DAY 8: Psalm 49:1-11

Day 8: Psalm 49:1-11 – Perishing people & possessions

Who’s the psalm directed at?

  

What is the general vibe the psalmist is giving off about their experiences?  List a few things they say about the condition of humanity.

What does this psalm tell us about our possessions and wealth on earth?  

Verse 7 is the first time God is mentioned. How does the psalmist see God?  Is there any hope for people before him?  


Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Thang Bwee - Myanmar

DAY 7: Psalm 48

Day 7: Psalm 48 – A king in his kingdom 

What does Psalm 48 tell us about God, especially concerning his majesty? God’s enemies seem to be fearful of him. Why?

Israel is shown to be enjoying God and his presence, what does this look like?  

How do we see that God is a just king and ruler?  

From v9, How do we know that God’s love is unfailing?  

What kind of Kingdom do we live in now? Is it the same one? 

Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. J & R

DAY 6: Psalm 47

Day 6: Psalm 47 – God’s magnificence 

The songwriter displays God as magnificent. What words does he use to describe Him? 

How does the songwriter desire to worship and display his awesomeness? 

John in Revelation 1:4-6 gives Jesus the title “King of all the earth” (Ps 47.7).  How should we respond to Jesus personally? And even more so, as ‘a  people’ together, as the songwriter seems to suggest? 


Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

Jared & Verena Bradley

DAY 5: Psalm 46

Day 5: Psalm 46 – God is with us 

At first glance, what do you feel are the overall themes about God?

The psalmist portrays the world in chaos. What particular things are falling apart? And why might this be the case? 

“The LORD Almighty is with us” is repeated in verses 7 and 11. In the same way, ‘Immanuel’ is a word used to describe Jesus at his birth. It means ‘God with us’ (Matt 1:18-25). How is it comforting to know that God sent Jesus into this chaotic world? 

 

Check out briefly what Jesus went through to be “exalted among the nations” (v10). Read Philippians 2:6-11 

Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Griffith Christian Students.

DAY 4: Psalm 45

Day 4: Psalm 45 – The royal wedding 

Weddings are an awesome celebration. This Psalm seems to be a love  song (“a wedding song”) between a King and Queen in a happy and  prosperous marriage. What are some of the attributes of both the king and queen? 

 

How does God come through as a Father figure?  

Can you see the resemblance to the union between Christ and us, his church? What is it?  

How does Ephesians 5:22-33 present us with more insight into the nature of a Christ centered marriage?





Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. UQES.

DAY 3: Psalm 44

Day 3: Psalm 44 – God’s unfailing love 

The author starts so positively, trusting in God’s power and strength. What things does he describe God has done in the past for his people?  

From v9 onwards, why do you reckon he is struggling to trust God? 

There seems to be a glimmer of hope at the end of the psalm that describes God’s faithfulness to come through. What is it?  

In Christ, how do we know that our God is a faithful and loving God? Read  1 John 4:9-11 




Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Frasers in Slovenia.

DAY 2: Psalm 43

Day 2: Psalm 43 – Oppression continued 

Psalm 43 rolls on from 42. It is believed that originally 42 and 43 were one psalm. Can you see how this psalm relates to the last? What makes it different? 

This psalm seems highly prayer focused, like the last. What is the psalmist asking of God? (Tip: look for the 5 “me’s”)

 

How does verse 3 give us great “joy and delight” knowing that we have experienced and seen Jesus in the New Testament?  

One of the responses that the psalmist has is to praise God with the harp even though he was facing persecution. When was the last time you truly sang a song of praise to God, in a tough or easy time? 



Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Dan & Rachel Djamaludin.

DAY 1: Psalm 42

Introduction 

One of the distinctive features of the Christian faith is the personal relationship with God we enjoy. Mystics might talk about a 'connection' with nature, or followers of other religions might see or pray to their gods from time to time, but we are granted a real and intense 'person to person' relationship with our God. 

