Monday, July 21                                                                    Matthew 10:24-25

Why can a student not be above his teacher or a servant above the master? Who are you studying to be like? Who are you serving?

How many times do we try to take control and be in charge in our lives? Have you submitted your life to be under God's control? Surrender your life to God  today and let Him be in control.

Following Christ is a difficult task. We are told the gate is small and the road is narrow. Our focus must be on Christ to stay along the road.

How well is your focus on Christ? What distracts you along the way? Pray to stay focused on Christ and obeying his commands.

Christ leaves us an example of how to live. Could you measure up to his example? No one really can but are you trying to live like Christ?

He died so that we can live what should our response be? How can we get help to follow Christ and live like he did?

Thursday, July 24                                                                          John 10:2-4

Who is the shepherd? Can you recognize the shepherd's voice? What is a good way to learn to hear His voice?

Since God does not change we have his voice recorded in the Bible. Learning your Bible and what God says about your life is a great way to learn His voice. Praying is also another way to get to know God. Try getting closer to God today.

Friday, July 25                                                                           Luke 14:25-33

What does it mean to hate your father and mother and even your own life? Clinging to this world is not part of being a disciple. God should come first and then the rest will fall into place.

When we seek God over all else He sets our priorities and guides our steps. How can you move closer to God and follow the plan He has for your life?

Heart Condition

Monday, July 14                                                              1Samuel 15:35; 1Samuel 16:13                   What is the general tone of things at the end of 1Samuel 15:35? How would you describe the Lord and His prophet Samuel's feelings? As Chapter 16 begins, what is the Lord's plan? Verse 2 shows us his response-was it excitement? Reluctance? Fear? Why? Have you ever responded this way when God has told you, "GO!"?  How did it turn out?

See Matthew 19:26; Philippians 4:13 and compare with 1Samuel 16:3. Where does the wisdom and power come from to do God's biding?  See Proverbs 3:5-6-why is it so important to rely on God wholeheartedly?

Tuesday, July 15                                                                         1Samuel 16:4- 6

What does Samuel do; whose plan does he go with? How did he overcome his initial fearful response? Samuel continually turns to God for guidance...how can you more deliberately implement that basis into your life?

What was Samuel's main objective in Bethlehem? How does Samuel get this accomplished? Gathering the men for worship and sacrifice to the Lord revealed the inclination of their hearts - how could God use this to assist Samuel in his mission?

Wednesday, July 16                                                                    1Samuel 16:6-9

What is Samuel's initial response as he meets Jesse's sons? Whose standards is he using? How does verse 7 define God's standards when it comes to people?  Is that challenging or comforting to you? Why?

Read Psalm 139:23. What is it asking God to do? How must we approach the Lord if we pray Psalm 139:23? How do we gain insight and perspective through this process? Do you ever make snap, external judgments of others? Are these fruitful assumptions on which to base decisions? 

Thursday, July 17                                                                    1Samuel 16:10-12

Seven of Jesse's sons were paraded before Samuel that day. Who was missing? What was he doing? Was that a position of high honor and esteem? What was his place in the ‘birth order?' What would the cultural implications of being youngest in a family in this era?

What does it mean to you that God chose David-the youngest, smallest, and least likely (by normal standards) to be of significance? What kind of external standards do you tend to hold people to? What about for yourself? What do you think God things about these things?

Friday, July 18                                                                             1Samuel 16:13

Who was in the crowd when Samuel anointed David?  Why was it important for these folks to experience this anointing? What happened to David in this special moment? Why would he need such power?  What were some of the obstacles you can think of ahead of him?

The Last 10 %

Monday, July 7                                                                 1 Samuel 15:1-9

God gives Saul another mission to perform. He has not really followed God yet. What is the mission and why is it to be performed? Read 2 Samuel 1:5-8. How does Saul's disobedience to God's command come back to haunt him?

Why do you suppose Saul kept "everything that was good?" Why is that a big deal to God? Do you ever take part of God's commands seriously but not all of them? How does this passage convicting? How is that a good thing?

Tuesday, July 8                                                             1 Samuel 15:10-16

Why do you suppose God made Saul king (read 1 Sam 8:19)? Have you ever wanted something that you knew God did not want for you? In those situations, what reasons do you tend to use to justify your ‘want?' Why is that not best?

Saul turns from God and sets up a monument "in his own honor." Notice also that Saul blames the soldiers when taken to task. Take a moment to be honest before God...Look seriously at your life - are you doing what God wants? How many monuments do you have set up? Who are you blaming for the outcome?

