Week 34, August 18 - 24, 2019

New Testament
Colossians 3

• In Colossians 3 Paul tells us in verse 1, "set your hearts on things above," and in verse 2, "Set your minds on things above."  How can you do this?
• What reasons does Paul give us in Colossians 3:9-10 to not lie?
• We are commanded in Colossians 3:14, "Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Is there anyone you need to forgive?

Colossians 4

• Colossians 4:2 says, "Devote yourselves to prayer."  What do you need to do to be devoted to prayer?
• Colossians 4:6 says that our conversation should be "full of grace, seasoned with salt."  How can you learn to say the right thing, neither saying too much or too little?

1 Thessalonians 1

• Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 that the gospel came to the Thessalonians, "with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction."  What does this mean?
• What does Paul say the Thessalonians turned to God from?

1 Thessalonians 2

• Paul describes his motives for preaching the gospel, "We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts." (1 Thessalonians 2:4)  What motivates you?
• Paul describes his ministry among the Thessalonians as "encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God." (1 Thessalonians 2:12)  Who has encouraged, comforted, and urged you to live for God?

1 Thessalonians 3

• Paul says he told the Thessalonians that they would be persecuted.  (1 Thessalonians 3:4)  Why would God allow believers to be persecuted?
• What report did Timothy bring Paul that was so encouraging to him?

Old Testament
Proverbs 17 - 31

• Proverbs 17:5 says, "Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker."  Why would someone want to mock the poor?  What attitude should you have toward the poor?
• Proverbs 18:10 says, "The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."  How do you run to the name of the Lord?
• Proverbs 19:3 says, "A person’s own folly leads to their ruin, yet their heart rages against the Lord."  Why would someone be mad at God for the consequences of their own folly?
• Proverbs 20:10 says the Lord hates differing weights and measures.  Why would He?
• 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 face trouble and opposition?
• We are encouraged to be generous in Proverbs 22:9.  "The generous will themselves be blessed for they share their food with the poor."  What opportunities do you have to be generous toward the poor?
• What warnings do you find about drinking in Proverbs 23:29-35?
• What reason does Proverbs 24:19-20 give for not envying the wicked?
• Why does Proverbs 25:21 tell us to give food and drink to our enemy?
• Why do verses 4 and 5 of Proverbs 26 seem to point in opposite directions?
• Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."  What opportunities do you have to be sharpened by others and to sharpen others?
• Proverbs 28:1 says, "The wicked flee though no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."  Why would being righteous make a person bold?
• "Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end." (Proverbs 29:11)  Are you more likely to give vent to your rage to bring calm?
• Why does Proverbs 30:8 ask God for neither poverty nor riches?
• Why does Proverbs 31:4 say it is not for kings to drink beer and wine?

Psalms
Psalms 94 - 97

• Psalm 94:19 says, "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  When and how has God turned your anxiety into joy for you?
• Psalm 95 is a call to worship with others.  The phrase "let us" is used five times.  "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation." (verse 1)  "Let us come before him with thanksgiving." (verse 2)  "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker."  What is the value of worshiping with others?
• "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth." (Psalm 96:1)  Why does this verse specify a new song?
• "Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."  (Psalm 97:12)  Why are we commanded to rejoice?  Why is it important?

Week 33, August 11 - 17, 2019

New Testament
Philippians 2

• Philippians 2:3-4 says, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."  How can you develop an attitude of valuing others?
• Philippians 2:13 says, "it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."  How has God worked in you to fulfill His purpose?

Philippians 3

• Paul says in Philippians 3:8 that it is worth giving up everything else for the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord."  Do you put that value on knowing the Lord?  What can you do to know Him better?
• In Philippians 3 verses 12 and 14, Paul twice uses the phrase, "I press on."  What does this mean?  What is he pressing on toward?

Philippians 4

• We are commanded in Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always."  How can a person rejoice when they are having trouble?  Are you able to rejoice when you are having trouble?
• What does Philippians 4:6 tell us to do instead of being anxious?  What are we promised if we pray with thanksgiving?

Colossians 1

• What does Paul mean in Colossians 1:6 when he says, "the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world"?
• What does Paul say, in Colossians 1:9-12, that he is praying for the Colossians?
• Paul says in Colossians 1:21 that we were once alienated from God.  He says in verse 22 that we have been reconciled.  What does this mean?

Colossians 2

• Colossians 2:7 urges us to be "rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith."  What do you need to do to have this happen in your life?
• Paul tells us in Colossians 2:16 "do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day."  How do you keep someone else from judging you?

Old Testament
Proverbs 1 - 16

• Proverbs 1:20-33 pictures wisdom speaking.  Verse 24 says, "no one pays attention when I stretch out my hand."  Why would anyone fail to pay attention to wisdom?
• What benefits of having wisdom are described in chapter 2?
• Proverbs 3:3 says, "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart."  What do you need to do to keep love and faithfulness?
• Proverbs 3:11 says to not despise the Lord's discipline.  How would you know when you are being disciplined by the Lord?
• Proverbs 4:16 says that the wicked, "cannot rest until they do evil."  What would cause a person to be so inclined to evil?
• "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (Proverbs 4:23)  How do you guard your heart?
• Proverbs 5 warns of the consequences of adultery.  What strategies do you find in the chapter for avoiding adultery?
• In Proverbs 6:6-8, what are we supposed to learn from ants?
• Chapter 7 has further warnings against adultery.  Why does verse 23 say that adultery will cost the adulterer his life?
• Proverbs 8:11 says, "wisdom is more precious than rubies."  Do you place a high value on wisdom?
• In chapter 9, both wisdom and folly are pictured calling out from the highest point in the city, inviting people saying, "Let all who are simple come to my house!" (verse 4, wisdom; verse 16, folly)  Why do the invitations of wisdom and folly look so similar?
• Proverbs 10:22 says, "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, without painful toil for it."  How do you obtain that blessing?
• According to Proverbs 11:2, what does pride bring?  What does humility bring?
• Proverbs 12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense."  This shows the contrast between steady labor and get-rich-quick schemes.  For you, what would be the equivalent of working your land?
• Proverbs 13:10 says, "Where there is strife, there is pride."  Why does pride bring strife?
• Proverbs 14:1 says a foolish woman tears her house down with her own hands.  What is an example of a foolish woman tearing her own house down?
• Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death."  How can you avoid ways that appear to be right but aren't?
• Proverbs 15:8 says, "The Lord detests the sacrifice of the wicked."  Since a sacrifice is an act of worship, why would the Lord detest it?
• "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." (Proverbs 16:3)  What do you have to do to commit whatever you do to the Lord?

Psalms
Psalms 91 - 93

• Psalm 91 promises protection and long life to the one who dwells in the "shelter of the Most High."  How does a person dwell in God's shelter?
• Psalm 92:4 says, "I sing for joy at what your hands have done."  What has God done that brings you joy?
• According to Psalm 93:2 when was God's throne established?

Week 32, August 4 - 10, 2019

New Testament
Ephesians 3

• In Ephesians 3:6 what mystery does Paul say has been revealed?
• 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?  What is that freedom based on?
• What does Paul say in Ephesians 3:16-19 he is praying for the Ephesian Christians?

Ephesians 4

• Paul says, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."  (Ephesians 4:3)  What kind of effort is needed to keep unity?
• According to Ephesians 4:13-16, what does God want us to become?
• In Ephesians 4:22-23, Paul tells us to put off the old self and put on the new self.  How do we do this?
• What does Ephesians 4:29 say we should do with our ability to speak?

Ephesians 5

• Ephesians 5:10 says, "and find out what pleases the Lord."  How do you find out what pleases the Lord?
• Ephesians 5:18 tells us not to get drunk on wine.  What are we told to do instead?
• In what way are husbands told to love their wives?

Ephesians 6

• What are children taught to do in Ephesians 6:1?
• Ephesians 6:11-17 teaches us to put on the full armor of God.  How do you do this?

Philippians 1

• Paul says he is praying for the Philippians and says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."  How does confidence that God will continue to work in you impact your desire to know and obey the Lord?
• Why does Paul say to die is gain?