Book 2 of Psalms gives us many beautiful songs that express this relationship. They are the words of David and other psalmists, but they can be our words too. Moreover, they all in their own way compel us to think over the gospel of Christ and the spiritual blessings we enjoy in him. 

These notes are designed to help you meditate over God's Word and genuinely spend time with him, 'the living God' (42:2). You can use them for yourself, or with others such as your friends, spouse and family.  The prayer suggestions are generic. Think of something you can thank God for from each Psalm, ask for help with something you’ve been challenged by. Each day we pray for one of our Mission Partners. If you’re looking for content for prayer for those Mission Partners pick up a copy of the current Growth Group booklet.

Here's a prayer, inspired by Psalm 56 you might like to use to begin before reading

Father, you are my God, whose word I praise. You are my God in whom I trust. What can people do to me? I thank you that you have delivered me from death by the blood of Jesus. Please help me to walk before you in the light of life. Let your Spirit work in me to grow my knowledge and obedience as I read your word. Amen


Day 1: Psalm 42 – Oppressed by the enemy 

This psalm is a very personal response & prayer. 

Have a look back through the psalm. What does the psalmist's relationship with God look like? (Tip: look at the language used) 

“'Where is your God?', men say and foes taunt.” What is the psalmist's reaction to being oppressed because of this relationship?  

Psalm 42 seems to be a prayer written by the Sons of Korah describing the personal struggle of an individual trusting God in this hostile world. There is a recurring refrain (v5 & 11) in the psalm that emphasises the comfort of the individual in God our Saviour. In the same way, how can you take comfort in what the psalmist says in light of knowing who Jesus is?  


Prayer points:

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've been challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Linda McKerrell.

DAY 42: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

SECTION 5: CLOSING PRAYER AND REMARKS (1 Thessalonians 5:23-28)

DAY 42: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

We’ve come to the end of this letter. If you were Paul, what would you pray for people you love so dearly? People for whom you could say, “When we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you... indeed, you are our glory and joy.” (Chapter 2:17, 19)

What does Paul pray for?

Why do you think he prays for these things? In particular, how does Jesus’ return shape Paul’s prayer?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne

DAY 41: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22

DAY 41: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 - Encouragement to a Right Relationship with God

Paul turns from thinking about relationships with other Christians to a Christian’s relationship with God.

In verses 16-18 Paul lists three things that should be non-stop in our lives - rejoicing, praying and thanksgiving to God. What could lead someone to actually live that way? What would stop you from living that way?

Are you the kind of person who leans more towards automatic skepticism, or automatic acceptance when you hear something taught in church on/on the radio/from a friend etc? What advice do you need to heed more in verses 19-22?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for QUT Christians

DAY 40: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

DAY 40: 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15 - Encouragement to Right Relationships with Others

You would have noticed that the people in your growth group vary greatly! Each person has different strengths and weaknesses, and you have the opportunity to love and serve them accordingly. Like Paul shows here, some people need a warning, others urging, and everyone needs to be encouraged to forgive and be kind.

Think through your group members. What does it look like for you to love them? Are there particular things in verses 14-15 that you can act on?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Thang Bwee - Myanmar

DAY 39: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13

DAY 39: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 - Encouragement to Honour Leaders and be at Peace

How does Paul describe the work of church leaders? What is their relationship with the congregation?

Paul calls us to respect our leaders and to hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. In contrast Aussie culture wants to make leaders out to be just another one of the boys, to be treated no differently to anyone else. How is our culture at odds with what God is saying here?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for J & R

DAY 38: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

DAY 38: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Encouragement to Live in Readiness for Jesus’ Return

How does Paul use the contrasting images of belonging to the night/darkness vs day/light?

How true was verse 19-20 for Israel? Is it a true statement for all people?

Do you actually believe that Jesus could return at any time? That he could return today?

