May 31, 2012

Read:  James 1:17-18, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Titus 3:1-8

Describe what takes place when someone becomes a Christian. (i.e. be specific about God’s role)

How is verse 18 an example of verse 17? (i.e. what does this teach about God’s good gifts?)

Why is this an important reminder when times get tough? How can this apply to a trial you are facing?

May 30, 2012

Read:  James 1:16-17, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

How did Paul initially face this trial and challenge in his life? How would you have responded?

What changed for Paul? Why? What was the result? How does this support James 1:17?

Think through a challenge you are currently facing and describe how it could be something good for you?

May 29, 2012

Read:  James 1:16-17, Genesis 3:1-5, Matthew 4:5-7

How does Satan try to get Eve and Jesus to second-guess God? What is his ultimate goal?

How does Satan use trials and challenges to accomplish his goal? What has been your experience?

In what way can you be tempted to doubt God’s provision? What can you do to avoid this temptation?

May 28, 2012

Read:  James 1:16-17, Psalm 1:1-3, Matthew 7:24-27, Hebrews 13:8

Describe the promises in today’s reading. What does this teach about stability and strength?

How is it possible to experience these promises? Why is this important to remember during trials?

Describe 3 ways you’ve experienced the promises of God? What is God teaching you about trusting Him?

May 26, 2012

Read:  James 1:14-15, 4:1-2, Romans 6:21-23

How does James 4:1-2 illustrate the progression of sin presented in James 1:14-15? Explain each step.

How can sin cause both temporal and eternal death? How have you seen temporal death take place?

Why does this relate to life’s challenges? How is God challenging you to rethink the impact of sin?

May 25, 2012

Read:  James 1:15, 2 Samuel 11:1-12:13

Given that every trial will also include a temptation to sin, describe how King David experienced this truth.

In what way did King David minimize the impact of his sin? How did that make matters worse?

Why do you think sin is so appealing during a trial? What has been your experience with this truth?

May 24, 2012

Read:  James 1:14, Romans 7:18-25, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 26:41

What did Paul discover about himself and the human condition? Why was he concerned?

How easy is it for you to self-review? Why? What can happen if you avoid a self-review?

Describe a trial you’re facing and what God is teaching you about a sinful response.

May 23, 2012

Read:  James 1:14, Galatians 5:16-26

Describe the potential that every Christian has when it comes to a walk with Jesus. Why is this a battle?

How does this explain why a trial/test can turn into a temptation? (i.e. sinful nature, easy way out, etc.)

Who is responsible for this progression? How can you prevent this from happening to you?

May 22, 2012

Read:  James 1:13, Genesis 2:15-3:13

How did Adam & Eve sin against God? Why did Adam and Eve sin against God?

In what way did they avoid personal responsibility? Why? Who did they blame?

How easy is it for you to take responsibility for your behavior? Why is this important when facing a trial?

May 21, 2012

Read:  James 1:12, Matthew 13:1-23

List the 4 different types of soil presented in this parable. What do they represent?

What was required in order to test each seed & soil? What does this teach about trials in the Christian life?

How can this truth get overlooked today? How can you apply this to a trial you are currently facing?

May 19, 2012

Read:  Luke 6:2-23, 1 John 3:1-3

List the four ways Luke 6 says you can be blessed. In what way could this also describe a child?

If Christians are defined as being God’s children, what does this say about our role models?

If you are a parent, describe one lesson your child is teaching you about your walk with Jesus.

May 18, 2012

Read:  1 Samuel 17:1-50

How did David approach the Philistine soldier Goliath? Why was he different than the other soldiers?

How did God use David to humble Saul and his army? Why is verse 42 important?

What does this teach about simplicity of faith, childlike trust, and how kids can point us to God?

May 17, 2012

Read:  Mark 9:33-37, 10:13-16

What did Jesus teach about children and entering the kingdom of God?

Why was Jesus “indignant” with the disciples? What was worldly about their perspective?

In what way can children teach parents about their walk with the Lord? What is God teaching you?

May 16, 2012

Read:  Proverbs 31:13-28

List five areas of mothering mentioned in Proverbs 31. How are these important for raising children?

