Day 40
Worship
Before reading today, spend a few minutes contemplating the idea of worship. What does worship mean? What does it look like? What are some ways that you worship?
Read Revelation 4:1-11.
In this passage in Revelation, John describes a vision he has of the throne room of the Almighty God. What stands out to you about His vision?
Read Revelation 4:1-11 again, slowly. Take in the details of the throne room of Heaven and the living creatures surrounding the throne.
What are the creatures doing? In verses 8-9, John explains what the creatures around the throne are saying and doing. They are worshipping God, giving Him praise. How long do they praise? It isn’t a 20-minute setlist or a 2-hour concert. They praise the Lord day and night; they do not rest from praising Him. How often to you spend time worshipping God?
Sometimes we get caught up in the stigma of worship. We think that worship is about singing the right songs and feeling a certain way. But worship isn’t about us. It isn’t a feeling or a lyric. Worship is acknowledging God for who He is and rightly responding to Him.
Spend a few minutes in worship of your Creator. Tell Him how powerful and awesome He is. Give Him praise for who He is and all that He has done.
When you’re ready, read Revelation 5:1-14.
No one is worthy of worship except God. He is the only One who deserves our time, efforts, energy, and adoration. What are other things in your life that you worship? Confess to the Lord your lack of praise and worship of Him. Spend some time praying through Revelation 4:8-11 and 5:9-12. Ask Him to draw you into His spirit and to raise you up as one who worships Him in spirit and in truth.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Script?
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day 39
Day 39
Wisdom
Read James 1:1-4.
According to James, what are the byproducts of the trials we endure? Why?
Read James 1:5-8.
James encourages the reader to ask God for wisdom, particularly in the midst of trials, but he says to ask a certain way. He says to ask in faith, with no doubting. What does it mean to ask God for faith without doubting? When you ask of God, do you doubt? Why should we not doubt when asking God for wisdom?
Read James 1:9-20.
How do you see wisdom played out in this passage? What does wisdom look like?
Spend a few moments focused on wisdom. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:19 that even the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. Ask the Lord to show you what His wisdom looks like. Ask Him for guidance in discerning His wisdom in the world around you.
Read James 1:21-27.
Where do you see wisdom in these verses?
How wise are you living? James makes the point that we are to be doers and not hearers only of the Word. Wisdom isn’t just a lofty, intangible concept to think on; it’s a characteristic to embody and apply. Where do you see wisdom in your life? In what areas of your life do you need to ask God for wisdom and then apply it?
Spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord for wisdom, and then do not doubt when He answers. Commit to following the Lord and walking in His wisdom, rather than man’s.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Wisdom
Read James 1:1-4.
According to James, what are the byproducts of the trials we endure? Why?
Read James 1:5-8.
James encourages the reader to ask God for wisdom, particularly in the midst of trials, but he says to ask a certain way. He says to ask in faith, with no doubting. What does it mean to ask God for faith without doubting? When you ask of God, do you doubt? Why should we not doubt when asking God for wisdom?
Read James 1:9-20.
How do you see wisdom played out in this passage? What does wisdom look like?
Spend a few moments focused on wisdom. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 3:19 that even the wisdom of the world is foolishness to God. Ask the Lord to show you what His wisdom looks like. Ask Him for guidance in discerning His wisdom in the world around you.
Read James 1:21-27.
Where do you see wisdom in these verses?
How wise are you living? James makes the point that we are to be doers and not hearers only of the Word. Wisdom isn’t just a lofty, intangible concept to think on; it’s a characteristic to embody and apply. Where do you see wisdom in your life? In what areas of your life do you need to ask God for wisdom and then apply it?
Spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord for wisdom, and then do not doubt when He answers. Commit to following the Lord and walking in His wisdom, rather than man’s.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 38
Day 38
Faith
Before you begin reading today, stop and reflect for a few minutes. How would you describe your faith? What kind of faith do you want to have?
Spend a few minutes in prayer, asking God to grow your faith in new ways right now.
Read Hebrews 11:1-3.
How does the writer describe faith in the opening verse? What does he say that faith accomplishes? What is your faith accomplishing currently?
Read Hebrews 11:4-38.
Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Baak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and many others are all mentioned as having great faith. Why? Who are your heroes of faith? Why?
Take some time to review the stories of these who overcame by faith. What stands out to you about their stories? How did their faith change their lives? How does your faith change your life? Spend a few minutes in prayer asking the Lord to change your life through faith.
Read Hebrews 11:39-40.
The writer of Hebrews clarifies that all of those mentioned as heroes of faith continued to be faithful to God despite the fact that they did not receive the promise of God in their lifetime here on earth. They didn’t live for His fulfillment in this lifetime, but rather, they trusted in the Lord and lived by faith that He would provide something better—completion and perfection—in the life to come.
Where is your faith? Are you trusting God for fulfillment and promise for this lifetime alone or are you setting your sights to the things unseen (vs 1-3)?
Read Hebrews 12:1-2.
Pray. Examine your life and your faith before the Lord. Ask Him for clarity and discernment in setting your faith in Him and in His provision. Praise Him for His faithfulness.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Faith
Before you begin reading today, stop and reflect for a few minutes. How would you describe your faith? What kind of faith do you want to have?
Spend a few minutes in prayer, asking God to grow your faith in new ways right now.
Read Hebrews 11:1-3.
How does the writer describe faith in the opening verse? What does he say that faith accomplishes? What is your faith accomplishing currently?
Read Hebrews 11:4-38.
Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Baak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and many others are all mentioned as having great faith. Why? Who are your heroes of faith? Why?
Take some time to review the stories of these who overcame by faith. What stands out to you about their stories? How did their faith change their lives? How does your faith change your life? Spend a few minutes in prayer asking the Lord to change your life through faith.
Read Hebrews 11:39-40.
The writer of Hebrews clarifies that all of those mentioned as heroes of faith continued to be faithful to God despite the fact that they did not receive the promise of God in their lifetime here on earth. They didn’t live for His fulfillment in this lifetime, but rather, they trusted in the Lord and lived by faith that He would provide something better—completion and perfection—in the life to come.
Where is your faith? Are you trusting God for fulfillment and promise for this lifetime alone or are you setting your sights to the things unseen (vs 1-3)?
Read Hebrews 12:1-2.
Pray. Examine your life and your faith before the Lord. Ask Him for clarity and discernment in setting your faith in Him and in His provision. Praise Him for His faithfulness.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 37
Day 37
Church Conduct
Read 1 Timothy 4:12-16.
In his writing to Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy not to be shy or insecure because of his youth, but to set an example for the believers around him. Do you ever feel insecure because of your age? How does your age affect your actions as far as your faith is concerned?
Paul explains that Timothy should set an example for other believers in 6 areas of his life. What are those 6 areas? How do you personally set an example for other believers in those areas of your life?
Take a minute to stop and pray. Ask the Lord to help you be bold in setting an example for other believers through these 6 areas of your life. Ask Him to show you which areas you need to focus on improving as a leader and example of faith.
Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2.
Paul gives some specific instructions about how Timothy and his fellow believers ought to interact with one another. Does how you treat fellow believers line up with what Paul tells Timothy? Why or why not?
Read 1 Timothy 5:3-16.
How does Paul say that the church should care for widows? Why?
Read 1 Timothy 5:17-24.
Paul makes the point that elders in the church are to be treated with double honor. Is that the case in the church today? How do you treat those adults placed in leadership around you?
In his letter to Timothy, Paul outlines how the church as a body ought to treat one another. Spend a few minutes going back over these passages. Look for areas that stand out to you as needing improvement. Submit those areas to God in a prayer. Ask Him to help grow you in your respect and treatment of leadership and fellow believers, and also ask Him to grow the body as a whole.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Church Conduct
Read 1 Timothy 4:12-16.
In his writing to Timothy, Paul instructs Timothy not to be shy or insecure because of his youth, but to set an example for the believers around him. Do you ever feel insecure because of your age? How does your age affect your actions as far as your faith is concerned?
Paul explains that Timothy should set an example for other believers in 6 areas of his life. What are those 6 areas? How do you personally set an example for other believers in those areas of your life?
Take a minute to stop and pray. Ask the Lord to help you be bold in setting an example for other believers through these 6 areas of your life. Ask Him to show you which areas you need to focus on improving as a leader and example of faith.
Read 1 Timothy 5:1-2.
Paul gives some specific instructions about how Timothy and his fellow believers ought to interact with one another. Does how you treat fellow believers line up with what Paul tells Timothy? Why or why not?
Read 1 Timothy 5:3-16.
How does Paul say that the church should care for widows? Why?
Read 1 Timothy 5:17-24.
Paul makes the point that elders in the church are to be treated with double honor. Is that the case in the church today? How do you treat those adults placed in leadership around you?
In his letter to Timothy, Paul outlines how the church as a body ought to treat one another. Spend a few minutes going back over these passages. Look for areas that stand out to you as needing improvement. Submit those areas to God in a prayer. Ask Him to help grow you in your respect and treatment of leadership and fellow believers, and also ask Him to grow the body as a whole.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 36
Day 36
Pressing on
Trials are an inevitable part of life. Consider your journey right now. What trials are you experiencing currently?
Read Philippians 3:12-13.
Paul speaks about pressing on in the faith. Sometimes when we are under fire from the enemy in some area of our lives, we easily get discouraged. Paul says that he forgets things of the past and reaches forward to those things ahead of him. Are there things in your life from your past that you’re holding onto? What’s causing trials in your life and preventing you from pressing on? Spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask God to reveal to you those things to which you are clinging. Ask Him to help you let go of the things behind you so that you can press on to what He has in front of you. Thank Him for His endurance and steadfast love.
Read Philippians 3:14-15.
