Read: Ephesians 4:17-32, Galatians 5:13-26
These passages talk about the “old self” and “flesh.” What are these? How do they still plague believers/you?
How do you grieve the Holy Spirit in your life? In what ways do you grow in the Spirit?
Do you see the fruit of the Spirit in your life? If not, focus on one or two, and ask God to grow them in you.
Read: 1 Peter 1:3-23
What are some ways that our faith can be tested (v 7)? What’s the desired outcome of that testing?
Verse 13 reminds us to be sober-minded and prepared for action. What are some things that dull you?
Why does verse 17 instruct us to conduct our lives with fear? Is there good fear and bad? What drives you?
Read: 2 Peter 1:3-11
What does it mean that we’ve become partakers in the divine nature? How can reflecting on that truth help?
Read the list of qualities. Pick one or two that you need to grow in and ask God to help you develop those.
How does lacking those qualities make one unfruitful? Is your spiritual life fruitful? Why or why not?
Read: Titus 2:11-15, Matthew 16:24-27
From the passage in Titus, what are our lives supposed to look like? How does yours look similar/dissimilar?
What did Jesus mean by “take up your cross?” Can that happen partially? What did it mean for Jesus?
When we become disciples, we commit to a journey towards godliness. How can you be faithful in that journey?
Read: 1 Timothy 4:6-10, 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Why did Paul tell Timothy that godliness would hold promise for this life, then tell him he’d be persecuted for it?
Do you feel you have pursued godliness in your life? If not, why not? Have you ever been persecuted for it?
What does persecution for godliness look like in our culture? Would you be willing to endure it?
Read: Matthew 2
How would the visitation of the Magi have been an encouragement to both Mary and Joseph?
In what way was this immediately replaced by a crisis? Be specific.
How does this post-Christmas truth provide prospective in the Christian’s life? How does it help you?
Read: Matthew 1:24-25
What did the angel tell Joseph to do? How was this different than his plans? What did Joseph do?
What does this highlight about “next steps” when facing a crisis or challenging time?
Describe a current challenge you are facing. What does God want you to do? What will you do?
Advent Reading: Luke 2:1-20
Read: Matthew 1:21-23, Isaiah 7:13-14
How was the birth of Jesus a rescue mission? How does this help adjust your Christmas perspective?
In what way would this perspective have helped Joseph during his crisis? Be specific.
What does this imply about trusting your own perspective during a crisis? How does this help you?
Advent Reading: Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:18-25
Read: Matthew 1:18-20
What specific emotion did the angel address in Joseph’s response? Why would he have felt this emotion?
In what way would the angel’s counsel have been counterintuitive? Why is this important to understand?
How does this Christmas truth help and encourage you during a current challenge you are facing?
Advent Reading: Luke 1:57-80
Read: Matthew 1:18-19, Luke 3:23-24
How would the pregnancy of Mary have been troubling to a young Jewish couple? (i.e., Mary and Joseph)
In what way would this have been a crisis? Be specific. What was Joseph’s response?
How would Joseph’s response have impacted Jesus’ reputation? What does this highlight about a crisis?
Advent Reading: Luke 1:39-56
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: Luke 1:5-25, 1:26-3
Read: Luke 1:51-55, Philippians 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: Philippians 2:5-11
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 week? Be specific.
Advent Reading: Revelation 21:22-22:5, Matthew 5:14-16
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 can this impact every Christian’s Christmas celebration? How does this impact you?
Advent Reading: Revelation 21:1-4
Read Luke: 1:46-50, Matthew 1:18-21, John 3:16-18, 1 Tim. 1:15, Titus 3:4-7, 1 John 4:9
Why was Mary excited when visiting her cousin Elizabeth? (i.e., her primary source of joy)
What does this highlight about “why” we even celebrate Christmas? How can this get easily overlooked?
In what way can COVID make it worse? How does this adjust your perspective this Christmas?
Advent Reading: Revelation 1:4-8, 22:7-21, 2 Peter 3:8-9
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: Romans 13:11-14
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Begin your time with God by participating in a Daily Office (refer to EHS Day-by-Day book).
Journal any thoughts or insights God brings to mind.
Read: 1 Peter 1:1-7
Who was Peter writing to? What counsel did he give them? Be specific.
What does this highlight given Emperor Nero was persecuting Christians at that time?
