Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/sept-6-12.pdf

(Monday) Luke 15: Master Storyteller

What provoked Jesus’ parables (v. 1-2)? How is the third parable different from the first two?

In light of verse 2, what does Jesus want his critics to see about the father (v. 20-24)?

What is revealed about the father in his interaction with the older son (v. 28-32)? Why is God’s rejoicing nature offensive to some religious people (v. 2, 6-7, 9-10, 22-24, 32)?

How are you like the older son? The younger son?

Prayer Focus: Rejoice with God over his redemptive power

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-7. Why does God love sinners so much? What does it mean to repent? Are any of us righteous people who don’t need to repent?

(Tuesday) John 6: Food that Endures

How would you characterize the disciples’ response to the problem of feeding the crowd (v. 5-9)?

The crowd returns hungry again (v. 22-25). Why does Jesus try to redirect their thinking (v. 26-33)?

Why would Jesus deliberately repel the crowds by making them assume he was talking about cannibalism (v. 52-59)? How do the disciples respond to this hard teaching (v. 60-71)?

Jesus contrasts our desires for earthly “food” and spiritual “food.” Which is strongest in your heart?

Prayer Focus: Ask to be satisfied by God alone

Family Devotional: Read verses 24-29. What are some earthly things our family wants Jesus to provide for us? Why won’t those things satisfy us for long? How can we be satisfied by Jesus alone?

(Wednesday) Mark 7: Poles Apart

What are the Pharisees concerned about (v. 1-5)?

What specific complaints does Jesus raised about the Pharisees’ traditionalism (v. 6-13)? How does his view of becoming “unclean” differ from that of the Pharisees (v. 14-23)?

What does Jesus’ response to the woman’s request reveal about him (v. 24-27)? What does her response reveal about her?

What religious traditions influence your life? Are those traditions healthy or unhealthy?

Prayer Focus: For dead traditionalism in your life (in any form) to be redeemed and renewed

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-16. What kind of “cleanliness” is Jesus most interested in? How can God make us clean on the inside?

(Thursday) Matthew 18: Out of Bondage

The disciples want to know who will be greatest in the kingdom. How does Jesus reply (v. 2-5)?

Greatness in the kingdom is dependent on living a life of forgiveness and mercy. What does Jesus tell us about dealing with those who sin against us (v. 15-20)?

What does the parable of the unmerciful servant teach us about forgiveness?

We are all in bondage to sin. How does God’s act of breaking your chains and forgiving you affect your ability to forgive others?

Prayer Focus: Ask for full comprehension of God’s forgiveness, leading to a greater ability to forgive

Family Devotional: Read verses 21-35. How hard is it for you to forgive other people? How much has God forgiven you? As you keep that in mind, will it help you forgive others?

(Friday) John 10: No Secrets

In verses 11-15 Jesus talks about the shepherd’s care for his sheep. What can you learn about Jesus’ care for you?

According to Jesus, how are the Jews in this passage different from his sheep (v. 22-27)?

When Jesus claims that he and the Father are one, the Jews are violently angry (v. 30-33). How does Jesus’ response frame his deity (v. 33-36)?

How does Jesus’ dual nature (fully man, fully God) affect your relationship to him?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the Good Shepherd in your life

Family Devotional: Read verses 11-18. How has Jesus been the Good Shepherd to your family? What kinds of spiritual and tangible blessings has he given you?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/aug-30-sep-5.pdf

(Monday) Matthew 13: Kingdom Tales

In verse 10, the disciples ask Jesus why he speaks to the people in parables. Explain his reply (v. 11-17).

Wheat and weeds look similar until the harvest. How does this parable explain God’s delayed judgment of the wicked and righteous (v. 24-30, 36-43)?

What do the parables of the mustard seed and yeast tell us about the way the kingdom grows (v. 31-35)?

What kind of response is Jesus calling you to through these parables?

Prayer Focus: Ask for understanding, and the discipline to act on that understanding

Family Devotional: Read verses 24-30. The wheat represents people who love God, and the weeds represent people who don’t. How can we tell the difference? What will happen to people who don’t love God?

(Tuesday) Mark 6: Contrast in Power

What do Jesus’ instructions to the twelve tell us about the kind of ministry they were to have (v. 6-13)?

