Week 1, December 30, 2018 - January 5, 2019

This week marks the beginning of a New Year.  For 2019, we are going to put more emphasis on the New Testament, writing questions for every chapter.  It only takes 5 chapters per week to read the New Testament in a year. We will also encourage everyone to read through the entire Bible during the year and include questions each week for the Old Testament.

New Testament
John 1

• Who is "the Word" that John speaks about in this chapter?
• According to verse 12, what does a person have to do to become a child of God?
• What does verse 41 say was the first thing Andrew did when he began to follow Jesus?  Is telling someone else that you've found Jesus a natural thing for you to do?

John 2

• Verse 11 says that by turning water into wine Jesus, "revealed his glory."  Who was His glory revealed to?
• Why did Jesus drive out those who were selling animals and exchanging money?

John 3

• According to verse 18, who is not condemned?  Who is condemned?
• Why did John the Baptist say in verse 20 that he must become less?

John 4

• In John 4:10 what were the only two things that stood between the Samaritan woman and living water?
• Who did Jesus claim to be in verse 26?
• What food was Jesus talking about in verse 32?

John 5

• Why did the Jewish leaders want to kill Jesus in verse 18?
• In verse 24 who does Jesus say has eternal life?

Old Testament
Genesis 1-18

• Why did Adam and Eve disobey God in Genesis chapter 3?
• Genesis 4:5 says that God did not look with favor on Cain's offering, but does not explain why.  What should Cain have done?  Why did he kill his brother?
• In chapter 6 why did God say He regretted making man?
• How did Noah gather all the animals in chapter 7?
• According to Genesis 9:12-14, what is the significance of the rainbow?
• What did God command Abram in Genesis 12?  What promises did He make to Abram?
• Of the things that Abram recovered in Genesis 14, what did he give Melchizedek?  What did he give the king of Sodom?  What did he keep for himself?
• In Genesis 16 Abram and Sarai conspired to have a son through Hagar.  They were not expecting Sarai to ever give birth.  Are there ways in which you have tried to fulfill God's will for your life by making your own plans that weren't based on faith in God?
• Why did God change Abram's name to Abraham?

Psalms
Psalm 1 - 4

• What do you need to do to have the blessing spoken of in Psalm 1?
• Who is the son spoken of in Psalm 2:7 and 2:12?
• Can you sleep in peace the way David describes in Psalm 3:5 and Psalm 4:8?

Week 52, December 23 - 29, 2018

Sunday, December 23, Zechariah 1 - 3, Revelation 16

• Zechariah 1:3 says, "‘Return to me,’ declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you.’"  Why does God wait for us to return to Him?
• Who or what does God refer to as the apple of His eye in Zechariah 2:8?
• Why was Satan ready to accuse the high priest in Zechariah 3?  Who rebuked Satan?
• In Zechariah 3:10 God promises, "I will remove the sin of this land in a single day."  How was that fulfilled?
• Twice in Revelation 16, in verses 9 and 11, people are described as cursing God, but refusing to repent.  What causes such stubborn refusal to repent?

Monday, December 24, Zechariah 4 - 6, Psalm 148

• Zechariah 4:6 says, "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty."  Why did Zerubbabel need this encouragement?
• What does the woman in the basket in Zechariah 5 represent?
• What did God promise in Zechariah 6:15 if Joshua son of Jozadak would "diligently obey the Lord”?
• Psalm 148 instructs inanimate objects to praise the Lord, including sun and moon (verse 3), lightning, hail, snow, and clouds (verse 8), and mountains and hills (verse 9).  How can they praise the Lord?

Tuesday, December 25, Zechariah 7 - 8, Revelation 17 - 18

• The people asked a question in Zechariah 7:3 about the fasts that commemorated the destruction of Jerusalem and the captivity.  Now that they had returned and the temple was being rebuilt, they wondered whether those fasts served a purpose.  Chapters 7 and 8 answer the question, but why was such a long answer needed?
• Why does God speak about justice, mercy, and compassion in Zechariah 7:9 when the people were asking whether to fast or not?
• What does the prostitute in Revelation 17 represent?
• Revelation 18:4 commands, "Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins."  How does this command apply to you today?

Wednesday, December 26, Zechariah 9 - 11, Psalm 149

• How does Zechariah 9:9 say a king will enter Jerusalem?
• Zechariah 10:1 says, "Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime."  Rain in the springtime is something some people might take for granted.  What should you be praying for that you might tend to take for granted?
• What is the significance of the thirty pieces of silver in Zechariah 11:12?
• Psalm 149:4 says, "For the Lord takes delight in his people."  How should knowing this impact the way you live?

Thursday, December 27, Zechariah 12 - 14, Psalm 150

• Zechariah prophesied in 12:10, "They will look on me, the one they have pierced."  Is this describing something that has already happened or is yet to happen?
• Why will prophets be ashamed as foretold in Zechariah 13:4-6?
• What will result in the Mount of Olives splitting, according to Zechariah 14:4?
• Psalm 150:6 says, "Let everything that has breath praise the Lord."  When and how do you praise the Lord?

Friday, December 28, Malachi 1 - 2, Revelation 19 - 20

• In Malachi 1:8 God accuses the people of offering animals in sacrifice that they wouldn't offer to their governor.  Why would people think of giving God second best?
• In Malachi 2:2 God urges the priests to "resolve to honor my name."  What would this mean to you to resolve to honor God's name?
• In Malachi 2 God speaks against men who are unfaithful to their wives and says, "So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."  Why does God care about people honoring their marriage vows?
• Why did the angel tell John not to worship him in Revelation 19:10?
• Who is the rider on the white horse in Revelation 19:11?
• What happens to the beast and the false prophet in Revelation 19?
• At the end of Revelation 20, who is thrown into the lake of fire?  What are they being judged for?

Saturday, December 29, Malachi 3 - 4, Revelation 21 - 22

• Why does God, in Malachi 3, accuse people of robbing Him in tithes and offerings?
• Malachi 3:16 says, "Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard."  What does the Lord hear when He listens to your conversations?
• What does Malachi say God will do "before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes"?
• What four things does Revelation 21:4 say there will be no more of in the New Jerusalem?
• Why is there no temple in the New Jerusalem?
• What warning does the book of Revelation close with?

Week 51, December 16 - 22, 2018

Most weeks we spread the Old Testament reading over all 7 days.  However, this week we are reading 4 short books of the prophets.  We have scheduled this week to read each of those books in a day apiece.  We will read from Revelation and Psalms on the other three days.

Sunday, December 16, Nahum 1 - 3

• Jonah had preached to Nineveh and they had repented.  However, decades later they had returned to wickedness and Nahum prophesied of their destruction, which took place in 612 BC.  Why does Nahum 1:7 say, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble" before saying in verse 8 that God is going to make an end of Nineveh?
• Based on Nahum 1:15, why was the destruction of Nineveh good news for Judah?
• What reason does Nahum 3:19 give for Nineveh's destruction?

Monday, December 17, Revelation 9 - 10, Psalm 145

• Revelation 9 describes a third of mankind being killed by fire, smoke, and sulfur.  Verse 20 says, "The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands."  Why would people be unwilling to repent in the face of judgment?
• Revelation 10:4 describes something John heard that God told him not to write down.  Why would God reveal so much in this book through John, but tell him not to write what he heard from the seven thunders?
• Psalm 145:18 says, "The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth."  Are you experiencing God's nearness?

Tuesday, December 18, Habakkuk 1 - 3

• In Habakkuk 1:6 God says He is raising up the Babylonians.  For what purpose was He raising them up?
• Habakkuk 2:14 says, "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."  When will this be fulfilled?
• Habakkuk wrote in 3:17-18, "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."  What basis did Habakkuk have for rejoicing when times were hard?

Wednesday, December 19, Revelation 11 - 12, Psalm 146

• What purpose will the two prophets in Revelation 11 fulfill?
• According to Revelation 12 was it good or bad that Satan was cast out of heaven and down to the earth?
• Why does Psalm 146:3 tell us not to trust in human beings?

Thursday, December 20, Zephaniah 1 - 3

• What does Zephaniah chapter 1 say will happen to the earth?
• For what purpose does Zephaniah urge the people to gather together in chapter 2?
• Zephaniah 3:14 calls for rejoicing.  What is the reason for rejoicing?

Friday, December 21, Revelation 13 - 14, Psalm 147

• Revelation 3 describes the mark of the beast.  What are the consequences of not taking the mark?
• According to Revelation 14:9-11 what are the consequences of taking the mark of the beast?
• Psalm 147:3 says, "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  How does God bring healing to a broken heart?

Saturday, December 22, Haggai 1 - 2, Revelation 15

• What was God commanding the people in Jerusalem to do through Haggai in chapter 1?
• What did God say was the reason that the people expected much and it turned out to be little?
• What promises did God make concerning the temple in Haggai 2:7-9?
• What caused God to say in Haggai 2:19, "From this day on I will bless you"?
• Revelation 15:1 speaks of the seven last plagues and says, "with them God’s wrath is completed."  What does it mean for God's wrath to be completed?

Week 50, December 9 - 15, 2018

Sunday, December 9, Obadiah, Revelation 1 - 2

• The book of Obadiah is just 21 verses long.  It refers to Edom and Esau.  Genesis 25:30 shows us that Edom was another name for Esau.  The kingdom of Edom was from the descendants of Esau.  What does Obadiah say will happen to Edom?
• According to Revelation 1:7 who will see Jesus when He comes again?
• What do the 7 lampstands in Revelation 1 represent?
• Jesus tells the church in Ephesus that they need to repent.  What did they need to repent from?

Monday, December 10, Jonah 1 - 2, Psalm 141 - 142

• Why did Jonah pay to sail for Tarshish?
• Why were the sailors reluctant to throw Jonah overboard?
• How could Jonah pray in Jonah 2:6, "But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit" when he was still inside the fish?
• In Psalm 141:3 David prays, "Set a guard over my mouth, Lord."  What is the benefit of such a prayer?
• Why would David say, "I have no refuge," in Psalm 142:4, and "You are my refuge," in Psalm 142:5?

