Christ Has Risen

Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Matthew 28:1-8 KJV 

1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. 2 And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. 3 His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: 4 And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead [men]. 5 And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. 6 He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What happened on the first day of the week, following our Lord Jesus' crucifixion and who beheld those things? (v.1-2)
2) How does Matthew describe the angel of the Lord and those who witnessed his appearing? (v.3-4)
3) What did the angel say to those who had seen him? (v.5-6)
4) What were the women instructed to do by the angel and what did he tell them to say about Jesus? (v.7)
5) How did the women depart from the tomb and what did they do? (v.8)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What, if anything, will you tell you children and/or grandchildren about the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ?
7) What, if anything will you do to share Jesus with those who do not know Him as Savior or Lord?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Jesus Christ rose from the dead so that all who believe could be witnesses of His life to those who have not heard the good news!
9) The good news is that all who believe on Jesus Christ, will also arise from the dead to eternal life with Him.

Jesus Has Died

Monday, March 30, 2015
Matthew 27:45-50 KJV 

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. 46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? 47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard [that], said, This [man] calleth for Elias. 48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled [it] with vinegar, and put [it] on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. 50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) As our Lord Jesus was being crucified, what happened between the sixth and the ninth hour? (v.45)
2) What was Jesus' cry at about the ninth hour? (v.46)
3) What did some of the onlookers say about Jesus after hearing him cry out? (v.47) 
4) What did one of the onlookers do to Jesus? (v.48)
5) What did the rest of the onlookers say? (v.49)
6) What happened after Jesus cried out again? (v.50)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever felt forsaken by, or distant from, the Father? If so, what is that like?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Father distances Himself from us when we have unconfessed sin in our lives.
9) Though He was sinless, Jesus was forsaken by the Father because He bore the sins of all who would believe on Him.

Blessed is the Coming Kingdom

Sunday, March 29, 2015
Mark 11:1-11 KJV 

1 And when they came nigh to Jerusalem, unto Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount of Olives, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, 2 And saith unto them, Go your way into the village over against you: and as soon as ye be entered into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon never man sat; loose him, and bring [him]. 3 And if any man say unto you, Why do ye this? say ye that the Lord hath need of him; and straightway he will send him hither. 4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without in a place where two ways met; and they loose him. 5 And certain of them that stood there said unto them, What do ye, loosing the colt? 6 And they said unto them even as Jesus had commanded: and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and cast their garments on him; and he sat upon him. 8 And many spread their garments in the way: and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed [them] in the way. 9 And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed [is] he that cometh in the name of the Lord: 10 Blessed [be] the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest. 11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) As Jesus and His disciple approached Jerusalem, what did our Lord do and say to them? (v.1-3)
2) What happened after the disciples left? (v.4-6)
3) What did the disciples do after the colt was brought to Jesus? (v.7-8)
4) What did those who went before, and those that followed, Him say? (v.9-10)
5) What did Jesus do after entering Jerusalem? (v.11)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What, if anything, are you doing to celebrate our Lord's first incarnation on this earth?
7) What, if anything, are you doing to prepare for our Lord's return to this earth?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Few celebrated the arrival of God's kingdom during our Lord's first incarnation, but every knee will bow after Jesus' second incarnation on earth.

The World Has Gone After Him

Saturday, March 28, 2015
John 12:14-19 KJV

14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, 15 Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. 16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and [that] they had done these things unto him. 17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. 18 For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. 19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Why did Jesus make His triumphal entry into Jerusalem sitting on a donkey's colt? (v.14-15)
2) Did Jesus disciples understand this when it happened? If not, when did they understand it? (v.16)
3) Who met Jesus along the way and why? (v.17-18)
4) What did the Pharisees do and say as Jesus rode into Jerusalem? (v.19)

APPLICATIONS QUESTIONS
5) What else did our Lord Jesus do, in fulfillment of Old Testament prophesy, just before, during and/or after His crucifixion.
6) If possible, identify the specific Scripture(s) that allude to the event(s) cited above.

LIFE LESSONS
7) The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies are the best witnesses to our Lord's life on earth.

