Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/jun-14-20.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 32: Praying for Forgiveness

How did David’s unconfessed sin affect him (v. 3-4)? Does it affect you the same way?

How does David respond to God’s forgiveness (v. 6-11)?

David experienced a sense of protection after receiving forgiveness (v. 7). How might unconfessed sin have made him feel vulnerable and exposed?

Are there sins in your life which you haven’t confessed to God?

Prayer Focus: Confess your sin, and experience God’s forgiveness

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-6. Why should we confess our sins to God? What kind of sins should we confess? How will God respond?

(Tuesday) Psalm 34: Praying for Deliverance

What does God do for those who seek his help (v. 1-10)?

What does it mean to “taste and see that the Lord is good?”

Describe a righteous person, according to verses 11-22.

We know that we fear the Lord when we are ready to give up anything for him (see Genesis 22). Do you fear the Lord?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you know his goodness with all your senses.

Family Devotional: Read verses 8-10. Fearing the Lord means being ready to give up anything for him. Do you fear the Lord? What does God promise to those who fear and seek him?

(Wednesday) Psalm 35: Praying for Protection

What reasons does David give for being so hurt and angry (v. 4,7,11,16,19-21)?

What do verses 11-16 reveal about David’s enemies?

What does David’s question, “How long, O Lord, will you look on?” reveal about David’s attitude toward God at this point?

David chooses to be merciful toward his enemies (v. 12-14), even though his good is repaid by evil. Are you able to choose mercy even toward people who hurt you?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for protection from and mercy toward those who hurt you

Family Devotional: Read verses 12-14. David chooses to be kind and loving toward people who hurt him. How can you act the same way toward people who hurt you?

(Thursday) Psalm 44: Praying about God’s Silence

How does the writer contrast God’s actions in the past (v. 1-8) with God’s actions in the present (9-16)?

The psalmist argues that he and his people are experience a situation that’s unfair (v. 17-22). What does he accuse God of (v. 23-24)?

In the final phrase of the psalm (v. 26), the writer appeals to God’s unfailing love. How does this truth shade the rest of the psalm?

How have you experienced God’s silence? How have you experienced his unfailing love?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to remind you of his love while you wait for his voice

Family Devotional: Read verses 23-26. Does God ever sleep? Why would it seem like he was asleep? What truth should we remember when it seems like that?

(Friday) Psalm 47: Praying for Devotion

What is the psalmist thankful for (v. 2-4)?

How is God described in each verse?

What actions of joy and gratitude do you see in these verses (v. 1, 5-7)?

The psalmist sings, claps, sacrifices, and invites others to share in praise. What ways can you outwardly show your joy in the Lord?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for the inner ability to praise him freely

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-2. What about God gives you joy? How can you express it (songs? artwork? telling other people?)

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/jun-7-13.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 10: Praying our Helplessness

The writer asks God why he is hiding. Why does this question arise mainly during times of trouble?

How does the author describe the person who is attacking him (v. 3-11)? What is the attitude of this wicked person?

How does the writer describe God and his actions on behalf of victims (v. 12, 14-18)?

The psalm begins with a seemingly absent God, but ends with God acting decisively. Which of these perspectives do you have toward God right now? Why?

Prayer Focus: Pray confidently for God to respond to your current needs and pains

Family Devotional: Read verses 12-18. How does God respond to wicked people? How does he defend his own children? How has he defended your family?

(Tuesday) Psalm 13: Praying our Self-Doubt

What are the author’s doubts (v. 1)? What are his reasons for sorrow (v. 2)?

What kind of relationship with God does the writer reveal?

How is it possible to doubt (v. 1) and trust (v. 5) at the same time?

How often do you express your doubts to God? How can they be transformed by trust?

Prayer Focus: Express doubt and confidence to God

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-6. Have you ever felt like God was hiding his face from you? Why? Why can we trust God even when it seems like he’s nowhere around?

(Wednesday) Psalm 18: Praying for Justice

What does God to to enemies (v. 7-15)? What does he do to help David (v.16-19)? Why (v. 20-24)?

What was David’s part in securing this victory in cooperation with God (v. 25-29)?

How does the conclusion of this psalm (v. 46-50) compare with the beginning? What does this tell you about God the warrior?

Think about the fights God might be preparing you for. What equipping do you need? Where can God strengthen a particular weakness in you?

Prayer Focus: Trust God to fight evil and defeat his enemies. Praise him for the ways you’ve already seen him do this.

