Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 5

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew                                            Week 5 – 12/26/10

Monday – Read Matthew 5:21-26

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you think Jesus was referring to when He said, “You have heard that it was said...” verse 21?

2. In the time of Jesus, where would you find it written “You shall not murder,” and “whoever murders shall be liable to judgment,” verse 21?

3. What do you think the statement “...shall be liable to judgment...” was referring to?

4. What do you think Jesus was saying in verse 22?

5. In verses 23 thru 25 Jesus gives two reasons you should make peace with your brother. What are those two reasons?

6. Thought Question – What do you think is the primary message of Jesus in verses 21-26?

Prayer:  Ask God to help you always have right relationships with your brothers.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 4

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew                                                Week 4 – 12/19/10

Monday – Read Mark 6:14-29

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

Apparently John is arrested by Herod in the early part of the ministry of Jesus but is not put to death for some period after his arrest. You will read Matthew’s account of John’s death later in this study but today read Mark’s account to help paint a complete picture of John’s life.

Prayer: Thank God for John the Baptizer and his faithfulness to his calling and pray for a heart like John’s.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 3

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew                   Week 3 – 12/12/10

Monday – Read John 1:1 thru 5:47

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

The events of the first 5 chapters of the Gospel of John take place after the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:11) and before  the report of John being arrested (Matthew 4:12). Also read Luke 3:19-20 which contains the report of the arrest of John. These readings will be your study for today.

Prayer: Thank God for John the Baptizer and his faithfulness to his calling and pray for a heart like John’s.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 2

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew                          Week 2 – 12/5/10

Monday – Read Matthew 1:1-25

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Matthew begins this account of the life of Jesus with a listing of His genealogy? This would be of top importance to his audience, Jews, since their scriptures had prophesied the lineage of the Messiah.

2. Of all the names listed in the genealogy of Jesus, which are the ones that would be important to the Jews? Abraham and David.

3. In the genealogical listing, Jacob and Judah have something in common. What do these two individuals have in common? They are not the firstborn son from their fathers, the ones that normally received the birthright blessings from the father. They are in the lineage of the Messiah even though not the firstborn.

4. Since Jesus was not actually from the seed of Joseph, why is he listed in the genealogy? Seed, or descendants for the Jews, is counted to the man, the father. So since Jesus was born a man, to the Jews, he had to have a physical father.

5. What do you understand “betrothed” to mean? Is it the same as someone in our time being engaged? Why or why not? Betrothed is like our being engaged but it had a much stronger legal meaning as noted that even though Joseph was only betrothed to Mary, he was going to “divorce” her, verse 19.

6. Thought Question – Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to be born of a virgin? That of course was what was prophesied but Jesus was to live as the Son of God, even though He was born a man. He was born of God, not of man.

Prayer: Thank God for Joseph and Mary who lived by faith and followed the commands of God and thus were used to bring the Savior of man into the world.

Daily Devotional: Matthew - Week 1

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Gospel of Matthew                                              Week 1 – 11/28/10

Monday – Read Matthew 1:1-25

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Matthew begins this account of the life of Jesus with a listing of His genealogy?

2. Of all the names listed in the genealogy of Jesus, which are the ones that would be important to the Jews?

3. In the genealogical listing, Jacob and Judah have something in common. What do these two individuals have in common?

4. Since Jesus was not actually from the seed of Joseph, why is he listed in the genealogy?

5. What do you understand “betrothed” to mean? Is it the same as someone in our time being engaged? Why or why not?

6. Thought Question – Why do you think it was necessary for Jesus to be born of a virgin?

Prayer: Thank God for providing a Savior to save you from your sins.

