May 31, 2014

Read:  Matthew 5:13-16, Ephesians 5:14-15

Why did Jesus say Christians are salt and light? What does this look like in today’s “me first” world?

In what way are Christians called to confront and not to confront? How can this get misunderstood?

What is God teaching you about avoidance and confrontation? What steps of growth do you need to take?

May 30, 2014

Read:  Matthew 23:1-36, John 8:44

What was the overarching theme Jesus was confronting during His rebuke of the Pharisees?

How does this relate to a balance between being successful with the world and successful with God?

How does this challenge your approach to confrontation? What adjustment does God want you to make?

May 29, 2014

Read:  Genesis 31:17-55, 29:25

What two words would you use to describe the way Laban treated Jacob over a 20 year period?

What was unique about the only two occasions when Jacob decided to confront Laban’s behavior?

What does this teach about when to confront and when not to confront? Why is this important?

May 28, 2014

Read:  Acts 25:1-12

Why did Paul appeal to Caesar when standing trial before Festus? What was Paul preventing?

What does this teach about the important balance between patiently trusting God and pulling back from sin?

How can imbalance take place? Give an example. How does this relate to success in our “me first” world?

May 27, 2014

Read:  Genesis 31:42, John 8:12-59

Why did Jesus leave the temple area? What does this teach about productive and destructive situations?

Why is this important for Christians to understand? How does this help bring balance to “being patient”?

In what way have you experienced this truth? How is God challenging you to be more balanced?

May 26, 2014

Read:  Genesis 31:1-16, Titus 3:10

Why did God tell Jacob to leave Laban and go back to Canaan? What had changed? (c.f. v. 42)

What steps did Jacob take before he left? Why was this important? How did it bring confirmation?

Describe a potentially destructive situation you are currently facing. How can you apply a Jacob strategy?

May 24, 2014

Read:  Matthew 6:19-21, Ephesians 6:5-8, Colossians 3:16-17

How can Christians live two separate lives when it comes to success in the world and success with God?

Why is this dangerous in our “me first” world? How have you experienced this tension? Be specific.

How can devoting your workday to God provide spiritual protection? What does this mean for you?

May 23, 2014

Read:  Matthew 6:25-34, Romans 11:33-36, Philippians 4:6-8

What makes you worry or fearful? Give an example. How do you typically respond?

In what way is worry ultimately a faith in Jesus issue? What can happen if this isn’t recognized?

What is God’s solution for worry, anxiety, or impatience? Take some time right now to apply this truth.

May 22, 2014

Read:  Genesis 30:35-43, 28:13-15, 31:38

How long did Jacob initially agree to serve Laban for Rachel? How long did he end up serving? Why?

Why didn’t Jacob cut his time short? What does this highlight about Jacob’s faith in God?

How can impatience promote a “me first” mentality? How can you protect yourself from this trap?

May 21, 2014

Read:  Genesis 30:31-33, Philippians 2:3-17, Matthew 22:36-40

Who got the better end of the business deal between Laban and Jacob? Why?

Given Jacob named the terms, what does this say about his perspective? How does this relate to integrity?

Explain the difference between the “what” and the “how” of winning? What does God care about? Why?

May 20, 2014

Read:  Genesis 30:25-36, Colossians 3:5, James 3:14-16

How did Laban operate in a greedy unethical manner toward Jacob? How was this a “me first” mindset?

How does God view greed? Why is this important for Christians to understand? What is at risk?

How have you seen greed normalized today? Give an example. How is God challenging your perspective?

May 19, 2014

Read:  Genesis 30:25-34, 29:16-30, 27:1-29

Why didn’t Laban release Jacob after 14 years of work? Why didn’t Jacob just leave?

In what way did Jacob change from when he lived with Esau? Why? How did the 14 years of work relate?

How can you struggle with a “me first” mindset? Give an example. How does God want you to change?

May 17, 2014

Proverbs 31:10-28, Exodus 20:12

What does God tell children to do for mothers? Why? What does this imply about God’s values?

In what way have you seen motherhood devalued today? How is this being disobedient to God?

What practical steps of appreciation will you take in honoring your mother in the next few months?

May 16, 2014

Read:  1 Samuel 1:20-28, 2:19-21

Why did Hannah give her son Samuel to the Lord? How did Hanna give Samuel to the Lord?

How do you see this same thing happening with Christian moms today? Give an example.