Family Devotional: Read verses 16-24. Have you ever felt like you were in “deep waters” in life? How does God respond during those times to people who are faithful to him?

(Thursday) Psalm 22: Praying over Anguish

This is the most quoted psalm in the New Testament, including the powerful words of Christ from the cross (Matthew 27:46). WHat were David and Jesus experiencing when they prayed this prayer (v. 1-2, 6-8)?

What are the psalmist’s attackers like (v. 12-18)? What does he pray for (v. 11, 19-21)?

Who joins him in praise (v. 23, 26-31)? Why?

What kind of violent scenes does the psalmist describe? How are they metaphors for conflict in your own life? How should you respond to them?

Prayer Focus: Honestly pour out your anguish to God, trusting him to deliver you even thought it might seem he has abandoned you.

Family Devotional: Read verses 19-24. What are some ways you need God to protect or deliver your family? How should you respond when he does?

(Friday) Psalm 24: Praying our Ascension

What kind of person may enter the Lord’s sanctuary (v. 3-6)? How does God make us clean and pure?

Who is this “King of glory,” and how is he described?

What has he done as the Lord of creation (v. 1) and God of Jacob (v. 6)?

What steps in preparation for worship does this psalm suggest?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to make you clean and pure in order to worship him

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-6. Does anyone really have clean hands and a pure heart? So how is it possible for us to approach God? What will we receive from God?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/may-31-june-6.pdf

(Monday) Psalm 1: Praying our Inattention

What significance do you see in the progression from walk to sit to stand (v. 1)?

The law of the Lord is contrasted with the words counsel, way, and seat. What does this contrast bring out?

How are law-delighting people like trees (v. 3)? How are the wicked like chaff (v. 4-6)?

How do these contrasts motivate you to delight in God’s word?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for true delight in the times you spend in his word.

Family Devotional: Read verses 2-4. How does God’s word make us solid and fruitful, like a tree? How might we “blow away” like chaff and dust if we didn’t pay attention to God’s word?

(Tuesday) Psalm 2: Praying our Intimidation

“Anointed” (v. 2) is a translation of the Hebrew word Messiah. What in this psalm points toward Jesus?

How does the Lord view the proclaimed power of the nations (v. 4-6)?

The psalm begins and ends with references to kings and rulers. How do they relate to the King enthroned by the Lord (v. 6)?

How do you approach politics? How does this psalm affect your approach?

Prayer Focus: Pray for our rulers, that they might “serve the Lord with fear.”

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-6. Who is the true king of the earth? Why do people go against him? How does God respond?

(Wednesday) Psalm 3: Praying about Trouble

Salvation/deliverance is a repeated theme throughout this psalm. What do we learn about it?

What progression of thought do you see (from v. 1-2 to v. 3-4, 5-6, 7, 8)?

What action does God take? What action does David take?

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by threatening people or circumstances? How does David’s response encourage you?

Prayer Focus: Pray slowly through verses 6-8.

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-3. Have you ever had people rise against you? Why? How should you respond?

(Thursday) Psalm 6: Praying our Tears

Compare the first verse with the last. Are the tears because of the Lord or the enemies? Why?

How many different ways is weeping expressed (v. 6-7)?

In verses 8-9, there are three concepts in parallel: weeping, plea, and prayer. How do these relate to each other?

Tears are usually considered that something is wrong with us: depression, unhappiness, or frustration. We try to avoid or resolve them. When are tears necessary evidence of something right?

Prayer Focus: Weep over your sin and pain with the Lord.

Family Devotional: Read verses 8-10. When is it OK to cry? What things should we be crying about? How does God respond to our tears?

(Friday) Psalm 8: Praying over Creation

Notice every word that describes what God has created. How do these things reveal God’s glory?

What response should we have toward God by viewing his creation (see Romans 1)?

What evidence do we have that God cares for us?

Do you tend to view yourself as closer to the “heavenly beings” or the “beasts of the field”? How does this psalm bring balance to your view of yourself?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for his creation, and his unique relationship with us

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-5. How can children praise God? Why should we praise God, according to this psalm?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/may-24-30.pdf

(Monday) Isaiah 53: Wounded Healer

How do verses 4-6 explain the servant’s sufferings? How did the servant conduct himself in the midst of his suffering (v. 7-9)?

What will be the result of the servant’s suffering (v. 10-12)?

Compare 1 Peter 2:21-25 to Isaiah 53. What are the parallels?

