Saturday, November 1, 2014
Psalm 11:1-7 KJV
1 [[To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David.]] In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee [as] a bird to your mountain? 2 For, lo, the wicked bend [their] bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string, that they may privily shoot at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? 4 The LORD [is] in his holy temple, the LORD'S throne [is] in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. 5 The LORD trieth the righteous: but the wicked and him that loveth violence his soul hateth. 6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous LORD loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Despite his declaration of trust in God, what does David ask himself? (v.1)
2) What are the wicked doing, according to the psalmist? (v.2)
3) What question does David ask concerning the righteous? (v.3)
4) Where is the Lord and what is He doing? (v.4-7)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What do you do when your knowledge of God and your soul are not in agreement?
6) What are the dangers of living by sight (sensory perceptions) rather than faith?
7) How do you know if you are among the righteous or the wicked?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord tries His people to reveal hidden sin and/or falsehood that could hinder our spiritual growth
9) The Lord tests all people to reveal what is in their heart.
10) Those who delight in deceit, treachery and wickedness against the righteous are hated by God and will not stand in the day of judgment.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Worshipping in Awe
Friday, October 31, 2014
Psalm 5:1-12
1 [[To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.]] Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. 4 For thou [art] not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 7 But as for me, I will come [into] thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. 9 For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as [with] a shield.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) David asks the Lord to do three (3) things? Why? (v.1-2)
2) What three (3) things does David tell the Lord he will do? (v.3)
3) What six (6) things does David believe about the Lord? (v.4-6)
4) How does David contrast his behavior with that of the wicked?(v.7)
5) What four (4) things does David ask the Lord to do for him? Why? (v.8-10)
6) What five (5) things does David ask/expect the Lord to allow in the lives of the righteous? Why? (v.11-12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Why do you believe the Lord hears your prayers?
8) How do you demonstrate your love for the Lord?
9) Describe one way in which the Lord has blessed you as you put your trust in Him?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous.
11) The Lord blesses those who trust in Him.
12) The righteous have much to rejoice about.
Psalm 5:1-12
1 [[To the chief Musician upon Nehiloth, A Psalm of David.]] Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct [my prayer] unto thee, and will look up. 4 For thou [art] not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee. 5 The foolish shall not stand in thy sight: thou hatest all workers of iniquity. 6 Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the LORD will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. 7 But as for me, I will come [into] thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple. 8 Lead me, O LORD, in thy righteousness because of mine enemies; make thy way straight before my face. 9 For [there is] no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part [is] very wickedness; their throat [is] an open sepulchre; they flatter with their tongue. 10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee. 11 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. 12 For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as [with] a shield.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) David asks the Lord to do three (3) things? Why? (v.1-2)
2) What three (3) things does David tell the Lord he will do? (v.3)
3) What six (6) things does David believe about the Lord? (v.4-6)
4) How does David contrast his behavior with that of the wicked?(v.7)
5) What four (4) things does David ask the Lord to do for him? Why? (v.8-10)
6) What five (5) things does David ask/expect the Lord to allow in the lives of the righteous? Why? (v.11-12)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Why do you believe the Lord hears your prayers?
8) How do you demonstrate your love for the Lord?
9) Describe one way in which the Lord has blessed you as you put your trust in Him?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord hears the prayers of the righteous.
11) The Lord blesses those who trust in Him.
12) The righteous have much to rejoice about.
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
God's Holy Place
Thursday, October 30, 2014
Psalm 24:1-10 KJV
1 [[A Psalm of David.]] The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This [is] the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who [is] this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift [them] up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he [is] the King of glory. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What belongs to the Lord, according to David? (v.1)
2) Where was this planet founded and established? (v.2)
3) What are David's questions concerning the Lord's abode or dwelling place? (v.3)
4) What are David's responses to those questions? (v.4)
5) What will the pure in heart receive from the Lord? (v.5)
6) Who seeks God? (v.6)
7) What does David say about the King of Glory? (v.7-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How often do you seek the Lord's presence?
8) How do you express reverence toward the Lord before entering His presence?
9) Briefly describe how you enter into the Lord's presence (i.e., what is your attitude of heart)?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord not only created the earth, but every living thing on the earth.
11) We cannot enter into the King's presence without first preparing our hearts.
12) When we seek the Lord's presence, our hearts must be pure and our works undefiled.
13) We can only enter the Lord's presence with clean hands and a pure heart.
Psalm 24:1-10 KJV
1 [[A Psalm of David.]] The earth [is] the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This [is] the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who [is] this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift [them] up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he [is] the King of glory. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What belongs to the Lord, according to David? (v.1)
2) Where was this planet founded and established? (v.2)
3) What are David's questions concerning the Lord's abode or dwelling place? (v.3)
4) What are David's responses to those questions? (v.4)
5) What will the pure in heart receive from the Lord? (v.5)
6) Who seeks God? (v.6)
7) What does David say about the King of Glory? (v.7-10)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How often do you seek the Lord's presence?
8) How do you express reverence toward the Lord before entering His presence?
9) Briefly describe how you enter into the Lord's presence (i.e., what is your attitude of heart)?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord not only created the earth, but every living thing on the earth.
11) We cannot enter into the King's presence without first preparing our hearts.
12) When we seek the Lord's presence, our hearts must be pure and our works undefiled.
13) We can only enter the Lord's presence with clean hands and a pure heart.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Standing on Holy Ground
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Exodus 3:1-6 KJV
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here [am] I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Moses doing on the backside of the desert? (v.1)
2) What was extraordinary about the bush that Moses saw? (v.2)
3) What did Moses decide to do when he saw the bush? Why? (v.3)
4) When did the Lord call Moses? (v.4)
5) What were the Lord's instructions to Moses? (v.5)
6) How did the Lord introduce Himself to Moses? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever gone through a desert, or wilderness, season during your life as a Christian? If so, briefly describe what that season was like?
8) What was your relationship with the Lord like, following your wilderness season?
9) Have you received the Lord's call into ministry? If so, briefly describe what happened.
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord uses the wilderness to prepare His people for ministry.
11) The Lord uses the wilderness to empty His people of self reliance and to draw them closer to Himself.
12) The Lord's call into ministry is often preceded by a call to closer fellowship with Himself.