Old Testament
Job 22 - 42

• Eliphaz and his friends assumed that bad things happened to Job because he had been bad.  In Job 22:5-9 Eliphaz starts naming specific sins that he assumes Job has committed.  Why did Eliphaz feel a need to condemn Job?
• Job says in Job 23:10, "when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold."  What did he base this confidence on?
• In Job 24:1 Job wonders, "Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment?"  He then describes many injustices that take place in the world that seem to go without punishment.  How would you answer Job's question in verse 1?
• Bildad asks in Job 25:4, "How then can a mortal be righteous before God?"  What is the answer to his question?
• Job said, "I will maintain my innocence and never let go of it." (Job 27:6)  He was disagreeing with his friends who thought his problems were the result of his sin.  Was Job right in saying this?
• In chapter 28 Job describes wisdom as harder to find than precious metals that are mined far below ground.  This seems to contrast with Proverbs 9:1-6 which depicts wisdom calling out from the highest point of the city, inviting everyone to come.  Which view of wisdom is most accurate?
• In chapter 29 Job remembers the days when he was deeply respected and in chapter 30 he describes being mocked now that he is suffering.  How can you keep a consistent love for God and understanding of His purpose when people's opinions of you may change?
• "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman. (Job 31:1)  What does it mean to make a covenant with your eyes?
• In Job 31:15 Job gives the reason he must treat his servants with justice.  "Did not he who made me in the womb make them?"  Do you look at others with this understanding and treat others the way you would like to be treated?
• In chapter 32 Elihu speaks up after Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar because, "not one of you has proved Job wrong." (Job 32:12)  Why did he want to prove Job wrong?
• It troubled Elihu for Job to claim to be innocent and like the three men before him, Elihu assumed that Job's problems were the result of his sin.  "Is there anyone like Job, who drinks scorn like water? He keeps company with evildoers; he associates with the wicked." (Job 34:7-8)  Why were these men unable to believe Job's claim to being innocent?
• Elihu thought that Job merely needed to repent to be set free from his suffering, "He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food." (Job 36:16)  Elihu didn't understand what was really happening.  What should we do when we want to encourage someone whose situation we don't fully understand?
• In chapter 38 God begins to speak.  He says in verse 4, "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?"  He then begins to describe some of the complexity of creation.  What value is there in remembering that God knows infinitely more than we do and that He created everything we see?
• How did Job answer God in Job 40:3-5?
• God says in Job 41:11, "Who has a claim against me that I must pay? Everything under heaven belongs to me."  Why is it important for us to recognize that God owns everything?
• Job said to Eliphaz in Job 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."  At times Job complained and wanted to die.  Some of the things that Eliphaz and his two friends said are true.  Why does God summarize by saying that Eliphaz and his friends did not speak the truth and Job did?
• What happened after Job prayed for his friends?

Psalms
Psalms 89 - 90

• Psalm 89 has these themes 
• verses 1-18, God is great and mighty
• verses 19- 37, God made great promises to David
• verses 38-45, We are defeated and in trouble
• verses 46-52, a prayer for God's intervention, Why does this psalm begin by declaring God's greatness and remembering His promises, when it was written in a time of great trouble?
• Psalm 90 shows that God is eternal, "from everlasting to everlasting you are God," (Psalm 90:2).  It also shows that our lives are short by comparison, "Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures." (Psalm 90:10).  Moses prayed, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."  (Psalm 90:12)  What does it mean to number your days?  What is the benefit?

Week 31, July 28 - August 3, 2019

New Testament
Galatians 4

• Galatians 4:6 says, "God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts."  What does it mean to have Jesus in your heart?
• Why does Paul say in Galatians 4:25 that the present city of Jerusalem is in slavery?

Galatians 5

• In Galatians 5:4 Paul says, "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ."  He is speaking to people who had been told that they had to be circumcised to be saved.  Are there ways in which you are trying to be justified by works rather than trusting in Jesus who paid for your sins?
• Paul tells us to walk by the Spirit and says, "For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh." (Galatians 5:17)  What do you need to do to walk by the Spirit and not be controlled by the flesh?
• What examples of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) do you see in your life or the lives of others?

Galatians 6

• What attitude are we to take in restoring someone caught in a sin?  (Galatians 6:1)
• Why does Paul tell us in Galatians 6:9 to "not become weary in doing good."  Why should doing good make us weary?

Ephesians 1

• According to Ephesians 1:13-14, what happened when you heard the gospel and believed?
• What does Paul say he is praying for the Ephesians?

Ephesians 2

• Why does Ephesians 2:1 say we were dead in transgressions and sins?  What does this mean?
• According to Ephesians 2:2-3, what three things controlled us when we were dead in sin?
• Why does Ephesians 2:9-10 say that we were not saved by works, but we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works?

Old Testament
Job 1 - 21

• What was Satan's objective when he attacked Job in chapter 1?
• Job asked his wife in Job 2:10, "Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?"  What is your attitude when you face trouble?
• Why did Job's friends sit silently with him for 7 days?
• In Job 3:11 Job said, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?"  If you could answer Job, what would you tell him?
• In Job 4 Eliphaz assumes that bad things only happen to people who have been bad.  He says, "Who, being innocent, has ever perished?"  What do you think of his reasoning?
• Eliphaz, in Job 5:8 tells Job he should pray about his situation, "But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him."  Do you think this advice was helpful to Job?
• In Job 6:8-9 what does Job say he has prayed for?
• Job describes life as "like a slave longing for the evening shadows." (Job 7:2)  What allows a person to enjoy life and not look at it only as a struggle to get through?
• Bildad told Job that if he would pray God would restore him, "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." (Job 8:5-6)  What was wrong with Bildad's advice?
• In Job 9:33, Job says he needs a mediator but does not have one.  Who is our mediator?
• In Job 10:13-14, Job speaks as though God is looking for an opportunity to condemn and punish him.  Why did Job think this?
• Zophar, like Eliphaz and Bildad, assumed that Job was suffering because of his sin.  If you read chapter 1 and 2, you know this isn't true.  Zophar said, "God has even forgotten some of your sin." (Job 11:6)  This is a true statement, but what was wrong with what Zophar was saying?
• Job said in Job 12:5, "Those who are at ease have contempt for misfortune."  If you are at ease, how can you avoid having contempt for others in misfortune?
• Job said to his friends, "If only you would be altogether silent! For you, that would be wisdom." (Job 13:5)  His friends had been silent for the first week they were with him,  (Job 2:13)  Why do you think they started speaking the things they did?
• In his suffering Job expressed a desire to just be left alone, "So look away from him and let him alone, till he has put in his time like a hired laborer." (Job 14:6)  Why wasn't he finding comfort from his friends, his wife, or even from God?
• Eliphaz accuses Job, "But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God." (Job 15:4)  His reasoning must have been that if Job claimed to have been devoted to God, but was still suffering greatly, it would discourage others from wanting to be devoted to God.  How would you answer his argument?
• Job calls his friends "miserable comforters" (Job 16:2) and says that if their situations were reversed, "my mouth would encourage you." (Job 16:5)  If you had been with Job what could you say with your mouth that could encourage him?
• Job 17:1 says, "My spirit is broken."  What does this mean?  Is it possible to have an unbroken spirit in spite of great suffering?
• What is Bildad's purpose in describing what happens to the wicked man in Job 18:5-21?
• Job describes his hope in a redeemer in Job 19:25-27.  This seems to contrast with his earlier statements that he wants to die and be no more.  Where does he get this hope?
• Zophar says in Job 20:3, "I hear a rebuke that dishonors me."  Job's friends had originally come to comfort him, but continued to argue with him in ways that were of no comfort.  Zophar seems to be interested in defending himself.  How can we show people compassion without worrying about ourselves?
• Job points out that sometimes the wicked seem to have an easy life, "Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?" (Job 21:7)  His friends assumed that bad things happen to bad people and therefore Job must have been bad.  Why don't bad things always happen to bad people?

Psalms
Psalms 86 - 88

• In Psalm 86:11 David prays for an undivided heart.  To what extent has God given you an undivided heart? 
• What is the meaning in Psalm 87 of saying, "This one was born in Zion," of people  from other nations?
• Psalm 88 has been called the saddest Psalm because it is a prayer offered in suffering.  Can you find an expression of hope and faith in this psalm?

Week 30, July 21 - 27, 2019

New Testament
2 Corinthians 12

• Why does Paul say he was given a thorn in the flesh?  Why wasn't it taken away?
• What does Paul mean when he says, "For when I am weak, then I am strong"?

2 Corinthians 13

• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves."  How do you do this?
• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 13:9 that he is praying for the Christians in Corinth.  What he asks for is translated "that you may be fully restored" in the NIV, "that you will become mature" in the NLT, "that you be made complete" in the NASB, and "perfection" in the KJV.  What would it mean for you to become fully restored or complete?