Some call this chapter the “burning heart” of the Bible. How do you respond to this graphic description of how Christ suffered for you?

Prayer Focus: Praise Jesus for his suffering on your behalf

Family Devotional: Read verses 4-6. Jesus died to take the punishment for our sin. Why must sin be punished? What sins of yours did Jesus take on himself? What does it mean that we are healed by him?

(Tuesday) Isaiah 55: The End of it All

An amazing offer is extended in verses 1-5. Who is invited and what are the invited to?

A note of urgency is introduced in verses 6-7. How do theses verses outline the nature of true repentance?

What transformations do God’s thoughts and words achieve (v. 8-13)?

Our lives are short, and the opportunity to “seek the Lord” is limited. How do you need to seek him more this week?

Prayer Focus:  Seek the Lord’s grace, wisdom, and strength.

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-9. How can we seek the Lord in our family? What evil do we need to forsake? How can we praise God for his high glory more?

(Wednesday) Isaiah 61: The Coming Comforter and Judge

The ministry of Jesus will have two aspects in the last days (v. 1-3). What will they be?

How do verses 4-9 depict Zion’s transformed situation?

How are the two metaphors for righteousness in the song of verses 10-11 appropriate?

There is a strong emphasis on “righteousness” (v. 3, 10-11) and “justice” (v. 8). Does God’s justice comfort you or frighten you? Why?

Prayer Focus: Thank God for his power and justice

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-3. These verses describe Jesus. How does he give freedom to captives? How does he comfort those who mourn? How does he bring God’s vengeance?

(Thursday) Ezekiel 38: The Coming Judgment

What does God say about Gog and Magog (v. 1-4)? Compare this to Revelations 20:8-9.

How is Israel described at this time (v. 11, 14)? What happens to them (v. 15-16)?

What will God reveal about himself through these events (v. 19-23)?

What response does God intend us to have when reading accounts of his coming wrath?

Prayer Focus: Confess sin and thank God for his grace, which removes wrath from his children

Family Devotional: Read verses 14-16. What does it mean to be holy? God can show how holy he is, even by using an unholy nation like Gog. How is that possible? How can God use unholy people like us?

(Friday) Zechariah 14: The Day of the Lord

Verses 1-15 describe the final battle against Jerusalem (see also 12:1-9). Why do you think the Lord allows the city to be plundered before he intervenes (v. 1-2)?

When the Lord returns to the Mount of Olives, what dramatic events will occur (v. 3-11)?

How will the Divine Warrior destroy the nations that come against Jerusalem (v. 12-15)? In what ways will Jerusalem become the geographic and religious center of the earth (v. 9-21)?

Worship and celebration will be the central events of life on earth after the Lord’s return (v. 16). To what extent do these activities characterize your life on earth right now?

Prayer Focus: Worship the Lord for being “king over all the earth.”

Family Devotional: Read verses 20-22. This describes life at the end of the age. What would life be like if everyone worshiped God, and there were no evil people in the world?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/may-17-23.pdf

(Monday) Job 1-2: Is God Unfair?

What indications are there that Job’s righteousness was not directly related to his being blessed with material prosperity (1:1-8)?

Why would God agree to allow Job to be tested? What about himself would he prove?

How does Job react to the first test (1:20-22)? The second test (2:7-10)?

Read Romans 8:28-29. Why does God allow suffering in our lives?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for the ability to accept both good and trouble from him.

Family Devotional: Read 2:1-10. Sometimes God allows bad things to happen to us to make us more holy. How did Job respond? How did his wife respond? How hard is it for you to accept trouble from God?

(Tuesday) Job 38: God Speaks to Job

God is responding to Job’s defense of himself in chapters 26-31, where he declared his righteousness. Why does God list so many things that Job cannot do?

What kinds of things are under God’s control?

What effect will all these questions have on Job’s view of God and himself?

What if God responded to your every complaint the same way? How would that change things?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for his glory, power, and compassion (v. 41)

Family Devotional: Read verses 34-41. How does God show his strength and power in this passage? His compassion? How does he show these things in your family’s life?

(Wednesday) Job 42: Happy Ending

What words does Job use to describe his direct experience of God (v. 1-6)? What does Job now know about God and himself?

How do you think Job would now answer the question, “Why are you suffering?” How would you?

Does Job’s material success at the end of the story constitute a promise for us? Why or why not?

How should we view gain and loss, in light of Job’s experience?