A major contributor to our discouragement is often where we set our sights. Setting our sights isn’t just about looking forward and not backward, but it’s also about looking upward and not around us. What have you been setting your sights on? Paul speaks of the prize as being in Christ Jesus. That is the reason we run this race: for Him and for Him alone. Spend a few minutes in prayer aligning yourself with how the Bible says we ought to run this race. Consider where your eyes have been fixed and commit now to fix your eyes on Christ as your prize.
Read Philippians 3:16.
It’s clear throughout Scripture that we were not created to run this race alone. We weren’t meant to endure hardships or trials on our own. Who in your life can you turn to when you’re discouraged in the midst of a trial? Who in your life may be needing to turn to you for encouragement in the midst of their trials? Spend some time in prayer. Praise the Lord for His provision and sustaining grace. Ask Him to reveal to you those people He’s placed in your life to share this race with. Ask Him to be your endurance and your sustenance as you press onward. Commit to setting your sights forward and upward.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Pressing on
Trials are an inevitable part of life. Consider your journey right now. What trials are you experiencing currently?
Read Philippians 3:12-13.
Paul speaks about pressing on in the faith. Sometimes when we are under fire from the enemy in some area of our lives, we easily get discouraged. Paul says that he forgets things of the past and reaches forward to those things ahead of him. Are there things in your life from your past that you’re holding onto? What’s causing trials in your life and preventing you from pressing on? Spend a few minutes in prayer. Ask God to reveal to you those things to which you are clinging. Ask Him to help you let go of the things behind you so that you can press on to what He has in front of you. Thank Him for His endurance and steadfast love.
Read Philippians 3:14-15.
A major contributor to our discouragement is often where we set our sights. Setting our sights isn’t just about looking forward and not backward, but it’s also about looking upward and not around us. What have you been setting your sights on? Paul speaks of the prize as being in Christ Jesus. That is the reason we run this race: for Him and for Him alone. Spend a few minutes in prayer aligning yourself with how the Bible says we ought to run this race. Consider where your eyes have been fixed and commit now to fix your eyes on Christ as your prize.
Read Philippians 3:16.
It’s clear throughout Scripture that we were not created to run this race alone. We weren’t meant to endure hardships or trials on our own. Who in your life can you turn to when you’re discouraged in the midst of a trial? Who in your life may be needing to turn to you for encouragement in the midst of their trials? Spend some time in prayer. Praise the Lord for His provision and sustaining grace. Ask Him to reveal to you those people He’s placed in your life to share this race with. Ask Him to be your endurance and your sustenance as you press onward. Commit to setting your sights forward and upward.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 35
Day 35
Sowing and reaping
Read Galatians 6:1-5.
Paul addresses the need for brothers and sisters to bear each others’ burdens. What does it mean to bear one anothers’ burdens? What stands in the way of bearing each others’ burdens in our lives? How are you at sharing your burdens? How about bearing others’ burdens?
Read Galatians 6:6-8.
So often our flesh gets in the way of accomplishing God’s purposes. We are too prideful or selfish or lazy to get down to the nitty gritty of sharing this journey together. We don’t open up or lend a hand to our brothers and sisters in need. Paul warns us to not be deceived, that God isn’t fooled by our actions even when we fool ourselves. What we sow, we reap.
Spend a few minutes examining your life through prayer. Ask God for clarity in discerning how you sow and reap. What kind of seeds are you sowing? What you are reaping will help you determine what you are sowing.
Read Galatians 6:9-10.
Paul encourages the Galatians to stay steady in doing good. Sometimes the harvest takes a lot of planting. We may sow seeds of the Spirit for a long time before we see them reaped. But we are to stay the course, to not grow weary. How are you feeling about the seeds you’re sowing? Are you investing in the lives of others? Are you doing good to and for those around you and planting seeds of everlasting life?
Pray. Ask the Lord to show you where you need to make adjustments to your sowing. Ask Him to guide you in bearing your brothers’ and sisters’ burdens. Thank Him for the blessing of relationships and His design for us to not walk alone. Commit to sowing seeds of the Spirit which will reap everlasting life.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Sowing and reaping
Read Galatians 6:1-5.
Paul addresses the need for brothers and sisters to bear each others’ burdens. What does it mean to bear one anothers’ burdens? What stands in the way of bearing each others’ burdens in our lives? How are you at sharing your burdens? How about bearing others’ burdens?
Read Galatians 6:6-8.
So often our flesh gets in the way of accomplishing God’s purposes. We are too prideful or selfish or lazy to get down to the nitty gritty of sharing this journey together. We don’t open up or lend a hand to our brothers and sisters in need. Paul warns us to not be deceived, that God isn’t fooled by our actions even when we fool ourselves. What we sow, we reap.
Spend a few minutes examining your life through prayer. Ask God for clarity in discerning how you sow and reap. What kind of seeds are you sowing? What you are reaping will help you determine what you are sowing.
Read Galatians 6:9-10.
Paul encourages the Galatians to stay steady in doing good. Sometimes the harvest takes a lot of planting. We may sow seeds of the Spirit for a long time before we see them reaped. But we are to stay the course, to not grow weary. How are you feeling about the seeds you’re sowing? Are you investing in the lives of others? Are you doing good to and for those around you and planting seeds of everlasting life?
Pray. Ask the Lord to show you where you need to make adjustments to your sowing. Ask Him to guide you in bearing your brothers’ and sisters’ burdens. Thank Him for the blessing of relationships and His design for us to not walk alone. Commit to sowing seeds of the Spirit which will reap everlasting life.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 34
Day 34
True Love
Consider the word love. What does “love” mean? Where do you see “love”? What does the world say “love” is? Spend a few minutes thinking about love. Jot down some of your thoughts.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
How does Paul describe love to the Corinthians?
Read the passage again. How does the Bible’s description of love compare to how the world loves? How does it compare to how YOU love?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.
What is the most valuable thing in your life? We tend to use love as a measuring tool for defining significance and priority in our lives. But often times, we are quick to say we “love” things, posessions, ideas, etc. that are not really worthy of our love, yet we are skeptical or selfish when it comes to loving as we ought. If “the greatest of these is love,” how ought that affect how we live our lives?
Read through 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 again. As you read, evaluate your own life. Are you loving according to Scripture? Are you experiencing love according to Scripture?
Spend some time praying through verses 4-8. Ask the Lord to help you love like the Bible describes love. Ask Him to show you places where you can increase your love. Thank Him for His great love and the opportunity for us to know Him and love Him in return.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
True Love
Consider the word love. What does “love” mean? Where do you see “love”? What does the world say “love” is? Spend a few minutes thinking about love. Jot down some of your thoughts.
Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-7.
How does Paul describe love to the Corinthians?
Read the passage again. How does the Bible’s description of love compare to how the world loves? How does it compare to how YOU love?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.
What is the most valuable thing in your life? We tend to use love as a measuring tool for defining significance and priority in our lives. But often times, we are quick to say we “love” things, posessions, ideas, etc. that are not really worthy of our love, yet we are skeptical or selfish when it comes to loving as we ought. If “the greatest of these is love,” how ought that affect how we live our lives?
Read through 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 again. As you read, evaluate your own life. Are you loving according to Scripture? Are you experiencing love according to Scripture?
Spend some time praying through verses 4-8. Ask the Lord to help you love like the Bible describes love. Ask Him to show you places where you can increase your love. Thank Him for His great love and the opportunity for us to know Him and love Him in return.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 33
Day 33
Dead to sin but alive in God
Before you read, take a moment and concentrate on the idea of grace. It is because of grace that we have life, hope, a future. It is because of God’s grace that we are redeemed and we are seen as worthy. Spend a few moments soaking in the knowledge and power of God’s grace. Thank Him for His unending and unrelenting grace. Ask Him to open your eyes now as you seek to discover how to live in accordance to His grace and mercy.
Read Romans 6:1-4.
In spite of the fact that we are made free by grace, we do not receive the license to continue living in sin. In fact, to live in sin is not really to live at all, but it is to take on death. Do you ever take advantage of grace? How? Paul makes the point that since we as believers have been buried with Christ through His death, we are also raised to walk in new life with Him. What does it mean for you to be buried with Christ? What does it look like to walk in new life with Him?
Read Romans 6:5-11.
Paul goes on to say that not only are we dead to sin, but when we did die with Christ, we died to sin once and for all. We don’t have to live in sin. But it’s our choice. Do you live in sin or do you walk in righteousness with Christ?
Spend a few moments in prayer. Ask the Lord to examine your life and reveal to you how you’re living your life. Ask Him to show you areas of your life that you have not chosen to live in Christ. Thank Him for His grace in dying for you and in offering you the gift of living in Him.
In verse 11, Paul commands the Romans to “reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Will you reckon yourself dead to sin today? Maybe you have sin in your life that you need to confess. Spend time in prayer, confessing your sin before the Lord and asking His forgiveness.
Read Romans 6:12-20.
If you have confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are no longer a slave to sin. Commit yourself today to living and walking in righteousness with the Lord.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Dead to sin but alive in God
Before you read, take a moment and concentrate on the idea of grace. It is because of grace that we have life, hope, a future. It is because of God’s grace that we are redeemed and we are seen as worthy. Spend a few moments soaking in the knowledge and power of God’s grace. Thank Him for His unending and unrelenting grace. Ask Him to open your eyes now as you seek to discover how to live in accordance to His grace and mercy.
Read Romans 6:1-4.
In spite of the fact that we are made free by grace, we do not receive the license to continue living in sin. In fact, to live in sin is not really to live at all, but it is to take on death. Do you ever take advantage of grace? How? Paul makes the point that since we as believers have been buried with Christ through His death, we are also raised to walk in new life with Him. What does it mean for you to be buried with Christ? What does it look like to walk in new life with Him?
Read Romans 6:5-11.
Paul goes on to say that not only are we dead to sin, but when we did die with Christ, we died to sin once and for all. We don’t have to live in sin. But it’s our choice. Do you live in sin or do you walk in righteousness with Christ?