Galatians 1

• Paul says he is astonished to learn that the Galatians are "turning to a different gospel."  How can you maintain your understanding of the true gospel and not be turned aside?
• Where does Paul say he learned the gospel?

Galatians 2

• How does Paul describe his meeting with the apostles in Jerusalem in Galatians 2?
• Why did Paul confront Cephas in Antioch?
• In Galatians 2:20 Paul says, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."  How will it change the way you live to have the same attitude Paul describes?

Galatians 3

• Why does Paul say in Galatians 3:10, "all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse"?
• Paul says in Galatians 3:28, "There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."  How should this direct the way we relate to each other?

Old Testament
Esther 1 - 10

• Why did Vashti lose her position as queen in chapter 1 of Esther?
• Why did Esther keep her nationality secret when she became queen?
• Why did Haman want to kill all the Jews?
• Why did Esther want to fast and have others fast before trying to speak to the king?
• In Esther 5 Haman boasted to his wife and friends of his wealth and prestige, but said in verse 13, "But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king’s gate."  Why did one man who didn't show Haman respect outweigh and the things he could have been thankful for?
• In Esther 6:13 Haman's advisers told him that since Mordecai was Jewish, "you cannot stand against him."  Did these advisers understand that God's favor was on the Jews?  How would they have come to that conclusion?
• How did Haman die in Esther 7?
• What did the new edict in Esther 8 say?  Who wrote it?
• How did Purim become a two-day celebration?
• According to Esther 10:3 what was Mordecai's position under king Xerxes?
• The Jews had been scattered during captivity and were forced to live in a foreign land.  Yet they maintained an identity as a people so that Haman knew who they were and wanted to kill them.  How did they maintain their identity as a people?

Psalms
Psalms 82 - 85

• Psalm 82:3 is speaking to judges and says, "Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed."  How can you be of help to the weak, fatherless, poor, or oppressed?
• Psalm 83:1 says, "O God, do not remain silent."  Why would it ever seem like God is silent?  What should you do if you feel like God is being silent in response to your prayer?
• Psalm 84:10 says, "Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere."  What value do you place on being close to God?  What do you do to draw near to Him?
• Psalm 85:1-3 describes God restoring the nation by forgiving their sins.  Verse 4 says, "Restore us again, God our Savior, and put away your displeasure toward us."  Why is it possible to ask a holy God to forgive our sin?

Week 29, July 14 - 20, 2019

New Testament
2 Corinthians 7

• Paul urges us in 2 Corinthians 7:1 to "purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit."  What do you need to do this?
• What does Paul say is the difference between godly sorrow and worldly sorrow?

2 Corinthians 8

• In 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 how does Paul explain the purpose of collecting money to help other Christians?
• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 8:21, "For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of man."  Why would Paul be concerned, in this case, about the eyes of man?

2 Corinthians 9

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  How can you develop a heart that allows you to give to others generously and cheerfully?
• 2 Corinthians 9:8 goes on to say, "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work."  How have you seen God bless you in ways that make you able to give to others?

2 Corinthians 10

• Paul says, "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world." (2 Corinthians 10:4)  What weapons is he speaking of and how are they used?
• 2 Corinthians 10:18 says, "it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."  What do you need to do to live for God and not try to impress yourself?

2 Corinthians 11

• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that Satan masquerades as an angel of light and in verse 15 he says that Satan's servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.  How can you tell the truth from a masquerade?
• How many times does Paul say he was given 39 lashes ("forty lashes minus one")?

Old Testament
Nehemiah 1 - 13

• Nehemiah was 1000 miles from Jerusalem in what is now Iran.  How did he react when he heard about the conditions in Jerusalem?  What did he ask for in Nehemiah 1:11?
• In Nehemiah 2:4, how could Nehemiah pray between being asked a question and answering it?
• In Nehemiah 2:19, how did Nehemiah's enemies first respond to the building of the wall?
• Chapter 3 of Nehemiah describes all the people involved in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.  This included people normally not involved in physical labor, such as perfume-makers and goldsmiths.  Why were so many people willing to get involved in this project?
• How did Nehemiah respond to the opposition from his enemies in chapter 4?
• What changes did Nehemiah make in chapter 5 to keep the work on the wall going?
• How long did it take to complete the rebuilding of the wall?
• In Nehemiah 8, Ezra and others read from the Law and explained its meaning.  The people were weeping when they heard the Law, but Nehemiah and Ezra told them not to mourn or weep.  What did they mean in verse 10, "the joy of the Lord is your strength"?
• Nehemiah 9:28 summarizes much of the history of Israel, "But as soon as they were at rest, they again did what was evil in your sight."  Can you be at rest and remain faithful to God?
• The people agreed in Nehemiah 10:39, "We will not neglect the house of our God."  What was required of them to not neglect the house of God?
• What was done in Nehemiah 11 to populate the city of Jerusalem?
• In Nehemiah 12 two choirs stood on the wall to sing and celebrate.  While the wall was being built, the builders had been ridiculed, "What they are building—even a fox climbing up on it would break down their wall of stones!" (Nehemiah 4:3)  What is the value of celebrating what God has done?  Are there things you need to celebrate?
• In chapter 13, why did Nehemiah stop people from bringing goods into the city on the Sabbath?

Psalms
Psalms 79 - 81

• What is Psalm 79 asking for?
• Psalm 80 says, "revive us," (verse 18) and "restore us." (verse 19)  Are you praying for God to revive and restore America?
• Psalm 81:1 urges us to sing and shout.  What benefit is there to praising God out loud with enthusiasm?

Week 28, July 7 - 13, 2019

New Testament
2 Corinthians 2

• In 2 Corinthians 2:6 Paul refers to someone who had been punished by the church in Corinth.  What did Paul tell them in verse 7 they should do now?
• What does Paul mean in 2 Corinthians 2:15, "we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ"?

2 Corinthians 3

• What does 2 Corinthians 3:16 mean, "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away"?
• How does the transformation that Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 3:18 happen?

2 Corinthians 4

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 shows that while we may have trouble, God will prevent it from being overwhelming, "hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed."  How has God worked in your life to keep you from being destroyed even though you may have been struck down?
• Paul says in 2 Corinthians 4:18, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  What do you need to do to fix your eyes on things that are unseen but eternal?

2 Corinthians 5

• Why does Paul say he would "prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord"?
• 2 Corinthians 5:15 says, "And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again."  Are you living for the one who died for you?
• "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21)  What does it mean that Jesus was made to be sin for us?

2 Corinthians 6

• Paul refers to having "weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left."  (2 Corinthians 6:7.  What does this mean?  Do you have the weapons he is talking about?
• What does the command in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers" apply to?

Old Testament
Ezra 1 - 10

• Ezra 1:1 says, "the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation."  How does God move the heart of a king?
• How many people returned from captivity to Israel in Ezra, chapter 2?
• Why were there two different reactions to the laying of the foundation of the temple in Ezra 3:12?
• Why did work on the temple stop in Ezra, chapter 4?
• How did work on the temple start again in chapter 5?
• Ezra 6:22 says, "For seven days they celebrated with joy the Festival of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel."  King Darius had made it possible for the temple to be completed, but the people recognized that it was God who changed his heart.  Do you recognize God's hand when people show you favor?
• What was Ezra commissioned to do in chapter 7?
• In Ezra 8:21-23, Ezra and those with him fasted and prayed for a safe journey.  Why didn't he ask for soldiers and horsemen to protect them?
• Why was Ezra so troubled in chapter 9 at the fact that Israelites had intermarried with neighboring people?
• Chapter 10 names more than 100 men who had married foreign wives.  Verses 16 and 17 shows that the leaders spent 2 months determining what to do in each case.  Why would it take this long?

Psalms
Psalm 78

• Psalm 78:5-8 describes the importance of telling the next generation God's Word.  What opportunities do you have to pass faith on the next generation?
• Psalm 78:38 says, "Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath."  Why is God slow to anger?

Week 27, June 30 - July 6, 2019

New Testament
1 Corinthians 13

• Why does Paul say that if he had spiritual gifts, but lacked love, "I gain nothing"?
• Based on the definition of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, when have you shown genuine love?  When have you failed to?
• Why does Paul say that of faith, hope and love, the greatest is love?

1 Corinthians 14

• What does 1 Corinthians 14:14 mean, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful"?
• According to 1 Corinthians 14:26, what is the purpose we should have in mind when Christians are gathered?