The Coming Son of Man

Friday, March 27, 2015
Mark 14:55-62 KJV 

55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put him to death; and found none. 56 For many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. 57 And there arose certain, and bare false witness against him, saying, 58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands. 59 But neither so did their witness agree together. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, saying, Answerest thou nothing? what [is it which] these witness against thee? 61 But he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked him, and said unto him, Art thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? 62 And Jesus said, I am: and ye shall see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What were the Jewish leaders seeking to find against Jesus and why? (v.55a)
2) Were they successful? Why not? (v.55b-59)
3) What did the high priest say to our Lord Jesus? (v.60)
4) How did Jesus respond? (v.61a)
5) What did the high priest ask of Jesus the second time? (v.61b)
6) What did Jesus finally say in response to the high priest? (v.62)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) As we approach Resurrection Sunday, what are you telling your children, grandchildren, and/or others about Jesus?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Our Lord Jesus died and rose again so that believers may bear witness that He died for the sins of all and will return again soon.

Beware, Keep Alert

Thursday, March 26, 2015
Mark 13:30-37 KJV

30 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 32 But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. 33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34 [For the Son of man is] as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. 35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36 Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37 And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After telling His disciples about the end of the age and the great tribulation, what does our Lord tell the listeners and what warning does He give them? (v.30-37)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) What are you doing to prepare for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ?

LIFE LESSONS
3) Be ready. Watch and pray for our Lord will return suddenly.
4) Be ready.  Abide in the word of God and let the word of God abide in you.
5) Be ready. Be filled with the Holy Spirit at all times for no one knows the day or hour of our Lord's return.

God Highly Exalted Him

Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Philippians 2:9-16 KJV 

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; 11 And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of [his] good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings: 15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; 16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Because our Lord Jesus humbled himself and became obedient unto death, what did Father God do for Him? (v.9)
2) Because Jesus' name is exalted how will things on earth respond to that name? Why? (v.10-11)
3) What does the Apostle Paul encourage believers to do and why? (v.12-13)
4) What else does Paul encourage Christians to do? Why? (v.14-16)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) How do you invoke the Name of Jesus in your life?
6) What do you do to work out your salvation?

LIFE LESSONS
7) The Name of Jesus is not an incantation, but invokes the power of God in every situation in which we need His power.
8) The Lord saves us, but we yield to His sanctifying work by yielding to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

A Righteous God and Savior

Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Isaiah 45:20-25 KJV

20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye [that are] escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god [that] cannot save. 21 Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me. 22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else. 23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 24 Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. 25 In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) The Lord is speaking of worldwide salvation through Israel in this passage of Scripture. What does He tell the remnant of His people to do? (v.20a)
2) What does the Lord say concerning the pagan nations? (v.20b)
3) What has the Lord been saying throughout time and how does He describe Himself? (v.21)
4) What does the Lord tell the nations of the earth to do and why? (v.22)
5) What else has the Lord said that will come to pass? (v.23)
6) What will become of those who rely on the Lord and of those who refuse? (v.24)
7) In whom will all the seed of Israel be justifed and glorified? (v.25)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) In whom are you trusting to be justifed and ultimately glorified? Why?

LIFE LESSONS
9) The Lord Jesus will reign over all nations that submit to Him as Savior and God.

God Judges the People with Equity

Monday, March 23, 2015
Psalm 67 KJV 

1 [[To the chief Musician on Neginoth, A Psalm [or] Song.]] God be merciful unto us, and bless us; [and] cause his face to shine upon us; Selah. 2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. 3 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. 4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah. 5 Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee. 6 [Then] shall the earth yield her increase; [and] God, [even] our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does the psalmist desire from the Lord for himself and the people of God? Why? (v.1-2)
2) What does the psalmist want the people of God and the nations to do? Why? (v.3-6)
3) What does the psalmist expect the Lord to do for His people and all the people of the earth? (v.7)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Why do you need the Lord's mercy and blessing this day?

LIFE LESSONS
5) All people, saved and unsaved, need God's mercy and blessing. That happens as His people praise and exalt Him.

Receive the Holy Spirit

Sunday, March 22, 2015
John 20:19-23 KJV 

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first [day] of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. 20 And when he had so said, he shewed unto them [his] hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace [be] unto you: as [my] Father hath sent me, even so send I you. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on [them], and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; [and] whose soever [sins] ye retain, they are retained.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) On the same day that the tomb was found empty, what happened in the evening? (v.19a-b)
2) What did the Lord say to, and do for, His disciples and how did they respond? (v.19c-21)
3) What else did the Risen Lord do and say to His disciples? (v.22-23)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) When was the first time that Jesus became "real" (manifested Himself) in your life? 

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Lord manifests in our lives through His word, our circumstances, and the witness of His people and Spirit.

