Daily Reading Week 34
Sunday
Luke 15:1-7
Discover
1. What does the parable of the lost sheep tell us about God’s heart for the lost?
2. How do you think the tax collectors and sinners felt when they heard Jesus telling this parable?
3. Why do you think the shepherd was willing to leave the ninety-nine sheep to go after the one that was lost?
4. What does this parable teach us about the value of each individual in God’s eyes?
5. Who is your “one more” and how can you influence them this week?
Respond
Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep to illustrate the immense value God places on every individual. The shepherd’s willingness to leave ninety-nine sheep to search for one lost sheep demonstrates God’s relentless pursuit of those who have strayed. This parable challenges us to see others through God’s eyes, recognizing that no one is beyond His reach or unworthy of His love. It also reminds us of the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect this same compassion by helping “one more” find what matters.
Monday
Psalm 106
Discover
1. Psalm 106 recounts Israel’s history of rebellion and God’s mercy. What stands out to you about Israel’s behavior in this psalm?
2. How does the psalmist describe God’s response to Israel’s disobedience?
3. What does Psalm 106 teach us about the nature of human sinfulness and the need for God’s grace?
4. How does the psalmist express hope despite Israel’s repeated failures?
5. In what ways can you relate to the themes of rebellion and redemption in your own life?
Respond
Psalm 106 is a powerful reminder of the cycle of sin, judgment, and redemption that characterized Israel’s history. Despite their repeated failures and rebellion, God’s mercy remains steadfast. The psalmist recounts how the people of Israel continually turned away from God, yet He responded with grace and forgiveness time and time again. This psalm serves as a mirror for our own lives, highlighting our need for God’s mercy and grace. It encourages us to acknowledge our own shortcomings, repent, and trust in God’s unchanging love and faithfulness.
Tuesday
Psalm 107
Discover
1. Psalm 107 begins with a call to give thanks to the Lord. What reasons does the psalmist give for offering thanks?
2. How does the psalmist describe the different ways God rescues His people in this psalm?
3. What are the recurring themes of distress and deliverance in Psalm 107?
4. How does the psalmist encourage the people to respond to God’s goodness and deliverance?
5. In what ways have you experienced God’s deliverance in your own life?
Respond
This psalm recounts various situations of distress—whether from wandering, imprisonment, illness, or storms at sea—and highlights how God delivered His people when they cried out to Him. Each deliverance is met with a call to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds. This psalm encourages us to remember and share our own stories of God’s faithfulness, reminding us that no matter what we face, God is always ready to rescue us when we turn to Him.
Wednesday
Psalm 108
Discover
1. Psalm 108 begins with a declaration of steadfast faith. How does the psalmist express confidence in God’s love and faithfulness?
2. What role does praise play in this psalm, and how does it influence the psalmist’s outlook on his circumstances?
3. How does the psalmist connect past victories to his current need for God’s help?
4. What requests does the psalmist make to God in this psalm, and how does he express trust in God’s response?
5. How can you cultivate a heart of praise and trust in God, even in challenging situations?
Respond
David wrote a psalm that was focused on having confidence in God’s love and faithfulness. The psalmist begins with a declaration of praise, setting the tone for a heart fully trusting in God. Even as he faces challenges, the psalmist reflects on God’s past faithfulness and uses it as a foundation for his present and future hope. This psalm teaches us that praise can shift our perspective, helping us to focus on God’s goodness rather than our difficulties. It invites us to approach God with confidence, trusting that He is both willing and able to act on our behalf.
Thursday
Psalm 109
Discover
1. What verse did you connect with the most today?
2. How does the psalmist balance his plea for justice with his trust in God’s righteousness?
3. What does this psalm reveal about the tension between seeking justice and extending mercy?
4. How do you reconcile the harsh language in this psalm with Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies?
5. How can we bring our deepest struggles and emotions before God while trusting in His perfect justice?
Respond
Psalm 109 is a raw and honest expression of the psalmist’s plea for justice in the face of intense opposition. It reflects the tension we often feel between the desire for justice and the call to show mercy. The psalmist does not shy away from expressing his anger and hurt, but he ultimately places his trust in God’s righteous judgment. This psalm reminds us that we can bring our deepest struggles, frustrations, and desires for justice before God, trusting that He sees, understands, and will act in His perfect timing. It challenges us to seek God’s justice while also embracing His call to love and forgive.
Friday
Psalm 110
Discover
1. Psalm 110 is a messianic psalm that points to the coming of Christ. How does the psalmist describe the Messiah’s role and authority?
2. How does Psalm 110 foreshadow the kingship and priesthood of Jesus?
3. What significance does the phrase “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” have in understanding Jesus’ role?
4. How does this psalm shape our understanding of Jesus’ current reign and future return?
5. In what ways does Psalm 110 inspire confidence in Jesus’ authority and power in your life?
Respond
The Old Testament is filled with prophecies of Jesus. The book of Psalms is no different. Here we have a profound messianic prophecy that reveals the dual role of Jesus as both King and Priest. The psalmist speaks of a ruler who will sit at God’s right hand, signifying authority and power, and who will also be a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. This psalm points us to Jesus, who fulfills both of these roles perfectly. As believers, we can take great comfort in knowing that Jesus reigns as our sovereign King and intercedes for us as our eternal Priest. This understanding should deepen our confidence in His authority over all things and our trust in His ongoing work in our lives.
Saturday
Psalm 111
Discover
1. Psalm 111 begins with a call to praise the Lord. What reasons does the psalmist give for offering praise?
2. How does the psalmist describe the works of the Lord, and what attributes of God do these works reveal?
3. What does Psalm 111 teach us about the importance of remembering and recounting God’s deeds?
4. How does the psalmist connect the fear of the Lord with wisdom and understanding?
5. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of gratitude and awe for God’s works in your own life?
Respond
Psalm 111 is a beautiful hymn of praise that highlights the greatness of God’s works and the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord. The psalmist reflects on the many ways God has acted throughout history, emphasizing His faithfulness, justice, and compassion. This psalm encourages us to regularly recall and recount God’s mighty deeds, allowing His past faithfulness to inspire our present and future trust in Him. It also reminds us that true wisdom begins with a reverent awe of God. As we meditate on His works and character, we are drawn into deeper gratitude and worship, recognizing that all wisdom and understanding flow from Him.