Spend a few moments in prayer. Ask the Lord to examine your life and reveal to you how you’re living your life. Ask Him to show you areas of your life that you have not chosen to live in Christ. Thank Him for His grace in dying for you and in offering you the gift of living in Him.
In verse 11, Paul commands the Romans to “reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Will you reckon yourself dead to sin today? Maybe you have sin in your life that you need to confess. Spend time in prayer, confessing your sin before the Lord and asking His forgiveness.
Read Romans 6:12-20.
If you have confessed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are no longer a slave to sin. Commit yourself today to living and walking in righteousness with the Lord.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 32
Day 32
The Early Church
Read Acts 4:32-37.
Acts gives us a picture of the early church and how it functioned. What strikes you most about how the believers interacted with one another? How does this model compare to believers today? What are similarities and differences between how you see the church operating today versus the church as described in Acts 4?
Read Acts 4:32-37 again, slowly.
Spend some time in prayer for the body today. Lift up your brothers and sisters in Christ. Ask God to show us how to operate as one body. Ask Him for His guidance for the church, that we would function as He intended.
Write down what the Lord says to you as you spend time pouring over the church.
What things do you see people lacking today both inside and outside of the church? How can you affect those situations?
Ask God to orchestrate and organize His body of believers to operate in ways the most glorify Him and show His love to others.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
The Early Church
Read Acts 4:32-37.
Acts gives us a picture of the early church and how it functioned. What strikes you most about how the believers interacted with one another? How does this model compare to believers today? What are similarities and differences between how you see the church operating today versus the church as described in Acts 4?
Read Acts 4:32-37 again, slowly.
Spend some time in prayer for the body today. Lift up your brothers and sisters in Christ. Ask God to show us how to operate as one body. Ask Him for His guidance for the church, that we would function as He intended.
Write down what the Lord says to you as you spend time pouring over the church.
What things do you see people lacking today both inside and outside of the church? How can you affect those situations?
Ask God to orchestrate and organize His body of believers to operate in ways the most glorify Him and show His love to others.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 31
Day 31
Jesus’ Resurrectction & Ascension
Read John 19:38-42.
After Jesus’ death, His friends prepared His body and laid His body to rest. How would you feel to know Christ as friend and Savior, and have to prepare His body for burial? As humans in the physical world, they had to feel rather hopeless, knowing that their Lord had been crucified. Have you ever lost hope? What was your experience like?
Read John 20:1-10.
Mary Magdalene was the last to leave when Jesus dies and the first to visit His grave…but what does she find? What would your reaction be if you found the grave of your Lord empty? Mary did what most of us would do: she told someone. Peter arrived at the tomb, then John, to find nothing but Christ’s grave cloths. Unlike Mary’s reaction, Peter and John assess the situation and they believed. What did Peter and John believe? How do you react in unexpected situations; do you panic or do you believe?
Read John 20:11-13.
Take a look at Mary’s further reaction. She wept. The disciples have headed back home and she’s left alone and she breaks down. She didn’t get it yet. But what happened next changed everything…
Read John 20:14-16.
Hope was restored! Jesus appeared to Mary and called her by name, and everything changed for Mary. In the times that you have lost hope, what changes your perspective? To what do you cling?
Read Luke 24:36-53.
Jesus appeared to His disciples and their reaction was of disbelief. What did it take for them to believe that He was the living, breathing Son of God resurrected? After His visit with the disciples, Jesus led them to Bethany, where He blessed them and then ascended into Heaven. What was the disciples’ reaction to Christ’s ascension? How would you react?
Spend some time in prayer. Thank the Lord for renewing hope, for causing all things to work according to His plan. Praise Him for His death and resurrection that makes your life possible.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Jesus’ Resurrectction & Ascension
Read John 19:38-42.
After Jesus’ death, His friends prepared His body and laid His body to rest. How would you feel to know Christ as friend and Savior, and have to prepare His body for burial? As humans in the physical world, they had to feel rather hopeless, knowing that their Lord had been crucified. Have you ever lost hope? What was your experience like?
Read John 20:1-10.
Mary Magdalene was the last to leave when Jesus dies and the first to visit His grave…but what does she find? What would your reaction be if you found the grave of your Lord empty? Mary did what most of us would do: she told someone. Peter arrived at the tomb, then John, to find nothing but Christ’s grave cloths. Unlike Mary’s reaction, Peter and John assess the situation and they believed. What did Peter and John believe? How do you react in unexpected situations; do you panic or do you believe?
Read John 20:11-13.
Take a look at Mary’s further reaction. She wept. The disciples have headed back home and she’s left alone and she breaks down. She didn’t get it yet. But what happened next changed everything…
Read John 20:14-16.
Hope was restored! Jesus appeared to Mary and called her by name, and everything changed for Mary. In the times that you have lost hope, what changes your perspective? To what do you cling?
Read Luke 24:36-53.
Jesus appeared to His disciples and their reaction was of disbelief. What did it take for them to believe that He was the living, breathing Son of God resurrected? After His visit with the disciples, Jesus led them to Bethany, where He blessed them and then ascended into Heaven. What was the disciples’ reaction to Christ’s ascension? How would you react?
Spend some time in prayer. Thank the Lord for renewing hope, for causing all things to work according to His plan. Praise Him for His death and resurrection that makes your life possible.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 30
Day 30
Jesus’ Death
Read John 18:1-11 and John 19:1-16.
Jesus willlingly took the cup that the Lord had for Him. He willingly endured the mocking of the soldiers, the robe, the crown, the public humiliation. Why? Read John 15:13.
Spend a few minutes absorbing the truth that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, willingly died for you, because He loves you. Take some time to focus on the concept of Christ’s love for you. Thank Him for His endless love and mercy that would lead Him to die in your place.
Read John 19:17-27.
Can you picture the scene? Hear the cries of mockery, the laughs, and cheers over Jesus’ death. See His loved ones looking on. Feel the weight of the sin that Christ carried as He bore the cross on His bruised and bloody back.
How do you think Jesus felt at this point? What about Jesus’ mother and loved ones?
Read John 19:28-30.
What is your reaction to Jesus’ death? How do you feel knowing that He loved and loves you enough to die for you? How does that affect how you live your life on a day-to-day basis?
Spend some time thanking God for His tremendous sacrifice and for His love for you. Ask Him to make you aware of the price He paid for you.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Jesus’ Death
Read John 18:1-11 and John 19:1-16.
Jesus willlingly took the cup that the Lord had for Him. He willingly endured the mocking of the soldiers, the robe, the crown, the public humiliation. Why? Read John 15:13.
Spend a few minutes absorbing the truth that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, willingly died for you, because He loves you. Take some time to focus on the concept of Christ’s love for you. Thank Him for His endless love and mercy that would lead Him to die in your place.
Read John 19:17-27.
Can you picture the scene? Hear the cries of mockery, the laughs, and cheers over Jesus’ death. See His loved ones looking on. Feel the weight of the sin that Christ carried as He bore the cross on His bruised and bloody back.
How do you think Jesus felt at this point? What about Jesus’ mother and loved ones?
Read John 19:28-30.
What is your reaction to Jesus’ death? How do you feel knowing that He loved and loves you enough to die for you? How does that affect how you live your life on a day-to-day basis?
Spend some time thanking God for His tremendous sacrifice and for His love for you. Ask Him to make you aware of the price He paid for you.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 29
Day 29
Jesus’ final hours
Read Luke 22:31-34.
Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him. He knew that the end was coming, but that didn’t stop Jesus from seeking fellowship with the Father and encouraging His disciples to do the same and to also be on guard against temptation. It was no coincidence that Jesus knew of Peter’s future betrayal and then warned His friends of the temptation. Why would Jesus warn Peter of his betrayal? What good does it do for Peter to know in advance?
Read Luke 22:39-41.
In Jesus’ final hours on earth, He retreated. He sought the Father in a solitary place and asked his disciples to keep watch while He prayed. Notice He said to His disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Why would Jesus instruct them to pray against temptation? How are you at following Jesus’ instructions to pray against temptation?
Read Luke 22:41-44.
In this passage, Jesus offered an honest yearning to the Father. Notice His plea: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus knows the agony He is about to endure and, in His humanness, asks that the Father intervene. But in the same breath, He willingly submitted to the Father’s plan, acknowledging His power and authority. Are you so willing to submit to the Father’s plans, even if it means dying?
Spend some minutes in prayer. Consider your heart and open yourself honestly to the Father, as Jesus did in the garden. Tell the Lord where you honestly stand in surrendering to His will.
Read Luke 22:45-46.
When Jesus found His disciples sleeping, He again encouraged them to pray and fight against temptation. Spend some time asking the Lord to help you resist temptation in your life. Ask for His power and might to guide your steps so that you might fulfill His call, that He would not catch you sleeping in the hour of need.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Jesus’ final hours
Read Luke 22:31-34.
Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him. He knew that the end was coming, but that didn’t stop Jesus from seeking fellowship with the Father and encouraging His disciples to do the same and to also be on guard against temptation. It was no coincidence that Jesus knew of Peter’s future betrayal and then warned His friends of the temptation. Why would Jesus warn Peter of his betrayal? What good does it do for Peter to know in advance?
Read Luke 22:39-41.
In Jesus’ final hours on earth, He retreated. He sought the Father in a solitary place and asked his disciples to keep watch while He prayed. Notice He said to His disciples, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” Why would Jesus instruct them to pray against temptation? How are you at following Jesus’ instructions to pray against temptation?
Read Luke 22:41-44.
In this passage, Jesus offered an honest yearning to the Father. Notice His plea: “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus knows the agony He is about to endure and, in His humanness, asks that the Father intervene. But in the same breath, He willingly submitted to the Father’s plan, acknowledging His power and authority. Are you so willing to submit to the Father’s plans, even if it means dying?