Wednesday, July 9                                                      1 Samuel 15:17-21

Saul clearly doesn't think well of his leadership position - otherwise he would live his life as more of an example. Who do you lead? In what arena do you operate as an example to others (family, work, church, etc)? If you had to define it, what mission has God given you in each of those areas?

Saul is clearly making excuses and covering up his disobedience. What is the appropriate response when we mess up and disobey? Why is that so hard? Is there any area you need to return and simply confess to messing things up?

Thursday, July 10                                                        1 Samuel 15:22-29

What does God want from us more than anything? Why? One translates the word "heed" in the NIV as "listen." How can you be better at listening for God?

Saul seems to confess only after being confronted multiple times. What does that say about Saul's heart? Is he really concerned with being faithful to God? What does Saul concern himself with that takes the place of simple obedience? Why is that so tempting for us? How have you experienced that temptation?

Friday, July 11                                                              1 Samuel 15:30-35

What is the true reason Saul wants Samuel with him? What is he still concerned with more than his sin? How does that justify God's act in removing him from power? Scripture says that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning on wisdom." What does that mean?

In your own life, God has likely given you roles of authority or influence. Have you ever been concerned that he might remove you from those? Sometimes we must walk away from situations that are bad no matter how sad it makes us. Are there any situations or habits you should leave and start following God?

Beyond Circumstance

Monday, June 30                                                                     1 Samuel 13

Saul had been a reluctant king. When faced with this set of circumstances, what happens? When Samuel does not arrive at the appointed time, what does Saul do? When Saul decides to take matters into his own hands what happens?

When have you been tempted to do as Saul did in this story-to let the circumstances of your life dictate your course of action? Why is it so difficult to wait and trust that God has things under control?

Tuesday, July 1                                                                              Judges 7

Gideon is ready to wage war on the Midianites. What does God want to impress upon Israel? What does He ask Gideon to do? How many men does Gideon get to fight with? Why is this such an important lesson for Israel...and for us?

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like everything and everyone was against you? How does Gideon's story speak to those situations? How can you rely more on God for help and guidance as you face these situations in life?

Wednesday, July 2                                                                      Genesis 39

Joseph is riding pretty high in his life compared to being sold as a slave several years earlier. Joseph suddenly finds himself in a tight situation. How does he respond? What happens to him? He continues to be close to God even in a bad circumstance. How is that rewarded?

When you are put in an awkward situation, do you give in or hold on to God's values and promises? Joseph did nothing wrong, and yet was faced with some overwhelming circumstances. This will likely happen in all our lives at some point, What is the best way to navigate through these bad situations?

Thursday, July 3                                                            Matthew 14:22-33

What are the circumstances that Peter finds himself in? When he notices all the things going on around him, what happens? How have you experienced that in your own life? What are the "wind and the waves" you've experienced?

How do you hear Jesus' response in v. 31? Is it condemning? Encouraging? Think about teaching your own children to do something exciting. What is your response when they get scared? How does that influence how you read Jesus' words to Peter? How can this passage encourage you when life's storms come?

Friday, July 4                                                                                  John 20

The followers of Christ had thought Jesus was going to be the new ruler of Israel, the Messiah who would save them. They have a lot of unmet expectations. How does Jesus calm them? How do they react? What does he ask them to do? How can Jesus' promises take precedent over the circumstances in your life?

Earning a Reputation

Monday, June 23                                                              1 Samuel 12:1-5

What is Samuel declaring here, at the end of his life? What strikes you about his statements and questions? What about the end of verse 3-what does it say about Samuel's character that he's willing to make right anything ever done wrong?

When you think about your own life, would you be willing to make these statements or ask these questions? Why or why not? How does it challenge you to consider that? Spend some time praying that God would increase your integrity.

Tuesday, June 24                                      Psalm 41:11-12, Proverbs 10:9

What does this psalm say about integrity? How is that true? How does it feel to be able to say what David says here in v. 11: "I know that You [God] are pleased with me...?"

How have you experienced the truth of Proverbs 10:9? Who do you know that has a reputation that matches these verses? What do people think about that person? How can you become more and more like that in your life?

Wednesday, June 25                                              Ephesians 5:1-2, 8-16                                   

What do verses 8-16 encourage us to do or pursue? What does it encourage us to not do or pursue? How do these verses challenge you? Is there anything in your life that feels a little "dark?"

What do verses 1-2 have to do with the rest of this chapter? How do they change the focus and/or reason for living in the light? How do these verse identify you as the person reading them?

Thursday, June 26                                                             Genesis 39:1-10

What does this story communicate about Joseph's reputation? What words come to mind when you think about Joseph as he's portrayed here? How are you doing at emulating these values in your own life?

