Anchor My Faith

Chosen, Cleansed, and Called to Remember the Lord

Old Testament Reading

Deuteronomy 7:1–8:20 — God’s Chosen People and the Call to Obedient Remembrance

Overview:
Moses reminds Israel that they are a people chosen by God, not because of their greatness, but because of His love and faithfulness. They are commanded to destroy idolatry and remain separate from the nations, trusting in God’s provision as they enter the Promised Land. Moses warns them not to forget the Lord when they prosper but to remember that every blessing comes from Him. The wilderness experience is reframed as a time of testing and humbling, teaching dependence on God’s word and provision.

Theological Themes:
• God’s sovereign choice and covenant love
• The danger of spiritual forgetfulness in prosperity
• Dependence on God for provision and life

Key Verse:
Deuteronomy 8:3 – “Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. Why did God choose Israel according to this passage?
   Answer: God chose Israel not because of their size or righteousness, but because of His love and His faithfulness to the covenant made with their fathers (Deut. 7:7–8). This highlights that God’s choosing is based on grace, not human merit.
2. What warning does Moses give about prosperity in the land?
   Answer: Moses warns that when Israel prospers, they may forget the Lord and assume their own power gained their wealth (Deut. 8:11–17). This forgetfulness leads to pride and idolatry, which ultimately results in judgment.
3. What was the purpose of Israel’s wilderness experience?
   Answer: The wilderness was a time of testing and humbling to reveal what was in their hearts and to teach them dependence on God (Deut. 8:2–3). It showed that life is sustained by God’s word, not merely physical provision.

New Testament Reading

Luke 7:36–8:3 — Forgiveness, Love, and Devotion to Christ

Overview:
Jesus is invited to dine with a Pharisee, where a sinful woman anoints His feet with tears and costly ointment, demonstrating deep repentance and love. Jesus contrasts her humility and devotion with the Pharisee’s lack of hospitality, teaching that those who are forgiven much love much. Following this, Luke highlights the women who supported Jesus’ ministry, showing the transformative power of His grace in their lives.

Theological Themes:
• The connection between forgiveness and love
• True humility and repentance before Christ
• The inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry

Key Verse:
Luke 7:47 – “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

What role did women play in Jesus’ ministry according to this passage?
Answer: Women such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna supported Jesus’ ministry out of their own means (Luke 8:1–3). This shows that Jesus valued and included women as active participants in His work.

What does the woman’s actions reveal about her understanding of Jesus?
Answer: Her actions show deep repentance, faith, and recognition of Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. Her humility and devotion demonstrate that she understands her need for grace and the greatness of Christ.

How does Jesus contrast the woman with the Pharisee?
Answer: Jesus contrasts her love, humility, and hospitality with the Pharisee’s lack of respect and self-righteousness (Luke 7:44–46). The Pharisee fails to see his own need for forgiveness, while the woman fully embraces it.

Psalms Reading

Psalm 69:1–18 — A Cry for Deliverance in Deep Distress

Overview:
David cries out to God from a place of overwhelming distress, describing his suffering as being engulfed in deep waters. He pleads for deliverance from his enemies and for God’s steadfast love to rescue him. Despite his affliction, David expresses trust in God’s mercy and appeals to His faithful character for salvation.

Theological Themes:
• God as refuge in times of deep distress
• The reality of suffering for righteousness
• Trust in God’s steadfast love and deliverance

Key Verse:
Psalm 69:13 – “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD. At an acceptable time, O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

What can believers learn from David’s response to suffering?
Answer: Believers are encouraged to bring their distress honestly before God, trusting in His love and timing. This teaches reliance on God even in the deepest trials.

How does David describe his suffering in this psalm?
Answer: David uses vivid imagery of drowning in deep waters and sinking in mire (Ps. 69:13, 16) to express the overwhelming nature of his distress and the intensity of his circumstances.

What is the basis of David’s plea for deliverance?
Answer: David appeals to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness (Ps. 69:13, 16). His hope is rooted not in his own merit, but in God’s character and covenant loyalty.

Proverbs Reading

Proverbs 12:1 — The Value of Loving Instruction

Overview:
This proverb contrasts the person who loves discipline with the one who hates correction. It teaches that a desire for instruction leads to knowledge and growth, while rejecting correction reveals foolishness. The verse highlights the importance of humility and teachability in the pursuit of wisdom.

Theological Themes:
• The necessity of discipline for spiritual growth
• Wisdom versus foolishness
• Humility as a foundation for learning

Key Verse:
Proverbs 12:1 – “Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.”

Discussion Questions with Answers:

1. What does it mean to love discipline according to this proverb?
   Answer: To love discipline means to value correction and instruction as a pathway to knowledge and growth. It reflects a humble and teachable spirit.
2. Why is rejecting correction considered foolish?
   Answer: Rejecting correction prevents growth and reveals pride. It keeps a person from gaining wisdom and leads to repeated error.
3. How can believers apply this proverb in their daily lives?
   Answer: Believers can cultivate a willingness to receive correction from God’s Word and others, seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to resist.

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