Daily Devotional: Gospel of Matthew - Introduction

GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

Introduction

You can call him Levi. His friends did, or better said, his professional associates did, but his given name was Matthew. That was his name in the Jewish society, the society of his heritage, but he did not seem to fit there any more. It was not that he did not want to but when he became an agent for the government, a tax collector, that society ostracized him and considered him worse than a dog. They  told him his place was with the publications and other tax collectors and sinners, not among them. He had not intended to turn his back on his people and certainly he had not given up the religious teachings of his childhood or his belief that God was going to send a messiah for Israel, His chosen people. In fact, he was getting kind of excited about the things that he had been hearing about this Jesus from Nazareth. Could he possibly be the One? He had heard that he was back in town and he was thinking about going and listening to him. He was sure he could blend in with the crowd and none of his people would make a big deal about him being there. He really wanted to check this man out. Even though he was a tax. collector, he still had the hope of Israel in his heart.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 6

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 6 – 11/21/10

Monday – Read Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Paul gives this list of relationships in verses 18-22, telling the Christians the proper way to act in each of these relationships? Because he is reminding them that Christians act different from those in the world in their relationships.

2. Why do you think wives are told to submit to their husbands instead of being told to love them? Women, because they tend to be relationship oriented, generally don’t have problems with love in relationships but may struggle with submission, especially when their husbands are not being the men God calls them to be.

3. What do you think it means for a wife to submit to her husband? She is to follow his lead in the relationship.

4. What do you think it means when fathers are told not to provoke their children? Don’t treat them in such a way that they are provoked to anger, but treat them with love, even in your discipline.

5. Thought Question - In verse 22, salves are told to obey their masters. Do you think that the Bible teaches that slavery is okay? Why or why not? The Bible does not teach against slavery, it teaches against treating slaves wrong just because they are slaves. Becoming a slave of another person because of financial problems was not uncommon to the times and there is nothing wrong with having someone indebted to you and working for you, but the Bible says you must treat them right. Generally, when we hear of slavery we think of mistreatment of people.

Prayer: Pray for those you are in relationships with, spouse, children, etc. Ask God to help you always act right towards them.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 5

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 5 – 11/14/10

Monday – Read Colossians 3:18 – 4:1

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think Paul gives this list of relationships in verses 18-22, telling the Christians the proper way to act in each of these relationships?

2. Why do you think wives are told to submit to their husbands instead of being told to love them?

3. What do you think it means for a wife to submit to her husband?

4. What do you think it means when fathers are told not to provoke their children?

5. Thought Question - In verse 22, salves are told to obey their masters. Do you think that the Bible teaches that slavery is okay? Why or why not?

Prayer: Pray for your relationships and your actions in all of your relationships. Ask God to help you always act right in all of your relationships.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 4

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 4 – 11/7/10

Monday – Read Colossians 2:1-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you think Paul means when he says “...as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him...” ? How do you think they received Christ? From what is said in the following verses Paul seems to be indicating that Christ was “all sufficient, all they needed” when they received Him, obeyed the Gospel.

2. What two things does Paul say we should be as a result of our relationship with Christ, verse 7? We should be rooted in Christ and we should be built up, should be growing in our faith in Him.

3. What does Paul say Christians should abound in, verse 7? Why? Christians should abound in thanksgiving. If you focus on your blessings and live with thanksgiving, it will strengthen your walk with Christ.

4. What do you think Paul means when he says “See to it that no one takes you captive...”, verse 8? It is possible for Christians to be taken captive, to be led away from Christ.

5. What does Paul say about philosophy and empty deceit? They are the ways of men and can be used to lead you away from Christ?

6. What point do you think Paul is making when he says that all the fullness of deity dwells in Christ, verse 9? Christ is God and has everything God has. Thus He is all you need.

7. What does Paul state as Christ’s position, verse 10? What do you think that means? Christ is the head over all rule and authority, anyone who has power in this world. Christ is over all.

8. What do you think Paul means when he says “...and you have been filled in Him..., verse 10? You, a Christian, have everything you need in Christ. You do not need anything else to live your life.

9. Why do you think Paul brings up circumcision, verse 11? Circumcision was the sign of the covenant that God made with His chosen people. Since Christians are the new “chosen people,” they need to be sealed, have the sign of the covenant.

10. Thought Question –  Paul speaks of the possibility of Christians being led away from Christ through philosophy and empty deceit, verse 8. What would be some practical examples of philosophy or something deceitful that new Christians might accept to help their life?  Anything that someone pitches as being something you need for a fulfilled life would be what Paul is talking about. Things like some particular man’s method of meditation or something like the New Age Movement are things that imply a person does not have all they need to live successfully just being a Christian.

