February 2018 Wednesday Study Questions

February 7: At the Pizza Counter

1. Would you describe yourself as a patient or impatient person?  Do you think it is okay to be impatient in some situations?  If so, when and why?

2. How well do you identify with the frustration of the writer of today’s meditation?  Have you shown frustration in similar circumstances?  How do you think God wants us to act when we become frustrated?

3. Name some characters from scripture who were impatient.  Retell their stories in your own words.  With which of these characters’ attributes do you relate most closely?  What do their stories teach us about impatience?

4. Today’s writer says, “Every moment — even the frustrating moment waiting at a pizza counter — is sacred.”  What do you think she means by this statement?  Do you agree with her? Why or why not? 

5. When in a moment of stress or frustration have you shown compassion and grace to someone? Was this easy or difficult for you?  Why was it easy (or difficult)?  What does scripture say about extending compassion and grace to others?

February 14: Worthy

1. Describe a time when you have sensed God directing your life.  What was this experience like?  What did you learn from it?  To what was God directing you?

2. Do you think that God has a unique purpose for each of us?  How can we discover what God’s purpose for our life is?

3. Have you ever felt as if you have lost your sense of purpose in life?  How did you regain your sense of purpose?  What advice would you give to others who feel as if they have lost their sense of purpose?

4. When have you felt unworthy or insecure?  Were you able to overcome these feelings?  If so, how did you overcome them?  If not, what prevents you from overcoming them?

5. Name some New Testament characters who lacked education, experience, and/or social status but played an important part in spreading the gospel.  What do these characters teach us about whom God chooses?

February 21: God’s Porch

1. With whom can you share your deepest thoughts without fear of judgment or criticism?  How did you come to know this person?  How often do you see him or her?  What does this relationship mean to you?

2. When have you been a friend to someone with whom they can share their deepest thoughts?  Is it easy or difficult for you to be this kind of friend to someone?  What has this friendship taught you about yourself?

3. The writer of today’s meditation says, “God never sends me away empty but instead fills my cup and feeds me the bread of life that my soul hungers for.”  What do you think she means by this statement?  Speak about a time in your life when this has been true for you.

4. Are there any topics or situations in your life that are difficult for you to talk to God about? What are they?  Why is it hard for you to talk to God about them?

5. How much time do you spend with God each day?  What do you do? read scripture? pray?  meditate?  What keeps you from spending more time with God each day?

February 28: Childlike Faith

1. How closely can you relate to the doubt and skepticism of today’s writer?  Explain your answer.

2. Is it okay for Christians to have doubts?  Who in scripture had doubts?  How did God respond to them?  What can we learn from their stories?

3. Have you ever been uncomfortable when another Christian asked you questions or expressed doubts about his or her faith?  Why did this person’s questions or doubts make you uncomfortable?  How did you respond?

4. Do you have any doubts of your own that you are willing to share with others?  If so, what are they?

5. If you could ask God one question about anything — nothing is off limits — what would it be?