Exodus 3:1-6 KJV
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb. 2 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed. 3 And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. 4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here [am] I. 5 And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy ground. 6 Moreover he said, I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Moses doing on the backside of the desert? (v.1)
2) What was extraordinary about the bush that Moses saw? (v.2)
3) What did Moses decide to do when he saw the bush? Why? (v.3)
4) When did the Lord call Moses? (v.4)
5) What were the Lord's instructions to Moses? (v.5)
6) How did the Lord introduce Himself to Moses? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever gone through a desert, or wilderness, season during your life as a Christian? If so, briefly describe what that season was like?
8) What was your relationship with the Lord like, following your wilderness season?
9) Have you received the Lord's call into ministry? If so, briefly describe what happened.
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord uses the wilderness to prepare His people for ministry.
11) The Lord uses the wilderness to empty His people of self reliance and to draw them closer to Himself.
12) The Lord's call into ministry is often preceded by a call to closer fellowship with Himself.
Monday, October 27, 2014
God's Exalted Name
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Psalm 138:1-8 KJV
Psalm 138:1-8 KJV
1 [[[A Psalm] of David.]] I will praise thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto thee. 2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. 3 In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, [and] strengthenedst me [with] strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. 5 Yea, they shall sing in the ways of the LORD: for great [is] the glory of the LORD. 6 Though the LORD [be] high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand against the wrath of mine enemies, and thy right hand shall save me. 8 The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does David declare that He will do for the Lord? (v.1)
2) Why will David worship and praise the Lord? (v.2-3)
3) Why will kings praise and sing to the Lord, according to David? (v.4-5)
4) How does the Lord treat the proud? How does He treat the humble? (v.6)
5) What does David say the Lord will do when he is in trouble? (v.7)
6) What else will the Lord do for David? Why? (v.8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Why do you praise and/or worship God?
8) Have you testified about the goodness of the Lord toward you in recent months? If not, why not?
9) Describe a time when you were in trouble, how did the Lord help you during that season?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord has exalted His Word above His Name.
11) The Lord is distant toward the proud in heart, but merciful toward the humble.
12) The Lord delights in reviving those who are bowed down with cares and delivers them out of all their trouble.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
God's Glory and Greatness
Monday, October 27, 2014
Deu 5:23-29 KJV
23 And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, [even] all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; 24 And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. 25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. 26 For who [is there of] all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we [have], and lived? 27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear [it], and do [it]. 28 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. 29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Moses was speaking to the children of Israel. Whom had they heard and how did they respond to what they heard? (v.23-24)
2) What did the people of God believe would happen to them if they continued to hear God's voice? (v.25-26)
3) What did the people want Moses to do for them? (v.27)
4) What was the Lord's response to the request of His people? (v.28)
5) What did the Lord desire from His people? (v.29)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Are you able to hear the Lord's voice yourself?
7) Do you prefer to hear from the Lord through others who speak with Him and tell you what He said?
8) If you prefer to hear God's word to you, from His leaders and/or prophets, please explain why.
PRINCIPLES
9) God is always speaking.
10) The Lord's sheep hear His voice.
11) God speaks through His word, His leaders, His people, and our circumstances.
Deu 5:23-29 KJV
23 And it came to pass, when ye heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, (for the mountain did burn with fire,) that ye came near unto me, [even] all the heads of your tribes, and your elders; 24 And ye said, Behold, the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth talk with man, and he liveth. 25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of the LORD our God any more, then we shall die. 26 For who [is there of] all flesh, that hath heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we [have], and lived? 27 Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear [it], and do [it]. 28 And the LORD heard the voice of your words, when ye spake unto me; and the LORD said unto me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken unto thee: they have well said all that they have spoken. 29 O that there were such an heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children for ever!
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Moses was speaking to the children of Israel. Whom had they heard and how did they respond to what they heard? (v.23-24)
2) What did the people of God believe would happen to them if they continued to hear God's voice? (v.25-26)
3) What did the people want Moses to do for them? (v.27)
4) What was the Lord's response to the request of His people? (v.28)
5) What did the Lord desire from His people? (v.29)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Are you able to hear the Lord's voice yourself?
7) Do you prefer to hear from the Lord through others who speak with Him and tell you what He said?
8) If you prefer to hear God's word to you, from His leaders and/or prophets, please explain why.
PRINCIPLES
9) God is always speaking.
10) The Lord's sheep hear His voice.
11) God speaks through His word, His leaders, His people, and our circumstances.
Friday, October 24, 2014
You are the Hope of All
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Psalm 65:1-5 KJV
1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm [and] Song of David.]] Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. 2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. 3 Iniquities prevail against me: [as for] our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. 4 Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple. 5 [By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea:
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What waits for God, according to David? (v.1)
2) What does David say will come to God? Why? (v.2)
3) What prevailed against David? How would God help him? (v.3)
4) Who does David say is blessed? Why? (v.4)
5) What will God do for His people? Why? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are your reasons for praising the Lord?
7) How do you know that your sins have been forgiven?
8) What do you do to enter into the presence of the Lord?
PRINCIPLES
9) The Lord is not far, or distant, from any of His people.
10) The Lord is the initiator of all true worship.
11) The presence of the Lord is our refuge.
Psalm 65:1-5 KJV
1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm [and] Song of David.]] Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Sion: and unto thee shall the vow be performed. 2 O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. 3 Iniquities prevail against me: [as for] our transgressions, thou shalt purge them away. 4 Blessed [is the man whom] thou choosest, and causest to approach [unto thee, that] he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, [even] of thy holy temple. 5 [By] terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; [who art] the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off [upon] the sea:
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What waits for God, according to David? (v.1)
2) What does David say will come to God? Why? (v.2)
3) What prevailed against David? How would God help him? (v.3)
4) Who does David say is blessed? Why? (v.4)
5) What will God do for His people? Why? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are your reasons for praising the Lord?
7) How do you know that your sins have been forgiven?
8) What do you do to enter into the presence of the Lord?
PRINCIPLES
9) The Lord is not far, or distant, from any of His people.
10) The Lord is the initiator of all true worship.
11) The presence of the Lord is our refuge.
Thursday, October 23, 2014
My Hope is from God
Friday, October 24, 2014
Psalm 62:1-8 KJV
1 [[To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.]] Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation. 2 He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him. 6 He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does David encourage Himself in the Lord? (v.1-2, 5-7)
2) What is David's response to those who oppose him? (v.3)
3) How does David describe those who oppose him? (v.4)
4) What does David encourage the people of God to do "at all times"? Why? (v.8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What do you typically do when others oppose you? Why?
6) How is your trust in the Lord manifested?
