Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, May 3rd, 2009.
1) Isaiah 55
Is this a positive or negative prophecy?
What is God offering in this passage?
According to this passage, what is required for people to receive what God is offering?
What stands out to you most in this chapter?
2) Isaiah 55:1-2
Who is invited? What are they invited for?
What kinds of things do we chase after that don’t really satisfy?
John 4:4-26
How did Jesus describe the water of life He gives?
When the Samaritan woman asked for the water, what did Jesus say to her next? What did she need to do to receive the water of life?
3) Isaiah 55:6-9
What does a person have to do to receive the blessings God is offering?
How is God different from humans?
Psalm 103:1-18; 1 Corinthians 1:25
What do these passages say about how God is different than humans?
4) Isaiah 55:10-13
What does this passage teach us about the power of God’s Word?
How has God made His Word prosper in and through your life?
In what ways has God replaced thorn bushes with cypress trees in your life?
John 17:17; Hebrews 4:12
What else do we learn about the power of God’s Word from these verses?
Thank God for revealing Himself through His Word.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
For Sunday, April 26th, 2009
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, April 26th, 2009.
1) Isaiah 54:1-10
After reading this passage, what questions are you left with?
What kinds of comparisons are made in this passage? What did Isaiah compare Israel to? What other time period did God compare this to?
In terms of time, how does God’s punishment compare to God’s love?
2) Isaiah 54:1-17
This was a prophecy made to Judah before they were sent into exile. What did this prophecy say about their past? What did is say about their future?
What does this prophecy describe about God’s character?
Praise God for these attributes today.
3) Luke 15:11-32
How does this story relate to God’s message in Isaiah about the punishment and restoration of Israel and Judah?
What do we learn about God’s view of forgiveness and God’s character in this story?
4) Psalm 103
What does this Psalm teach us about God’s character? What does it teach us about God’s kind of forgiveness?
What verse or phrase in this Psalm is most meaningful or encouraging to you in your life right now? Spend time meditating on it today.
1) Isaiah 54:1-10
After reading this passage, what questions are you left with?
What kinds of comparisons are made in this passage? What did Isaiah compare Israel to? What other time period did God compare this to?
In terms of time, how does God’s punishment compare to God’s love?
2) Isaiah 54:1-17
This was a prophecy made to Judah before they were sent into exile. What did this prophecy say about their past? What did is say about their future?
What does this prophecy describe about God’s character?
Praise God for these attributes today.
3) Luke 15:11-32
How does this story relate to God’s message in Isaiah about the punishment and restoration of Israel and Judah?
What do we learn about God’s view of forgiveness and God’s character in this story?
4) Psalm 103
What does this Psalm teach us about God’s character? What does it teach us about God’s kind of forgiveness?
What verse or phrase in this Psalm is most meaningful or encouraging to you in your life right now? Spend time meditating on it today.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Act of Kindness gathering
Join us for an act of kindness gathering Saturday, April 25th, at 10am at the church. Among other things, we will be planting flower pots to deliver as encouragement gifts. If you have any questions, please comment on the blog, or contact Leanne or Joy.
Monday, April 13, 2009
for Sunday, April 19, 2009
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, April 19th, 2009.
1) Isaiah 45:1-13
Cyrus was the future kind of Persia, who became the world power after Babylon. What was prophesied about him in this passage? What was God’s purpose in this plan? What was surprising about this plan?
Proverbs 21:1; Romans 9:17
What do these verses teach us about God’s role in world events? Who can stand against God?
2) Isaiah 45:1-13
What do these verses say about God’s power?
Psalm 19
What does this Psalm teach us about God’s power? What do these verses teach about God’s sovereignty? Use Psalm 19:12-14 as a prayer today.
3) 2 Chronicles 36:15-23: Ezra 1:1-4
How was Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled? Why was Cyrus a seemingly unusual person for God to use this way?
Psalm 73:23-28
How can these verses be an encouragement in light of bad or scary national or world news? What do these verses add to your faith in God’s sovereignty?
4) Jeremiah 50:1-3; 11; 15; 18-20; 29; 33-38
God used Babylon to judge Judah’s unfaithfulness to Him, just like He had used Assyria to judge Israel’s idol worship. What do these verses tell us about Babylon’s later fate? Why were they being judged? What would be the end result of the judgment for Judah and Israel?
1) Isaiah 45:1-13
Cyrus was the future kind of Persia, who became the world power after Babylon. What was prophesied about him in this passage? What was God’s purpose in this plan? What was surprising about this plan?
Proverbs 21:1; Romans 9:17
What do these verses teach us about God’s role in world events? Who can stand against God?
2) Isaiah 45:1-13
What do these verses say about God’s power?
