Read: Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 16:13-17, 21-23, 26:31-35, 69-75, 1 Corinthians 10:12
What important truth did Peter fail to understand when it came to his ability to follow the Lord?
In what way does spiritual warfare relate to his struggle? How does this highlight the truth of Ephesians 6:12?
Describe a struggle you are currently facing and the impact on your spiritual life. What are you learning?
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
January 30, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:12, 1 Timothy 4:1-8
Explain how Paul’s warning to Timothy is the same as his warning to the Ephesians.
Describe two ways you have seen the enemy camouflage his work both inside and outside the church.
What can happen if this truth is overlooked or misunderstood? How has this challenged your perspective?
Explain how Paul’s warning to Timothy is the same as his warning to the Ephesians.
Describe two ways you have seen the enemy camouflage his work both inside and outside the church.
What can happen if this truth is overlooked or misunderstood? How has this challenged your perspective?
Saturday, January 28, 2012
January 28, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:10-11, Colossians 2:13-15, Revelation 20:1-10
Describe God’s plan for Satan’s ultimate future. What does this tell you about who has won?
Why is this important to remember this truth? What can happen if you don’t?
How has today’s reading broadened your perspective of the Christian life?
Describe God’s plan for Satan’s ultimate future. What does this tell you about who has won?
Why is this important to remember this truth? What can happen if you don’t?
How has today’s reading broadened your perspective of the Christian life?
Friday, January 27, 2012
January 27, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:11, Matthew 4:1-11
Why do you think God gives us this story about Jesus battling the devil?
How does this relate to “standing firm” in the Christian life and Satan’s limited power?
Explain how a biblical understanding of spiritual warfare can help Christians grow and mature.
Why do you think God gives us this story about Jesus battling the devil?
How does this relate to “standing firm” in the Christian life and Satan’s limited power?
Explain how a biblical understanding of spiritual warfare can help Christians grow and mature.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
January 26, 2012
Read: Ephesians 2:1-2, 6:11, 1 John 5:18-21, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 11:13-15
When you think of the devil or Satan, what usually comes to mind? How is Satan described today?
How is this different than the way the bible describes Satan? List three descriptions from today’s reading.
Why do you think Christians rarely talk about Satan? In what way can this be spiritually dangerous?
When you think of the devil or Satan, what usually comes to mind? How is Satan described today?
How is this different than the way the bible describes Satan? List three descriptions from today’s reading.
Why do you think Christians rarely talk about Satan? In what way can this be spiritually dangerous?
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
January 25, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:10-11, 1 John 5:1-10
What general principle was Jesus teaching his disciples by describing a vine and a branch?
Why do you think this was important for them to hear? What would have been their option?
How does this relate to the way we are to battle the enemy? (i.e. The Devil)
What general principle was Jesus teaching his disciples by describing a vine and a branch?
Why do you think this was important for them to hear? What would have been their option?
How does this relate to the way we are to battle the enemy? (i.e. The Devil)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
January 24, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:10, Galatians 3:1-5, Philippians 4:13, 2 Corinthians 12:7-12
Describe the two balancing truths that are required for spiritual growth and protection.
In what way can imbalance take place? Give a personal example. What was the spiritual result?
Why is this important when it comes to spiritual warfare? Explain the potential dangers.
Describe the two balancing truths that are required for spiritual growth and protection.
In what way can imbalance take place? Give a personal example. What was the spiritual result?
Why is this important when it comes to spiritual warfare? Explain the potential dangers.
Monday, January 23, 2012
January 23, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:10-17, Isaiah 11:1-5, 59:17, 49:2, 52:7, 2 Timothy 2:3-4
List the similarities between Paul’s description of the Christian life and Isaiah’s description.
What does this imply about how spiritual growth and spiritual protection takes place?
In what way is “comfortable” Christianity unbiblical? Why is this a risky perspective?
List the similarities between Paul’s description of the Christian life and Isaiah’s description.
What does this imply about how spiritual growth and spiritual protection takes place?
In what way is “comfortable” Christianity unbiblical? Why is this a risky perspective?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
January 21, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:9, Ruth 2:1-12
Why was Ruth so surprised and humbled by Boaz’s care and concern for her?
How does culture play into his discussion? Do you think Boaz was an exception? Why?
How would people describe your management style? What can you learn from Boaz?
Why was Ruth so surprised and humbled by Boaz’s care and concern for her?
How does culture play into his discussion? Do you think Boaz was an exception? Why?
How would people describe your management style? What can you learn from Boaz?