7) What has become of those who have opposed you, without cause, in the recent past?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord is our refuge, so we need only cast our cares and trust in Him in times of trouble.
9) We need not avenge ourselves. God is our Vindicator.
10) Our expectation, in times of trouble, should only be in the Lord.
Psalm 62:1-8 KJV
1 [[To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.]] Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him [cometh] my salvation. 2 He only [is] my rock and my salvation; [he is] my defence; I shall not be greatly moved. 3 How long will ye imagine mischief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall [shall ye be, and as] a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast [him] down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him. 6 He only [is] my rock and my salvation: [he is] my defence; I shall not be moved. 7 In God [is] my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, [and] my refuge, [is] in God. 8 Trust in him at all times; [ye] people, pour out your heart before him: God [is] a refuge for us. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does David encourage Himself in the Lord? (v.1-2, 5-7)
2) What is David's response to those who oppose him? (v.3)
3) How does David describe those who oppose him? (v.4)
4) What does David encourage the people of God to do "at all times"? Why? (v.8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What do you typically do when others oppose you? Why?
6) How is your trust in the Lord manifested?
7) What has become of those who have opposed you, without cause, in the recent past?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord is our refuge, so we need only cast our cares and trust in Him in times of trouble.
9) We need not avenge ourselves. God is our Vindicator.
10) Our expectation, in times of trouble, should only be in the Lord.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
God has called you to Hope
Thursday, October 23, 2014
Ephesians 1:11-19 KJV
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What have we obtained in Christ? Why? (v.11-12)
2) What did we hear that caused us to trust in Christ? (v.13a)
3) With Whom were we sealed after we believed? Why? (v.13b-14)
4) What did the Apostle Paul do, for the church of Ephesus, after hearing of their faith and love? (v.15-17)
5) What did the apostle pray for the believers at Ephesus? (v.18-19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What do you do after you hear that another soul has professed faith in Christ in your church home?
7) Have you received the spirit of wisdom and revelation, since you first believed? How do those spiritual gifts manifest in your life.
8) How has the power of the Holy Spirit manifested during your life as a Christian?
PRINCIPLES
9) The best and most important response to hearing of a new convert's faith in Christ is prayer.
10) Not only are we saved until the day of redemption, but we are sealed by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
11) The Holy Spirit indwells us, not only to preserve us, but to change us by His power.
Ephesians 1:11-19 KJV
11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. 15 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, 16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19 And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What have we obtained in Christ? Why? (v.11-12)
2) What did we hear that caused us to trust in Christ? (v.13a)
3) With Whom were we sealed after we believed? Why? (v.13b-14)
4) What did the Apostle Paul do, for the church of Ephesus, after hearing of their faith and love? (v.15-17)
5) What did the apostle pray for the believers at Ephesus? (v.18-19)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What do you do after you hear that another soul has professed faith in Christ in your church home?
7) Have you received the spirit of wisdom and revelation, since you first believed? How do those spiritual gifts manifest in your life.
8) How has the power of the Holy Spirit manifested during your life as a Christian?
PRINCIPLES
9) The best and most important response to hearing of a new convert's faith in Christ is prayer.
10) Not only are we saved until the day of redemption, but we are sealed by the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
11) The Holy Spirit indwells us, not only to preserve us, but to change us by His power.
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Give Strength to Your Servant
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Psalm 86:11-17
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. 12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. 13 For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. 14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent [men] have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. 15 But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. 16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. 17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see [it], and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist ask of the Lord? Why? (v.11, 16-17)
2) How will the psalmist respond to the Lord? Why? (v.12-13)
3) Who is opposing the psalmist? How? (v.14)
4) How does the psalmist describe the Lord? (v.15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What is your greatest need from the Lord, at this time?
6) Why should the Lord help you?
7) How has the Lord helped you in the recent past?
8) How will you respond should the Lord grant your petition?
PRINCIPLES
9) A Spirit-led life is a life of integrity and reverence for God.
10) Those who oppose the people of God, oppose God Himself.
11) The Lord is merciful and compassionate towards those who fear Him.
Psalm 86:11-17
11 Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. 12 I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. 13 For great [is] thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. 14 O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent [men] have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. 15 But thou, O Lord, [art] a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. 16 O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. 17 Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see [it], and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist ask of the Lord? Why? (v.11, 16-17)
2) How will the psalmist respond to the Lord? Why? (v.12-13)
3) Who is opposing the psalmist? How? (v.14)
4) How does the psalmist describe the Lord? (v.15)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What is your greatest need from the Lord, at this time?
6) Why should the Lord help you?
7) How has the Lord helped you in the recent past?
8) How will you respond should the Lord grant your petition?
PRINCIPLES
9) A Spirit-led life is a life of integrity and reverence for God.
10) Those who oppose the people of God, oppose God Himself.
11) The Lord is merciful and compassionate towards those who fear Him.
Monday, October 20, 2014
You Alone are God
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Psalm 86:1-10
1 [[A Prayer of David.]] Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I [am] poor and needy. 2 Preserve my soul; for I [am] holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. 3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. 4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. 7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. 8 Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works. 9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. 10 For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does David ask the Lord to do and why? (v.1-4, 6-7)
2) How does David describe the Lord? (v.5, 8a, 10)
3) What does David say about the works of God? (v.8b-9)
APPLICATION QUESTION
4) How do you demonstrate your trust in the Lord?
5) What is the attitude of your heart when you go before God's presence in prayer?
6) How sure are you that the Lord hears your prayers? Why?
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord preserves those who place their trust in Him.
8) When we approach our Lord, in humility, He always hears our prayers.
9) All of creation will glorify the Lord because He alone is worthy of our praise.
Psalm 86:1-10
1 [[A Prayer of David.]] Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I [am] poor and needy. 2 Preserve my soul; for I [am] holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. 3 Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. 4 Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. 5 For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. 6 Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. 7 In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. 8 Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works. 9 All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. 10 For thou [art] great, and doest wondrous things: thou [art] God alone.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does David ask the Lord to do and why? (v.1-4, 6-7)
2) How does David describe the Lord? (v.5, 8a, 10)
3) What does David say about the works of God? (v.8b-9)
APPLICATION QUESTION
4) How do you demonstrate your trust in the Lord?
5) What is the attitude of your heart when you go before God's presence in prayer?
6) How sure are you that the Lord hears your prayers? Why?
PRINCIPLES
7) The Lord preserves those who place their trust in Him.
8) When we approach our Lord, in humility, He always hears our prayers.