Prayer: Ask God to help you always remember that Christ is all you need to be what He wants you to be.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 3

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Colossians

Week 3 – 10/31/10

Monday – Read Colossians 2:1-15

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What do you think Paul means when he says “...as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him...”? How do you think they received Christ?

2. What two things does Paul say we should be as a result of our relationship with Christ, verse 7?

3. What does Paul say Christians should abound in, verse 7? Why?

4. What do you think Paul means when he says “See to it that no one takes you captive...”, verse 8?

5. What does Paul say about philosophy and empty deceit?

6. What point do you think Paul is making when he says that all the fullness of deity dwells in Christ, verse 9?

7. What does Paul state as Christ’s position, verse 10? What do you think that means?

8. What do you think Paul means when he says “...and you have been filled in Him..., verse 10?

9. Why do you think Paul brings up circumcision, verse 11?

10. Thought Question – Paul speaks of the possibility of Christians being led away from Christ through philosophy and empty deceit, verse 8. What would be some practical examples of philosophy or something deceitful that new Christians might accept to help their life?  

Prayer: Thank God for providing all you need in Christ.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 2

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Week 2 – 10/24/10

Colossians

Monday – Read the entire book of Colossians in one setting.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. As you read this writing, what jumped out, stuck with you?

2. What questions about this writing and its teaching came to your mind?

Prayer: Thank God for all the men you know who work in teaching and preaching the Word.

Colossians Study Guide: Week 1

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord
Week 1 – 10/17/10

Colossians

Monday – Read the entire book of Colossians in one setting.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. As you read this writing, what jumped out, stuck with you?

2. What questions about this writing and its teaching came to your mind?

Prayer: Thank God for Christ and His promise of providing for all your needs in Him.

Colossians: Introduction

The apostle Paul wrote a letter to the Christians in the church in the city of Colossae around 60 A.D. This city was located in the southwest corner of Asia Minor in what was then the Roman province of Asia. The city was situated in the Lycus River Valley on the Lycus River. The city was about 12 miles south of the city of Laodicea and east of the city of Ephesus. It was located on the great road from Ephesus to the Euphrates and at one time was important because of the mercantile trade passing through the city. It was a prominent city during the Greek period but by Paul’s time it had lost much of its importance, perhaps because of the growth of the neighboring cities. Extremely detrimental to all the cities in the Lycus River Valley were the earthquakes that occasionally did severe damage. Shortly after Paul wrote this letter the entire Lycus Valley was devastated by an earthquake (about A.D. 61) and seems to have ended the occupation of this city.

It does not appear that Paul ever visited this city (Col.2:1). However, during Paul’s extended stay in Ephesus during his third preaching journey (54-58A.D.), it is likely that those who were the traveling companions of Paul took the gospel to that city as Paul said “...all the residents of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10). Paul and his companions worked throughout Asia, using Ephesus as a home base for a period of two years. Colossians 1:7 & 4:12 seen to indicate that it was Epaphras who took the Gospel to Colossae even though he was not listed among Paul’s traveling companion on the third preaching journey. Some suggest that he heard the Gospel from Paul, perhaps in Ephesus, and  returned to Colossae, his home to teach the good news of Jesus. Since Paul’s third preaching journey took place between 54 and 58 A.D., and the date of this writing in around 60 A.D., this church would have been very young in the faith, only a couple of years in existence at the time of this writing. Colossae, or the church in Colossae is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament except in the beginning of this letter to the church (Col. 1:2) which seems to support the belief that when the city was devastated by an earthquake about 61 A.D. the church no longer existed.

In this writing Paul calls Epaphras “our beloved fellow servant” (Col.1:7) and “one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus” (Col. 4:12). In Paul’s letter to Philemon he calls Epaphras “my fellow prisoner in Christ” (Philemon 1:23). This suggests that not only was Epaphras one of Paul’s co-workers and a faithful servant of the Lord, but was with Paul in prison when he wrote this letter. Some think he brought Paul information from the church and remained in Rome to serve Paul in prison.

