December 31, 2014

Read:   Proverbs 1:20-33

Why do you think wisdom is personified here? Have you ever thought of wisdom as being an entity?
Does that make pursuing wisdom easier, more attainable, or more difficult to comprehend?

What is the description of those who are described as foolish? What is their destination? Why do they remain foolish?

In what ways can you look like this description of the foolish? How can you answer the call of wisdom?

December 30, 2014

Read:   2 Chronicles 1:8-12, Proverbs 15:22

Who do you go to for wise counsel? Who is on your “advisory board”? If you don’t have anyone, why not?Who could you ask? Will you?

What do you think was the result of those kings who sought the advice of Solomon? What would be the difference between seeking Godly counsel or going alone? What examples of that have you seen in your life?

December 29, 2014

Read:   1 Kings 3:5-14, James 1:5

If you were asked the same question by God what would you ask for? Why do you think God was so pleased with Solomon’s request for wisdom?

Why is wisdom such an important trait? What can we do to grow in wisdom?

Is wisdom something you consistently pray for? Why or why not? In what ways would being more wise help you in your life?

December 27, 2014

Read:  Revelation 12:10-12, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58, 2 Corinthians 4:4-6

Explain the type of victory Jesus provides for Christians that trust and follow Him. Be specific.

How does this relate to Christmas? What does this imply about Satan’s only option and approach?

How do you see this playing out today? Give examples. How can you be more spiritually protected?

December 26, 2014

Read:   Revelation 12:10-12, Genesis 3:15, John 12:30-37, Matthew 1:23

Why was there a celebration in Revelation 12:10-12? In what way did God predict this celebration?

Explain how the first Christmas was both a declaration of war and a declaration of victory.

Why is this critical for spiritual warfare? How does this make you feel in your spiritual battle?

December 25, 2014

Read:   Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 2:1-20, Revelation 12:1-5

What message did the angel send to both Mary and Joseph? How does this highlight Revelation 12?

In what way did the arrival of Jesus signal salvation? (i.e. from what?) How does this point to the cross?

Take time and thank God for His Christmas gift of salvation to you. Make sure you tell others today!

Advent Reading: Hebrews 2:14-18, 1 Thessalonians 3:13

December 24, 2014

Read:  Revelation 12:1-5, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 5:8-11

How often do you think about spiritual warfare? Why? In what way can Christmas be a reminder?

How does spiritual protection take place? Give examples. How do you need to be more protected?

In what way can you incorporate spiritual protection into your Christmas celebration? Be specific.

Advent Reading: Philippians 2:5-11, Hebrews 2:10-11

December 23, 2014

Read:  Revelation 12:1-5, Matthew 2:1-19

What steps did Herod take to try to kill the baby Jesus? What was the result?

How does this highlight Revelation 12:4? How does this same dynamic take place in Christian life today?

In what way does this elevate Christmas beyond a “happy holiday”? How is God encouraging you?

Advent Reading: Matthew 12:15-17, 16:16, 17:5, Luke 4:16-21, 20:9-13, Galatians 4:4-7

December 22, 2014

Read:  Revelation 12:1-5, 9, Genesis 3:16, 37:9, Isaiah 14:12-15, Matthew 1:20-21

What three options are there for interpreting the sign of the woman? Who is the red dragon?

What does this imply about the first Christmas and spiritual warfare? Why is this important?

How do you see this being overlooked today? How does this challenge your Christmas perspective?

Advent Reading: Colossians 1:15-23, Galatians 4:4-7, Romans 8:14-17, 1 John 3:1-2

December 20, 2014

Read:   Matthew 1:18-25, Genesis 37:5-11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17

How did God speak to the two Josephs? How did this impact the way they responded to life’s challenges?

How does God speak to Christians today? How should this impact the way Christians respond?

In what way do you think this is happening today? Why? How is God challenging you to know His word?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 35:4-6, 53:4-5, Malachi 4:2, Matthew 4:23, 9:20-22, John 11:45-48, Mark 12:24

December 19, 2014

Read:  Matthew 1:21-25, Luke 2:4-7, Matthew 2:13-15, 4:1-11

As the foster parent of Jesus, describe the ways in which Joseph was challenged. How did he respond?