9) All of creation will glorify the Lord because He alone is worthy of our praise.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
I Wait for You, O Lord
Monday, October 20, 2014
Psalm 38:9-15
9 Lord, all my desire [is] before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. 10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. 11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. 12 They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. 13 But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth. 14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs. 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist declare is not hidden from the Lord? (v.9)
2) What is gone from the psalmist? (v.10)
3) Who stands afar off from the psalmist? (v.11)
4) What do the psalmists enemies do? (v.12)
5) What does the psalmist do and why? (v.13-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What do you typically do when you're in trouble and the Lord seems to be distant?
7) How likely are you to worship the Lord during such times?
8) How likely are you to cave in to your carnal desires when you are being tested?
PRINCIPLES
9) The Lord often distances Himself to test our faith in Him.
10) When we wait upon the Lord, before acting, God is glorified.
11) The blessings that come with waiting on the Lord outweigh our seasons of trial.
Psalm 38:9-15
9 Lord, all my desire [is] before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. 10 My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. 11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. 12 They also that seek after my life lay snares [for me]: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. 13 But I, as a deaf [man], heard not; and [I was] as a dumb man [that] openeth not his mouth. 14 Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth [are] no reproofs. 15 For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist declare is not hidden from the Lord? (v.9)
2) What is gone from the psalmist? (v.10)
3) Who stands afar off from the psalmist? (v.11)
4) What do the psalmists enemies do? (v.12)
5) What does the psalmist do and why? (v.13-14)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What do you typically do when you're in trouble and the Lord seems to be distant?
7) How likely are you to worship the Lord during such times?
8) How likely are you to cave in to your carnal desires when you are being tested?
PRINCIPLES
9) The Lord often distances Himself to test our faith in Him.
10) When we wait upon the Lord, before acting, God is glorified.
11) The blessings that come with waiting on the Lord outweigh our seasons of trial.
Friday, October 17, 2014
I Call Upon God
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Psalm 55:12-23 KJV
12 For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But [it was] thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company. 15 Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them. 16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me: for there were many with me. 19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. 21 [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the psalmist describe those who might have acted wickedly against him and what would he have done if they had offended him? (v.12)
2) How does the psalmist describe the one who did offend him? (v.13-14,19b-21 )
3) What does the psalmist want to happen to his opponent(s)? (v.15)
4) What does the psalmist intend to do and what will happen to him, as a result? (v.16-19a)
5) What does the psalmist encourage the righteous to do and why? (v.22)
6) What does the psalmist say will happen to deceitful men and what will he do instead? (v.23)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What would you if a trusted friend betrayed you?
8) Has that ever happened to you? Describe one such instance and what you did, as a result.
9) How has the Lord responded if you have cried out to Him in recent months?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord is our vindicator and protector.
11) The Lord delivers His people from their troubles when they call upon Him.
12) God expects His children to cast their burdens upon Him, because He cares for us.
Psalm 55:12-23 KJV
12 For [it was] not an enemy [that] reproached me; then I could have borne [it]: neither [was it] he that hated me [that] did magnify [himself] against me; then I would have hid myself from him: 13 But [it was] thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together, [and] walked unto the house of God in company. 15 Let death seize upon them, [and] let them go down quick into hell: for wickedness [is] in their dwellings, [and] among them. 16 As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me. 17 Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. 18 He hath delivered my soul in peace from the battle [that was] against me: for there were many with me. 19 God shall hear, and afflict them, even he that abideth of old. Selah. Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God. 20 He hath put forth his hands against such as be at peace with him: he hath broken his covenant. 21 [The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords. 22 Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. 23 But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the psalmist describe those who might have acted wickedly against him and what would he have done if they had offended him? (v.12)
2) How does the psalmist describe the one who did offend him? (v.13-14,19b-21 )
3) What does the psalmist want to happen to his opponent(s)? (v.15)
4) What does the psalmist intend to do and what will happen to him, as a result? (v.16-19a)
5) What does the psalmist encourage the righteous to do and why? (v.22)
6) What does the psalmist say will happen to deceitful men and what will he do instead? (v.23)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What would you if a trusted friend betrayed you?
8) Has that ever happened to you? Describe one such instance and what you did, as a result.
9) How has the Lord responded if you have cried out to Him in recent months?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord is our vindicator and protector.
11) The Lord delivers His people from their troubles when they call upon Him.
12) God expects His children to cast their burdens upon Him, because He cares for us.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Shelter from the Storm
Friday, October 17, 2014
Psalm 55:1-8
1 [[To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David.]] Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. 2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. 6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest. 7 Lo, [then] would I wander far off, [and] remain in the wilderness. Selah. 8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm [and] tempest.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does David ask the Lord? (v.1-2a)
2) How does David describe himself and his feelings? (v.2b, 4-5)
3) Why is David distressed? (v.3)
4) What does David say that he will do and why? (v.6-8)
APPLICATIONS QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever been tempted to flee from troublesome situations. If so, briefly describe what happened.
6) What were your feelings during the most recent trial that you have endured?
7) What kept you from fleeing the situation, assuming that you did not flee?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord expects us to be honest about our feelings, however negative, when we pray to Him.
9) God cannot grant deliverance from our trials without an honest assessment of our feelings and the situation we find ourselves in.
10) God understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses.
Psalm 55:1-8
1 [[To the chief Musician on Neginoth, Maschil, [A Psalm] of David.]] Give ear to my prayer, O God; and hide not thyself from my supplication. 2 Attend unto me, and hear me: I mourn in my complaint, and make a noise; 3 Because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked: for they cast iniquity upon me, and in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is sore pained within me: and the terrors of death are fallen upon me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling are come upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me. 6 And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! [for then] would I fly away, and be at rest. 7 Lo, [then] would I wander far off, [and] remain in the wilderness. Selah. 8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm [and] tempest.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does David ask the Lord? (v.1-2a)
2) How does David describe himself and his feelings? (v.2b, 4-5)
3) Why is David distressed? (v.3)
4) What does David say that he will do and why? (v.6-8)
APPLICATIONS QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever been tempted to flee from troublesome situations. If so, briefly describe what happened.
6) What were your feelings during the most recent trial that you have endured?
7) What kept you from fleeing the situation, assuming that you did not flee?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord expects us to be honest about our feelings, however negative, when we pray to Him.
9) God cannot grant deliverance from our trials without an honest assessment of our feelings and the situation we find ourselves in.
10) God understands and sympathizes with our weaknesses.