Spend some minutes in prayer. Consider your heart and open yourself honestly to the Father, as Jesus did in the garden. Tell the Lord where you honestly stand in surrendering to His will.
Read Luke 22:45-46.
When Jesus found His disciples sleeping, He again encouraged them to pray and fight against temptation. Spend some time asking the Lord to help you resist temptation in your life. Ask for His power and might to guide your steps so that you might fulfill His call, that He would not catch you sleeping in the hour of need.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 28
Day 28
Take up your cross
Take some time to examine your heart before diving into Scripture. Where is your heart currently? How are your priorities? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your attention any areas of your heart and life that need adjusting. Ask Him to ready you for His truth today. Write down anything that He reveals as you are quiet before Him.
Read Mark 8:34-38.
Jesus proclaimed that in order to truly find ourselves, we must lose our lives for His sake. What does it mean to lose your life for His sake? What areas of your life reflect you and what areas reflect Jesus?
Ask the Lord to bring to mind areas of your life in which you have not lost yourself in Him. Ask Him to show you what it looks like to lose your life for His sake.
Read Luke 9:23-27.
Luke emphasized Jesus’ instructions to take up our cross daily to follow Him. Following Christ isn’t something to do half-heartedly; it’s a daily commitment, a daily journey. Spend a few minutes committing yourself to the Lord and to following Him on a daily basis. Ask Him for the endurance and guidance to follow Him daily.
Read Luke 9:57-62.
Following Jesus comes at no small price. Jesus demands that we give our all to Him…our routines, commitments, desires, relationships, comforts—everything. Are you willing to give all that you have and all that you are to follow Him? Pray through anything that you may be struggling with giving up. Confess that to the Lord and ask for His help in losing yourself to follow Him. Only in losing yourself will you truly be found.
Spend some time losing yourself in Him right now. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:24
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Take up your cross
Take some time to examine your heart before diving into Scripture. Where is your heart currently? How are your priorities? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to your attention any areas of your heart and life that need adjusting. Ask Him to ready you for His truth today. Write down anything that He reveals as you are quiet before Him.
Read Mark 8:34-38.
Jesus proclaimed that in order to truly find ourselves, we must lose our lives for His sake. What does it mean to lose your life for His sake? What areas of your life reflect you and what areas reflect Jesus?
Ask the Lord to bring to mind areas of your life in which you have not lost yourself in Him. Ask Him to show you what it looks like to lose your life for His sake.
Read Luke 9:23-27.
Luke emphasized Jesus’ instructions to take up our cross daily to follow Him. Following Christ isn’t something to do half-heartedly; it’s a daily commitment, a daily journey. Spend a few minutes committing yourself to the Lord and to following Him on a daily basis. Ask Him for the endurance and guidance to follow Him daily.
Read Luke 9:57-62.
Following Jesus comes at no small price. Jesus demands that we give our all to Him…our routines, commitments, desires, relationships, comforts—everything. Are you willing to give all that you have and all that you are to follow Him? Pray through anything that you may be struggling with giving up. Confess that to the Lord and ask for His help in losing yourself to follow Him. Only in losing yourself will you truly be found.
Spend some time losing yourself in Him right now. “Whoever loses his life for My sake will save it.” Luke 9:24
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Friday, August 13, 2010
Day 27
Day 27
Following Him
Read Luke 12:8-9.
Jesus expressed a simple, yet profound message: Confess Him and He will confess you. And vice-versa. What does it mean to confess Christ? Do you confess Him on a daily basis in your life? Why or why not?
Read Luke 12:49-53.
Confessing Jesus as Lord in our lives will not always be easy. In fact, even Jesus Himself said that it will cause great division to follow Him. Are you willing to sacrifice relationships with others in order to confess Christ and follow Him?
Spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord to search your heart and know your desires. Tell Him about your struggles and victories in confessing and following Him. Ask Him for strength and courage to stand firm for Him.
Read Luke 25-33.
Along with following Christ comes a high price. Being sold out for Him means that we are sold out for nothing else, but rather, we forsake all else for the purpose of following and knowing Him. Is there anything in your life that hinders you from following Christ completely? What is standing in your way? Spend some time praying and write down things that the Lord may be leading you to give up in order to follow Him.
Thank the Lord for the opportunity to follow Him. Praise Him for His mercy and grace in guiding your steps as you learn to confess and follow Him. Ask for His continued guidance and discernment in forsaking anything that hinders your following of Him.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Following Him
Read Luke 12:8-9.
Jesus expressed a simple, yet profound message: Confess Him and He will confess you. And vice-versa. What does it mean to confess Christ? Do you confess Him on a daily basis in your life? Why or why not?
Read Luke 12:49-53.
Confessing Jesus as Lord in our lives will not always be easy. In fact, even Jesus Himself said that it will cause great division to follow Him. Are you willing to sacrifice relationships with others in order to confess Christ and follow Him?
Spend some time in prayer. Ask the Lord to search your heart and know your desires. Tell Him about your struggles and victories in confessing and following Him. Ask Him for strength and courage to stand firm for Him.
Read Luke 25-33.
Along with following Christ comes a high price. Being sold out for Him means that we are sold out for nothing else, but rather, we forsake all else for the purpose of following and knowing Him. Is there anything in your life that hinders you from following Christ completely? What is standing in your way? Spend some time praying and write down things that the Lord may be leading you to give up in order to follow Him.
Thank the Lord for the opportunity to follow Him. Praise Him for His mercy and grace in guiding your steps as you learn to confess and follow Him. Ask for His continued guidance and discernment in forsaking anything that hinders your following of Him.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 26
Day 26
Jesus walks on water
Read Matthew 14:22-26.
Jesus was off alone, doing His own thing when a storm rises up, stirring fear in the hearts of the disciples out to sea. Naturally, Jesus tended to them, and their immediate reaction to the Lord is one of fear. How do you react in the midst of a storm? Do you respond with fear when Jesus shows up?
Read Matthew 14:27.
Notice Jesus’ reaction to the disciples’ fear. He commanded them not only to ditch the fear, but to actually do the opposite and, “Be of good cheer!” This required a change of attitude for the disciples, a change of trust from their circumstances to their Savior. What or who do you trust in times of trouble? How does your attitude need to change? Spend a few minutes asking God to search your heart and help you adjust your perspective. Confess to Him how you’ve been handling the storms and commit to trusting Him no matter what your circumstances.
Read Matthew 14:28-29.
Even though Jesus had already instructed the disciples to shift their attitudes, Peter doubted and questioned the Lord. In what areas of your life do you doubt? Make a list of ways you struggle with trusting Jesus.
Read Matthew 14:31-32.
Peter’s perspective shifted from doubt to faith and back to doubt again. But notice how Jesus dealt with Him. Jesus continued to stretch out His hand and catch Peter, in spite of his lack of trust. Jesus challenged Peter with a simple question: “Why did you doubt?” Why do you doubt? What is Jesus offering to lead you through right now? Will you trust Him?
Read Matthew 14:33.
Only with Jesus’ power is the impossible made possible. Only through trusting Him are we able to truly worship Him as the Son of God. Spend a few minutes worshiping God. Praise Him for His power and presence in your life. Thank Him for His grace in extending His hand in spite of our doubt.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Jesus walks on water
Read Matthew 14:22-26.
Jesus was off alone, doing His own thing when a storm rises up, stirring fear in the hearts of the disciples out to sea. Naturally, Jesus tended to them, and their immediate reaction to the Lord is one of fear. How do you react in the midst of a storm? Do you respond with fear when Jesus shows up?
Read Matthew 14:27.
Notice Jesus’ reaction to the disciples’ fear. He commanded them not only to ditch the fear, but to actually do the opposite and, “Be of good cheer!” This required a change of attitude for the disciples, a change of trust from their circumstances to their Savior. What or who do you trust in times of trouble? How does your attitude need to change? Spend a few minutes asking God to search your heart and help you adjust your perspective. Confess to Him how you’ve been handling the storms and commit to trusting Him no matter what your circumstances.
Read Matthew 14:28-29.
Even though Jesus had already instructed the disciples to shift their attitudes, Peter doubted and questioned the Lord. In what areas of your life do you doubt? Make a list of ways you struggle with trusting Jesus.
Read Matthew 14:31-32.
Peter’s perspective shifted from doubt to faith and back to doubt again. But notice how Jesus dealt with Him. Jesus continued to stretch out His hand and catch Peter, in spite of his lack of trust. Jesus challenged Peter with a simple question: “Why did you doubt?” Why do you doubt? What is Jesus offering to lead you through right now? Will you trust Him?
Read Matthew 14:33.
Only with Jesus’ power is the impossible made possible. Only through trusting Him are we able to truly worship Him as the Son of God. Spend a few minutes worshiping God. Praise Him for His power and presence in your life. Thank Him for His grace in extending His hand in spite of our doubt.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 25
Day 25
Do not worry
Read Luke 12:22-26.
It has been said, “Worrying is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” Jesus affirmed this point in His teaching with His challenge in verse 25. None of us can add an inch to our height, or a second to our lives by worrying about something.
What worries plague you on a daily basis? Make a list of your worries.
How do you handle them?
Read Luke 12:27-30.
Most of us spend way too much time worrying about what others think about our appearance, thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus points out that God takes care of even the grass of the field, which is here one minute, and then tomorrow gone. God clothes even the lilies and the grass, surely He cares for us so much more than that. So, what have we to worry about?
Spend a few minutes soaking in God’s love for you. Think on His protection and how He provides for you. Thank Him for His grace and mercy in tending to your every need.
Read Luke 12:31.
Rather than worry, what should we do? Jesus says to “Seek the kingdom of God…” What does that look like?