How has your mom tried giving you to the Lord? (i.e. spiritual influence, protection, etc.) Thank her today!

May 15, 2014

Read:  Matthew 20:20-23, 27:54-56

How was the mother of Zebedee’s sons spiritually concerned for her boys? (Hint: her request)

In what way was she essentially praying for her sons? How can mothers be misunderstood in this area?

What is the primary way a mom will feel appreciated for her spiritual concerns? What do you need to do?

May 14, 2014

Read:  1 Kings 3:16-27

Describe the dilemma King Solomon was facing with the two women. How did he test them?

In what way was he testing a mother’s instincts? What does this teach about a mother’s primary concern?

How does this perspective challenge your appreciation level for your mom? What changes will you make?

May 13, 2014

Read:  Exodus 1:8-22, 2:10

What instructions did the new king give to the midwives? How did they respond? Why?

What does this tell you about the heart of a mother? How do you see this in other parts of the story?

How has your mom sacrificed for you? Be specific. How can you show her your appreciation?

May 12, 2014

Read:  Matthew 19:28-30, 20:17-24, 23:1-7

Explain the significance of sitting on the right and left hand of a king. (i.e. power, authority, etc.)

Why did the mother of Zebedee’s sons ask Jesus for a favor? How was she taking a risk?

What does this imply about a mother and her kids? How does this help your “mom” perspective?

May 10, 2014

Read:  John 3:1-7, Acts 1:5-8, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Titus 3:4-7

Explain the primary differences between water baptism and spirit baptism. (i.e. internal vs. external)

In what way does water baptism and spirit baptism relate to one another? Which happens first? Why?

How have you seen this misunderstood today? Give an example. Thank God for both right now.

May 9, 2014

Read:  Matthew 28:19-20, Galatians 3:26-28, Ephesians 4:4-6

How often should someone be baptized? Why? In what way is baptism different than communion?

How does baptism relate to the church? (i.e. body of Christ) What are the practical implications?

What would you tell someone wanting to be baptized on his/her own? Why?

May 8, 2014

Read:  Matthew 28:19-20, John 10:27-28, 14:23-24

Have you been baptized? If so, when? What were the circumstances? If not, why not?

Prior to today’s reading, how have you viewed the necessity of baptism? How has this changed for you?

Given baptism is obedience to God, what steps do you need to take? How can you help others do the same?

May 7, 2014

Read:  Matthew 3:6, Luke 16:14-16, Acts 2:22-42, 8:12-13, 29-38

Based on today’s reading, what do you learn about the order of baptism? (i.e. repentance vs. baptism)

Why is this important? What can happen if the order gets confused? Give an example.

How would this relate to someone needing to get re-baptized? Give two examples.

May 6, 2014

Read:  Matthew 3:1-6, Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:11-15, 1 Peter 3:18-22

Explain the purpose of baptism. How does the “public” side of baptism also emphasize the purpose?

What does baptism symbolize? (i.e., why get wet?) What is the spiritual significance?

Write out the purpose and meaning of baptism in one sentence. In what way has this helped bring clarity?

May 5, 2014

Read:  Matthew 3:1-6, 13-17, John 3:22-4:2

Describe how Christian baptism progressed starting with John. How was Jesus part of the process?

In what way have you seen baptism minimized today? How is this a contradiction to scripture?

How important is baptism to you? Why? How is God challenging your perspective?

May 3, 2014

Read:  Prov. 27:17, Romans 12:15, 15:1, Gal. 6:1-2, Colossians 3:16, 1 Thess. 5:11, Heb. 10:24

As you consider the truth of today’s reading, what strikes you as being challenging for Christians today?

How do you see Galatians 6:1 play out? Give an example. In what way is isolation spiritually dangerous?

What does this teach you about the risks of spiritual protection? How will you protect yourself?

May 2, 2014

Read:  Matthew 23:1-12, Luke 18:9-14

In what way did the Pharisees create a religious system based on their values? What was the result?

How did this impact their cycle of sin? How did self-confidence contribute to their delusion?

Why is this important for Christians today? How is God challenging your spiritual self-confidence?

May 1, 2014

Read:  Genesis 30:9-24, Romans 5:8

Describe the spiritual delusion that was taking place in Leah’s and Rachel’s life.

How does this happen in Christianity today? What does this teach you about God’s patience and mercy?

How have you personally experienced this truth? How does this relate to humility and the Gospel?