August 30, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 5:1-2, Romans 11:36-12:1

What is our ultimate purpose in life found in Romans 11:36?

What is our reasonable response in Romans 12:1?

Pray this to God today. Ask Him every day to see your responses to others as your actions of worship to Him. 

August 29, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 5:1-2, Matthew 22:36-40, Galatians 5:14

How did Jesus summarize the whole of biblical law in Matthew 22:36-40?

How did Paul summarize the whole of biblical law in Galatians 5:14?

How do you reconcile these two passages? What do our human relationships teach us about our relationship with God?

Who do you need to learn to love more? Ask God how you can do this today and then let Him do it through you.

August 28, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 5:1-2, Luke 6:27-36

How does Jesus instruct us to treat even our most difficult relationships?

What does Jesus teach us about human nature in this passage?

How does adjusting expectations help to love even when we don’t feel loved?

Who and what circumstances are coming to mind that you need to apply this passage to in real life?

August 27, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 5:1-2, Romans 5:6-8, Matthew 26:36-46

How did Jesus demonstrate His love in Ephesians 5:1-2?

For whom did Jesus give His love in Romans 5:6-8?

How did Jesus feel about sacrificing His life in Matthew 26:36-46? Why did He do it?

How can the truth of these passages and the 2nd point of the sermon help you love people when they are not loving toward you?

August 26, 2014

Read:   Ephesians 5:1-2, 1:3-14

How would seeing yourself as a dearly loved child of God help you love others?

Do you feel like a dearly loved child? Why or why not?

Read Ephesians 1:3-14. Meditate on what each person of the trinity has done for you in this passage. Pray this passage in praise to God for being so loved.

August 25, 2014

Read:   Ephesians 5:1-2

What are we called to do when the passage says, “be imitators of God”?

How does this passage define love? Describe, in your own words, what that looks like.

Ask God what specifically He would like you to do to demonstrate love in your closest relationship.

August 23, 2014

Read:   Genesis 40:1-23, 29:15-28

How did both Jacob and Joseph experience betrayal? How did they respond? What was the result?

What does this teach you about how to respond to betrayal? What practical steps are always necessary?

How can this be a challenge for you? What changes have you made this week when it comes to betrayal?

August 22, 2014

Read:  Genesis 40:15, Matthew 7:1-5

What precaution did Jesus give when trying to address sin in someone else’s life? Why?

How does this relate to addressing personal betrayal? What fine line must you always monitor?

Explain the distinction between “hiding/holding” vs “addressing/confessing”. How does this apply to you?

August 21, 2014

Read:  Genesis 40:6-15, Romans 12:17-19

Why did Joseph ask the cupbearers for a favor? What does this imply about his interaction with Potiphar?

In what way was Joseph stepping into Romans 12:18? How was he protecting against future betrayal?

How do you typically respond to personal hurt and injury? How does Joseph encourage you?

August 20, 2014

Read:  Genesis 40:1-4a, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 4:29-32

How do you typically respond when someone you trusted betrays you? Why?

How does today’s reading counsel you to respond? Why is this important? How will it protect you?

In what way do you need to apply this spiritual discipline to a current struggle? Be specific.

August 19, 2014

Read:   Genesis 40:1-4a, Psalm 146:3-6, Jeremiah 17:5-7, Psalm118:8, 2 Timothy 2:13

Why will we always be let down by others? How is this a reminder about our human condition?

How can being betrayed actually deepen your walk with the Lord? Give an example.

How has someone recently burned you? How is God prompting you to make this a spiritual devotion?

August 18, 2014

Read:  Genesis 40:1-4a, Matthew 26:47-56, Hebrews 12:2-3

How did Joseph respond to Potiphar’s new assignment? Why would this have been hard to do?

How did Joseph reflect the way Jesus responded to betrayal? What was the key to success?

In what way is God currently challenging you to fix your eyes on Jesus? What steps will you take?

August 16, 2014

Read:  Genesis 39:6b-23, Jeremiah 37:16-21, Philippians 1:12-14, Lamentations 3:23-25

What was common among Joseph’s, Jeremiah’s and Paul’s prison experience? How did they respond?