Be Filled with the Spirit

Saturday, March 21, 2015
Ephesians 5:15-21 KJV

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord [is]. 18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; 19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; 20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) In what specific ways does the Apostle Paul say that the children of light are to live and why? (v.15-21)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
2) How are you living in these last and evil days?

LIFE LESSONS
3) The Lord would have His children to be filled with, and led by His Spirit, until His return.

Power from the Holy Spirit

Friday, March 20, 2015
Acts 1:4-8 KJV 

4 And, being assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me. 5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 6 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After our Lord Jesus' resurrection from the dead, He presented Himself alive to many of His disciples. What did Jesus command the disciples to do and why? (v.4-5)
2) What did the disciples ask the Lord following His command? (v.6)
3) What was our Lord's response to them? (v.7-8)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) If you have received the indwelling Holy Spirit, how has His presence manifested  through you?

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Holy Spirit is given to every believer to empower us to be His witnesses.

Joy in the Holy Spirit

Thursday, March 19, 2015
Romans 14:13-19 KJV 

13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in [his] brother's way. 14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that [there is] nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him [it is] unclean. 15 But if thy brother be grieved with [thy] meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 18 For he that in these things serveth Christ [is] acceptable to God, and approved of men. 19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After writing that we will all give an account to God for the things we do, what two things does the Apostle Paul warn us to refrain from doing? (v.13)
2) What does the apostle write concerning our personal convictions about what is clean or unclean? (v.14)
3) What does the apostle write concerning conduct that grieves our brothers (or sisters) and why? (v.15-17)
4) What does the apostle say about the things we do to serve Christ and others? (v.18-19)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
5) Have you ever done anything that weakened or grieved a brother (or sister) in Christ? If so, what if anything, did you do to make peace with that individual? 

LIFE LESSONS
6) Christ has given us liberty to do all things in Him that do not convict our spirits.
7) Our liberty in Christ should never grieve those who are weaker in their faith.

Full of the Spirit and Faith

Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Acts 11:19-26 KJV 

19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What happened after Stephen's stoning? (v.19)
2) Where did some of the men, who were scattered, come from and what did they do? (v.20)
3) What happened as they preached? (v.21-22a)
4) What did the church in Jerusalem do in response to what they heard? (v.22b)
5) What did Barnabus witness when he arrived in Antioch and what did he do in response? Why? (v.23-26a)
6) What did the apostles do and what were they called because of what happened in Antioch? (v.26b-c)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Have you ever been witness to the grace of God in growing His church? If so, please describe one such time.

LIFE LESSONS
8) Christians are to spread the good news, not simply warm the pews.
9) The Lord always blesses His church when we are obedient to His command to "go"!

Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Acts 10:39-48 KJV 

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) The Apostle Peter began to preach to Cornelius the centurion and his household. After telling them about Jesus, what else did the apostle tell the gentiles about the resurrected Lord? (v.39-43)
2) What happened as Peter was speaking? (v.44-46)
3) What did Peter say in response to what was happening? (v.47-48)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed on the Lord Jesus for your salvation? Why, or why not.

LIFE LESSONS
5) The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Holy Trinity.
6) The Holy Spirit infills every believer who asks for Him.
7) The Holy Spirit teaches and enables the believer to live the Christian life.

The Holy Spirit Speaks

Monday, March 16, 2015
Mark 13:5-11 KJV 

5 And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any [man] deceive you: 6 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am [Christ]; and shall deceive many. 7 And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for [such things] must needs be; but the end [shall] not [be] yet. 8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these [are] the beginnings of sorrows. 9 But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11 But when they shall lead [you], and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Our Lord Jesus responded to the question asked by His disciples concerning the destruction of the temple (and the end of the age). What was His warning to them (us)? (v.5)
2) What events did our Lord identify as the "beginning of sorrows"? (v.6-8)
3) What else did/does the Lord warn His disciples of and why? (v.9)
4) What must happen before all of these events take place? (v.10)
5) How does the Lord tell His followers to act during these troublesome times? (v.11)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) What are the signs that our Lord is soon to return and what are you doing to prepare yourself?

LIFE LESSONS
7) Trying times are taking place and about to transpire on this planet, but Christ's disciples are not to be troubled by any of them.
8) Our Lord is sovereignly in control of everything that has, and will, take place on the earth.