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
God's Purpose for me
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Psalm 57:1-6
1 [[To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.]] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me. 3 He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 4 My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Under what circumstances was this psalm written? (v.1a)
2) What did David ask of the Lord and why? (v.1b)
3) What was David going to do and for how long? (v.2)
4) What did David expect the Lord to do in response? (v.3)
5) How did David describe his situation? (v.4,6)
6) What did David desire from the Lord? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What do you typically do when going through spiritual warfare?
8) What do you typically do to demonstrate your trust in the Lord during such times?
9) Have you ever been so overwhelmed by your circumstances that you could not praise God? If so, please describe one such instance.
PRINCIPLES
10) God is so merciful that He does not mind when we complain about our troubles.
11) The Lord wants us to trust Him with whatever vexes our souls.
12) God expects His people to cry out to Him for deliverance from whatever distresses us.
Psalm 57:1-6
1 [[To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.]] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me. 3 He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 4 My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Under what circumstances was this psalm written? (v.1a)
2) What did David ask of the Lord and why? (v.1b)
3) What was David going to do and for how long? (v.2)
4) What did David expect the Lord to do in response? (v.3)
5) How did David describe his situation? (v.4,6)
6) What did David desire from the Lord? (v.5)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What do you typically do when going through spiritual warfare?
8) What do you typically do to demonstrate your trust in the Lord during such times?
9) Have you ever been so overwhelmed by your circumstances that you could not praise God? If so, please describe one such instance.
PRINCIPLES
10) God is so merciful that He does not mind when we complain about our troubles.
11) The Lord wants us to trust Him with whatever vexes our souls.
12) God expects His people to cry out to Him for deliverance from whatever distresses us.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Why is my Pain Unending?
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Jeremiah 15:10-18
10 Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; [yet] every one of them doth curse me. 11 The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee [well] in the time of evil and in the time of affliction. 12 Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel? 13 Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and [that] for all thy sins, even in all thy borders. 14 And I will make [thee] to pass with thine enemies into a land [which] thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, [which] shall burn upon you. 15 O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. 16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. 17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, [which] refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, [and as] waters [that] fail?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is Jeremiah's complaint to the mother who bore him? (v.10)
2) What is the Lord's response to Jeremiah? (v.11-14)
3) How did Jeremiah respond to the Lord? (v.15-17)
4) What does Jeremiah ask the Lord? (v.18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever questionned why you have endured as much trouble as you have? If so, please describe one such instance.
6) If you know, what do you think may be the root cause of your trouble(s)?
7) What is the Lord's counsel to you, from His word?
PRINCIPLES
8) The enemy often lies to us about our value to God and to others.
9) The truth of God's word is greater than any lie that the enemy tells you about yourself.
10) The Word of God not only saves us but it heals and delivers us.
Jeremiah 15:10-18
10 Woe is me, my mother, that thou hast borne me a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have neither lent on usury, nor men have lent to me on usury; [yet] every one of them doth curse me. 11 The LORD said, Verily it shall be well with thy remnant; verily I will cause the enemy to entreat thee [well] in the time of evil and in the time of affliction. 12 Shall iron break the northern iron and the steel? 13 Thy substance and thy treasures will I give to the spoil without price, and [that] for all thy sins, even in all thy borders. 14 And I will make [thee] to pass with thine enemies into a land [which] thou knowest not: for a fire is kindled in mine anger, [which] shall burn upon you. 15 O LORD, thou knowest: remember me, and visit me, and revenge me of my persecutors; take me not away in thy longsuffering: know that for thy sake I have suffered rebuke. 16 Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. 17 I sat not in the assembly of the mockers, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of thy hand: for thou hast filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, [which] refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, [and as] waters [that] fail?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is Jeremiah's complaint to the mother who bore him? (v.10)
2) What is the Lord's response to Jeremiah? (v.11-14)
3) How did Jeremiah respond to the Lord? (v.15-17)
4) What does Jeremiah ask the Lord? (v.18)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever questionned why you have endured as much trouble as you have? If so, please describe one such instance.
6) If you know, what do you think may be the root cause of your trouble(s)?
7) What is the Lord's counsel to you, from His word?
PRINCIPLES
8) The enemy often lies to us about our value to God and to others.
9) The truth of God's word is greater than any lie that the enemy tells you about yourself.
10) The Word of God not only saves us but it heals and delivers us.
11) At times, the Lord allows us to endure hardship despite our obedience to His will.
Monday, October 13, 2014
You Destroy the Hope of Mortals
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Job 14:14-22
14 If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. 16 For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin? 17 My transgression [is] sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity. 18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. 19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow [out] of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man. 20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. 21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth [it] not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth [it] not of them. 22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Job's question about death and what was he waiting for? (v.14)
2) What did Job assume about God concerning prayer? (v.15)
3) What did Job assume about God and his sin? (v.16-17)
4) What did Job assume about the Lord's creation? (v.18-19b)
5) What did Job assume about God concerning humankind? (v.19c-22)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What were your earliest beliefs about God and His creation?
7) Were your beliefs about God, at that time, correct? If not, why not?
9) Name three of Job's assumptions about God that were incorrect? If possible, cite a Scripture that refutes that assumption.
PRINCIPLES
10) God uses tests and trials to bring us to a greater experiential knowledge of His character.
11) If the Lord did not allow tests in our lives, we would never grow to know Him experientially.
12) Head knowledge about Almighty God is no substitute for experiential knowledge.
13) We're most likely to err concerning God's character when we do not know Him through experience and His Word.
Job 14:14-22
14 If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come. 15 Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands. 16 For now thou numberest my steps: dost thou not watch over my sin? 17 My transgression [is] sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity. 18 And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. 19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow [out] of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man. 20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. 21 His sons come to honour, and he knoweth [it] not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth [it] not of them. 22 But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What was Job's question about death and what was he waiting for? (v.14)
2) What did Job assume about God concerning prayer? (v.15)
3) What did Job assume about God and his sin? (v.16-17)
4) What did Job assume about the Lord's creation? (v.18-19b)
5) What did Job assume about God concerning humankind? (v.19c-22)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What were your earliest beliefs about God and His creation?
7) Were your beliefs about God, at that time, correct? If not, why not?
9) Name three of Job's assumptions about God that were incorrect? If possible, cite a Scripture that refutes that assumption.
PRINCIPLES
10) God uses tests and trials to bring us to a greater experiential knowledge of His character.
11) If the Lord did not allow tests in our lives, we would never grow to know Him experientially.
12) Head knowledge about Almighty God is no substitute for experiential knowledge.
