Read: Luke 23:5-56, John 19:28-42
How does Luke describe Joseph of Arimathea? What does it mean to be “looking for the Kingdom of God”?
According to John 19:35, why has the account of Jesus’ death and burial been told in such detail?
Remember, Sunday is coming! Close in prayer, rejoice in this truth & give thanks to God for His incredible sacrifice of love.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
March 30, 2018
Read: Matthew 27:15-56, Isaiah 53:3-8
Write down some words that describe the account of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. What thoughts and feelings arise in you as you read about His sacrifice on your behalf?
How did Jesus fulfill the words of Isaiah (prophesied hundreds of years prior to Christ’s birth)?
When and how have you been despised and rejected? How does Jesus’ experience help you in facing those memories?
Write down some words that describe the account of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. What thoughts and feelings arise in you as you read about His sacrifice on your behalf?
How did Jesus fulfill the words of Isaiah (prophesied hundreds of years prior to Christ’s birth)?
When and how have you been despised and rejected? How does Jesus’ experience help you in facing those memories?
Thursday, March 29, 2018
March 29, 2018
Read: Matthew 26:36-56, John 18:1-40
“Not my will, but yours be done” has been called “the prayer that never fails.” Why? How does this prayer in the garden and what you learned about Palm Sunday fit together? How might your life be changed by this?
Reread Matthew 26:41. How have you seen the words of Jesus—“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”—at play in your own life? Pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in any areas you feel weak.
How is Pilate’s question in John 18:38—“What is truth?”—reverberating through history even today?
“Not my will, but yours be done” has been called “the prayer that never fails.” Why? How does this prayer in the garden and what you learned about Palm Sunday fit together? How might your life be changed by this?
Reread Matthew 26:41. How have you seen the words of Jesus—“The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”—at play in your own life? Pray for the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in any areas you feel weak.
How is Pilate’s question in John 18:38—“What is truth?”—reverberating through history even today?
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
March 28, 2018
Read: Luke 22:7-26, John 13:1-17
What does Jesus mean by the phrase: “Do this in remembrance of me”?
How do you think Jesus felt when “a dispute broke out” after the first Communion (see Luke 22:24-26)?
Jesus clearly tells the disciples, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” When has Jesus worked in a way that you did not understand at the time, but only later on?
What does Jesus mean by the phrase: “Do this in remembrance of me”?
How do you think Jesus felt when “a dispute broke out” after the first Communion (see Luke 22:24-26)?
Jesus clearly tells the disciples, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” When has Jesus worked in a way that you did not understand at the time, but only later on?
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
March 27, 2018
Read: Luke 19:45-48, Isaiah 56:6-7, Jeremiah 7:11, Matthew 21:28-32
In what ways did Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple lead Him closer to the Cross?
In what ways did the Pharisees desire for power and wealth corrupt their worship and blind them to Jesus’ true purpose?
Jesus tells the “Parable of the Two Sons” shortly after cleansing the temple. Which son do you identify with?
In what ways did Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple lead Him closer to the Cross?
In what ways did the Pharisees desire for power and wealth corrupt their worship and blind them to Jesus’ true purpose?
Jesus tells the “Parable of the Two Sons” shortly after cleansing the temple. Which son do you identify with?
Monday, March 26, 2018
March 26, 2018
Read: Luke 19:28-40, Matthew 21:1-11, 1 Peter 1:15-16
What details stand out to you from each of the Gospel accounts of Palm Sunday?
Think about one area of struggle in your life (e.g. marriage, work, school, parenting) and write down any expectations that you have in this area. How do your expectations align with God’s desire for your life to be holy as He is holy?
What would it look like for you to “drop the now” from one specific expectation?
What details stand out to you from each of the Gospel accounts of Palm Sunday?
Think about one area of struggle in your life (e.g. marriage, work, school, parenting) and write down any expectations that you have in this area. How do your expectations align with God’s desire for your life to be holy as He is holy?
What would it look like for you to “drop the now” from one specific expectation?