Friday, January 20, 2012
January 20, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:5-9, 1 Timothy 6:1-2
What subtle temptation can occur when working with other Christians? Why?
How does Paul describe this ungodly behavior? Can you describe what this might look like?
What has been your experience working with Christians? How can this be good and bad at the same time?
What subtle temptation can occur when working with other Christians? Why?
How does Paul describe this ungodly behavior? Can you describe what this might look like?
What has been your experience working with Christians? How can this be good and bad at the same time?
Thursday, January 19, 2012
January 19, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:9, Acts 10:1-35
What primary lesson did Peter learn about God’s view of people?
How can this same lesson apply at your place of employment? Give examples.
How can this perspective help prevent favoritism and discrimination in the workplace?
What primary lesson did Peter learn about God’s view of people?
How can this same lesson apply at your place of employment? Give examples.
How can this perspective help prevent favoritism and discrimination in the workplace?
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
January 18, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:9, James 5:1-6
How can money and position negatively impact the way we treat one another? (Hint: power)
Why is this especially tempting for upper management within a company? How have you seen this happen?
Why is management by fear both sinful and lazy? How is God challenging your work ethic?
How can money and position negatively impact the way we treat one another? (Hint: power)
Why is this especially tempting for upper management within a company? How have you seen this happen?
Why is management by fear both sinful and lazy? How is God challenging your work ethic?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
January 17, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:5-9, Colossians 3:22-4:1, James 2:8-9
Describe the two different roles of slaves and masters. How are masters called to a higher standard?
How does this relate to supervisors, employees, and management style?
How can you apply this truth at your job? Give examples.
Describe the two different roles of slaves and masters. How are masters called to a higher standard?
How does this relate to supervisors, employees, and management style?
How can you apply this truth at your job? Give examples.
Monday, January 16, 2012
January 16, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:5-9, Philemon
What was Paul trying to communicate to Philemon in taking back his runaway slave Onesimus?
How would you have felt being Onesimus and having to deliver this letter to your former master?
What does this say about how God wants you to treat others within a working relationship?
What was Paul trying to communicate to Philemon in taking back his runaway slave Onesimus?
How would you have felt being Onesimus and having to deliver this letter to your former master?
What does this say about how God wants you to treat others within a working relationship?
Saturday, January 14, 2012
January 14, 2012
Read: Ephesians 5:22-6:8, Colossians 3:22-25
What do you notice as a common thread throughout Paul’s discussion about a devoted Christian life?
How does this keep our spiritual life consistent and functioning in everyday life at home, family, and work?
Describe how God has been growing you in consistently living for Jesus.
What do you notice as a common thread throughout Paul’s discussion about a devoted Christian life?
How does this keep our spiritual life consistent and functioning in everyday life at home, family, and work?
Describe how God has been growing you in consistently living for Jesus.
Friday, January 13, 2012
January 13, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:6-7, Matthew 6:25-34
What is Jesus teaching about trusting God for provision? (i.e., priorities, worry, manipulation, etc.)
How do you see this relating to Ephesians 6:6-7 and your roles and responsibilities at work?
Given God understands what you need and will provide, how will this impact your temptation to impress?
What is Jesus teaching about trusting God for provision? (i.e., priorities, worry, manipulation, etc.)
How do you see this relating to Ephesians 6:6-7 and your roles and responsibilities at work?
Given God understands what you need and will provide, how will this impact your temptation to impress?
Thursday, January 12, 2012
January 12, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:6, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 10:31
Explain the central truth that Paul is teaching in today’s scripture readings. Why is it important?
How does today’s reading relate to manipulation, schmoozing, and playing the impression game?
In what way does this all boil down to motive? What is God teaching you about your motives at work?
Explain the central truth that Paul is teaching in today’s scripture readings. Why is it important?
How does today’s reading relate to manipulation, schmoozing, and playing the impression game?
In what way does this all boil down to motive? What is God teaching you about your motives at work?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
January 11, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:5, 1 Peter 2:18-22, 1 Timothy 6:1-2, Titus 2:9-10
What do you find especially challenging when it comes to respecting and obeying your boss?
Explain how a struggle could be rooted in taking on responsibility that isn’t yours. (i.e., authority problem)
How can making your work a devotion to the Lord help? What specifically does that mean for you?
What do you find especially challenging when it comes to respecting and obeying your boss?
Explain how a struggle could be rooted in taking on responsibility that isn’t yours. (i.e., authority problem)
How can making your work a devotion to the Lord help? What specifically does that mean for you?
