December 31, 2015

Read:  Psalm 100, 105:1-5, 69:30-32

What is the common thread through all of these Psalms? What are some of the instructions we are given in these Psalms?

What are some very specific and practical actions you can take to follow these instructions and how will you apply them in 2016?

Make a list of 15 things that you are thankful to God for and give him your praise, glory, and gratitude right now!

December 30, 2015

Read:  Matthew 6:33, Philippians 3:7-14, Galatians 2:20, Psalm 51:15-17, Luke 17:11-17

What is the perspective to have, and the actions to take, according to the Philippians and Galatians passages?

According to these passages, what is the overall countenance and attitude we are to have in approaching and serving God?

Which “gift” (priority or gratitude) can you see being the most difficult for you to give God in 2016? Why?

December 29, 2015

Read:  Matthew 6:25-34, Joshua 1:8-9, Revelation 3:14-22

What are the instructions to us in the Joshua passage? How does Joshua 1:9 & Matthew 6:33 encourage you?

How does the Matthew passage compare/contrast to the Revelation passage? What are the problems and solutions?

What are some things in your life that are distracting or keeping you from making God a priority in your life? Pray about it!

December 28, 2015

Read:  Matthew 6:25-34, Ephesians 5:2, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:19

According to the Ephesians, Romans, and 1 John verses, what did Jesus do for you? What does the “timing” tell you?

What does the Matthew 6 passage tell you about God’s view of you? Based on this, what should your response be? (Hint: vv. 33-34)?

What is the biggest worry or fear that you have right now that is hindering you from “seeking God first” and trusting Him?

December 26, 2015

Read:  Matthew 1:21-25, John 15:10-11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3-10

What did the angel Gabriel tell Joseph to “do”? What did Joseph do? How was this growth for Joseph?

Explain the difference between knowing God’s truth and growing in God’s truth. Why is this important?

How can Christians often fool themselves when it comes to spiritual growth? How can you avoid this trap?

December 25, 2015

Read:  Luke 2:1-20 (MERRY CHRISTMAS!)

As you reflect on the birth of Christ, what encourages you and ministers to your heart?

In what way did the shepherds model how every Christian should respond to the Lord?

Take some time right now, before your Christmas celebration, and reflect a shepherd’s heart to the Lord.

December 24, 2015

Read:  Matthew 1:21-25, Psalm 19:7-8, 23:4, 119:98-106, 2 Peter 1:19

How did the angel provide stability for Joseph? How can God’s word provide the same stability for you?

How often do you study God’s word on a weekly basis? What does this imply about your future stability?

What are some practical steps of growth you can take this month with studying God’s word?

Advent Reading: John 3:16-18, 1 John 4:9-14

December 23, 2015

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 3:20-21, Hebrews 11:1

In what way is the Christmas story a battle of faith and fear? Why will fear always challenge faith?

What does this reveal about how Christians are to handle fear? How does this relate to expectations?

How has God been faithful to you during fearful times? How is God challenging your current expectations?

Advent Reading: Luke 1:26-38, Matthew 1:18-25

December 22, 2015

Read:  Matthew 1:18-20, 28:20, Genesis 28:15, Psalm 23, Philippians 1:6, Hebrews 13:5-6

Why did the angel appear to Joseph? Why is this important to remember during fearful times?

What can happen when this truth is forgotten? How does this happen to you? Give an example.

Identify two ways you are currently struggling with fear. How does God’s presence encourage you?

Advent Reading: Psalm 145

December 21, 2015

Read:  Matthew 1:18-2:15

Why would the birth of Christ have been a fearful time for Joseph? How did God meet him along the way?

What does this highlight about fear and God’s faithfulness? How would you have responded? Why?

What is God teaching you about fear and a godly perspective? Be specific. How do you need to change?

Advent Reading: Psalm 89:1-4, 19-37, 46-52

December 19, 2015

Read: Luke 1:46-55, Acts 26:1-29

List the ways that Mary was actually bragging about God in her Christmas song of praise.

How did her testimony play into it?  What does this imply about the primary message of Christmas?

How does this model a way for every Christian to celebrate Christmas?  How will you do the same?

Advent Reading:  Philippians 4:4-7

December 18, 2015

Read:  Luke 1:51-55, Phil 1:12-18, 2:17-18, 28, 4:4

In what way was Paul’s attitude similar to Mary’s when writing to the Philippians from prison?

What does this teach about a Christian’s source of joy?  How can Christmas either help or hinder?

How can this truth also help those who find Christmas emotionally difficult?  How can it help you?