13) We're most likely to err concerning God's character when we do not know Him through experience and His Word.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Set a Time to Remember Me
Monday, October 13, 2014
Job 14:7-13
7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; 9 [Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. 10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where [is] he? 11 [As] the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: 12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the "hope of a tree"? (v.7-9)
2) What is the fate of man? (v.10-12)
3) What was Jobs plea to the Lord? (v.13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever suffered a loss that was so devastating that you despaired of life? If so, what happened?
5) Have you ever felt that the Lord was angry with you? If so, why?
6) What, if anything, do you appreciate about nature more than the lowly estate of man?
PRINCIPLES
7) Nature provides a glimpse into the goodness of God.
8) When we lose our hope in God, we lose our hope in life.
9) Our relationship with the Lord enables us to endure the suffering that we will face in this life.
Job 14:7-13
7 For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. 8 Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; 9 [Yet] through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant. 10 But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where [is] he? 11 [As] the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up: 12 So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep. 13 O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What is the "hope of a tree"? (v.7-9)
2) What is the fate of man? (v.10-12)
3) What was Jobs plea to the Lord? (v.13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever suffered a loss that was so devastating that you despaired of life? If so, what happened?
5) Have you ever felt that the Lord was angry with you? If so, why?
6) What, if anything, do you appreciate about nature more than the lowly estate of man?
PRINCIPLES
7) Nature provides a glimpse into the goodness of God.
8) When we lose our hope in God, we lose our hope in life.
9) Our relationship with the Lord enables us to endure the suffering that we will face in this life.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Love that Endures Forever
Saturday, October 11, 2014
1 Chronicles 16:28-34
28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory [due] unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let [men] say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. 32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that [is] therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are God's people to give to the Lord? (v.28-29a)
2) How are God's people to worship the Lord? (v29b)
3) How is creation to worship God? (v.30-33)
4) What are we to give to the Lord for His goodness and mercy? (v.34)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) How do you worship the Lord in your church?
6) How do you worship the Lord during your private devotions?
7) What are you most thankful to the Lord about?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord created every living thing to worship Him.
9) The Lord is worshipped through our sacrifices to Him.
10) Thanksgiving is a form of worship.
1 Chronicles 16:28-34
28 Give unto the LORD, ye kindreds of the people, give unto the LORD glory and strength. 29 Give unto the LORD the glory [due] unto his name: bring an offering, and come before him: worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. 30 Fear before him, all the earth: the world also shall be stable, that it be not moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let [men] say among the nations, The LORD reigneth. 32 Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that [is] therein. 33 Then shall the trees of the wood sing out at the presence of the LORD, because he cometh to judge the earth. 34 O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good; for his mercy [endureth] for ever.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What are God's people to give to the Lord? (v.28-29a)
2) How are God's people to worship the Lord? (v29b)
3) How is creation to worship God? (v.30-33)
4) What are we to give to the Lord for His goodness and mercy? (v.34)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) How do you worship the Lord in your church?
6) How do you worship the Lord during your private devotions?
7) What are you most thankful to the Lord about?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord created every living thing to worship Him.
9) The Lord is worshipped through our sacrifices to Him.
10) Thanksgiving is a form of worship.
Thursday, October 9, 2014
My Heart is Steadfast
Friday, October 10, 2014
Psalm 57:7-11
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early. 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 10 For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist proclaim? (v.7)
2) What has the psalmist purposed to do? (v.8-9)
3) Why will the psalmist do what he has written of in Scripture? (v.10)
4) What does the psalmist desire for the Lord? (v.11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What do you do to exalt the Lord?
6) Why do you exalt the Lord?
7) What does the mercy of God mean to you?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord's greatness is worthy of exaltation.
9) The mercy of God is deserving of praise.
10) The glory of the Lord covers the earth because His goodness is limitless.
Psalm 57:7-11
7 My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I [myself] will awake early. 9 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: I will sing unto thee among the nations. 10 For thy mercy [is] great unto the heavens, and thy truth unto the clouds. 11 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist proclaim? (v.7)
2) What has the psalmist purposed to do? (v.8-9)
3) Why will the psalmist do what he has written of in Scripture? (v.10)
4) What does the psalmist desire for the Lord? (v.11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) What do you do to exalt the Lord?
6) Why do you exalt the Lord?
7) What does the mercy of God mean to you?
PRINCIPLES
8) The Lord's greatness is worthy of exaltation.
9) The mercy of God is deserving of praise.
10) The glory of the Lord covers the earth because His goodness is limitless.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
God's Purpose for me
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Psalm 57:1-6
1 [[To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.]] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me. 3 He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 4 My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did David ask of the Lord and why? (v.1)
2) What did David say that he would do until the Lord answered his request? (v.2)
3) What did David expect the Lord to do for him? (v.3)
4) How did David describe his situation? (v.4)
5) What did David do after presenting his petition to the Lord? (v.5)
6) What did David say that his enemies had done against him? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever encountered a life situation that was too much for you to handle on your own? If so, how did you handle it?
8) What do you typically do when you are overwhelmed by adversities?
9) Have you ever praised the Lord in the midst of adversity? If so, what happened?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord expects His children to call upon Him in times of trouble.
11) The Lord is a Refuge for His children.
12) The Lord will protect us from our enemies when we have been obedient to His will.
Psalm 57:1-6
1 [[To the chief Musician, Altaschith, Michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave.]] Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until [these] calamities be overpast. 2 I will cry unto God most high; unto God that performeth [all things] for me. 3 He shall send from heaven, and save me [from] the reproach of him that would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. 4 My soul [is] among lions: [and] I lie [even among] them that are set on fire, [even] the sons of men, whose teeth [are] spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; [let] thy glory [be] above all the earth. 6 They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen [themselves]. Selah.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did David ask of the Lord and why? (v.1)
2) What did David say that he would do until the Lord answered his request? (v.2)
3) What did David expect the Lord to do for him? (v.3)
4) How did David describe his situation? (v.4)
5) What did David do after presenting his petition to the Lord? (v.5)
6) What did David say that his enemies had done against him? (v.6)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever encountered a life situation that was too much for you to handle on your own? If so, how did you handle it?
8) What do you typically do when you are overwhelmed by adversities?
9) Have you ever praised the Lord in the midst of adversity? If so, what happened?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord expects His children to call upon Him in times of trouble.
11) The Lord is a Refuge for His children.