Mark is deliberately contrasting the banquet of Herod (v. 21-29) with the banquet of Jesus (v. 32-46). How are they different?

What differences are there between Jesus’ approach to the crowd and that of the disciples (v. 30-44)?

The disciples, like Herod, seem more interested in their own comfort and security than in the plan of God. How can this tendency be seen in your own life?

Prayer Focus: Pray for a radical commitment to the purposes of God

Family Devotional: Read verses 30-44. What surprises you about this story? What kinds of things has God provided for your family?

(Wednesday) Luke 16: Of Two Worlds

While Jesus does not commend the dishonesty of the manager, what does he commend and instruct us to emulate (v. 8-9)? What does it mean for us to use money to gain friends in heaven?

What does our management of money have to do with our standing before God (v. 10-15)?

In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus (v. 19-31), what does Jesus want the Pharisees to see about our relationship to money in this life and in the life after death?

How should these parables affect your present use of money? What practical steps can you take?

Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom to use our resources for eternal things

Family Devotional: Read verses 9-13. How can we use our money to gain friends in heaven? What does it mean for us to be trustworthy in handling money? How can we stop loving money and stuff so much?

(Thursday) Luke 12: Jesus on Money

Nowhere does Jesus condemn possessions. But he does have much to say about how to use them. From verses 15, 22-23, and 31, how would you summarize Jesus’ teaching on material things in this life?

The parable in verses 35-48 illustrates priorities Christians should have in view of Jesus’ return after his departure, or in any crisis situation. What priorities apply to all of us?

All three parables speak or hint of God’s judgment on the choices we make (v. 20, 40, 46-48). In light of these warnings, what hope does Jesus offer to the wise (v. 57-59)?

If you own a $2000 car, you’re in the wealthiest 50% of adults in the world. What dangers do you see in this chapter for rich people like yourself?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to mold your values and priorities into his own.

Family Devotional: Read verses 15-21. What does it mean to be rich toward God? How can we make this a priority in our family more than storing things up for ourselves?

(Friday) Luke 18: Underdogs

The initial focus on persistence in praying (v. 1-8) is balanced by the caution in the second parable not to be presumptuous about God (v. 9-14). How do the two men reveal different concepts of God?

Children were insignificant in ancient society (v. 15). How does Jesus give significance to them?

In verses 35-45, Luke introduces us to another nobody. What is unusual about the beggar’s attitude and title that catches Jesus’ attention?

What “nobody” in your life might God be calling you to approach with gospel love and truth?

Prayer Focus: Pray for those considered insignificant in your community

Family Devotional: Read verses 35-43. Beggars were mostly ignored in those days. What are some similar people you’ve noticed in your community? How can your family bring God’s love and truth to them?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/aug-23-29.pdf

(Monday) Mark 3: Miracles and Magic

How is Jesus’ attitude toward the Sabbath different from the Pharisees’ (v. 1-6)?

While the Pharisees and Herodians (an unlikely alliance!) are plotting to kill Jesus, how are the common people responding to him (v. 7-12)?

What charge do the teachers of the law bring against Jesus (v. 20-30)? How does Jesus refute it?

Have you been rejected by people close to you on account of your faith? How can Jesus’ words in verses 33-35 bring perspective and comfort?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for courage to follow him in the face of opposition and rejection

Family Devotional: Read verses 31-35. Jesus’ family thought he was crazy. How does Jesus respond? How can we love our earthly family and spiritual family more?

(Tuesday) Mark 4: Hard Soil

Jesus explains the parable of the soils (v. 3-8) in verses 14-20. Put this explanation into your own words.

On what grounds are people included or excluded from the secret of the kingdom (v. 9-13)? How do verses 21-25 help to explain verses 9-13?

What insights do you gain from verses 26-34 on the nature of God’s kingdom on earth?

How does this chapter affect your understanding and approach to personal evangelism?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God to make you receptive soil, and to use you as a sower

Family Devotional: Read verses 13-20. What kinds of desires and worries in life could distract us from God’s truth? How do we know when we’re producing a crop for God?

(Wednesday) Mark 5: Jesus and Illness

In the story of spiritual illness (v. 1-20), who is afraid and why?

When Jesus allows the demons to enter the pigs, what does it show about their intentions with the man? What does it show about Jesus’ sovereign power?

The illness of Jairus’ daughter and the bleeding woman both involve faith and fear. Describe both.