Compare your list to the secular job market and describe the necessary skill set required.

What does this teach you about the role of a mother? In what way can this be overlooked today?

May 15, 2012

Read:  Mark 10:13-16, Exodus 1:15-2:10

How did Moses’ mother protect him? What was at stake? What were her options?

In what way did Moses’ mother play a special role in God’s plan? Do you think she understood this?

What does this teach you about the impact of mothers on lives, culture, and eternity?

May 14, 2012

Read:  Mark 10:13-16, Psalm 127:3-5

Describe how God views children. What does this tell you about God’s view on parenting?

Specifically, how do you see culture viewing the role of mother/homemaker today? Why?

How does God’s perspective on family encourage you? Why is this especially important for moms?

May 12, 2012

Read:  James 1:10-11, 1 Timothy 6:17-19

How does our society view the wealthy? Why? How does the bible instruct the wealthy? Why?

Considering that you are wealthy from a global perspective, how are you at risk? Give examples.

What does 1 Timothy 6:18-19 tell you to do? Prayerfully reflect on how you will be obedient.

May 11, 2012

Read:  James 1:9-11, Philippians 4:10-13

Summarize the truth of James 1:9-11. In what way does Philippians 4:10-13 express the same truth?

Why is contentment not about your circumstances but about you and your walk with God?

How content are you in your current situation? Why? How can you apply James 1:9-11?

May 10, 2012

Read:  James 1:10-11, Luke 12:13-21

What was the primary problem Jesus was addressing in the parable of the rich fool?

How does this relate to James 1:10-11? Why is a wealthy person always at spiritual risk?

Why is this extra challenging in Orange County? How can you take pride in your “low position”?

May 9, 2012

Read:  James 1:9, 1 Peter 1:3-6, Romans 8:16-18

Describe the contrasting perspectives that every Christian should have when facing a financial trial.

Why is this important for balance and stability? What has been your experience with this truth?

How do you see materialism making it hard to maintain a biblical perspective, especially during struggles?

May 8, 2012

Read:  James 1:9, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Matthew 6:19-24

How can someone with very little money actually struggle with materialism? Give examples.

Explain the difference between having money and money having you. Why is this important?

How does James 1:9 relate to trials and life’s challenges? How is God speaking to you?

May 7, 2012

Read:  James 1:9-11, Luke 18:18-29

Why did the ruler come to Jesus? What was he hoping to do? Why did Jesus deal with his finances?

What does this parable teach about the power of wealth? (i.e. value, worth, social status, etc.)

In what way do you see this parable fitting into Orange County today? How did the parable speak to you?

May 5, 2012

Read:  James 1:6-8, Matthew 14:14-31

What transition did Peter go through when he walked on water? How does this relate to James 1:6-8?

Why will it take faith to apply God’s wisdom in your life? (i.e. supernatural vs. logic/feelings)

What happens when we second-guess God’s leading? How does this relate to spiritual growth and stability?

May 4, 2012

Read:  James 1:6-8a, 2:17, Hebrews 11:1-10

In what way is belief (faith) more than a perspective or mindset? Give examples from Hebrews 11.

Why is this important when it comes to handling trials? What happens when this is misunderstood?

What steps can you take to grow in this area? Be specific.

May 3, 2012

Read:  James 1:6-8, Ephesians 4:11-14

What are the warning signs for a Christian who isn’t walking by faith or trusting God’s leading?

What does it mean to be double-minded? How does this happen? What is the root issue and problem?

How does this impact how we handle trials and life’s challenges? Describe how you’ve seen this happen.

May 2, 2012

Read:  James 1:5, Proverbs 2:1-6, 3:5-8, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Briefly summarize how godly wisdom is found. How is this different than finding worldly wisdom?

How do you typically respond to a trial or struggle? Why? How is James challenging you?

Take some time and apply James 1:5 right now. Journal God’s responses as you pray and listen.

May 1, 2012

Read:  James 1:5, Romans 11:33-36, Job 28:12-28

What qualifies God to be the ultimate source of wisdom? Why is this distinctly Christian?

How can the world today distract Christians from this truth? What has been your experience?

Describe the promise found in James 1:5. How does this encourage or challenge you?