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