How does Peter’s counsel help and encourage you given the current political landscape today? Be specific.
Read: Matthew 5:13-16, Colossians 3:17
What does it mean for Christians to be “salt” and “light”? How does it apply to everyday life?
In what way will this be different for every Christian? What does this imply about a political application?
Why is this important to remember? How does this adjust your perspective on voting?
Read: Matthew 22:15-22, Romans 13:1-7, Titus 3:1
How did the Pharisees try to politically trap Jesus into a two-party system? (i.e. Pharisees and Herodians)
How did Jesus respond? How did Paul highlight this same truth in Romans 13 and Titus 3?
What does this imply about today’s political parties? Why will they always be spiritually flawed?
Read: Acts 7:51-8:3, 26:1-21, Colossians 3:9-14
In what way was Paul’s non-Christian role as a Pharisee also a political position? (i.e. house arrests)
How did Paul politically change? Why? What does this model for Christians and politics today?
How can American Christians mistakenly confuse the two? How should you be different?
Read: Genesis 12:1-2, Deuteronomy 16:18-20, Matthew 28:18
Who are God’s chosen people? In what way does this make the Old Testament both spiritual and political?
Specifically, how does this change in the New Testament? (c.f. Matthew 28:18) Why is this important?
How can Christians today slip into an Old Testament model? Why is this unbiblical? How do you need to adjust?
Read: John 18:1-14, 19-24, 28-36, Philippians 3:18-20
What was Jesus being accused of by the Jews? In what way was this actually a political issue?
How did Jesus respond to Pilate? What does this imply about God’s perspective on politics?
Why is this distinction important? How does this challenge your political priorities and perspective?
Read: James 1:19b-20, Proverbs 14:29, Matthew 5:21-22
What connection does scripture make between anger, speaking, and listening?
How do you typically respond when you are angry? Why? How does it impact your ability to listen?
In what way can you step into this truth in today’s racially volatile environment? Be specific.
Read: James 1:19, Matthew 22:39
Why does James tell all Christians to be slow to speak and quick to listen? Explain the timing piece.
How does talking impact one’s ability to listen? How does listening reflect love and care for others?
When someone is quick to speak and slow to listen, what does this reveal about their spiritual condition?
Read: Colossians 3:11, Matthew 12:36, Galatians 5:16-26
In what way does scripture highlight that God will discriminate? Why is this important to remember?
How can this truth get compromised today? What is the solution? Explain the balance necessary?
In what areas of your life can you be imbalanced? Take time to pray, asking God how you need to change?
Read: Acts 15:1-35
Why were the Christian Jews struggling with the Christian Gentiles? How was it ultimately a racial issue?
How did they settle their disagreements? What does this imply about a Christian response to racism?
In what way are you tempted to discriminate toward others? How does God want you to change?
Read: Luke 10:25-37
What was the primary message Jesus was teaching the lawyer? Why would this have been hard to hear?
How did the lawyer rationalize racism? How do you see this happening today? Give an example.
In what way does compassion prevent discrimination? How is God challenging your sinful tendencies?
Read: Genesis 1:26-27, 5:1, 9:6, James 3:9
Describe what it means to be an image bearer of God. How is this distinct from the rest of God’s creation?
What are the implications of this truth when it comes to dignity, value and worth? (i.e. for you and others)
How does this truth address discrimination or racism? (i.e. human value) What is God teaching you?
Read: Genesis 12:1-3, 2 Sam. 7:11-17, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Romans 4:11-12, 1 Cor. 11:25, Heb. 10:16-22
Describe what God promised He would do with Israel. In what way has this not taken place yet?
Describe what Jesus promised would take place with the church. In what way has this not taken place yet?
What does this imply about the end times and God working with both Israel and the church?
Read: Revelation 19:11-21:1
Given today’s reading covers the events after the tribulation, briefly list what will be taking place.
Why is it important to take these events literally? What can happen if they are just metaphors?
How do these passages make you feel? In what way does it make Jesus as Savior more significant?
Read: Matthew 25:1-30, Revelation 20:11-15
In what way did Jesus use His return as a sobering reminder? What can happen if this is forgotten?
Describe how the return of Jesus will be very different than when He came 2,000 years ago?
How do you see this viewpoint being overlooked by those who want Jesus to return? How will you adjust?
