Category: Bible Study

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The One Who Tells Stories – The Four Soils

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Have you ever read a section of Scripture only to feel like it didn’t make complete sense? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. 

The Bible is full of a lot of different writing styles and genres. Some of it is Historical Narrative, in which the authors wrote a story of what was happening at the time. Others, such as the Psalms, are highly poetic. But ancient Hebrew poetry is very different than modern poetry, so the nuances presented throughout the Psalms may not make immediate sense. 

When Jesus took opportunities to teach, He often found ways to teach by sharing a parable – a short story that was easily memorable and often communicated one main idea. While most parables have one primary teaching point, many include additional details which are used to help the listener more aptly ponder the full meaning of the parable. 

The four soils is a story about living a life holistically rooted in God’s Word. Jesus later explains to His disciples that the parable is about hearing and accepting God’s Word, and the benefits of doing so.

READING & JOURNALING:

     MARK 4:1-12

How would you explain to a friend what it means to hear and accept God’s Word? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, it’s easy for me to read the Scriptures and hear it, but there are some parts of Your Word that really challenge me. Help me to accept all of Your Word and not live by cherry-picking the passages I really like. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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The One Who Invites – What Are You Seeking?

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Throughout His ministry, Jesus asked questions that really cut straight to the heart. For example, when two of John the Baptist’s disciples started following Jesus, His first question was, “What are you seeking?”

Their response may not be what you’d expect. They said, “Teacher, where are you staying?” 

John just pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God and the most pressing question on their mind is about seeing the home in which Jesus was currently residing.  Seems strange, doesn’t it?

Maybe they thought, If He really is the Lamb of God, He’s going to be staying somewhere magnificent. We should go see it! While we don’t really know what they were thinking, we do know that Jesus responded by saying, “Come and see.” 

Jesus’ initial question, as well as His response, is relevant for each and every one of us. Whether you’re new to the faith or have been a Christian for decades, we can all wrestle with the question – What are you seeking? And no matter what your answer is to that question, Jesus follows with a simple invitation. OK…come and see.

READING & JOURNALING:

     JOHN 1:35-50

If Jesus were in the room with you at this moment and He asked you, “What are you seeking?” How would you respond?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I don’t always know exactly what it is I’m seeking. But whatever it may be, I recognize that I will only discover what it is I’m actually seeking by regularly following You. Continue to reveal the purpose You have for my life as I follow You this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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The One Who Invites – Open Arms

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It probably isn’t too hard for you to believe that God is perfect. If God really is, well, GOD, then surely He is the embodiment of perfection. 

But it’s much more difficult to see yourself in the same way He does. You may think to yourself, Well, I just messed up…again. God must be looking down at me with raised eyebrows, wondering why I don’t yet have my act together. Does God really see you this way? In a word, no. 

Once upon a time, you were an enemy of God (see Romans 5:6-11). Yet even as God’s enemy, Christ’s love for you was so fierce that He died for you. And by trusting in Him you are now completely, fully, and totally restored. You are now called a child and a friend of God.

Are there times when you may be wayward? Absolutely. But does this mean God is less likely to welcome you into His presence? Absolutely not. He is standing with arms wide open, always ready to embrace you as a friend. 

As Dane Ortlund writes in Gentle and Lowly, “The posture most natural to [Christ] isn’t a pointed finger but open arms.”

READING & JOURNALING:

     ROMANS 5:6-11, LUKE 15:11-32

When you think about Jesus, are you more likely to picture Him with a pointed finger or with open arms? 

If the latter, where do you think these thoughts come from? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, too often there are moments when I see You as looking down on me with a pointed finger. Continue to help me see You as the Father in the story of the prodigal son – a Father who runs to me with open arms. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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The One Who Invites – My Sheep Know My Voice

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The Scriptures regularly refer to the people of God as sheep. In our culture, the idea of being sheep is generally frowned upon. People are considered to be sheep if they don’t think think for themselves and simply follow the masses. But the Bible doesn’t always have this view of sheep in mind. Instead, it communicates that God and God alone can be our guide. Without Him, we will wander. Without Him, we will be lost. 