Advent Reading:  Romans 15:4-13

December 17, 2015

Read: Luke 1:51-55, 1 Samuel 2:1-9, Psalm 22:3-6, 44:3, 98:3, 103:1-5, Ephesians 5:19

What do you find similar or different between Mary’s song and other songs in the Old Testament?

What does this imply about Mary’s understanding of God’s word and having a joyful attitude?

How do you think God’s word can help you celebrate Christmas this year?  What steps will you take?

Advent Reading:  Luke 1:47-55, 2:1-20

December 16, 2015

Read:  Luke 1:48-52, Exodus 3:11-12, 1 Samuel 18:18, 2 Samuel 7:14-17, Isaiah 6:5-7

What attributes of God was Mary highlighting in her Christmas song?  Be specific.

How did this relate to Moses, David, Isaiah and Mary?  How does this relate to every Christian today?

In what way should this impact every Christian’s Christmas celebration?  How will it impact yours?

Advent Reading:  Psalm 20, 96:1-13

December 15, 2015

Read: Luke 1:46-50, Matthew 1:18-21, 20:28, John 3:16-18, 1 Timothy 1:15, Titus 3:4-7, 1 John 4:9

Why was Mary excited when visiting her cousin Elizabeth? (i.e. her primary focus)

What does this highlight about “why” we even celebrate Christmas? How can this get easily overlooked?

How does this challenge your primary focus at Christmas? How can you start adopting Mary’s perspective?

Advent Reading:  Zephaniah 3:14-20

December 14, 2015

Read: Luke 1:39-50, 2:8-14

What was the common response by those personally experiencing the birth of Christ?  Why?

What does this imply about the “true” Christmas spirit?  How do you see this taking place today?

What emotions do you typically feel at Christmas? Why? In what way does Mary’s song encourage you?

Advent Reading:  Isaiah 9:2-7, 35:1-10

December 12, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:33-36, Isaiah 40:13-14, Job 41:11

How does Paul conclude his long dissertation about predestination and free will in verses 33-36?

In what way is this a statement of praise and worship? How do these verses help your approach to Christmas?

Take some time right now to thank God for Christmas and the blessing of being saved. Merry Christmas!

Advent Reading: Romans 1:1-7, 5:1-10

December 11, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:23-32, Luke 21:7-28

Describe how the 2nd coming of Christ will be very different than the 1st coming. (i.e. Christmas)

What does this imply about the spiritual opportunities that are currently available?

Why is this an important truth to remember at Christmastime? How does this elevate your celebration?

Advent Reading: Micah 5:1-5, John 14:27

December 10, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:23-32, Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, 2 Peter 3:9-13

In what way was Paul telling the Gentiles to reflect God’s attitude toward the Jews? What did it require?

How should this reflect a Christian’s attitude toward non-believers when sharing the Gospel?

How can impatience creep in especially during Christmas time? How can you protect yourself?

Advent Reading: Psalm 23

December 9, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:23-32, Isaiah 59:20-21, JeremIah 31:31-34, Matthew 28:19, John 10:14-16

What did Paul mean by a “partial hardening” and “fullness of the Gentiles” in verse 25?

How was Paul challenging the Gentiles’ perspectives toward Jews? What were they assuming about Jews?

How can this apply to Christians and non-believers today? How will you protect against this at Christmas?

Advent Reading: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

December 8, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:16-22, John 3:16-18, 1 John 3:14-19

Using only two words, describe God’s motive for sending His Son? (i.e. motive for Christmas)

What does this imply about how to celebrate Christmas? Why is this important to remember?

How does this elevate Christmas beyond a simple greeting? How is God challenging your approach?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 9:1-7, 55:1-2

December 7, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:16-22, Luke 2:1-7, PhIlippians 2:5-11

What specific ungodly attitude was Paul addressing in today’s reading? How did this come about?

What is the root cause of this ungodly attitude? How can this same thing happen to you? Give an example.

How does the birth of Christ demonstrate the right attitude? What adjustments do you need to make?

Advent Reading: Psalm 122, 1-9, 126:1-6

December 5, 2015

Read:  Hebrews 12:1-3

What is the action step in verse one in response to reading about the people of faith in chapter 11? (i.e., Friday’s passage)

Why is the instruction in verse two critical to accomplishing the task in verse one?

What is the end game that God wants for us in verse three?

Advent Reading: Matthew 24:36-44, Revelation 7:9-17

December 4, 2015

Read:  Hebrews 11:1-39

Underline things that jump out at you in this chapter.

What is God impressing upon you in your study of this chapter?