12) The Lord will protect us from our enemies when we have been obedient to His will.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Do Not Fear
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
Isaiah 44:1-8
1 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: 2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: 4 And they shall spring up [as] among the grass, as willows by the water courses. 5 One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel. 6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God. 7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. 8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the Lord refer to the people He is speaking to in this passage? (v.1)
2) What does the Lord remind them of and what does He promise them? (v.2)
3) What four things will the Lord pour out and upon what will He pour them? (v.3)
4) What will happen to whatever the Lord pours upon? (v.4)
5) How will the people respond to the Lord's outpouring? (v.5)
6) What does the Lord declare about Himself? (v.6-7)
7) What does the Lord tell His people and why? (v.8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) Have you recently experienced revival in your personal walk with the Lord? If so, briefly describe what happened.
9) Are you in need of revival in your spiritual life? If so, what will you do to be revived?
10) Have you ever been fearful, since committing your life to the Lord? If so, please explain one such time.
PRINCIPLES
11) The Lord is a God of restoration and revival.
12) Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is life and blessing.
13) We need never fear anyone or anything, except our Creator God.
Isaiah 44:1-8
1 Yet now hear, O Jacob my servant; and Israel, whom I have chosen: 2 Thus saith the LORD that made thee, and formed thee from the womb, [which] will help thee; Fear not, O Jacob, my servant; and thou, Jesurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring: 4 And they shall spring up [as] among the grass, as willows by the water courses. 5 One shall say, I [am] the LORD'S; and another shall call [himself] by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe [with] his hand unto the LORD, and surname [himself] by the name of Israel. 6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God. 7 And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them shew unto them. 8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared [it]? ye [are] even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, [there is] no God; I know not [any].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) How does the Lord refer to the people He is speaking to in this passage? (v.1)
2) What does the Lord remind them of and what does He promise them? (v.2)
3) What four things will the Lord pour out and upon what will He pour them? (v.3)
4) What will happen to whatever the Lord pours upon? (v.4)
5) How will the people respond to the Lord's outpouring? (v.5)
6) What does the Lord declare about Himself? (v.6-7)
7) What does the Lord tell His people and why? (v.8)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) Have you recently experienced revival in your personal walk with the Lord? If so, briefly describe what happened.
9) Are you in need of revival in your spiritual life? If so, what will you do to be revived?
10) Have you ever been fearful, since committing your life to the Lord? If so, please explain one such time.
PRINCIPLES
11) The Lord is a God of restoration and revival.
12) Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is life and blessing.
13) We need never fear anyone or anything, except our Creator God.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Why Do You Stand Far Off?
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Psalm 10:1-11
1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble? 2 The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. 3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth. 4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts. 5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments [are] far above out of his sight: [as for] all his enemies, he puffeth at them. 6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I shall] never [be] in adversity. 7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity. 8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. 9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. 10 He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. 11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the psalmish ask the Lord? (v.1)
2) What were the psalmist's complaints against the wicked? (v.2-10)
3) What did the wicked believe about God? (v.11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever encountered a wicked person?
5) If so, how applicable was the psalmist's description to the individual(s) you know?
6) If not, have you ever behaved as a wicked person? Please explain how?
PRINCIPLES
7) Wicked people are self-centered, not God-centered.
8) Wicked people do not fear God.
9) Wicked people do not know the Lord.
10) The Lord often sends His people among the wicked to be a light to them.
Psalm 10:1-11
1 Why standest thou afar off, O LORD? [why] hidest thou [thyself] in times of trouble? 2 The wicked in [his] pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined. 3 For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous, [whom] the LORD abhorreth. 4 The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek [after God]: God [is] not in all his thoughts. 5 His ways are always grievous; thy judgments [are] far above out of his sight: [as for] all his enemies, he puffeth at them. 6 He hath said in his heart, I shall not be moved: for [I shall] never [be] in adversity. 7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue [is] mischief and vanity. 8 He sitteth in the lurking places of the villages: in the secret places doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are privily set against the poor. 9 He lieth in wait secretly as a lion in his den: he lieth in wait to catch the poor: he doth catch the poor, when he draweth him into his net. 10 He croucheth, [and] humbleth himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. 11 He hath said in his heart, God hath forgotten: he hideth his face; he will never see [it].
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the psalmish ask the Lord? (v.1)
2) What were the psalmist's complaints against the wicked? (v.2-10)
3) What did the wicked believe about God? (v.11)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you ever encountered a wicked person?
5) If so, how applicable was the psalmist's description to the individual(s) you know?
6) If not, have you ever behaved as a wicked person? Please explain how?
PRINCIPLES
7) Wicked people are self-centered, not God-centered.
8) Wicked people do not fear God.
9) Wicked people do not know the Lord.
10) The Lord often sends His people among the wicked to be a light to them.
Forsaken by Family and Friends
Monday, October 6, 2014
Job 19:13-21
13 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. 14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. 15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. 16 I called my servant, and he gave [me] no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. 17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's [sake] of mine own body. 18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. 19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. 20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. 21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Job responds to his friends. Who was he estranged from? (v.13)
2) Who failed and forgot him? (v.14)
3) Who treated him as a stranger (alien)? (v.15)
4) How did Job's servant respond to him? (v.16)
5) How did Job's wife treat him? (v.17)
6) Who despised him and spoke against him? (v.18)
7) Who abhorred him and turned against Job? (v.19)
8) What had Job escaped his affliction with? (v.20)
9) Why did Job ask his friends to have pity on Him? (v.21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) Have you ever suffered a terrible loss in your life?
11) If so, how did the people who heard of your calamity treat you?
12) If you have ever suffered loss, did you feel that even the Lord had turned against you? If so, why?
PRINCIPLES
13) If the Lord allows us to suffer losses, it is for our good and His glory.
14) The Lord may allow affliction in our lives, not to punish us, but to mature us.
15) Before the Lord will promote us, He may allow us to lose everything we cherish.
Job 19:13-21
13 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. 14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. 15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. 16 I called my servant, and he gave [me] no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. 17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's [sake] of mine own body. 18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. 19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. 20 My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. 21 Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Job responds to his friends. Who was he estranged from? (v.13)
2) Who failed and forgot him? (v.14)
3) Who treated him as a stranger (alien)? (v.15)
4) How did Job's servant respond to him? (v.16)
5) How did Job's wife treat him? (v.17)
6) Who despised him and spoke against him? (v.18)
7) Who abhorred him and turned against Job? (v.19)
8) What had Job escaped his affliction with? (v.20)
9) Why did Job ask his friends to have pity on Him? (v.21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
10) Have you ever suffered a terrible loss in your life?