The Spirit of Truth Will Guide You

Sunday, March 15, 2015
John 16:4-15 KJV 

4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you. 5 But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, [that] shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew [it] unto you.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After telling His disciples of the world's hatred for them, what is our Lord's reason for telling His followers what He has and why did He tell them at that time? (v.4)
2) Where does Jesus say that He will be going and what does He ask His disciples? (v.5)
3) How do the disciples feel about what the Lord has told them? (v.6)
4) Why does Jesus say that He must leave His disciples? (v.7)
5) What three (3) things will the Comforter reprove the world of and why? (v.8-11)
6) What else does the Lord want to do for His disciples and why doesn't He do it? (v.12)
7) What else does the Lord tell His disciples about the Comforter and why He will do what He does? (v.13-15)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
8) What has the Holy Spirit (Comforter) revealed to your spirit recently and how did you respond? 

LIFE LESSONS
9) The Comforter (the Holy Spirit) reveals truth to our spirit concerning Scripture.

10) The Holy Spirit reveals the condition of our souls to save us and to glorify the Father.

Worship in Spirit and Truth

Saturday, March 14, 2015
John 4:21-26 KJV

21 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God [is] a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship [him] in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am [he].

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Our Lord Jesus was speaking with the Samaritan woman at the well. What was His response to her question about where to worship? (v.21-24)
2) What did the woman say in response to Jesus? (v.25)
3) What was our Lord's revelation to the woman? (v.26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
4) When and where do you typically worship the Lord?

LIFE LESSONS
5) Our worship of the Lord should not be confined to a building. Worship is a lifestyle of adoration and obedience to the Father.

I Commit My Spirit

Friday, March 13, 2015
Psalm 31:1-8 KJV 

1 [[To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.]] In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. 2 Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. 3 For thou [art] my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. 4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou [art] my strength. 5 Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth. 6 I have hated them that regard lying vanities: but I trust in the LORD. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities; 8 And hast not shut me up into the hand of the enemy: thou hast set my feet in a large room.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What does David ask of the Lord and why? (v.1-4)
2) What does the psalmist do and why? (v.5-8)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) What have you trusted the Lord with and why?

LIFE LESSONS
4) The Lord is our strength and deliverer. We can trust Him to help us in every situation that we face in life.

A Trustworthy Prophet of the Lord

Thursday, March 12, 2015
1Samuel 3:11-21 KJV 

11 And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all [things] which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. 14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. 15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here [am] I. 17 And he said, What [is] the thing that [the LORD] hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide [it] not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide [any] thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. 18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It [is] the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good. 19 And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel [was] established [to be] a prophet of the LORD. 21 And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) What did the Lord tell Samuel that he would do to the house of Israel and the house of Eli? (v.11)
2) What had the Lord told Eli concerning His judgment against the prophet's house? Why? (v.12-14)
3) What did Samuel do the next morning? (v.15)
4) What did Eli ask Samuel to do for him that same day? (v.16-17)
5) What did Samuel tell the older prophet and how did Eli respond? (v.18)
6) What immediately became of Samuel after his discourse with the Prophet Eli? (v.19-21))

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) Has the Lord ever used you to deliver difficult and/or troubling news to one of his servants? If so, briefly describe one such time.

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord expects those who serve Him to be faithful stewards over their God given gifts and the people He has blessed them to serve.
9) When the Lord's servants mistreat the sheep of His flock, He will demote, or remove, that servant and apppoint someone else to succeed him/her/them.

Speak, for Your Servant is Listening

Wednesday, March 11, 2015
1Samuel 3:1-10 KJV 

1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision. 2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see; 3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was], and Samuel was laid down [to sleep]; 4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I. 5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down. 6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again. 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him. 8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Who ministered to the Lord and before the priest Eli? (v.1a)
2) What was special about that person and the times in which he ministered? (v.1b)
3) Under what circumstances did the Lord call the child? (v.2-3)
4) How did the child and Eli respond to the Lord's call the first two times? Why? (v.4-7)
5) What happened after the Lord called the child the third time? (v.8)
6) What did the priest tell Samuel to do the next time the Lord called him and what did the child do the next time? (v.9-10)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How do you hear and discern the voice of the Lord in your own life?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Lord most often speaks to His children through His word (the Bible).
9) The Lord is always speaking, but we are not always listening because of the cares and distractions of life.
10) It is often easiest to hear the Lord when we are in a quiet, or solitary, place and receptive to hearing His voice.

