Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

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Updated: May 16, 2026 at 4:47 AM

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

I read through the entire Bible every year and share a personal commentary/thought daily. 📖 2026 Plan: chronological read (whole Bible) in MSG. 🌼 I don't always understand. But I bring my questions to the One who does. 💛 Follow to join the journey!

@biblestudyquestions is a growing community focused on daily and entire and related topics

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day130
Reading:
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm50&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm53&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm60&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm75&version=MSG

Psalm 75:2–3 (MSG)
You say, “I’m calling this meeting to order,
I’m ready to set things right.
When the earth goes topsy-turvy
And nobody knows which end is up,
I nail it all down,
I put everything in place again.

Life will inevitably have crazy moments when it feels like everything is unstable and upside-down.
In those challenging times, may we rely on the God who sets things in order, who determines what is right, and puts everything in its rightful place.

So if things seem like they are messy and just not where they should be,
If the picture of the present doesn't line with God's promise,
Then we must hold on to our faith that God will come through.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day131
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Samuel10&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Chronicles19&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm20&version=MSG

Three things stood out to me from today's read

Who are you listening to?
Hanun turned what was supposed to be a positive encounter into a full on battle because he listened to the wrong people .

Are you making your situation better or worse?
When Hanun realized he had done something to get on David's bad side, instead of apologizing, he escalates the situation.

Are you fighting an made-up enemy?
The reality is that David wasn't planning to attack Hanun first. It was because Hanun hires fighters in response to the attack that is in his head, that David feels he needs to fight.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day129
Reading:
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Samuel8–9&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Chronicles18&version=MSG

David's kindness towards Saul and his family shows his character. It also shows the extent of his friendship with Jonathan. And the details are even more telling. Here's what stood out to me.

1️⃣ David asked
2 Samuel 9:1 (MSG)
One day David asked, “Is there anyone left of Saul’s family? If so, I’d like to show him some kindness in honor of Jonathan.”

He went out of his way to find someone to be kind to. Even if this was something that fell onto his plate, David was not obligated to show kindness. Most kings would eliminate all of their enemy's heirs. The fact that he didn't was already 180º from the norm of that day. But David went the extra mile. And that's what made it impactful


2️⃣ David acted fast
2 Samuel 9:5 (MSG)
King David didn’t lose a minute. He sent and got him...

David made this his priority. He wasn't dragging his feet. His urgency showed how much he cared. It is easy to want to be kind. But the real test is whether we put it in our calendar and make space in our busy schedules.


3️⃣ David gave help with dignity
2 Samuel 9:6 (MSG)
When Mephibosheth... came before David, he bowed deeply, abasing himself, honoring David. David spoke his name...

Some people's help... I'd rather not have.
They make you feel that they're the ones helping you. It's almost like a power trip.
But David made sure to give Mephibosheth dignity... not only inviting him to the palave but speaking his name. This was not a faceless / nameless charity case done as a PR stunt. It was genuine care for the individual


4️⃣ David's help was not once off
2 Samuel 9:10 (MSG)
... Mephibosheth... from now on will take all his meals at my table...

David was not doing this to tick a box. If he did he would find the easiest way possible to. He wasn't just generous with Mephibosheth, that generosity continued to be extended over time. Mephibosheth was invited to share meals with David... signifying a desire for relationship not just getting a task done.

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day127
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Samuel7&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Chronicles18&version=MSG

The same God that was with David in the sheepfold was with David in the palace.

David's perspective was very clear—

1️⃣
That we are where we are because of God's goodness and mercy. And that same God that brought us here has already thought of our future.

1 Chronicles 17:16–17 (MSG)
King David...prayed: Who am I, my Master GOD, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming, for you’ve also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow and looked on me, Master GOD, as a Somebody.

David is no longer a teen. He is in his 30s.
That is not the end of God's power on display in His life. It's just the beginning.

God's past record speaks for itself.
It establishes that we can trust Him.
But God's just getting started.
And we have so much more to look forward to.


2️⃣
David also reminds us that whatever we get to do—how we get to serve God—it's a privilege that we're allowed to take part in.

2 Samuel 7:21 (MSG)
You’ve done all this not because of who I am but because of who you are—out of your very heart!—but you’ve let me in on it.

