Read: Matthew 5:8, Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 24:3-4
What situations are most challenging for you to maintain your purity? What are some habits you can develop to gain a pure heart
Psalm 24 tells us that people with a pure heart can “ascend” the mountain of God so that they can see him. What does this Scripture teach about purity? Where do these impure actions show up in your life?
Read: Matthew 5:7, Ephesians 2:8-10, Ephesians 4:32
When is it most difficult to show mercy and forgiveness to others? When does showing mercy come naturally?
Where do you need to show others more grace? What are the “good works” God is calling you to do?
Read: Matthew 5:3-10
What are your initial thoughts on the beatitudes? Which one is most encouraging to you? Which one is most challenging?
What are some unhealthy ways you pursue happiness?
What are some specific ways you can pursue happiness according to Jesus’ teachings?
Read: John 4:13-14, 6:48, 8:12, 10:27
In what way did Jesus make a spiritual connection to a general discussion about needing a drink of water?
How did Jesus do this on a regular basis when talking about God? What does this teach you about evangelism?
How has this week’s topic and devotions help you to better step into spiritual conversations? Be specific.
Read: John 4:10-13
In what way did the woman feel threatened or challenged (v. 12) by Jesus’ statement in verse 10?
How did Jesus respond in verse 13? How did He let her process without trying to argue with her?
What will happen if Christians miss this truth when trying to share their faith? How can this be avoided?
Read: John 4:10-11, 3:1-4
Explain how the woman missed the point Jesus was making. How did Nicodemus make the same mistake?
What does this highlight about how non-Christians process spiritual truth? Why is this important to recognize?
How should this impact assumptions and not overcomplicate spiritual discussions? How does this adjust you?
Read: John 4:1-9, Colossians 3:11, Galatians 3:28
What is the Apostle Paul addressing when it comes to discrimination within the church? Be specific.
In what way should this also impact the way Christians share their faith with non-Christians?
Who could you be tempted to avoid when it comes to evangelism? Why? How does Jesus’ approach help you?
Read: John 4:7-9, Luke 10:25-37, John 8:48-53
What cultural lines did Jesus cross by asking a Samaritan woman for a drink of water? Be specific.
In what way did this influence the way the religious leaders viewed and treated Jesus? Be specific.
How can this same challenge impact Christians today? (i.e., political, financial, etc.) What is the solution?
Read: John 4:1-6, Nehemiah 4:1-6, Ezra 4:1-6
Explain the significance of Jesus passing through Samaria. Why would this have been typically forbidden?
As you read the historical rivalry between Samaria and Judea, what present day examples could compare?
What did Jesus model when it comes to talking to anyone about God? How does this encourage you?
Read: John 3:22-36, Romans 8:5-8, 1 Corinthians 15:19, Colossians 3:2-11
As you consider the concerns and fear of John the Baptist’s disciples, how had they lost an eternal perspective?
Why should eternity always be the motivator for every Christian and church? How does it also protect unity?
What does Christian competition reveal? How has this week’s study helped protect you? Be specific.
Read: John 3:32-36, 3:18, Ephesians 2:1-7, Hebrews 9:27-28
What does it mean that God’s wrath “remains” on a non-Christian? How does it get lifted?
Why did John highlight this truth? In what way was this still addressing a competitive spirit? Be specific.
Pray and ask God how this truth can help protect and unify you with other Christians. Write down the answer.
Read: John 3:30-31, Matthew 9:35-38, Hebrews 12:1-2
In what way are all Christians on the same team regardless of the specific church they may attend?
Why is this important when it comes to evangelism? How will division prevent this from happening?
Explain how having a “Jesus only” focus will provide protection. How does this apply to you?
Read: John 3:29-31, Isaiah 62:4-5, Ephesians 5:22-32, Revelations 19:6-9
Explain how scripture uses a bride and bridegroom to illustrate the relationship between Christians and Jesus.
Where does John the Baptist put himself in this illustration? In what way was he correcting his disciples?
How does this also illustrate the way Christians should relate to one another? How does this help you?
Read: John 3:22-28, 17:20-24, Ephesians 4:1-7
What does Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20-24 highlight about the way Christians and churches will struggle?
Why will this always be a challenge in today’s competitive culture? How have you seen this play out?
What is really at the root of competitive and divisive behavior? How can you protect yourself against this risk?
