May 1, 2020

Read:  James 3:7-8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Genesis 1:26-28, Acts 2:1-11

Explain what happens to a person when they become a Christian. (i.e. born again, transformation, etc.)

What is implied by James 3:7-8? How does Acts 2:11 also relate? Why do Christians have an 

advantage?

What does this also imply about a Christian’s mouth being different than the world? Give an example.

April 30, 2020

Read:  James 1:19, 26, 3:7-8, Matthew 5:33-37, Proverbs 10:19, 15:28

Describe the difference between taming the tongue and containing the tongue. Why is this important?

How easy is it for you to contain your mouth? Why? How can this impact spiritual health and 

protection?

In what way will the practice of being quiet help? How will you start to “practice” today? Be specific.

April 29, 2020

Read:  James 3:5b-6, Proverbs 16:27, 26:20-21, Psalm 64:1-10

What is the common theme these biblical writers are trying to convey when it comes to your words?

Give two examples when you have seen this take place. What was the result and the lasting affects?

Given that Satan will use your mouth for his purposes, what do you think this would look like for you?

April 28, 2020

Read:  James 3:3-5a, Acts 2:37-41, John 11:38-44, 19:28-30

Consider the power of words in each of these biblical accounts and describe the

result of each one.

What does this teach about the impact of words? How does this relate to trials and

initial responses?

Why will a place of growth be your verbal response in trials? How does this truth

impact you?

April 27, 2020

Read: James 3:3-5a, Psalm 34:12-13, Proverbs 18:21

What did James mean by equating the tongue to a horse bit or boat rudder? Be specific.

How does this contradict today’s message that “talk is cheap”? How have you seen this in today’s world?

How can you fall into this trap? Given an example. What steps will you take to adjust your approach?

April 25, 2020

Read:  James 3:1-2

Before reading today’s verses, take two minutes to close your eyes and be silent to quiet your thoughts.

Now ask God to reveal the truth of today’s verses and slowly read them out loud.

Journal your thoughts and how they specifically apply to you in your interaction with others today.

April 24, 2020

Read:  James 3:2, Acts 2:37-41, John 11:38-44, 19:28-30

Consider the power of words in each of these biblical accounts and describe the result of each one.

What does this teach about the impact of words? What is God teaching you about your conversation?

How will you take godly steps of growth by considering the impact of your words today? Be specific.

April 23, 2020

Read:  James 3:2, Romans 10:9-10, 14:10-12, 1 John 1:9

How does God’s concern with verbal confession relate to the truth of James 3:2?

How regularly do you verbalize your thoughts and heart before the Lord? Why or why not?

As you monitor your mouth, what is God teaching you about your spiritual condition?

April 22, 2020

Read:  James 3:2, Matthew 12:30-37

How does Jesus confront the spiritual condition of the Pharisees? What were their words reflecting?

Explain the connection between your heart and your mouth. Why does this relate to spiritual growth?

What is God teaching you about the importance of your words? How do you need to change?

April 21, 2020

Read:  James 3:1, 1:26, Proverbs 16:21, 24, Psalm 141:3

How does the truth of James 3:1 also relate to all Christians? (Hint: everyone has a platform)

Give three examples of where this takes place in your life. (i.e. work, home, etc.)

In what way is this countercultural to the idea that “talk is cheap”? How does this adjust you?

April 20, 2020

Read:  James 3:1, Matthew 28:19, 1 Timothy 4:6-16, 6:3-5

Why are teachers of God’s word singled out as being accountable before God? (i.e. greater strictness)

How have you viewed the role of a Pastor or Bible Teacher when it comes to spiritual responsibility?

In what way have you seen this role diminished today? Take time to pray for your PCC Pastors today.

April 18, 2020

Read:  Ephesians 2:3b-9, 1 Corinthians 15:12-18

Explain why all of Christianity rests on the resurrection of Christ. How do you see this minimized today?

In what way does Easter essentially celebrate God’s forgiveness, love, mercy, sacrifice and grace?

How can trying to earn God’s favor through good works minimize the significance of Easter?

April 17, 2020

Read:  Matthew 26:26-30, 36-39, 1:20-21, John 3:16-17

How did Jesus redefine the Passover meal? (i.e. God’s deliverance from Egypt)

How does Christian communion relate to Easter? (Hint: another area of God’s deliverance)

Describe the connection between Christmas, Good Friday and Easter.  Why is this important?

