Jeremiah 23.21-25.38; 2 Thessalonians 2.1-17; Psalm 84.1-12; Proverbs 25.15

For 23 years God sent his prophets to show Israel the ways they were traveling down the wrong path. 23 years. That seems like a long, long time. Why do you think the people could not understand what God was saying to them after 23 years? Why couldn’t they understand sooner?

Questions:

Which group of people might one expect to be represented by the bad figs? The ones punished and sent into exile or the ones who remained and continued to live in Jerusalem? Why do you think this is the case?

Stand firm. Why can this be so difficult for us to do?

How have you seen a single day with God better than anything else you could experience?

In what ways can soft speech break bones?

Jeremiah 22.1-23.20; 2 Thessalonians 1.1-12; Psalm 82.1-8; Proverbs 25.9-10

Timely advice… valid criticism… trustworthy messengers. All simple moments, yet if we listen to them, able to bring us not only joy, but also good direction. When have you received timely advice that seemed like an apple of gold, a great treasure?

Questions:

God asks his leaders to be fair-minded and just. Doesn’t seem too much to ask, does it? Then why do we often need to be reminded of this truth?

How is the name of Jesus honored through how you live?

When have you cried out to God, asking him not be silent? How did the situation resolve itself?

How disappointing are clouds that appear, yet bring no rain? Why does the proverb writer use this analogy?

Jeremiah 16.16-18.23; 1 Thessalonians 4.1-5.3; Psalm 81.1-16; Proverbs 25.6-8

We like to assume we know what is best for us and we are more than willing to tell God how he should act in our lives for that “best” to come to fruition. Unfortunately–at least from our way of thinking–God does not work that way. He is the potter and we are the clay. He, as the potter, has every right to form us in the way he deems best. (To even start over if he needs to!) And truth be known, his way really is better than our way of thinking. How how you wrestled with God’s acting on your life, only to discover that his way really was better?

Questions:

In what ways do we attempt to create our own gods? How has that worked out for us?

What do we need to do to live in a way that please God?

How has God taken a load from your shoulders or a heavy task from your hands?

Why are we so prone to push our way in amongst great people rather than waiting for an invitation, as God suggests?

Jeremiah 14.11-16.15; 1 Thessalonians 2.9-3.13; Psalm 80.1-19; Proverbs 25.1-5

When one reads through the Old Testament, particularly the prophets such as Jeremiah, one is struck about harsh they tend to sound. God sounds really, really grumpy, doesn’t he? Yet a closer look reveals two things. First, there is grace scattered all the way throughout the prophets. God wants to restore his people. The second thing you see, related to the first, is that God wants his people to turn to him. Return to me and I will restore you, God says. How important is it for us to repent to God for our actions and attitudes that are contrary to Him?

Questions:

How bad do you have to be if even Moses or Samuel cannot plead your case and get God to listen?

What sort of people would be considered your spiritual “pride and joy?” Describe the relationship you have with them.

Why is it only through God turning us to Himself that we are saved?

How can we go about removing the impurities of our life?