The Pastor’s Blog
During the forest fires in Southern Oregon in early August smoke was filling the valley and it was hard to even be outside. At that time it seemed logical to pray for a drenching rain to sweep through the area to clear the air and to help with the fires.
For days I prayed fervently for such a rain to come upon us without ever imagining that God would answer my prayer while we were driving on I-5 in the area where the fires were located. The rain was indeed drenching, just like I had prayed; it was like driving through the final rinse in a car wash, only it went on and on and on.
As I was driving and giving God thanks for the rain that was so desperately needed my wife Patsy began praying another prayer, “Lord, we can’t see where we’re going, please keep us safe.” And I am happy to say that God answered that prayer too.
For me, this was a great reminder that while we pray we don’t always know the future and we need to stay alert and we need to be open to adjusting our prayers as the Holy Spirit leads and circumstances change, but most of all, we need to keep praying.
God’s Grace and Peace,
Mark
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Home Study for September 2 through 7, 2013
Monday – Read James 4:4-12
James speaks of people being enemies of God but that we are not to judge our neighbor, is this hard for us to reconcile in our minds? Why?
According to this passage, what are some things we should do in our relationship with God?
How does this passage challenge you? What will you do?
Tuesday – Read I Samuel 16:6-7 and Galatians 2:6
In I Samuel, the Lord is using the prophet Samuel to identify the next king of Israel, what truth did the Lord speak to Samuel?
What are we warned against doing in Galatians 2:6?
Why is it so tempting to judge by outward appearances?
Why is it so dangerous to judge by outward appearances?
How do these passages challenge you? What will you do?
Wednesday – Read Hebrews 4:12-13
How does God’s word judge the hearts of men?
How is His word a much more effective judge than we could ever be?
God’s word not only reveals our sin but points us to the remedy – forgiveness and cleansing through faith in Jesus.
Why is it important to do both?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read I Corinthians 11:31-32
What does it mean to “judge ourselves?”
By what standard are we to judge ourselves? See Wednesday.
How does this keep us from going astray and being condemned?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Friday – Read Ephesians 4:7-16
Why is it important to speak the truth in love?
How did God show His love to us as sinners?
How can we show God’s love to the people around us?
How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Matthew 7:7-12
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Home Study for August 26 through 31, 2013
Monday – Read Matthew 25:31-46
What does this parable say to you? To the church?
What challenges you the most?
What are some ways we can best show the love of Jesus to the people around us?
What will you do?
Tuesday – Read Matthew 9:35-38
How did Jesus view the people around Him? Why?
Is this true for the people around us today?
Take time to pray about what Jesus would have you do and for more workers to be sent out into the fields.
Wednesday – Read Matthew 20:25-28
How does leadership in God’s kingdom differ from that in the world?
Who is our example?
How are God’s ways different from the ways of the world?
What happens if we try to do God’s work in the ways of the world?
How does this passage challenge you? What will you do?
Thursday – Read Mark 2:1-12
Why did the men bring their friend to Jesus?
How determined were they for him to encounter Jesus?
Who do you know that needs the touch of Jesus in their life?
What can you do to help them encounter Him?
Friday – Read Mark 9:33-37
What is Jesus saying here about leadership in His kingdom?
How do you think the disciples felt after hearing this?
How does this apply to our lives today?
How does this passage challenge you? How will you respond?
Saturday – Read Matthew 7:1-6
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Home Study for August 19 through 24, 2013
Monday – Read Proverbs 3:5 and 6
As we seek God’s will and plan, why is it important to not trust our own understanding?
How might it keep us from seeing and hearing how God is leading?
What does it mean to acknowledge God?
How does this passage encourage you?
What do you need to trust to God today?
Tuesday – Read Philippians 4:4-7
How does rejoicing help us to pray instead of worrying?
How do rejoicing and praying lead us to experience God’s peace?
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? How will you respond?
Wednesday – Read Lamentations 3:22-26
Why does God show us His mercy?
How does God work in the lives of those who hope in Him?
Why do we need to learn to wait for God’s answer and plan?
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you? How will you respond?
Thursday – Read Philippians 4:19
Paul was under house arrest when he wrote these words, how does that give you more insight into what Paul is saying?
How does that help you better apply this verse to your life?
How does this encourage you?
What do you need to trust God for today?
Friday – Read Colossians 1:9-14
What did Paul pray for the believers in Colosse?
How did he pray?
Why did he pray?
How does God want us to pray for our church family?
What does He want to do in and through us?
How does this encourage/excite/challenge you?
Keep our church family in your prayers.
Saturday – Read Matthew 7:1-6
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