sorrow or loss in your life? If so, please describe briefly one such season.
6) Do you believe that the Lord always has plans to end your times of sorrow or loss? If so, why.
7) Has the Lord ever blessed you following a season of difficulty? If so, please briefly explain how He turned your sorrow to joy.
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord always turns the sorrow of His people into joy!
9) The Lord may not comfort His afflicted people immediately, but in due season.
10) The Lord always has plans to restore his wandering, or backsliden, children to Himself.
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
I Will Gather Them
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Jeremiah 31:7-11
7 For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.
9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.
10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.
11 For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the Lord want people to respond to His redemption of the remnant of His people (Israel)? (v.7)
2) What does the Lord say that He will do for His formerly exiled people ? Why? (v.8-9)
3) What were (are) the nations to declare about the Lord? (v.10-11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever felt distant from the Lord? If so, please describe one such time.
5) How did you respond when (if) the Lord made His presence known to you, after a period of silence?
6) Has the Lord ever delivered you from an enemy (or enemies) that were stronger than you? If so, please describe one such time.
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord loves to rescue His people from their enemies.
8) Because He is our Good Shepherd, the Lord watches over His sheep, even after we have strayed.
9) The Lord chastens His children as a loving Father and longs to be reconciled to do good for us.
Jeremiah 31:7-11
7 For thus saith the LORD; Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations: publish ye, praise ye, and say, O LORD, save thy people, the remnant of Israel.
8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the coasts of the earth, [and] with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and her that travaileth with child together: a great company shall return thither.
9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel, and Ephraim [is] my firstborn.
10 Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare [it] in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd [doth] his flock.
11 For the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and ransomed him from the hand of [him that was] stronger than he.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the Lord want people to respond to His redemption of the remnant of His people (Israel)? (v.7)
2) What does the Lord say that He will do for His formerly exiled people ? Why? (v.8-9)
3) What were (are) the nations to declare about the Lord? (v.10-11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever felt distant from the Lord? If so, please describe one such time.
5) How did you respond when (if) the Lord made His presence known to you, after a period of silence?
6) Has the Lord ever delivered you from an enemy (or enemies) that were stronger than you? If so, please describe one such time.
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord loves to rescue His people from their enemies.
8) Because He is our Good Shepherd, the Lord watches over His sheep, even after we have strayed.
9) The Lord chastens His children as a loving Father and longs to be reconciled to do good for us.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Ministers of a New Covenant
Wednesday, September 10, 2014
2 Corinthians 3:4-11
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:
8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
9 For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
11 For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did the Apostle Paul place his trust in and why? (v.4-5)
2) What were the apostles ministers of? (v.6a)
3) Why was the old covenant (the law) done away with? (v.6b-7)
4) Why was the new covenant more glorious than the old? (v.8-11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Who, or what, do you trust (hope) in when facing life trials and troubles?
6) Who, or what, enables you to endure the trials of life?
7) Have you ever been continually victorious over sin, by following rules? If not, why not?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Spirit-led life enables believers to live victorious lives.
9) Christians can never live victoriously over sin by obeying the law in our own strength (power).
10)Following God's laws leads to condemnation, but following the Spirit leads to everlasting life.
2 Corinthians 3:4-11
4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
6 Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
7 But if the ministration of death, written [and] engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not stedfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which [glory] was to be done away:
8 How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?
9 For if the ministration of condemnation [be] glory, much more doth the ministration of righteousness exceed in glory.
10 For even that which was made glorious had no glory in this respect, by reason of the glory that excelleth.
11 For if that which is done away [was] glorious, much more that which remaineth [is] glorious.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who did the Apostle Paul place his trust in and why? (v.4-5)
2) What were the apostles ministers of? (v.6a)
3) Why was the old covenant (the law) done away with? (v.6b-7)
4) Why was the new covenant more glorious than the old? (v.8-11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Who, or what, do you trust (hope) in when facing life trials and troubles?
6) Who, or what, enables you to endure the trials of life?
7) Have you ever been continually victorious over sin, by following rules? If not, why not?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Spirit-led life enables believers to live victorious lives.
9) Christians can never live victoriously over sin by obeying the law in our own strength (power).