Tuesday, December 11, Jonah 3, - 4, Revelation 3 - 4

• Why did the people of Nineveh repent in Jonah chapter 3?
• Why was Jonah angry when God forgave the people of Nineveh?
• What did God want Jonah to learn from the plant that grew up quickly and died quickly?
• In Revelation 3:1 Jesus says to the church in Sardis, "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead."  Why would the Lord's view of the church be so different from their reputation?
• Revelation 3:7 says of Jesus, "What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open."  However, in Revelation 3:20 Jesus says, "I stand at the door and knock."  Why would He knock at a door He has power to open?
• Who did John see in Revelation 4 seated on a throne?

Wednesday, December 12, Micah 1 - 2, Psalm 143

• How does the time period that Micah prophesied compare to the time period that Isaiah prophesied?
• What does God promise Israel in Micah 2:12?
• David wrote in Psalm 143:6, "I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land."  What does it mean to thirst for God?  Are you thirsty and what are you doing about it?

Thursday, December 13, Micah 3 - 4, Revelation 5 - 6

• Micah 3:11 rebukes judges, priests, and prophets for working for money.  What should they be motivated by?
• What does Micah 4:7 mean saying, "I will make the lame my remnant"?
• Why does Revelation 5 refer to Jesus both as a lion and as a lamb?
• Why was Jesus worthy to open the scroll with the seven seals in Revelation 5 and no one else was?
• Revelation 6:9 describes those "who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained."  Why were they told to wait when they asked how long it would be until their blood was avenged?

Friday, December 14, Micah 5 - 6, Psalm 144

• The teachers of the Law quoted from Micah 5 when Herod asked them where the Messiah was to be born.  (Matthew 2:4-6)  What did they conclude from this passage?
• Based on Micah 6:8 what three things does the Lord require of us?
• Psalm 144 concludes with the statement, "blessed is the people whose God is the Lord."  What must you do to have the blessing David is speaking of?

Saturday, December 15, Micah 7, Revelation 7 - 8

• Micah 7:18 says, "You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy."  Why would God delight in showing mercy?
• Who were the multitude in white robes in Revelation 7 and where did they come from?
• In Revelation 8:6-13, the judgments are to one-third of things (earth, trees, sea, creatures in the sea, ships, rivers, sun, and moon) destroying one-third and leaving two-thirds intact.  Why would God who delights in showing mercy (Micah 7:18) destroy a third of something?

Week 49, December 2 - 8, 2018

Sunday, December 2, Joel 1 - 2, 1 John 1

• Joel chapter 1 describes an invasion of locusts.  Verse 14 says, "Declare a holy fast; call a sacred assembly.  Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord."  What circumstances should cause people to fast and gather together to cry out to God?
• God says in Joel 2:25, "I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten."  Why would the damage that the locusts caused be measured in years?  How would God repay that?
• In Joel 2:28-29 God promises to pour out His Spirit on all people, young and old, male and female, and on servants.  What do you need to do to receive this outpouring?
• In 1 John 1:3, what purpose does John say he has for proclaiming what he has seen and heard?
• What are we promised if we confess our sins?

Monday, December 3, Joel 3, Psalm 138 - 139

• Joel 3:16 says, "But the Lord will be a refuge for his people, a stronghold for the people of Israel."  What does the Lord do to act as a refuge and a stronghold?
• David says in Psalm 138:3, "When I called, you answered me; you greatly emboldened me."  How does calling on God give you boldness?
• David wrote, "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb." (Psalm 139:13)  What attitude should we have toward someone with a birth defect?
• David prayed, "Search me, God, and know my heart." (Psalm 139:23)  Are you willing to invite God to search your heart?

Tuesday, December 4, Amos 1 - 2, 1 John 2 - 3

• What does Amos say his occupation was when he had the vision described in his book?
• In pronouncing judgment on Israel in Amos, chapter 2, God says in verse 12 that Israel, "commanded the prophets not to prophesy."  What would motivate someone to want to silence prophets?
• What does 1 John 2:1-2 say happens if someone sins?
• What does 1 John 2:9-11 say about someone who hates his brother?
• Why are we commanded not to love the world?
• 1 John 3 says now we are the children of God, but the world doesn't know us.  Who are the children of God and who is the world?
• 1 John 3:16 says, "we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."  How will you obey this?

Wednesday, December 5, Amos 3 - 4, Psalm 140

• Amos 3:7 says, "Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets."  Why would God choose to reveal his plans before doing something?
• Five times in Amos 4 God says, "yet you have not returned to me."  Why would people stubbornly refuse to turn to God?
• David wrote in Psalm 140:12, "I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy."  What then should your attitude toward the poor and needy be?

Thursday, December 6, Amos 5 - 6, 1 John 4 - 5

• Why would God say in Amos 5:21, "I hate, I despise your religious festivals"?  What did He want to see in Israel that He wasn't seeing?
• Why does God rebuke the complacent in Amos 6:1-7?
• How does love drive out fear? (1 John 4:18)
• 1 John 4:20 says, "For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen."  Why would this be true if God is more lovable than people?
• According to 1 John 5:11-12 who has eternal life?

Friday, December 7, Amos 7 -  8, 2 John

• In Amos 7 how does Amos say he became a prophet?  Why couldn't he just go prophesy somewhere else when Amaziah told him to?
• Why did God say there would be a "famine of hearing the words of the Lord"? (Amos 8:11)
• What is the command that John says "we have had from the beginning" in 2 John, verse 5?

Saturday, December 8, Amos 9, 3 John, Jude

• What does God promise to Israel in Amos 9:15?
• 3 John, verse 6, tells Gaius, "Please send them on their way in a manner that honors God."  How does the way we treat others honor God?
• Jude urges believers to "contend for the faith."  How do you do that?
• Jude speaks of "building yourselves up in your most holy faith."  How do you build yourself up in faith?

Week 48, November 25 - December 1, 2018

Sunday, November 25, Hosea 1 - 2, 1 Peter 1

• God makes a promise in Hosea 1:10, "In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ they will be called ‘children of the living God.’"  How will this be fulfilled?
• Hosea chapter 2 speaks of Israel as an adulterous wife.  God had provided generously for her, but "She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her the silver and gold," (Hosea 2:8).  God says He will take away the material blessings and "I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her." (Hosea 2:14)  God wants a love relationship with us that is not primarily about what He does for us or gives to us.  Do you have that kind of love relationship with God?
• What does it mean to be "shielded by God’s power"? (1 Peter 1:5)
• According to 1 Peter 1:7 what benefit comes from trials?
• 1 Peter 1:15 says, "be holy in all you do."  What do you need to do to obey this?

Monday, November 26, Hosea 3 - 4, 1 Peter 2 - 3

• What does Hosea buying back his own wife symbolize in Hosea 3?
• Why would God say in Hosea 4:6, "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge"?
• 1 Peter 2:1 says, "rid yourselves of all malice."  How do you rid yourself of malice toward someone who has hurt you?  What should you do if you rid yourself of malice and something causes it to take root in your heart again?
• 1 Peter 2:16 tells us to "live as free people," but also tells us, "live as God’s slaves."  How can you do both?
• 1 Peter 3:7 teaches men to treat their wives with respect, "so that nothing will hinder your prayers."  Why would the way a man treats his wife impact the effectiveness of his prayer?
• 1 Peter 3:9 teaches us to "repay evil with blessing."  Are you able to do this?

Tuesday, November 27, Hosea 5 - 6, Psalm 135

• Hosea 5:6 says, "When they go with their flocks and herds to seek the Lord, they will not find him; he has withdrawn himself from them."  Why would God withdraw from anyone who is seeking Him?
• Hosea says in 6:3, "Let us acknowledge the Lord; let us press on to acknowledge him."  What do you need to do to "press on" to acknowledge the Lord?
• Psalm 135:6 teaches that God is sovereign, having all power, "The Lord does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths."  When you pray, do you recognize that God has all power?

Wednesday, November 28, Hosea 7 - 8, 1 Peter 4 - 5

• In Hosea 7:2 God says, "but they do not realize that I remember all their evil deeds."  This seems to be the opposite of Isaiah 43:25 where God says, "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more."  Why are  both of these true statements?
• Hosea 8:1-3 describes Israel as crying out to God while rebelling against Him, "because the people have broken my covenant and rebelled against my law.  Israel cries out to me, ‘Our God, we acknowledge you!’ But Israel has rejected what is good."  How is it possible to cry out to God while rebelling against Him?
• 1 Peter 4:7 commands us, "The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray."  What do you have to do to be alert and of sober mind?
• 1 Peter 4:10 says, "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."  How do you know what your gift is?  Are you using it to serve others?
• 1 Peter 5:7 says to cast all your anxiety on the Lord.  How do you do that?

Thursday, November 29, Hosea 9 - 10, Psalms 136 - 137

• Hosea 9:7 says, "Because your sins are so many and your hostility so great, the prophet is considered a fool, the inspired person a maniac."  What would a person's sin make them look at a prophet as a fool or a maniac?
• Hosea 10:12 says, "break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers his righteousness on you."  Ground is plowed in anticipation of rain.  What is the unplowed ground that Hosea speaks of and what are the showers?
• Each verse of Psalm 136 repeats the phrase, "His love endures forever."  What is the value of remembering God's steadfast love through all of life's circumstances?
• What would be wrong with singing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land? (Psalm 137:4)

Friday, November 30, Hosea 11 - 12, 2 Peter 1

• In Hosea 11:8 God says, "How can I give you up, Ephraim?  How can I hand you over, Israel?"  This describes God's steadfast love and His determination to have a relationship with Israel.  John describes this love for all people in John 3:16, saying, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son."  Do you draw near to God knowing that He wants to draw near to you?
• Hosea 12:8 says, "Ephraim boasts, 'I am very rich; I have become wealthy. With all my wealth they will not find in me any iniquity or sin.'"  Why would anyone imagine that wealth would keep them from being found guilty of sin?
• What does it mean to "participate in the divine nature." (2 Peter 1:4)
• How does 2 Peter 1:21 describe the origin of Scripture?