Does the power of Jesus invoke sinful fear or God-fearing faith in you? Why or why not?

Prayer Focus: Pray for your earthly fears to be overcome by a holy fear of God

Family Devotional: Read verse 35-42. What  kind of power is Jesus displaying? Why would this make people astonished and fearful? Should we fear Jesus? Why?

(Thursday) Matthew 5: Inflammatory Word

How would you define the qualities Jesus desires in each of his followers (v. 3-12)? How would you describe the promises that are attached?

Jesus compares his followers to salt and light (v. 13-16). What do these metaphors suggest about our role in society?

The rest of chapter 5 deals with misconceptions we might have about the Old Testament Law. What is the general theme of Jesus’ statements? Why does Jesus stress that he did not come to abolish the Law?

Why are our motives just as important as our actions? What does Jesus reveal about your own motives?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God to give you the right motives to do the right things

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-12. These are the qualities Jesus wants to see in each of his followers. How would you define each of them? Can you think of some people you know who show some of these qualities?

(Friday) Matthew 6: Sermon on the Mount

What do we learn about proper and improper motives from Jesus’ examples about giving, praying, and fasting (v. 1-18)?

In Jesus’ discussion about treasures, eyes, and masters (v. 19-24), what common themes tie these verses together?

Worry is a dominant theme in verses 25-34. How should worry be conquered, according to Jesus?

What does seeking first God’s kingdom and righteousness (v. 33) mean in your everyday life?

Prayer Focus: Pray for a singular focus on God’s kingdom, and not the worries of this world

Family Devotional: Read verses 28-33. What kinds of things do you worry about? Why? What would it mean for you to seek God’s kingdom instead?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/aug-16-22.pdf

(Monday) Luke 1: One Final Hope

What astounding facts does Gabriel announce to Zechariah (v. 11-17)? How is the second birth announcement even more extraordinary (v. 26-56)?

Compare Zechariah’s response in v. 18-22 to Mary’s. What kind of God does Mary believe in (v. 46-55)?

What is the purpose for recording the neighbors’ response in such detail (v. 57-66)?

When is it difficult for you to hope in God?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for being the only source of true hope

Family Devotional: Read verses 26-38. How would you respond if God told you what he told Mary? How is Mary’s response in verse 38 a great model for us?

(Tuesday) Luke 2: No Fear

What do the historical details (v. 1-4) and description of Jesus’ birth (v. 5-6) say about the way God came to live among his people?

Shepherds were outcasts of society. What in the angels’ message would be incredible to them (v. 9-14)?

How are the prophetic messages of Simeon and Anna similar, yet different?

How do all the details recorded in this chapter help you to understand Jesus as the promised one?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for being Immanu-El, “God with us.”

Family Devotional: Read verses 4-7. Is this how you would expect the King of Kings to be introduced to the world? Why did God make his entrance in such a humble way?

(Wednesday) Mark 1: Immediate Impact

Verses 2 and 3 quote Malachi and Isaiah. How do they explain John’s ministry of preparation for Jesus?

How do the events surrounding Jesus’ baptism prepare him for his temptation in the desert?

How does Jesus summarize his mission at the beginning of his ministry?

How can you “prepare the way for the Lord” in your own sphere of influence?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you magnify Jesus’ greatness to the people around you

Family Devotional: Read verses 2-4. John prepared the way for Jesus by calling people to repentance. What is repentance? How does it prepare us for the arrival of Jesus in our lives?

(Thursday) Mark 2: Signal Fires of Opposition

How does Jesus’ response to the lowered man shock the teachers of the law (v. 1-12)? Why?

Contrast the Pharisees’ attitude toward the “sinners” with the attitude of Jesus (v. 15-17).

On what grounds are Jesus and his disciples criticized in verses 18-27? Why would Jesus open himself up to this criticism?

What types of opposition might Jesus-followers expect in our culture today?

Prayer Focus: Pray for extreme faithfulness, no matter the cost

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-12. Why is it more important for our sins to be forgiven than for our lives to be comfortable? How can our family emphasize this priority more?

(Friday) John 3: Late-Night Rendezvous

What does Nicodemus seem to be focused on (v. 1-21)? Why does he respond in amazement (v. 9)?

How can we become totally unashamed (v. 20-21)?

