December 2020 Wednesday Study Questions

December 2: A Firm Place

1. Have you ever let something fall into disrepair?  Were you able to refurbish it?  What can this teach you about your faith?
2. Describe an object you feel best symbolizes your journey of faith.  Why did you choose this object?
3. Today’s writer describes how having a wrought-iron frame of growing up in a faithful home helped him return to his faith.  What makes up the framework of your faith?  How has that framework helped you in your life?
4. How does your Christian community shape your life?  What other influences shape your life?
5. In what ways can you reach out and help someone who is working to rebuild their faith?  What encouragement would you give to someone who is rebuilding their faith?

December 9: Don’t Give Up

1. How do you respond when you are under a lot of pressure?  Do you ever want to give up?  What helps you to persevere and stay calm?
2. What challenges have you experienced in following Jesus?  What spiritual practices help you to feel renewed each day?
3. How do you feel knowing that God never gives up on us?  What scripture passages help you remember this?  When you feel abandoned, what helps remind you that God is with you? 
4. What biblical characters continued running the race despite being tired or afraid?  Where did they find their strength?  What can you learn from them?
5. Today’s writer was encouraged by his coach to focus on the next race.  Who in your life helps you look past your mistakes and move forward in confidence?  How can you help others do the same?

December 16: Working with Jesus

1. When have you had the opportunity to serve alongside the people of a community?  What did you learn from that experience and from the people of the community?
2. Where have you seen Christ this week?  How have you been blessed by that example?
3. What simple acts have you performed in the name of Jesus recently?  How do those small acts reflect the love of God?
4. In what ways do you reflect Christ’s love to others?  How do you use the opportunities God places before you to be Jesus to someone?
5. In what ways does your church reflect Jesus’ love to those outside of your congregation?  In what ways do people in your broader community reflect Jesus’ love to you and your congregation?

December 23: Christmas Blessings

1. Are you busy during this Christmas season, or do you have extra time on your hands?  If you are busy, how do you make time to rest and be with God?  If you are not busy right now, how can you use your spare time to grow closer to God?
2. Do you find it difficult to avoid dwelling on the past?  What helps you to focus on the present and the future?  How does your faith help you move on from the past?
3. How is God blessing you today?  For which of these blessings are you most grateful? Why?
4. What scripture passages help you embrace the present and give you hope for the future?  Why do those passages encourage you?
5. What does it mean to you to experience the fullness of Jesus’ birth?  How can you share the hope and joy of Christmas with those who are alone this year?

December 30: God’s Beautiful Creation

1. Describe a time when you did something you were not accustomed to or did not want to do but that you ended up finding great joy in.  What did you learn from that experience?
2. What activities help you to fully enjoy and appreciate the beauty of God’s creation?  How can you find new ways to enjoy the beauty around you today?
3. Today’s writer often finds peace and rest while meditating and praying in church.  When and where do you most often find peace and rest?
4. What prayers and spiritual practices prompt you to be still?  How do you take time to notice God’s blessings around you?
5. How do you incorporate nature into your faith practice? What does the beauty and wonder of God’s creation teach you about God, yourself, and the world?