Pray and ask God to help develop greater faith to follow Him when it’s hard.

Advent Reading: Luke 1:68-79, James 5:7-10

December 3, 2015

Read:  Psalm 37:4-5, Proverbs 3:5-6

What are the instructions we are to follow in these verses?

What is the human dilemma in the Proverbs passage that makes it difficult?

What are the promises God gives to those who obey them?

Advent Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34, Lamentations 3:24-26

December 2, 2015

Read:  1 Timothy 6:17-19

What instruction does God give people who are resourced?

What warning does God give people who are resourced?

What is the motivation found in verse 19?

Advent Reading: Psalm 130:1-8, 146:5-10

December 1, 2015

Read:  John 6:25-33

What is the basic human problem in this passage?

What is the divine solution?

How does that challenge you?

Advent Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

November 30, 2015

Read:  Jeremiah 32:1-27

Review the three points of Sunday’s message. Put yourself in Jeremiah’s sandals. What conflict would he have?

How does his story make you feel?

How does his example help you think about decision-making in your life?

Advent Reading: Psalm 80:1-7

November 21, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:7-15, Acts 6:1-7, 8:5-25, 13:13-49

What was Paul teaching the Gentiles in Romans 11:7-15? How did it highlight God’s faithfulness?

How could it have been misinterpreted? Why was this important for preventing undue tension or stress?

How have you experienced this in your life? How will standing on God’s promises help?

November 20, 2015

Read: Romans 11:7-15, Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:4-6

How do you typically respond to financial challenges? Why? How does this ultimately relate to faith?

What specific promises do you see God making in today’s reading? What is the common theme?

Which specific promise encourages you today? Why? How can you use this to help with tension relief?

November 19, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:7-15, Psalm 23, Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:28, Ephesians 3:20-21

Why does God make promises to those who follow Him? What does it imply about tension and stress?

What specific promises do you see God making in today’s reading? What is the common theme?

Which specific promise encourages you today? Why? How can you use this to help with tension relief?

November 18, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:1-6, Genesis 6:1-8, 19:29, Isaiah 10:22, Matt. 7:13-14, 13:1-9, 18-23, 22:14

What does “remnant” theology refer to in the Bible? How does it highlight God’s sovereignty?

Why is this an important truth during stressful times? How does it actually prevent worst-case thinking?

How have you experienced this in your own life? How can you apply this truth this week?

November 17, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:2-6, 1 Kings 18:20-19:18, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

What extraordinary step of faith did Elijah take on Mt. Carmel? What was the result?

Why did Elijah start to doubt God later? What does this teach about tension and irrational thinking?

How did God encourage Elijah? How does this encourage you? As a result, what steps will you take?

November 16, 2015

Read:  Romans 11:1, Acts 7:59-8:3, 9:1-19

How did Christians view Paul (Saul of Tarsus) before his conversion? Why? How did God view him?

What does this teach about assuming the worst? How can this type of thinking become destructive?

In what way can you fall into the same unhealthy patterns? How does Paul’s story encourage you?

November 14, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:16-21, Acts 13:13-49, 16:16-33, 1 Corinthians 1:23

How did the Apostle Paul respond when people rejected the Gospel? How would you have responded?

In what way did Paul redefine rejection to the Gospel? (c.f., 1 Cor. 1:23) How did it keep him going?

How does this perspective help you? What are some action items you can put into place to keep going?

November 13, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:16-21, John 6:44, 64-67, Matthew 16:15-17, Ephesians 2:4-9

What supernatural work is required in order for every person to become a Christian?

How does this lower the evangelism hurdle? In what way does this highlight predestination and free will?

What are some ways you can begin trusting God more for the results when promoting Him? Be specific.

November 12, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:16-21, John 10:24-39, 6:64-67, Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23, 23:37

How did people respond to the teachings of Jesus? What does this imply about being effective?

Why is this important to remember when it comes to sharing the Gospel? How does this encourage you?

How can you let potential resistance hinder you? How is God challenging you to step it up for Him?

November 11, 2015

Read: Romans 10:14-15, John 1:35-50, Acts 10:19-48

What approach did New Testament Christians use to promote Jesus with family and friends?

What was the result? How does this make it easy for every Christian to participate in evangelism?

How does this encourage you to do the same? What are some specific ways you can start doing it today?

November 10, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:14-15, Acts 26:1-29

How did the Apostle Paul share the Gospel with King Agrippa? What 3-step approach did he use?

In what way does his approach qualify every Christian to be able to share the Gospel?

Using Paul’s model, write out your Gospel story. Pray and ask God how He wants you to use it this week.

