Study the Bible in Two Years

Tuesday– Psalms 35-36

1. On more than one occasion we see David as a tenderhearted man who dearly loved his Lord. Why, then, might he have prayed that God’s wrath be poured out on his enemies?

2. A Christian friend has been unjustly hurt by a business associate. In his hurt and anger he says that he is not going to get over what this associate did. Instead, he has vowed to get even and settle the score. How would you counsel him?

3. Two girls are caught shoplifting. In the aftermath, one of the girls is truly sorry and fully aware of the wrong that she has done before both God and society. The other girl is only sorry that she was caught and wants to “write off” the incident as a minor thing. How should you minister to these girls?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Wednesday – Psalm 32-34

1. Psalm 32 gives us a sneak peak of David’s conscience following his sin with Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11).  How did he feel after he had committed the sin?  Have you ever felt that way about a sin that you had committed?  How did David feel after he confessed his sin and trusted in God’s forgiveness?   Use this opportunity to examine your life and confess your sins to your Savior, asking for him for forgiveness.
2. In Psalm 33 David has an idea that appears a couple of times: namely that God is true to his Word and that his plans unchanging (vs. 4 and 11).  What does that tell us about all of the promises we put our faith and hope in?
3. In Psalm 34 David focuses on the relationship of a believer with God.  He explains that God always hears the prayers of his believers, and he works for their good.  What challenges are you facing in your life right now?   Bring those concerns to God in prayer.

Study the Bible in Two Years

Tuesday – Psalm 29-31

1. Psalm 29 focuses on the power of God’s voice.  How does he describe this power?  Think back to when we studied the story of creation in Genesis, what kind of power did you see in his voice when you read that story?
2. Read Psalm 30.  Have you ever felt like David?  Stuck in a pit in your life?  How do we get out of those pits?
3. Read Psalm 31.  Have you ever felt like your faith is on attack by everyone and everything around you?  David felt that way to.  To whom does he turn during this persecution?   Despite all the persecutions, who will win in the end (vs. 23)?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Tuesday – Psalm 26-28

1.  When David tells the Lord that he has led a “blameless” life, 26:1, what does he mean?   Note: David would never have claimed to live a sinless life.  What features of a blameless life does he reveal to you in this Psalm?

2.  Psalm 27:1 is a precious verse worth memorizing. How does it describe the Lord and why do those facts take away our fear?  What “enemies” might make you afraid?

3.  Psalm 28:  As David calls on the Lord for help, he is worried that God may react in what way?  Have you ever had similar worries when you’ve prayed for help?  How does David answer those worries at the end of the Psalm?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Monday – Psalm 23-25

1.  Psalm 23 is probably the most familiar chapter of the Bible.  It is heard at almost every funeral, because of what verse?  Yet, the Psalm is all about Jesus, our Good Shepherd. and his sheep.  What does this Psalm say to you for your every day?

 2.  Psalm 24: When David tells the gates to open for the Lord Almighty, the King of glory, he is thinking of the gates ofJerusalemwhere God’s house was located. This brings to mind Jesus’ triumphal entry intoJerusalem. Yet it stretches much further into the future.  How do you fit into this command?

 3.  Psalm 25 is a beautiful prayer.  For what does he pray in verses 4-5?   On what does David base his plea for forgiveness, in verses 6-7?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Saturday — Psalms 18-22

1.  Psalm 18 – In verses 20-24, David thanks the Lord for answering his prayer in verses 4-6.  How does this encourage you in your prayer life?

 2.  Psalm 19 – What does the universe and starry skies tell you about God?  Where do we get a message that is even more important? (see vs. 7-11).

 3.  Psalm 22 – How many verses of this Psalm can tell you about something that Jesus did or suffered for us on the cross?  This Psalm was written by David, but could never be about him – only Jesus.

 

Study the Bible in Two Years

Friday — Psalms 12-17

1.  Psalm 13 – God’s people grow impatient with the Lord. What complaint did David express in verses 1 and 2? (Note that the phrase “how long” is repeated four times.)

 2.  Psalm 14 – Foolishness begins with a denial of God. That denial leads down the road to one foolish characteristic after another. Look at verses 1-3 and describe the fool who has rejected the Lord.  Why is there no excuse for an atheist?

 3.  In Psalm 14, David described the actions of the fool. In Psalm 15, David describes the actions of the wise. There is nothing difficult about verses 2-5. Look through these verses and ponder each characteristic David mentions if you want to be wise.

Study the Bible in Two Years

Thursday — Psalms 7-11

1.  Who is Psalm 8 about?  To gain a surprising answer, see Hebrews 2:5-9

 2.  Psalm 9:  The church is often persecuted by the world. The world’s attacks and persecutions often seem to go unnoticed by God. Of what can God’s people be certain? See verses 7-10

 3.  Psalm 10:  David spends the first major part of the Psalm describing the wicked. In verses 12-15, David contrasts the wicked and the Lord. What do the wicked think? What does the believer know about God?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Wednesday — Psalms 1-6

For the rest of this week, we will go to the Bible’s hymnal, the book of Psalms.

 1.  Psalm 1 introduces the entire book of Psalms, showing God’s blessings on those who follow his Word.  In verse 1, notice how a person’s association with sin progresses: walk—stand—sit.   It is impossible to be near a sinful situation and not go deeper and deeper into it.   In verse 2, “the Law of the Lord” means all of God’s teachings in the Bible, not just the commandments.

 2.  What are three characteristics of the godly according to Psalm 1:1-3?

 3.  Psalm 2 is the only place in the Old Testament which identifies the Messiah specifically as God’s Son.  What is God’s reaction to those who think they can rebel against him?

 4.  Psalms 3-6 have much in common.  All are prayers that ask for relief from suffering at the hands of enemies.   David is suffering the consequences of his sin with Bathsheba.  God had forgiven his sin but said “Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you.” 2 Sam 12:10.  That happened when his son Absalom usurped the kingship and ran his father out of town.  As you read these Psalms, ask yourself:  What “enemies” am I asking the Lord to deliver me from?

Study the Bible in Two Years

Psalms 147-150

1.  Psalm 147 gives us many reasons to praise the Lord.  But what gives delight to Him?  See 147:10,11.

 2.  Note who praises the Lord in Psalm 148. How do the many parts of God’s creation praise him and give him glory?  What thoughts does that give you about how we can praise him without actually using words?

 3.  See Psalm 149:6.  What is the double-edged sword with which may praise the Lord as well as take care of God’s enemies?   If you’re not sure, check Hebrews 4:12.