Nahum 1

Posted on November 23, 2010 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup    

Question(s):

Describe the enemy. Why are they God’s enemy? What characterizes an enemy of God today?

Food For Thought:

The little things like little bad habits can cut us down as we run for the touchdowns in life.

A game of animal football

Application:  

God’s people faced enemies in 700 B.C. and they continue to face enemies today. The enemies we face today may include things like despair, doubt, and lack of focus. Like a football team studying the competition by looking at game film to know the upcoming opponents tendencies, we can study the film called life, pray, and plan our day to step ahead of the things that compete against God.

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Zephaniah 3

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup    

 Question(s):

Contrast the nature of the Lord with the quality of leadership in the city. What qualities in man does the Lord desire? Which of these qualities has God begun to develop in your life?

Food For Thought:

The secret of living a life of excellence is merely a matter of thinking thoughts of excellence. Really, it’s a matter of programming our minds with the kind of information that will set us free. – Charles R. Swindoll

Application:  

Zephaniah was a prophet who helped initiate a religious revival. Pray for God to send someone your way that is in search of new life. When He does, tell them about this Bible study plan.

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Zephaniah 2

Posted on November 20, 2010 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup 

Question(s):

How should the people respond to warning? What is promised to the remnant of Judah? What are the characteristics of a faithful remnant in your society?

Video:

From the movie “We Are Marshall” the coach takes the team to the cemetery to talk about heart and winning for the team that died in the plane crash.

 Application:  

No entity or issue can contend with God. Worship and depend on God. Pray for our nation and future generations. Pray for character and the desire to mentor others so they trust in God alone; developing the character needed to produce wins for God’s team.

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Zephaniah 1

Posted on November 17, 2010 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup 

Question(s):

What is the situation in Jerusalem at this time? What can you say to people today who believe and act as if God were morally indifferent (verse 12)?

Food For Thought:

We have three tools that help us make decisions; lessons from the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking to us deep in our hearts, and experiences of both ourselves and others. – Paraphrase from a point made in Pastor Steve Ramsdell sermon

  Application:  

In this passage, Zephaniah is warning about corruption and spiritual blindness and there are times we need the same warnings today. Pray for your local church and churches throughout the world. Pastors and their staff work hours upon hours to prepare each sermon. Pray that congregations everywhere capture some good thoughts from each sermon, share with others, and apply them in their lives.

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Joel 3

Posted on November 15, 2010 by Mark Shields

Passage Lookup    

Question(s):

What is the personal climax to the day of the Lord activities (verse 17)? What in your value system reflects God’s desire for a holy people who know him?

 

Application:  

Think of a past or current struggle where hope has helped you hold the course. In your prayer, be thankful for the final victory which is foretold in this reading and occurred with God’s saving grace through Christ. Use this to create enthusiasm, peace of mind, and momentum for the future with assurance that God is in control to help with plans of action; knowing He will always be there for your future.

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