God can do whatever He needs to do without us.
He is choosing to involve us.
We don't have to serve Him.
We get to serve Him and serve alongside Him.

So my prayer is that even as I grow up that I would never grow old in spirit.
May the passion to serve God burn even brighter as years pass.
Because the most exciting adventures are still ahead of us. The early years built our foundation, but what a waste to build deep but never let God build high. What a mistake to stop short of what God has set out to do.

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day128
Reading:
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm25&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm29&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm33&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm36&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm39&version=MSG

Verses that just encouraged me today...

Psalm 36:5–6 (MSG)
God’s love is meteoric,
his loyalty astronomic,
His purpose titanic,
his verdicts oceanic.
Yet in his largeness
nothing gets lost;
Not a man, not a mouse,
slips through the cracks.

What an interesting way to talk about God!
God is big—bigger than our problems
Nothing is to big for our God.
But at the same time no detail is to small from Him either
He cares about every aspect of our life


Psalm 29:11 (MSG)
GOD makes his people strong.
GOD gives his people peace.

God gives both strength and peace.
Merely having strength to fight the battles is nice but still tiring.
Having no problems is nice, but without strength we cannot enjoy it.
And when things are just complicated and messy and we don't feel adequate enough to deal with it all, He brings both.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day125
Reading:
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm1–2&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm14&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm22–24&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm47&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm68&version=MSG

Psalm 22:24 (MSG)
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way
when you were being kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.

Today I remind myself that God never fails.
Even when things are hard, He never fails.
Even when situations seem stuck, He never fails.
He will take care of His people.
He is not deaf to our cries or blind to our plight
He is ignorant or indifferent
He sees. He hears. He cares.

But more than that, He is not just willing but He is able.
He doesn't just comfort us with His presence.
He saves us with His power.
And my hope is not just in His kindness and goodness but in His sovereignty and His majesty.
God never fails. Ever.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day126
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm89&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm96&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm100-101&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm105&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm132&version=MSG

Psalm 105:7–8 (MSG)
He’s GOD, our God, in charge of the whole earth. And he remembers, remembers his Covenant—for a thousand generations he’s been as good as his word.

God's good on His Word.
He is not human that He should forget or walk back on what He said.
He remembers–every promise, His covenant, His people. He is good on His Word.
That is the simple reminder for today.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day124
Reading:
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Samuel5:11–6:23&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Chronicles13–16&version=MSG

2 times in today's read the David fought the Philistines.

What struck me was that the 2 situations looked the same externally—same threat, same enemy; but David, under God's direction, fought 2 different ways.

That speaks to 2 things that David gets right.

First, he doesn't actually asked God whether to fight the Philistines or not.
Some people start walking in a direction and ask God to bless where they're going.
It doesn't work that way.
David asked God first. And it was only when God said yes, "Go fight. I'll give you the victory" that he goes.

But David doesn't just ask whether or not to do go, he listens to HOW God said to go
Some people allow God to give the direction but leave Him out of the details.
I remember making that mistake when I was younger. God had given the confirmation on a pretty big decision I had to make.
I then decided to go figure things out on my own.
I was quite nervous and I jumped the gun and ended up losing a few thousand dollars to someone who didn't hold up their end of the bargain.
I learned my lesson that day.
We don't just ask God for direction but we walk close with Him to learn His will for the details.

Clause: I don't mean we end up being spooky spiritual and one of those uncomfortably super-spiritual folks who ask God what they should order at McDonalds.

I do though feel that it is a reminder—
God wants to be involved in the big decisions and the small details. And at the end of the day it is for our benefit that He does so.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day122
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm133&version=MSG

It's weird to me that the reading plan put just this 1 short chapter for today's reading. But I guess that gives opportunity to really read and understand what it's saying.

Psalm 133:1 (MSG)
How wonderful, how beautiful,
when brothers and sisters get along!

Psalm 133:3 (MSG)
... Yes, that’s where GOD commands the blessing, ordains eternal life.

Unity is a beautiful blessing.
I've seen that first hand the past 3 weeks.
Some relationships propel you forward. When people are in sync, caring and helping each other... it doesn't just make things easier. It allows us to find light in dark and hard situations.

