Thursday, January 31, 2008

THE LOVE OF GOD

MONDAY: Read I John 4:7-21

How many times is “love” mentioned in this passage? From where did love come?
How did God show his love for us?
How God’s love is made complete in us?
Who does God call a liar?

FAITH STEP: How can you put the sacrificial love God describes here in practice at your job or school? In your relationships at church? At home?

TUESDAY: Characteristics of God’s love

Read the following passages. How is God’s love for his people described?
Isaiah 49:15, 16; Zephaniah 3:17, Jeremiah 31:3, Ephesians 2:4

FAITH STEP: Write a note to God thanking him for his love for you

WEDNESDAY: God’s love seen in Hosea (Hosea is a great book that dhows the greatness of God’s love. You may want to do some research to get some background on this book as we have a small look into this book.)

Read Hosea 1:1-11. Why Does God command Hosea to marry and adulteress?
What do the name’s of Gomer’s three children mean? How do you think people would react to these children’s name?

FAITH STEPS: God uses the marriage metaphor to describe His people’s relationship to Him. Using that same metaphor, how would you describe your relationship to God? Stronger than ever? I have been unfaithful? We are “going through the motions”?

THURSDAY: Read Hosea 2:1-23

In verses 2:2-13: How does Hosea feel about Gomer? How does he want to punish her?
What does God tell Hosea to do in Hosea 3:1-5. What would be the toughest part of what Hosea had to do? What do you think his friends thought? What lesson is God teaching us about his love?

FAITH STEP: When did God “buy you back” so you could have a loving relationship with him? Who did God use to lead you to Him?

FRIDAY: Hosea 11:1-11 Describes God’s love for His people. See what we can learn from this passage about God’s love

In verses 1-4 what images does God use to describe his love?
How does God’s person respond to His love (verses 5-7)?
How does God react to their rebellion (verse 8-9)?
How does God show his love (verses 11-12)?

FAITH STEP: Have you ever had to discipline your children? How can administering discipline be a loving act? Discuss that concept with your children. Has God ever had to discipline you? What comfort do you take in God’s enduring love for His children?

SATURDAY: Hosea 14

How does promise to love His people who repent and return to Him (verse 4)?
Read Titus 3:3-7. By what were we enslaved according to Paul? Why did God save us? What should our response to God’s love be?

FAITH STEP: Looking at this passage what do you see as God’s purpose for your life? What can you change to better fulfill that purpose?

Thursday, January 24, 2008

THE IMPORTANCE OF OBEDIENCE

We are saved by grace but God expects obedience from his children. Read the selected Scripture and answer these questions daily: 1. Why is obedience important? 2. What are the results of obedience? 3. What are the results of disobedience? 4. What other lesson do I learn from this passage (Any promise to claim; sin to repent of, attitude to change, command to obey, error to avoid, prayer to pray, thing to thank God for, etc.?) Write down your answers.

MON: Matthew 7:21-24

Answer to question 1: ______________________________
Answer to question 2:______________________________
Answer to question 3: ______________________________
Answer to question 4: ______________________________

TUES: John 14:15-31


WED: James 1:19-27



THURS: John 15:9-17



FRI: 1 Samuel 15:1-23



SAT: 1 Peter 1:13-25

Friday, January 18, 2008

BIG LESSONS FROM LITTLE KNOWN BIBLE CHARACTERS

This week we will look at some Bible characters that most people have never hear of. What can you learn from them?

MONDAY: EBED-MELECH (Read Jeremiah 38:1-13,39:15-17)
1. Where was he from? What was his position?
2. What qualities do you see in this man? (Find at least three)
3. What happens as a result of his actions? Who can I help that is “in the pits” this week?

TUESDAY: ELYMAS aka BAR-JESUS (Read Acts 13:1-12
1. Who was Elymas? In what way did he try to influence Sergius Paulus?
2. What characteristics (good or bad) did he portray? What happened to him because of his actions?
3. What can we do when someone tries to turn you from your faith? Others from their faith?

WEDNESDAY: GEHAZI (Read 2 Kings 5:1-27)
1. Who was Gehazi?
2. What sins did Gehazi commit? What was his motive?
3. What was the result of his actions? What can you learn from Gehazi’s sin?

THURSDAY: EPAPHRAS (Read Colossians 1:1-8; 4:12-13 and Philemon 1:23)
1. How does Paul describe Epaphras? What qualities does he have?
2. What three things was Epaphras “wrestling in prayer” for? Write down two people you need to wrestle in prayer for this week? Pray for them daily this week.