Saturday, December 1, Hosea 13 - 14, 2 Peter 2 - 3

• Why would God say in Hosea 13:4, "You shall acknowledge no God but me, no Savior except me"?
• Hosea 13:6 says, "When I fed them, they were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud; then they forgot me."  How can we be satisfied without becoming proud and forgetting God?
• Hosea 14:1-2 urges Israel to return to God in repentance.  What promises are made in verses 4-7 in response to Israel's repentance?
• 2 Peter chapter 2 warns us of coming false teachers.  What are the main characteristics of the false teachers that Peter warns of?
• What explanation does Peter offer in 2 Peter chapter 3 for the fact that the coming of the Lord would take long enough that people would mock the idea that Jesus will return?
• Peter tells us in 2 Peter 3:11 that knowing that the earth will be destroyed should motivate us to live holy and godly lives.  Are you motivated in this way?
• 2 Peter 3:18 commands us to grow.  Are you growing?

Week 47, November 18 - 24, 2018

The first six chapters of Daniel are exciting stories of Daniel and his friends after they were taken as captives to Babylon.  The stories show their faith and courage and God's supernatural intervention.  The last six chapters of Daniel (chapters 7 - 12) are challenging prophecies concerning the future.  They are well worth reading, but can be difficult to interpret.  Ask God to show you what He wants you to get from the book of Daniel.

The book of James is full of practical instruction in living by faith and obedience.

Sunday, November 18, Daniel 1 - 2, James 1

• Why was it important to Daniel not to eat the royal food in Daniel 1?
• In Daniel 2, what did the image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream represent?  What did the rock that struck the statue represent?
• In James 1:2 we are told to consider it joy when we face trials.  Are you able to do that?
• What do you need to do to be "quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"? (James 1:19)

Monday, November 19, Daniel 3 - 4, Psalm 132

• There were two things that impressed Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:28.  He said that God "sent his angel and rescued his servants."  He also said that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego "trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."  He was impressed both by God's miraculous intervention and by the bravery and faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  What do people see in your lives that draws them to the Lord?
• In Daniel 4 Nebuchadnezzar was to be driven away from his people.  What did he need to acknowledge before he could be restored?
• Psalm 132:10 says, "For the sake of your servant David, do not reject your anointed one."  This is a prayer for the leader of Israel.  How should we pray for our leaders?

Tuesday, November 20, Daniel 5 - 6, James 2

• What wrong was Belshazzar guilty of in Daniel 5?
• What motivated officials in Daniel 6 to try to bring charges against Daniel?
• James 2:1-9 warns us not to show favoritism toward the rich.  Why should we treat all people with equal respect?
• Why is faith without action dead?

Wednesday, November 21, Daniel 7 - 8, Psalm 133

• What do the four beasts in Daniel 7 represent?
• Daniel 7:27 concludes by saying, "His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey him."  How does knowing that God will ultimately triumph over all the kingdoms of men impact the way you live?
• In Daniel 8, Daniel was told what the ram and the goat represent.  What do they represent?
• Psalm 133:1 says, "How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!"  What does it take for Christians to live together in unity?

Thursday, November 22, Daniel 9 - 10, James 3

• What did Daniel pray for in chapter 9?
• What did Gabriel say would be accomplished by the end of seventy sevens?
• In Daniel 10, why was the answer to Daniel's prayer delayed?
• James says in chapter 3 that not many should become teachers.  Why should anyone become a teacher?
• James 3:8 says, "no human being can tame the tongue."  What can we do to bring our tongue under control?

Friday, November 23, Daniel 11, Psalm 134

• The introduction to Daniel 11 is in the previous chapter.  In 10:14 the angel said to Daniel, "Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come."  Chapter 11 is a detailed prophecy of wars among kingdoms surrounding Israel including a time when an army "will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice." (Daniel 11:31)  But verse 32 says, "but the people who know their God will firmly resist him."  What do you need to do to be a person who knows God and is firm in your faith during a time of great opposition?
• Why would Psalm 134 be addressed to those who minister at the house of the Lord (the temple) by night?  What would be different about ministering there at night compared to ministering there during the day?

Saturday, November 24, Daniel 12, James 4 - 5

• Daniel 12:2 describes the final judgment, "Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt."  How should knowing this impact the way you live?
• Based on James 4:1-3, what should we be doing instead of quarreling with others?
• What promise does James 4:8 make to those who come near to God?
• James 5:8 tells us, "be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near."  What does it mean for you to stand firm?
• What does James 5:14-15 say a sick person should do?

Week 46, November 11 - 17, 2018

Sunday, November 11, Ezekiel 33 - 34, Hebrew 8 - 9

• According to Ezekiel 33 what is the job of a watchman?
• Why was Ezekiel to Israel, "nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well"? (Ezekiel 33:32)
• How does Ezekiel 34:4 describe the job of a shepherd?  Is it your job to do some of this?
• Hebrews 8:5 calls the sanctuary that Moses had built, "a copy and shadow of what is in heaven."  What does this mean?
• What are the main features of the new covenant described in Hebrews 8?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Hebrews 9:22, "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness"?

Monday, November 12, Ezekiel 35 - 37, Psalm 128

• Why does God say He is against Mount Seir in Ezekiel 35?
• In Ezekiel 36:24 God promises to gather Israel from the nations and bring them back to their own land.  What else does He promise in verses 25-28?
• What did the two sticks in Ezekiel 37 represent?  What did God promise to do with the two nations in Ezekiel 37:22?
• What promises does Psalm 128 make to those who fear the Lord and walk in obedience to Him?

Tuesday, November 13, Ezekiel 38 - 39, Hebrews 10

• In Ezekiel 38 how does God say He will stop an invasion against Israel?
• What promises does God make to Israel in Ezekiel 39:28-29?
• Hebrews 10:4 says, "It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins."  Why did God require animal sacrifices in the Old Testament?
• According to Hebrews 10:25 what is the purpose of meeting together?

Wednesday, November 14, Ezekiel 40 - 42, Psalm 129

• Why did God show Ezekiel a vision of a restored temple area beginning in chapter 40?
• Why does Ezekiel 42:14 require that priests were "not to go into the outer court until they leave behind the garments in which they minister"?
• Psalm 129:2 says, "they have greatly oppressed me from my youth, but they have not gained the victory over me."  What is the difference between being oppressed and not having the victory gained over you?

Thursday, November 15, Ezekiel 43 - 44, Hebrews 11

• God told Ezekiel in 43:10, "describe the temple to the people of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their sins."  Why would the plans for the temple cause the people to be ashamed of their sins?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Ezekiel 44:28, "I am to be the only inheritance the priests have"?
• Why does Hebrews 11:6 say, "without faith it is impossible to please God"?
• Hebrews 11:25 describes the choice that Moses made to lead the people of Israel, "He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin."  Why would you choose mistreatment over fleeting pleasure?

Friday, November 16, Ezekiel 45 - 46, Psalms 130 - 131

• Why does Ezekiel 45:9 accuse the princes of Israel of dispossessing the people?
• What was the purpose of requiring people to leave by the opposite gate from the one they entered in Ezekiel 46:9?
• Psalm 130:4 says, "But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you."  How does a person know that they are forgiven and can serve the Lord?
• David says in Psalm 131:2, "I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother."  What is the value of calming yourself?

Saturday, November 17, Ezekiel  47 - 48, Hebrews 12 - 13

• What river was Ezekiel seeing in chapter 47, where he was told, "where the river flows everything will live"?
• The land of Israel was never divided in the way Ezekiel 48 describes.  What was the purpose of this description?
• The book of Ezekiel concludes in 48:35 by saying, "And the name of the city from that time on will be: the Lord is there."  What would it take for the most important characteristic of your home and your life to be "The Lord is there"?
• Hebrews 12:1 urges us to throw off everything that hinders.  What would this include for you?
• Hebrews 12:7 tells us to endure hardship as discipline.  What hardship in your life would you regard as the Lord's discipline?
• Why does Hebrews 13:2 tell us to show hospitality to strangers?
• Hebrews 13:4 says that marriage should be honored by all.  How can you honor marriage?

Week 45, November 4 - 10, 2018

Sunday, November 4, Ezekiel 17 - 18, Hebrews 1 - 2

• In Ezekiel 17:24, God says, "I the Lord bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall. I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish."  How should this principle affect the way you live?
• Why did God want people to quit quoting the proverb, "The parents eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge"?
• Based on Hebrews 1:3-4, how would you describe who Jesus is?
• What does Hebrews 1:14 say angels are?
• Hebrews 1 and 2 emphasize the fact that Jesus is God, but verse 17 says He became, "fully human in every way,"  How can He be both man and God?

Monday, November 5, Ezekiel 19 - 21, Psalm 124

• Ezekiel 19 closes by saying, "This is a lament and is to be used as a lament."  What is the purpose of a lament?
• Why does God say in Ezekiel 20:31 that He will not let Israel inquire of Him?
• In Ezekiel 21:21-22 how did Ezekiel say the king of Babylon would decide to attack Jerusalem instead of Rabbah of the Ammonites?
• Psalm 124 speaks of what would have happened "if the Lord had not been on our side."  Verse 7 says, "We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped."  David pictures a bird squeezing through a torn snare.  Do you rejoice over small but vital victories that are like a bird escaping from a snare?