Relationships fraught with friction and tension on the other hand—they drag you down.
Unfortunately though, it takes 2 to tango. And even if you want to have peace, the other person has to want it to. And I guess, that is why not every relationship is meant to have access to your life.

Maybe it's also why the next verse says...
Psalm 133:2 (MSG)
It’s like costly anointing oil...

Relationship costs.
Good relationships take work.
But it brings a great blessing
Anointing oil... speaks of God in it.

All of this flows downwards...
How that hits me is... unity in relationships has a direction. It starts from the top and flows downwards.
Sometimes it takes the more mature to initiate.
But also another way I take that is... because God first loved us and reached out to reconcile, that is why we can now too. He modelled it for us. And it flows top down.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 22, 2026, 12:14 AM

#Day123
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm106–107&version=MSG

Psalm 106:15 (MSG)
He gave them exactly what they asked for—
but along with it they got an empty heart.

What a sad verse...
You can have everything you asked for.. everything you wanted... and still have an empty heart.

Psalm 106:43 (MSG)
Over and over God rescued them, but they never learned—until finally their sins destroyed them.

Another sad verse.
And makes me think of people who don't want to take responsibility for their actions and keep trying to take the easy way out.

God is not a dictator or a policeman.
His focus is not punishment.
But in His love He knows that discipline is necessary for growth.
We need to take responsibility for our lives or face the consequences of our actions.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day115
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Chronicles3–5&version=MSG

David had many sons.
Some were famous. Others infamous.
And still others—there isn't really anything significant about them.

The thought that resonated with me today is that our background / histories don't make or break us.
People can be raised in the exact same household and come out completely different.

Our destiny lies in our decisions
It's not an external factor out of our control.
We are not a victim of our circumstance.
We are in the driver's seat with an ability to choose where we end up.
So we ought to choose wisely.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day116
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm73&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm77–78&version=MSG

Psalm 73:1–5 (MSG)
No doubt about it! God is good—good to good people, good to the good-hearted.
But I nearly missed it, missed seeing his goodness.
I was looking the other way, looking up to the people
At the top, envying the wicked who have it made,
Who have nothing to worry about, not a care in the whole wide world.

This got me today...
It is a reminder that God is always good.
No matter how difficult the circumstances are, He is still good.
But sometimes we don't see His goodness because we are looking at the wrong thing...
When we envy the wrong people,
When we compare our situation with others'
Then we miss God's goodness.

This verse reminds me to focus on the right things
To keep God's character in view
To hold on to His Word
And to keep doing what is right in the middle of all of the chaos.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day117
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Chronicles6&version=MSG

My simple thought for the day.
The Levites served in the temple.
But even among them each had different roles.
Some were more prominent than others.
But all of them were needed.

One of the prayers that my pastors shared with me early on was to be "content with my place on the team and my pace in ministry"
I have found these 2 things to be critical in life.
If we're not careful, we can treat church like we would our career. We will compare and compete.
Ministry is not a competition.
Our role in God's Kingdom is uniquely ours.
God's ways are different from the world's.
We cannot bring our mindset from the world into the church. It simply does not work.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day112
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm6&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm8-10&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm14&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm16&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm19&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm21&version=MSG

Psalm 19:7–9 (MSG)
The revelation of GOD is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of GOD are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of GOD are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of GOD are plain
and easy on the eyes.
GOD’s reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of GOD are accurate
down to the nth degree.

Here is my simple thought today—
When things are uncertain, we can find our certainty in God, His Word, His ways.

As we face major decisions that don't seem to have clear paths, we can trust that His directions are plain and His decisions accurate.
We just need to stay close and follow the path He opens up to us.

When life is a blur, we can find clarity in Him.
His revelation pulls our life together.
His map for our life is right.
His reputation is solid.

That is the promise I am holding on to today.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day113
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Chronicles1–2&version=MSG

Reading these genealogies make me think of just how important heritage and lineage is.
Our choices don't just impact our generation but they impact those that come after us too.

Take Caleb for example.
He was specifically called out and his descendants named (forever in the Bible) because he made a stand and thereby made a mark in Israel's history.