Read: John 3:22-28, Mark 9:33-37, 1 Corinthians 3:3-7, Philippians 1:15-18
Explain the transition that was taking place for John given the arrival of Jesus. Be specific.
How did John’s disciples respond to this change? Why? In what way was their fear creating division?
How can this same thing happen with Christians today? Give an example. How does this challenge you?
Read: 1 Samuel 2
What does Hannah’s prayer teach you about God, life, control, success, etc.?
How is God challenging you to adjust your perspectives? (i.e., as a mom, parent, adult, teen, etc.)
Knowing that Hannah’s prayer is seasoned with joy and contentment, how does this encourage you?
Read: Genesis 21:1-8, 22:1-22
Although there’s significant Christology in Abraham’s story, how would you have felt as a parent?
Describe a situation when it was hard for you to release your child to the Lord. What was the result?
What does this say about God and His role in your life and family? Pray about one specific area now.
Read: 1 Samuel 1:21-28, Deuteronomy 5:4-7
What is the ultimate responsibility for every parent when it comes to raising children? Be specific.
Describe how there is both an investing and a releasing side of this responsibility. Give an example.
As a parent, how have you been fulfilling your role? What can you do to be more effective?
Read: 1 Samuel 1:10-12a, Psalm 127:3-5
What do both of these passages teach about parents and their children? (Hint: own vs. loan)
Why is this truth important to understand for every parent? How does this practically play out?
Describe some ways you can apply this truth to your own situation as a parent, mother, etc.
Read: 1 Samuel 1:18-20, Proverbs 16:3, Philippians 4:6-7
List the specific promises stated in scripture when it comes to prayer. If you are a mom, how do you relate?
What distinction is important to make when it comes to “answered” prayer and God’s response?
How do you want to see these promises being realized in your own life? Pray for this right now.
Read: 1 Samuel 1:10, 12a, Luke 11:1-13
Write down three words to describe the way Hannah came to the Lord in prayer.
Write down three words to summarize the way Jesus describes God when we come to Him in prayer.
What does this teach you about God, prayer, and finding stability? Take time right now and pray.
Read: Matthew 5:1-4, Daniel 9:1-20
In what way did Daniel experience the truth of Matthew 5:1-4 in both mourning and poor in spirit? Be specific.
Why will stepping into these two attitude adjustments make you available for God’s blessing in daily life?
What will it also prevent from taking place? Take time and ask God to reveal the deeper meaning for you.
Read: Matthew 5:4, Psalm 30:5, 119:134-136
Why will slowing down to honestly ponder the damaging effects of sin lead to a godly mourning?
What do you typically mourn about? (e.g., sickness, hurt, failure, etc.) How often do you mourn about sin?
What does God promise when godly mourning takes place? How can you adjust your perspective today?
Read: Matthew 5:3-4a, Genesis 37:29-34, Matthew 26:69-75, Mark 16:9-10
How does Matthew 5:3 help with the context in understanding Matthew 5:4? How could this get misunderstood?
What are some other examples of this type of mourning found in today’s reading? Be specific.
How do you usually respond to the sinful behavior of others? (i.e., mourn vs. mad) What is God teaching you?
Read: Matthew 5:3, Luke 18:9-14
What root issue was Jesus addressing when He presented the parable of the Pharisee and tax collector?
In what way did this highlight the truth of Matthew 5:3? Why will this always prevent pride from creeping in?
What is God revealing to you about keeping a poor in spirit perspective? How do you need to adjust?
Read: Matthew 5:3, Psalm 51:17, Luke 12:32, Romans 3:23, Ephesians 2:1-10, 1 John 1:8-10
What does it mean to be “poor in spirit”? How does this relate to the kingdom of heaven? Be specific.
In what way did Jesus present the Gospel in Matthew 5:3? How can this get misinterpreted?
Describe how you felt when you became a Christian. What has changed? How can Matthew 5:3 help?
Read: Matthew 5:1-3a, Psalm 1:1, 32:1-2, 84:12, 146:5, Luke 11:28, Romans 4:6-8
In your own words, describe what it means to be blessed by God. How does this relate to happiness?
In what way will God’s blessing be different than the world’s approach to happiness? Give an example.
Knowing that God promises to bless you, in what way are you missing out? Pray and ask God for insight.