Tuesday, November 6, Ezekiel 22 - 23, Hebrews 3 - 4

• In Ezekiel 22:30 God says, "I looked for someone among them who would build up the wall and stand before me in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found no one."  What could someone have done to be the one who would "stand in the gap"?
• Why does Ezekiel 23 refer to Jerusalem and Samaria as prostitutes?
• Hebrews 3:1 gives the command, "fix your thoughts on Jesus."  How do you do this?
• Hebrews 3:13 says, "encourage one another daily."  Who are you encouraging?  Who is encouraging you?
• Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword."  What do you need to do to benefit from the sharpness of God's Word?

Wednesday, November 7, Ezekiel 24 - 26, Psalm 125

• Why did God tell Ezekiel not to mourn openly when his wife died?
• What did God say in Ezekiel 25 would happen to Ammon because they rejoiced over the destruction of Jerusalem and Israel?  (Ezekiel 21 shows that the Babylonians chose to attack Jerusalem rather than the Ammonites based on the equivalent of a coin flip.)
• What did Ezekiel prophesy would happen to Tyre?
• Psalm 125:1 says, "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever."  How do you develop an unshakable faith? 

Thursday, November 8, Ezekiel 27 - 28, Hebrews 5 - 6

• Ezekiel 27 describes trade that was done in Tyre by many surrounding nations.  It pictures the destruction of Tyre, which was a seaport, as a sinking ship.  Why was Tyre destroyed?
• Ezekiel 28:1-10 speaks to the ruler of Tyre and emphasizes that although he thinks he is a god, he is a mere mortal.  28:11-19 speaks to the "king of Tyre" but describes him as a fallen angel thrown to the earth.  Are verses 11-19 speaking of someone else?
• How does Hebrews 5:1-3 describe the role of a priest?
• According to Hebrews 5:14 how do you become mature?
• Hebrews 6:19 calls our hope "an anchor for the soul."  What does this mean?

Friday, November 9, Ezekiel 29 - 30, Psalms 126 - 127

• What is the meaning of the statement God makes to Egypt in Ezekiel 29:6, "You have been a staff of reed for the people of Israel"?
• According to Ezekiel 30:10 who was going to bring destruction on Egypt?
• What does it mean to sow with tears but reap with joy? (Psalm 126:5-6)
• Psalm 127:1 says, "Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain."  How can you avoid laboring in vain?

Saturday, November 10, Ezekiel 31 - 32, Hebrews 7

• Why did God give Ezekiel a message in Ezekiel 31 for Pharaoh to "Consider Assyria"?
• Ezekiel 32:17-32 describes the army of Egypt joining many other armies in "the pit" or the "realm of the dead."  Verse 31 says, "Pharaoh—he and all his army—will see them..."  Where will these armies see each other?
• Why does Hebrews 7:3 describe Melchizedek as being "without father or mother, without genealogy"?
• Hebrews 7:22 says, "Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant."  In what way is the new covenant better than the old one?

Week 44, October 28 - November 3, 2018

Sunday, October 28, Ezekiel 1 - 2, 2 Timothy 1 - 2

• In chapter 1, how did Ezekiel describe the figure he saw on a throne?
• What assignment did God give Ezekiel in chapter 2?
• In 1 Timothy 1:6 Paul told Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God."  How would you do this?
• Paul writes, "Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us."  What was the deposit he was referring to?  What did Timothy need to do to guard it?
• 2 Timothy 2:2 describes the passing on of teaching from Paul to Timothy to "reliable people" to "others."  What responsibility do you have to learn the truth and to pass it on to others?
• What does Paul illustrate in 2 Timothy 2:4-6 referring to a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer?
• 2 Timothy 2:24 says that the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome.  How do avoid being quarrelsome?

Monday, October 29, Ezekiel 3 - 5, Psalm 120

• According to Ezekiel 3:16-19 what is the job of the watchman?  What is not his responsibility?
• What was the point of the things God had Ezekiel act out in Ezekiel 4?
• In Ezekiel 5 why did God say He was bringing destruction on Jerusalem?
• Psalm 120:6-7 says, "Too long have I lived among those who hate peace. I am for peace; but when I speak, they are for war."  What should you do if you live among people who tend toward conflict?

Tuesday, October 30, Ezekiel 6 - 7, 2 Timothy 3 - 4

• Three times in Ezekiel 6, and again at the end of Ezekiel 7, God says, "they will know that I am the Lord."  Why would destruction cause people to know who is the Lord?
• Four times in Ezekiel 7 God says that the coming destruction is to repay Israel for their "detestable" practices.  What practices in Israel were detestable?
• According to 2 Timothy 3:12, who will be persecuted?
• Based on 2 Timothy 3:16-17, where did Scripture come from?  What is it for?

Wednesday, October 31, Ezekiel 8 - 10, Psalm 121

• God says in Ezekiel 8:18, "Although they shout in my ears, I will not listen to them."  When does God hear and answer prayer?
• What was the purpose of the mark in Ezekiel 9:4?
• How does Ezekiel describe the cherubim he saw in chapter 10?
• Why does Psalm 121:4 say that God doesn't sleep, but Genesis describes Him as resting on the seventh day?

Thursday, November 1, Ezekiel 11 - 12, Titus 1 - 2

• In Ezekiel 11:16 God speaks of the exiles and says, "I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone."  What does it mean for God to be a sanctuary for people who have been taken as captives into a foreign country?
• How were people using the proverb in Ezekiel 12:22, "The days go by and every vision comes to nothing"?  Is this similar to the way some people look at the promise of Jesus's return?
• Why does Paul say he left Titus in Crete?
• In Titus 2:13 what does Paul refer to as the "blessed hope"?

Friday, November 2, Ezekiel, 13 - 14, Psalm 122 - 123

• In Ezekiel 13:2 God says that false prophets "prophesy out of their own imagination."  How can you distinguish the voice of the Lord from your own imagination?
• Based on Ezekiel 13:10 what was the nature of the false prophets' messages?
• In Ezekiel 14 God uses the phrase "set up idols in their hearts" in verses 3, 4, and 7 to describe what people were guilty of.  What does it mean to set up an idol in your heart?
• Psalm 122:6 says to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Is that command valid today?
• Psalm 123 describes praying and waiting for mercy from God.  In what ways are you dependent on God to show mercy?

Saturday, November 3, Ezekiel 15 - 16, Titus 3, Philemon

• What point does God make in Ezekiel 15 using the wood of a vine as an illustration?
• Why does God compare Jerusalem to a prostitute in Ezekiel 16?
• Titus 3:2 tells us "to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone."  Is this the way you live?
• Titus 3:5 says, "he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."  How should you live in response to God's mercy?
• What was Paul asking Philemon to do?  Why did he want to appeal to Philemon rather than ordering him what to do?

Week 43, October 21 - 27, 2018

Sunday, October 21, Jeremiah 43 - 45, 1 Timothy 1

• Why did Johanan and others lead the people into Egypt after Jeremiah told them that God was directing them not to go there?
• In Jeremiah 44, what reason did people give to continue burning incense to the queen of heaven?
• What change in attitude did God say that Baruch needed in Jeremiah 45?
• In 1 Timothy 1, why does Paul say he left Timothy in Ephesus?

Monday, October 22, Jeremiah 46 - 48, 1 Timothy 2

• Jeremiah 46 is a prophesy of the coming defeat of Egypt by the Babylonians.  Verse 27 and 28 tell Israel not to be afraid.  Why might the destruction of Egypt cause fear in Israel?
• What reasons do you find in Jeremiah 48:26-30 for the destruction of Moab that Jeremiah was prophesying?
• According to 1 Timothy 2:4 who does God want to be saved?

Tuesday, October 23, Jeremiah 49 - 51, 1 Timothy 3

• Jeremiah 49 prophesies the destruction of neighboring nations.  Why would God, through Jeremiah, turn attention to those nations?
• According to Jeremiah 50:4-5, how would Babylon's destruction impact Israel?
• According to Jeremiah 51:11 who would destroy Babylon?
• Are the qualifications for overseers in 1 Timothy 3 primarily character qualities or talents?

Wednesday, October 24, Psalm 119

• Psalm 119:11 says, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."  How do you hide God's Word in your heart?  How does that guard against sin?
• What does it mean to say "You are my portion, Lord."? (Psalm 119:57)
• Why would the Psalmist say in Psalm 119:99, "I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes"?
• Psalm 119:148 says, "My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises."  Is there a difference between meditating on God's promises at night and meditating in the daytime?

Thursday, October 25, Jeremiah 52, Lamentations 1, 1 Timothy 4

• What did the Babylonians do in Jeremiah 52 with the bronze items that were in the temple?
• The book of Lamentations was written to grieve over the destruction of Jerusalem.  Lamentations 1:7 says, "Her enemies looked at her and laughed at her destruction."  Why did God allow Jerusalem to be destroyed?
• Paul told Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young."  How is someone to keep others from looking down on them?

Friday, October 26, Lamentations 2 - 3, 1 Timothy 5

• Lamentations 2:14 says, "The visions of your prophets were false and worthless; they did not expose your sin to ward off your captivity."  How does God correct you when you are doing something wrong?  Do you listen to Him?
• Lamentations 3 describes "affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath." (3:1)  However, verses 21-24 give a basis for hope in the midst of affliction.  Verses 22-23 say the Lord's compassions are new every morning.  Are you able to look to the Lord with hope in the midst of trouble?
• Why does Paul put such strong emphasis on providing for family in 1 Timothy 5:8?

Saturday, October 27, Lamentations 4 - 5, 1 Timothy 6

• Lamentations 4:13 says that the destruction of Jerusalem "happened because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests."  In what way were prophets and priests particularly responsible?
• Lamentations 5:21 says, "Restore us to yourself, Lord, that we may return."  How much of Jerusalem's restoration depended on God's intervention and how much depended on Israel's repentance?
• Paul writes in 1 Timothy 6:8, "But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."  Why is it important to have an attitude of contentment?
• What does Paul tell Timothy to command the rich to do?