Prayer Focus: Repent for the times you have complained against God (v. 5-6)

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-6. What does Job say about God’s power and control? What is Job’s response to this truth (v. 6)? How should we imitate Job?

(Thursday) Isaiah 40: Who’s in Charge?

A tender voice speaks to God’s people in verses 1 and 2. Contrast the affirmation here with the second voice raised in verses 6-8.

In what different ways is the incomparable greatness of God affirmed by the questions and statements in verses 12-17 and 21-26?

How does the prophet answer Israel’s complaint in verse 27?

In what way is the truth of verses 3-5 an encouragement to you? In what way is it a warning?

Prayer Focus: Make verses 28-31 your prayer.

Family Devotional: Read verses 27-31. Do you ever feel like God is ignoring you? How does Isaiah answer that idea? How can he give strength to the weary?

(Friday) Isaiah 52: The Suffering Servant

What is the Lord going to do to save his people (v. 10)?

How do we know God is talking about the Messiah (v. 13)?

What reaction do many people have to the servant (v. 14-15)?

In what way has the Messiah “sprinkled many nations” (v. 15)? In what way has he sprinkled you?

Prayer Focus: Lift up and exalt the Messiah who suffered for you.

Family Devotional: Read verse 7. How can your family proclaim peace and salvation to the people God has put in your lives?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/may-10-16.pdf

(Monday) Zechariah 8: Raising Sights

What effects will the Lord have on Jerusalem and its inhabitants when he returns (v. 1-8)?

How will the future days be different from the former days for the inhabitants of the city (v. 9-13)?

How should God’s graciousness affect his people morally and spiritually (v. 14-19)?

The promises of verse 20-23 have yet to be fulfilled. What should we be looking forward to?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for his constant presence with us through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:14-19)

Family Devotional: Read verses 14-17. When God gives us love and mercy, he expects us to respond by acting a certain way. According to these verses, what should we be doing?

(Tuesday) Nehemiah 2: A Man for All Seasons

If you haven’t read Nehemiah in a while, read chapter 1. What does he do that leads to the well-thought-out plan he proposes in 2:1-9?

What evidence of thoroughness do you find in verses 11-16? Why is Nehemiah so confident (v. 17-20)?

What makes it reasonable for Nehemiah to be so hard-line with the officials (v. 18-20)?

Would you be able to say “the hand of my God is upon me” (v. 18) in the things you do?

Prayer Focus: Courage to follow God in big things where there might be opposition

Family Devotional: Read verses 1-5. When is it OK to be sad, like Nehemiah was? What did Nehemiah do about it? What should we do?

(Wednesday) Nehemiah 8: Mourning into Joy

What statements show the reverence of the people as they receive the Word of God (v. 3-12)?

What’s the difference between the first assembly (v. 2-3) and the second (v. 13)?

Verse 17 says the people had great joy. What was the reason for this?

How much joy does obedience to God’s word bring you? Why?

Prayer Focus: Celebrate God’s provision, especially of his word.

Family Devotional: Read verses 13-17. During this holiday, the Feast of Booths, the Israelites lived in tents for 7 days to remember the years when they wandered in the wilderness.  This inspired them to praise God for giving them a home in Israel. What can you thank God for? How would you act it out to help remember?

(Thursday) Esther 4: A Race‘s Survival

Describe Mordecai’s response in verses 1-3 to the plot to kill all the Jews. What plan did he come up with (v. 6-8)? Why was he so confident in his plan?

What is Esther’s first reaction (v. 9-11)? How does Mordecai persuade her (v. 12-14)?

How do we see God’s sovereignty and human responsibility working together in this chapter?

Is there any situation you’re facing where doing God’s will entails some level of risk? How can you respond similarly to Mordecai and Esther?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for a heart ready to do his will, no matter the risk.

Family Devotional: Read verses 7-14. How did God put Queen Esther in exactly the right place to save her people? What kind of places of has God put your family to influence others? How can you respond?

(Friday) Malachi 2: Low-grade Disappointment

After the Jews returned to Israel, they became unfaithful again. What had they done (v. 1-9)?

How did their actions offend God (v. 10-16)?

God uses the pictures of marriage and divorce to describe his relationship with his people. How are they apt metaphors?

The people of Judah went through the motions of worship, but their hearts were far from God. How do you exhibit the same tendencies?

Prayer Focus: Confess attitudes and actions that you know are offensive to God.

