Are you unemployed, underemployed, or employed? The keyword to all of these concepts is “work.” What is our work? Who is our example and resource? When is our retirement? Time for your on-the-job training! Let’s get to…work?
ROMANS 8:18-25 This life’s trials are incapable of being compared to our hope of glory (v.18). What weight of suffering could compare to the weight of the glory that is coming? Why would God want us to think about this comparison? (2 Cor. 4:17) This creation has become the very definition of hope for us…
I PETER 1:3-9 By His mercy, God caused us to be born to a living hope (v.3). Why is it so important to know that our hope comes from God’s mercy? How empty would salvation be without the joy that comes from a living hope? The means by which we were born to a living…
LAMENTATIONS 3:1-26 Jeremiah in experiencing terrible anguish says, “I hurt!” (v.1-18) How badly was Jeremiah hurting? (2:11-12; 3:48) Why is it so important for us to take our anguish to God in prayer? Jeremiah, still in terrible anguish says, “I remember!” (v.19-21) Besides his past trials, what else does Jeremiah remember? Besides our past trials,…
JOB 19:25-27 In Joshua and soon in Ruth we read about a ‘kinsman-redeemer’ (Ruth 2:20). How did a kinsman redeemer bless those who were in need? What protection was possible because of a kinsman-redeemer? Job, in the midst of trials trusted in his redeemer (Job 19:25-27). In the face of such terrible trials, how could…
NUMBERS 20:1-13 There are situations that provide excuses for bad behavior (v.1-5). When we lose loved ones and endure complaining, what is our responsibility? How can we strengthen our resolve to honor God even in hard times? Moses and Aaron initially honored God (v.6-9). Why is it so important for us to come to God…
EXODUS 14 When we learn that God is with us, we want to follow (Exodus 4:29-31). How do you think the Israelites felt when they heard this great news? How do we and our loved ones feel when we hear the news of God’s grace? When we are going through hard times we don’t want…
JOB 1-2 Before we read Job, we must be reminded of God’s nature (Exodus 34:6-7). Why was it important for God to let Moses, the leader of Israel, know His nature? Is the story of Job able to transform the nature of God (I John 4:7-9)? Since God is love, why would He initiate this…
I THESSALONIANS 5:12-22 Appreciation of our elders naturally flows from a thankful heart (v.12-13). How can we better show appreciation to our elders this week? Why would God want us to give honor to humble servants? A thankful heart affects behavior in times of trials and needs (v.14-15). How does the behavior of these verses…
ACTS 26:24-29 Non-Christians do not understand our joy in the message (v.24). What message had Paul been sharing? (v.2-23) What is it about the behavior of a Christian that bewilders others? What devotion and delight in your life is puzzling to others? The message in which we delight is both true and serious (v.25). Why…