Week 42, October 14 - 20, 2018

Sunday, October 14, Jeremiah 29 - 30, 1 Thessalonians 1 - 2

• Jeremiah wrote a letter in chapter 29 to those who had been exiled to Babylon.  They were hoping to return soon, but Jeremiah told them they would be held for 70 years.  Then in verse 11 he says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  What should you do if God's plans for you are not what you prefer?
• Jeremiah 30:9 says, "Instead, they will serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them."  Why does God speak about Israel serving David centuries after he lived and died?
• What does Paul mean in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 when he says, "our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction"?
• In 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Paul says, "We are not trying to please people but God."  How does it change your life to live only to please God?

Monday, October 15, Jeremiah 31 - 32, 1 Thessalonians 3 - 4

• In Jeremiah 31:31-34 God promises a new covenant.  What are the most important features of the new covenant?
• Why was Jeremiah imprisoned in chapter 32?
• In Jeremiah's prayer in 32:17-25, he said, "Nothing is too hard for you."  When you pray do you keep in mind that God can do anything?
• In 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Paul prays, "May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy."  What do you need to do for God to strengthen your heart?
• What reasons does Paul give for avoiding sexual immorality in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-8?
• What truth does 1 Thessalonians 4:18 tell us to encourage each other with?

Tuesday, October 16, Jeremiah 33 - 34, Psalm 115 - 117

• Is Jeremiah 33:3 only speaking to Jeremiah or does it also apply to you?
• What promise did God make to Zedekiah in Jeremiah 34?
• Psalm 115:1 says, "Not to us, Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness."  How can you maintain a desire to glorify God and not yourself?
• What is the meaning of Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants"?
• Psalm 117:2 says, "great is his love toward us."  In what ways has God's love been shown to you?

Wednesday, October 17, Jeremiah 35 - 36, 1 Thessalonians 5

• Why did God promise that Jehonadab would always have descendants?
• Why did Jehoiakim burn the scroll that Jeremiah had dictated to Baruch?
• What does Paul mean in 1 Thessalonians 5:2, "the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night"?
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18 teaches us to "give thanks in all circumstances."  How can you do that when your circumstances are difficult?

Thursday, October 18, Jeremiah 37 - 38, Psalm 118

• Why was Jeremiah put in prison in chapter 37?
• In Jeremiah 38, why did Zedekiah give permission to those who wanted to kill Jeremiah and then permission to those who wanted to rescue him?
• Jesus quoted Psalm 118:22-23 (in Matthew 21:42).  What is it referring to?

Friday, October 19, Jeremiah 39 - 40, 2 Thessalonians 1-2

• Who did the Babylonians leave behind when they took people from Jerusalem captive in Jeremiah 39?
• Why wasn't Jeremiah taken into captivity by the Babylonians?
• According to 2 Thessalonians 1:8, who will God punish?
• According to 2 Thessalonians 2, what will happen before "the day of the Lord"?

Saturday, October 20, Jeremiah 41 - 42, 2 Thessalonians 3

• Why was Gedaliah assassinated?
• In Jeremiah 42 the people who were left in Judah asked Jeremiah to pray for guidance for what to do.  What guidance did God give them through Jeremiah?
• What does Paul ask prayer for in 2 Thessalonians 3?

Week 41, October 7 - 13, 2018

Sunday, October 7, Jeremiah 15 - 16, John 17

• In Jeremiah 15:20 God tells Jeremiah that He will make him a wall of bronze.  In what way did Jeremiah need to be like a wall?
• Why did God tell Jeremiah not to marry and have sons and daughters?
• What did Jesus ask for in John 17?
• What do you learn about prayer from the example of Jesus in John 17?
• In John 17:16 Jesus said that His disciples and He himself were not of this world.  What does it mean to not be of this world? 

Monday, October 8, Jeremiah 17 - 18, Psalm 111

• Jeremiah 17:5-8 says that you are cursed if you trust in man, but blessed if you trust in God.  How can you strengthen your trust in God?
• Why did God have Jeremiah visit a potter in Jeremiah 18?
• Psalm 111:5 says, "He provides food for those who fear him."  Jesus taught us not to worry about what we will eat. (Matthew 6:31)  Are you able to trust God to provide the things you need? 

Tuesday, October 9, Jeremiah 19 - 20, John 18

• What did Jeremiah do with the clay jar he bought in Jeremiah 19?
• What did Jeremiah mean when he said that God's word was like "a fire shut up in my bones"? (Jeremiah 20:9)
• Why did those who came to arrest Jesus fall down in John 18:6?
• In John 18:28 Jewish leaders took Jesus to Pilate to be executed.  They didn't enter the palace because that would make them "unclean" and unable to eat the Passover.  They thought they were staying clean to be able to commune with God while seeking execution of the One who came to make us able to commune with God.  What do we need to do to seek a genuine relationship with God rather than a set of religious practices?

Wednesday, October 10, Jeremiah 21 - 22, Psalm 112

• In Jeremiah 21 why did God have Jeremiah tell Zedekiah that God was going to fight against him?
• How did God define the justice He expected from kings of Judah in Jeremiah 22:3?
• What does Psalm 112:5 promise to those who are generous?

Thursday, October 11, Jeremiah 23 - 24, John 19

• Jeremiah 23:5 says that God will raise up a righteous branch.  Verse 6 says His name will be, "Jehovah Tsidkenu," or the Lord our Righteousness.  What did God say this righteous branch would accomplish?
• According to Jeremiah 23:24, where is God?
• In Jeremiah 24 what did God say He would do for those who had been exiled from Judah?
• In John 19:11 why did Jesus say that those who turned Him over to Pilate were guilty of a greater sin than Pilate would be for having Jesus executed?
• Who took care of Jesus's mother after He was crucified?

Friday, October 12, Jeremiah 25 - 26, Psalm 113 - 114

• Why does God refer to Nebuchadnezzar as His servant in Jeremiah 25:9?
• Why did people want to kill Jeremiah in chapter 26?  Why did they decide not to?
• According to Psalm 113:2-3, where and when should the name of the Lord be praised?
• Psalm 114:2 says, "Judah became God’s sanctuary."  What does this mean?

Saturday, October 13, Jeremiah 27 - 28, John 20 - 21

• In Jeremiah 27, why did Jeremiah tell Zedekiah and neighboring kings that they should serve the king of Babylon?
• In Jeremiah 28, Hananiah gave a prophecy that sounded like good news,but it was false.  Jeremiah's prophecies were bad news, but they were true.  What happened to Hananiah?
• When Peter and John ran to the tomb in John 20, who got to the tomb first?  Who went in first?
• Why did Mary Magdalene mistake Jesus for the gardener?
• According to John 20:31, what is the purpose of the gospel of John?
• What did Jesus tell Peter to do in John 21 after asking Peter if he loved Jesus?

Week 40, September 30 - October 6, 2018

Sunday, September 30, Jeremiah 1 - 2, John 13

• When did God say He had appointed Jeremiah as a prophet?
• What two objections did Jeremiah give God when God called him to prophesy?
• What sin was Israel guilty of according to Jeremiah 2:11?  What picture does verse 13 give us to describe this sin?
• In John 13:15 Jesus said, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you."  What opportunities do you have to follow His example?
• John 13:29 says that Judas was in charge of the money.  If Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him, why did He allow him to be in charge of the money?
• According to John 13:34-35, what marks a person as a disciple of Jesus?

Monday, October 1, Jeremiah 3 - 4, Psalm 108

• In Jeremiah 3 God rebukes Judah and Israel for idolatry, picturing it as adultery.  God says in verses 12 and 13, "I will not be angry forever.  Only acknowledge your guilt."  Why is it important that we acknowledge our guilt?
• In Jeremiah 4 God invites Israel to return to Him.  He tells them in verse 3 to break up their unplowed ground and in verse 4 to circumcise their hearts.  What motivates a person to genuinely repent and return to God?
• In Psalm 108:12 David wrote, "Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless."  What should our attitude be toward human help?

Tuesday, October 2, Jeremiah 5 - 6, , John 14

• According to Jeremiah 5:1 how many people who were honest and seeking the truth would it have taken for God to forgive the city?
• In Jeremiah 6:19 God says, "I am bringing disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not listened to my words and have rejected my law."  Verse 20 says, "Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please me."  Why would people go through the motions of offering sacrifices to God while being unwilling to listen to Him?
• Jesus said in John 14:6, "No one comes to the Father except through me."  Why aren't other religions able to bring people to God?
• Jesus said, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:14)  What should we be praying about?

Wednesday, October 3, Jeremiah 7 - 8, Psalm 109

• Why did God tell Jeremiah in Jeremiah 7:16 not to pray for the people of Judah?
• In Jeremiah 8:4-5, God says, "When people fall down, do they not get up? When someone turns away, do they not return? Why then have these people turned away? Why does Jerusalem always turn away?"  This passage shows that failing (falling down or turning away) is not an unusual problem but the refusal to correct the failure is a major problem.  How do you react when you know you have done wrong?
• In Psalm 109 David asks for harsh judgment on his accusers.  Jesus taught us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44)  Why didn't David display love for his enemies?

Thursday, October 4, Jeremiah 9 - 10, John 15

• In Jeremiah 9:1-2, Jeremiah wishes for the ability to weep day and night for his people, but also wishes to go away and hide from them.  Why would he want to do both?
• What does Jeremiah 9:23-24 teach us not to boast about?  What does it teach us to boast about?
• How does Jeremiah 10 contrast idols with the true God?
• What does John 15 say we need to do to bear fruit?
• According to John 15:10-11 how are obedience, love, and joy connected?

Friday, October 5, Jeremiah 11 - 12, Psalm 110

• Why did the people of Anathoth threaten to kill Jeremiah?
• Why did God say,"I will forsake my house, abandon my inheritance," in Jeremiah 12:7?
• Psalm 110 is quoted in Matthew 22:44, Hebrews 1:13, Acts 2:34-35, Hebrews 7:17, and Hebrews 7:21.  How could David write things that would be relevant centuries later?