Family Devotional: Read verses 7-9. Since we are all called to be priests (1 Peter 2:9), what are our responsibilities according to Malachi? How might God discipline us if we fail to do this?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/may-3-9.pdf

(Monday) Daniel 3: Ordeal by Fire

What motivated Nebuchadnezzar to build the idol (v. 1-7)? What motivated the astrologers to report the disobedience of Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego (v. 8-12)?

In Nebuchadnezzar’s response, what evidence is there that his conflict was with God (v. 13-15, 19-23)?

What specific actions did God take to prove his power (v. 24-30)?

Some Christians believe that pain or sickness or trial are always the result of your own individual sin or lack of faith. How does this chapter shed light on that belief?

Prayer Focus: Pray for strength to stand boldly for God, even in the face of tangible consequences

Family Devotional: Read verse 8-12, about the idol King Nebuchadnezzar built. An idol is anything we rely on besides God. Can you think of some examples in our lives? How can we follow the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego?

(Tuesday) Daniel 5: Like Father, Like Son

Why would the Lord be angry about the king’s actions (v.  1-4, 22-23)? Why would none of the wise men be able to interpret his message (v. 7-9)?

Why did Daniel remind Belshazzar of how God dealt with Nebuchadnezzar (v. 18-21)?

Based on verses 29-30, do you think Belshazzar accepted Daniel’s interpretation as authoritative?

How can Daniel’s words inspire humility in us (v. 18-24)? How can they inspire courage?

Prayer Focus: Ask God for courage to deliver hard messages when needed

Family Devotional: Read verses 13-17. Who gave Daniel his wisdom? Why was he so eager to offer help without expecting anything in return? Are there things God has given us that we should be eager to use?

(Wednesday) Daniel 6: Daniel’s Longest Night

What do we learn about Daniel’s character from verses 1-5? From verse 10?

How does King Darius’ decree in verses 6-9 resemble the sins of his predecessors?

What kind of impact did Daniel have on the king (v. 14-20)? How did God prove his work in Daniel’s life (v. 21-24)?

What character traits do you see in Daniel that you would like God to instill in you?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for his work in Daniel’s life (v. 25-27), and pray for similar grace in your own.

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-12. When would it be OK to break the law, like Daniel did? Why should God be more important than anything else in the world?

(Thursday) Ezra 3: Home at Last

What was the first priority of the returned exiles (v. 1-2)? How did they deal with their fears (v. 3)?

What does the Israelites’ next project tell you about their priorities (v. 7-9)?

In what ways did the people express themselves in worship (v. 10-13)?

How can you foster a greater love for worship (Hebrews 10:25)?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you an uncontainable heart of continual worship

Family Devotional: Read verse 10-13. Why should we worship God? What things should we praise him for? Sing a worship song together as a family.

(Friday) Haggai 1: A Needed Boost

The returning Israelites had trouble maintaining their work on the temple. According to this chapter, what were their other priorities?

What did God have to say about their conflicting priorities (v. 3-8)?

What were the results of their wrong priorities (v. 9-11)? How did they turn (v. 12-15)?

Thinking realistically about your life, list your priorities. What do you spend the most time, energy, and resources on?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to make his priorities your priorities

Family Devotional: Read verses 3-6. God is confronting the Israelites for making their own desires more important than their obedience to God. In what ways do we do the same thing?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/apr-26-may-2.pdf

(Monday) Ezekiel 1: In Exile

Ezekiel is writing in Babylon, five years after the destruction of Jerusalem and exile of the Jews. A study-Bible or Bible handbook will help you understand the symbolism.

What do we learn about the character of God from this chapter (v. 1-24)?

Why would no form but the human form be appropriate to represent God visually (v. 25-28)?

God’s purpose was to encourage Ezekiel and the Jews in the midst of discipline. How might this chapter encourage you in the same way?

Prayer Focus: Use one image from this chapter to envision God. Praise him for what that image represents.

Family Devotional: Read verses 25-28. How do you usually picture God in your head? How is Ezekiel’s description similar or different?

(Tuesday) Ezekiel 2-3: Toughening Up

How does God empower Ezekiel to obey him (2:1-2, 3:12-15)? Why does he want Ezekiel to keep speaking even when people don’t listen (2:5)

What is the significance of Ezekiel “eating” God’s word (2:8, 3:2)?

Why is being a missionary to God’s people is so much harder than being a missionary to strangers outside (3:5-9)?

Why is this ministry so important (3:20-21)?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to show you how he might be leading you to a similar ministry

Family Devotional: Read 2:9-3:2. What do you think it means to “eat” God’s word? How can we do the same thing? Why would it taste sweet, like honey?

