February 28, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:24-34, Matthew 25:14-30

Why did Jacob want Esau’s birthright? What does this imply about Jacob’s values and perspective?

In what way did Esau despise his birthright and Jacob value it? How can this happen today? Give examples.

What part of your walk with God can you despise? (i.e. be careless, take for granted) What will you do?

February 27, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:24-34, Romans 9:13-16, Hebrews 12:15-17

Why did Esau sell his birthright? What was the selling price? What does this imply about Esau’s values?

Explain how God’s sovereignty and human responsibility worked together in this situation.

How does this help clarify some of the “why” challenges with God’s sovereignty? How does it help you?

February 26, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:19-23, Psalm 139:13-16, Luke 1:39-45

What details did God provide Rebekah about her pregnancy? Be specific.

What does this imply about when life begins? How does this challenge today’s perspective about abortion?

What is at stake when this truth is minimized? How is God challenging your views on this topic?

February 25, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:19-23, Romans 11:33-36, Matthew 7:7-11

How would both Isaac and Rebekah have struggled with God’s sovereignty and provision?

How did they respond? Why is this important for finding stability and preventing sin? (c.f. Genesis 16:1-5)

In what way do you struggle with God’s sovereignty? (i.e. “why God”) Take time to pray right now.

February 24, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:19-23, Romans 5:8, 9:10-12, Ephesians 1:1-8, 2:8-9

How does Rebekah’s pregnancy demonstrate God’s sovereignty? Be specific.

What does God’s sovereignty imply about random chance? What does this teach us about our perspective?

In what way can an understanding of God’s love and mercy help bring balance to God’s sovereignty?

February 22, 2014

Read:  1 Kings 15:1-3, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, Matthew 5:13-16

Based on today’s reading, what is being implied about how people learn and are influenced?

How can this be either good or bad? Give examples of both.

In what way do you need to reassess how you influence? Take time to pray about it and be specific.

February 21, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:11-18, 16:12, 21:5-10

Where did the conflict between Ishmael and Isaac start? Who was at fault? What was the result?

Given their conflict has lasted for generations, what does this highlight about the impact of your behavior?

How have you seen this happen? What is God teaching you about your “personal” decisions?

February 20, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:13-18, 2:16-17, 3:4-7, Romans 5:12

What was the root temptation for Adam & Eve to sin and eat the fruit? How was it a “private” matter?

What was the impact of their decision for you and me? What does this imply about your decisions today?

In what way can you lose sight of this truth? What is at risk? How can you install safety precautions?

February 19, 2014

Read:  James 2:1-9, Matthew 25:31-46

What does today’s reading warn about when it comes to how we treat one another?

What is the underlying sin issue when it comes to favoritism? How can this be rationalized today?

How do you need to adopt a more godly perspective when it comes to those around you?

February 18, 2014

Read:  John 3:16, Luke 23:33-46, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:4-8

What two words would you use to describe the Gospel? Why? Be specific.

What does this imply about your value and worth to God? How does this relate to others as well?

Why is this important for self-image, worth, insecurities or pride? How is God challenging you?

February 17, 2014

Read:  Genesis 25:1-18, 17:18-20

Why did Moses list a lot of unrecognizable names with Abraham’s passing? What was he highlighting?


How did Abraham treat all of his descendants? How does God essentially do the same?

What does this imply about people and value? Why is this important to always keep in check?

February 15, 2014

Read:  Genesis 17:23, 21:14, 22:3, 24:54-58

How did both Abraham and the servant respond when they were following the Lord’s leading? (i.e. timing)

Why is this important when it comes to walking with the Lord? What can happen when you hesitate?

What decision are you currently facing? How can you begin to step into the Lord’s leading today?

February 14, 2014

Read:  Luke 5:16, 11:1-4, 18:1-8, Ephesians 1:17, 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Why would Jesus need to pray given He is God incarnate? (i.e. The Son of God)

What was Paul’s approach to prayer? What does this imply about prayer and following the Lord’s leading?