April 16, 2020

Read:  John 10:14-18, Mark 10:32-45

What is the connection between Good Friday and Easter? Why is it important not to separate the two?

How would you respond to the statement, “Jesus was unfortunately killed by corrupt leaders”?

What are some ways you can include the message of Good Friday into your Easter celebration?

April 15, 2020

Read:  John 20:21-22, 15:26-27, 15:9-11

In what way was Jesus reminding the disciples of a prior conversation? Why was it necessary?

What does this imply about how fear will impact obedience to the Lord? Give an example.

How do you think fear has impacted your Easter this year? What obedient steps do you need to take?

April 14, 2020

Read:  John 20:19-20, 14:27, 16:33, 1 Peter 1:3-6

Why was Jesus’ first statement to the disciples “Peace be with you”? Why was it more than a greeting?

What was their response? What does this imply about having a proper Easter perspective?

Considering the current COVID-19 challenge, how does this help you? What adjustment will you make?

April 13, 2020

Read: John 20:19, Matthew 6:33-34

Describe the circumstances surrounding the first Easter and why there was no celebrating. 

In what way does fear and anxiety always make matters worse? Give an example in your own life.

How happy is this Easter for you? Why? How can looking back at the first Easter help you this year?

April 11, 2020

Read:  Matthew 27:62-66

During the Sabbath, when Jesus was in the tomb, what were the Jewish leaders doing? Why?

What does this imply about times when God appears to be silent? How can you fall into this same trap?

How can prayer help? In what way has your week of devotions prepared you to celebrate Easter?

April 10, 2020

Read:  Matthew 27:1-61

On Friday, how was Jesus treated by others? What does this highlight about our sinful condition?

What does this imply about the way you should remember Good Friday? How does this challenge you?

Make it a point to thank God throughout the day for the cross. Worship Him for His sacrifice for you!

April 9, 2020

Read:  Matthew 26:17-75

On Thursday, what strikes you about Jesus’ final evening with His disciples? What did He provide?

In what way does Jesus do the same for you today? How does this elevate the importance of communion?

How does this adjust you? What are some ways you can improve your upper room time with Jesus?

April 8, 2020

Scripture is silent when it comes to the events that took place on Wednesday of Passion Week.

Given that Jesus might have been resting, reflecting, and praying, take time to do the same with God today.

Reflect on Monday and Tuesday’s commitments, praying and asking God for further insight and wisdom.

April 7, 2020

Read:  Matthew 21:23-24:51

On Tuesday, why did Jesus confront the Pharisees in such an aggressive way? What was being exposed?

What did the Olivet Discourse emphasize about daily faith? How did the temple and discourse relate?

How often do you contemplate these truths? Why is it important? What is God teaching you today?

April 6, 2020

Read:   Mark 11:12-19,Matthew 21:12-17, Luke 19:45-48

On Monday, what was Jesus teaching by cursing a fig tree? (i.e. fig tree represents Israel)

 How did temple events support Jesus’ message of the fig tree? How can this same problem occur today?

Ask God how you might be falling into the same trap. What corrective steps do you need to take?

April 4, 2020

Read:  Ephesians 6:17b, Hebrews 5:11-14

What is the author of Hebrews confronting in today’s reading? How is growth being measured?

How do you feel when you reflect back on your spiritual growth this past month and your time in God’s word?

Why is this important to do? What can happen when you don’t? What will you do differently in April?

April 3, 2020

Read:  Ephesians 6:17b, 1:13, 5:26, Matthew 4:1-11

Describe the three areas where Satan tried to tempt Jesus away from the Father.  How did Jesus respond?

What was the result? How was Jesus modeling what it means to use the sword of the Spirit?

What insight can you derive from Matthew 4:6? Why is this important when it comes to Bible study? 

April 2, 2020

Read:  Ephesians 6:17b, 2 Timothy 2:15-16, 3:14-17

What was Paul encouraging Timothy to do in order to remain spiritually healthy and live a godly life?

How does this relate to the sword of the spirit and battling Satan? Be specific.

How can you apply Paul’s encouragement to Timothy in your own life and studying God’s word?