1 Corinthians 15

• How many people does Paul say Jesus appeared to after His resurrection?
• What does Paul say would be the result if you eliminated the resurrection of Jesus and our resurrection from what we believe?
• How does Paul contrast the body we have now with the one we will have in heaven?

1 Corinthians 16

• What was Paul having the Corinthians set money aside for?
• 1 Corinthians 16:14 says, "Do everything in love."  How can you develop an attitude such that you can do everything in love?

2 Corinthians 1

• 2 Corinthians 1:4 says that God "comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God."  In what ways have you experienced God's comfort?  What opportunities do you have to comfort others?
• Paul says that his troubles "happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God." (2 Corinthians 1:9)  Are there ways that you rely on yourself when you should rely on God?
• What is the meaning of the statement in 2 Corinthians 1:20, "no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ"?

Old Testament
2 Chronicles 19 - 36

• How did  Jehoshaphat instruct the judges in 2 Chronicles 19:6-7?
• Why did  Jehoshaphat have singers at the head of the army in 2 Chronicles 20?
• Why was Jehoram a worse king than his father?  What were the results?
• Who ruled Judah after Ahaziah died in 2 Chronicles 22?
• Why did the people kill Athaliah in 2 Chronicles 23?
• How was the restoration of the temple paid for in 2 Chronicles 24?
• How would you explain Joash turning from good to evil after the death of Jehoiada?
• Why was Amaziah defeated when he went to war against Jehoash in 2 Chronicles 25?
• 2 Chronicles 26:5 says of Uzziah, "As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success."  Verse 15 says, "His fame spread far and wide, for he was greatly helped until he became powerful."  But verse 16 says, "But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall."  How can you become successful without becoming prideful?
• How does 2 Chronicles 27:2 describe the reign of Jotham?
• In 2 Chronicles 28 how many prisoners did Israel take from Judah?  Who told them to send them back?
• What changes did Hezekiah make in 2 Chronicles 29?
• In 2 Chronicles 30:6-9 messengers went throughout Judah and Israel inviting people to return to God and to come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover.  How did people react to the invitation?
• What was the result of the generous giving in 2 Chronicles 31?
• When the Assyrians were going to attack Jerusalem, Hezekiah told the people, "there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles." (2 Chronicles 32:7-8)  How does it affect you to recognize God's power at work in you?
• What happened when Manasseh repented in 2 Chronicles 33?
• When the book of the Law was read to Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34, he was troubled, saying in verse 21, "those who have gone before us have not kept the word of the Lord."  What do you think he heard in the Law that caused him to say this?
• How long had Josiah been king when he celebrated the Passover in 2 Chronicles 35?
• The book of 2 Chronicles ends with people of Israel being allowed to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple.  Who decreed that they could return?

Psalms
Psalms 76 - 77

• Psalm 76:7 says, "It is you alone who are to be feared."  Do you have fear of others that God wants to free you from?
• Psalm 77 was written in a time of trouble.  Verse 7 asks, "Will he never show his favor again?"  But verse 11 says, "I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago."  What is the value of remembering what God has done in time past?

Week 26, June 23 - 29, 2019

New Testament
1 Corinthians 8

• How does Paul's statement in 2 Corinthians 8:1, "knowledge puffs up while love builds up," apply to what Paul teaches about food sacrificed to idols?
• In 2 Corinthians 8:11 Paul says, "So this weak brother or sister, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge."  He places a high value on a weak believer by saying, "for whom Christ died."  Do you value your Christian brothers and sisters this way?

1 Corinthians 9

• Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 9:14, "the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel."  Why, then, did Paul sometimes do without being supported by others?
• What does Paul mean when he says in verse 20, "I myself am not under the law," but says in verse 21, "I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law"?
• Paul says in verse 27 that he makes his body his slave.  What does he mean and how is that done?

1 Corinthians 10

• 1 Corinthians 10:10 tells us not to grumble.  What does this mean?  How do you avoid it?
• What does 1 Corinthians 10:13 promise that God will provide when you are tempted?
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  If you do everything for God's glory will it make life harder or easier?

1 Corinthians 11

• What was wrong with the way the Corinthians were observing the Lord's Supper?
• What did Paul teach us to do before we "eat of the bread and drink from the cup"?

1 Corinthians 12

• What is the purpose of the gifts of the Spirit that Paul discusses in 1 Corinthians 12?
• What does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 12:15 to Christians who might think they are unimportant or unneeded?
• What does Paul say in 1 Corinthians 12:21 to Christians who think another Christian is unimportant or unneeded?

Old Testament
2 Chronicles 1 - 18

• Why were the ark of the covenant and the bronze altar in separate tents, in Jerusalem and in Gibeon, in the time of Solomon?
• Why did Hiram send Huram-Abi to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 2?
• According to 2 Chronicles 3, what was the location of the temple Solomon built?
• In 2 Chronicles 5, after the temple was built and the musicians and singers gave praise to God, what happened?
• In 2 Chronicles 6:18 Solomon said, "But will God really dwell on earth with humans? The heavens, even the highest heavens, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built."  If Solomon recognized that the temple could not contain God, what was the purpose of the temple?
• God made a promise to Solomon in 2 Chronicles 7:14, "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."  How does this promise apply today?
• In 2 Chronicles 8, what did Hiram and Solomon's men go to sea to bring back to Israel?
• According to 2 Chronicles 9, how long was Solomon king?
• In 2 Chronicles 10, Rehoboam made a foolish decision, ignoring the advice of his elders.  What does the statement in verse 15 mean, "this turn of events was from God"?  How can the king's bad decision be from God?
• Why did Rehoboam gather an army in 2 Chronicles 11 and then go home?
• Why did Rehoboam have bronze shields made in 2 Chronicles 12?
• What happened when the army of Judah cried out to the Lord in 2 Chronicles 13:14?
• What happened when Asa faced a much larger army than his in 2 Chronicles 14 and called to the Lord in verse 11?
• In 2 Chronicles 15:1-7, Azariah brought Asa a message of encouragement to "be strong and do not give up."  Do you need this type of encouragement?  Where will you get it?
• As a young king Asa relied on the Lord and did right.  When he had been king a long time he relied on help from the king of Aram.  Hanani rebuked him for this and said in 2 Chronicles 16:9, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him."  Are you fully committed to relying on the Lord?
• Who did Jehoshaphat send out to teach in 2 Chronicles 17?  What do you think was his purpose?
• In 2 Chronicles 18 why did Jehoshaphat insist on consulting a prophet of the Lord, but still go to war after the prophet said that it would end in defeat?

Psalms
Psalms 74 - 75

• Psalm 74 is written in a time of great trouble.  "They burned your sanctuary to the ground." (vs. 7)  "We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be."  (vs. 9)  What does this Psalm ask God to do?
• Psalm 75:6-7 say, "No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt themselves.  It is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another."  In light of this truth, how should we pray for our nation?

Week 25, June 16 - 22, 2019

New Testament
1 Corinthians 3

• In 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Paul explains that the Corinthians' arguments over which leader they follow were a sign of their immaturity.  What attitude toward leaders or teachers does he say we should have instead?
• What is the reward Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 3:14?
• Paul specifically commands us in 1 Corinthians 3:21, "no more boasting about human leaders."  Do you have any tendency to boast about human leaders?

1 Corinthians 4

• Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:3, "I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself."  He only cared about what God thought.  What is the benefit of only caring about God's judgement and not caring what people think?
• Why did Paul send Timothy to Corinth?

1 Corinthians 5

• What does Paul mean in 1 Corinthians 5:5 when he says, "hand this man over to Satan"?
• Why does Paul instruct Christians not to associate with someone who claims to be a Christian but who is "sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler"?

1 Corinthians 6

• What does Paul say would be better than a believer suing another believer in front of a judge who is an unbeliever?
• What reasons does Paul give for fleeing sexual immorality?

1 Corinthians 7

• What does Paul say a believer who is married to an unbeliever should do?
• Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:23, "do not become slaves of human beings."  Are there ways you could become enslaved to another human being?  How should you avoid it?
• 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 teaches us how to live in light of the fact that "the time is short."  How does this apply to you?