He was not Joshua but he didn't have to be.
Instead of comparing or competing, he was secure in who he was and what he had been called to do.
He was a leader in his own right and how he handled his mission set the foundation for future generations after him.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day114
Reading:
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm43–45&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm49&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm84–85&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm87&version=MSG

Psalm 44:1 (MSG)
We’ve been hearing about this, God, all our lives. Our fathers told us the stories their fathers told them,

First thing is that we must tell our children the stories—how God was faithful, the miracles, the encounters, the growth and the depth that resulted.

But even as they hear of our battles,
The next generation will have battles of their own
And their battles will likely look different from ours
But how we fought our battles, will be the foundation of how they fight theirs.

They will learn something
Whether it be what to do
Or what not to do
Or what to do that then has to be unlearned, because really it was what they shouldn't do.

In the big macro picture, our lives aren't just our own
What we do has a bigger impact than we think
When life is hard, as it often is, our response reveals what is inside of us and then shape those that come after us.

Recently, I have seen first hand the unfortunate consequences of poor parental choices
That comes to mind as I read this
I am reminded to choose wisely every single day because I am being watched and I am silently teaching whether I am aware of it or not

I told God—my end goal is not net zero.
It's not just to have a functioning member of society, a non-nuisance.
My responsibility is to develop a net positive—not just to society but for the Kingdom.
When I have that in mind, it informs my decisions, my words, my actions.
And I pray for courage and wisdom, determination and character to be able to achieve as much.

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day111
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2Samuel1–4&version=MSG

The war between the house of Saul and the house of David was so... messy, bloody...

While David obeyed God wholeheartedly, he also had men under him who were out of control
Specifically, Joab... who liked to take matters into his own hands... especially when he disagreed with David's decisions

When Abner came to David to work out a deal, Joab declared that he was there to spy things out... and so while David made peace, Joab went out of his way to deceive Abner and kill him in cold-blood.
But the Bible is clear... Joab's motivation wasn't really to protect David or Judah.

2 Samuel 3:27 (MSG)
When Abner got back to Hebron, Joab steered him aside at the gate for a personal word with him. There he stabbed him in the belly, killed him in cold blood for the murder of his brother Asahel.

Joab is a lesson in what we should not be/do
He is a picture of how easy it is to rationalize what we're doing as for the greater good....
Which is why we need to be careful.
More specifically we need to be both honest and humble.
Honest—evaluation/introspection/allowing God to shine a spotlight on our true motives
Humble—to admit that we are wrong and do different.


Side Note: There was one other thing that stood out to me today and it was in relation to how Saul's son Ish-Bosheth died.

2 Samuel 4:6–7 (MSG)
They entered the house on a ruse, pretending official business. The maid guarding the bedroom had fallen asleep, so Recab and Baanah slipped by her and entered the room where Ish-Bosheth was asleep on his bed. They killed him...

Never saw that before...
But when I read it I was like "oh man..."
That lady must feel horrible....
She probably never imagined things would get this bad...
Perhaps her job seemed... simple, most of the time routine and mundane...

But I guess to me that was a reminder to do all that we are given to do with diligence and excellence—not just once but all the time
It may seem small or boring or repetitive, etc
But we would be foolish not to see how every thing we do plays an important role in the larger scheme of things.

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day109
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel28-31&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm18&version=MSG

1 Samuel 30:6 (MSG)
... David strengthened himself with trust in his GOD.

Where does our strength come from?
When we see positive things happen it is easy to find strength.
But what about if everything all around feels dark and bleak?
What if there are just no good options and no solutions?

David points to his source of strength—trusting in God.... regardless of what it looks like in natural.
Our trust is grounded in His character
But it's also grounded in His track record
He has come through before, He will come through again...

It's like a song I've always really liked from Elevation Worship called "Never Lost"

Miracles when You move
Such an easy thing for You to do
Your hand is moving right now
You are still showing up
At the tomb of every Lazarus
Your voice is calling me out

Right now, I know You're able
My God, come through again

You can do all things
You can do all things but fail
'Cause You've never lost a battle
No, You've never lost a battle
And I know, I know You never will

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day110
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm121&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm123–125&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm128–130&version=MSG

Psalm 121:1–2 (MSG)
I look up to the mountains;
does my strength come from mountains?
No, my strength comes from GOD,
who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.

I like The Message version of this verse.
I like the way it contrasts mountains vs God who made the mountains—and more than the mountains but the heavens and the earth too.