This writing seems to paint a vivid picture of the struggle of new, baby Christians. First, they are new to the faith, therefore their knowledge of the faith is lacking so Paul says he is praying that they may “...be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding so to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord...(1:9-10). How to live this new life is a struggle for new Christians, especially when they do not yet have a full understand of all that God through Christ provides. Paul is concerned that they may be influenced, even taken captive by false teachers and attempt to strengthen their walk in Christ by trying to control the indulgences of the flesh by religious rituals and regulations (2:16-23). Paul informs these new Christians that these methods won’t work and it is only Christ who can strengthen them and give them a victorious Christian life (3:1-17). Paul tells them that love, the love of Christ, is the glue that brings and holds everything together in their new life in Christ. He counsels them about relationships, reminding them how to live in their earthly relationships, family, slave-master and the family of God, reminding them that Christ in their hearts is the secret to proper living in these relationships (3:15). He tells them that he has sent them someone to help them in their struggles, Tychicus and Onesimus (4: 7 & 9), and says he has given them instructions about receiving Mark, the cousin of Barnabas, if he comes their way (4:10). He counsels them to seek further instruction by reading the letter he sent to the church in Laodicea and asks them to let the church in Laodicea read his letter to them.

Christ is all sufficient. You don’t need anything else to live a life to the glory of God is the main point of this letter.

Daily Study Guide: Week 92

Psalms
Monday – Read Psalm 142 & 143

Psalm 142 – A Cry For Help In The Time Of Trouble

Psalm 143 – A Prayer For Deliverance And Guidance

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What does the psalmist say is his present condition, verse 7? He is in some type of prison.

2. What is the psalmist crying out for? For deliverance from his persecutors, verse 6.

3. Why does the psalmist say he cries to God, verse 5? Because God is his refuge.

4. What is the psalmist confident of, verse 7? That God will deliver him and deal bountifully with him.

5. On what basis does the psalmist cry out to God, 143:2? On the basis that all men are sinners therefore God should not let his sin keep Him from responding.

6. What does the psalmist say encourages him to cry out to God, verse 5? Remembering the days of old and the past actions of God.

7. What is the psalmist asking God to do, verse 7? Deliver him quickly.

8. On what basis does the psalmist ask God to deliver him, verse 11? For God’s name sake.

9. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for the confidence you can have in His deliverance because of His history of delivering His children in times of trouble.

Daily Study Guide: Week 91

Psalms                                                                         

Monday – Read Psalms 142 & 143

Psalm 142 – A Cry For Help In The Time Of Trouble

Psalm 143 – A Prayer For Deliverance And Guidance

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What does the psalmist say is his present condition, verse 7?

2. What is the psalmist crying out for?

3. Why does the psalmist say he cries to God, verse 5?

4. What is the psalmist confident of, verse 7?

5. On what basis does the psalmist cry out to God, 143:2?

6. What does the psalmist say encourages him to cry out to God, verse 5?

7. What is the psalmist asking God to do, verse 7?

8. On what basis does the psalmist ask God to deliver him, verse 11?

9. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for delivering you from sin.

Daily Study Guide: Week 90

Psalms

Monday – Read Psalm 136

Historical Psalm – Covers the period from creation to the entrance into the Promised Land. This psalm is different in format from all other psalms. All verses end with “for His steadfast love endures forever,”  suggesting this was a psalm to be read with audience response.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

Daily Study Guide: Week 89

Psalms                                                            

Monday – Read Psalms 136

Historical Psalm – Covers the period from creation to the entrance into the Promised Land. This psalm is different in format from all other psalms. All verses end with “for His steadfast love endures forever,”  suggesting this was a psalm to be read with audience response.

Daily Study Guide: Week 88

Psalms

Psalms 120 thru 134 have “A Song of Ascents” at the beginning of each psalm. These were songs that were sung by bands of traveling pilgrims, However, there are different ideas in regards to where these pilgrims were traveling to as they sang these psalms. The two most common ideas are they were sung by the Jews returning from captivity or they were sung by the Jews as they went to Jerusalem for the feasts.

The Way, the Truth and the Life

It is a fundamental principle that if you are looking for something you will not find it unless you look in the right location.