Read: Revelations 4-18
As you read today’s devotions, make a list of the major events taking place (e.g. seven seals, angels, etc.)
What activity do they ultimately represent? What does this imply about the seven-year tribulation?
In what way has God given Revelation 4-18 as a warning? How should this impact evangelism?
Read: Matthew 24:37-44, 1 Thess. 4:13-18, 2 Thess. 2:1-2, 1 Cor. 15:51-55, Gen. 5:24, Heb. 11:5
What specifically was being described in today’s readings? How could Enoch have been an example?
In what way can this be both an encouragement and a sobering concern? Be specific.
How often do you think about this actually taking place? Why? How does this motivate you?
Read: Matthew 24:3-37, 25:13
What specific indicators did Jesus use to describe His ultimate return? In what way are they general?
What does this imply about trying to predict the day or time? Why is this important to remember?
Describe the COVID-19 balance necessary between anticipating Christ’s return and it being a distraction.
Read: Luke 17:11-12, Mark 1:41, Luke 11:37-40
How did the ministry of Jesus differ from the ministry of the Pharisees in terms of approach? (i.e. flexible)
Why is this distinction important to understand? How can this apply during COVID? Give an example.
Write out the areas where you struggle with COVID mandates. Ask God to show you where to adjust?
Read: Mark 1:40-44, Luke 17:11-14
What was the motivational difference between Jesus’ encounter with the ten lepers and the one leper?
Given it was a private meeting versus a public meeting, how was His messaging different? (i.e. pity vs. power)
Given today’s COVID restrictions, what are you messaging publicly and privately? Be specific.
Read: Mark 1:40-44
How did Jesus violate a public mandate regarding leprosy? What does this imply about His fear of leprosy?
Why did Jesus “sternly” tell the healed leper to keep quiet? What does this highlight about witnesses?
What does this imply about context and the way Jesus responded to leprosy? Why is this truth important?
Read: Luke 17:11-14, 14:1-4
Why did Jesus seem to comply with leprosy mandates and yet violate Sabbath law mandates?
How does physical versus spiritual laws change the approach? What did this do to the message of a healing?
In what way does this help you reconsider your views and public compliance during COVID-19?
Read: Luke 17:11-14, Leviticus 13:38-14:9
Describe what was involved in becoming spiritually/socially clean after having an infectious disease.
Given this background, what was Jesus essentially telling the leper to do in Luke 17:14? Why?
How was this also obeying a public mandate? How does this challenge your attitude during COVID-19?
Read: Luke 17:11-12, Numbers 5:1-4, 2 Kings 7:3-5
How was leprosy viewed in the ancient world? What was required regarding where lepers could live?
Why did the lepers stand at a “distance” when Jesus entered their village? What did Jesus do?
In what way did Jesus obey a public mandate? How could this relate to COVID-19 and wearing masks?
Read: John 14:29-31, Ephesians 6:12-18, 1 Peter 5:8
What did Jesus mean by the ruler of this world “is coming”? How was this a warning to the disciples?
In what way did their approach to spiritual warfare need to change? (i.e. Holy Spirit vs. Jesus)
Why is this important for every Christian to understand? What is the solution? How will you step into this?
Read: John 14:29-31, 18:33-36, Matthew 26:47-54, Luke 8:26-31, Ephesians 2:1-7
Who was “the ruler of this world” that Jesus referred to? Why did he have “no claim” on Jesus?
In what way would the disciples have already witnessed this truth? Give an example.
Why does this apply to Christians today? What happens if this isn’t understood? How does this help you?
Read: John 14:28, 1-4
Where was Jesus planning on going? (i.e. “going away”) Why should this have encouraged the disciples?
How did Jesus address their misplaced priorities? How would they have needed to adjust?
How does this also happen in the Christian life today? (i.e. pleasing God vs. self) How will you adjust?
Read: John 14:27, Matthew 10:28, Philippians 4:6-7, 1 John 4:18
Why is it important that every Christian doesn’t give way to fear, especially in today’s COVID world?
What will happen if this isn’t managed? How will it prevent you from growing deeper with Jesus?
What is the solution? How will it provide more peace? What practical steps will you take today?
Read: John 14:27, Psalm 29:11, Isaiah 9:6-7, Romans 1:7, 5:1, 14:17, Galatians 5:22
Why did Jesus promise He would provide “peace” for the disciples? (i.e. Why would they need it?)