10)Following God's laws leads to condemnation, but following the Spirit leads to everlasting life.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Mediator of a New Covenant
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Hebrews 9:11-15
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What "greater and more perfect tabernacle" did Christ become high priest of? (v.11)
2) After shedding His blood for our sins, where was the holy place that Christ entered into? (v.12)
3) Why was Christ's sacrifice superior to the old system? (v.13-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What did you do to be forgiven for your sins?
5) Where is the dwelling place (presence) of God, at this moment?
6) What proof do you have that Christ's sacrifice was enough for you to become a child of God?
PRINCIPLES
7) As children of God, we are God's temple.
8) The law could never change the hearts of the people of God.
9) The indwelling Holy Spirit is the only One who can change the human heart.
Hebrews 9:11-15
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption [for us].
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions [that were] under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What "greater and more perfect tabernacle" did Christ become high priest of? (v.11)
2) After shedding His blood for our sins, where was the holy place that Christ entered into? (v.12)
3) Why was Christ's sacrifice superior to the old system? (v.13-15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What did you do to be forgiven for your sins?
5) Where is the dwelling place (presence) of God, at this moment?
6) What proof do you have that Christ's sacrifice was enough for you to become a child of God?
PRINCIPLES
7) As children of God, we are God's temple.
8) The law could never change the hearts of the people of God.
9) The indwelling Holy Spirit is the only One who can change the human heart.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
A Better Covenant
Monday, September 8, 2014
Hebrews 8:1-7, 13
1 Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
... 13 In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Where does our Lord minister? (v.1-2)
2) Why is Jesus authorized to act as our high priest? (v.3)
3) Why is Jesus' ministry different from that of the earthly priests who ministered on behalf of the people of Israel? (v.4-6)
4) Why was the second covenant necessary? (v.7, 13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Can people ever make a lasting covenant with, or an offering to, God on behalf of your sins? Why, or why not?
6) What does Jesus' sacrifice for your sins mean to you, personally?
7) What would become of you had your sins been atoned for according to the law?
PRINCIPLES
8) Because Jesus offered Himself, an atonement for our sins, we have eternal peace with God.
9) The old sacrificial system was merely a shadow of the better.
10) Because of Jesus, we need never rely upon another human being to absolve us of our sins.
Hebrews 8:1-7, 13
1 Now of the things which we have spoken [this is] the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens;
2 A minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.
3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore [it is] of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.
4 For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law:
5 Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, [that] thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
7 For if that first [covenant] had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second.
... 13 In that he saith, A new [covenant], he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old [is] ready to vanish away.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Where does our Lord minister? (v.1-2)
2) Why is Jesus authorized to act as our high priest? (v.3)
3) Why is Jesus' ministry different from that of the earthly priests who ministered on behalf of the people of Israel? (v.4-6)
4) Why was the second covenant necessary? (v.7, 13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Can people ever make a lasting covenant with, or an offering to, God on behalf of your sins? Why, or why not?
6) What does Jesus' sacrifice for your sins mean to you, personally?
7) What would become of you had your sins been atoned for according to the law?
PRINCIPLES
8) Because Jesus offered Himself, an atonement for our sins, we have eternal peace with God.
9) The old sacrificial system was merely a shadow of the better.
10) Because of Jesus, we need never rely upon another human being to absolve us of our sins.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Hope for Israel's Neighbors
Saturday, September 6, 2014
Jeremiah 12:14-17
14 Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the Word of the Lord to the enemies of Israel? (v.14-15)
2) What does the Lord promise to those who learn the ways of His people? (v.16)
3) What does the Lord say will happen to the nation(s) that do(es) not obey Him? (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are believers witnessing this day concerning the enemies of Israel?
5) What will happen to those who oppose His people?
6) How does this comfort you, as a child of God?
PRINCIPLES
7) God avenges His own!
8) God is not willing that anyone perish, but that all repent.
9) God will be the final judge of every human being on this earth.
Jeremiah 12:14-17
14 Thus saith the LORD against all mine evil neighbours, that touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit; Behold, I will pluck them out of their land, and pluck out the house of Judah from among them.
15 And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.
16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, The LORD liveth; as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built in the midst of my people.