Jesus says in John 14:6 "I am the way the truth and the lie no one comes to the father but by me." In saying this he is saying that if you are looking for God there's only one way you will find God if you are seeking for God, there is only one highway that leads to him and that Jesus is that highway. He is the one way to God, and no one will find the God unless they come through him.

People have tried all kinds of ways to find God; many different rituals, many different ascetic practices, pilgrimages to many different places. But Jesus says anything you try, any path you follow, any process you attempt to use, is doomed to failure unless it is Jesus himself. This is an exclusive claim, a claim that is not welcomed by many in our era where nothing is seen as ultimate truth, where multicultural inclusiveness, religious inclusiveness and equal acceptance for all ideas are valued and any claim of exclusivity is rejected.

Despite our misgivings, Jesus makes this exclusive claim. He is the one way to God and if you hope to find God the principle is still true you only find him if you search in the right place. You will only find the path to God if you look where the path is. Looking anywhere else is time-wasting and futile.

Jesus also claims to be the truth. Although science has great value in practical ways, it doesn't lead us to ultimate truth. It can tell us how things are, but not their source. If You're looking for ultimate truth you will not find it in science. All it will tell you is contingent truths truth that is only true because the creator speaks them into being. If you want to know ultimate truth you have to turn to the creator; turn to Jesus Christ. He is the primary truth, the foundation of all other truth.

Finally Jesus says, "I am the life." We talk about people having a green thumb. They seem to have a talent for taking wilted and damaged plants and restoring them back to health. Even these talented people do not give life. They only nourish a life that is already present.

The same is true for doctors and nurses and other medical practitioners. They may have great talent and they certainly can be beneficial to people who are sick, but they do not give life-- they only nourish the life that has already been given by the creator.

In both cases, these people only nourished and protect the life that was already there. But Jesus does far more. When he created the world, he gave life to inanimate matter. That which did not live became living at the touch of his hand. He was the source of all life.

This was only possible because he had life within himself intrinsically. The life overflowing from him produced the life of everything we see today.

• If you are looking for the way to God, look to Jesus.
• If you're looking to find the truth, look to Jesus.
• If you really want to live both in this life and eternally, look to Jesus.

Phil

Daily Study Guide: Week 87

Psalms

Psalms 120 thru 134 have “A Song of Ascents” at the beginning of each psalm. These were songs that were sung by bands of traveling pilgrims. However, there are different ideas in regards to where these pilgrims were traveling to as they sang these psalms. The two most common ideas are that they were sung by the Jews returning from captivity or they were sung by the Jews as they went to Jerusalem for the feasts. Since four of these psalms are ascribed to David and one to Solomon, some suggest they could not be psalms sung on the return from captivity. However, authorship would not limit the time of their use since both David and Solomon lived and wrote before the captivity. However, these being the psalms sung by the Jews as they made their three pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the feasts seems a better fit.

Daily Guide: Week 86

 Psalms                                                  Week 86 – 8/29/10

Psalms 120 thru 134 have “A Song of Ascents” at the beginning of each psalm. These were songs that were sung by bands of traveling pilgrims, However, there are different ideas in regards to where these pilgrims were traveling to as they sang these psalms. The two most common ideas are they were sung by the Jews returning from captivity or they were sung by the Jews as they went to Jerusalem for the feasts. Since four of these psalms are ascribed to David and one to Solomon, some suggest they could not be psalms sung on the return from captivity. However, authorship would not limit the time of their use since both David and Solomon lived and wrote before the captivity. However, these being the psalms sung by the Jews as they made their three pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the feasts, seems a better fit. The argument against that position is that both David and Solomon, as kings of Israel, lived in Jerusalem and would not be among the traveling pilgrims. However, from the reading of these 15 psalms I doubt that it makes any difference of the time of their use.  Even though the topics of the psalms differ, you will notice there are recurring ideas among them, primarily that God is the protector and deliverer of His people and blesses them; and the thanksgivings of the people for His protection, deliverance and blessings.