(Wednesday) Ezekiel 4: Write Large and Shout

What object lessons is Ezekiel instructed to use to communicate to the people of Jerusalem? Why would God choose to communicate this way?

The prophet is called to bear the sin of the people on his side (v. 4-8). What is this intended to communicate?

Whenever God appears to “change his mind,” it’s always to offer people mercy after he’s laid out his expectations. How does he show mercy here?

In what unusual ways has God pointed out the sin in your life?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to make your sin clearly obvious

Family Devotional: Read verses 4-8. God is showing how the sins of Israel have weighed upon him. In what ways do our sins weigh down God?

(Thursday) Ezekiel 37: Resurrection Time

What future does God present through both the vision (v. 1-14) and the living parable (v. 15-23)?

Ezekiel appears to believe that God could resurrect his people, but not the faith to believe God actually would resurrect his people. Why is it important for Ezekiel to speak to the dead bones (v. 4,7)?

What statements indicate that God has more in mind than mere physical restoration of the nation of Israel (v. 24-28)?

What hope does this give Christians today, who might see the state of Christianity as dried-up bones?

Prayer Focus: Pray for the renewal of God’s people, echoing verses 24-28.

Family Devotional: Read verses 11-15. God can bring dead people back to life. Why does this give us hope?

(Friday) Daniel 1: Enemy Employers

How did the king attempt to transform the Jewish men into Babylonians (v. 3-7)? Why did Daniel resist (v. 8-10)?

What steps did Daniel take to create an alternative to the king’s plan (v. 11-14)?

What did God give them that enabled success (v. 15-21)?

What criteria can we glean from this chapter about which worldly activities we should be involved in and which ones we shouldn’t?

Prayer Focus: Pray for discernment to know when you are taking on the world’s identity

Family Devotional:  Read verses 8-15. Sometimes we should stay away from certain things in the world that will take us away from God. Can you think of some examples?

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

(Monday) Jeremiah 31: Israel’s Future

What reasons does God give for restoring Israel (v. 3,9,20)?

What change of heart will Israel experience concerning their sin (v. 9, 18-19)?

How will the new covenant be different from the old (v. 31-34)? How long will God’s blessings last (v. 35-37)?

In what ways do you need to be restored to God?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to write his law more indelibly on your heart

Family Devotional: Read verse 33. What does it mean to have God’s law written on your heart? How does that make you one of God’s people?

(Tuesday) Jeremiah 38: Prophet’s Perils

As Judah is besieged by Babylon, what is the attitude of the king’s officials (v. 4-6, 27-28)? Of the king? (v. 5, 14-26)?

How does Jeremiah’s experience in the well mirror the experience of the king (v. 22-23)?

What personal and political reasons does Jeremiah give for Zedekiah to surrender (v. 14-23)?

Is there a situation in your life where God might be calling you to surrender your strength, pride, etc.?

Prayer Focus: Specifically surrender those things in your life to God.

Family Devotional: Read verses 4-13. Sometimes following God means others will mistreat us. How should respond in times like those?

(Wednesday) Habakkuk 1: Debating God

What is Habakkuk’s complaint to God (v. 2-4)?

What is amazing about the Lord’s answer (v. 5-11)?

How does Habakkuk respond (v. 12-17)?

Do you ever feel like God doesn’t care about injustice in your life or in the world around you? How does this passage affect those feelings?

Prayer Focus: Follow Habakkuk’s model and talk openly with God about injustice you see

Family Devotional: Read verse 12. God has promised he will discipline Israel by allowing Babylon to conquer it. Why does God discipline his people? What good does he hope will come out of it?

(Thursday) Lamentations 3: Poet In Shock

Why does the author feel so hopeless (v. 1-18)?

Why does his hopelessness turn to hope (v. 19-24)?

How does the author’s prayer relate to his suffering (v. 40-66?)

What aspects of God’s character turn your hopelessness into hope?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the hope he brings through specific attributes you appreciate about him.

Family Devotional: Read verse 19-24. What are some difficulties you have faced in life? How has God shown his mercy and love in new ways during those times?

(Friday) Obadiah: No Room to Gloat

Israel’s neighbor Edom (the descendants of Esau) took advantage of Jerusalem’s destruction. How did God respond?

What was Edom’s attitude toward the future (v. 3-4)? Why would they be destroyed (v. 10-14)?

How would God’s justice be carried out (v. 15-21?)