How did God use the results? How does their experience redefine successful Christian living today?

How might you be experiencing the same truth right now? How do you need to adopt a Joseph approach?

August 15, 2014

Read:   Genesis 39:6b-23, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:1-9, Hebrews 12:4-14

What does today’s reading tell you about trials in your life? How does this challenge your thinking?

How can you tell the difference between God’s discipline and God’s maturing process? Give an example.

Review your current challenges and ask God for insight and understanding. Pray about it right now.

August 14, 2014

Read:  Genesis 39:6b-23, Psalm 105:16-22

What happened as a result of Joseph successfully resisting sexual temptation? Be specific.

How could this have been confusing from a spiritual perspective? Why? How would you have responded?

What does this teach about godly obedience and circumstances? What is at risk if this isn’t understood?

August 13, 2014

Read:  Genesis 39:1-6a, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Ephesians 6:12-13

Describe three reasons a Christian will face challenging and difficult times. How is success achieved?

What does this imply about Christians who aren’t being challenged in life? (i.e. health, wealth, prosperity)

How can this principle help with being settled and content? How does God want you to be settled?

August 12, 2014

Read:  Genesis 39:1-6a, Philippians 2:1-13, 2 Peter 2:19-25

What was the primary challenge Jesus suffered on our behalf? How did Joseph experience the same thing?

Why will all Christians experience the same thing? How does this lead to successful Christian living?

In what way does this help redefine any challenges you are facing? Be specific. What is God teaching you?

August 11, 2014

Read:  Genesis 39:1-6a, 2 Corinthians 11:23-31

Summarize both Joseph’s and Paul’s challenges. In what way are they the same or different?

How does this define successful Christian living? Why is this an important Christian principle?

How have you seen this principle misunderstood today? What was the result? How does this help you?

August 9, 2014

Read:   1 Corinthians 11:23-25, John 6:25-58

Why did Jesus tell people to eat his flesh and drink his blood? What did this figuratively represent?

Why is communion an important part of the Christian life? What can happen when it isn’t?

How have you seen communion misunderstood? How has God given you more clarity?

August 8, 2014

Read:   1 Corinthians 11:23-28

Why does Paul provide a warning about communion? What does this imply about God’s perspective?

How can someone sin against God during communion? How can this be prevented?

How is God challenging your value and approach to communion? What do you feel needs to change?

August 7, 2014

Read:  Luke 22:14-20, Revelation 19:7-9

Explain the elements represented in communion. (i.e. bread and cup) What do they represent?

How does communion relate to eternity? (i.e. hors d’oeuvres for the big reception)

In what way are you confirming your commitment to Christ by taking communion? (i.e. An RSVP)

August 6, 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?

August 5, 2014

Read:  Matthew 28:19-20, Romans 6:3-5, Colossians 2:11-15

Explain the symbolism of baptism. (i.e. water, burial, etc.) How does baptism relate to heaven?

Why is this an important Christian ordinance? How can baptism be misunderstood? Give an example.

Have you been baptized? Why? How is God prompting you to either get baptized or help others?

August 4, 2014

Read:  Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 2:22-42, 8:12-13, 29-38

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

Why is this important? In what way is baptism an RSVP to God when becoming a Christian?

How might this relate to someone needing to be re-baptized? Give an example.

August 2, 2014

Read:  Ephesians 1:9-14, Hebrews 12:5-6

Why would God ever discipline a Christian? What is implied about God correcting a backslidden state?

How should this be a deterrent for every Christian to stay close to the Lord? (i.e. discipline hurts)

What are you currently doing that could be disciplined by God? Take time to repent and get back on track

August 1, 2014

Read:  Genesis 38, Matthew 1:1-3, Proverbs 16:9

How does Matthew 1:1-3 help you interpret Genesis 38? How does this explain God killing Er and Onan?

What does this imply about being able to thwart God’s plan? Can you think of another biblical example?

Why is this important for Christians to understand in their walk with God? How is this a warning to you?