How is a “Jesus peace” different than a “world peace”? Why is this an important distinction to understand?
How does this make you feel? In what way does this motivate you to grow deeper with Jesus?
Read: John 14:25-26, 16-18, Ephesians 1:13-14, Titus 3:3-6
Explain what Jesus meant by promising a “helper” for the disciples. How was it a transitional time?
In what way is it different for Christians today? What does the Holy Spirit promise to ultimately provide?
How have you experienced this truth in your life? Give an example. How will you be more aware today?
Read: John 13:20, Matthew 28:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:20
How did Jesus remind the disciples about their witness to the world? How does humility relate?
What happens when this truth is overlooked? How have you seen this happen with Christians today?
What message are you sending during COVID-19 to those around you? How does God want you to adjust?
Read: John 13:18-19, Psalm 41:4-9, Matthew 26:47-5
How would the disciples, being Jews, have processed John 13:18? Why did Jesus quote Psalm 41:9?
Knowing Jesus was going to be betrayed and arrested that night, how was He preparing the disciples?
What could have happened without preparation? How did Peter reveal this? What is the lesson for you?
Read: John 6:71, 12:4, 13:2, 18-19, 6:71, 12:4
Why did Jesus inform the disciples of a traitor? What does “lifted his heel against me” mean?
How would you have felt if you were Jesus? Would you have washed Judas’ feet? Explain.
As you process this in light of growing deeper with Jesus, what is God teaching you? Be specific.
Read: John 13:12-17, Matthew 5:2-11
What does God promise if you grow and mature in humility? What is implied if you don’t?
In your own words, what does it mean to be blessed by God? How does it relate to “favor”?
How does this change your approach and perspective on growing deeper with Jesus? Be specific.
Read: John 13:16-17, 15:10, Matthew 7:21-27, Mark 3:35, Luke 6:47-49, James 4:17
Given humility is the lesson being taught through foot washing, what was Jesus implying in John 13:17?
Why would the cultural practices have caused them to forget? How does this happen in Christianity today?
As you think back to last week, how has this happened to you? What practical steps will you take today?
Read: John 13:12-15, Matthew 26:17-30
What spiritual lesson did Jesus teach the disciples by washing their feet? How does this explain John 13:15?
Contextually, what is the difference between foot washing and communion? Why is this important?
What are the implications from a church practice perspective? What can happen if this isn’t understood?
Read: John 13:6-10, 36-38, 18:1-10
What dynamic do you see reoccurring between Jesus and Peter? What do you think is
the core problem?
Why will a controlling attitude never allow for a humble attitude to grow and mature?
Be specific.
How do you see this taking place in your life? What growth steps will you start taking
today?
Read: John 13:8b-10, 1 Peter 5:6
In what way was Peter’s response to Jesus different than the other disciples? Why?
How was Peter fooling himself into thinking he was being humble? How was he
actually being prideful?
What does this highlight about “sitting” in a humbling situation to grow? How do you
need to “sit”?
Read: John 13:8b-11, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Ephesians 1:7, Titus 3:4-8, 1 John 1:9
Explain the difference between forgiveness once and for all and being forgiven daily.
(i.e. 1 John 1:9)
How did Jesus clarify this truth by washing the disciples’ feet and by addressing
Peter’s resistance?
How does this both encourage and challenge you? Take some time and ask God for
insight and wisdom?
Read: John 13:1-8a, Philippians 2:1-8
What is obvious about Peter’s response in terms of “feelings” when Jesus washed his
feet?
What does this highlight how growing in humility will feel? How does Philippians 2:1-8
support this truth?
Why is this important to remember? What are some ways God may be humbling you
this week?
Read: John 13:1-5, Colossians 3:12, 1 Peter 5:5
What is communicated that a water basin was ready and prepared for foot washing
Be specific.
How does the timing of “during supper” relate to the disciples’ intentions for foot
washing?
How much value do you see being placed on “humility” as a virtue today? How does
this challenge you?
Read: John 13:1-5, Luke 22:14-24
How does Luke 22:24 provide the context for Jesus washing the disciples’ feet? What
was being taught?
What does this imply about every Christian’s daily struggle? How does culture avoid
this struggle?
Given this is a critical issue to grow deeper with the Lord, how is God adjusting you
on this topic?