When have you been tempted to gloat over someone’s downfall? Why should we show sympathy and compassion instead?

Prayer Focus: Confess feelings of pride and superiority compared to others.

Family Devotional: Read verses 12-15. Has there ever been a time when you enjoyed watching someone else suffer? Why is this wrong? What will happen to all of us?

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

(Monday) Nahum 1: Enemy Justice

How can you reconcile the statement in verse 7 with the rest of the chapter?

What charges against Ninevah are found in verses 9-14?

This book was not written directly to Ninevites, but to Jewish readers. What might Nahum have intended the Jews to gain from hearing these words?

How should you respond today in the context of situations that anger God?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you be as horrified by sin and wickedness as he is

Family Devotional: Read verses 5-7. What angers God? How can Jesus take God’s anger away from our sin?

(Tuesday) Zephaniah 3: Rotten Ruling Class

What characterized Judah’s officials at this time (v. 1-5)? Was God’s judgment justified?

How did the people respond to God’s warning (v. 7)?

What did God promise his people for the future (v. 8-20)?

Which promise from this passage are you looking forward to the most? Why?

Prayer Focus: Using verse 2 to prompt you, confess any sins God is warning you about.

Family Devotional: Read verses 9-13. One day God will physically rule over the entire world. How will the earth be better when God purifies everyone on it?

(Wednesday) 2 Kings 22: Boy Wonder

What steps led to finding the book of the Law (v. 1-8)?

What is the proper response to revelation about our own disobedience (v. 9-13)?

What can be known about Huldah from verses 14-20?

What relationship do you see between our response to God’s law and our concept of God?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you the same sorrow over your sin as King Josiah displayed.

Family Devotional: Read verses 9-13. Most people don’t like rules, but King Josiah was sorrowful that they didn’t have rules. How can God’s rules be good to have?

(Thursday) Jeremiah 2: National Adultery

What signs of faithfulness did Israel show in verses 1-4? What changed in verses 5-8?

The Lord asks a very pointed question in verse 11. Why is it so common for God’s people to take up the worship of other idols?

How is the ridiculousness of idolatry brought out in verses 26-28?

What kinds of idols do you worship? How are they as ridiculous as the wooden idols the Israelites worshiped?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to point out your idols and give you strength to destroy them.

Family Devotional: Read verse 27. What are some things in this world we depend on to survive? How can we show God we depend on him even more?

(Friday) Jeremiah 15: Balky Prophet

Just a century earlier, Israel was the most powerful nation in the region under King Solomon. How does God change that as punishment for their sin (verses 1-4)?

God’s people don’t respond well to this message. How does this affect Jeremiah (verses 10, 15-18)?

How does God respond to these concerns (verses 11-14, 19-21)?

When was the last time you felt God leading you to deliver a difficult message? How did you respond?

Prayer Focus: Ask for strength to faithfully represent God’s love AND justice

Family Devotional: Read verses 19-21. Why won’t some people listen when we talk about God? How will God protect us when that happens?

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

(Monday) Micah 6: Pollution Spreads

What kinds of complaints against Israel does the Lord list in this chapter?

God requires the Israelites to sacrifice in worship, so why is he against it here (v. 6-8)?

How do the actions of the people (v. 9-12, 16) contrast with what God requires (v. 8)?

Are there ways your relationship with God has been reduced to performing certain actions? How does this chapter challenge you?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you embody verse 8.

Family Devotional: Read verse 8. What does it mean to do justice? To love kindness? To walk humbly? Do you do these things in your life?

(Tuesday) 2 Chronicles 30: Hezekiah’s Festival

What does this chapter teach about the remnant of faithful believers God always preserves (v. 6-12)?

What preceded the rejoicing of the people (v. 15-21)?

What characterized the celebrations (v. 22-27)?

When was the last time you felt ashamed before the Lord? Did his grace lead you to rejoicing?

Prayer Focus: Rejoice in God’s mercy and grace.

Family Devotional:  Read v. 6-9. How can parents and grandparents encourage you toward God? How can they disrupt your relationship with God? How should you respond?

(Wednesday) Isaiah 6: Power behind the Throne

Describe, in your own words, what Isaiah saw (v. 2-4).

What kind of reaction did this vision cause in Isaiah’s heart (v. 5)? How do verses 6-7 portray the gospel?

What kind of commission comes as the natural result of God’s grace (v. 8-10)?

What does this chapter tell you about God’s calling in your life?