Verses 9 and 10 are a great little gospel summary/ What are the key things Paul points out?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Jared & Verena Bradley

DAY 37: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

DAY 37: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - Encouragement not to Grieve like those who have no Hope

What connection does Paul draw between Jesus’ death and resurrection, and Jesus’ return? (v14)

What will happen at Jesus’ return? How does this affect the way we grieve over people who have died?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Griffith Christian Students

DAY 36: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

DAY 36: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 - Encouragement to Show Brotherly Love

The Thessalonians were great examples of Christians with an expansive love. They loved all the Christians in their entire region of Macedonia – an area that included present day Macedonia and part of northern Greece. And yet, just as Paul commends their love, he also urges them to love more and more.

Using your knowledge of the Bible, how does God teach us to love each other? In particular, how does the cross demonstrate God’s love?

What would it look like for you to love Christians in your region more and more?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for UQES

DAY 35: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

SECTION 5: ENCOURAGEMENT TO LIVE TO PLEASE GOD MORE AND MORE (1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:22)

Paul has been giving thanks for the Thessalonians’ faith, reminding them of his life and preaching, and sharing with them his great love for them and great joy in their perseverance and growth.

Now Paul encourages them to continue to live in a way that pleases God, and to do so more and more. Six times in this section Paul mentions urging and encouraging believers to live lives that please God.

DAY 35: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 - Encouragement to be Sanctified

Note: To “be sanctified” is to be holy (to be set-apart as God’s possession and to be like him in his character). Sanctification is a work of each member of the trinity and should be understood eschatologically. There is a “now but not yet” nature to sanctification.

We have been chosen by God to be sanctified through the blood of Christ and work of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11, 2 Thessalonians 2:13).

We are being sanctified by God as we grow in Christ-likeness through the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23, 2 Corinthians 3:18).

We will experience our full and perfect sanctification at Jesus’ return (1 John 3:2, Ephesians 5:26-27)

The simple message of sanctification is: “Be who you are!” (Ephesians 5:8)

Many people’s attitude to sexual immorality is to draw a line somewhere in regards to what we watch, or do, or think about. Then we dance around the line, sometimes crossing it, often just going as far as we can up to our line.

How is God’s will for us different to that?

What should our attitude towards sanctification be?

How does each person of the Trinity play a part in our sanctification in these verses?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Frasers in Slovenia

DAY 34: 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

DAY 34: 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 Paul Prays for the Thessalonians

What are Paul’s three prayer points? Looking back at the previous study, why do you think Paul prays these things?

What do you think overflowing love would look like in our relationships at church?

Paul finishes his prayer with the return of the Lord Jesus in mind. How should Jesus’ return shape your prayers?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Dan & Rachel Djamaludin

DAY 33: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10

SECTION 4 - PAULS DESIRE TO SEE THE THESSALONIANS (1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13)

DAY 33: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:10 - Paul Desires Greatly to see the Thessalonians Face to Face

Paul has a remarkable concern for the Thessalonians. He is worried that they might be tempted to turn away from Jesus because of the trials that he, Timothy and Silas were facing (3:3-5).

How would you describe the fellowship between Paul, Silas, Timothy and the Thessalonians?

How could this translate into your Growth Group relationships?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Linda McKerrell

DAY 32: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16

SECTION 3 - MORE THANKSGIVING (1 Thessalonians 2:13-16)

DAY 32: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 - More Thanksgiving

Paul gives thanks for the way the Thessalonians received the gospel (the word of God) as being from God, rather than merely being a human message.

What do you think the difference is between receiving the gospel as a human message and receiving it as God’s message?

How is receiving the gospel as God’s message related to suffering in the Thessalonians’ experience?

Has that been your experience? Why/why not?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for Mark & Anne Osborne

DAY 31: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12

DAY 31: 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 Like a Father

How were Paul and the other apostles “like a Father dealing with his own children”? (v11 NIV)

Paul draws their attention to two key things he did among them:

  1. Living a godly life they could see, and

  2. Speaking to them, urging them to live in a way worthy of God.

What would be the effect if Paul did one but not the other?

1. Thank God for one thing from the passage

2. Ask God for help with one thing you've challenged by from your reading and reflection today

3. Pray for QUT Christians