Ask the Lord to show you what it means to seek His kingdom. Commit to seeking Him first, above your needs and concerns. Trust in the Lord to provide and meet your needs. Thank Him for His divine provision.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Do not worry
Read Luke 12:22-26.
It has been said, “Worrying is like a rocking chair—it gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” Jesus affirmed this point in His teaching with His challenge in verse 25. None of us can add an inch to our height, or a second to our lives by worrying about something.
What worries plague you on a daily basis? Make a list of your worries.
How do you handle them?
Read Luke 12:27-30.
Most of us spend way too much time worrying about what others think about our appearance, thoughts, words, and actions. Jesus points out that God takes care of even the grass of the field, which is here one minute, and then tomorrow gone. God clothes even the lilies and the grass, surely He cares for us so much more than that. So, what have we to worry about?
Spend a few minutes soaking in God’s love for you. Think on His protection and how He provides for you. Thank Him for His grace and mercy in tending to your every need.
Read Luke 12:31.
Rather than worry, what should we do? Jesus says to “Seek the kingdom of God…” What does that look like?
Ask the Lord to show you what it means to seek His kingdom. Commit to seeking Him first, above your needs and concerns. Trust in the Lord to provide and meet your needs. Thank Him for His divine provision.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 24
Day 24
The Beatitudes
Read Matthew 5:1-2.
Jesus sat on the mountain and the disciples’ immediate reaction is to come to Him. They knew he had something to say. Is that your reaction to Christ? Are you eager to come, sit at Jesus’ feet to absorb His truth?
Take a minute and ready your heart before the Lord. Ask Him to quiet your soul so that you can hear His truth today.
Read Matthew 5:3-12.
Jesus began His teaching using a word that we don’t use quite so often today: blessed. What does it mean to be “blessed”?
In Greek, the word “blessed” was used to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor. In our terms, we might use the word “happy.” Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which includes these Beatitudes, was a response to His call for believers to, “Repent!” How do the Beatitudes speak to your life?
Read Matthew 5:3-12 again, slowly.
How do your perspective, attitude, and actions line up with what Jesus teaches here?
Take some time and pray through verses 3-10, asking the Lord to conform you to His Word. Thank God for His blessing, for His divine favor that He offers those who walk according to His Word.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
The Beatitudes
Read Matthew 5:1-2.
Jesus sat on the mountain and the disciples’ immediate reaction is to come to Him. They knew he had something to say. Is that your reaction to Christ? Are you eager to come, sit at Jesus’ feet to absorb His truth?
Take a minute and ready your heart before the Lord. Ask Him to quiet your soul so that you can hear His truth today.
Read Matthew 5:3-12.
Jesus began His teaching using a word that we don’t use quite so often today: blessed. What does it mean to be “blessed”?
In Greek, the word “blessed” was used to describe the kind of happiness that comes from receiving divine favor. In our terms, we might use the word “happy.” Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, which includes these Beatitudes, was a response to His call for believers to, “Repent!” How do the Beatitudes speak to your life?
Read Matthew 5:3-12 again, slowly.
How do your perspective, attitude, and actions line up with what Jesus teaches here?
Take some time and pray through verses 3-10, asking the Lord to conform you to His Word. Thank God for His blessing, for His divine favor that He offers those who walk according to His Word.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 23
Day 23
Resisting Temptation
Read Matthew 4:1-4.
When Jesus wandered in the desert, Satan tempted Him first by appealing to His physical need of hunger. Satan knew a potential weakness of Jesus and attacked. Notice how Jesus responded to the enemy’s attack in verse 4. He responded with Truth. How do you respond to Satan’s attacks?
How do you sense the enemy attacking you personally?
Read Matthew 4:5-7.
Again, Satan tempted Jesus, this time by appealing to His power. Yet Jesus resisted the enemy’s temptation. Jesus consistently used the Word of God to rebuke Satan and His lies. What lies of Satan have you believed?
Read Matthew 4:8-11.
One last time, Satan tempted Jesus, and Jesus’ response is the same: Truth. Jesus resisted the devil’s schemes in tempting His hunger, physical security, and His heart. In what areas of your life are you tempted? How do you resist?
Through proclaiming Truth, Jesus caused the devil to flee and allowed angels to attend to Him.
Pray now asking God for the strength to resist temptation in your life. Thank Jesus for setting the example for how we are to react to Satan’s lies. Ask Him to show you clearly lies that you have believed and ask Him to abolish those lies in your life. Commit to “worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only,” as Jesus did in verse 10.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Resisting Temptation
Read Matthew 4:1-4.
When Jesus wandered in the desert, Satan tempted Him first by appealing to His physical need of hunger. Satan knew a potential weakness of Jesus and attacked. Notice how Jesus responded to the enemy’s attack in verse 4. He responded with Truth. How do you respond to Satan’s attacks?
How do you sense the enemy attacking you personally?
Read Matthew 4:5-7.
Again, Satan tempted Jesus, this time by appealing to His power. Yet Jesus resisted the enemy’s temptation. Jesus consistently used the Word of God to rebuke Satan and His lies. What lies of Satan have you believed?
Read Matthew 4:8-11.
One last time, Satan tempted Jesus, and Jesus’ response is the same: Truth. Jesus resisted the devil’s schemes in tempting His hunger, physical security, and His heart. In what areas of your life are you tempted? How do you resist?
Through proclaiming Truth, Jesus caused the devil to flee and allowed angels to attend to Him.
Pray now asking God for the strength to resist temptation in your life. Thank Jesus for setting the example for how we are to react to Satan’s lies. Ask Him to show you clearly lies that you have believed and ask Him to abolish those lies in your life. Commit to “worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only,” as Jesus did in verse 10.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Day 22
Day 22
Prepare the way
Read Matthew 3:1-3.
John the Baptist had a simple message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” To repent requires a change in attitude and perspective; it means changing directions from following sin to seeking righteousness. In your own words, what does it mean to “repent”?
John the Baptist preceded Jesus in birth, ministry, and death. How did John’s message urging people to repent pave the way for Jesus’ ministry?
What sin in your life do you need to repent from?
Ask God for His forgiveness. Ask Him to help you turn around and walk His way.
Read verses 13-14.
Jesus asked John the Baptist to baptize Him. John’s initial reaction was to protest. Why would John want to prevent baptizing Christ?
Read verse 15.
Jesus insisted that John baptize Him so that He could fulfill all righteousness. Even though Jesus was and is without sin, He was baptized. Jesus’ baptism showed His joining with other believers through baptism, His support of John’s ministry, and His fulfillment of the Father’s will. Jesus walked in obedience with the Lord and set the example for what we as believers are called to do.
Read verses 16-17.
Thank Jesus for His example. Ask God to help you follow Christ’s example of obedience.
Lord, thank you for your desire for righteousness. Thank you that we can follow Christ’s example. Show me how to live my life in such a way that you look down and are well pleased with me. Amen.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Prepare the way
Read Matthew 3:1-3.
John the Baptist had a simple message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” To repent requires a change in attitude and perspective; it means changing directions from following sin to seeking righteousness. In your own words, what does it mean to “repent”?
John the Baptist preceded Jesus in birth, ministry, and death. How did John’s message urging people to repent pave the way for Jesus’ ministry?
What sin in your life do you need to repent from?
Ask God for His forgiveness. Ask Him to help you turn around and walk His way.
Read verses 13-14.
Jesus asked John the Baptist to baptize Him. John’s initial reaction was to protest. Why would John want to prevent baptizing Christ?
Read verse 15.
Jesus insisted that John baptize Him so that He could fulfill all righteousness. Even though Jesus was and is without sin, He was baptized. Jesus’ baptism showed His joining with other believers through baptism, His support of John’s ministry, and His fulfillment of the Father’s will. Jesus walked in obedience with the Lord and set the example for what we as believers are called to do.
Read verses 16-17.
Thank Jesus for His example. Ask God to help you follow Christ’s example of obedience.
Lord, thank you for your desire for righteousness. Thank you that we can follow Christ’s example. Show me how to live my life in such a way that you look down and are well pleased with me. Amen.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Days 20-21
Day 20
The Return
Read Nehemiah 1-3 and Ezra 1.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was the report from Jerusalem that Nehemiah received?
What was Nehemiah’s job?
What did Nehemiah want to do in Jerusalem?
How did Nehemiah organize the work to get it accomplished?
What prophet’s words were fulfilled through Cyrus king of Persia?
After reading and answering the question, spend time praying.
Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for holding true to His word. Thank God for how he works through history to bring about His purposes.
Understanding the Old Testament: The return of the exiles to the Promised Land showed God’s faithfulness despite the peoples’ lack of faithfulness. God brought the people back to the land He had promised their forefathers even though Israel had repeatedly served other gods, turned from God and disobeyed His commandments.
God is faithful. He provides a way for all of us to come into a relationship with Him (as we were intended to be since the beginning of time) despite our repeatedly serving other gods, turning from Him and disobeying His commands. It is through Jesus that we can know forgiveness and deliverance from sin. Through Jesus, we can come into a relationship with God.
Day 21
Jesus’ Birth
Read Matthew 1:18-25.
Jesus’ birth came through no ordinary circumstances. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. His father remained loyal to his mother, in spite of a seemingly scandalous situation. An angel appeared to both Mary and Joseph to explain Jesus’ birth. And He was predicted to save His people from the very beginning. What stands out to you the most about the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth?
Read Matthew 1:19-25 and then Luke 1:26-38.
Consider Mary and Joseph’s reaction to the news of Mary’s pregnancy. God worked in a way that was outside of what Mary and Joseph had planned. How do you react in unexpected circumstances? Are you open to God’s ways and timing?
Spend a few minutes focusing on the Lord and His plan. Thank Him for having a plan that is higher than yours. Ask Him to help you trust His plan and His timing. Spend some time surrendering to His plan for you.
Read Luke 2:8-20.