We see this theme all throughout the Old Testament: Jacob refers to God as shepherd (Genesis 48:15), and the book of Numbers warns against God’s people being like sheep without a shepherd (Numbers 27:16-17). Psalm 23 even begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd…” 

With so many references about sheep and the Shepherd, it’s no surprise that Jesus said in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” Yet, it’s essential to remember that a sheep doesn’t listen to its shepherd one time and then go on living. Instead, a sheep is continually listening for the voice of its shepherd. Day by day, moment by moment, sheep listen for the voice of their Shepherd. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     JOHN 10:1-42

In what ways do you pause to hear Jesus’ voice throughout the day? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, there are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of voices I hear every day. And many times it’s difficult to tune out all of those voices so that I’m able to hear Yours more clearly. Today, help me to tune out the voices, worries and fears of the world, so that Your voice and Your voice alone can guide me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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The One Who Invites – Follow Me

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In Jesus’ day a Rabbi (teacher) would only choose the best of the best students to study under them. Students who showed great potential – usually those who had tremendous knowledge of the Old Testament – were deemed worthy of continuing education. As such, a Rabbi would approach only a select few students to say, “Follow me.” To receive such an invitation was a great honor. 

When Jesus approached men such as Peter and his brother Andrew, as well as James and John, it’s likely that other Rabbis had passed them by. As trained fisherman, it is not that they would have been uneducated. Nevertheless, they were not seen as the best and brightest of their graduating class. As such, they turned their attention to a career as fishermen.

But Jesus did not pass them by. He saw something within them nobody else could see. He was able to see the depths of their potential. He was able to see beyond their head knowledge and instead see their full purpose. So He invited them to follow Him so they could discover and fulfill that purpose. It’s the same invitation He offers you today. 

READING & JOURNALING:

     MARK 3:7-19, MATTHEW 4:19, 9:9

What kinds of people did Jesus invite to follow Him? What does this say about His nature and character? 

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, there are moments when I feel unworthy to receive an invitation to follow You. Yet, Jesus’ choosing of the twelve disciples shows that He wasn’t looking for what society may have deemed the best and brightest. He was able to see something within them they couldn’t see within themselves. Today, help me to see myself in the way You see me. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

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Josiah: Day 5

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DAY 5: Weekly Reflection

JOURNALING:

What’s getting in the way of you growing in your relationship with God? (e.g., your view of God, your view of yourself, self-centeredness, entertainment, lustful pleasures, jealousy, envy, etc.).

Write down at least 2-3 steps you’ll take over the next week to remove these obstacles and grow in your relationship with God.

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 16 & 17

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

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Josiah: Day 4

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DAY 4: The People Celebrate

How often do you truly celebrate something? Perhaps you celebrate a birthday, a Holiday, or another special event throughout the year, but do you really go all-out in your celebration? 

For many of us, we’ll celebrate on some levels, but not in a big way. Wedding anniversaries may be celebrated on a bigger level at 20, 25, or 50 years. Birthdays, too, may be celebrated on a larger level at certain ages. But many celebrations may be fun and enjoyable, but not an all-out wholehearted celebration. 

For the people of Judah, this was about to change. King Josiah commanded the people to celebrate Passover, an event for them to remember how God had saved his people hundreds of years prior in Egypt. And what a celebration it was! 2 Kings 23:22 reads, “There had not been a Passover celebration like that since the time when the judges ruled in Israel, nor throughout all the years of the kings of Israel and Judah.”

As you read today, consider this: What is something big God has done in your life that you, your family, and friends can celebrate in a big way over the next year? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 Kings 23:21-28

What is something big God has done in your life that you, your family, and friends can celebrate in a big way over the next year?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 13 & 14

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, when I think about something in my life that is worth celebrating, the simplest answer is You. You are worth celebrating for sending Jesus to live and know what it’s like to experience difficult trials and circumstances. You are worth celebrating for Jesus dying on the cross and bearing the burden of my sins. You are worth celebrating for creating me in Your image. You are worth celebrating for rescuing me. You are worth celebrating for so much more. May I celebrate You for the life transformation You’re working in my life each and every day. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

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Josiah: Day 3

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DAY 3: God’s Covenant Renewed

In our culture today, there are a couple of topics that people shy away from discussing, especially in the workplace. Both Religion and Politics are sensitive topics, with people creating self-made lines that form into an Us vs. Them mindset. 