How could he have responded? What would have happened?

How does both Joseph and Jesus provide a model for obedience? What steps does God want you to take?

Advent Reading: Matthew 2:13-16, 19-23, Luke 2:25-32

December 18, 2014

Read:   Matthew 1:21-25, Luke 1:5-20

How did Joseph respond to God’s direction? How does this compare to Zechariah’s response to God?

What does this say about timing and obeying God? Why is this important for success?

How do you typically respond to a challenging moment? How do you need to be more like Joseph?

Advent Reading: Matthew 2:1-12, Psalm 72:10-11

December 17, 2014

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, Luke 1:26-33

How were both Mary and Joseph described spiritually? Why is this important to consider during a struggle?

How can this get confused? (i.e. “good people have easy lives”) Why is this unbiblical thinking?

In what way have you experienced this truth? What current struggle do you need to rethink? Be specific.

Advent Reading: Job 38:4-7, Romans 8:38-39, 12:16, 1 Peter 1:10-12

December 16, 2014

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, Genesis 37:17-28, 45:4-8, James 1:2-4

How did the two Josephs experience similar struggles? What was the end result? Why is this important?

In what way does this redefine something that is “bad”? What does this teach about avoiding a struggle?

How might God be using a current struggle in your life for the good? Be specific.

Advent Reading: Luke 2:8-20

December 15, 2014

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, John 8:1-5, Luke 3:23, John 6:42

Why did Joseph want to divorce Mary? What would have been the cultural implications toward Mary?

How would the ministry of Jesus been impacted had Joseph gone through with a divorce? Give an example.

What does this teach about challenging times? How does this challenge you in a current struggle?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 9:6, Mark 1:4, 7-8, Luke 2:1-7

December 13, 2014

Read:  Matthew 6:31-33, 11:28-29, John 14:27, Romans 8:28-29, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Phil. 4:19

List the different ways God promises to care for you in today’s reading. How does this make you feel?

Which promise stands out given your current situation? Why? How will memorizing the promise help?

Over the next month, commit to memorizing one of God’s promises each week. Journal your experience.

Advent Reading: Luke 1:57-66, 80, Luke 3:3-6, John 1:6-9, 15

December 12, 2014

Read:   Genesis 50:22-26, 2 Peter 1:4, Hebrews 8:6-12, 9:15, John 14:1-4, Matthew 28:20

Why does God make promises? (i.e. for who?) What would happen if He didn’t?

What connection is there between knowing God’s promises and spiritual growth? Give an example.

List as many of God’s promises that you can remember. What is God teaching you about spiritual growth?

Advent Reading:  Luke 1:26-38, 46-55, James 4:6

December 11, 2014

Read:  Genesis 50:22-26, 48:21, Exodus 13:17-19, Joshua 24:32, Hebrews 11:22

What promise was Joseph looking forward to when he died? Why? When do you think it was fulfilled?

How can God’s promises bring strength and keep you trusting in Him? What can happen if you forget?

How can timing cause you to doubt God’s promises? How can you step into a God promise this week?

Advent Reading:  Luke 1:5-20, 22, 24

December 10, 2014

Read:   Matthew 12:46-50, 1 Timothy 3:1-5, Ephesians 5:22-32

What connection is made between family and church in today’s reading? How do they model each other?

How can an unhealthy family lead to an unhealthy church and vice versa? Give examples.

What are you currently modeling in your approach to family? How is God challenging you to change?

Advent Reading:  Ezekiel 34:11-15, Psalm 23:1, Matthew 9:36, John 10:11, 14-17, 27-29, 1 Peter 2:25

December 9, 2014

Read:  Genesis 50:22-26, Matthew 1:1-23, Acts 2:38-39, 1 Corinthians 7:13-14

Why did Matthew present the genealogy of Jesus leading up to His birth?

In what ways does this connect Genesis & Christmas? What does this teach about the value of family?