How would you summarize John’s view of the character and ministry of Jesus (v. 22-36)?

John joyfully glorified Jesus over himself. Does your life reflect the same outlook?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you emphasize less of you, and more of Jesus

Family Devotional: Read verses 16-21. What are some things in our lives we try to keep in the dark? Why does God want to bring them into the light? How can we do things “through God?”

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/aug-9-15.pdf

Psalm 143: Praying for Guidance

What is the writer longing for (v. 1, 7)? What does he fear might happen (v. 2,7)?

Why does the writer need God’s help (v. 3-6)?

What specifically does he ask God for (v. 8-12)?

In what area of life do you need to know God’s will? Are there ways you might have received God’s will and ignored it?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for specific guidance and the discipline to follow it

Family Devotional: Read verse 10.  What is God’s will? How can he teach it to you? If you do God’s will, how will that make your life like level ground?

Psalm 145: Praying with Reliance

What descriptive words and phrases are used to describe God?

What phrases suggest God is reliable?

How does God help those in need (v. 14-20)?

How much do you trust God’s reliability? Why is it a challenge sometimes?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for his total faithfulness

Family Devotional: Read v. 18-20. What does it mean to call on God? To fear God? To love God? How do these actions affect God’s approach to us?

Psalm 146: Praying with Hope

How does this psalm compare hope in God with hope in people?

The psalmist mentions eight kinds of circumstances that might seem hopeless. What are they?

How does God respond to people in each of these situations?

Which of these eight images do you most strongly relate to? How have you seen God respond in hopeless situations?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for being the only true source of hope

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-6. In what ways do we put our trust in people? Why is it better to put our trust in God?

Psalm 148: Praying with Praise

What two major groups are singing God’s praise (v. 1-6, 7-12)?

Is this merely symbolic, or is there some way in which these things actually praise God?

Why praise God at all (v. 5-6, 13-14)?

Do you look forward to heaven, where this psalm will find its fulfillment, or does that thought sound boring? What does this reveal about your own level of delight in God?

Prayer Focus: For the unsaved people you know to join you in praising God

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-6. As you look at the world around you, how does it show God’s glory? How does it show his strength?

Psalm 150: Praying our Worship

Where are we to praise the Lord (v. 1)? What do those images mean?

Why are we to praise the Lord (v. 2)?

How are we to praise the Lord (v. 3-5)? How do these methods translate to modern life?

Why do you praise God? Is it just for his power and greatness specifically in blessing you?

Prayer Focus: Praise God!

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-6. Why should your family praise God? How can your family praise God in your own unique way?  Praise him together!

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/aug-2-8.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 126: Praying with Joy

This is a song of celebration by the Jewish exiles returning from Babylon to Jerusalem. What imagery is used in verses 1-2 to describe their joy?

How do verses 4-6 reflect a cause-effect relationship?

How are sadness and joy intertwined (v. 5-6)?

What are some “great things” the Lord has done for you? Do you praise him for those things?

Prayer Focus: Take time to praise the Lord for what he’s done in your life.

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-4. The people are praising God for what he’s done, and asking him to do more. What are some great things God has done in your family? What are things you still want him to do?

(Tuesday) Psalm 130: Praying with Hope

The psalm begins with a cry from “out of the depths” (v. 1). What images does this bring to mind?

What is the relationship between waiting and hope (v. 5)?

What reasons does the psalmist give for hoping in the Lord (v. 7-8)?

How does the Lord bring you hope in your own life?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for being the ultimate source of hope

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-7.  What does “redemption” mean? How does God’s redemption show his love and bring us hope?

(Wednesday) Psalm 137: Praying our Hate

Contrast the beauty of verses 1-6 with the ugliness of verses 7-9.

Is the writer’s rhetorical question in verse 4 valid?

The writer is expressing self-pity (v. 1-6) and anger (v. 7-9).  How does praying our sinful emotions start to heal them? What is still required that the psalmist doesn’t include?

Contrast this approach to enemies to the approach of Jesus (Matt. 5:44). How well do you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you?

Prayer Focus: Confess any hatred or bitterness to the Lord, repent, and ask for forgiveness.

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-4.  Have people made fun of you before? How did you respond? How does Jesus want us to respond (Matt. 5:44)?

(Thursday) Psalm 139: Praying our Creation

According to the psalmist, what specific things does the Lord know about us (v. 1-6)?