Through Jesus’ birth, prophecies were fulfilled, showing God’s trustworthiness and faithfulness. In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your life?
Thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Praise Him for His fulfillment of promises in Scripture and in your life now. Ask Him to show you His faithful hand in your life.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
The Return
Read Nehemiah 1-3 and Ezra 1.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was the report from Jerusalem that Nehemiah received?
What was Nehemiah’s job?
What did Nehemiah want to do in Jerusalem?
How did Nehemiah organize the work to get it accomplished?
What prophet’s words were fulfilled through Cyrus king of Persia?
After reading and answering the question, spend time praying.
Thank God for His faithfulness. Thank Him for holding true to His word. Thank God for how he works through history to bring about His purposes.
Understanding the Old Testament: The return of the exiles to the Promised Land showed God’s faithfulness despite the peoples’ lack of faithfulness. God brought the people back to the land He had promised their forefathers even though Israel had repeatedly served other gods, turned from God and disobeyed His commandments.
God is faithful. He provides a way for all of us to come into a relationship with Him (as we were intended to be since the beginning of time) despite our repeatedly serving other gods, turning from Him and disobeying His commands. It is through Jesus that we can know forgiveness and deliverance from sin. Through Jesus, we can come into a relationship with God.
Day 21
Jesus’ Birth
Read Matthew 1:18-25.
Jesus’ birth came through no ordinary circumstances. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit. His father remained loyal to his mother, in spite of a seemingly scandalous situation. An angel appeared to both Mary and Joseph to explain Jesus’ birth. And He was predicted to save His people from the very beginning. What stands out to you the most about the circumstances surrounding Jesus’ birth?
Read Matthew 1:19-25 and then Luke 1:26-38.
Consider Mary and Joseph’s reaction to the news of Mary’s pregnancy. God worked in a way that was outside of what Mary and Joseph had planned. How do you react in unexpected circumstances? Are you open to God’s ways and timing?
Spend a few minutes focusing on the Lord and His plan. Thank Him for having a plan that is higher than yours. Ask Him to help you trust His plan and His timing. Spend some time surrendering to His plan for you.
Read Luke 2:8-20.
Through Jesus’ birth, prophecies were fulfilled, showing God’s trustworthiness and faithfulness. In what ways do you see God’s faithfulness in your life?
Thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Praise Him for His fulfillment of promises in Scripture and in your life now. Ask Him to show you His faithful hand in your life.
What has God spoken to you about as you’ve read and prayed through these Scriptures?
Days 18-19
Day 18
A Tragic End
Read 2 Kings 17:6-23 & Jeremiah 52.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who captured Samaria, and what did he do with the people?
Why did God let Israel be defeated?
Were the people of Israel more like what God commanded them to be or more like the people they were supposed to stay away from?
Who captured Jerusalem, and what did they do to the city?
Why did Judah fall?
Where did the exiles go?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for His mercy in allowing us to not be facing exile (physically or spiritually). Thank Him for not giving up on people who are far from Him. Ask Him to help you to keep a pure heart and a faithful life.
Understanding the Old Testament: In the Old Testament the people of Israel associated their living in the Promised Land as their connection to God. Living in the land that God had given their forefathers made it possible to have a relationship with God. To be taken out of that land made it impossible to have a relationship with God. His presence was thought to be regional (only in the temple in Jerusalem).
Day 19
The Story of Some Exiles
Read Daniel 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What four exiles were named and talked about in this book?
What problems did Daniel encounter as an exile?
What problems did the other three exiles face?
How did the exiles face their problems?
Was God faithful to the exiles when they were in trouble?
What did God show Daniel about the end of days?
After reading and answering the question, spend time praying.
Thank God for the safety we enjoy. Thank Him for working in the lives of people who are close to Him or far away.
Understanding the Old Testament: For God to do such mighty acts as were seen in the lives of Daniel and others, God proved that He was bigger than a region. The people of God could have a relationship with God outside of the Promised Land, and God was powerful enough to protect His people in a hostile land.
A Tragic End
Read 2 Kings 17:6-23 & Jeremiah 52.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who captured Samaria, and what did he do with the people?
Why did God let Israel be defeated?
Were the people of Israel more like what God commanded them to be or more like the people they were supposed to stay away from?
Who captured Jerusalem, and what did they do to the city?
Why did Judah fall?
Where did the exiles go?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for His mercy in allowing us to not be facing exile (physically or spiritually). Thank Him for not giving up on people who are far from Him. Ask Him to help you to keep a pure heart and a faithful life.
Understanding the Old Testament: In the Old Testament the people of Israel associated their living in the Promised Land as their connection to God. Living in the land that God had given their forefathers made it possible to have a relationship with God. To be taken out of that land made it impossible to have a relationship with God. His presence was thought to be regional (only in the temple in Jerusalem).
Day 19
The Story of Some Exiles
Read Daniel 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What four exiles were named and talked about in this book?
What problems did Daniel encounter as an exile?
What problems did the other three exiles face?
How did the exiles face their problems?
Was God faithful to the exiles when they were in trouble?
What did God show Daniel about the end of days?
After reading and answering the question, spend time praying.
Thank God for the safety we enjoy. Thank Him for working in the lives of people who are close to Him or far away.
Understanding the Old Testament: For God to do such mighty acts as were seen in the lives of Daniel and others, God proved that He was bigger than a region. The people of God could have a relationship with God outside of the Promised Land, and God was powerful enough to protect His people in a hostile land.
Days 16-17
Day 16
A Taste of Wisdom
Read Proverbs 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What is the beginning of knowledge?
What does Proverbs 3:5-10 say?
What is wisdom better than? More precious than?
What does Proverbs 3:27 teach?
How many chapters begin with the phrase “my son”?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.
Ask God to show you your folly. Ask Him for wisdom. Pray about some of the Proverbs that specifically spoke to you.
Day 17
Wisdom Lost
Read 1 Kings 11-12.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What did Solomon love that caused him to head down the wrong path as a king and a spiritual leader for the nation?
What happened to the kingdom of Israel that his father, David, passed on to Solomon?
Who were the new kings and who make up their “kingdoms”?
Were either of the new kings going to follow in the instruction that God gave David?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.
Pray for God’s help in remaining faithful to Him and His commandments. Ask God to give you wisdom throughout your life. Thank God for being bigger than our sin.
A Taste of Wisdom
Read Proverbs 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What is the beginning of knowledge?
What does Proverbs 3:5-10 say?
What is wisdom better than? More precious than?
What does Proverbs 3:27 teach?
How many chapters begin with the phrase “my son”?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.
Ask God to show you your folly. Ask Him for wisdom. Pray about some of the Proverbs that specifically spoke to you.
Day 17
Wisdom Lost
Read 1 Kings 11-12.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What did Solomon love that caused him to head down the wrong path as a king and a spiritual leader for the nation?
What happened to the kingdom of Israel that his father, David, passed on to Solomon?
Who were the new kings and who make up their “kingdoms”?
Were either of the new kings going to follow in the instruction that God gave David?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.
Pray for God’s help in remaining faithful to Him and His commandments. Ask God to give you wisdom throughout your life. Thank God for being bigger than our sin.
Days 14-15
Day 14
A Clean Heart
Read Psalm 51.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who wrote this Psalm?
Why did he write it?
What does the author want to be washed clean of?
What does the Lord delight in? (Hint: v6)
What will the author teach transgressors and sinners?
What does the Lord not delight in? (Hint : v16)
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Ask God to show you your sin. Ask God to forgive your transgressions. Ask Him to give you a clean heart. Thank God for His love and forgiveness.
Day 15
The Wisest Man Ever
Read 1 Kings 1:28-4.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was trying to take over as king?
Who became king?
What did David tell Solomon?
What did Solomon do to establish his reign? Who died?
What happened to fulfill the prophecy about the house of Eli in Shiloh? (Hint: 2:27)
What did Solomon ask from God that pleased God?
How famous was Solomon?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.
Ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to help you have a heart that is right before Him. Thank Him for all of the good gifts He gives you.
A Clean Heart
Read Psalm 51.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who wrote this Psalm?
Why did he write it?
What does the author want to be washed clean of?
What does the Lord delight in? (Hint: v6)
What will the author teach transgressors and sinners?
What does the Lord not delight in? (Hint : v16)
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Ask God to show you your sin. Ask God to forgive your transgressions. Ask Him to give you a clean heart. Thank God for His love and forgiveness.
Day 15
The Wisest Man Ever
Read 1 Kings 1:28-4.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was trying to take over as king?
Who became king?
What did David tell Solomon?
What did Solomon do to establish his reign? Who died?
What happened to fulfill the prophecy about the house of Eli in Shiloh? (Hint: 2:27)
What did Solomon ask from God that pleased God?
How famous was Solomon?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time praying.
Ask God for wisdom. Ask Him to help you have a heart that is right before Him. Thank Him for all of the good gifts He gives you.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Days 12-13
Day 12
The Future of the Nation
Read 1 Samuel 16-20.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was anointed King of Israel as Saul’s replacement?
How did Samuel find Him?
What did David do that made him famous in Israel?
How did Saul respond to David getting better press than Saul?
Who was Jonathan?
What did Saul do to try to kill David?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Express to God how grateful you are for His love. Ask Him to teach you how to love people the way that He does. Thank the Lord for the plans He has for your future.
Read 2 Samuel 11-12:25.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was David’s first mistake?
Who was Bathsheba?
What did David do to Uriah? Did this please the Lord?
Who was Nathan?
What happened to David and Bathsheba’s first child? Who was their second child?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Ask God to show you what you are doing wrong. Ask for His forgiveness. Thank Him for loving you despite your mistakes.
Understanding the Old Testament: David is in the lineage of Jesus. Jesus is the descendant who will sit on the throne of David and rule forever.
The Future of the Nation
Read 1 Samuel 16-20.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was anointed King of Israel as Saul’s replacement?