What can happen when this is overlooked? How can you make your family more of a priority?

Advent Reading:  Psalm 23:1-3, Isaiah 55:1-2, John 4:7, 9-11, 13-14, John 7:37-39, Revelation 7:17

December 8, 2014

Read:  Genesis 50:22-26, 1:26-28, 9:8-11, 12:1-3, 26:1-6, 28:10-15

List the families represented in today’s reading. What was God’s common message to them?

What does this tell you about God’s plan of redemption and how it will be accomplished?

How do you see culture challenging this today? How is your perspective being challenged?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 42:1-7, Mark 10:45, Romans 5:6-8

December 6, 2014

Read:  Psalm 100

This is a song written to give thanks to God. What method(s) does it suggest to use?

How does the song make you feel? Thank God for the truths that bring those feelings.

Read this again tomorrow morning. Ask God to help you live this out during the worship service at church

December 5, 2014

Read:  Psalm 103

Make a list of all the things mentioned in this passage that God has done to bless us.

Make a list of all the character traits of God mentioned in this passage.

Pray through both lists and thank God for what He has done and who He is.

December 4, 2014

Read: Romans 8:18-39

Read this passage and underline or write down words/phrases that speak to you.

How does verse 29 elaborate on verse 28? Meditate on God’s purpose revealed here.

Read through the passage one more time. Stop and thank God every time you are prompted by a thought.

December 3, 2014

Read:   Habakkuk 3:17-19

Reword verse 17 in what might be our modern day equivalents.

In spite of his woes, what was Habakkuk focusing on in verse 18 that created a positive response toward God?

What does he say in verse 19 that helps him move forward? Try personalizing this and pray it today as your own.

December 2, 2014

Read:   1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Write down the three imperatives. Now read the passage in the opposite order starting with verse 18.

Consider how they are connected to each other. What did you discover?

Try doing it. Observe how living out verses 18 and 17 results in verse 16 happening throughout your day.

December 1, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 5:18-20

What words or phrases jump out at you? Write them down and meditate on them.

What questions do you have for the text? Write them down and meditate on them.

What verbs are used to suggest action to be taken or avoided? Pray for specific ways to act them out today

November 29, 2014

Read: Genesis 50:20, 45:4-8, Matthew 26:20-30

How did Joseph reflect back on the evil done against him? Why? How did this prevent bitterness?

How did Jesus experience this same thing? Why is God’s sovereignty important in relational instability?

How does this truth encourage you? Specifically, how does this help you move forward with others?

November 28, 2014

Read:   Genesis 50:15-19, 34:1-29, Leviticus 19:18, Deuteronomy 32:35, Romans 12:19

Why were Joseph’s brothers afraid of him? In what way were they projecting their sinful attitude?

How did Joseph respond to them? Why is this an important truth in all relational instability?

Pray about how you may be projecting onto others. Ask God to give you insight and direction.

November 27, 2014

Read:   Genesis 50:18-21, 45:1-15

How did Joseph’s brothers respond in both Genesis 45 and 50? What was the same? What was different?

What does this teach you about the importance of confessing sin? Why is timing important?

How can this help you in your current relationships? Specifically, how can you step into this truth?

November 26, 2014

Read:   Genesis 50:15-17, Ephesians 4:3, 26-27

Approximately how long did the brothers take before making attempts to resolve with Joseph?

What could they have done sooner? What does this imply about avoiding and relational instability?

Describe a situation where you currently have relational instability. How can you prevent avoiding?

November 25, 2014

Read:  Genesis 50:15-17, John 13:1-9

How did Peter respond to Jesus washing his feet? How did Jesus respond? How did Peter respond again?

Why was Peter misreading the situation? How could Peter have avoided this mistake?

How can you fall into the “Peter trap”? What practical steps can you take to avoid assuming?

November 24, 2014

Read:  Genesis 50:15-17

Why were Joseph’s brothers fearful? How did this impact the way they treated Joseph?

How did Joseph respond? What does this imply about relational instability and “assuming”?