God’s knowledge of us is wonderful (v. 6), so why do we want to flee from his presence (v. 7-12)?

What words are used to describe God’s artistry in making us (v. 13-16)?

How do you try to hide your true self from God?

Prayer Focus: Put verses 23-24 in your own words and pray them to God

Family Devotional: Read verses 14-16. How does it make you feel to know that God personally designed you, and decided what every part of you would look like and act like?

(Friday) Psalm 142: Praying through Desperation

David wrote this psalm in a cave, hiding from King Saul. What phrases and images does he use to describe the situation he’s in (v. 3, 6, 7)?

What contrast do you see between David’s experiences with people and his experiences with God?

How does his view of personal power compare with his view of God’s power?

In times of desperation, how would it help you to have a healthy perspective on your power and God’s power?

Prayer Focus: Cry out to God with any desperation you feel in life

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-6. What does it mean that God is a “refuge?”  Have you ever felt overpowered by a situation in life? How could God’s power overcome it?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/jul-26-aug-1.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 115: Praying with Praise

How do the idols that others worship compare to the God that Israel worships (v. 1-8)?

Why should Israel (and we) trust the Lord (v. 9-11)?

Who will the Lord bless, and how (v. 12-15)?

For what have you trusted God alone to provide? How did God prove to be your help and shield?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for his provision, and ask him to help you turn away from modern-day idols

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-9. What are some “idols” in this world you trust instead of God to provide for you? How does this psalm describe them? How does it describe God?

(Tuesday) Psalm 118: Praying God’s Love

What double and triple repetitions do you see in this psalm? What are they emphasizing?

What has the Lord done for the king and the people in his love (v. 5-21)?

What is the significance of the capstone (v. 22) which is being celebrated on this day (v. 23)? How is Jesus like this capstone?

How has God shown his love to you by giving you help, strength, and salvation?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the day he has made (v. 24)

Family Devotional: Read verses 22-24. The early church sang this psalm, and used the rejected stone as a picture of Jesus. How was Jesus rejected? How did he become the capstone of the world? How does he want you to follow his example?

(Wednesday) Psalm 119: Praying for God’s Wisdom

What are the consequences of not knowing or following God’s word (v. 5-6, 9-11, 21-22)?

What benefits come from prayer and meditation (v. 32-40)?

What is God’s word contrasted with (v. 113, 123, 143, 161)?

How faithful are you in studying and meditating on God’s word? How is your prayer and life improved with a greater understanding of Scripture?

Prayer Focus: Pray for greater discipline and joy in studying God’s word

Family Devotional: 32-40. How does God’s word help us? Can you think of a specific verse that would apply to your family’s life right now? Pray through it together.

(Thursday) Psalm 121: Praying with Assurance

What words and phrases are repeated in this psalm?

How does the second verse in each pair (v. 2,4,6,8) expand on the theme of the first verse (1,3,5,7)?

What kind of help does God provide for his people on their journey?

All of us have experienced harm. How do we reconcile this with verses 6-7?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for his constant sovereign care

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-4. Has there been a time in your family’s life when it felt like God was asleep? How might he have been awake and working without you knowing about it?

(Friday) Psalm 122: Praying with Peace

What was it like for these worshipers to go to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem (Mt Zion)?

Describe the city of Jerusalem (v. 3-5).

What does the psalmist pray to be given to the city (v. 6-9)?

The psalmist prays for God’s shalom (peace, wholeness, justice – like the Hawaiian idea of pono) to rule over the city. What would be different if his shalom ruled over your neighborhood?

Prayer Focus: Pray for God’s shalom in your family and city

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-8. Where does there need to be more of God’s peace in your neighborhood or city? Pray as a family for God’s peace to rule.

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/jul-19-25.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 103: Praying our Salvation

What five actions of God are part of salvation (v. 3-5)?

What incredible statements about God does the writer make in verses 8-14?

What is the contrast between u(v. 15-16) and God (v. 17-19)?

How has God satisfied you with his goodness (v. 5)?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for the many different facets of his salvation

Family Devotional: Read verses 8-13. What does God promise to do for his children? What is one sin in your life that you need God’s forgiveness for?

(Tuesday) Psalm 104: Praying for God’s Creation

What different elements of earth’s creation show God at work (v. 2-9)? What do they reveal?