November 9, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:14-15, Matthew 5:13-16, 9:37-38, 28:19, Acts 1:8

What primary responsibility does God assign to every Christian? Why? What is at stake?

In what way have you avoided taking on this responsibility? Why? How is God challenging your excuses?

What practical steps will you take this week to have “beautiful feet”? Be specific.

November 7, 2015

Read:  Romans 9:30-33, Is. 8:14, 28:16, Mat. 21:42-44, John 1:11-13, 1 Cor. 1:23-24, 1 Pet. 2:4-8

Why was Jesus a stumbling block to the Jews? What does this imply about the message of the cross?

How did the Gentiles respond differently than the Jews? What does this highlight about the pitfalls of religion?

In what way can this happen to someone raised in a religious home? What preventative steps can be taken?

November 6, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:4-13, Acts 2:37-38, 16:25-32, 1 John 4:15


Based on Romans 10:9-10, explain what God requires in order to become a Christian.

How does this relate to internal and external change? How have you experienced this truth? Be specific.

What guidance would you provide to someone who simply says, “I believe”? (Hint: head vs. heart)

November 5, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:4-13, John 3:16-18, 15:12-13, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 4:9-14, 19


In what way does the Gospel relate to both God’s grace and God’s love? What is the difference?


How does God’s grace and love relate to predestination and free will? Why is this balance important?


Describe how 1 John 4:19 shows predestination and free will working together. How does this help you?

November 4, 2015

Read:  Romans 10:1-3, Acts 26:1-22, Galatians 1:13-14, Philippians 3:1-11


What primary truth does Romans 10:1-3 teach about spiritual passion? How was Paul a living example?


How have you seen this happen today? Give an example. In what way can you fall into this trap?


How will biblical truth bring balance to passion? What steps will you take to protect yourself? Be specific.

November 3, 2015

Read:  Romans 9:30-10:3, Joshua 24:15, Matthew 16:24-25, John 15:4, Acts 2:37-38, 17:30

In what way does the Bible continually demonstrate that man has a free will? Give two examples.

Why is this a critical doctrine with regards to the Gospel? What happens if you eliminate free will?

How does free will show up in everyday life? What is God teaching you about spiritual responsibility?

November 2, 2015

Read:  Romans 9:30-10:3, Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-19, Matthew 25:31-46

Explain why the Jews responded differently to Jesus compared to the Gentiles. What was the result?

What does this teach about free will versus predestination? How did Adam and Eve experience this same truth?

In what way will you ultimately experience this same truth? Be specific. How does this make you feel?

October 31, 2015

Read:  Romans 9:1-29

Describe how predestination affirms God’s sovereignty and grace. Give examples from today’s reading.

In what way do other parts of your life actually reflect predestination? Give examples. (Hint: hair color)

How can this understanding help resolve some of the predestination tension? Be specific.

October 30, 2015

Read: Romans 9:14-17, Jonah 3:1-4:2, John 3:16-19, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Peter 3:9

What terms does Paul use in Romans 9:14-17 to describe God’s motives behind predestination?

How does this help rebut any accusations about God not being just or fair? (Hint: grace vs merit)

How can this be a settling truth in light of predestination? How does this help you?

October 29, 2015

Read:  Romans 9:14-18, Exodus 4:21, 7:3, 8:15, 32, 9:1-17, 34, 10:1, 20, 27

What choice did God give Pharaoh when it came to releasing Jews? (c.f. Ex. 9:1-3) Be specific.

How does this coincide with God hardening Pharaoh’s heart? (c.f. Ex. 8:15, 10:1)

Why is this important for a discussion about predestination? How does this prevent a misunderstanding?

October 28, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:28-30, 9:1-13, 11:33-36, Deuteronomy 29:29, Job 11:7-8, 1 Corinthians 2:16

Why will you always be limited in your understanding of God? What biblical truth does this highlight?

How does predestination relate to your limited understanding? Give an example.

How do unanswered “why” questions make you feel? What is God teaching you about trust and humility?

October 27, 2015

Read:  Romans 9:1-13, Genesis 12:1-3, 18:10, 25:23, Luke 1:13, Matthew 1:21, Ephesians 1:11-12

List at least five ways that God orchestrated His plan of salvation. How does this relate to predestination?

Why is predestination important in order to preserve God’s sovereignty? How is the alternative unbiblical?

What do you find challenging about predestination? How can maintaining an elevated view of God help?

October 26, 2015

Read:  Isaiah 40:28, Jeremiah 1:5, Psalm 139:1-10, 147:5, Proverbs 15:3, Revelation 21:1-6

List the three primary attributes of God presented in today’s reading. Why is this important to understand?