Old Testament
1 Chronicles 16 - 29

• What were Asaph and his associates appointed to do in 1 Chronicles 16?
• In 1 Chronicles 17 David wanted to build a house for God.  Instead God had Nathan tell David, "I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you."  (1 Chronicles 17:10)  What did God mean that He would build a house for David?
• Twice in 1 Chronicles 18, the Bible says, "The Lord gave David victory wherever he went."  Why was God willing to give him victory again and again?
• Why did the Ammonites think David had sent a delegation to spy on them in 1 Chronicles 19 when he had sent a delegation to express sympathy?
• Who killed the six fingered man?
• Why did God send a plague on Israel in 1 Chronicles 21?
• In 1 Chronicles 22:19 David told the leaders of Israel, "Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God."  How would you devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord?
• In 1 Chronicles 23:4-5 David divided the Levites into four groups, each with a different responsibility.  Which group would you have preferred to be in?
• 1 Chronicles 25:1 says that David set aside some of the Levites "for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres and cymbals."  What would you need to do if your job was to prophesy?
• According to 1 Chronicles 26:17-18, how many guards were present at one time?
• David told his son Solomon in 1 Chronicles 28:9, "the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought."  How does knowing that God searches your thoughts affect the way you think?
• In 1 Chronicles 29 David and the people of Israel willingly contributed large quantities of gold, silver, bronze, iron, and precious stones for the construction of the temple.  In verse 14 David, prayed, "Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand."  Do you give with the same attitude, recognizing that everything you have comes from God?

Psalms
Psalms 72 - 73

• Psalm 72:12 says, "For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help."  Why does God have concern for the person who has no one else to help?
• Psalm 73 was written by Asaph.  What does he say in verses 2 and 3 that almost caused him to lose his foothold?

Week 24, June 9 - 15, 2019

New Testament
Romans 14

• What attitude does Paul tell us to have toward another believer who has a different opinion on what he calls "disputable matters"?  
• The examples of "disputable matters" that Paul uses are eating meat and observing certain days as sacred.  What would be good examples today?
• Paul instructs us to "make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister."  Is there anything you need to do or not do to avoid causing a brother to stumble?

Romans 15

• Romans 15:2 says, "Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up."  What opportunities do you have to build up others?
• Paul says in Romans 15:7, "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you."  What does it mean to accept someone else?  What example does Jesus give us in how to accept others?

Romans 16

• In Romans 16:17-18, how does Paul teach us to respond to people who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way?
• Romans 16:20 says, "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."  When and how will this happen?

1 Corinthians 1

• In 1 Corinthians Paul writes to correct several things in the church in Corinth.  In 1:11 he writes about "quarrels among you."  But before he writes about what is wrong he says in 1:7, "you do not lack any spiritual gift," and in 1:8, "He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ."  How can Paul be confident of their spiritual gifts and that they will be blameless before God, when he wants to write to them about things they are doing wrong?
• How did Paul tell the Corinthians to settle their quarrels over which leader to follow?

1 Corinthians 2

• What does Paul mean when he says in 1 Corinthians 2:2, "I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified"?
• Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:12, "What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us."  He summarizes in 2:16, "we have the mind of Christ."  What do you need to do to have the mind of Christ?

Old Testament
1 Chronicles 1 - 15

• According to 1 Chronicles 1:34, how was Israel related to Abraham?
• Abishai, Joab and Asahel, are included in stories about the life of David.  According to 1 Chronicles 2:16, how were they related to David?
• What is the purpose in 1 Chronicles 3 of describing David's descendants even after the exile?
• Why did Jabez's mother name him Jabez?  What do you think of his prayer in 1 Chronicles 4:10?
• How did Reuben lose his rights as the firstborn son according to 1 Chronicles 5:1?
• 1 Chronicles 5:25-26 describes the two and a half tribes that settled east of Jordan being taken into exile.  What reason is given for their exile?
• Chapters 6 through 8 list genealogies of some of the tribes of Israel.  These were written after people returned from captivity.  What was the benefit or purpose of these lists?
• 1 Chronicles 9 lists some of the first people to resettle after the captivity.  Responsibilities of the temple were given to descendants of Levi.  Why were these jobs reserved for Levites?
• What reason does 1 Chronicles 10:13 give for Saul's death?
• Why wouldn't David drink the water David's men brought him in 1 Chronicles 11?
• Men of Issachar are described in 1 Chronicles 12:32 as "men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do."  Where would they have gained their understanding?
• 1 Chronicles 13:11 describes David as angry and verse 12 describes him as afraid of God.  What should David have done about his anger and fear?
• What did David do with the gods that the Philistines abandoned in 1 Chronicles 14:12?
• What did David do differently in 1 Chronicles 15 compared to the previous time he tried to move the ark?

Psalms
Psalms 69 - 71

• David wrote in Psalm 69:3, "I am worn out calling for help; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God."  Why would it be this difficult for David to get an answer from God?  What should you do if you feel like he did?
• In Psalm 70 David prays for God to hurry up.  "Hasten, O God, to save me; come quickly, Lord, to help me." (verse 1)  "But as for me, I am poor and needy; come quickly to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer; Lord, do not delay." (verse 5)  What should you do if God doesn't answer as quickly as you'd hoped?
• Psalm 71:15 says, "My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long."  What opportunities do you have to tell of God's righteous deeds and saving acts?

Week 23, June 2 - 8, 2019

New Testament
Romans 9

• What was the reason for the "great sorrow and unceasing anguish" Paul spoke about in Romans 9:2?
• According to Romans 9:31-32, why were there people in Israel who did not attain righteousness?

Romans 10

• What is Paul's point in Romans 10:8 when he says, "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart"?
• What does Romans 10:9 say you need to do to be saved?

Romans 11

• What is the "remnant" Paul speaks of in Romans 11:5?
• What are the wild branches and the natural branches in Romans 11:24?

Romans 12

• In Romans 12:1 Paul urges us to offer our "bodies as a living sacrifice."  How do you do this?
• Romans 12:2 commands us, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world."  Why might we have a tendency to conform to the pattern of this world?
• Romans 12:6-8 tells us to use our gifts.  How do you know what your gift is?  Are you using yours?

Romans 13

• According to Romans 13:1-7, what should our attitude be toward governing authorities?
• Why does Paul call loving others a "continuing debt"?
• Romans 13:11 tells us to "wake up from your slumber"?  What does this mean and how do you do it?

Old Testament
2 Kings 14 - 25

• In 2 Kings 14:19-21 the people of Jerusalem assassinated their king, Amaziah, and made his son the king.  Amaziah had become king in chapter 12 when people assassinated his father and made him king.  Why would people assassinate a king and make his son the king?
• 2 Kings 15 describes a man who became king when he was 16 years old and was king for 52 years.  He is called by two different names in this chapter.  What are they?
• Why would Ahaz, in 2 Kings 16, want to copy an altar he had seen in Damascus?
• According to 2 Kings 17:7-20, why did God allow Israel to be taken into captivity by the Assyrians?
• How did Samaria become a place of mixed religious practices that included worshiping the Lord, while practicing idolatry?
• In 2 Kings 18 how did the field commander try to undermine faith in the Lord?  Why would he want to?
• What did Hezekiah pray for in 2 Kings 19?  How did God answer?
• Why did Hezekiah weep bitterly in 2 Kings 20:3?
• In 2 Kings 21, why did God say He would bring disaster on Jerusalem?
• How did Josiah react when the Book of the Law was read to him?
• In 2 Kings 23 Josiah destroyed many idols and altars that had been used for idol worship.  Why had these things accumulated in Judah?
• What reason does 2 Kings 24:3 give for Judah's destruction?
• When the people of Judah were taken captive in 2 Kings 25, who was left behind?

Psalms
Psalms 67 - 68

• Psalm 67 is a prayer.  Verse 2 says, "so that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations."  What needs to happen for God's ways to be known on earth?
• Psalm 68:5 calls God "a father to the fatherless."  How does God care for the fatherless?

Week 22, May 26 - June 1, 2019

New Testament
Romans 4

• According to Paul in Romans 4, how was Abraham justified (considered righteous)?
• In what sense is Abraham our father?

Romans 5

• Romans 5:5 says, "God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."  How does having God's love poured into your heart change you?
• What is the significance of the fact that Jesus died for us while we were still His enemies (Romans 5:10)?
• Romans 5:19 says, "through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous."  How has Christ's obedience made you righteous?

Romans 6

• What does it mean that we were "buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life"? (Romans 6:4)
• We are commanded in Romans 6:11 to "count yourselves dead to sin," and in verse 12, "do not let sin reign in your mortal body," and in verse 13, "do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness."  How do you obey these commands?
• Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."  What is the difference between wages and a gift?

Romans 7

• Romans 7:6 says, "we have been released from the law."  What does this mean?
• Paul says in Romans 7:15, "For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do."  Why would a person do what they hate?