Psalm 19
What does this Psalm teach us about God’s power? What do these verses teach about God’s sovereignty? Use Psalm 19:12-14 as a prayer today.
3) 2 Chronicles 36:15-23: Ezra 1:1-4
How was Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled? Why was Cyrus a seemingly unusual person for God to use this way?
Psalm 73:23-28
How can these verses be an encouragement in light of bad or scary national or world news? What do these verses add to your faith in God’s sovereignty?
4) Jeremiah 50:1-3; 11; 15; 18-20; 29; 33-38
God used Babylon to judge Judah’s unfaithfulness to Him, just like He had used Assyria to judge Israel’s idol worship. What do these verses tell us about Babylon’s later fate? Why were they being judged? What would be the end result of the judgment for Judah and Israel?
Monday, April 6, 2009
For Sunday, April 12th, 2009
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, April 12th, 2009.
1) Matthew 28:1-10
How would you have felt if you had experienced this story first-hand? How was this a life-changing moment for the ladies who were eye witnesses? The disciples? How has Jesus’ resurrection changed your life?
Matthew 28:11-17
Why were the officials so eager to control the news about these events? What was the impact of their lie? What can you do to help someone who has accepted a false report about Jesus to reconsider the truth?
2) Matthew 28:1-17
What details in the story stand out to you most? What special plans are you making to celebrate the resurrection this Easter? How can you make the celebration of the truth of the resurrection part of your everyday life?
Matthew 28:18-20
What role did the truth of the resurrection have in Jesus’ followers obeying His command in these verses? What role does the command of these verses have in your life today?
3) Luke 24:1-12, 36-53
When all these events were first taking place, how much understanding did the disciples have? How did that change for them in the following days?
Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19
What had Jesus done and taught them to prepare for His death and resurrection? Is there anything Jesus is teaching you and preparing you for right now that you may have missed or don’t fully understand yet? Say a prayer of willingness for the preparation.
4) 1 Corinthians 15:35-57
What is the mystery of resurrection? Why did Jesus have to die and be resurrected? What if Jesus wasn’t resurrected? How would your life be different?
1 Corinthians 15:57
Are you living like you have victory through our Lord Jesus Christ? If God, whose Son conquered death, is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31-32)
1) Matthew 28:1-10
How would you have felt if you had experienced this story first-hand? How was this a life-changing moment for the ladies who were eye witnesses? The disciples? How has Jesus’ resurrection changed your life?
Matthew 28:11-17
Why were the officials so eager to control the news about these events? What was the impact of their lie? What can you do to help someone who has accepted a false report about Jesus to reconsider the truth?
2) Matthew 28:1-17
What details in the story stand out to you most? What special plans are you making to celebrate the resurrection this Easter? How can you make the celebration of the truth of the resurrection part of your everyday life?
Matthew 28:18-20
What role did the truth of the resurrection have in Jesus’ followers obeying His command in these verses? What role does the command of these verses have in your life today?
3) Luke 24:1-12, 36-53
When all these events were first taking place, how much understanding did the disciples have? How did that change for them in the following days?
Matthew 16:21; 17:23; 20:17-19
What had Jesus done and taught them to prepare for His death and resurrection? Is there anything Jesus is teaching you and preparing you for right now that you may have missed or don’t fully understand yet? Say a prayer of willingness for the preparation.
4) 1 Corinthians 15:35-57
What is the mystery of resurrection? Why did Jesus have to die and be resurrected? What if Jesus wasn’t resurrected? How would your life be different?
1 Corinthians 15:57
Are you living like you have victory through our Lord Jesus Christ? If God, whose Son conquered death, is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31-32)
Monday, March 30, 2009
For Sunday, April 5, 2009
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, April 5, 2009.
1) Isaiah 49:15-16
What were the people asking God? What was God’s answer to them? Have you ever felt forgotten by God? During your Good Friday observance this year, remember your name carved into Jesus’ scarred hands.
Isaiah 50:10-11
Isaiah uses an unusual metaphor here. Usually in the Bible, light is good and dark is evil. What is God saying about those walking in the dark? What happens when people make their own sources of light instead of trusting God? How does this apply to your life right now?
2) Isaiah 53
In this prophecy about Jesus, how did Isaiah describe Him? How did Isaiah describe His suffering? What stands out to you in this passage? Why?
3) Isaiah 53
According to this prophecy, what would be the cause of Jesus’ suffering? What would be the purpose of Him going through that suffering? How would He be received by humanity?
In what sense have you participated in the causes of Jesus’ suffering? As you meditate on this truth, describe the feelings you experience.
4) Matthew 8:16-17; John 1:11; Matthew 26:57-66; Mark 15:21-32; Matthew 27:57-60
Compare these passages to the Isaiah 53 passage. Which prophecies came true?