FRIDAY: TROPHIMUS (Read Acts 20:1-4; 21:27-36; 2 Timothy 4:20)
1. From where was Trophimus? Reading all the passages above, how would you describe the Trophimus’ commitment to God?
2. Gentiles were forbidden from the temple under the penalty of death. What assumption did the Jews make in turning the crowd against Paul? Why are making assumptions dangerous? Instead of making assumptions what should a Christian do? Did the Jews want the facts or were they looking for an excuse to stop Paul?
3. How can prejudices and hatred blind someone to the truth? What prejudices do you need to deal with? Ask God to help you get the facts before making assumptions, help you have pure motives and to deliver you from any prejudices that can blind you from God’s truths?

SATURDAY: ABIMELECH SON OF GIDEON (aka Jerub-Baal {see Judges 6:32}). Read Judges 8:31, 9:1-57)
1. What did Abimelech conspire to do (9:1-5)? What warning did his half brother Jotham give the people of Shechem (9:7-21)?
2. What sins did Abimelech commit? How would you describe his character? Abimelech cruelly repressed a rebellion (9:22-40). What happened to him? How did his sins affect the people around him? What does this teach you about sin?
3. What characteristics did Jotham show? How can you be more like Jotham?
4. Sooner or later God repays wickedness. What does that inspire in you? Fear? Comfort? Guilt? Awe?
5. Do you know someone who is following an “Abimelech” in his or her life? Ask God to give them wisdom and ask Him to show you how you can be a “Jotham” to them.

Friday, January 11, 2008

3:16

Sometimes in my study I like to take a particular chapter and verse from each book, read and meditate on it and see what I can learn. This week I thought we would do something with the 3:16 passages in the New Testament. This is a fun and rewarding method of study. While looking at these verses be sure and do the following: Have fun and I hope you will learn.

MONDAY: Matthew 3:16

What does this passage teach us about the method of Jesus’ baptism?
The word baptism is a transliteration of the Greek word “baptizo” it means to “dip or immerse”. Looking at these verses what else do we learn about baptism? Romans 6:1-3, Acts 2:38, I Peter 3:21, Galatians 3:26-27
Have you been baptized into Christ for the forgiveness of your sins?

TUESDAY: John 3:16

Who does God love? How do we know?
What does God promise those who believe in Jesus?
According to verse 17, why did Jesus come into the world?
What other things do people believe in besides Jesus – in their search for salvation and purpose? In whom or what do you have your faith?

WEDNESDAY: I Corinthians 3:16

To what does Paul compare the church? Why do you think he sued this metaphor? (The church is not a building it is the people)
In context what is Paul discussing?
How are you promoting unity in your church family? What do you need to do to better promote unity?

While looking at these verses be sure and do the following:

Put into context by asking, “Who is speaking? To whom are they speaking? What is the occasion?” After determining the context, look for an application by asking …

Is there a sin I should confess?
Is there an example for me to follow?
Is there a blessing I should be thankful for?
Is there a promise I should claim?
Is there condition I should meet?
Is there a truth about God I should learn?


THURSDAY: Colossians 3:16, 2 Thessalonians 3:16
FRIDAY: 2 Timothy 3:16, James 3:16
SATURDAY: 1 John 3:16, Revelation 3:16

Monday, January 7, 2008

MANAGING MY ANGER

MONDAY: The consequences of mismanaged anger

Read Samson’s story in Judges 14-15. What caused his anger? How did he mismanage it? What were the consequences of his uncontrolled anger?

How has your anger hurt your relationships? Ask God to forgive you (and accept that forgiveness). Who do you need to apologize to?

TUESDAY: LESSONS ON ANGER

Read the following verses and write down what you learn about unmanaged anger.
Psalm 37:8 – can you list three evils that anger leads to?
Proverbs 29:22 – List three ways anger can hurt relationships
Proverbs 14:17 – What’s the most foolish thing you have done in your anger?


WEDNESDAY: ANGER AND YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

Read Matthew 5:21-26

What does Jesus say we should do before worshipping God (verse 24)?
Who is to take the initiative in reconciling the relationship the offended or the offender? (See Matthew 18:15-18 as well)
Jesus wants his disciples to be proactive in reconciling relationships. (See Matthew 5:9)
It is obvious that one’s relationship with God is closely tied to the disciple’s desire to make peace with others. Who in your life do you need to make an attempt to reconcile a relationship? Pray, seek advice and tale a step to do that this week.