It's a simple reminder at the start of the week—
We often see things in the natural
But God is greater than what we see
The mountain of problems may seem large and immovable—but God is above all of that.

Psalm 121 is a call to trust God
—who won't let you stumble
—who doesn't doze or sleep
—who is right at your side to protect you
—who guards you from every evil
—who guards your very life
—who guards you always.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 7, 2026, 10:56 AM

#Day108
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm17&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm35&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm54&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm63&version=MSG

Psalm 35:13–16 (MSG)
When they were sick, I dressed in black;
instead of eating, I prayed.
My prayers were like lead in my gut,
like I’d lost my best friend, my brother.
I paced, distraught as a motherless child,
hunched and heavyhearted.

But when I was down they threw a party!
All the nameless riffraff of the town came
chanting insults about me.
Like barbarians desecrating a shrine,
they destroyed my reputation.

When I read this it hit me—
David was not in denial or oblivious to the truth of the situation.
His honor of Saul was not because he was blindsided... it was his decision.
David was a person who felt a lot.
When you read his words... the betrayal hurt. The injustice stung. The lies and false accusations were frustrating.
BUT he still chose to act in obedience to God.

This was the other verse that stood out to me today.
Perhaps it explains David's thought / decision process.

Psalm 17:4 (MSG)
I’m not trying to get my way
in the world’s way.
I’m trying to get your way,
your Word’s way.

David valued God's ways above his own and above what the world thought was right.
That's what mattered.

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Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 1, 2026, 01:24 PM

#Day106
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm56&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm120&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm140–142&version=MSG

I don't know if you've ever been in a place where you're just having to choose the best out of really bad options, but I have and I know how frustrating and demoralizing that can be.

Psalm 56 reminds me of the balance that is needed in such situations.
Two verses capture what that looks like:

Psalm 56:8 (MSG)
You’ve kept track of my every toss and turn
through the sleepless nights,
Each tear entered in your ledger,
each ache written in your book.

On one hand, we can be real with God because He sees every tear. He knows what keeps us awake at night. He feels our ache.
We don't need to hide.
That is priceless—something that makes our journey as Christians unique.
But we also don't just stop there, because that would be wallowing and we are not meant to live in that place of hopelessness and despair.

Psalm 56:12 (MSG)
God, you did everything you promised,
and I’m thanking you with all my heart.

On the other hand, we exercise faith in God through our gratitude.
When David wrote this he was still very much in the thick of all his problems.
But he had the sense to pause and remember everything that God had done, His character and give thanks.

502

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 1, 2026, 01:24 PM

#Day107
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel25–27&version=MSG

What made David a man after God's own heart?
Many things... but 1 thing that stood out to me today...
Saul was a completely unreasonable and vengeful king.
He didn't just pursue David once.
There were at least 2 instances where David had an opportunity to harm Saul but didn't.
Saul said he was wrong but... didn't really change.
Yet, David was patient.
He did what he thought was right.
In the end... it was the same result... Saul was still removed as king and sealed his own downfall.

I wonder what I would have done if I were in David's situation.
If I am honest... I think I would have acted sooner.
I would have seen Saul's lack of repentance and just pushed the issue... confronted Saul with the lack of truth in his words. (Dishonesty is a pet peeve of mine)
I would have come on stronger, harder.
I don't think I would have disobeyed God's command and harmed Saul... but I surely would be pushing hard on getting Saul to face his guilt.

David didn't do that.
While Saul's unreasonable pursuit pressed David into extremely difficult situations, David kept his eye on God's timing and moved with His flow.
This is something that J is better at than I am.
I have a "bias for action" – and while that is good in many situations, it is not always right.
Sometimes people delay action because it is procrastination. That's not right either.
But waiting on God and the right time is important too.

David wasn't perfect.
As evidenced with his encounter with Nabal.
He was upset because Nabal spit in his face (figuratively).
But thank God for Abigail — her wisdom helped David temper his response and in the end God corrected things in His time.
That tells me more than self-regulation, having people around us who can keep us in check and make sure our head is in the right place is important.

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 1, 2026, 01:24 PM

#Day104
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel21–24&version=MSG

David was on the run from Saul.
And the people who gathered around him... were the losers of society.

