Bible Studies
Reflections:
- In our verses in 2 Samuel, the story of David’s failed relationship with his son Absalom illustrates how far-reaching the impact of our sins can be. If we choose to sit back and allow circumstances in our lives to spiral out of control; when we seek advice and council outside the realm of God; when we decide to ignore God’s guidance, we then open our lives to the possibility of pain and suffering as a result of the actions and choices we make. When we learn to seek His guidance, God is there to help us avoid the errors in judgment and acts of sinfulness we tend to make on our own.
- In his letter to the Ephesians Paul teaches us that our lives should be significantly different because of our relationship with Christ. Instead of accepting things in our life as a matter of course, like David did, there are specific things we can do in order to become more Christ-like. We are to imitate Christ in everything we do in order that each moment of our lives become “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
- In Psalm 130 the psalmist cries out to the Lord from the depths of his pain and suffering. Like David, he has found himself in despair as a result of his actions, iniquities and sin. Only God’s forgiving nature provides hope of redemption and healing. When we turn to God, seeking Him and waiting for His mercy with our entire being we find that we are lifted out of our despair by His steadfast and redeeming love.
- In the Gospel of John, Jesus continues to teach the “complainers” in the crowd that have gathered about the sustenance that is available through Him as the “Bread of Life.” God has created within us a desire to know Him and then, as He draws us close, He continuously teaches us that whoever believes in Christ shall have eternal life.
- In what ways has God been teaching you about His kingdom through these lessons this week? Did you find aspects of your life reflected or revealed in the story of David and Absalom? Could you relate to the sorrow and pain the psalmist felt as he cried out to God for forgiveness? Did Paul provide you with real-life solutions to the sins you face in your life? Did the promise of eternal life through Christ provide you with new hope and inspiration that can be applied to your life today?
- Are you growing in your faith? Does each moment provide you new insight and knowledge of God? Are you learning to seek God in all things that you do? Do you see Him at work in the books and magazines you read? Does He provide you moments of inspiration and epiphany from each Bible verse you study? Do you find more and more of your life enmeshed in God’s lessons? If you are spending your time in activities that are not revealing God’s nature and love, then, do you need to prune these things from your life?
- Are you turning to God for guidance at all times? Do you seek His forgiveness and steadfast love? Are you modeling your life after the example of Christ, attempting to become Christ-like in everything you do or say? Are you ready to provide guidance and love to those people God is sending your way? Are you building God’s kingdom by helping those who are seeking to fulfill their spiritual hunger? Have you accepted the promise of eternal life as a promise that provides sustenance in your life and in the lives around you today?
- This week’s verses are revealing how God’s influence in our lives affects our relationships with others. Where in your life have you experienced God’s touch? How have you been changed by His love? Has He revealed His love for you through a difficult relationship? Has He led you to share His blessings to those in need? Has He restored you in times of distress? Has He worked through you to provide love and healing to others?
God of mercy and love: We come to you today recognizing that that we frequently forget to turn to you for help and guidance for the issues we face in our lives. We recognize that when we choose to fix things or solve things on our own that we end up drifting apart from you and creating a world around us that is filled with turmoil, pain and suffering as a result of our sins and weaknesses. As we turn to you we learn that you have provided us the “Bread of Life” in your Son, Jesus Christ. That through our belief in Him we gain the sustenance and the nourishment we need to become Christ-like in everything we do. We realize our actions and deeds should reflect your love so that, as you send others to us they too can learn and experience your love through us. Lord, bless us so that we can be a blessing to others. Grow us so that we can more fully understand your amazing love and grace. Be with us so that others can see you in our lives. And protect us from the harm we tend to create when our focus drifts from your love. We pray this through the Sustainer of Life, Jesus Christ. Amen.
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