What can happen when Christians overlook these attributes? (i.e. minimize God) Give an example.

How is your view of God being challenged? Ask God how you have minimized His role in your life.

October 24, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:1, 33-34, Zechariah 2:1-3:1, Revelation 12:10, 1 John 3:18-22

List two ways that Christians can feel condemned. How can this ultimately lead to worry or fear?

What specific biblical truth can every Christian rely on when it comes to guilt or condemnation?

In what way can this bring security when life gets tough? How is God encouraging you today?

October 23, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:33-39, Matthew 4:1-11

How did Satan try to tempt Jesus away from trusting the Father? How did Jesus respond?

What does this teach about God’s care and provision? How can tough times challenge this truth?

How are you currently tempted to doubt God’s love and care for you? How does today’s devotional help?

October 22, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:33-39, Jeremiah 29:11-12, Matthew 14:22-31, 28:18-20

How does God’s sovereignty relate to His unconditional love? Why is this important for the walk of faith?

In what way is worry or fear essentially a lack of faith in God’s love for you? Be specific.

How does Romans 8:37 encourage you to trust God in a current struggle? Pray about it right now.

October 21, 2015

Read: Romans 8:28-32, Genesis 37:12-28, 41:37-41, 50:6-20

Why did Joseph’s brothers mistreat him? How could Joseph have doubted God’s care for him?

How might you have felt if you were Joseph? In what way did Joseph experience Romans 8:28?

What has been your experience with this truth? How is God encouraging you to trust His plan?

October 20, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:28-32, Proverbs 3:5-6, Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:4-7, 1 Peter 5:7

What is the root cause of worry or fear? Why are Christians called never to worry or fear?

What does scripture tell Christians to do when tempted to worry? Why? How have you experienced this?

What typically causes you to worry? Why? What is God calling you to change in your response to worry?

October 19, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:28-32, 5:8,  John 6:44, Ephesians 2:8-9, Phil. 1:6, 2:12-13, 2 Thess. 2:13-14

What is the primary truth of Romans 8:28? How can this get misinterpreted? Why is this important?

How does a Christian’s salvation prove the truth of Romans 8:28? (i.e. God’s plan)

Describe a struggle you are currently facing? How does Romans 8:28 apply? Write out your answer.

October 17, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:26-27, Matthew 26:37-46, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Why is being open to God’s will an important part of prayer? What can happen when you aren’t?

How does the Holy Spirit teach Christians how to pray? How will this help with pain management?

How is God challenging your prayer life? What specifically will you be doing to change this week?

October 16, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:26-27, John 14:25-29, 15:26-27, 16:7-14

Describe the various roles of the Holy Spirit in the life of a Christian. List at least three.

In what way does the Holy Spirit’s role relate to pain management? How does this also relate to prayer?

How often do you rely on the Holy Spirit during tough times? Why? How does this encourage you today?

October 15, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:26-27, Luke 18:3-7

In what way did the Apostle Paul specifically encourage the Roman Christians when they were struggling?

How did it relate to prayer? In what way did Jesus provide the same encouragement to His disciples?

Why will giving up on prayer be a bad idea? What is God prompting you to pray about right now? Do it!

October 14, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:18-25, Isaiah 11:1-10, 1 Cor. 15:50-58, 2 Pet. 3:11-13, 1 John 3:2, Rev. 21:1-8

Why is “hope” a critical part of the Christian life? How can it be helpful when life gets tough?

How easy is it for you to lose hope? Why? What does this tell you about a needed perspective change?

Describe an area of your life that brings you pain. How does eternity relate? How can you find hope?

October 13, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:18-25, John 14:1-4, 2 Cor. 5:2-3, Colossians 3:2-4, 1 Thess. 5:8-11, Titus 3:4-7

How does today’s reading encourage Christians to think? How is this different than “positive” thinking?

Describe why this perspective is important for pain management in daily life. Give an example.

How often do you think about eternity? Why? How does this encourage you this week?

October 12, 2015

Read:  Romans 8:18-25, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 6:4-5, 11:23-28

In what way will pain and suffering always be a part of every Christian’s life? Give examples.

How have you seen this truth overlooked in Christianity today? Why is this dangerous?

How has today’s reading given you a new perspective in your current life struggles? Be specific

October 10, 2015

Read:  1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14; Hebrews 10:24-25

What are the action steps in the 1 Thessalonian verses?

Apply what Hebrews says: Consider how you might spur on a specific friend to strengthen their walk with God.