Focus before you read. . .
Today’s reading focuses on God’s comfort for his people, foretelling the restoration of Israel and Judah after the exile, and—secondarily—the final restoration of God’s people during Christ’s return. In the midst of this message of hope, we also find a strong affirmation of God’s majesty and some detailed descriptions of the Messiah in passages that are featured prominently in the Gospels. As you read today, pay close attention to the compassion of God and the remarkable prophecies of the Messiah. Take time out to meditate on the goodness of God as you look for his hand at work in the lives of his people.
Questions to ask as you read. . .
1.Look for passages that are later quoted in the New Testament, especially in Ch. 40 and 42. How do these passages help us better understand God’s sovereignty in orchestrating his plan for his people?
2.What characteristics of God do you see in Ch. 40? What qualities of God give us cause for comfort? (see 40: 29-31)
3.Read Ch. 44 carefully? What idols are you worshipping in your own life?
Application to make after you read. . .
The last few verses of Isaiah 40 are some of the most encouraging in all of Scripture. “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” We often see these verses in isolation on Christian tee-shirts, plaques, and paper weights. Yet, when we read these words in their full context, they’re even more powerful. Chapter 40 clearly establishes the differences between the nature of God and the nature of man. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” asks the Lord. It is, after all, God’s power, strength, and understanding that give us our strength. “He will not grow tired or weary” (40:28); therefore, we can depend upon him for our strength.
Prayer
Dear God, we confess our sins to You. Not just our sins in general but our sins in particular. We think of our lips.
Our lips have been the lips of cowards, and people did not hear of God.
Our lips have pretended, and they were not holy.
Our lips have been proud, and spoiled our service.
Our lips have been lazy, and prevented our prayers.
Our lips have gossiped, and disturbed our peace.
Please forgive us.
Please help clean our lips more like Isaiah’s.
In your Son’s name we pray.
Focus before you read. . .
Today’s reading opens the second round of discussion between Job and his friends. Job’s friend Eliphaz returns to his earlier focus on Job’s sin. This time, though, Eliphaz’s tone is bitter and accusatory. Finding Job’s defense unsatisfactory, he argues, “Would a wise man answer with empty notions or fill his belly with the hot east wind?” For Eliphaz, wisdom is to be found with the “gray-haired and aged,” not with Job’s individual thoughts. Job returns to his earlier themes in his response. He laments the suffering his friends have caused him, and he expresses his fear that God has abandoned him. As you read today, pay close attention to Job’s cry for an intercessor to plead his case.
Questions to ask as you read. . .
1.According to Eliphaz, what is man’s condition? What are the consequences of his sin?
2.What does Job desire from his friend? From God?
3.“Even now my witness is in heaven;” Job declares, “my advocate is on high” 16:19. In what ways is Christ our “advocate”?
Application to make after you read. . .
Job longs for comfort and encouragement from his friends, whose lengthy sermons and arrogant accusations only add to his suffering. Finding his friends’ responses inadequate, Job calls for an “intercessor” to plead his case before God. While Job did not yet have the benefit of knowing Jesus Christ as his true intercessor, his words help us to understand the intercessory role Christ fills in our lives. Consider the wonderful promise of Hebrews 7:25: “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” What a blessing it is to have Jesus Christ himself as our perfect intercessor and complete source of comfort!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for interceding on our behalf so that we might live forever with you. Help us to understand the depth of your perfect love. May we “hunger and thirst” for the righteousness that only you can provide.
Focus before you read. . .
Two of today’s Psalms are incredibly significant passages. The 22nd Psalm is an explicit prophecy of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Written long before Jesus’ birth, you’ll find shocking detail concerning the crucifixion. Moving into the 23rd Psalm you’ll quickly recognize the oft quoted passage which is a beautiful testimony to the tender, sustaining love of God
As you read. . .
Psalm 22 – Consider the full humanity of Christ as the scripture relays the experience of the “old man” being nailed to the cross, experiencing total, despairing separation from the creator and sustainer of life and love. Thank you, God, for sending Jesus do this in my place.
Prayer focus. . .
Recite Psalms 23 aloud as your personal prayer.
Focus before you read:
Important matters in narrative writing get more space. Judges focuses greater space on
Gideon and Samson. When this happens, it often means that the writer wants you to
compare the two. Think of Abraham and Lot, Joseph and Judah, Saul and David.
Questions to ask as you read:
Why do the intertribal struggles occur? Do they get better or worse?
Compare Gideon and Samson:
Whom did each serve?
How had each one experienced God?
Was each a success? Why or Why not?
Was Samson really a judge? What is “a judge” in this context?
Why were their lives so different?
How did each finish his life?
Application to make after you read:
We are all leaders in some sphere of influence.
What is your sphere of influence?
Are you a help or hindrance? How is your influence felt?
What is your “leadership style?”
Why do you lead or influence the way that you do?
Prayer:
Make a personal commitment to be a godly influence.
Focus before you read. . .