How did Samuel find Him?
What did David do that made him famous in Israel?
How did Saul respond to David getting better press than Saul?
Who was Jonathan?
What did Saul do to try to kill David?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Express to God how grateful you are for His love. Ask Him to teach you how to love people the way that He does. Thank the Lord for the plans He has for your future.
Day 13
T-R-O-U-B-L-E
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was David’s first mistake?
Who was Bathsheba?
What did David do to Uriah? Did this please the Lord?
Who was Nathan?
What happened to David and Bathsheba’s first child? Who was their second child?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Ask God to show you what you are doing wrong. Ask for His forgiveness. Thank Him for loving you despite your mistakes.
Understanding the Old Testament: David is in the lineage of Jesus. Jesus is the descendant who will sit on the throne of David and rule forever.
Days 10-11
Day 10
Worthless and Worthwhile
Read 1 Samuel 1-3.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was Eli?
Who were Samuel’s parents?
Who were Eli’s sons?
What did Eli’s sons do that was so bad?
How did the Lord call Samuel?
What was Eli’s response when he found out what the Lord told Samuel?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for loving you. Thank God for what He has done in your life in the past few months. Ask God to prepare you for serving Him so that you will not be worthless like Eli’s sons.
Day 11
A New Leader
Read 1 Samuel 8:19-13.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What request did the people of Israel make that made the Lord unhappy?
Who was the person chosen as king?
How did Saul run into Samuel?
What did Saul do to defeat the Ammonites?
What did Samuel say in his farewell address to Israel?
How did Saul mess up and lose the Lord’s blessing?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for giving you the Bible to read. Thank God for preserving a record of how men and women of old followed Him faithfully. Ask God to help you grow in wisdom and knowledge of Him.
Worthless and Worthwhile
Read 1 Samuel 1-3.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was Eli?
Who were Samuel’s parents?
Who were Eli’s sons?
What did Eli’s sons do that was so bad?
How did the Lord call Samuel?
What was Eli’s response when he found out what the Lord told Samuel?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for loving you. Thank God for what He has done in your life in the past few months. Ask God to prepare you for serving Him so that you will not be worthless like Eli’s sons.
Day 11
A New Leader
Read 1 Samuel 8:19-13.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What request did the people of Israel make that made the Lord unhappy?
Who was the person chosen as king?
How did Saul run into Samuel?
What did Saul do to defeat the Ammonites?
What did Samuel say in his farewell address to Israel?
How did Saul mess up and lose the Lord’s blessing?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for giving you the Bible to read. Thank God for preserving a record of how men and women of old followed Him faithfully. Ask God to help you grow in wisdom and knowledge of Him.
Days 8-9
Day 8
Don’t Judge Me
Read Joshua 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.
As you read watch for the answers to the following questions.
Did the Israelites complete the conquest of the land as God had commanded them to?
Why did the Lord begin to raise up judges?
What made the judges so special? (Hint: 2:18)
Did the Lord drive out the nations that Israel left in the land?
List the first five judges as they appear in Scripture.
Which judge killed people with an ox goad?
What happened after a judge would deliver Israel? (Hint: 2:18-24)
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer. Thank God for His watch and care over us. Thank Him for His faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness. Tell God about how your life is a lot like the way the Israelites were in the book of Judges.
Day 9
The Start of Something Good
Read the entire book of Ruth (it’s only 4 chapters).
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was Ruth’s husband and mother-in-law?
What happened to Ruth’s husband?
Who did Ruth meet that was a possible new husband?
Why was Boaz a good guy?
How did Ruth announce her desire to be with Boaz?
What is a kinsman redeemer?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for redeeming you and making a way for everyone to be redeemed. Ask God to prepare you for your future spouse and to prepare him or her for you.
Understanding the Old Testament: Boaz and Ruth are found in the lineage of Jesus. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer (a redeemer from within the family, next-of-kin) for Ruth, like Christ is the kinsman redeemer for both Jews and Gentiles (for all within the human race).
Don’t Judge Me
Read Joshua 1:1. Continue as far as you can in the given time.
As you read watch for the answers to the following questions.
Did the Israelites complete the conquest of the land as God had commanded them to?
Why did the Lord begin to raise up judges?
What made the judges so special? (Hint: 2:18)
Did the Lord drive out the nations that Israel left in the land?
List the first five judges as they appear in Scripture.
Which judge killed people with an ox goad?
What happened after a judge would deliver Israel? (Hint: 2:18-24)
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer. Thank God for His watch and care over us. Thank Him for His faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness. Tell God about how your life is a lot like the way the Israelites were in the book of Judges.
Day 9
The Start of Something Good
Read the entire book of Ruth (it’s only 4 chapters).
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Who was Ruth’s husband and mother-in-law?
What happened to Ruth’s husband?
Who did Ruth meet that was a possible new husband?
Why was Boaz a good guy?
How did Ruth announce her desire to be with Boaz?
What is a kinsman redeemer?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for redeeming you and making a way for everyone to be redeemed. Ask God to prepare you for your future spouse and to prepare him or her for you.
Understanding the Old Testament: Boaz and Ruth are found in the lineage of Jesus. Boaz was the kinsman redeemer (a redeemer from within the family, next-of-kin) for Ruth, like Christ is the kinsman redeemer for both Jews and Gentiles (for all within the human race).
Days 6-7
Day 6
The 10 Commandments
Read Exodus 20.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
How many commandments did God give the people of Israel?
What are they, in order?
How many commandments deal with your relationship with God?
How many deal with your relationship with others?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for giving us the 10 commandments. Thank Him for giving us an understanding of how impossible it is for us to “be perfect.” Ask Him to show you your sin, and ask Him for forgiveness.
Understanding the Old Testament: It is impossible for anyone to keep all of these commandments. Jesus goes as far to say that if you lust, you commit adultery, or if you hate, you are guilty of murder. The New Testament uses the 10 Commandments as a way of helping us understand that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness that can only come through Jesus.
Day 7
Who will you serve?
Read Joshua 24 14-28.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What decision did the people of Israel have to make?
What was the choice of the people?
What was Joshua’s response to their decision?
What was made to the witness against Israel?
How old was Joshua when he died?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for His love. Thank Him for being faithful in His love for you despite your failures. Tell God what your choice will be: Will you choose to serve Him, yourself, stuff, popularity or other people? Say a prayer dedicating yourself to Him.
Understanding the Old Testament: We each face the same kind of decision: Will you chose to serve the Lord, or will you serve what the culture around you says is important?
The 10 Commandments
Read Exodus 20.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
How many commandments did God give the people of Israel?
What are they, in order?
How many commandments deal with your relationship with God?
How many deal with your relationship with others?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for giving us the 10 commandments. Thank Him for giving us an understanding of how impossible it is for us to “be perfect.” Ask Him to show you your sin, and ask Him for forgiveness.
Understanding the Old Testament: It is impossible for anyone to keep all of these commandments. Jesus goes as far to say that if you lust, you commit adultery, or if you hate, you are guilty of murder. The New Testament uses the 10 Commandments as a way of helping us understand that we are sinners and that we need forgiveness that can only come through Jesus.
Day 7
Who will you serve?
Read Joshua 24 14-28.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What decision did the people of Israel have to make?
What was the choice of the people?
What was Joshua’s response to their decision?
What was made to the witness against Israel?
How old was Joshua when he died?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
Thank God for His love. Thank Him for being faithful in His love for you despite your failures. Tell God what your choice will be: Will you choose to serve Him, yourself, stuff, popularity or other people? Say a prayer dedicating yourself to Him.
Understanding the Old Testament: We each face the same kind of decision: Will you chose to serve the Lord, or will you serve what the culture around you says is important?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Days 4-5
Day 4
Joseph
Read Genesis 37:1. Continue to read as long as you can about Joseph and how God used him to keep His side of the covenant that was made with Abraham.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Why did Joseph get sold into slavery?
How did Joseph get into trouble with Potiphar?
How did Joseph get out of jail?
How many of Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt looking for food?
What did Joseph do to his brothers when they asked for food?
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.
Tell God how grateful you are for His continual watch and care over us. Thank God for your family and ask Him to heal any wounds that you might be carrying with you from fights with your family.
Day 5
The Passover
Read Exodus 12-14:31.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was supposed to be done with the blood of the Lamb during the Passover?
What happened when the Lord passed through Egypt during the Passover?
Why was the bread that the Israelites ate unleavened?
Who was supposed to observe the Passover?
Which way did God lead the people of Israel to get out of Egypt?
How did God lead them? By day and night?
What happened when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
In your own words, express to God your thankfulness for His protection for those who love Him.
Understanding the Old Testament: The blood of the Passover Lamb is a picture of the blood of Christ that was shed for the forgiveness of sin. Those who place their faith in Christ receive forgiveness for sin instead of punishment.
Joseph
Read Genesis 37:1. Continue to read as long as you can about Joseph and how God used him to keep His side of the covenant that was made with Abraham.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Why did Joseph get sold into slavery?
How did Joseph get into trouble with Potiphar?
How did Joseph get out of jail?
How many of Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt looking for food?
What did Joseph do to his brothers when they asked for food?
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.
Tell God how grateful you are for His continual watch and care over us. Thank God for your family and ask Him to heal any wounds that you might be carrying with you from fights with your family.
Day 5
The Passover
Read Exodus 12-14:31.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What was supposed to be done with the blood of the Lamb during the Passover?
What happened when the Lord passed through Egypt during the Passover?
Why was the bread that the Israelites ate unleavened?
Who was supposed to observe the Passover?
Which way did God lead the people of Israel to get out of Egypt?
How did God lead them? By day and night?
What happened when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea?
After reading and answering the questions, spend time in prayer.
In your own words, express to God your thankfulness for His protection for those who love Him.