How is there an orderliness to what God has created (v. 19-26)? How does God take care of his creation (v. 27-30)?

What responses does God’s creation inspire in the writer (v. 31-35)?

How does God’s creation inspire you to respond to him?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the glory of his creation.

Family Devotional: Read verses 24-30. How does God take care of the things he has made? How has God taken care of your family? Are there any ways you are praying for more of God’s care?

(Wednesday) Psalm 107: Praying God’s Goodness

The psalmist gives four illustrations of God’s goodness in verses 4-9, 10-16, 17-22, and 23-32. What do each of these illustrations have in common?

How does God bring both trial and relief (v. 23-32)?

What are some ways we should give thanks to God for his goodness (v. 22, 32)?

How likely are you to call out to God in the midst of your trouble? How often do you see his goodness in the middle of it?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for his goodness and unfailing love.

Family Devotional: Read verses 23-32. Why would God cause a storm to frighten his people? How does he prove his goodness? What should be our response?

(Thursday) Psalm 109: Praying our Anger

What painful experiences is the author responding to (v. 2-5)?

What does the author ask God to do to his enemies (v. 6-20, 28-29)?

What does the author want God to do for him (v. 20-26)?

How often do you express your anger to God? How does he bring healing?

Prayer Focus: What anger do you need to express today?

Family Devotional: Read verses 26-30. Are there people in your life who have hurt you? What are some things you can pray for them, like the writer prayed?

(Friday) Psalm 110: Praying with Submission

Who is the psalmist referring to as “my Lord” (v. 1, see Matthew 22:41-45)? How will that Lord rule, and over whom (v. 1-3, 5, 6)?

What is significant about the Lord swearing with a covenant oath (v. 4, Heb 6:16-18, 7:20-22)?

What is significant about this Lord sitting at the right hand of God (v. 1,5)?

The troops give their lives to the Lord (v. 3). What are you willing to give up for him right now?

Prayer Focus: What areas of your life need to be submitted to this Lord?

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-2. This psalm is talking about Jesus ruling over the earth. What things would you like him to change about the earth? Pray about those things together

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/jul-12-18.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 95: Praying for Rest

Where does the psalmist envision God ruling as Lord and King (v. 3-5)? How does this bring us peace and rest?

Meribah and Massah are places where the Israelites rebelled in the desert and tested the Lord about whether or not he was with them (v. 8-9). What happened as a result of that testing (v. 10-11)?

What is the “rest” from which the Israelites were banned, but later generations would enjoy (v. 11)?

Have you encountered seasons of life with little rest? How might God have been disciplining you, as he did the Israelites?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you long for his eternal rest even more than you already do

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-5. How has God displayed his power and control over the world? What is one thing happening in your life where you need him to show his power? How will this bring you rest?

(Tuesday) Psalm 96: Praying With Worship

What  incredible deeds (v. 3) would prompt a believer to sing God’s praise?

Why is the Lord entitled to praise (v. 4-6, 10, 13)?

Who is called to ascribe glory to God (v. 7-13)?

In light of this universal call to praise, what is a method, means, or style of worship that is unfamiliar or uncomfortable to you, but equally valid to your own?

Prayer Focus: Pray that an unbeliever you know would join you in praise

Family Devotional: Read verses 11-13. Why should everyone on earth be glad about God’s coming? How can you help the people you know to praise God?

(Wednesday) Psalm 99: Praying to the King

The Lord is described with seven different characteristics (the number of completion). What are they?

What verbs are used in this psalm to describe how we should respond to the king?

Look at the causes and effects. Why should God’s people worship the Lord (v. 4-8)?

Most people today approach God very casually. How does this psalm confront that attitude?

Prayer Focus: Pray for a deep understanding of God’s majesty, holiness, and sovereignty.

Family Devotional: Read verse 8. How can God be forgiving, even when he punishes us? Why does God discipline us?

(Thursday) Psalm 100: Praying our Humanity

According to this psalm, who is God and what is he like?

According to this psalm, who are we?

What things are we expected to do in response to God?

How would it change your everyday life if you understood every moment that you are God’s?

Prayer Focus: Enter God’s gates with thanksgiving for his lordship

Family Devotional: Read verses 203. The writer says that we belong to God. What does that mean? How should that affect the way we live our everyday lives?