11) If so, how did the people who heard of your calamity treat you?
12) If you have ever suffered loss, did you feel that even the Lord had turned against you? If so, why?
PRINCIPLES
13) If the Lord allows us to suffer losses, it is for our good and His glory.
14) The Lord may allow affliction in our lives, not to punish us, but to mature us.
15) Before the Lord will promote us, He may allow us to lose everything we cherish.
Friday, October 3, 2014
In God I Trust
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Psalm 56:8-13
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book? 9 When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me. 10 In God will I praise [his] word: in the LORD will I praise [his] word. 11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 12 Thy vows [are] upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. 13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist ask the Lord? (v.8)
2) Why did the psalmist expect to happen when he cried out to the Lord? Why? (v.9)
3) What would the psalmist do in response? (v.10)
4) What was the psalmist's attitude toward the Lord? (v.11)
5) What else would the psalmist do unto the Lord? Why? (v.12-13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How sincere (truthful) is your relationship with the Lord?
7) What is more important to you, your relationship with the Lord, or your relationship with other people? Why?
8) What do you typically praise the Lord for?
PRINCIPLES
9) When we cry out to God, He will deliver us from the hand of our enemies.
10) We can trust the Lord with our fears and our tears.
11) God is merciful and full of compassion.
12) You enemies cannot do anything to you, unless the Lord allows them to.
Psalm 56:8-13
8 Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: [are they] not in thy book? 9 When I cry [unto thee], then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know; for God [is] for me. 10 In God will I praise [his] word: in the LORD will I praise [his] word. 11 In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me. 12 Thy vows [are] upon me, O God: I will render praises unto thee. 13 For thou hast delivered my soul from death: [wilt] not [thou deliver] my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist ask the Lord? (v.8)
2) Why did the psalmist expect to happen when he cried out to the Lord? Why? (v.9)
3) What would the psalmist do in response? (v.10)
4) What was the psalmist's attitude toward the Lord? (v.11)
5) What else would the psalmist do unto the Lord? Why? (v.12-13)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) How sincere (truthful) is your relationship with the Lord?
7) What is more important to you, your relationship with the Lord, or your relationship with other people? Why?
8) What do you typically praise the Lord for?
PRINCIPLES
9) When we cry out to God, He will deliver us from the hand of our enemies.
10) We can trust the Lord with our fears and our tears.
11) God is merciful and full of compassion.
12) You enemies cannot do anything to you, unless the Lord allows them to.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Be Merciful to me, O God
Friday, October 3, 2014
Psalm 56:1-7
1 [To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.] Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. 2 Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up: for [they be] many that fight against me, O thou most High. 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. 5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil. 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. 7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in [thine] anger cast down the people, O God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist ask of the Lord? Why? (v.1-2)
2) When does the psalmist say that he will trust in God? (v.3)
3) How will the psalmist demonstrate his trust in the Lord? (v.4)
4) What are the psalmist's enemies like? (v.5-6)
5) What does the Psalmist ask the Lord to do? (v.7)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What frightens (or angers) you most?
7) How does that fear (or anger) manifest in your life?
8) How do you manage your emotional enemies?
PRINCIPLES
9) Any person, place, or thing that takes our focus off God is an enemy.
10) The worst thing that Christians can do when facing enemies is to focus more on the enemy (or self) than to focus on Jesus.
11) The Lord understands our weaknesses and will deliver us from our enemies or give us grace to endure their attacks.
Psalm 56:1-7
1 [To the chief Musician upon Jonathelemrechokim, Michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath.] Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. 2 Mine enemies would daily swallow [me] up: for [they be] many that fight against me, O thou most High. 3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. 4 In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me. 5 Every day they wrest my words: all their thoughts [are] against me for evil. 6 They gather themselves together, they hide themselves, they mark my steps, when they wait for my soul. 7 Shall they escape by iniquity? in [thine] anger cast down the people, O God.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist ask of the Lord? Why? (v.1-2)
2) When does the psalmist say that he will trust in God? (v.3)
3) How will the psalmist demonstrate his trust in the Lord? (v.4)
4) What are the psalmist's enemies like? (v.5-6)
5) What does the Psalmist ask the Lord to do? (v.7)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What frightens (or angers) you most?
7) How does that fear (or anger) manifest in your life?
8) How do you manage your emotional enemies?
PRINCIPLES
9) Any person, place, or thing that takes our focus off God is an enemy.
10) The worst thing that Christians can do when facing enemies is to focus more on the enemy (or self) than to focus on Jesus.
11) The Lord understands our weaknesses and will deliver us from our enemies or give us grace to endure their attacks.
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Blessed be the Name
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Job 1:13-21
13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: 14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: 15 And the Sabeans fell [upon them], and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: 19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were Job's children doing on the day before calamities befell him? (v.13)
2) What did the first messenger tell Job? (v.14-15)
3) What did the second messenger tell Job? (v.16)
4) What did the third messenger tell Job? (v.17)
5) What did the fourth messenger tell Job? (v.18-19)
6) How did Job respond to all of that had happened? (v.20-21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What is the worst news that you have ever received in your life?
8) How did you respond to the news?
9) Were you able to worship the Lord despite your trouble?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord deserves to be worshipped in whatever situation we face, whether good or bad.
11) The Lord does not cause trouble, but He will allow it to test our faith.
12) Nothing that we have in this life belongs to us, we are merely stewards of the things and people that the Lord blesses us with.
Job 1:13-21
13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: 14 And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them: 15 And the Sabeans fell [upon them], and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 16 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 17 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 18 While he [was] yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters [were] eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house: 19 And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee. 20 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, 21 And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were Job's children doing on the day before calamities befell him? (v.13)
2) What did the first messenger tell Job? (v.14-15)
3) What did the second messenger tell Job? (v.16)
4) What did the third messenger tell Job? (v.17)
5) What did the fourth messenger tell Job? (v.18-19)
6) How did Job respond to all of that had happened? (v.20-21)
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) What is the worst news that you have ever received in your life?
8) How did you respond to the news?
9) Were you able to worship the Lord despite your trouble?
PRINCIPLES
10) The Lord deserves to be worshipped in whatever situation we face, whether good or bad.
11) The Lord does not cause trouble, but He will allow it to test our faith.
12) Nothing that we have in this life belongs to us, we are merely stewards of the things and people that the Lord blesses us with.
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