Daily Guide: Week 85

Psalms                                                         Week 85 – 8/22/10

Psalms 120 thru 134 have “A Song of Ascents” at the beginning of each psalm. These were songs that were sung by bands of traveling pilgrims. However, there are different ideas in regards to where these pilgrims were traveling to as they sang these psalms. The two most common ideas are that they were sung by the Jews returning from captivity or they were sung by the Jews as they went to Jerusalem for the feasts. Since four of these psalms are ascribed to David and one to Solomon, some suggest they could not be psalms sung on the return from captivity. However, authorship would not limit the time of their use since both David and Solomon lived and wrote before the captivity. However, these being the psalms sung by the Jews as they made their three pilgrimages to Jerusalem each year to celebrate the feasts seems a better fit. The argument against that position is that both David and Solomon, as kings of Israel, lived in Jerusalem and would not be among the traveling pilgrims. However, from the reading of these 15 psalms, I doubt that it makes any difference of the time of their use.  Even though the topics of the psalms differ, you will notice there are recurring ideas among them; primarily that God is the protector and deliverer of His people and blesses them, and the thanksgivings of the people for His protection, deliverance and blessings.

Monday – Read Psalm 120

A Cry For Deliverance From A Treacherous Tongue

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What does the psalmist say he did in times of distress, verse 1?

2. What is the psalmist crying out for deliverance from, verse 2?

3. To what does the psalmist compare the tongue, verse 4?

4. In verses 5 & 6 the psalmist seems to be giving a reason for his deceitful tongue. What do you understand as his reason?

5. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Ask God to help you always keep the words from your tongue from being deceitful.

Daily Guide: Week 84

Psalms                                                           Week 84 – 8/15/10

Monday – Read Psalm 113

Hallelujah Psalm – God Praised For Exalting The Humble

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why does the psalmist say God should be praised? Because He is above all and over all and there is no one like Him.

2. What does the psalmist say God does for the poor, verse 7? He raises them up and provides for them.

3. What does the psalmist say God does for the barren woman, verse 9? He gives her a home and makes her the joyous mother of children.

4. What do these two things, what God does for the poor and barren woman, say about the character of God?  God cares for those who do not have anyone to provide and protect them.

5. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His concern and care for those who have no one to look after their interests.

Daily Guide: Week 83

Psalms                                                                 Week 83 – 8/8/10

Monday – Read Psalm 113

Hallelujah Psalm – God Praised For Exalting The Humble

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why does the psalmist say God should be praised?

2. What does the psalmist say God does for the poor, verse 7?

3. What does the psalmist say God does for the barren woman, verse 9?

4. What do these two things, what God does for the poor and barren woman, say about the character of God?

5. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His care and concern for those who are poor and have no one to look out for their interests.

Daily Guide: Week 82

Psalms                                                                      Week 82 – 8/1/10

Monday – Read Psalm 106

Hallelujah Psalm – This psalm is called a “Hallelujah Psalm” because in Hebrew it begins and ends with the Hebrew word for hallelujah. This psalm is also historical, dealing with the Children of Israel from the Red Sea to the Babylonian Captivity, listing their sins against God.

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1 Why does the psalmist say we should give thanks to the Lord? Because He is good and His steadfast love endures forever.

2. What does the psalmist say he has in common with his ancestors, verse 6? They had sinned against God.

3. Why does the psalmist say God saved His people at the Red Sea, verse 8? For His name’s sake.

4. What fact does verse 15 teach you about prayer? Sometimes God gives you what you ask for, even when it is not the best thing for you.

5. What does the psalmist say Moses did for the people after they had made the golden calf, verse 23? Stood in the gap, became their intercessor before God.

6. What other individual does the psalmist say stood in the gap for the Children of Israel when they had sinned, verse 30? Phinehas, the High Priest after Aaron.

7. What did the Children of Israel not do as they conquered the Promised Land that was commanded by God, verse 34? They did not drive the inhabitants out of the land they captured.

8. Even though the psalmist says the Children of Israel sinned many times against God, why does He say God spared them, verse 45?Because of His covenant with Abraham and the abundance of His steadfast love.

9. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer:  Thank God for those who are willing to be intercessors and stand in the gap before Him for others. 