(Friday) Psalm 102: Praying over Grief

How does the writer describe his current physical and emotional state (v. 2-11)?

The psalmist seems to have mixed feelings about God. What negative sentiments does he express (v. 8, 10, 23)? What positive perspectives (v. 12-22, 25-28)?

What is it about times of grief that might create these mixed feelings?

How do the psalmist’s descriptions compare with your own experiences of grief?

Prayer Focus: Honestly express your feelings of grief and your mixed emotions to God

Family Devotional: Read verses 8-12. When was a time when things were so difficult that it seemed like you were “eating ashes for food?” What should you remember about God? How would this help?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/july-5-11.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 84: Praying with Yearning

What is the psalmist longing and yearning for (v. 2-3, 10?)

The “Valley of Baca” was a dry stretch of desert that brought tears of pain to pilgrims who had to travel through it on their way to Jerusalem. How is it used as a spiritual metaphor (v. 5-7)?

What are the benefits of trusting God as this psalmist does (v. 11-12)?

How much do you long for God? What other things in life might be dulling your desire for him?

Prayer Focus: Express your longing for God to him

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-2. What do you appreciate most about God? When are the times when you long and yearn for him?

(Tuesday) Psalm 86: Praying with Dependence

List the many requests the psalmist makes of God.

What are some specific statements made about God in this psalm?

How does the psalmist show his dependence on God?

What level of dependence do you have on God? On your own abilities and wisdom?

Prayer Focus: Express your true need for God in everything

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-5. How does God bring you joy? How do you experience his love? Why is his forgiveness and grace so amazing?

(Wednesday) Psalm 88: Praying with Despair

What evidence of despair is there in this psalm? The last verse ends with unresolved questions, which is unusual for a psalm. Why is this acceptable?

The writer blames God for his situation. What does he say (v. 6-9, 15-18)?

The psalmist continues to talk to God, even in spite of his feelings of betrayal. What does this say about his relationship with God?

What kinds of things do you blame God for in your heart? Do you express your sinful mistrust openly to him, like the psalmist does here?

Prayer Focus: Confess your disappointments or even despair to God

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-5. What kind of disappointments do you have with God right now? How can you confess these things to him openly?

(Thursday) Psalm 90: Praying our Death

In verses 1-4, how does the writer put death in the context of God’s sovereign plan?

What effects does God’s anger have on our lives (v. 7-11)?

Study the verbs in verses 14-17. Which are the most important?

Plato believed that philosophy was nothing more than a study of death. In the Middle Ages, priests concentrated on preparing you for a good death. How does you contemplation of death affect the way you live your life now?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to make you more aware of death so you can be more fruitful in life

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-6. Our lives might seem long, but they are actually very short. How should this truth affect the way you live your life?

(Friday) Psalm 94: Praying our Anger

The psalmist refers to God as the judge who avenges (v. 1-2). What does this mean?

Verse 16 expresses the writer’s main concern. What is it?

In verses 17, the psalmist describes the source of his anger. What fears and dangers led to it?

When you’re feeling powerless, how would it help to know that God is the judge?

Prayer Focus: Confess your feelings of anger, either present or in the past, to God.

Family Devotional: Read verses 18-19. What kinds of things make you feel anxious and worried? What’s the best way God could support you and bring you joy?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/jun-28-july-4.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 65: Praying with Gratitude

In verse 5, God is called “our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas.” In what ways is God the hope of all the earth?

The psalmist mentions several of God’s awesome deeds in verses 6 and 7. What other awesome deeds might you add to the list?

Verse 8 offers a picture of the fears and joys common to all people of the earth. How do God’s wonders cause us to experience fear? How do his wonders call forth songs of joy?

What does God’s care for the earth (v. 9-13) imply for his care for us?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for his compassionate care

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-8. What is your favorite part of God’s creation (mountains, seas, etc.)? How does it reflect God’s power? Why should it bring us fear and joy?

(Tuesday) Psalm 66: Praying with Joy

What actions does the writer call us to (v. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 16)?

What reasons does the the writer give for his joy (v. 8-12)?

What has the Lord done for the author (v. 16-20)?

How has God tested you (v. 10)? Did this bring praise or protest to your lips?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for his gift of joy

Family Devotional: Read verses 18-19. What are some sins that are easy for us to “cherish”? Why would they keep our prayers from being heard?