How do you value prayer? Why? What is God prompting you to pray about right now to follow His lead?

February 13, 2014

Read:  Genesis 24:12-27

How did the servant include God when looking for Isaac’s wife? Give two examples from the reading.

How do you typically include God when making important decisions? Why?

What is God teaching you about following the Lord’s leading or not? What specific ways will you change?

February 12, 2014

Read:  Genesis 12, James 4:13-15

Why did Abraham go to Egypt? How was he being smart and strategic?

What mistake did he make when it comes to the balance between human responsibility and God’s sovereignty?

How can you make this same mistake? What will you do to grow in that area of your walk with the Lord?

February 11, 2014

Read:  Matthew 3:13-4:1, 13:10-13, 16:21-23

How is Jesus modeling what it means to strategically follow God’s leading? Be specific.

What does it mean to be biblically strategic? Why is this important for Christians to remember?

What important decision do you currently need to make? How will you employ the Jesus approach?

February 10, 2014

Read:  Genesis 24:1-11, Acts 14:1-7, 17:1-17

List 3 strategic decisions the servant made after he was given the huge responsibility to find Isaac’s wife.

In what way did Paul the Apostle employ the same approach in his missionary journeys? Be specific.

What does this imply about following the Lord’s leading? How does this help bring clarity for you?

February 8, 2014

Read:  Genesis 23:19, 25:9, 35:28-29, 49:31, 50:12-13, Matthew 28:1-8

What is significantly different between the cave (tomb) at Machpelah and the tomb of Jesus?

What legacy do these two tombs leave for future generations? Why is this important to consider?

How can the tomb of Jesus help you prepare for dying? Ask God to reveal ways you can better prepare.

February 7, 2014

Read:  Genesis 23:3-20, Hebrews 11:20-28

In what way is today’s reading a eulogy? Describe the primary theme using three words.

What do eulogies do for those that are still living? How do you think Christians should be remembered?

What words would you like people to use for your eulogy? Ask God to help you live them out today.

February 6, 2014

Read:  Genesis 23:3-20, Hebrews 11:10-16

Why did Abraham want to buy a tomb for Sarah rather than use one for free? (Hint: he was an alien)

What does this imply about Abraham’s long-term intentions? How did he leave a legacy of faith?

How can preparing to die impact how you live? In what way is God challenging your current legacy?

February 5, 2014

Read:  Genesis 23:1-2, 1 Peter 3:3-9

How does Abraham’s reaction to Sarah’s death highlight 1 Peter 3:3-9?

In what way can you take others for granted? How does pondering Genesis 23:1-2 help you? Be specific.

Given that life is short and unpredictable, how can you prepare today for your departure?

February 4, 2014

Read:  Genesis 23:1-2, 16:1-6, 20:1-9, 1 Peter 3:5-6, Hebrews 11:8-9

What apparent contradiction do you see between Genesis 16:1-6 & 1 Peter 3:5-6? How does “time” explain it?

How is this true of Genesis 20:1-9 & Hebrews 11:8-9? What does this imply about faith, commitment & dying?

What is God showing you about your relationships? What priority adjustments do you need to make?

February 3, 2014

Read:  Genesis 23:1-2, Ecclesiastes 7:2, Luke 12:15-21

How comfortable are you with thinking and talking about death? Why?

What does Ecclesiastes 7:2 mean? What can happen when the idea of death is avoided?

How do you see this playing out in everyday life? Be specific. How is God challenging you to change?

February 1, 2014

Read:  Genesis 22:1-10, Romans 8:32, 1 John 4:9, John 3:16, Matthew 3:17, Romans 8:31-32

In what way can Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac be viewed as a prophetic picture of the cross?

Why does God repeatedly call Isaac Abraham’s “son, his only son”? What does this imply about Jesus?

What are some other ways Abraham & Isaac can point to Jesus? Take time to thank God for His love.