Understanding the Old Testament: The blood of the Passover Lamb is a picture of the blood of Christ that was shed for the forgiveness of sin. Those who place their faith in Christ receive forgiveness for sin instead of punishment.
Days 2-3
Day 2
The Fall & Murder
Read Genesis 3-4.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What did Adam and Eve do to commit the first “sin”?
Why did Adam and Eve cover themselves?
What happened to the serpent? Man? Woman?
What were Cain and Abel’s jobs?
Who killed whom? Why?
When did people begin calling upon the name of the Lord?
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.
Thank God for your life. Ask Him to help you not commit murder in your heart by hating others. Ask God to give you understanding of how the Bible tells His story.
Understanding the Old Testament: The first prophecy about the Messiah happens in the passage you read today. Can you identify the prophecy? There are many prophecies about a coming Messiah in the Old Testament. Jesus is the only person to fulfill them all! The New Testament book of Matthew points out several prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.
Day 3
Abram to Abraham
Read Genesis 12:1. Continue as far as you can in the time given.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Where did Abram come from?
To whom was Abram married?
Who was Lot?
In Genesis 15, what was God’s covenant with Abram?
In Genesis 17, what was God’s covenant with Abraham?
Name Abraham’s children.
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray. Spend some time thanking God for what He is doing in your life. Be specific.
Understanding the Old Testament: The covenant with Abraham was about the circumcision of the flesh, and the use of circumcision in the New Testament is about the circumcision of the heart through repentance and faith.
The Fall & Murder
Read Genesis 3-4.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What did Adam and Eve do to commit the first “sin”?
Why did Adam and Eve cover themselves?
What happened to the serpent? Man? Woman?
What were Cain and Abel’s jobs?
Who killed whom? Why?
When did people begin calling upon the name of the Lord?
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.
Thank God for your life. Ask Him to help you not commit murder in your heart by hating others. Ask God to give you understanding of how the Bible tells His story.
Understanding the Old Testament: The first prophecy about the Messiah happens in the passage you read today. Can you identify the prophecy? There are many prophecies about a coming Messiah in the Old Testament. Jesus is the only person to fulfill them all! The New Testament book of Matthew points out several prophecies that Jesus fulfilled.
Day 3
Abram to Abraham
Read Genesis 12:1. Continue as far as you can in the time given.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
Where did Abram come from?
To whom was Abram married?
Who was Lot?
In Genesis 15, what was God’s covenant with Abram?
In Genesis 17, what was God’s covenant with Abraham?
Name Abraham’s children.
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray. Spend some time thanking God for what He is doing in your life. Be specific.
Understanding the Old Testament: The covenant with Abraham was about the circumcision of the flesh, and the use of circumcision in the New Testament is about the circumcision of the heart through repentance and faith.
Day 1
Pastor Hosea Bilyeu has issued a challenge for the church: Read the Bible for 24 minutes, seven days a week. He refers to it as the "7/24 Challenge," and it's what I think is essential. We have written 40 Days of Devotionals to help and encourage you through your walk with Christ. Use them as part of your 7/24 Challenge. Post comments to let us know what God is teaching you and how He's using you through this time. Spread the word, and invite your friends and family to take part in the challenge.
please note: all 40 devotionals can also be found in the CAMP 2010 booklet.
Day 1
The Beginning
Read Genesis 1-2.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What is the order in which God created everything?
What were the names of the rivers that flowed out of Eden?
What was the one thing that was “off limits” to Adam and Eve?
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.
Thank God for creating everything and giving us life. Ask Him to help you spend the next 40 days getting to know Him better. Say a prayer in your own words expressing to God your desire to know Him and make Him known.
Understanding the Old Testament: From the beginning of time, everything God has created gives testimony to who God is and what He is capable of! God created man and woman and initiated a relationship with them. We were created to have a relationship with God. Sin is what has separated us from God and only by repentance and faith in Jesus can we enter into a relationship with God.
please note: all 40 devotionals can also be found in the CAMP 2010 booklet.
Day 1
The Beginning
Read Genesis 1-2.
As you read, watch for the answers to the following questions.
What is the order in which God created everything?
What were the names of the rivers that flowed out of Eden?
What was the one thing that was “off limits” to Adam and Eve?
After reading and answering the questions, take time to pray.
Thank God for creating everything and giving us life. Ask Him to help you spend the next 40 days getting to know Him better. Say a prayer in your own words expressing to God your desire to know Him and make Him known.
Understanding the Old Testament: From the beginning of time, everything God has created gives testimony to who God is and what He is capable of! God created man and woman and initiated a relationship with them. We were created to have a relationship with God. Sin is what has separated us from God and only by repentance and faith in Jesus can we enter into a relationship with God.
Monday, April 19, 2010
It's been a while...
Well, I said that I was going to do this everyday for a year and that has not happened... so, I'll start again and admit that I'll miss a day or two every now and then. However, I will be totally honest and tell you the days I spend time with the Lord and the days I don't (nothing like accountability).
I've had some great time with the Lord over the past couple of months and today was another one!
I read from 1 Samuel 1-2.
Eli was a faithful priest but his sons were worthless. They took from the Israelites sacrifices to the Lord before the sacrifices were made. This was not smart! Even when Eli talked to his sons about it they were unrepentant. So, the Lord removed Eli's family from the priesthood and raised up another... Samuel.
Even though Eli was a devote man, his lack of action in regards to his sons wrong doing that caused his downfall.
We can all learn from this... we cannot turn a blind eye to wrongdoing when it is within our control to put a stop to it. Especially when it is the Lord who is being wronged!
May I never turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to wrongdoing, but instead may I take action and be obedient to You Lord!
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
2/23/10
Spent time in Hebrews 8-10 today.
God spoke to me about the covenant that Christ fulfilled.
I'm feeling sick...
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
2/17/10
Today I spent time reading Hebrew 11 and Matthew 7.
God spoke to me about living a life of faith and not simply holding to a profession of faith.
May I never hold to a profession, may I keep the faith!
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
God spoke to me about living a life of faith and not simply holding to a profession of faith.
May I never hold to a profession, may I keep the faith!
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
2/16/10
Today, I read repeatedly from Genesis 4 and Hebrews 11.
God spoke to me about the condition of Cain's heart toward God in worship and how it reflected the condition of his heart toward his brother (man).
May the condition of my heart never grow cold toward You, Lord. May my heart never grow cold towards man either.
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
God spoke to me about the condition of Cain's heart toward God in worship and how it reflected the condition of his heart toward his brother (man).
May the condition of my heart never grow cold toward You, Lord. May my heart never grow cold towards man either.
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Monday, February 15, 2010
2/15/10
Today is my son's 4th birthday!
I read Psalm 117 & 118.
God spoke to me about His enduring love!
May I reflect on His enduring love everyday!
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
2/14/10
So, I missed two days. I spend no time in the word... but I did pray throughout those days. I know, it doesn't count toward my goal. So, I'll keep trying!
Today, heard a great sermon by my pastor and spent time reading in Psalms since he preached from a Psalm.
I read Psalm 116 and spent time meditating on God's deliverance.
God spoke to me about how He has delivered me in the past.
May I always rejoice in Your deliverance in spite of the difficulties I face.
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2/11/10
Today I read Genesis 4 and Hebrews 11: 1-5
Cain and Abel. The Lord spoke to me about the manner in which I worship Him. Do I give Him my best or do I give Him what is left over.
May I give You only my best.
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
2/10/10
Today I read Genesis 24-50. Wow... so much to learn from this book! I read about Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph and how God blessed them all because He promised he would. Abraham's faith in God set the whole thing in motion.
God spoke to me about the faith of a father and the lasting effect it has on his sons.
May I have Abraham's kind of faith.
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
2/9/10
Today I read Hebrews 3-5.
God spoke to me especially about Hebrews 4:11-13.
May I seek to enter Your rest Lord.
I'm Nate and this is what I think is essential.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The 7/24 Challenge
During the spring of 2009, my pastor, Hosea Bilyeu, challenged the staff at Ridgecrest Baptist Church to begin the 7/24 Challenge. This challenge is to read God's Word and listen to His voice for 24 minutes a day for 7 days every week.
I took the 7/24 Challenge to heart and began back in the spring of 2009. I also introduced it to the student ministry over the summer of 2009. Hosea introduced it to the entire church in the fall of 2009 and it has become part of our church-wide movement of Razing Hell.
I wish I could say that I've never missed a day, but sadly I have.
The reason for this post is to ask you to take the 7/24 Challenge with me! For the next 365 days, I plan to share with you what God is teaching me everyday as I attempt to faithfully spend time reading God's Word and listening to His voice.
2/8/10
Today I read Hebrews 1 & 2. God spoke to me regarding Hebrews 2:1-3a, "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
Lord, help me to pay close attention to what I read in Your Word.
I took the 7/24 Challenge to heart and began back in the spring of 2009. I also introduced it to the student ministry over the summer of 2009. Hosea introduced it to the entire church in the fall of 2009 and it has become part of our church-wide movement of Razing Hell.
I wish I could say that I've never missed a day, but sadly I have.
The reason for this post is to ask you to take the 7/24 Challenge with me! For the next 365 days, I plan to share with you what God is teaching me everyday as I attempt to faithfully spend time reading God's Word and listening to His voice.
2/8/10
Today I read Hebrews 1 & 2. God spoke to me regarding Hebrews 2:1-3a, "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
Lord, help me to pay close attention to what I read in Your Word.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
VH1 News Presents: The New Virginity
There's a trendy pop culture movement that's burst into the mainstream to take a stand against our hyper-sexed society. It's born out of traditional values and sealed with promise rings, abstinence clubs and purity balls. It stars the likes of Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers, who've made headlines with their public pronouncements of sexual purity. It's a hip new calling card: virginity. (click to read full description.)First airing is today at 4 p.m. Additional show times may be found here.
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