How have you experienced this truth? Give an example. What specifically is God teaching you?

November 22, 2014

Read:  Genesis 50:14, Psalm 46:10-11, Philippians 4:6-7, Galatians 2:20, Matthew 28:20, Heb. 3:13

Explain how today’s reading can help someone move through death and grieving.

In what way is this different than what you’ve seen take place? Be specific.

How have you experienced the death of a loved one? What was challenging? How has today’s reading helped?

November 21, 2014

Read:   Genesis 50:1-14, Matthew 18:18-23

How long did Joseph focus on the death of his father? What did he do after the memorial service was over?

How did Jesus teach the same truth with extreme language? How can someone get stuck in grief?

How can understanding the concept of a “new norm” help? How does this relate to God’s calling?

November 20, 2014

Read:  Mark 15:42-16:3, Luke 23:46-24:1

Given Jesus was crucified the day before the Sabbath, what does this say about Joseph of Arimathea?

In what way was Joseph taking a risk? Why did he take the risk? What excuses could he have used?

How does this challenge the way you have viewed death, memorial services, etc? Be specific.

November 19, 2014

Read:   Genesis 50:2-9, 12-13, 2 Chronicles 21:16-20

Beyond grieving, what did Joseph do for Jacob after he died? Be specific. Why did Joseph do this?

How does this compare to King Jehoram’s death? What does this teach about honor and respect?

How do you see this being discounted today? Why? What are some excuses used that prevents honor?

November 18, 2014

Read:   John 11:18-44, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Why can Christians handle death differently than non-Christians? How will it impact grieving?

Explain the difference between a death-denying and death-defying attitude. Which one is unhealthy? Why?

How do you see this happening in memorial services today? What is God teaching you?

November 17, 2014

Read:   Genesis 1, 3, 10, 11, Ecclesiastes 7:2-4, 1 Chronicles 10:11-12

How did Joseph respond to the death of his father? Why did he respond this way?

What does this teach you about death and grieving? How can this be mistaken for weakness today?

How do you respond to death? Why? How can viewing grief through the lens of love help?

November 15, 2014

Read:  Genesis 49:3-28

Make a list of Jacob’s sons and describe how they turned out as either being good, bad, or neutral.

As you look at this list, what does this teach about family, calling and how God works?

Why is this important for Christians to understand? How does this encourage you to live more like Jacob?

November 14, 2014

Read:   Genesis 49:8-12, 12:3, Matthew 2:1-8, Revelation 5:2-10

What was different about Judah’s future compared to his other brothers? What were the implications?

In what way does a Christian’s legacy/calling have the same implications? Give an example.

How does this elevate your legacy perspective? What adjustments do you need to make to your bucket list?

November 13, 2014

Read:  Genesis 49:3-28

Describe Jacob’s legacy/calling and how he went about accomplishing it. Be specific.

What does this teach about leaving legacies and fulfilling God’s call? Why is this important?

What will happen if this truth is overlooked? Give an example. What steps is God challenging you to take?

November 12, 2014

Read:   Genesis 49:1-2, Exodus 20:12, 14, Ephesians 5:21-6:4

How does both the OT and NT highlight the importance of family life playing into a God calling?

Why is avoiding family never an excuse for pursuing God’s calling in your life?

What has been your experience with this? How does God want you to adjust your thinking?

November 11, 2014

Read:  Genesis 49:1-2, Matthew 12:46-50, Hebrews 10:24-25

How did Jesus surprise those around Him when it came to defining family? What truth was He teaching?

Why is this important when it comes to church? How do you see this being overlooked today?

How is God challenging your church perspective? How can it hinder your calling? What needs to change?

November 10, 2014

Read:  Genesis 49:1-2, 34:30-35:4, 1 Timothy 3:1-5, 5:8

Why did Jacob want to be with his sons before he died? What does this tell you about family and calling?

How does 1 Timothy 3:1-5 highlight this same truth? How can individualism actually hinder your calling?

In what way is God challenging your perspective about family? How do you need to change?