Things were not so different in king Josiah’s day. After having God’s Word read to him, Josiah made the decision to completely reform the nation of Judah. He wasn’t just focused on his family, or his city. Judah represented the people of God, so Josiah wanted to be certain they all worshiped God and God alone. 

How did Josiah lead? He started by having the people renew their covenant with God. This covenant was much more than a legal agreement. It was a life-commitment to God and His Word. It was a sincere dedication to rid their lives of the things that interfered with their relationship with God. It was much more than attending worship services together. It was total full-on commitment to God each and every day. 

As you read today, consider this: Is there any area of your life in which you’re not fully committed to God and His Word? 

READING & JOURNALING:

2 Kings 23:1-20

Is there any area of your life in which you’re not fully committed to God and His Word?

What steps can you take today, this week, this month, and into the next year to yield this area of your life fully to God? 

Who can you ask to help you and hold you accountable as you take these steps? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Numbers 11 & 12

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to enter into life with an Us vs. Them mindset. While there will always be others I disagree with when it comes to religion, politics, or other topics, I still want to live acknowledging that all people have been created by You, are deeply loved by You, and that You are regularly inviting me to love others in the same way You love me. Help me to love others better. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

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Josiah: Day 2

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DAY 2: Real Life Transformation

Be honest: When you spend time in prayer, do you spend more time praying for your circumstances to change, or more time praying that God would truly transform your life? That you would come to know Him so strongly that He could change your perspective and see things more like He does?

In his book simply titled Prayer, Pastor and Author Timothy Keller writes, “It is remarkable that in all of his writings Paul’s prayers for his friends contain no appeals for changes in their circumstances. It is certain that they lived in the midst of many dangers and hardships. They faced persecution, death from disease, oppression by powerful forces, and separation from loved ones. Their existence was far less secure than ours is today. Yet in these prayers you see not one petition for a better emperor, for protection from marauding armies, or even for bread for the next meal. Paul does not pray for the goods we would usually have near the top of our lists of requests.”

As you read today, consider this: How are your own prayers similar to the Apostle Paul’s? How are they different? 

READING & JOURNALING:

Today’s reading is a compilation of prayers from the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. These prayers are how he prayed for his friends who were likely experiencing adversity on a level far greater than we do today. Read through these passages in the order listed, and then answer the questions below. 

Philippians 1:3-6; Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9-12; Ephesians 3:16-19; Ephesians 1:17-19; Colossians 3:12-17; Philippians 4:8-9

How are your own prayers similar to the Apostle Paul’s? 

How are they different?

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Leviticus 26

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Today, write out your own prayer to God. Don’t pray that He would transform your circumstances. Instead, invite Him to transform your life.

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

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Josiah: Day 1

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DAY 1: Inspiration vs. Transformation

What is the most inspiring movie you’ve ever seen, or book you’ve ever read? Now be honest, what kind of an impact did it really have on your life? 

In this day and age, you may watch a movie, read a book, or hear a message at church that is inspirational. You’re encouraged to make a change in your life, whether it’s to take on a new goal, eat healthy, exercise more, or something else. Sometimes these inspirational stories lead to real, honest life change. But many times an inspirational story doesn’t actually lead to life transformation. Transformation occurs with repeated, habitual decisions. 

King Josiah finds himself in a very unusual position of becoming king at a very young age (8 years old). 18 years later, a copy of God’s Law is discovered and read to the king. Immediately, he begins to make reforms for the nation of Judah. These reforms won’t occur overnight, but ongoing transformation will occur due to Josiah’s desire to honor God and His Word. 

As you read today, consider this: How do you think real life transformation occurs? 

READING & JOURNALING:

     2 Kings 22:1-20

How do you think real life transformation occurs? Be specific. 

Think of a time when you were inspired to change something in your life, but you didn’t actually transform that area of your life. What do you think would’ve most helped you to follow through? 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

Read: Leviticus 23

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, today I confess that I regularly enjoy inspirational books, movies, or other stories, but I don’t regularly follow through when it comes to transforming these areas of my life. While there may be many reasons for this, I recognize that the main reason is that I seek out inspirational stories instead of seeking out a transformational God. You and You alone can change me in the person You’ve made me to be. Help me to be that person. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

 

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.