Thursday, March 31, 2011

March 31, 2011

Read: Ephesians 4:2a, James 4:4-6, Proberbs 11:2, 16:18, 21:4

Why does pride hinder our walk with the Lord and cause problems within the body of Christ?

Knowing that pride protects “self” and humility submits to God, where are your areas of temptation?

Take some time and ask God to reveal your areas of selfishness and how to move forward in humility.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

March 30, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:1-2a, Philippians 2:1-11, 1 Peter 5:6

Explain how the incarnation of Christ is our ultimate example of humility.

How do you typically respond when others confront, demean, or hurt you?

How can God use this as an opportunity for spiritual growth? Why is your response critical?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

March 29, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 4:1-2a, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Explain how Paul’s explanation/defense to the Thessalonians reflects the values stated in Ephesians 4:1-2a.

Even though Paul was defending his ministry, how was he selfless and protecting love and unity?

In what area of your life do you find yourself becoming defensive? Why is it important to know yourself?

Monday, March 28, 2011

March 28, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:14-4:6, James 4:1-3

Why is it important to know that Christians are rooted and established in God’s love? (i.e. a word of God)

In what way does James 4 highlight every Christian’s responsibility to protect love and unity?

How does this confirm or challenge your spiritual priorities? Be specific.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

March 26, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 1:3-6, 3:20-21

Explain how the beginning of Chapter 1 is similar to the end of Chapter 3. (Hint: “to him be glory”)

Look up the word “doxology” in a dictionary and explain how this relates.

What are some ways you can become a personal doxology for the Lord today?

Friday, March 25, 2011

March 25, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:20-21, Exodus 2:1-10, 3:1-10, 20:1-21

Describe how Moses’ life reflects Ephesians 3:20. (Give examples)

What is important about Paul’s statement when it comes to you? (Hint: “throughout all generations”)

What is God challenging you to let go of and bring before Him? Take time right now to do it.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

March 24, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:20, Matthew 9:18-26, 10:29-31

Describe how the teaching and ministry of Christ reflects Ephesians 3:20.

Why does this make Christianity significantly different than any other religion around the world?

How does this encourage you? How can you use this truth to encourage others?

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

March 23, 2011

Read: Ephesians 3:20, 1 Corinthians 2:4, 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

How does Paul’s life and ministry as described in 2 Corinthians 6 reflect the truth of Ephesians 3:20?

Create a 5-year historical timeline of your life, highlighting significant events. (e.g. people, places, events)

What does this teach you about trusting the Lord for your future? Why is fear and worry a problem?

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

March 22, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:14-21, John 15:1-5

What does today’s devotion teach you about God’s power and abilities? How do your abilities compare?

How have you experienced God’s power working in your life? Be specific.

In what way is this both an encouragement and an admonishment?

Monday, March 21, 2011

March 21, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:20, Psalm 19:1-6

Describe some of God’s attributes that you see reflected in His creation. (i.e., sky, ocean, flowers, etc.)

What does this teach you about you? Why is this important when it comes to living for Jesus?

Apply this truth to a current challenge you are facing and bring it before the Lord in prayer.

Saturday, March 19, 2011

March 19, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 1:15-17, 3:18-19, Luke 11:1-13

Explain how Jesus was highlighting the importance of persistent prayer through a parable.

Why do you think it is important to God that we are faithful in prayer? What difference will it make?

Describe your prayer life over the past 3 weeks (victories, struggles, etc.). Spend time praying.

Friday, March 18, 2011

March 18, 2011

Read:  Romans 5:1-5, Philippians 3:14-15

What is Paul’s perspective on the Christian life and how it is to be experienced?

In what way can avoiding spiritual challenges keep one in perpetual immaturity?

How does this compare to your view of following Jesus? What specifically do you need to re-evaluate?

Thursday, March 17, 2011

March 17, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:17b, Psalm 1, Matthew 7:24-29

Describe how strength, stability, and power are defined and how they are found.

Reflect on the past six months. What have you been investing in and relying on? How does it compare?

What is God teaching you about the steps you need to take to build on a firm foundation?

