Psalms of Ascent
Psalm 129
October 1, 2017 • Russ Miller
Questions: 1. This psalm speaks to ongoing, corporate, and severe abuse. Can you relate to it? If you can, how does this psalm encourage you to take your pain to Christ? If you cannot relate, who in your life do you think can relate to it? How can you be more aware of suffering that is around you? 2. In what ways have you seen forgiveness portrayed as an emotion instead of an action? What does it look like to model the kind of forgiveness we see in Scripture? 3. Do you have an area of your life that you need to trust to the “vengeance of God” instead of taking matters into your own hands? What does it look like to do that? 4. How does the psalmists’ raw honesty before God challenge you? How can you follow his example?
Psalm 134
September 24, 2017 • Russ Miller
1. Are there places where I don't want to draw near to God? Don't believe that Christ's perfection is enough? 2. What needs to change in my heart to desire and draw near to God? 3. Are there things that I am worshipping that aren't God? Are we using our ability to worship God, which we were created for, to worship something else? 4. Take time this week to reflect on "Jesus is perfect so you do not have to be." How does that change your heart and attitudes to desire God more than anything else?
Psalm 127 (Part 2)
September 17, 2017 • Russ Miller
Regardless of whether you are a parent or not, consider the way you speak about children. How can your language better reflect the language of Psalm 127? In what ways can you practically celebrate children as a gift? For parents: How does vs. 1- 2 challenge the way that you shape the lives of your children? Do you feel that your work is in vain? In what ways can you allow God's work to be primary and your work to be secondary? For those who are not parents: Who are the parents and children that are regularly in your life? IN what ways can you practically support them as they disciple their children? What part of this Psalm was the most challenging to you personally? What do you think God is saying to you? Share this with someone and translate this into a prayer back to God that leads to action.
Psalm 125
August 27, 2017 • Sean Hardwick
Sermon Questions: 1.) What does it mean to trust God? 2.) Where do you quickly turn to, to find security, and how does God's promises give a sense of real security? 3.) How can you begin to find rest in these promises and more security within your life? 4.) What has God delivered you from, and how can you turn these deliverances into prayers of thanksgiving and remembrances of His faithfulness? 5.) Take time to pray and thank God for the ways He has preserved you. Thank Him for the salvation He has provided in Christ without which we have no peace.
Psalm 133
August 6, 2017 • Russ Miller
Application Questions 1. Can you think of a time (perhaps now) when you were truly unified with a group of people? What characteristics were present within that group? 2. Why is the the gospel (the good news of Jesus) fundamental to true unity? 3. Is there anyone or any group in which you need to be re-unified? What steps could you take this week to pursue that? 4. Read Romans 12. In what ways do you see these admonitions at work in your life? In what ways do you need to te
Psalm 121
June 25, 2017 • Russ Miller
1. What is the underlying cause of doubt and despair? How can our thoughts and feelings deepen our despair? 2. How does the psalmist preach to himself? 3. In what sense is God our keeper? How does this psalm apply to your present circumstances? 4. Turn this psalm into a personal prayer - mentioning specific requests. Share this prayer with someone else. *Questions taken from and adapted from: "Longing for Home: A Journey through the Psalms of Ascent" by J. Stephen Yuille. p. 36