In the middle of that...
David hears the Philistines are attacking Keilah
David asks God—should I go?
God says yes.

David's men are afraid, rightly so—
1 Samuel 23:3 (MSG)
But David’s men said, “We live in fear of our lives right here in Judah. How can you think of going to Keilah in the thick of the Philistines?”

David asks God again.
He doesn't want to put his men in unnecessary danger.
God says go, so David goes.
He wins and saves the people of Keilah.
But Saul learns he's there.
And when David asks God if the people of Keilah would hand him over to Saul, God says yes.

That made me pause.
It seems—unfair.
You help people... and then they just turn their back on you. So why bother helping them at all?
And the reason is simple... because David was not helping for their gratitude. He was helping in obedience to God.
So even if they were ungrateful.
And I imagine his men were probably upset
But David knew why he was doing what he was doing.

This is where the decision compass comes into play.
We can't just make decisions to help out of a bleeding heart—we'll likely burn out.
We shouldn't make decisions to help expecting people will be grateful—we'll likely be disappointed.
But we also cannot just make decisions based on logic—we may miss out being a blessing where we are supposed to be.
I guess the key is... what is God asking us to do?
That is how we balance compassion and sustainability.
If He calls us to do it then He will provide.

496

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 1, 2026, 01:24 PM

#Day105
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm7&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm27&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm31&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm34&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm52&version=MSG

Simple encouragements for the day.

Psalm 27:13–14 (MSG)
I’m sure now I’ll see God’s goodness in the exuberant earth.
Stay with GOD!
Take heart. Don’t quit.
I’ll say it again:
Stay with GOD.

Even when things are tough—
Stay with God. Take heart. Don't quit.

Psalm 31:23–24 (MSG)
Love GOD, all you saints;
GOD takes care of all who stay close to him,
But he pays back in full those arrogant enough to go it alone.
Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up.
Expect GOD to get here soon.

God is mighty to save.
Our role is to stay close to Him,
To stay the course,
Be brave and strong,
Expecting God to move.

No matter how difficult or impossible the situation may seem, God has already planned a way out. We just need to keep on keeping on .

497

11

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 1, 2026, 01:24 PM

#Day102
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel15–17&version=MSG

Saul is so annoying, not to mention delutional.
Talking to him is like talking to a kid / teenager who just doesn't get it.

He is given explicit instructions.
He disobeys them.
But then says he obeyed them.
When it's pointed out to him what he did to disobey, he says—yes I did those things but I still obeyed.
It's like..... huh????? 🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨🤨
What alternative reality are you living in???

Saul justifies his actions by saying he wanted to use it to "worship God"
Well, we should worship God on His terms not ours.
What good are acts of worship if there is no inward obedience? It would just be empty.

This version of Samuel's rebuke of Saul is particularly striking:

1 Samuel 15:22–23 (MSG)
Then Samuel said,
Do you think all GOD wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show?
He wants you to listen to him!
Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production.
Not doing what GOD tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult.
Getting self-important around GOD is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.
Because you said No to GOD’s command, he says No to your kingship.

The best way to express our love for God is to listen to what He's saying and obey Him.

532

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

May 1, 2026, 01:24 PM

#Day103
Reading:
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel18–20&version=MSG
• https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm11&version=MSG
•  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm59&version=MSG

David's life seems on the ascendency...
He is beloved by everyone
He is the king's son-in-law
He is on track to the prophecy Samuel laid over his life that he would be king.
But... this is not how God intended for his path to be
Perhaps it is because David could not learn how to be a good and godly king under Saul's wing.
But David's life gets turned upside down...
He is now hated by the most powerful man in the land
He is on the run for his life
He is separated from those he loves.
And this is one of the Psalms that comes at this point in his life.

Psalm 11:7 (MSG)
GOD’s business is putting things right;
he loves getting the lines straight,
Setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall,
we can look him straight in the eye.

Things may not look right
Things may in fact look like they're getting worse
But God is in the business of putting things right
Make no mistake about it
Truth and justice will always prevail
The righteous will be rewarded
So our job is to stand tall and walk straight...
To walk on the same path as He is
And to live in the straight way even when it seems like it is not "working" the way it should

God is in the business of putting things right
So if things are not right right now, it is not the end yet
This is simply part of the journey, the process to the final result. Don't deviate. Don't give up.

