JOHN 17 This is how Jesus prayed for Himself (v.1-5). For what purposes was Jesus praying for Himself? For what purposes should we be praying for ourselves? This is how Jesus prayed for His disciples (v.6-19). Why does Jesus choose to not pray for the world? Why pray for protection, unity, joy and sanctification? What…
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 SAMUEL 2:1-11 The one praising God after years of being childless is again barren (1:24-28). What does her amazing gift say about Hannah’s heart? To what extent are we willing to give our children to God? Hannah sings a song to glorify God above all else (2:1-5a). What does Hannah’s praise at that time…
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…
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…
JOHN 10:22-39 The background for the feast of dedication is found in Daniel 11:29-35. What can we learn about God’s sustaining and strengthening care for His people? What can we learn from the one day of oil that lasted for eight days? (Kislev 25) The 4th century dating of Christmas is tied to the dating…
JOHN 10:10 Jesus came so that we can have life abundantly (John 10:10). How is life more abundant with our Good Shepherd? How many people would describe you as living abundantly? What can we do to better realize this abundant life? Jesus gives abundant life to those who follow Him (Luke 9:23). How does Jesus’…
HEBREWS 4:12 In its context, the purpose of the word is to bring rest (v.8-13). What is the ‘For’ there for? How did our Creator carefully design rest into the creation (Genesis 1:31-2:2)? The word overcomes self-condemning hearts that rob us of rest (I John 3:20). What assurance does the word offer us in this…
PSALM 145 Introduction: We are called to praise God forever and ever (v.1-2). Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise (v.3-7). How does the habit of praise pass from one generation to another? What is the relationship between praising God and meditation? How well are we praising, proclaiming and joyously singing of His…
Psalm 95:1-11 Complaining will harden your heart if you let it (v.7b-9). What did the Israelites do at Meribah and Massah (Exodus 17:1-7)? What happens to the heart of a complainer? How long was God bothered by their complaining? (Hebrews 3:7-11) Complainers allow their hearts to go astray (v.10). If you really know the ways…