17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly pluck up and destroy that nation, saith the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the Word of the Lord to the enemies of Israel? (v.14-15)
2) What does the Lord promise to those who learn the ways of His people? (v.16)
3) What does the Lord say will happen to the nation(s) that do(es) not obey Him? (v.17)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) What are believers witnessing this day concerning the enemies of Israel?
5) What will happen to those who oppose His people?
6) How does this comfort you, as a child of God?
PRINCIPLES
7) God avenges His own!
8) God is not willing that anyone perish, but that all repent.
9) God will be the final judge of every human being on this earth.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
A Future with a Hope
Friday, September 5, 2014
Jeremiah 29:10-14
10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What nation(s) had been in captivity in Babylon for seventy years? What was the Lord's promise to them in this verse? (v.10)
2) What were the Lord's thoughts and plans toward/for His captive people ? (v.11)
3) What hope, and promises, did the Lord offer His people? (v.12-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever experienced the mercy of the Lord, despite your failures? If so, please describe one such time.
5) How did the Lord manifest His love toward you, despite your confessed sin(s)?
6) What was your response to the Lord after He showered favor and blessing on you despite your past failures?
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord's mercy endures, whether we deserve it, or not.
8) The Lord's faithfulness does not depend upon us, but upon Him!
9) No matter how many times we fail Him, the Lord receives His penitent people.
10) God is absolutely merciful, but He is also absolutely just!
Jeremiah 29:10-14
10 For thus saith the LORD, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found of you, saith the LORD: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the LORD; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What nation(s) had been in captivity in Babylon for seventy years? What was the Lord's promise to them in this verse? (v.10)
2) What were the Lord's thoughts and plans toward/for His captive people ? (v.11)
3) What hope, and promises, did the Lord offer His people? (v.12-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever experienced the mercy of the Lord, despite your failures? If so, please describe one such time.
5) How did the Lord manifest His love toward you, despite your confessed sin(s)?
6) What was your response to the Lord after He showered favor and blessing on you despite your past failures?
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord's mercy endures, whether we deserve it, or not.
8) The Lord's faithfulness does not depend upon us, but upon Him!
9) No matter how many times we fail Him, the Lord receives His penitent people.
10) God is absolutely merciful, but He is also absolutely just!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Turn from your Evil Way
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Jer 18:1-10
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it]. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. 7 [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it]; 8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9 And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it]; 10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah? (v.1)
2) How did Jeremiah respond and what did he observe? (v.2-4)
3) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah the second time? (v.5-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever felt forsaken by the Lord, in the midst of some trial or difficulty?
5) If you answered affirmatively to the above question, what did you do about the situation?
6) Do you believe that the U.S. is going through difficulties, at present, because of the sinful culture in which we live? Why, or why not.
PRINCIPLES
7) Our Lord uses trouble in our lives to draw us closer to Him.
8) The Lord often allows difficulties to correct His people when we are in error.
9) God ultimately allows our enemies to defeat us, when we willfully rebel against Him.
1 The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying, 2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause thee to hear my words. 3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make [it]. 5 Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 6 O house of Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the LORD. Behold, as the clay [is] in the potter's hand, so [are] ye in mine hand, O house of Israel. 7 [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it]; 8 If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. 9 And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it]; 10 If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah? (v.1)
2) How did Jeremiah respond and what did he observe? (v.2-4)
3) What was the Word of the Lord to Jeremiah the second time? (v.5-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever felt forsaken by the Lord, in the midst of some trial or difficulty?
5) If you answered affirmatively to the above question, what did you do about the situation?
6) Do you believe that the U.S. is going through difficulties, at present, because of the sinful culture in which we live? Why, or why not.
PRINCIPLES
7) Our Lord uses trouble in our lives to draw us closer to Him.
8) The Lord often allows difficulties to correct His people when we are in error.
9) God ultimately allows our enemies to defeat us, when we willfully rebel against Him.
10) When a nation, or an individual, repents and turns from wickedness, The Lord relents.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Only the Lord Will Be Exalted
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
Isaiah 2:10-19
10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
12 For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up,
15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,
16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who does the Lord tell to "hide in the dust, for fear of the Lord"? Why? (v.10-11)
2) Who will the Day of the Lord be a terror to? (v.12-16)
3) What will become of the prideful and their idols on the Day of The Lord? Who alone will be exalted on that day? (v.17-19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you trusted in anyone, or anything, more than you have trusted in the Lord? If so, who or what are those things?