Saturday, October 6, Jeremiah 13 - 14, John 16

• What did the linen belt in Jeremiah 13 illustrate?
• According to Jeremiah 14 what were false prophets saying?
• Why did Jesus say that people would kill Christians and think they are offering a service to God?
• In John 16:12 Jesus told His disciples that He had more to tell them, but it was more than they could bear at that time.  Do you believe that there is more that God wants to show you as you mature as a Christian?
• What kind of peace was Jesus talking about in John 16:33?  Do you have that peace?

Week 39, September 23 - 29, 2018

Sunday, September 23, Isaiah 51 - 52, John 9

• Isaiah 51 commands us in verses 7 and 12 not to fear mere mortals.  Verse 13 says that forgetting God causes a person to "live in constant terror every day because of the wrath of the oppressor."  How can we be free of fear of mortal man?
• Isaiah 52 begins with a command to awake.  How would you obey that command?
• In John 9:2 why did the disciples assume that the man's blindness was caused by someone's sin?
• Why were the parents of the man who had been blind afraid of the Jewish leaders?

Monday, September 24, Isaiah 53 - 54, Psalm 107

• Centuries before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Isaiah wrote chapter 53.  It describes our sin, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray," and Jesus's sacrificial death for us, "But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed."  Why is it important to understand what Jesus's death on the cross accomplished?
• In Isaiah 54:7 God says to Israel, "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back."  Why does God refer to a period of many years as "a brief moment"?
• Psalm 107:2 says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story."  What opportunities do you have to tell your story?

Tuesday, September 25, Isaiah 55 - 56, John 10

• What does God mean in Isaiah 55:11 when He says that His word will not return to Him empty?
• In Isaiah 56:10-11 God compares Israel's watchmen to dogs who eat and sleep but don't bark.  Who were Israel's watchmen and what should they have been doing?
• In John 10:4 Jesus said that the sheep follow the shepherd "because they know his voice."  How do we learn the voice of the Lord?
• According to John 10:10 why did Jesus say He came?

Wednesday, September 26, Isaiah 57 - 59

• God says in Isaiah 57:15, "I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit."  What does it mean to be lowly in spirit and why does God live with the person who is lowly in spirit?
• What does Isaiah 58 teach about fasting?
• Isaiah 59:2 says, "your iniquities have separated you from your God."  How does sin separate us from God?

Thursday, September 27, Isaiah 60 - 61, John 11

• When will Isaiah 60:19 be fulfilled?
• Jesus read from Isaiah 61:1-2 and said it was fulfilled by Him (Luke 4:18-19).  How is the good news to be proclaimed?
• What promise did Jesus make in John 11:26 to those who believed in Him?
• First Martha and then Mary said, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."  They had full faith in Jesus's ability to heal their brother when he was sick, but no expectation that He would raise him now that he was dead.  Are there limits on what you believe God can do, even though the Bible teaches that He can do anything?

Friday, September 28, Isaiah 62 - 64

• Why does Isaiah 62:6-7 say to give yourself no rest and give God no rest?
• What is Isaiah 63:17 asking for?
• Isaiah 64:2 is a prayer saying, "come down to make your name known to your enemies."  However, verse 7 says, "No one calls on your name or strives to lay hold of you."  How is God going to come down if no one is calling on Him?

Saturday, September 29, Isaiah 65 - 66, John 12

• Who is being compared to the juice in a cluster of grapes in Isaiah 65:8?
• Why does God promise in Isaiah 65:17 to create a new earth?
• In Isaiah 66:19, for what purpose does God say He will send people to distant islands?
• It is clear how John 12:24 applied to Jesus.  Jesus died for us.  Does the verse also apply to you?  How?

Week 38, September 16 - 22, 2018

Sunday, September 16, Isaiah 34 - 36, John 5

• Isaiah 34:2 says that the Lord is angry with all nations.  Why would He be?
• When will the promises of Isaiah 35 be fulfilled?
• In Isaiah 36 Sennacherib's field commander tried several ways to confuse and demoralize the people of Jerusalem.  How can you stand against attacks on your faith?
• In John 5:7 the man didn't answer the question Jesus asked in verse 6.  Instead, he gave reasons why he couldn't get well.  Are there things you accept as barriers that are keeping you from what God has in mind for you?
• How did Jesus respond when, in John 5:18, He was accused of "making himself equal with God"?

Monday, September 17, Isaiah 37 - 38, Psalm 106

• In Isaiah 37:6 God's first response to Hezekiah's officials was "Do not be afraid."  Then He told them what He was going to do.  Are you able to receive peace from God before you know what He is going to do about something that you are troubled about?
• What did God do in Isaiah 37 to stop the Assyrians from invading Jerusalem?
• Why did God give Hezekiah 15 more years of life?
• Psalm 106 describes many examples of Israel's disobedience.  Why did God show them mercy?

Tuesday, September 18, Isaiah 39 - 40, John 6

• What comfort did Hezekiah find in Isaiah's prophecy that everything in Hezekiah's palace would be carried away to Babylon?
• Why does Isaiah 40:6 compare people to grass?
• What promise does Isaiah 40:31 make to those who hope in the Lord or wait upon the Lord?
• In John 6:7-9, Philip and Andrew both looked at feeding the crowd as impossible.  What was the difference in their thinking?
• Why would Jesus have the leftovers gathered up, letting nothing be wasted, when He was able to feed the crowd miraculously?
• What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the bread of life," in John 6:48?

Wednesday, September 19, Isaiah 41 - 43

• God speaks to Israel in Isaiah 41:10, saying, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Do you expect this strength and protection from God?
• When will Isaiah 42:13 be fulfilled?
• According to Isaiah 43:10 how many gods are there?

Thursday, September 20, Isaiah 44 - 45, John 7

• What does God mean in Isaiah 44:6 when He says He is the first and the last?
• What does Isaiah 45:13 say Cyrus will do?
• In John 7:16 where did Jesus say His teaching came from?
• In John 7:37 Jesus invited anyone who is thirsty to come to Him and drink.  How is your thirst satisfied by coming to Jesus?

Friday, September 21, Isaiah 46 - 48

• God says in Isaiah 46:11, "What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do."  How should knowing that God keeps His promises impact the way you live each day?
• What does Isaiah 47:11 say will happen to Babylon?
• In Isaiah 48:9, why does God say He delays His wrath?

Saturday, September 22, Isaiah 49 - 50, John 8

• In Isaiah 49:6, who is speaking and who is being spoken to when it says, "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles"?
• In Isaiah 49:15 God says His compassion for His people is stronger than a nursing mother for her baby.  Do you have confidence in His compassion?
• Who is speaking in Isaiah 50:6?
• In John chapter 8 why did the Pharisees claim that Jesus's testimony was not valid?
• Under what circumstances did Jesus say people would die in their sins?
• What prompted the Jews to try to stone Jesus at the end of John 8?

Week 37, September 9 - 15, 2018

Sunday, September 9, Isaiah 18 - 19, John 1

• What does Isaiah 18 say will happen to a "people feared far and wide"?
• Isaiah 19:21 says, "the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord."  When will this happen?
• According to John 1:12, who has been given the right to become children of God?
• Who did John the Baptist say he was?
• What did John the Baptist say about Jesus?

Monday, September 10, Isaiah 20 - 22, Psalm 104

• What does the lookout report in Isaiah 21:9?
• Isaiah 22:11 says, "You built a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the Old Pool, but you did not look to the One who made it, or have regard for the One who planned it long ago."  How do you put your trust in God when you may be tempted to rely on yourself?
• What does Psalm 104:5 mean when it says, "He set the earth on its foundations"?

Tuesday, September 11, Isaiah 23 - 24, John 2

• Isaiah 23 foretells the destruction of Tyre, followed by a recovery after 70 years.  After the 70 years, what will happen to the profits from Tyre's trading?
• Why does Isaiah 24 describe the earth being laid waste?
• In John 2 who knew that Jesus had turned water into wine?
• What sign was Jesus referring to in John 2:19?

Wednesday, September 12, Isaiah 25 - 26, Psalm 105

• Isaiah 25:4 says that God is "a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat."  What do you need to do to take shelter in God?
• Isaiah 25:8 says that God will "swallow up death forever."  When and how will He do that?
• Isaiah 26:20 advises people to go hide for a little while.  When should someone do this?
• Psalm 105:2 says, "Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts."  What is the purpose of singing to God?

Thursday, September 13, Isaiah 27 - 28, John 3

• Has Isaiah 27:6 been fulfilled or is that still to come?
• Isaiah 28:6 says that God will be "a source of strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate."  What opportunities do you have to turn back the battle at the gate?
• In John 3, why does Jesus say we need to be born again?
• Why did John the Baptist say, "I must become less"?
• According to John 3:36 who has eternal life?

Friday, September 14, Isaiah 29 - 31

• God says in Isaiah 29:13, "These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."  Why would anyone whose heart is far from God want to honor Him with their lips?
• Why does Isaiah 30:1-5 say that Egypt's help will be of no value?
• Isaiah 31:1 rebukes those who trust in horses and chariots but who do not seek help from God.  Are there areas in your life where you are trusting someone or something other than God?

Saturday, September 15, Isaiah 32 - 33, John 4

• Isaiah 32:8 says, "But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand."  What does it mean to be noble?
• James Madison is credited with proposing three branches of government, inspired by Isaiah 33:22.  Do you view God as your judge, lawgiver, and king?
• According to John 4:10, what were the only two things needed for the Samaritan woman to have living water?
• What does it mean to worship God in spirit and in truth?
• What food was Jesus referring to in John 4:32?

Week 36, September 2 - 8, 2018

Sunday, September 2, Isaiah 1 - 2, Colossians 1

• In Isaiah 1, why does God refer to Israel's sacrifices and burnt offerings as meaningless?  Why does God say He isn't listening to their prayers?
• In Isaiah 2:22 God commands us, "Stop trusting in mere humans."  How do we put our complete trust in God?
• Based on Colossians 1:15-20, how would you explain who Jesus is?