November 8, 2014

Read:  Genesis 48:21, 28:15, 31:3, 5, 35:3, Matthew 28:20, Philippians 1:3-6

Why did God constantly reassure Jacob that He was with him? How did this relate to his calling?

In what way do Christians have the same assurance from God? Why is this important for your calling?

How does this personally make you feel? What are the practical implications for you? Be specific.

November 7, 2014

Read:   Romans 12:10, Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thess. 5:11, Hebrews 3:13, James 5:16

In what way is Christianity always “others oriented”? How does this relate to God’s calling?

How can personal passion versus God’s calling sometimes get confused? Give an example.

What are some ways you have confused the two? How will you become more “others oriented”?

November 6, 2014

Read:  Genesis 48:5-22

Why did Jacob decide to adopt and bless Joseph’s two sons? How was he fulfilling his calling?

In what way was Jacob “others oriented” toward his calling? How could he easily have been selfish?

What does this imply about God’s calling for you? How do you need to rethink the ultimate goal?

November 5, 2014

Read:  Luke 18:18-25, 1 John 2:15-17

What was Jesus calling the “certain ruler” to do? Why was the ruler not successful in responding to Jesus?

How do you see this same challenge happening today? Give an example. How can this deter a calling?

How do you see this relating to your calling? How can you prevent the ruler temptation from creeping in?

November 4, 2014

Read:  Genesis 47:28-48:4, John 14:1-3, 1 Peter 1:1-5, 2:11, Revelation 22:3-5

How did Jacob view his home in Egypt? In what way was Jacob’s permanent home beyond Canaan?

How can Christians have the same perspective as Jacob? Why? What can happen if this is lost?

How is God challenging your daily perspective? What can you do to change it? How can you start today?

November 3, 2014

Read:  Genesis 47:28-48:4, 28:10-15, Psalm 123:1-2, Hebrews 10:35-36, 11:21

Why was Jacob so concerned about his burial before he died? How does this relate to his calling?

What truth is being modeled when it comes to living out God’s calling? Why is this important?

What is your calling before the Lord? How can Jacob’s perspective help you? Be specific.

November 1, 2014

Read:   Philippians 4:3-9

What is surprising about Paul’s attitude and perspective given he wrote Philippians from a Roman prison?

How is he able to have this attitude? What does this teach you about when God will work in your life?

How can challenging times blur your spiritual vision? Give an example. How can you avoid the blur?

October 31, 2014

Read:  Genesis 47:25-27, Acts 16:23-36

Why was Paul put in jail in Philippi? How could this have challenged his confidence in God doing a work?

Describe how God provided for both Paul and Silas. What does this imply about God’s provision?

How could Paul have missed it based on expectations? What is God teaching you about paying attention?

October 30, 2014

Read:  Genesis 39:1-5, 39:20-23, 41:37-41, 47:27

Explain the different ways Joseph faced some very difficult changes. Be specific. How did God work?

Given the results, how does this reveal “when” God often works? Why is this important to understand?

What can happen to our spiritual vision when times get tough? How is God challenging your perspective?

October 29, 2014

Read:   1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Romans 12:4-10, Ephesians 4:11-13

What is a gift of the Spirit? What is the ultimate purpose of a spiritual gift? Why is this important?

What gift/gifts has God given you? How can you know for sure? (i.e. the test)

How does this relate to being able to recognize when God is working? Give an example in your life.

October 28, 2014

Read:   Acts 16:12-23, Matthew 5:11-23

How did God use Paul to plant a church in Philippi? What type of reaction did he get? Why?

How do these reactions indicate God is working? What would no reaction indicate?

In what way can this perspective be misunderstood? What is God teaching you about recognizing His work?

October 27, 2014

Read:   Genesis 39:1-5, 39:20-23, 41:37-41, 47:13-26

In what way did God use Joseph throughout his life? How did this impact others? Be specific.

What does this teach about recognizing when God is working? Why is this important to understand?

How do you think this currently applies to your life? Give an example. How does this encourage you?