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

March 16, 2011

Read:  Philippians 2:3-11, 1 Corinthians 13:4-12

Based on today’s reading and your own reflection, make a list of the various ways you can love someone.

Review the list and note which areas are the most challenging ways for you to express love. Why?

Take some time and ask God to give you the insight, strength, and power to grow in these areas.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

March 15, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:17b-19, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Romans 13:8-10, John 13:34

Explain the connection between the priority of love and the power of God. Why is this important?

How do you see this playing out in the church today in terms of victorious Christian living?

How have you typically measured your spiritual growth? In what way is God challenging you?

Monday, March 14, 2011

March 14, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:17b-19, Romans 8:35-39

What is specifically different about God’s love when compared with the way the world loves?

Describe the ways that you are grateful to the Lord knowing that His love for you is limitless.

When do you find yourself being most grateful for His love? What does this tell you about loving others?

Saturday, March 12, 2011

March 12, 2011

Read:  Genesis 41:41-57; 45:1-8a; 50:15-21

What were some of Joseph’s trials? How would you have felt if you were Joseph?

What did he learn from his difficulties that caused him to accept his circumstances and later embrace them?

How can you apply this?

Friday, March 11, 2011

March 11, 2011

Read:  Job 38:1-40:8

Read this scripture and jot down things that make an impression.

When considering God’s perspective, how does this feel? How did Job eventually respond?

Do you have any faulty thinking or sinful attitudes that need adjusting?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

March 10, 2011

Read:  Job 1:21-22; Ecclesiastes 7:14; Romans 8:28-29

What do you learn from Job? What do you learn from Solomon (Ecc.)?

What do you learn from Paul (Rom.)?

Project: List major disappointments in your past, and how God worked through them for your good (v. 29).

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

March 9, 2011

Read:  1 Kings 19:1-18

What happened in Chapter 18 that sets up this passage?

What is the connection between emotional highs and lows? How did God deal with Elijah’s discouragement?

Notice the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of this story. What does it suggest to you?

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

March 8, 2011

Read:  Psalm 73

What was the author’s struggle? (vv. 1-14)

What was his original conclusion and how did it affect him? (vv. 13-16, 21-22)

After further seeking out God, what did he learn? (vv. 17-20) Where did he land on the topic? (vv.23-26)

Monday, March 7, 2011

March 7, 2011

Read:  Matthew 11:1-30

Why did John doubt Jesus’ identity? How does it encourage you?

What did Jesus say in his response? How does it strengthen your faith?

What does Jesus’ confirmation of John reveal about Jesus? (vv. 7-19)

Saturday, March 5, 2011

March 5, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:14-16

Why is prayer a privilege? Why is being open and transparent with God critical when you pray?

In what ways can you avoid God even when you are praying? (i.e. holding back)

Take your reflections on today’s devotion to God. Be honest and confess ways you’ve held back.

Friday, March 4, 2011

March 4, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 1:15-23, 3:14-21

Compare and contrast the two ways Paul is praying for the Ephesians. What is the same or different?

What do you learn about Paul’s heart, motives, and expectations from the content of his prayers?

Ask God to reveal how your heart, motives, and expectations need to be adjusted.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

March 3, 2011

Read: Ephesians 3:16-17a, John 16:5-11, 1 John 1:5-9

Given the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, what will happen during honest times of prayer?

What will happen between you and God if you hinder this work of the Spirit? (i.e., power/strength)

Conclude your devotion time by allowing God to tour the rooms of your heart. Ask him to reveal sin.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

March 2, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 1:13-14, 3:16-17a, 5:18, Galatians 5:22-25

Describe the two ways Paul is highlighting how the Holy Spirit will work in the life of a Christian.

Why is this important to understand? What are the implications of this truth?

Take some time to ask God to reveal anything that may be preventing His work in your life.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

March 1, 2011

Read:  Ephesians 3:14, 1 Kings 8:22, Psalm 95:6-7, Matthew 26:36-39

What do you think Paul was trying to communicate by letting the Ephesians know he was “kneeling”?

Describe why a prayer position can also reflect an attitude of the heart. Give examples from reading.

How do you typically pray? (i.e. position, location, etc.) Take some time now to kneel before the Lord.