Monday, September 3, Isaiah 3 - 5, Psalm 102

• In Isaiah 3 why does God call out haughty women for judgment?
• Who or what is the Branch of the Lord mentioned in Isaiah 4:2?
• What does the vineyard in Isaiah 5 represent? What good fruit was God looking for?  What bad fruit did it yield instead?
• Psalm 102:13 says, "You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come."  When would it be time for God to have compassion on Zion?

Tuesday, September 4, Isaiah 6 - 7, Colossians 2

• Why did Isaiah react the way he did in Isaiah 6:5?
• Isaiah told Ahaz in Isaiah 7:9, "If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all."  In what situations does this statement also apply to you?
• Paul says in Colossians 2:7, "just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him."  What do you have to do to live in Him?
• Why does Paul call the observance of special days and dietary restrictions, "a shadow of the things that were to come" (Colossians 2:17)?

Wednesday, September 5, Isaiah 8 - 10, Psalm 103

• God warned Isaiah in Isaiah 8:12-13 not to fear what people fear, but only to fear God.  How can you eliminate fear, other than reverential fear of God, from your life?
• What does Isaiah 9:6 tell us about a child who would be born?
• In Isaiah 10:20-22, what does the word "remnant" mean?
• David wrote in Psalm 103:2, "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits."  How does it help you to remind yourself of God's goodness?

Thursday, September 6, Isaiah 11 - 12, Colossians 3

• Who is being spoken of in Isaiah 11:1-5?
• Isaiah 12:3 says, "With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation."  What does this mean?
• What does it mean to "set your hearts on things above"? (Colossians 3:1)
• We are commanded in Colossians 3:13, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Is there anyone you need to forgive?

Friday, September 7, Isaiah 13 - 15

• God says in Isaiah 13:11, "I will punish the world for its evil, the wicked for their sins."  How is God able to be a just God who punishes sin while offering forgiveness to the sinner?
• Isaiah 14:4 is speaking to the king of Babylon, but verses 12-15 describe Satan's fall from heaven.  The King James Version uses the name "Lucifer" in verse 12.  Why would Isaiah speak about Satan in this passage?
• Whose destruction does Isaiah foretell in chapter 15?

Saturday, September 8, Isaiah 16 - 17, Colossians 4

• What does Isaiah 16 say would happen to Moab?
• Isaiah 17:10 says, "You have forgotten God your Savior; you have not remembered the Rock, your fortress."  What would cause a person to "forget" God?
• Colossians 4:2 instructs us to be devoted to prayer.  What does it mean to be devoted to something?  Are you devoted to prayer?

Week 35, August 26 - September 1, 2018

Sunday, August 26, Ecclesiastes 1-3, Philippians 1

• Why does Solomon say in Ecclesiastes 1 that everything is meaningless?
• In Ecclesiastes 2 Solomon says that wisdom is better than folly?  What does he say is the same for the wise man and the fool?
• Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 shows that there is a right time for everything.  How can you live in harmony with God's timing?
• In Philippians 1, what good things did Paul say came from him being chained as a prisoner?
• Why did Paul say he desired "to depart and be with Christ"?  Why was he convinced that it wasn't his time to go yet?

Monday, August 27, Ecclesiastes 4 - 6, Psalm 98

• In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, why does Solomon say that two are better than one?
• Why does Solomon advise us to let our words be few when we come before God (Ecclesiastes 5:2)?
• In Ecclesiastes 5:10 Solomon says, "Whoever loves money never has enough."  Why is this true?
• Psalm 98:1 includes the command, "Sing to the Lord a new song."  How can you obey that if you aren't a song writer or can't sing very well?

Tuesday, August 28, Ecclesiastes 7 - 9, Philippians 2

• Ecclesiastes 7:21 says, "Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you."  How should you react if you hear someone being critical of you?
• Ecclesiastes 9:17 says, "The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools."  Where can you find the quiet words of the wise?
• We're commanded in Philippians 2:4 to look not only to our own interests, but also to the interests of others.  Whose interests specifically should you be looking out for?
• Philippians 2:14 tells us to do everything without grumbling or arguing.  What is grumbling and how do you avoid it?

Wednesday, August 29, Ecclesiastes 10 - 12, Psalm 99

• Ecclesiastes 10:10 says, "If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success."  What opportunities do you have that would be similar to sharpening your ax?
• Solomon advises the young in Ecclesiastes 11:9, "know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment."  How does knowing that we will all stand before God impact the way you live?
• Ecclesiastes 12:1 says, "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth."  What does a person have to do to obey this command?
• Psalm 99:5 says to "worship at his footstool."  What does this mean?

Thursday, August 30, Song of Songs 1 - 3, Philippians 3

• Song of Songs 2:4 says, "let his banner over me be love."  What does it mean for the Lord to raise a banner over you?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Songs 2:7, "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires"?
• Paul speaks of the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" in Philippians 3:8.  What value do you place on knowing the Lord?
• What does Paul say he is pressing on to take hold of in Philippians 3:12?

Friday, August 31, Song of Songs 4 - 5, Psalm 100 - 101

• Is the statement in Song of Songs 4:7, "You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you," based on a blindness to flaws or on a choice to see one's loved one as ideal?
• Song of Songs 5:6 says, "I looked for him but did not find him. I called him but he did not answer."  If it seems to you like you have called out to God and have not gotten an answer, what should you do?
• Psalm 100:1 tells us to shout for joy.  What reason do we have to shout?
• David wrote in Psalm 101:2, "I will be careful to lead a blameless life."  How would you do this?  What should you do if you do something wrong?

Saturday, September 1, Song of Songs 6 - 8, Philippians 4

• Song of Songs 6:3 says, "I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine."  How would you describe what God intended a marriage relationship to be?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Song of Songs 8:6, "love is as strong as death"?
• Philippians 4:4 says to rejoice in the Lord always.  How can you do this when life is difficult at time?
• What promise does Philippians 4:7 make to those who pray?

Week 34, August 19 - 25, 2018

Sunday, August 19, Proverbs 17 - 18, Ephesians 1 - 2

• Proverbs 17:9 says, "Whoever would foster love covers over an offense."  When is it appropriate to cover over an offense?
• Proverbs 18:13 says, "To answer before listening - that is folly and shame."  What would motivate someone to answer before listening?
• What does Paul mean in Ephesians 1:3 when he says that God has "blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ"?
• In Ephesians 1:17-19, what does Paul say he is praying for the believers in Ephesus?
• Why does Ephesians 2:9 say that we are not saved by works, but 2:10 says we were created to do good works?

Monday, August 20, Proverbs 19 - 21, Psalm 94

• Proverbs 19:3 says, "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord."  Have you seen examples of people who have brought ruin on themselves through folly, but blamed God for it?
• Proverbs 20:22 says, "Do not say, 'I’ll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you."  Is there anyone who has wronged you who you want to take vengeance on?  What would the Lord have you do?
• Proverbs 21:30 says, "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord."  How does this truth impact the way you look at life?
• Psalm 94:19 says, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  What do you do when you experience anxiety?

Tuesday, August 21, Proverbs 22 - 23, Ephesians 3 - 4

• Proverbs 22:3 says, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."  However, Proverbs 22:13 says, "The sluggard says, “There’s a lion outside! I’ll be killed in the public square!”  How do you find the balance between avoiding danger and being overly afraid of danger?
• Proverbs 23:17 says, "always be zealous for the fear of the Lord."  How can you maintain zeal?
• Ephesians 3:12 says, "In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."  Do you approach God with freedom and confidence?
• According to Ephesians 4:13, what is the goal of Christian believers?
• According to Ephesians 4:28, what should people who have been stealing do instead?

Wednesday, August 22, Proverbs 24 - 25, Psalms 95 - 96

• Proverbs 24:27 says, "Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; after that, build your house."  How do those priorities apply to your life?
• Proverbs 25:26 says, "Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked."  How can you avoid becoming like a muddied spring?
• Psalm 95:7-8 teach us to hear God's voice and not to harden our hearts.  What do you need to do to hear from God with an open heart?
• Psalm 96:13 says, "Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth."  Why would judgment be the cause of rejoicing?

Thursday, August 23, Proverbs 26 - 27, Ephesians 5

• Proverbs 26:11 teaches that a fool repeats his folly.  How can you be a person who learns from mistakes?
• Why does Proverbs 27:1 teach us not to boast about tomorrow?  Doesn't our faith allow us to view tomorrow with optimism and hope?
• Ephesians 5:15 commands, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise."  What must you do to obey this command?
• How are men told to love their wives in Ephesians 5?

Friday, August 24, Proverbs 28 - 29, Psalm 97

• Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."  Why would righteousness bring boldness?
• Proverbs 29:25 says, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe."  How can you shift from fear of man to trusting in the Lord?
• Psalm 97:10 says, "Let those who love the Lord hate evil."  How do you hate evil without becoming a hateful person?

Saturday, August 25, Proverbs 30 - 31, Ephesians 6

• Proverbs 30 was written by Agur.  In verse 8 he asks to be kept from either poverty or riches.  Why?
• What are the most important characteristics of a wife of noble character described in Proverbs 31:10-31?
• In Ephesians 6:4 fathers are taught not to exasperate their children.  What does this mean and how do parents avoid exasperating their children?
• Ephesians 6:10-17 commands us to put on the full armor of God.  How do you do this?

Week 33, August 12 - 18, 2018

Sunday, August 12, Proverbs 1 - 3, Galatians 1

• What does Proverbs 1:7 say is the beginning of wisdom?  What does this mean?
• Proverbs 2:4 encourages us to search for wisdom as hidden treasure.  Why would it be difficult to find wisdom?
• Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."  How do you trust in the Lord rather than leaning on your own understanding?
• In Galatians 1 who does Paul say sent him as an apostle?