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
January 10, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:5-8, John 13:1-17
What role was Jesus taking on when he washed the disciples’ feet? Why were the disciples shocked?
Describe why Jesus is the ultimate example of Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:5-8.
What is God teaching you about a Christian work ethic? How is this in conflict with the world?
What role was Jesus taking on when he washed the disciples’ feet? Why were the disciples shocked?
Describe why Jesus is the ultimate example of Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 6:5-8.
What is God teaching you about a Christian work ethic? How is this in conflict with the world?
Monday, January 9, 2012
January 9, 2012
Read: Ephesians 6:5, Exodus 21:1-11, 16, 26-27, Deuteronomy 23:15-16, 1 Corinthians 7:20-24
How would you describe slavery in the ancient world? In what way was it different than slavery in the U.S.?
Why did Paul help Christians to live as slaves rather than condemning slavery all together?
How would you respond to someone who says the bible supports slavery? How has this been misinterpreted?
How would you describe slavery in the ancient world? In what way was it different than slavery in the U.S.?
Why did Paul help Christians to live as slaves rather than condemning slavery all together?
How would you respond to someone who says the bible supports slavery? How has this been misinterpreted?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
January 7, 2012
Read: Matthew 2:15, Hosea 11:1, Exodus 12:31-42
Why was it always important for the Jews to remember the days when they were slaves in Egypt?
How does this relate to Joseph and Mary bringing Jesus out of Egypt after Herod died?
How would this have been an encouragement? What does this teach about knowing God’s word?
Why was it always important for the Jews to remember the days when they were slaves in Egypt?
How does this relate to Joseph and Mary bringing Jesus out of Egypt after Herod died?
How would this have been an encouragement? What does this teach about knowing God’s word?
Friday, January 6, 2012
January 6, 2012
Read: Matthew 2:17, Jeremiah 31:10-17
How is Jeremiah 31 both a message of warning and of hope? (Hint: Israel’s exile & restoration)
What was Matthew highlighting about King Herod’s murderous actions by referring to Jeremiah 31?
How was this also a message of warning and hope? (i.e., sinful actions of man and redemption)
How is Jeremiah 31 both a message of warning and of hope? (Hint: Israel’s exile & restoration)
What was Matthew highlighting about King Herod’s murderous actions by referring to Jeremiah 31?
How was this also a message of warning and hope? (i.e., sinful actions of man and redemption)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
January 5, 2012
Read: Psalm 1:1-2, 119:105, Hebrews 4:15, 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16
Describe your experience with the study of God’s word over the past two years.
In what way have you minimized the importance of God’s word in your life? Why?
Given that God’s word is your playbook for life, what will you do in 2012 to learn more plays?
Describe your experience with the study of God’s word over the past two years.
In what way have you minimized the importance of God’s word in your life? Why?
Given that God’s word is your playbook for life, what will you do in 2012 to learn more plays?
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
January 4, 2012
Read: Matthew 2:13-14, Acts 16:16-34
How do you often respond when you struggle, or feel hurt and pain? How are you tempted to mediate?
What can happen to your spiritual life when you don’t have a biblical view of pain?
How were the experiences of Joseph, Mary, Paul, and Silas a testimony to this truth?
How do you often respond when you struggle, or feel hurt and pain? How are you tempted to mediate?
What can happen to your spiritual life when you don’t have a biblical view of pain?
How were the experiences of Joseph, Mary, Paul, and Silas a testimony to this truth?
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
January 3, 2012
Read: Matthew 2:13-15, 1 Peter 1:1-7, Romans 5:1-5
In your own words, explain the truth of today’s daily devotion.
How can challenging times help with spiritual growth? Why is this counter-intuitive for daily living?
What “Egypt experience” do you need to bring before the Lord? Take time now to pray about it.
In your own words, explain the truth of today’s daily devotion.
How can challenging times help with spiritual growth? Why is this counter-intuitive for daily living?
What “Egypt experience” do you need to bring before the Lord? Take time now to pray about it.
Monday, January 2, 2012
January 2, 2012
Read: Matthew 2:1-23
Explain how Joseph might have felt when he heard the angel’s instructions to escape to Egypt?
How was God working and providing for Joseph and Mary even in the midst of challenging times?
What does this teach you about biblical Christian living? How is God using an “Egypt trip” in your life?
Explain how Joseph might have felt when he heard the angel’s instructions to escape to Egypt?
How was God working and providing for Joseph and Mary even in the midst of challenging times?
What does this teach you about biblical Christian living? How is God using an “Egypt trip” in your life?
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