Sunday, March 25, 2018
March 24, 2018
Read: Gen. 12:1-3, 2 Sam. 7:11-17, Jer. 31:31-34, Rom. 4:11-12, 1 Cor. 11:25, Heb. 10:16-22
Describe what God promised He would do with Israel. In what way has this not taken place yet?
Describe what Jesus promised would take place with the church. In what way has this not taken place yet?
What does this imply about the end times and God working with both Israel and the church?
Describe what God promised He would do with Israel. In what way has this not taken place yet?
Describe what Jesus promised would take place with the church. In what way has this not taken place yet?
What does this imply about the end times and God working with both Israel and the church?
March 23, 2018
Read: Matthew 25:1-30, Mark 13:33-37, Luke 21:34-36, 1 Peter 4:7-8
How did Jesus use His return as a motivation to follow Him? What can happen if this is forgotten?
What common problem was being described in all of the parables? How can you fall into this trap?
How do you need to keep a reminder in place? What specific ways will you do that this week?
How did Jesus use His return as a motivation to follow Him? What can happen if this is forgotten?
What common problem was being described in all of the parables? How can you fall into this trap?
How do you need to keep a reminder in place? What specific ways will you do that this week?
March 22, 2018
Read: Revelation 19:11-21:1
Given today’s reading covers the events after the tribulation, briefly list what will be taking place.
Why is it important to take these events literally? What can happen if they are just metaphors?
How do these passages make you feel? In what way does it make the Gospel more significant?
Given today’s reading covers the events after the tribulation, briefly list what will be taking place.
Why is it important to take these events literally? What can happen if they are just metaphors?
How do these passages make you feel? In what way does it make the Gospel more significant?
March 21, 2018
Read: Revelation 4-18
As you scan today’s readings, make a list of the major events taking place (e.g. seven seals, angels, etc.)
What activity do they ultimately represent? What does this imply about the seven year tribulation?
In what way has God given Revelation 4-18 as a warning? How should this impact spreading the Gospel?
As you scan today’s readings, make a list of the major events taking place (e.g. seven seals, angels, etc.)
What activity do they ultimately represent? What does this imply about the seven year tribulation?
In what way has God given Revelation 4-18 as a warning? How should this impact spreading the Gospel?
March 20, 2018
Read: Mat. 24:37-44, 1 Thess. 4:13-18, 2 Thess. 2:1-2, 1 Cor. 15:51-55, Gen. 5:24, Heb. 11:5
What specifically was being described in today’s readings? How could Enoch have been an example?
In what way can this be both an encouragement and a sobering concern? Be specific.
How often do you think about this actually taking place? Why? How does this motivate you?
What specifically was being described in today’s readings? How could Enoch have been an example?
In what way can this be both an encouragement and a sobering concern? Be specific.
How often do you think about this actually taking place? Why? How does this motivate you?
March 19, 2018
Read: Matthew 24:3-37, 25:13
What specific indicators did Jesus use to describe His ultimate return? In what way are they general?
What does this imply about trying to predict the day or time? Why is this important to remember?
Describe the balance necessary between anticipating Christ’s return and it becoming a distraction?
What specific indicators did Jesus use to describe His ultimate return? In what way are they general?
What does this imply about trying to predict the day or time? Why is this important to remember?
Describe the balance necessary between anticipating Christ’s return and it becoming a distraction?
Saturday, March 17, 2018
March 17, 2018
Read: 1 Corinthians 7:12-14, 39, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18
What counsel did Paul give in 1 Corinthians 7:12-14 to those already unequally yoked in their marriage? Why?
How is this different and not a contradiction to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18? Why is this distinction important?
What impact should this have on Christian dating? What has been your experience with this truth?
What counsel did Paul give in 1 Corinthians 7:12-14 to those already unequally yoked in their marriage? Why?
How is this different and not a contradiction to 2 Corinthians 6:14-18? Why is this distinction important?
What impact should this have on Christian dating? What has been your experience with this truth?