Prayer Focus:  Ask God to humble you with his holiness, and uplift you with his grace.

Family Devotional: Read verse 1-5. What does it mean that God is holy? How should we respond to his holiness?

(Thursday) Isaiah 25: Eloquent Hope

How is God’s character described in verse 1?

What repeated adjective reveals the main target of God’s judgment in verses 2-5?

How does the image of the banquet in verses 6-8 affect your understanding of death for a believer?

How often do you have the kind of delighted response to God evident in verse 9?

Prayer Focus: Praise God for the marvelous things you have seen him do.

Family Devotional: Read verse 6-8. This describes what it will be like for believers after they die. How does this help you to fear death less and love God more?

(Friday) 2 Chronicles 32: Battlefield Lessons

What reminder gives the people confidence in the face of an impossible battle (v. 6-8)?

What specific tactics does the enemy use to try to discourage them (v. 9-19)?

How does Hezekiah respond to the miraculous deliverance of God (v. 24-25)?

How have you taken pride in God’s work as if it was your own?

Prayer Focus:  Thank God for his deliverance, and ask for humility to see it correctly.

Family Devotional: Read verses 6-8. What battles do you fight in life? In what ways can the Lord help you fight them?

Download PDF: http://www.harborhawaii.org/beta/wp-content/uploads/mar-29-apr-4.pdf

(Monday) Amos 4: Street-Corner Prophet

Bethel and Gilgal were centers of worship for the northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:26-33).  What was sinful about Israel’s worship at these places (v. 4-5)?

What words would you use to describe each of the judgments the Lord brought on Israel (v. 6-11)?

The chapter ends with a hymn describing the God Israel would meet in judgment (v. 13). What do you learn about God from each aspect of Amos’ description?

Is your worship an empty ritual? How can God change that?

Prayer focus: Use Amos’ hymn in verse 13 as a basis to spend a few minutes worshiping God.

Family Devotional: Read verse 13. What do you learn about God’s characteristics from this verse?

(Tuesday) Hosea 1, 3: Parable of Love

In chapter 1, how do the names of Hosea’s children play a key part in his message and ministry?

In the midst of the judgment of God, how would the reversal of the names in verses 1:10-2:1 give people hope?

How does chapter 3 portray God’s love?

The good news of 1:10-2:1 is realized today in Jesus Christ. How does the story of Hosea illustrate the gospel?

Prayer focus: Thank God for his firm love even when we wander away from him at times.

Family Devotional: Read Hosea 3:5. What does it mean to fear the Lord? How can fear of God lead us to experience his goodness?

(Wednesday) Hosea 11: Wounded Lover

How did the Lord treat Israel (v. 3-4)? Why does Israel respond to the Lord in this way (v. 1-7)?

Describe God’s anguish in v. 8-9. Why is the comparison of Israel to these other cities so disturbing?

Why will the Israelites finally respond to God’s call (v. 10-11)?

How are you affected by the descriptions of God’s emotions?

Prayer Focus: Ask God to help you understand the depth of his love and emotion

Family Devotional: Read verse 7. Why are there times when God won’t listen to his people when they pray to him? What can change that?

(Thursday) 2 Kings 17: Postmortem

Review the list of sins (there are about 20) in verses 7-22. What common characteristics do you find?

The writer of 2 Kings says repeatedly, “The Lord [Israel] out of his sight.” What did it mean to Israel in practical terms to be removed from the presence of God (v. 18, 20, 23)?

Why did the Samaritans find it hard to serve one God alone (v. 24-33)?

In what areas of your life do you need to be alert to the temptation of idolatry?

Prayer focus:  Confess your areas of weakness to the Lord. Ask him to protect you from idolatry.

Family Devotional: Read v. 12-13. An idol is something in your life that you want or rely on more than God. Can you think of things like that? How can you start seeking God more than those things?

(Friday) 2 Chronicles 20: Meanwhile in Jerusalem

What elements of praise do you find in Jehoshaphat’s prayer (v. 6-12)?

Imagine yourself standing in the crowd described in verse 13. How would you have responded to Jahaziel’s words in v. 15-17?

In what different ways did the people of Judah worship God (v. 18-30)?

What can you learn from Jehoshaphat about the way to pray during such situations?

Prayer focus: Pray for a spirit of peace and contentment even in the midst of worries

Family Devotional: Read verse 15, a speech sending God’s soldiers into battle. What kinds of battles do you fight in life? How is it not your battle, but God’s?