The Lord has Closed your Eyes

Tuesday, March 10, 2015
Isaiah 29:8-14 KJV 

8 It shall even be as when an hungry [man] dreameth, and, behold, he eateth; but he awaketh, and his soul is empty: or as when a thirsty man dreameth, and, behold, he drinketh; but he awaketh, and, behold, [he is] faint, and his soul hath appetite: so shall the multitude of all the nations be, that fight against mount Zion. 9 Stay yourselves, and wonder; cry ye out, and cry: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. 10 For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. 11 And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which [men] deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it [is] sealed: 12 And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned. 13 Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near [me] with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: 14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, [even] a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise [men] shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent [men] shall be hid.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) After declaring that all the nations will attack Jerusalem (Mount Zion), what does the Lord declare about those who do so? (v.8)
2) What will the Lord allow to take place among His people, their prophets, and their spiritual leaders? Why? (v.9-14)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
3) Have you ever ignored the words or teachings of an individual that the Lord may have sent to help you and/or your church? If so, please describe one such time.

LIFE LESSONS
4) The Lord gives His people those with five-fold ministry gifts to edify His body.
5) When God's people ignore, or treat those the Lord sends to them wickedly, He sovereignly removes, or silences, those He sent and allows His people to languish in their error.

Where There is No Prophecy

Monday, March 9, 2015
Proverbs 29:12-18 KJV

12 If a ruler hearken to lies, all his servants [are] wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together: the LORD lighteneth both their eyes. 14 The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, his throne shall be established for ever. 15 The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul. 18 Where [there is] no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy [is] he.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) When a spiritual or civil leader listens to lies, what are the people who told them the lies like? (v.12)
2) What do the impoverished and the deceitful have in common? (v.13)
3) Whose authority is established forever? (v.14)
4) How should those who are wise exercise their spiritual authority over the spiritually immature? (v.15a)
5) What becomes of a natural or spiritual child who is left to themselves? (15b)
6) When transgression increases, what happens and why? (v.16)
7) How will the spiritually mature receive rest and what will happen to their relationship with their wayward spiritual child(ren)? (v.17)
8) What happens when there is no vision? (v.18)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
9) Are you in a position of spiritual authority in your home, job, church, or community? if so, what have you done to establish the God-given vision and/or rules for the souls that are in your care.

LIFE LESSONS
10) The Lord expects His people to exercise spiritual authority in those areas where He has blessed us to care for the souls of people.

An Advocate with you Forever

Sunday, March 8, 2015
John 14:16-26 KJV

16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 [Even] the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I [am] in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being [yet] present with you. 26 But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) Our Lord has told His disciples that He will be returning to the Father. What will Jesus do after His ascension and how will the Father respond? (v.16)
2) Who will Jesus' disciples receive and why can't the people of the world receive Him? (v.17)
3) How does our Lord reassure His disciples? (v.18)
4) How and why did (does) Jesus manifest His presence to His disciples? (v.19-21)
5) What did the other Judas ask our Lord? (v.22)
6) What was Jesus' response to that disciple's question? (v.23-24)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
7) How do you know that the Holy Spirit abides in you and what do you do to maintain His presence within you?

LIFE LESSONS
8) The Holy Spirit has been given to every believer in the Lord Jesus, who asks for Him. 
9) The Holy Spirit comforts and leades us into all truth.
10) We sense the presence of the Holy Spirit, in our lives, as we memorize and/or meditate upon God's word and apply it in our lives through God's grace and the enabling power of His Spirit.

When the Advocate Comes

Saturday, March 7, 2015
John 15:18-26 KJV 

18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. 19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. 23 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But [this cometh to pass], that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

OBSERVATION QUESTIONS
1) The Lord tells His disciples to abide in Him and love one another, so why will the world hate us? (v.18-19)
2) Why will we face persecution from the people of the world? (v.20-21)
3) What does the Lord have to say about the people of this world? (v.22-23)
4) Why did the people of the world hate our Lord? (v.24-25)
5) Why has the Lord sent the Comforter to every believer? (v.26)

APPLICATION QUESTIONS
6) Has anyone ever expressed hostility toward you or persecuted you because of you are a disciple of Christ? If so, please describe one such instance.
7) How did the Holy Spirit help you to resist the temptation to retaliate against those who hated you without a cause?

LIFE LESSONS
8) Following Christ is costly because it separates us from those who do not know, or understand our faith in Jesus.
9) The life of a Christian is eternally rewarding because the Holy Spirit abides in, directs, empowers, and comforts us.