5) What will you do to restore, or begin, right relationship with the Lord, if you have relied on anything, or anyone, other than the Lord, during your life?
PRINCIPLES
6) Pride is exalting anyone, or anything, above the Lordship of Christ.
7) The Lord will judge the proud in heart when He establishes His kingdom on earth.
8) Humility (complete dependence upon the Lord) is what will save us from judgment after His return to this earth.
Isaiah 2:10-19
10 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
11 The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
12 For the day of the LORD of hosts [shall be] upon every [one that is] proud and lofty, and upon every [one that is] lifted up; and he shall be brought low:
13 And upon all the cedars of Lebanon, [that are] high and lifted up, and upon all the oaks of Bashan,
14 And upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills [that are] lifted up,
15 And upon every high tower, and upon every fenced wall,
16 And upon all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all pleasant pictures.
17 And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
18 And the idols he shall utterly abolish.
19 And they shall go into the holes of the rocks, and into the caves of the earth, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who does the Lord tell to "hide in the dust, for fear of the Lord"? Why? (v.10-11)
2) Who will the Day of the Lord be a terror to? (v.12-16)
3) What will become of the prideful and their idols on the Day of The Lord? Who alone will be exalted on that day? (v.17-19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you trusted in anyone, or anything, more than you have trusted in the Lord? If so, who or what are those things?
5) What will you do to restore, or begin, right relationship with the Lord, if you have relied on anything, or anyone, other than the Lord, during your life?
PRINCIPLES
6) Pride is exalting anyone, or anything, above the Lordship of Christ.
7) The Lord will judge the proud in heart when He establishes His kingdom on earth.
8) Humility (complete dependence upon the Lord) is what will save us from judgment after His return to this earth.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Hear the Word of This Covenant
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Jer 11:1-10
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2 Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
3 And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,
4 Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:
5 That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
6 Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.
7 For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day [that] I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.
8 Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not.
9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord tell Jeremiah to say to the men of Judah and Jerusalem? (v.1-2)
2) What did the Lord say would happen to those who would, or would not, not obey Him? (v.3-5)
3) What was the Lord's plea to His people and how did they respond? (v.6-8)
4) What were the people of Judah and Jerusalem guilty of? (v.9-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever knowingly ignored, or rebelled, against a command of the Lord? If so, please explain what happened.
6) How has the Lord responded when you were obedient to His will? Please describe one such instance.
PRINCIPLES
7) It is the foolish person who chooses to rebel against the Lord.
8) The Lord always and only wants what is best for His people.
9) When we choose our own way, rather than the Lord's, we deprive ourselves of God's favor and blessing.
Jer 11:1-10
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying,
2 Hear ye the words of this covenant, and speak unto the men of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
3 And say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD God of Israel; Cursed [be] the man that obeyeth not the words of this covenant,
4 Which I commanded your fathers in the day [that] I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall ye be my people, and I will be your God:
5 That I may perform the oath which I have sworn unto your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as [it is] this day. Then answered I, and said, So be it, O LORD.
6 Then the LORD said unto me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them.
7 For I earnestly protested unto your fathers in the day [that] I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, [even] unto this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.
8 Yet they obeyed not, nor inclined their ear, but walked every one in the imagination of their evil heart: therefore I will bring upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded [them] to do; but they did [them] not.
9 And the LORD said unto me, A conspiracy is found among the men of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, which refused to hear my words; and they went after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their fathers.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord tell Jeremiah to say to the men of Judah and Jerusalem? (v.1-2)
2) What did the Lord say would happen to those who would, or would not, not obey Him? (v.3-5)
3) What was the Lord's plea to His people and how did they respond? (v.6-8)
4) What were the people of Judah and Jerusalem guilty of? (v.9-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever knowingly ignored, or rebelled, against a command of the Lord? If so, please explain what happened.
6) How has the Lord responded when you were obedient to His will? Please describe one such instance.
PRINCIPLES
7) It is the foolish person who chooses to rebel against the Lord.
8) The Lord always and only wants what is best for His people.
9) When we choose our own way, rather than the Lord's, we deprive ourselves of God's favor and blessing.
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