September 30, 2013

Read:  Proverbs 1:7, Psalm 111:10, 14:1, 115:11-13, Isaiah 33:6, 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The fear of the Lord is the starting point for what? What are the benefits? What are the marks of a “fool”?

How is 1 Cor. 1:18-25 similar to the Ps/Prov passages? What does this tell you about God and how He works?

Read 1 Cor. 1:26-31. What does this passage tell you about yourself? How should you respond to this truth?

September 21, 2013

Read:  Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110, Hebrews 7

Why did Melchizedek come to meet Abram after the war? What did the bread and wine represent?

Why did Abram give Melchizedek a tithe? What and who was Abram acknowledging?

How is Melchizedek a “type” of Christ? What does this imply about how you should acknowledge Jesus?

September 20, 2013

Read:  Genesis 14:18-23, Proverbs 3:5-6, 1 Corinthians 1:27-31, Ephesians 3:20-21

What was Abram referring to in Genesis 14:22-23? How was Bera’s offer a temptation to compromise?

How can this also be a temptation for Christians today? In what way is Proverbs 3:5-6 a step of protection?

How often do you publically acknowledge and give God credit? Why? How can you give Him credit today?

September 19, 2013

Read:  Genesis 14:17-24, Numbers 31:25-41

Describe the difference in how the king of Salem and the king of Sodom approached Abram after the war.

In what way was Abram being required to pick between Salem and Sodom? (c.f. Numbers 31:25-41)

How did Abram’s response reflect his view of success? How is God challenging your perspective today?

September 18, 2013

Read:  Matthew 6:25-33, 11:28, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Philippians 4:6-7, 13, Eph. 3:20-21

List the different ways God promises to provide for those who are facing challenging times.

Describe how today’s reading also addresses priorities and perspectives. How does this encourage you?

Knowing that God deeply cares for you in your struggles, prayerfully seek His peace and perspective today.

September 17, 2013

Read:  Psalm 19:7-11, 119:1-5, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16

How is God’s word described in today’s reading? (i.e. use one-word descriptions)

How does this relate to gaining stability/strength when facing difficult situations? (i.e, reading/applying)

What challenging situation are you currently facing? What does God’s word say about it? Apply it now!

September 16, 2013

Read:  Genesis 14:1-16, 12:1-3, 13:14-15

Given war is a terribly painful event, what is surprising to you about Abram's response? Why?

Why did Abram achieve success? (c.f. 12:1-3, 13:14-15)  What does this highlight about God's word?

Specifically what does this mean for you?  How can you step into this truth?  (i.e. apply God's word)

September 14, 2013

Read:  Genesis 13:12-18, Exodus 16:1-4, Numbers 11:1-6, 2 Timothy 4:3-4

How would Lot’s story have been understood by Moses’ audience living in the desert? (i.e. a warning)

What does this highlight about “when” spiritual compromise and drifting from God takes place?

What is your pattern for spiritual compromise? Be specific. Take time to pray and bring it before the Lord.

September 13, 2013

Read:  Genesis 13:14-18, Psalm 1:1-4, James 1:23-25

Why did God tell Abram to “lift up his eyes” and “walk through the length and breath of the land”?

How does this relate to reading and applying God’s word? Why is it easier to only “lift up your eyes”?

How can this be a Christian blind spot today? Give examples. How can you prevent this blind spot?

September 12, 2013

Read:  Genesis 13:12-18, 14:12, 19:1

What was the spiritual condition of Sodom? Why did Lot relocate to the area? (i.e. what was his rational?)

How did Lot put himself at spiritual risk the same way Abram put himself at risk by going to Egypt?

How can the opportunity for success put you at risk? (i.e. compromise) How can you protect yourself?

September 11, 2013

Read:  Genesis 13:5-11, 1 Timothy 6:10, 17-19

How was Lot’s response to Abram an example of 1 Timothy 6:10? How could he have rationalized it?

In what way has this become a spiritual blind spot for Christians today? Why is it extremely dangerous?

How does 1 Timothy 6:17-19 say this can be prevented? What practical steps do you need to take?

September 10, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:10-13, 13:5-11, Luke 9:23, Matthew 22:40, Philippians 2:3-12

What pattern do you notice when both Abram and Lot were confronted with personal challenges?

Why is this important when it comes to being spiritually caught off guard? (i.e. a blind spot)

What does this look like in your life? Be specific. How does God want you to address your blind spot?

September 9, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:6-8, 13:1-4, Luke 15:1-32, 1 John 1:9

Why was it important for Abram to build an altar when returning from Egypt? What did it represent?

How does Luke 15 reveal the same principle? How can this get confused? (i.e. religion vs. relationship)

How do you typically regroup with God? In what way do you need to step into 1 John 1:9? Do it now!

September 7, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:4b-20, Philippians 4:4-8, Hebrews 10:23-27

Identify Abram’s spiritual steps of digression from Haran to Canaan to Egypt. How did priorities change?

How have you experienced this truth? What does Philippians 4:4-8 suggest for spiritual protection?

What are you currently doing to protect your spiritual pressure points? What does God want you to change?

September 6, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:14-20, Luke 9:18-27

Beyond personal protection, what additional gain did Abram receive by misleading Pharaoh?

How do you think he could have rationalized his behavior? How did Jesus address this in Luke 9:18-27?

How can Christians use the same rational today? Take time to confess any of your worldly rationalizations to God.

September 5, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:14-20, Luke 18:18-27, 1 Timothy 6:6-11

In what way did Abraham operate from a worldly mindset? What was the result before God got involved?

How do you see this happening today? How are Christians at risk? How are you at risk?

Describe a worldly form of success that is tempting to you. Why? What do you need for protection?

September 4, 2013

Read:  Matthew 14:25-32, Romans 14:23, Hebrews 12:2

Why did Peter start sinking when trying to walk on water to Jesus? What was the difference maker?

What does this teach you about the role of Jesus in dealing with your personal fears? Be specific.

How will you keep your eyes on Jesus? How can you use God’s word and prayer?

September 3, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:4b-13, Matthew 26:55-75

Why did Abraham and Peter flip flop with the Lord? Specifically how did they operate out of fear?

What does this teach you about how fear and faith work together? What are you typically afraid of?

Why is this important to recognize? Pray and share this with a trusted friend for spiritual accountability.

September 2, 2013

Read:  Genesis 12:4b-13, Isaiah 31:1, Hebrews 11:6, 8

Describe how Abraham demonstrated fearless faith in God when relocating to Canaan.

What pivotal mistake did Abraham make? Why did he make this mistake? What was the spiritual result?

In what way can this happen to you? What preventative steps will you take to spiritually protect yourself?