October 25, 2014

Read:  Genesis 47:7-12, Romans 11:33-34, Ephesians 3:20-21

In what way did Jacob live out Ephesians 3:20? What does this teach you about expectations and God working?

How can a limiting perspective about God prevent you from seeing Him work? Give an example.

How has today’s devotion encouraged you? Be specific. How can you do a better job of seeing God work?

October 24, 2014

Read:  Genesis 47:7-12, 14:16-20, 48:13-16

Why did Jacob bless Pharaoh when he met him? What was this highlighting about Jacob’s gratitude?

How was God using the Pharaoh in Jacob’s life? What does this imply about God using non-Christians?

How does this challenge the way you picture God working in your life? How could this be happening now?

October 23, 2014

Read:  Genesis 12:10-12, 47:7-12

In what way would Jacob have been surprised by his encounter with Pharaoh? Why?

In what way would Pharaoh have been surprised by his encounter with Jacob? Be specific.

What does this highlight about how and when God works? How does this encourage you right now?

October 22, 2014

Read:  Matthew 7:1-29, Ephesians 1:16-20, James 1:5

Explain why Jesus amazed the crowd. How does this highlight Ephesians 1:17 and James 1:5?

In what way does this help clarify how God will often work? What has been your experience with this?

What is God teaching you about how he may be working in your life right now? Be specific.

October 21, 2014

Read:   1 Kings 3:7-28

How did Solomon handle an argument between two prostitutes? How did he prove God was working?

What is the difference between being smart and having supernatural wisdom? Give an example of each.

Why is this important when it comes to recognizing how God may be working in your life? Be specific.

October 20, 2014

Read:   Genesis 39:1-5, 20-23, 41:15-41, 46:28-47:6

How was Joseph able to succeed after being sold into slavery in Egypt? What was the common theme?

What prior training did Joseph have before arriving in Egypt? What does this imply about how God works?

In what way is it easy to overlook God working? How can you be more attentive to ‘Joseph moments’?

October 18, 2014

Read:  Genesis 46:1-27, Numbers 13:1-14:9 

Why were the Israelites struggling in the wilderness? How would Genesis 46:1-27 have encouraged them?

What does this teach about the importance of God’s word providing stability in times of change? 

How do you typically handle instability and fear? What steps do you need to take to grow in God’s word?

October 17, 2014

Read:  Genesis 46:1-7, Psalm 119:147-148, Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:28, Eph. 3:20-21, Phil. 1:6

Explain the transition that takes place for Jacob after encountering God at Beersheba. Why?

How does the interplay between the names “Jacob” and “Israel” highlight this truth?

How does God’s word help with instability and fear of change? How does today’s reading encourage you?

October 16, 2014

Read:  Genesis 46:1-7, 12:10-20, 26:1-2

Why was Jacob afraid to go to Egypt? Be specific. (e.g. pagan, safety, etc.) How did God respond?

What impact did this have on Jacob? Why? What does this teach you about stability and God’s word?

How can this be applied to unexpected changes that are occurring in your life? Be specific.

October 15, 2014

Read:  Genesis 42:36, 45:25-28, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Philippians 4:4-8

What was Jacob’s mindset when first hearing about Joseph in Egypt? How did his history play into it?

How can self-pity/complaining become a comfortable place to stay? Why is this spiritually dangerous?

How can practicing 2 Cor. 5:10 help promote a godly response to the unexpected? What steps will you take?

October 14, 2014

Read:  Genesis 45:25-28, Luke 24:1-12, Romans 8:28

In what way did Jesus’ disciples respond like Jacob when they heard the news about a resurrection?

How do you typically respond to the unexpected change? Why? Give an example.

What is God teaching you about the way you process change? How does Romans 8:28 help you?

October 13, 2014

Read:  Genesis 45:4-9, 25-28

How did Jacob first respond to the news about Joseph? What convinced him differently?

How did Jacob’s imagination get in the way of faith? How did the same thing happen in Genesis 37:31-35?

What lesson does Jacob teach you about responding to change? How can you prevent a Jacob response?