Do we have a comfort problem? The pandemic has been marked by an unprecedented indulgence in “comfort food.” But in seeking comfort during these stressful times, have we missed the mark? Second Corinthians 1:3-7 includes the word “comfort” TEN times in just five short verses. Spoiler alert: it’s not about food! “Praise be to the…
I JOHN 1:1-4 Jesus’ character changed and motivated the first disciples (I John 1:1-4) How would your life have been changed if you had seen, touched and heard Jesus? What can we do to better see, hear and touch Jesus today? The cry of the growing church is “Come and see!” (John 4:28-30). When we…
I PETER 3:13-17 Hope motivates you to be zealous to do good (v.13-14). How bad is your suffering when you are living with hope? (Hebrews 12:2) How are we being blessed by suffering that has come from doing good? How is your hope protecting your heart from fear? Hope sanctifies Christ as Lord in our…
MARK 2:13-22 Levi/Matthew was transformed by a call to follow Jesus (v.13-14). What would motivate a successful man to leave his profession to follow Jesus? What will lead us to leave anything that hinders us from following Jesus? Transformed Levi/Matthew wanted all of his friends to meet Jesus (v.15). When he was leaving his job,…
I CHRONICLES 29 David was preparing so that the next generation could build the temple (v.1-5). Why would David want to give over $34 B in gold for the temple? What are we doing to help the next generation build God’s house? David’s devotion motivated others to provide even more for the temple (v.6-9). How…
I SAMUEL 24 David could later tell how 3,000 of the best troops chased him (v.1-2). If you are not busy working for the kingdom, what message will you share? Why is it important to share about opposition and obstacles you have faced? David had opportunity to easily rid himself of his enemy (v.3-4). What…
PSALM 80 Restore us to a close relationship with you O God (v.1-3). How close was God to Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh? (Num. 10:21-24) What is our plea when we aren’t as close to God as we long to be? Restore us from our tears to your presence (v.4-7). What is our plea when we…
ROMANS 8:31-39 What should be our response to God’s choosing (v.31a)? When we read verses 28-30, ‘what will we say in response?’ Why should the knowledge of God’s choice help to increase our assurance? “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (v.31b) What assurance do you receive from knowing that God is…
I CORINTHIANS 6:12-20 Because the body is for the Lord, we should choose no other master (v.12-13). How is Paul using their own words to teach them? What will protect you from being mastered? Because we will be raised from death, we should be morally pure (v.14). How should the coming resurrection motivate us toward…
TITUS 2:11-14 God’s grace teaches us to say “No!” to ungodliness (v.11-12). How does grace motivate your heart to want to reject temptation? How well are you allowing God’s grace to accomplish this in you? God’s grace teaches us to live sensible, godly lives (v.12). How does God’s grace allow a sensibility that is unavailable…