Romans 8

• Paul writes, "The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace."  (Romans 8:6)  How can you make sure that your mind is governed by the Spirit?
• Romans 8:13 says, "if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live."  How do you put to death the misdeeds of the body?
• Since "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children," (Romans 8:16) what should we be doing to hear that testimony?
• "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)  Does this mean that all things should be easy and pleasant for us?

Old Testament
2 Kings 1 - 13

• In 2 Kings 1, why did Elijah call down fire on the first two groups of men who came for him, but go willingly with the third group?
• What did Elisha tell Elijah he wanted from him before he was taken away by God in 2 Kings 2?
• Why did Elisha call for a harpist in 2 Kings 3:15?
• In 2 Kings 4:2 Elisha asked an impoverished widow, "Tell me, what do you have in your house?"  Why would he assume that a miracle for a woman who had so little would begin with something she already had?
• Why did Naaman go away angry when Elisha told him to wash seven times in the Jordan River in 2 Kings 5?
• How did Gehazi become leprous?
• When Elisha said in 2 Kings 6:16, "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them," he was recognizing unseen forces.  1 John 4:4 tells us, "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world."  How does this truth impact the way you view the challenges of life?
• What action were the four men with leprosy in 2 Kings 7 willing to take because they assumed they would die if they did nothing?
• What prompted the king to give a woman back her land in 2 Kings 8:6?
• How did Jezebel die?
• 2 Kings 10:28 says that Jehu destroyed Baal worship in Israel, but allowed the worship of golden calves at Dan and Bethel to continue.  Why would he stop one form of idolatry and not the other?
• How old was Joash when he became king in 2 Kings 11?
• In 2 Kings 12 the priests were collecting money to repair the temple, but years went by without the repairs being done.  How is this possible?
• 2 Kings 13:4 says, "Then Jehoahaz sought the Lord’s favor, and the Lord listened to him."  If Jehoahaz was a wicked king, why did God listen to him when he prayed?

Psalms
Psalms 64 - 66

• David wrote in Psalm 64:3, "They sharpen their tongues like swords and aim cruel words like deadly arrows."  In verse 8 he says, "He will turn their own tongues against them."  What does this mean?
• Psalm 65:3 says, "When we were overwhelmed by sins, you forgave our transgressions."  How has forgiveness from God changed your outlook on life?
• Psalm 66:18 says, "If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened."  Why would cherishing sin hinder our prayers?

Week 21, May 19 - 25, 2019

New Testament
Acts 27

• Who did the centurion listen to instead of Paul?
• What basis did Paul have in Acts 27:22 for telling the people on the ship that none of them would be lost?
• Why did the soldiers want to kill the prisoners in Acts 27:42?

Acts 28

• Why didn't Paul die from being bitten by a snake in Acts 28?
• What caused all the sick people on the island of Malta to come to Paul to be healed?
• What had the Jewish leaders in Rome heard about Paul?  What had they heard about Christianity?

Romans 1

• What does Paul mean in Romans 1:14 when he says he is, "obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish"?
• According to Romans 1:18-20, who knows that there is a God?

Romans 2

• Why does Paul warn us against passing judgement on others?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Romans 2:11, "For God does not show favoritism"?

Romans 3

• Romans 3:20 says, "no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law."  However Romans 2:13 said, "it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous."  How can both of these statements be true?
• Paul says in Romans 3:21, "apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known."  How does a person obtain this righteousness?
• According to Romans 3:25-26 what does the sacrifice of Jesus demonstrate?

Old Testament
1 Kings 12 - 22

• 1 Kings 12:8 says, "Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him."  This led to trouble in his kingdom.  Whose advice are you most likely to listen to?
• What was Jeroboam's motive for placing golden calves in Bethel and Dan?
• The man of God in 1 Kings 13 was commanded by God to deliver his message at Bethel and return home without eating or drinking there (verses 8 and 9).  He obeyed when Jeroboam invited him to come home for a meal, but disobeyed when an old prophet invited him.  What do you learn from this unusual story?
• In 1 Kings 14 Jeroboam wanted to hear from God, but sent his wife in disguise to consult with the prophet Ahijah, who was blind (making the disguise pointless).  What should Jeroboam have done in this situation?
• What happened to Jeroboam's descendants in 1 Kings 15?
• How did Zimri die?
• What was the purpose of the drought in 1 Kings 17?
• What would you have done if you had been the widow Elijah spoke to in 1 Kings 17:13-14?
• 1 Kings 18:46 says that Elijah "ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel."  From Mt. Carmel to Jezreel is about a 20 mile run.  Ahab was in a chariot.  How was Elijah able to do this?
• Why did Elijah run for his life in 1 Kings 19:3, when by verse 4 he was ready to die anyway?
• What was wrong with Ahab making a treaty with Ben-Hadad in 1 Kings 20?
• Why did Ahab want Naboth's vineyard?  Why did Naboth want to keep it?
• Why did Ahab say he hated Micaiah in 1 Kings 22:8?

Psalms
Psalms 60 - 63

• What does David mean in Psalm 60:11 when he says "human help is worthless"?
• In Psalm 61:2 David wrote, "From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint."  How are you able to pray when God seems distant or you feel weak?
• David said,"Yes, my soul, find rest in God." (Psalm 62:5)  What do you need to do to find rest in God?
• Psalm 63:1 says, "I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."  Was thirst for God something that was unique to David or does everyone thirst for God?

Week 20, May 12 - 18, 2019

New Testament
Acts 22

• According to Acts 22, how did Paul lose his eyesight?  How was it restored?
• What did Paul say that caused the crowd to start shouting and throwing dirt after they had been quietly listening?

Acts 23

• What did Paul say in Acts 23 that caused the Sanhedrin to be divided?
• God spoke to Paul in Acts 23:11 to encourage him.  What did He tell Paul that was going to happen to him?
• Why was Paul sent to Governor Felix in Caesarea?

Acts 24

• What did Tertullus accuse Paul of in Acts 24?
• Why did Felix stop Paul in Acts 24:25?

Acts 25

• Why did the Jews want Festus to have Paul tried in Jerusalem?  Why didn't that happen?
• Why did Festus have Paul brought before Agrippa?

Acts 26

• What sect of Judaism did Paul say he had belonged to?
• In Acts 26:9 Paul says, "I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth."  How can someone be convinced that doing wrong is right?
• God said to Paul in Acts 26:14, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads."  A goad is a sharp stick used to guide animals.  This means that even though Paul thought he was doing right, there were things making it clear he was wrong.  When have you been guilty of kicking against the goads?
• Why did Festus start shouting at Paul?

Old Testament
1 Kings 1 - 11

• Why did David have Solomon proclaimed as king in 1 Kings 1 while David was still alive?
• Was Solomon justified in killing Adonijah in 1 Kings 2 or was he just looking for an excuse to kill him?
• If God spoke to you as He did to Solomon in 1 Kings 3, saying, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you,"  what would you ask for?
• How does 1 Kings 4 describe the peace and prosperity during the reign of Solomon?
• What did Hiram provide Solomon?  What did Solomon provide in return?
• 1 Kings 6:1 says that construction of the temple began 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt.  Why did it take so long?
• Once construction of the temple started, how long did it take to finish it?
• How long did Solomon take building his palace?
• Solomon said in 1 Kings 8:27, "But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"  If God is too big to dwell in the temple, what was the purpose of the temple?
• Some of God's promises are conditional, where he says IF you do this, I'll do that.  What conditional promise did God make to Solomon in 1 Kings 9:4-5?
• What was the queen of Sheba's impression of Solomon?
• According to 1 Kings 11, what led Solomon astray?  What were the consequences of his disobedience?
• What conditional promise did God make to Jeroboam in 1 Kings 11:38?

Psalms
Psalms 56 - 59

• David wrote in Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you."  Are you able to turn from fear to trust?
• David wrote in Psalm 57:7, "My heart, O God, is steadfast."  What does it mean to have a steadfast heart?  How do you get one?
• David says, "The righteous will be glad when they are avenged." (Psalm 58:10)  Why would their be any gladness in vengeance?
• Psalm 59 was written when Saul was having men watch David's house to kill him.  David said his enemies, "return at evening, snarling like dogs." (Psalm 59:14).  But in verse 16 he says, "But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."  Are you able to sing of God's strength and love in the midst of trouble?

Week 19, May 5 - 11, 2019

New Testament
Acts 17

• What started the riot in Thessalonica?
• How were the Berean Jews different from those in Thessalonica?
• What caused some people to sneer at Paul in Acts 17?