Friday, March 16, 2018
March 16, 2018
Read: 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, 7:10-11, Romans 13:1
Why are Christians called to distance themselves from sinful people? How does this provide protection?
How can this relate to a struggling marriage? Give an example. How can Romans 13:1 also apply?
Why must protection and reconciliation always be the motivating factor? How can this be overlooked?
Why are Christians called to distance themselves from sinful people? How does this provide protection?
How can this relate to a struggling marriage? Give an example. How can Romans 13:1 also apply?
Why must protection and reconciliation always be the motivating factor? How can this be overlooked?
Thursday, March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
Read: Ephesians 5:6-11, 22-33
In your own words, briefly describe the biblical role of a husband and wife. How does it make you feel?
Why will this always be a challenge? How should Christians respond to sinful behavior? (c.f. Eph. 5:6-11)
How can this also apply to marital struggles? Be specific. Why is this an important step to take?
In your own words, briefly describe the biblical role of a husband and wife. How does it make you feel?
Why will this always be a challenge? How should Christians respond to sinful behavior? (c.f. Eph. 5:6-11)
How can this also apply to marital struggles? Be specific. Why is this an important step to take?
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
Read: 1 Corinthians 7:12-15, 39, Romans 7:2-3
What scenario does Paul describe as being an option for divorce? In what way is it the same as a death?
How can the concept of “desertion” get misinterpreted? Give an example. Why is this important?
What precaution should be taken before desertion is the conclusion? How will biblical counsel help?
What scenario does Paul describe as being an option for divorce? In what way is it the same as a death?
How can the concept of “desertion” get misinterpreted? Give an example. Why is this important?
What precaution should be taken before desertion is the conclusion? How will biblical counsel help?
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
Read: Genesis 2:18, 22-25, Matthew 5:27-28, 31-33, 19:3-9, 1 Corinthians 6:15-16
In what way does God allow for divorce even though he doesn’t approve of it? Be specific.
Why is the distinction between sinful thinking and sinful actions important?
What does this imply about irreconcilable differences being a basis for divorce? How does this adjust you?
In what way does God allow for divorce even though he doesn’t approve of it? Be specific.
Why is the distinction between sinful thinking and sinful actions important?
What does this imply about irreconcilable differences being a basis for divorce? How does this adjust you?
Monday, March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
Read: Genesis 2:24, Exodus 20:14, 17, Malachi 2:16, Ephesians 5:22-32, Revelation 19:6-9
Given that God created the institution of marriage, what does this imply about His view on divorce?
In what way is it God’s intention to use marriage to model and illustrate His love? Be specific.
How should this elevate a Christian perspective on marriage and divorce? How does it elevate yours?
Given that God created the institution of marriage, what does this imply about His view on divorce?
In what way is it God’s intention to use marriage to model and illustrate His love? Be specific.
How should this elevate a Christian perspective on marriage and divorce? How does it elevate yours?
Saturday, March 10, 2018
March 10, 2018
Read: Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 7:1-5
In what way did Jesus and Paul confront a judgmental attitude toward others? What was the solution?
How could this also relate to Christians and cosmetic surgery today? How can you fall into this trap?
What biblical distinction is always important to make when defining sin? How does this adjust you?
In what way did Jesus and Paul confront a judgmental attitude toward others? What was the solution?
How could this also relate to Christians and cosmetic surgery today? How can you fall into this trap?
What biblical distinction is always important to make when defining sin? How does this adjust you?
Friday, March 9, 2018
March 9, 2017
Read: Proverbs 15:22, Romans 12:15-16, 1 Corinthians 12:25-27, James 5:16, Hebrews 10:24-25
How does God want Christians to relate to one another? How can privatizing be spiritually dangerous?
Why is it important to get godly counsel from others? What does it prevent from happening?
In what way can this relate to decisions regarding cosmetic surgery? Be specific.
How does God want Christians to relate to one another? How can privatizing be spiritually dangerous?
Why is it important to get godly counsel from others? What does it prevent from happening?