Monday, August 13, Proverbs 4 - 6, Psalm 91

• Proverbs 4:14-15 says, "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way."  What paths do you need to avoid?
• Proverbs 5 warns of the consequences of adultery and give a two-part strategy for avoiding it.  What should a person do to avoid adultery?
• Proverbs 6:10-11 warns that sleep leads to poverty.  However, Psalm 127 warns against working too hard and says that God give sleep to those He loves.  How can both be true?
• Psalm 91 focuses on God's protection.  Verses 9-10 say, "If you say, 'The Lord is my refuge,' and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent."  What do you need to do to live under this protection?

Tuesday, August 14, Proverbs 7 - 8, Galatians 2

• Proverbs 7 describes a man falling prey to an adulteress.  Verse 22 describes him "like an ox going to the slaughter."  Why is he described this way?
• Proverbs 8:11 says, "wisdom is more precious than rubies."  Do you value wisdom in this way?  How are you seeking wisdom?
• In Galatians 2, why did Paul say he opposed Cephas (Peter)?
• In Galatians 2:16 how does Paul say we are justified?
• What does Paul mean in Galatians 2:20 when he says, "I know longer live"?

Wednesday, August 15, Proverbs 9 - 10, Psalm 92

• Proverbs 9:8 says, "Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you."  How do you respond to rebuke?
• Proverbs 10:3 says, "The Lord does not let the righteous go hungry."  How does this promise impact your priorities in life?
• Psalm 92:1 says, "It is good to praise the Lord."  Why is it good?

Thursday, August 16, Proverbs 11 - 12, Galatians 3 - 4

• Proverbs 11:2 says that pride brings disgrace.  How can you maintain humility?
• Proverbs 12:11 contrasts working the land with chasing fantasies.  What in your life is equivalent to working your land and what would be an example of a fantasy you could chase?
• In Galatians 3:1 Paul tells the Galatians, "Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified."  How does clearly understanding the significance of the resurrection shape what you believe?
• Why are those who rely on the works of the Law under a curse?
• Paul says in Galatians 3:9, "those who rely on faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."  How do you rely on faith?
• Galatians 4:6 says, "God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts."  What does this mean?

Friday, August 17, Proverbs 13 - 14, Psalm 93

• Proverbs 13:3 says, "Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin."  What do you have to do to guard your lips?
• Proverbs 14:21 says, "blessed is the one who is kind to the needy."  What opportunities do you have to show kindness to the needy?
• What does Psalm 93:2 mean saying, "Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity"?

Saturday, August 18, Proverbs 15 - 16, Galatians 5 - 6

• Proverbs 15:1 says,"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  What do you have to do to give someone a gentle answer if they are mad?
• Proverbs 16:2 says, "All a person’s ways seem pure to them."  How can this be true of people who commit great evil?
• According to Galatians 5:14, what one command fulfills the entire Law?
• Galatians 5:22-23 describes the fruit of the Spirit.  What do you need to do to see this fruit in your life?
• Galatians 6:9 commands us, "Let us not become weary in doing good."  What good are you doing and how can you avoid becoming weary?

Week 32, August 5 - 11, 2018

Sunday, August 5, Job 22 - 24, Acts 25

• In Job 22:2 Eliphaz asks, "Can a man be of benefit to God?"  How would you answer this?
• In Job 23:10 Job says, "when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."  What was this statement based on?
• Why was Paul brought before Agrippa in Acts 25?

Monday, August 6, Job 25 - 27, Psalm 89

• Bildad said in Job 25:4, "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?"  How would you answer his question?
• Job 27 starts a conclusion of what had become an argument between Job and his three friends.  Job says in 27:5, "I will never admit you are in the right."  If you had been there with Job, what would you have had to say?
• Psalm 89 recalls the promises made to David, "I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure." (Psalm 89:29)  This is contrasted with a time in which it seems the promises had been forgotten, "You have renounced the covenant with your servant and have defiled his crown in the dust." (Psalm 89:39)  What benefit is there in reminding God of His promises when you are in the midst of difficulty?

Tuesday, August 7, Job 28 - 30, Acts 26

• According to Job 28:28, what is wisdom?
• How does Job describe his former life in chapter 29?
• How does Job describe his current life in chapter 30?
• Paul says in Acts 26:9, "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth."  How could Paul have been convinced of something that was so wrong?
• What did Agrippa conclude about the charges against Paul?

Wednesday, August, 8, Job 31 - 33, Psalm 90

• Job says in Job 31:1, "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman."  How would you make a covenant with your eyes?
• Why did Elihu say he waited to speak in Job 32?
• In Job 33, what did Elihu think Job needed to do?
• According to Psalm 90:2, how long has God been alive?  How long will He live?

Thursday, August 9, Job 34 - 36, Acts 27

• How did Elihu summarize what he thought was Job's problem in Job 34:7-8?
• By saying, "But now you are laden with the judgment due the wicked; judgment and justice have taken hold of you," (Job 36:17) Elihu is telling Job that his suffering is the consequence of his own sin.  Why did Elihu believe this?
• Whose advice did the centurion listen to in Acts 27 when he didn't listen to Paul's?
• Why did the soldiers let the lifeboat drift away in Acts 27:32?

Friday, August 10, Job 37 - 39, Acts 28

• Elihu says in Job 37:23, "The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power."  Do you agree with that statement?
• In Job 38 the Lord begins to speak.  He begins by showing we couldn't possibly understand everything He has done.  "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand." (Job 38:4)  What benefit is there in understanding that His ways are higher than our ways?
• In Job 39 God speaks about unique features of animals He created.  What should we learn from these animals?
• In Acts 28:22 the Jews in Rome said, "people everywhere are talking against this sect." (Christianity)  Why were people talking against Christians?
• According to Acts 28:30-31, how long was Paul able to stay in a rented house in Rome and proclaim the gospel without hindrance?

Saturday, August 11, Job 40 - 42

• How did Job respond to God in Job 40:4?
• Job says in Job 42:3, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand."  But God said to Eliphaz in 42:7, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has."  What had Job been saying that was true?

Week 31, July 29 - August 4, 2018

Sunday, July 29, Job 1 - 3, Acts 21

• How does Job 1:1 describe Job's character?
• What was Job's initial reaction to all the bad news in chapter 1?
• Why would Job's wife recommend in Job 2:9, "Curse God and die!"?
• For a week Job's friends sat with him and didn't say anything.  Is there any value in comforting people just by being with them?
• In Job 3:20, Job wonders why life is given to those who are "bitter of soul."  What hope would you offer to someone whose circumstances are very difficult?
• In Acts 21, why did Paul continue his trip to Jerusalem when he had people urging him not to go there?
• Why was Paul arrested by the Romans in Acts 21?

Monday, July 30, Job 4 - 6, Psalm 86

• Eliphaz tells Job in 4:6, "Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?"  Was this good advice?
• Eliphaz says in Job 5:8, "But if I were you, I would appeal to God."  Was this good advice?
• What does Job say in 6:9 that he would like God to do for him?
• Why does Job say in 6:28, "be so kind as to look at me"?  Are there suffering people you know who feel like no one is really looking at them?
• In Psalm 86:11 David prays, "give me an undivided heart."  What do you need to do to have an undivided heart?

Tuesday, July 31, Job 7 - 9, Acts 22

• Why does Job say in Job 7:16, "Let me alone; my days have no meaning"?
• In Job 8:5-6 Bildad said, "But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state."  This seems like reasonable advice.  What was Bildad missing?
• In Job 9, Job says that God is too wise and too powerful for a mere mortal to appeal to Him. Job cries out for a mediator in verse 33 saying, "If only there were someone to mediate between us, someone to bring us together."  How has our need for a mediator been answered?
• What did Paul say in Acts 22 that caused the crowd to quit listening and start shouting?

Wednesday, August 1, Job 10 - 12, Psalm 87

• Job prays in 10:8, "Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me?"  Since God made you, what should your attitude be toward your life?
• In chapter 11 Zophar told Job, "if you put away the sin that is in your hand" (verse 14) "You will surely forget your trouble." (verse 16).  Zophar believed that Job's problems were his fault because of sin.  What is wrong with assuming that someone in trouble has caused it themselves?
• Job says in 12:13, "To God belong wisdom and power."  How does knowing that God has all wisdom and power impact the way you face challenges?
• Why does Psalm 87 speak of recording far away places saying, "This one was born in Zion"?

Thursday, August 2, Job 13 - 15, Acts 23

• In Job 13:15 Job says, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him."  What outcome did Job expect from the trial he was going through?
• Job said, "If someone dies, will they live again?" (Job 14:14)  Did he have the hope of eternal life?
• In Job 15:4, Eliphaz escalated his attack on Job by saying, "you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God."  Why did he say this?
• What did Paul say in Acts 23 that started a dispute between the Pharisees and the Sadducees in the Sanhedrin?
• What did God say to Paul to encourage him in Acts 23:11?
• Why did the Romans move Paul to Caesarea at night?

Friday, August 3 Job 16 - 18, Psalm 88

• Why does Job call his friends "miserable comforters" in Job 16:2?
• Why does Job say, "come on, all of you, try again! I will not find a wise man among you"? (17:10)
• Job, chapter 18, has Bildad explaining that bad things happen to bad people.  He was assuming that Job must have been bad for bad things to have come upon him.  Why did Bildad believe this?
• Psalm 88 was written in a time of great trouble, but verse 9 says, "I call to you, Lord, every day; I spread out my hands to you."  How should you pray when life is difficult?, 

Saturday, August 4, Job 19 - 21, Acts 24

• In Job 19:21 Job asks his friends for pity rather than criticism.  Why were they motivated to accuse him?
• In Job, chapter 20, Zophar elaborates on his belief that bad things happen to bad people and concludes by saying in verse 29, "Such is the fate God allots the wicked, the heritage appointed for them by God."  Why were Job's friends so persistent in their accusations?
• In Job 21:13-15, Job speaks of people who spend their years in prosperity but have no interest in God. What conclusion does he draw about such people?
• Why did Felix have Paul stop talking in Acts 24:25?