Questions for Reflection and Spiritual Growth

Here are some questions that I came up with as I was reading Scripture during my devotional time this morning. They got me thinking and praying and I thought that they might bless you as well. You will need a Bible or a Bible-website, such as Bible Gateway, to answer the questions

.…based on 1 Chronicles 10:13-14

* Why did Saul die, according to this text?

* What do you think it means to be “unfaithful to the Lord?”

* What are the three examples of Saul’s unfaithfulness listed in these verses?

* What does it mean to “keep the word of the Lord?” How are you doing regarding this? How can you more faithfully keep God’s Word? What are three practical action steps to help you keep God’s Word that you can take today?

* Saul sinned by consulting a medium, which showed that his dependence and trust was not in God. You may not be consulting mediums or calling the “psychic hotline,” but how are you putting your trust in other people, things, or circumstances rather than in God (think in terms of “exclusive” or “primary” trust)? What are some ways you can identify when you’re doing that and, instead, shift your trust back to God? What are some ways that you can make God the first Person that you turn to in times of need, trouble, or decision-making?

* How often do you “inquire of the Lord” (pray)? What is prayer? What are five good reasons to pray? What are five ways that God may bless you when you pray? What are three steps that you can take today to improve your prayer life? Will you take those steps today? Why or why not?

…based on Proverbs 28:9

• What do you think it means to “turn a deaf ear to the law” (i.e., the commands, word, etc., of God)? How have you done so over the last week?
• Why, as the text suggests, are our prayers not pleasing to God when we ignore his law (word)?
• How can you more faithfully give God’s Word the attention in your life that it deserves (and that you need)?

…based on Luke 16:10-11

• Why does Jesus say that a person trusted with little can be trusted with very much? What are some examples of this truth in everyday life? How would you teach this principle to a child?
• How is this teaching true from a spiritual perspective?
• What are three areas of your life where you have been faithful with little? Were you rewarded by greater trust and responsibility?
• If you are faithful to God in the little things of your life, in what ways might God trust you with more? Spend some time identifying some of these “smaller” things and then pray to God for increasing faithfulness in those areas. Ask him to prepare you for greater responsibilities and opportunities to love and serve him and others.

May God use these Scriptural texts and questions to help you grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Blessings,
Dale

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