THURSDAY: TYPES OF ANGER

There are different types of anger. Some people are exploders – when they get mad they just explode and yell over anyone around them. Others are pouters – they sulk in the corner and hold it in letting it seethe. Still others are manipulators – they will use sarcasm, snide remarks to lash out in anger. Which type of anger best describes you?

Anger is a symptom of a deeper problem. Angry people are usually hurting, afraid or frustrated. Overcoming anger begins by identifying the cause and seeking the solution. How can Jesus help you with your pain, fears and frustrations? (See Matthew 11:28, I Peter 5:7, Philippians 4:16, John 14:1) How do these verse help me to deal with the fear, hurt or frustrations I may be feeling.

FRIDAY: CONFESS YOUR ANGER

Read Ephesians 4:26. What does God say about the way we are to mange our anger? How is confessing anger more beneficial than suppressing or exploding in anger? How will it benefit the relationship? You?

Read Proverbs 29:11, 19:11. What does these verses say to support the old adage of “If you are angry count to 10” before reacting?



SATURDAY

The way we deal with anger is a learned behavior. Therefore unhealthy habits can be unlearned. The following website may offer you help as we learn to manage our anger better.
http://www.angriesout.com/

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

LESSONS FROM PHILEMON

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Sorry for the late posting I have been out of town

Philemon is the shortest of Paul’s letters. It is a personal note written to a personal friend concerning a private matter. At the time this letter was written there were sixty million slaves in the Roman Empire. Slavery was an important aspect of Rome’s social and economic structure. Runaway slaves threatened to undermine this structure so runaways were considered as criminals. This letter deals with one of Philemon’s runaway slave that was now a Christian. Read this book daily this week from several translations if possible and see what we can learn.

MONDAY: Paul wrote this note to Philemon. What qualities in Philemon does Paul commend (vs. 1-7)? What does Paul say Philemon has refreshed? Who do you know that has “refreshed your heart”? How have they done that? Call them or write them a note thanking them for the encouragement they have given you.

TUESDAY: Roman slavery, though just as evil as any type of slavery, was not a permanent condition based on race. Slaves could purchase their freedom. Some wander why Paul did not use this occasion to condemn slavery. One reason was that conditions were not right for such a massive social upheaval. However, Paul did “fire the first shot” in the war for freedom by teaching Christians slaves and owners on how to relate. Read verse 16 of Philemon, Galatians 3:26-28, and Colossians 3:11. What lesson does Paul teach? Read Colossians 3:22-25 and Ephesians 6:5-9. Using the “employee/employer” relationship what does this teach you about how your attitude should be in the workplace or in any situation where you answer to or are in a position of authority?

WEDNESDAY: In Philemon 1:6, what does Paul pray for Philemon to share? How can sharing this help you to better understand, “every good thing we have in Christ Jesus”? Read Ephesians 1:1-14 can you list at least five good things we have in Christ? Pray for an unbeliever you would like to share Christ with. Look for an opportunity to do that this week.

THURSDAY: If Paul needs Onesimus, why does he send him back? What does he ask Philemon to do? On what basis does he make his appeal? Why would it be hard for Onesimus to return? Do you have someone you need to return to and “make right” a situation? Pray about it. Maybe you can find a “Paul” to help you make the right decision?

FRIDAY: One theme of this book is forgiveness. Read the following verses; Mark 11:25, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13, Romans 12:17-21. Write down three or things you learn about forgiveness. How does learning to forgive benefit you? How can holding grudges hurt you? Anyone you need to ask God to help you forgive? If you are having a hard time with forgiveness seek the advice and help of a mature Christian.

SATURDAY: Onesimus delivered this letter (Possibly along with Ephesians and Colossians) back to his home. Scripture does not record the out come of the story, but in AD 110, Ignatius of Antioch sent a letter to a church leader in Ephesus named Onesimus. Many scholars believe this was the same man. If so this book is a powerful demonstration on how Jesus can transform and use anyone, even a runaway slave. “Onesimus” means “useful”. Read verse 11 of Philemon. See the play on words Paul made. How has God made you “useful”? How can he use you to help others? Ask God to help make you more “useful” in his church. Also be a Philemon. Write a note to “refresh” someone this week.