489

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

Apr 20, 2026, 02:59 PM

#Day98
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel1–3&version=MSG

1 Samuel 2:6–8 (MSG)
GOD brings death and GOD brings life,
brings down to the grave and raises up.
GOD brings poverty and GOD brings wealth;
he lowers, he also lifts up.
He puts poor people on their feet again;
he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope,
Restoring dignity and respect to their lives—
a place in the sun!
For the very structures of earth are GOD’s;
he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation.

Not gonna lie... life's not been the easies since the start of the year. And just when you think it's going to get better, it doesn't.

And so today, I don't have much.
But I sit with this verse—God's promise.
Just like Hannah, sometimes when life is tough the only thing you can really do is sit in the presence and the promise of God, brining it all before Him.

Perhaps, the greatest encouragement during tough times is... this too shall pass.

484

17

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

Apr 20, 2026, 02:59 PM

#Day99
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel4–8&version=MSG

The Israelites thought they would win the war simply because they had the Ark of God with them.
The Philistines panicked because they associated the physical Ark with God.
Their mistake was—having defeated Israel, they thought they defeated God.

God will not be backed into a corner or put into a box.
Just because it might be thought that God is not powerful, doesn't mean God will be strong armed into letting Israel win.
At the same time, God made Himself and His power evident to the Philistines.

What I am trying to remind myself today is...
That I cannot put God in a box.
When I feel cornered...
Like there is no way out...
God is never restricted by human limitations.

It's a hard thing to deal with...
Because sometimes you wonder what part of it is your responsibility and when do you let go and let God?
But I guess it is fluid.
Sometimes we need to take responsibility
Other times we need to trust God
And it's probably a fine balance that requires constant awareness and fine-tuning.
And that's what I'm putting my mind on today.

478

6

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

Apr 20, 2026, 02:59 PM

#Day100
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1Samuel9–12&version=MSG

When Saul was anointed, there were people who celebrated with him and then there were people who mocked him—

1 Samuel 10:26–27 (MSG)
Saul also went home to Gibeah, and with him some true and brave men whom GOD moved to join him. But the riffraff went off muttering, “Deliverer? Don’t make me laugh!” They held him in contempt and refused to congratulate him. But Saul paid them no mind...

A simple thing strikes me today...
Saul's downfall was that he both feared and sought out men's applause over God's.
But in this moment... when he was mocked by the riffraff, he did not bend seem to care about their opinion.

So, he may have started right... but he didn't end right.
I don't just want to start right. I want to end well too.
That is a reminder that we can never rest on past laurels.
Just because we had great victories—even spiritual ones—in the past, doesn't guarantee us similar passage in the future.
We have to actively and proactively make sure that we stay on the path that God has for us.

430

8

Bible Study Questions & Thoughts

Apr 20, 2026, 02:59 PM

#Day96
Reading: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Judges19–21&version=MSG

When I read these chapters all I can think of is... what a mess!
People were making decisions based on what they felt was right without understanding consequence
They made vows and then were trapped by their own vows

And it all starts with...
Judges 19:1 (MSG)
It was an era when there was no king in Israel...

Which ties back to a key verse from yesterday
Judges 17:6 (MSG)
In those days there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing.

When men live by their own laws... it just goes haywire
And as much as I read about this time in Israel and think... what a mess!
Today we live in times that are equally as messy.
Perhaps it is because we have turned to ourselves as the standard of right or wrong.
Our feelings have become the ultimate measure
And we think our perspective is the be all and end all of reality.

Yesterday I was talking to a young man who was severely shortsighted and narrow in his perspective
He saw only what he wanted to see
He wanted what he wanted "now!" and literally said he didn't want to be patient and had no time for patience
Every decision he made was making his situation worse but he couldn't see it
And all he could do is blame others

That is no different from the Israelites in the days of the judges.
That is the consequence of lawlessness and having no boundaries
That is why God establishes His laws and tells us we need to obey... because we can be shortsighted and narrow-minded and self-deceived.

So perhaps, when God tells us to do something
And we don't like His reason (or lack of reason)
The mature thing is not to fight Him but to just obey Him and trust Him.... even when we don't see it or fully understand.

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