Today’s reading opens with Jacob on the run from his brother, Esau. Having swindled his brother out of his birthright and his father’s blessing, Jacob flees to his uncle, Laban, with plans to marry one of his daughters. Before his arrival in Haran, though, Jacob experiences his famous “stairway to heaven,” or “Jacob’s Ladder,” dream—through which he receives confirmation of God’s promise of prosperity and protection. Once in Laban’s household, Jacob, which literally means “grabber” or “deceiver,” becomes himself the victim of deceit, as his uncle tricks him into an unintended marriage and years of service. All the while, God continues to bless Jacob abundantly, both in terms of offspring and wealth. And after fourteen years in Laban’s household, Jacob decides to return to the land of his father. As you read through these four chapters of domestic drama, pay close attention to the relationship between God’s sovereignty in providing for his chosen family and the freedom God grants his people to make their own choices—and live with the consequences of their actions.
Questions to ask as you read. . .
1.What details of Jacob’s dream stand out? How does Jacob respond to the dream? To what extent is he “testing” God?
2.What patterns of behavior do you see repeated in today’s reading?
3.How does God bless and protect Jacob?
Application to make after you read. . .
Jacob in many ways experiences the natural consequences of his own deceit in these chapters. Just as he tricked his brother, so too is he tricked by his uncle. Likewise, the pattern of domestic strife evident in his parents’ favoritism towards their twin boys repeats itself in the “birthing contests” of Rachel and Leah. And these conflicts will surface again in Jacob’s own children. Nevertheless, God continues to teach and to use Jacob, even through his failings. Isn’t this the way God works in our own lives? He takes us where we are, uses us for his purposes—in spite of our weaknesses and failings—and teaches us through the process. May we not wait to serve God until we think we have overcome all of our weaknesses. Remember Christ’s words from the Sermon on the Mount: “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule” (Message, Matthew 5:3).
Prayer
Lord, thank you for using us in spite of our weaknesses. May we allow more of You and Your rule in our lives.
Focus before you read. . .
When was the last time you had a different conviction than someone on a minor issue in living the Christian life? What was that situation? Keep that in your mind as you read today’s chapters in Romans.
Also, what are the various responses you have heard from people as CCG has gone through its transition from Pastor Charles to Pastor Steve? Keep those in your mind as you ready today’s chapters in Romans.
As you read. . .
Think about the response you are to have with those who have a faith weaker than you. Paul provides specifics regarding our actions and interactions. He also speaks about unity amongst believers. As you read, consider these two questions:
1.What is Paul calling stronger believers to do here?
2.Why is the unity of Christians so important to Paul?
Application to make after you read. . .
Paul really seeks after unity amongst the church, and he lays it on the stronger in faith to be the bearers of this weight. A clue to why this is so important to Paul is that this is the first time in this letter he uses Christ as an example. Never in the letter has it been told of us that we should do something because Christ did the same.
The unity of the brethren shows that we are following after Christ’s example. Our unity is an excellent witness to the world because it shows that our eyes are not fixed on ourselves but on the better things that Christ has taught us. Even more importantly, it will glorify and give God the type of worship that He desires.
What role you are playing in the unity of CCG moving forward? How can you be a part of encouraging unity amongst our congregation?.
Focus before you read…
Have you ever had a teacher who made a concerted effort to help you to learn and grow? In today’s passages, Jesus turns his attention to his disciples to begin preparing them for what is to come. Three of the disciples experience Jesus’ transfiguration on the mountain, revealing his divine nature and God’s affirmation on him and what he is about to do. Jesus begins to teach the disciples principles through encounters with the demon-possessed boy, the tax collectors, the little children, and the rich young ruler.
Questions to ask as you read…
1.What is the meaning behind the transfiguration in Matthew 17:1-9? Refer to 2 Peter 1:17-18 for additional insight. How does this meaning affect our view of Jesus today.
2.Jesus predicts his death to the disciples in Matthew 16:21 and 17:21-23? What was added to the prediction in chapter 17 that wasn’t stated in the chapter 16 verse? Did the disciples understand what Jesus was saying? Why or why not?
3.Why were the disciples unable to heal the demon-possessed boy in 17:14-20?
4.What does the question in 18:1 reveal about the disciples’ focus? What was Jesus’ solution to this problem, and what can we learn from this?
5.Jesus instructs the disciples on how to deal with temptation in 18:7-9? Is he really advising self-mutilation or is there a deeper meaning here?
6.Jesus outlines a process that believers must follow when another believer sins against them. What are these steps? How can they be practically followed?
7.In 19:9, what is the specific reason stated that God allows divorce? What does Jesus state as the real problem in divorce (v. 8)?
8.Jesus instructs the rich young ruler in 19:21 to “sell all his possessions.” Why do you think Jesus focused on this area? How does this principle apply today?
Application to make after you read…
Jesus’ glory is revealed to Peter, James, and John through the transfiguration. His true identity is revealed, and we see in this passage that God affirms Jesus and what he is doing in their midst. Many people see Jesus as a wise and great teacher; however, it is when we truly comprehend that Jesus is the Son of God that we can understand his purpose in our life and to choose to follow him. Jesus predicts his death a second time in 17:21-23, and he adds that he will be resurrected from death. This was God’s purpose, that Jesus would die on the cross for our sins and that he would be resurrected to life. The disciples reacted to this news with grief because they did not understand the purpose behind his death. Do you have a clear understanding of who Jesus is? Have you put your complete faith in him because of who he is and what he did for you?