Daily Guide: Week 81

Psalms                                                                                              Week 81 - 7/25/10
Monday - Read Psalm 106
Hallelujah Psalm - This psalm is called a “Hallelujah Psalm” because in Hebrew it begins and ends with the Hebrew word for hallelujah. This psalm is also historical, dealing with the Children of Israel from the Red Sea to the Babylonian Captivity, listing their sins against God.
Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.
1 Why does the psalmist say we should give thanks to the Lord?
2. What does the psalmist say he has in common with his ancestors, verse 6?
3. Why does the psalmist say God saved His people at the Red Sea, verse 8?
4. What fact does verse 15 teach you about prayer?
5. What does the psalmist say Moses did for the people after they had made the golden calf, verse 23?
6. What other individual does the psalmist say stood in the gap for the Children of Israel when they had sinned, verse 30?
7. What did the Children of Israel not do as they conquered the Promised Land that was commanded by God, verse 34?
8. Even though the psalmist says the Children of Israel sinned many times against God, why does He say God spared them, verse 45?
9. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?
Prayer: Thank God for all the good things He has done for you.

Daily Study Guide: Week 80

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Psalms                                                                                        Week 80 – 7/18/10

Monday – Read Psalm 100

Thanksgiving And Praise

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What does the psalmist say should be the attitude of the people of God? Joyful and glad.

2. Why do you think the psalms keep referring to God’s people as “the sheep of His pasture”? This was an illustration that was common to the people of the time and reflected a relationship, a shepherd caring for his sheep, that pictures God’s love for His people.

3. Why does the psalmist say we should praise God? Because He is good and His steadfast love endures forever.

4. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer:  Ask God to teach you how to be a better sheep.

Daily Study Guide: Week 79

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Psalms                                                                                        Week 79 - 7/11/10

Monday - Read Psalm 100

Thanksgiving And Praise

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. What does the psalmist say should be the attitude of the people of God?

2. Why do you think the psalms keep referring to God's people as “the sheep of His pasture”?

3. Why does the psalmist say we should praise God?

4. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for His steadfast love and faithfulness.

Daily Study Guide: Week 78

Daily Study Guide To Help You Grow In The Lord

Psalms                                                                  Week 78 - 7/4/10

Monday - Read Psalm 94

A Prayer For Vengeance For The Righteous

Prayer: Ask God to open your heart so that you can learn what He has prepared for you during your study.

1. Why do you think the psalmist calls God the “God of vengeance” in this passage? Because he is calling on God to bring vengeance on the wicked who had attacked His people.

2. What other characteristic does the psalmist attach to the wicked, verse 2? They are proud, arrogant.

3. Why do you think the psalmist mentions that the wicked “kill the widow and the sojourner, and murder the fatherless,” verse 6?Because God is known as a God who looks out for those who have no one else to look out for them.

4. What message does the psalmist have for the wicked in this psalm, verses 8-11? God hears and sees what they are doing.

5. What does the psalmist say God accomplishes through His discipline, verse 13? Gives men rest from days of trouble.

6. What is the psalmist sure about in regards to God, verse 14? That He will not forsake His people.

7. What do you think the psalmist is saying in verse 17? If it had not been for God he would have been killed by the wicked.                                   

8. What does this psalm say to you personally; how does it help you; what does it say to you about your relationship with God?

Prayer: Thank God for always being your stronghold and refuge.

ESV.TO URL SHORTENER

From the esv.org blog: URL shorteners simply convert long addresses into shorter ones (helpful for Twitter, for example, where character count is important). Bookmark www.esv.to to quickly generate shortened URLs for the ESV Online.

The great thing about ESV.to, however, is that by remembering a few simple, logical rules (detailed on the site) you can create the link yourself without having to use the generator.

For example: If you wanted to read Matthew 5 online you could visit www.esvonline.org and search for Matthew 5 or you could use the service’s easy-to-remember format and simply type “esv.to/Mt5″ into your web browser to navigate directly there. Likewise, to shorten a link in a tweet you could either visit www.esv.to and type “Matthew 5″ into the generator or simply use “http://esv.to/Mt5″.

We hope you find ESV.to helpful!