Acts 18

• Why were Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth?  Why were they later in Ephesus?  How did they help Apollos?
• God spoke to Paul in Acts 18:9-10 specifically to encourage him.  In what ways has God encouraged you?

Acts 19

• What happened at Ephesus when the Holy Spirit came on a group of disciples that Paul met?
• Acts 19:12 describes miracles being done as a result of handkerchiefs and aprons that Paul had touched being taken to the sick.  Could God work in this way now?
• The scrolls that were burned in Acts 19:19 had a value of about $4 million in today's dollars.  Why didn't they sell them at a yard sale and use the money for some good cause?
• Who started the riot in Ephesus?

Acts 20

• Why did Eutychus fall out of the window?
• Paul told the elders from Ephesus, "Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers." (Acts 20:28)  What does is mean to keep watch over yourself?

Acts 21

• In Acts 21:4 and again in 21:12, believers were urging Paul not to go to Jerusalem.  Why did he continue to go there?
• Why was Paul arrested in Acts 21?

Old Testament
2 Samuel 13 - 24

• How could Amnon love Tamar in 2 Samuel 13:1 and hate her in 13:15?
• The wise woman from Tekoa said to David in 2 Samuel 14:14 that God "devises ways so that a banished person does not remain banished from him."  What has God done for us so that we are not banished from God's presence?
• 2 Samuel 15:6 says that Absalom, "stole the hearts of the people of Israel."  How did he do this?
• Why did David put up with Shimei cursing and throwing stones and dirt in 2 Samuel 16?
• What caused Ahithophel to hang himself in 2 Samuel 17?
• Ahimaaz wanted to run to David with news in 2 Samuel 18, but only to tell him part of what he knew.  Was he expecting to be rewarded?
• Why did David and Joab have differing attitudes toward the death of Absalom?
• How did the wise woman of Abel Beth Maakah prevent her city from being attacked?
• In 2 Samuel 21 God held Israel accountable for breaking the treaty with the Gibeonites.  The treaty had been made hundreds of years earlier by Joshua (Joshua 9).  The treaty was only made because the Gibeonites lied about where they lived.  What does this show you about how seriously we should take our commitments?
• David wrote in 2 Samuel 22:28, "You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low."  In what ways had David been humble during his life?
• 2 Samuel 23:12 describes Shammah taking a stand against the Philistines when the troops of Israel were fleeing.  This led to a "great victory."  How can one person's courage have a great impact?
• What was wrong with David counting the fighting men in 2 Samuel 24?

Psalms
Psalms 53 - 55

• Psalm 53:3 says, "there is no one who does good, not even one."  How is God able to save us if none of us does good?
• David wrote in Psalm 54:4, "the Lord is the one who sustains me."  Do you recognize God's hand in sustaining you day by day?
• David says in Psalm 55:22, "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you."  How do you cast your cares on the Lord?  Are you doing it?

Week 18, April 28 - May 4, 2019

New Testament
Acts 12

• Why did the people praying for Peter in Acts 12 tell Rhoda she was out of her mind when she reported that Peter was at the door?
• Why did Herod die in Acts 12:23?

Acts 13

• Why were Barnabas and Saul sent out as missionaries?
• In Acts 13:16-31, Paul gave a brief explanation of the gospel in the synagogue.  What were his main points?
• Why did Paul and Barnabas turn their attention to the Gentiles in Acts 13?

Acts 14

• Why did Paul and Barnabas leave Iconium?
• In Acts 14:9, Paul looked at a lame man and "saw that he had faith to be healed."  What did Paul see that convinced him that the man had faith to be healed?
• How could the crowd in Lystra go from wanting to offer sacrifices to Paul and Barnabas to trying to kill them?
• In Acts 14:22 Paul and Barnabas told new believers, "We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God."  What was the benefit in telling them that?

Acts 15

• In Acts 15 there was a controversy over what a person needs to do to be saved.  Some people were teaching that you had to be circumcised to be saved.  What is the importance of what Peter said in verse 11?
• What four requirements did the apostles give the Gentile believers?
• What did Paul and Barnabas disagree over that caused them to go separate ways?

Acts 16

• In Acts 16, why did the Holy Spirit keep Paul from going to the province of Asia or to Bithynia?
• Acts 16:10 is the first time in this book that Luke refers to "we" and "us" implying that he was with Paul during this time.  There are two other times, later in Acts, where Luke uses "we."  If Luke was there, why didn't he mentioned himself in the story?
• Lydia said in Acts 16:10, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house."  What had she said or done that would convince others that she was a believer in the Lord?
• Why were Paul and Silas beaten and thrown in prison in Acts 16?  How did they get out?

Old Testament
2 Samuel 1 - 12

• In 2 Samuel 1 an Amalekite lied to David, saying that he had killed Saul.  What do you think the Amalekite expected from David?  What did David do?
• Why was there fighting between Joab's men and Abner's men?
• Why did Abner change loyalty and side with David in 2 Samuel 3?  Why did Joab kill Abner?
• Why did Rekab and Baanah bring the head of Ish-Bosheth to David in 2 Samuel 4?
• In 2 Samuel 5:17, why did the Philistines come to attack David?
• In 2 Samuel 6 the ark was being moved on a cart.  This was contrary to the command God had given in Exodus 25 that the ark was to be carried using poles.  Why did God strike down Uzzah in verse 7?
• Why did Michal despise David in 2 Samuel 6:16?
• Why did Nathan first tell David, in chapter 7, to build a house in place of the tabernacle, and then tell him he shouldn't?
• Why did David show kindness to Mephibosheth  in 2 Samuel 9?
• What prompted war between Israel and the Ammonites in chapter 10?  Why did the Arameans get involved?
• 2 Samuel 11 describes a major sin in David's life.  Verse 27 says, "But the thing David had done displeased the Lord."  What should David have done to avoid this sin?
• What was the purpose of the story Nathan told in 2 Samuel 12:1-4?

Psalms
Psalms 50 - 52

• Why does God say in Psalm 50:12, "If I were hungry I would not tell you"?
• After his sin with Bathsheba, David prayed in Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."  What happens when you ask God to change your heart?
• David wrote, "But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God." (Psalm 52:8)  What do you need to do to flourish as a follower of Jesus?

Week 17, April 21 - 27, 2019

New Testament
Acts 7

• Why did Stephen describe the history of his people, beginning with Abraham, in Acts 7?
• What two things did Stephen ask for when he was being killed?

Acts 8

• What convinced Simon the sorcerer to turn to Jesus?
• In Acts 8:18 what did Simon see that made him want to have the same power?
• If you were Philip, with all the amazing things happening in Samaria, how would you feel about an angel sending you down a desert road in Acts 8:26?
• What do you learn about water baptism from the story of the Ethiopian in Acts 8:27-40?  Do you have to wear special clothes?  Do you need special water? 

Acts 9

• In Acts 9, why did Ananias object at first to the idea of praying for Saul?
• What does the statement in Acts 9:22, "Saul grew more and more powerful," mean?
• Who brought Saul to the apostles when Christians in Jerusalem were afraid of Saul?

Acts 10

• In Acts 10 an angel told Cornelius to send for Peter who came and gave Cornelius and his family the gospel.  Why didn't the angel just give Cornelius the gospel?
• How did God prepare Peter for the messengers that Cornelius sent?
• What happened when Peter preached to the household of Cornelius?

Acts 11

• When Peter went back to Jerusalem and told what happened at the home of Cornelius, what convinced the believers that Gentiles could turn to Jesus?
• Why did Barnabas go to Antioch?  Why did he find Saul and bring him to Antioch?

Old Testament
1 Samuel 14 - 31

• In 1 Samuel 14, was Jonathan right to fight the Philistines with only his armor bearer or should he have recruited more help from Israel?
• Samuel told Saul, "To obey is better than sacrifice." (1 Samuel 15:22)  How quick are you to obey the Lord?
• The Lord said to Samuel, "People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7)  What does God see when He looks at your heart?
• What is the meaning of the statement in 1 Samuel 17:47, "the battle is the Lord’s"?
• Where did David get the faith to believe he could defeat Goliath?
• What caused Saul to begin to distrust and fear David?
• How did Jonathan help David escape from Saul in 1 Samuel 20?
• Why did David act insane when he had fled to Gath in 1 Samuel 21?
• According to 1 Samuel 22:2, who gathered with David at the cave of Adullam?
• Why did David not kill Saul when he had the opportunity in 1 Samuel 24?
• In 1 Samuel 25 Abigail politely and respectfully told David that what he was about to do was wrong.  Why did David listen to her?
• Why did David go live among the Philistines in 1 Samuel 27?
• Why did Saul consult a medium in 1 Samuel 28?  What should he have done instead?
• Why did Achish send David home in 1 Samuel 29?
• 1 Samuel 30:6 was one of the lowest points in David's life.  He didn't feel safe in Israel.  He had been sent home by the Philistines.  His wives were taken captive.  His men were thinking of stoning him.  "But David found strength in the Lord his God." (1 Samuel 30:6)  How do you find strength in God when all your circumstances are discouraging?
• How did Saul die?

