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?
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?
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?
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?