(Wednesday) Psalm 67: Praying about God’s Love

What effects should God’s blessing in our lives (v. 1) have on our relationship to the world (v. 2)?

Identify the blessings the Lord wants to bring to the nations.

What does this Psalm reveal about how God regards the nations?

What would these blessings look like in your own neighborhood?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to make you a pathway for his blessing to the nations.

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-2. How does God bless your family? How can you use these blessings to make God known to the rest of the world?

(Thursday) Psalm 73: Praying our Doubt

What kind of doubts are expressed in verses 2-12? What kind of self-pity is expressed in verses 13-14?

The turning point in the psalm is the word “until” in verse 17. What realization takes place there?

The word “nevertheless” (or “yet”) in verse 23 links two contrasting statements. What are they?

The prosperity of the wicked occupies the psalmist’s mind for the first half of the psalm, then it’s the presence of the Lord. Which topic (injustice in the world or God’s sovereignty) occupies your thoughts?

Prayer Focus: Spend time experiencing God’s presence, then allow him to shape your view of the world

Family Devotional: Read verses 25-26. What are things you desire in life? Why are they nothing compared to God? What different kind of happiness does he bring from everything else in this world?

(Friday) Psalm 77: Praying our Discontent

Why does the psalmist groan at the memory of God (v. 3-9)?

How does the tone of the passage change in verses 10-15? What is the source of the change?

How do verses 16-20 emphasize God’s power?

When have you been too troubled to speak? How could this Psalm challenge and encourage you?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for contentment and satisfaction in him alone

Family Devotional: Read verses 7-12. What has the Lord done for your family? How can these memories encourage you when things seem bad?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/jun-21-27.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 50: Praying our Thanks

God does not say that sacrifices are wrong (v. 8), but what does he want the people to understand about their offerings to him (v. 9-15)?

How does the tone of verses 16-22 change? What evil deeds have the wicked done?

How would offering thanks help them to understand salvation (v. 14-15, 23)?

How often do you thank God? What do you thank him for?

Prayer Focus: Make a thank-offering to God through praise and prayer

Family Devotional: Read verse 14-15. What does your family have to thank God for? How can you show him your gratitude? What will be the result, according to verse 15?

(Tuesday) Psalm 55: Praying our Feelings

What seems to be causing David to suffer (v. 12-15, 20-21)?

What does he expect God to do for him (v. 16-19, 22-23)?

What feelings are described in each section of this psalm (divided by the word “Selah”)?

How can our negative feelings be expressed to God in a healthy way?

Prayer Focus: Honestly confess your concerns, worries, and doubts to God and ask for greater trust.

Family Devotional: Read verses 22. What are some worries and cares that you need to confess to God? What does he promise to do in response?

(Wednesday) Psalm 57: Praying over Distress

In his time of distress, David cried out to God (v. 2). What does this mean?

What metaphors does David use in verse 4 to describe the danger he is in?

How did God intervene for David in his time of distress (v. 3,6)?

How might this psalm encourage you during times of distress?

Prayer Focus: David responds to God’s care with praise in verses 9-11. Offer your own praises to God.

Family Devotional: Read verses 9-11. What does it mean to praise God among the nations, and sing of him among the peoples? How can your family do that in your everyday lives?

(Thursday) Psalm 62: Praying with Trust

What does it mean for a soul to find rest in God alone (v. 1, 5)?

In verse 8, the psalmist draws a parallel between trusting in God and pouring out one’s heart to God. How are these related?

Verse 10 warns against trusting in material wealth. Why is this such a strong temptation?

Where else are you tempted to place your trust, other than God?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for greater trust in him alone

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-8. What does it mean to trust God alone? What other things do we put our trust in besides God?

(Friday) Psalm 63: Praying with Longing

How does David contrast his present desperate thirst for God (v. 1) with past experiences of God (v. 2-3)?

David says he will seek God (v. 1), remember God (v. 6), and cling to God (v. 8). What does it mean to seek God?

What does it mean to cling to God?

Are you desperately thirsty for God right now (v. 1), or are you satisfied by him as “with the richest of foods” (v. 5)? Why?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for deep satisfaction in him alone.

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-3. What’s your favorite thing to do in the world? What’s your favorite thing you own? How is God’s love better than all those things, even life?