Psalms
Psalms 48 - 49

• Psalm 48:12-13 says, "Walk about Zion, go around her, count her towers, consider well her ramparts, view her citadels, that you may tell of them to the next generation."  What would God have you take note of and tell of to the next generation?
• Psalm 49 cautions us not to place great value on wealth.  Verses 16 and 17 say, "Do not be overawed when others grow rich, when the splendor of their houses increases; for they will take nothing with them when they die, their splendor will not descend with them."  What should your attitude be toward wealth?

Week 16, April 14 - 20, 2019

New Testament

Acts 2

• What supernatural things happened when the believers were filled with the Holy Spirit in Acts 2?
• Why were some people who heard the believers speaking in other tongues amazed while others thought they were drunk?
• Why did Peter quote the prophet Joel in Acts 2?
• What did Peter tell the crowd they should do?

Acts 3

• How did Peter know that he could command a lame man to walk in Acts 3:6?
• What did Peter tell the people at the temple to do in Acts 3:19?

Acts 4

• Peter said, "there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)  Peter was speaking about Jesus.  What should be done for those who have never heard His name?
• How did Peter and John respond when the Sanhedrin ordered them not to speak any more in the name of Jesus?
• When Peter and John told the other believers about the threats against them, what did the believers pray for?

Acts 5

• What was wrong with what Ananias and Sapphira did?  Why do you think they died?
• What is the meaning of the statement in Acts 5:13, "No one else dared join them"?
• Why did the apostles rejoice in Acts 5:41?

Acts 6

• What responsibility was given to the seven chosen in Acts 6:1-6?
• Why did some people argue with Stephen?

Old Testament

Ruth 1 - 4, 1 Samuel 1 - 13

• In Ruth, chapter 1, Naomi had a difficult 10 years.  She wanted her friends to call her something else because Naomi means pleasant.  She said, "I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty."  However, she had come home with a devoted daughter-in-law.  Why did she think of herself as empty?
• How did Boaz show kindness to Ruth in chapter 2?
• Why did Naomi have Ruth go to Boaz at night in chapter 3?
• In Ruth 4:15, why did the women say that Ruth was better than seven sons?
• How was Ruth related to David?

• How could God hear Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 1 when verse 13 says her voice was not heard?
• In 1 Samuel 2:27-36, why did the man of God rebuke Eli for what his sons were doing?
• 1 Samuel 3:1 says, "In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions."  What would make the word of the Lord rare?
• Why did taking the ark into battle in 1 Samuel 4 not help?
• The Philistines had the ark, but it wasn't a blessing.  Why not?
• Why did the people of Beth Shemesh, in 1 Samuel 6, want to get rid of the ark?
• Why did the elders of Israel not want to be led by Samuel's sons in 1 Samuel 8?
• In 1 Samuel 9, Saul was looking for the prophet to help him find his lost donkeys.  The prophet was looking for Saul to anoint him king of Israel.  Are there times when you are focused on small things when God wants to speak to you about bigger things?
• In 1 Samuel 10 Samuel anointed Saul king.  Why did Saul then hide when Samuel brought the people together to publicly proclaim Saul as king?
• What was the purpose of renewing the kingdom in 1 Samuel 11:14?
• In 1 Samuel 12:23, Samuel says that it would be a sin against God for him to fail to pray for the people.  Why would this be a sin?  Who should you be praying for?
• Why did Samuel tell Saul, in 1 Samuel 13:14, that his kingdom would not endure?

Psalms

Psalms 46 - 47

• Psalms 46:1-2 says, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."  Are you able to trust God when you face trouble?
• Psalm 47:1 says, "shout to God with cries of joy."  When and where would you shout to God?

Week 15, April 7 - 13, 2019

New Testament
Luke 21

• In Luke 21:3-4 Jesus said that a poor widow's offering of two small copper coins was greater than the gifts from the wealthy because she gave "out of her poverty."  What attitude do you have when you give to God?
• Jesus told His disciples that they would be brought before kings and governors.  What did He tell them to make up their mind not to do?
• Luke 21:36 tells us to watch and pray.  What does this mean and how do you do it?

Luke 22

• Why was Judas willing to betray Jesus?
• According to Jesus in Luke 22:25-26, how is Christian leadership to be different from leadership that is common in the world?
• In Luke 22, verse 40 and again in verse 46 Jesus told His disciples to pray that they wouldn't fall into temptation.  What temptation should they have been praying they would avoid?

Luke 23

• Why did Pilate send Jesus to Herod?
• If Pilate wanted to release Jesus, why didn't he?
• Why did Jesus make a promise to a criminal in Luke 23:43?

Luke 24

• Who are the first people that Luke mentions seeing Jesus after He rose from the dead?
• In Luke 24:49 what did Jesus tell His disciples to stay in the city waiting for?

Acts 1

• According to Acts 1:8 what is the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
• How was Matthias chosen?  What was he chosen to do?

Old Testament
Judges 1 - 21
The book of Judges describes a period in which Israel was often in spiritual decline which resulted in oppression by foreign nations.  When Israel would turn back to God and cry out to Him, things would change for the better.

• Why were the Israelites still fighting the Canaanites after the death of Joshua?
• Judges 2:10-19 summarizes the time period of the judges when Israel went through many cycles of being oppressed by foreign nations and being set free under the leadership of a judge.  What would Israel have needed to do to sustain lasting peace and freedom?
• Who killed Sisera in Judges 4?  How was Jael related to the Israelites?
• Deborah's song in Judges 5 celebrates those who were willing to fight for Israel and it questions those who didn't come to fight.  "Why did you stay among the sheep pens?" (5:16)  Deborah says that among those who didn't come, "there was much searching of heart. (verses 15 and 16)"  What does this mean and why did "searching of heart" result in a failure to act?
• When the angel spoke in Judges 6:12, why didn't Gideon believe that God was with him and that he was a mighty warrior?
• In Judges 7 God told Gideon he had too many men and might think he won the battle by his own strength.  Are there ways you think you are relying on your own strength, when you are really dependent on God?
• Gideon achieved victory by obeying God.  Are there things he did in chapter 8 that were wrong?
• What was Jotham's point in his story of the olive tree, the fig tree, the vine, and the thornbush in Judges 9:7-15?
• In Judges 11:12-27, the king of the Ammonites and Jephthah had differing versions of the history of the land.  Why?
• What started the fight in Judges 12 between the men of Gilead and the men of Ephraim?  Why did the two groups pronounce "shibboleth" differently?
• Judges, chapters 13 through 16, tells the story of Samson.  Samson made many poor decisions, yet the Spirit of God gave him unusual strength.  Why did God do this?
• The men of Judah came to Samson to turn him over the Philistines.  In Judges 15:11 they said, "Don’t you realize that the Philistines are rulers over us?"  Why did the people of Judah accept oppression?  Why didn't Samson accept it?
• Judges 16:20 says that God left Samson after his head was shaved.  Why would God leave him?
• In Judges 17:13, why did Micah think that having man-made idols and a rented priest would bring God's blessing?
• Why would the Danites in Judges 18 want to worship a stolen idol and have a stolen priest?
• Were the tribes of Israel right to attack Benjamin in Judges 20?
• The story in Judges 19-21 is a series of bad decisions that resulted in the violent death of many people.  This story, and the book of Judges, concludes with the statement, "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit."  What causes a person to make bad decisions?  What causes them to make good decisions?

Psalms
Psalms 44 - 45

• Psalm 44:3 says, "It was not by their sword that they won the land, nor did their arm bring them victory; it was your right hand, your arm, and the light of your face, for you loved them."  Do you recognize God's hand in the blessings that are in your life?
• Psalm 45:4 says, "In your majesty ride forth victoriously in the cause of truth, humility and justice."  How does God defend the cause of humility?