In what way can this relate to decisions regarding cosmetic surgery? Be specific.
Thursday, March 8, 2018
March 8, 2018
Read: 1 Peter 3:3-4, 1 Timothy 2:9-10, 6:6-7
Why did Paul encourage the women of his day to avoid braided hair and wearing gold?
How would this have been a temptation? What does this imply about misplaced value and worth?
How do you see this relating to cosmetic surgery today? What steps of protection should be taken?
Why did Paul encourage the women of his day to avoid braided hair and wearing gold?
How would this have been a temptation? What does this imply about misplaced value and worth?
How do you see this relating to cosmetic surgery today? What steps of protection should be taken?
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
March 7, 2018
Read: Philippians 4:6-8, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Matthew 15:19-20
What preventative steps does Paul say to take in order to overcome anxiety? (c.f. Philippians 4:8)
Why is this a critically important step? What can happen if this doesn’t occur? Give an example.
How do you need to be more on guard with your thought life? What specific steps will you take today?
What preventative steps does Paul say to take in order to overcome anxiety? (c.f. Philippians 4:8)
Why is this a critically important step? What can happen if this doesn’t occur? Give an example.
How do you need to be more on guard with your thought life? What specific steps will you take today?
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
March 6, 2018
Read: Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:5-15
What does Paul specifically say to do when experiencing anxiety in Philippians 4:6? Why?
What does this imply about a consistent prayer life? How does “supplication” and “thanksgiving” apply?
How would you rate your current prayer life? Why? Take some time right now to step into this truth.
What does Paul specifically say to do when experiencing anxiety in Philippians 4:6? Why?
What does this imply about a consistent prayer life? How does “supplication” and “thanksgiving” apply?
How would you rate your current prayer life? Why? Take some time right now to step into this truth.
March 5, 2018
Read: Philippians 4:4-6, Matthew 10:29-31, Romans 8:28, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Ephesians 1:5
In what way is anxiety and fear rooted in a faulty view of God or lack of faith? Be specific.
How does this also relate to pride and control? Why is this important to recognize?
Why do Christians have an advantage when it comes to overcoming fear and anxiety? Be specific.
In what way is anxiety and fear rooted in a faulty view of God or lack of faith? Be specific.
How does this also relate to pride and control? Why is this important to recognize?
Why do Christians have an advantage when it comes to overcoming fear and anxiety? Be specific.
Saturday, March 3, 2018
March 3, 2018
Read: John 5:1-17, 8:1-11
How did Jesus respond to those struggling in their physical or sexual brokenness? What was the result?
In what way was this different than the response of the local religious leadership? Be specific.
How can this same approach be applied to the transgender challenges today? How is God adjusting you?
How did Jesus respond to those struggling in their physical or sexual brokenness? What was the result?
In what way was this different than the response of the local religious leadership? Be specific.
How can this same approach be applied to the transgender challenges today? How is God adjusting you?
Friday, March 2, 2018
March 2, 2018
Read: Ephesians 2:1-5, Romans 5:12, 8:5-8
What does it mean to be “dead” in your trespasses and sins? How does this relate to human nature?
What are the implications of this truth when it comes to physical, emotional and sexual brokenness?
Why is this an important perspective for gender identity issues? What will happen if this is missed?
What does it mean to be “dead” in your trespasses and sins? How does this relate to human nature?
What are the implications of this truth when it comes to physical, emotional and sexual brokenness?
Why is this an important perspective for gender identity issues? What will happen if this is missed?
Thursday, March 1, 2018
March 1, 2018
Read: Genesis 1:26-28, 2:18-24
Why did God create Eve? How does the context of marriage help in understanding the reason?
How does this highlight the differences between a male and female? How is this being challenged today?
Why must gender always be defined biologically? How does this help clarify your perspective?
Why did God create Eve? How does the context of marriage help in understanding the reason?
How does this highlight the differences between a male and female? How is this being challenged today?
Why must gender always be defined biologically? How does this help clarify your perspective?
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