Luke 18:31-34
How well did Jesus know the prophecies about His death?
Bonus reading:
2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 2:22-25
Finish this sentence: I believe Jesus’ death was a sufficient sacrifice to make me right with God because….
What does it mean to you personally when you think of Jesus as your sufficient sacrifice?
1) Isaiah 49:15-16
What were the people asking God? What was God’s answer to them? Have you ever felt forgotten by God? During your Good Friday observance this year, remember your name carved into Jesus’ scarred hands.
Isaiah 50:10-11
Isaiah uses an unusual metaphor here. Usually in the Bible, light is good and dark is evil. What is God saying about those walking in the dark? What happens when people make their own sources of light instead of trusting God? How does this apply to your life right now?
2) Isaiah 53
In this prophecy about Jesus, how did Isaiah describe Him? How did Isaiah describe His suffering? What stands out to you in this passage? Why?
3) Isaiah 53
According to this prophecy, what would be the cause of Jesus’ suffering? What would be the purpose of Him going through that suffering? How would He be received by humanity?
In what sense have you participated in the causes of Jesus’ suffering? As you meditate on this truth, describe the feelings you experience.
4) Matthew 8:16-17; John 1:11; Matthew 26:57-66; Mark 15:21-32; Matthew 27:57-60
Compare these passages to the Isaiah 53 passage. Which prophecies came true?
Luke 18:31-34
How well did Jesus know the prophecies about His death?
Bonus reading:
2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 John 2:2; 1 Peter 2:22-25
Finish this sentence: I believe Jesus’ death was a sufficient sacrifice to make me right with God because….
What does it mean to you personally when you think of Jesus as your sufficient sacrifice?
Monday, March 23, 2009
For Sunday, March 29th, 2009
Reading Selections and Questions for Sunday, March 29, 2009.
1) Isaiah 36:1-10
What was the danger Judah was facing? What were some of the shrewd tactics Sennacherib used? How did he taunt them?
Isaiah 36:11-22
What strategies to control the situation did King Hezekiah’s officials use? How did the commander taunt God? What was the people’s response? Why?
2) Isaiah 37:1-7
What was Hezekiah’s response to the message from Sennacherib? To whom did he turn for help?
Isaiah 37:14-20
What is notable about Hezekiah’s prayer? How could the message of his prayer help you during a difficult problem?
Isaiah 37:33-38
What was God’s message about the king of Assyria? How do you think the people of Judah felt as news spread about the Assyrian army deaths and Sennacherib’s assassination?
3) Isaiah 38:1-8
What was wrong with King Hezekiah? What was the message from Isaiah? What was Hezekiah’s response? What was the sign he was given by God?
2 Kings 20:1-11
What does this second record of the same event add to your understanding of the events?
How do you think Hezekiah felt at this moment?
A thought to ponder for reading 4: Sometimes it is God’s grace when He says no to our desires.
4) Isaiah 38:9-20
What did Hezekiah say he learned through his illness?
Isaiah 39:1-8
What was Hezekiah’s mistake? In your opinion, what led to this mistake? How well had he acted on what he had learned during his illness?
2 Chronicles 32:31
Why did God allow all this to happen?
Is there any area of your life that selfishness and/or pride are leading to bad choices? Bring it to God now.
1) Isaiah 36:1-10
What was the danger Judah was facing? What were some of the shrewd tactics Sennacherib used? How did he taunt them?
Isaiah 36:11-22
What strategies to control the situation did King Hezekiah’s officials use? How did the commander taunt God? What was the people’s response? Why?
2) Isaiah 37:1-7
What was Hezekiah’s response to the message from Sennacherib? To whom did he turn for help?
Isaiah 37:14-20
What is notable about Hezekiah’s prayer? How could the message of his prayer help you during a difficult problem?
Isaiah 37:33-38
What was God’s message about the king of Assyria? How do you think the people of Judah felt as news spread about the Assyrian army deaths and Sennacherib’s assassination?
3) Isaiah 38:1-8
What was wrong with King Hezekiah? What was the message from Isaiah? What was Hezekiah’s response? What was the sign he was given by God?
2 Kings 20:1-11
What does this second record of the same event add to your understanding of the events?
How do you think Hezekiah felt at this moment?
A thought to ponder for reading 4: Sometimes it is God’s grace when He says no to our desires.
4) Isaiah 38:9-20
What did Hezekiah say he learned through his illness?
Isaiah 39:1-8
What was Hezekiah’s mistake? In your opinion, what led to this mistake? How well had he acted on what he had learned during his illness?
2 Chronicles 32:31
Why did God allow all this to happen?
Is there any area of your life that selfishness and/or pride are leading to bad choices? Bring it to God now.
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