Jesus provides clear, practical teaching throughout these chapters in the problem areas:
Self–centeredness and the need to replace pride with humility.
Temptation and dealing with it radically.
Conflict resolution with other believers by confronting that individual with a desire to be reconciled and bringing others into the process until the issue is resolved.
Forgiving and being merciful to others because God forgives us.
Remaining faithful in marriage and not allowing our hearts to become hardened.
Wealth and having the proper perspective on money.
Is God prompting you to deal with any of these problem areas in your life today?
Focus before you read. . .
While chapters 1-34, for the most part, focused on the judgments against the nations, chapter 35 provides us with our most complete description of the “joy of the redeemed.” Isaiah paints a beautiful picture of God’s final restoration of his kingdom. What was once a “desert” and “parched land” will “burst into bloom.” Furthermore, “the eyes of the blind will be opened” and the lame will “leap like a deer,” foreshadowing the miracles Jesus himself would perform. The second part of today’s reading focuses on one of Judah’s greatest kings, Hezekiah (see 2 Kings:18-20). As you read today, pay close attention to Hezekiah’s faithful response to Assyria’s challenge to surrender and God’s miraculous response both in the battle and in Hezekiah’s life.
Questions to ask as you read. . .
1.What arguments does Assyria’s field commander present to Hezekiah and his people (Ch. 36)? How specifically does Assyria challenge God?
2.How does Hezekiah respond? What steps of faith does he demonstrate?
3.What stands out to you about Hezekiah’s prayer for healing? What mistake does Hezekiah make in chapter 39?
Application to make after you read. . .
We can learn a great deal from the pattern of Hezekiah’s response to the Assyrian field commander (37:14-20). We can hear the bravado in the Assyrian’s trash talking: “Surely you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all the countries [that opposed Assyria], destroying them completely. And will you be delivered?” Notice the way Judah’s great king responds:
(1) He humbles himself. (“He tore his clothes and put on sackcloth.”);
(2) He seeks God’s will. (“He spread it out before the LORD.);
(3) He prays specifically that God will be glorified through His answer. (“Deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O LORD, are God”).
What challenges are you facing right now? How are you praying? Is bringing glory to God the chief desire of your prayer?
Prayer
Lord, continue to change our hearts through our prayer lives. May we truly desire that the world may know you through your answers to our prayers.
Focus before you read. . .
In today’s reading, we find Job continuing his response to Zophar’s charges. Having already affirmed the wisdom and power of the Almighty, Job questions the integrity of his friends: “You, however, smear me with lies; you are worthless physicians, all of you! If only you would be altogether silent! (13:4-5). What Job desires now is to enter into a dialogue with God himself. As Job contemplates such a meeting, he reflects on the harsh realities of life, the finality of death, and the possibility of the afterlife. As you read today, take time to meditate on the deep questions of life that Job addresses. Also take time to note Job’s statements of faith—even in the midst of his doubts and his suffering.
Questions to ask as you read. . .
1.What does Job want from his friends? What does he want from God? Are these requests reasonable?
2.How does Job describe man’s condition on this earth?
3.How does Job view death? How does he view life after death?
Application to make after you read. . .
For all of its deep theological deliberations, the book of Job reveals its main character to be a real man with real fears and real emotions. Job is angry with his friends and angry with God—and the text does not hide any of his feelings. While we may find ourselves cheering him on when he stands up to his friends, we are less comfortable with his accusations against God. At the same time, though, we find in Job a man who maintains his faith—even while he questions God and his circumstances. “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him” (13:15), he declares. How strong is your faith? Do you trust God enough to maintain your hope in him—regardless of your circumstances? Job reminds us that our days on this earth are “few” and “full of trouble.” Yet, we believe in a Savior who has defeated death itself. As Isaiah declared and Paul affirmed, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (Isaiah 25:8, 1 Corinthians 15:55).
Prayer
Lord, as your word declares, “Death has been swallowed up in victory” because of your sacrifice for us on the cross. Help us to live our lives ever mindful of this promise. Help us to see life on this earth for what it truly is: preparation for eternal life with you. We pray, then, as Paul prayed, “Let nothing move us. May we give ourselves fully to Your work, because we know that our labor for You is not in vain.”
Focus before you read. . .
What is the most beneficial relationship in your life? (friend, sibling, parent, spouse, coworker) What are the supporting tenants of that relationship? (family, proximity, frequency, work place) What are the benefits of the relationship?
As you read. . .
On a sheet of paper establish three column headings: attributes of God, components of relationship, and benefits of relationship.
Prayer
Lord who is worthy to be praised and hears my cry when I am in distress, reach down from on high and take hold of me, draw me out of deep waters. Place your flawless laws before me that I might not turn away from your decrees. Revive my soul with your perfect law as I take hold of your statutes, which are trustworthy and make me wise. Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but I trust in the name of the Lord my God.
The Lord Lives! Praise be to my Rock!