What is the biggest temptation you think Joseph faced-misusing assets, being lazy, lust, or something else? What reason does Joseph give for resisting those things? What role does your spiritual life play in your integrity?

Friday, June 27                                                                          Titus 2:1-8

These are some of the last words form a mentor to his apprentice. What are Paul's (the mentor) instructions? How do these instructions help lead to a life of integrity and a godly reputation?

It's interesting that this passage includes all followers of Christ as examples and teachers. What role(s) do you think God is calling you to fulfill in this passage? What can a live well lived accomplish?

Chasing Donkeys

Monday, June 16                                                                          1 Samuel 9:1-10:26

What is Saul seeking? How does he try to solve the problem? Why do you think he offers an excuse (a false one at that) in v. 21? It seems Saul is more comfortable chasing donkeys than chasing God. How true is that in your own life?

In the early part of Chapter 10, God provides for Saul and reaffirms the call. But Saul continues to hide from that calling...why do you think Saul ran away from God instead of toward Him? When was the last time you asked God what He has planned for you?Spend some time today asking God what he wants you to do.

Tuesday, June 17                                                                                           Judges 16

What is Samson's distraction? God gave Samson great power and slyness; how does he use it? How is Sampson hooked?

Do you think Samson had any reason to question Delilah's motives after two attempts to capture him? Why did he finally give up his secret? Does the squeaky wheel always get your attention? How does that distract you from what God wants for you?

Wednesday, June 18                                                                                  2 Samuel 11

What tempts David, the King of Israel-a man with many wives and concubines? His time with Bathsheba creates a problem, how does he solve the problem? What are some modern-day examples making this story realistic?

Look at all the enticing objects around you today. Is it hard to keep our focus on God when there are so many distractions? Which seem to keep you distracted more often? How can you counteract this?

Thursday, June 19                                                                                         Jonah 1-3

Why does Jonah disobey God? Jonah travels in the direct opposite direction that God tells him. Have you ever done the complete opposite of God's ways on purpose? How did that work out? Did you admit to God you had sinned against him? If you haven't take the time to do that now.

It is good to know that God wants the best for us. We all acknowledge that, but how much does it impact your behavior or your pursuit of God? What would it look like to really pursue God in your life?

Friday, June 20                                                                                            Acts 9:1-31

What is Saul's purpose in verses 1 and 2? Whom is he trying to please? How does trying to please other people distract us from God's purposes? How did God get Saul's attention?

When Saul focused on God, his vision became restored. Have you had quiet time today to focus on God? Try spending time each day focusing on who God is and what He wants for your life.

 Dropping Your Nets

Monday, June 9                                                                  Mark 1:16-20

What does it mean, in your opinion, to "follow" Jesus? What do you suppose made the disciples drop their nets "immediately" to follow Jesus? What does He promise them? What is it about Jesus that makes you follow Him?

What does each man leave to follow? What have you been asked to leave behind in order to follow Jesus? What is the life He is calling you to?

Tuesday, June 10                                                         Colossians 3:1-14

Following Jesus requires we leave certain things behind. What is listed in this passage as the things we need to "put to death?" Which is a challenge for you?

Verses 12-14 really lay out the things we are to embrace as we follow Jesus. What are they? How do these things amount to following Jesus? Which of these is God challenging you in lately? How can you respond "immediately?"                             

Wednesday, June 11                                                          1 Peter 2:9-10

How does Peter refer to people who follow Christ? What about that description is most encouraging to you? Why? What are the benefits of being a "people belonging to God?"

How have you been called "out of darkness and into His wonderful light?" For what purpose, according to this verse? Why is that so important?

Thursday, June 12                                                                 John 10:1-6

What does this passage have to say about following Jesus? How do you discern the voice of the Shepherd in your life? What is one thing that you could do to be more familiar or attuned to His voice?

How have you heard the voice of Jesus guiding you? Verse 3 says that the sheep "listen to His voice." What does that mean? Can you really listen and not follow? Why or why not?

Friday, June 13                                                                    Isaiah 6:1-10

How does Isaiah describe his vision of the Lord? What emotion does it bring to mind? What happens to Isaiah-and how is it profound?

What is Isaiah's response to God's questions in v. 8? Is your heart in that same place? Why or why not? What are the things that might hold you back from such a response? How can you keep a healthy balance-able to respond to the Lord's call, but also engaged with the other aspects of the life He has given you?Monday, June 2                                                                      1 Samuel 8What led the elders of Israel to want a king? Who are they really rejecting? How is this similar to today? Why are we so tempted to blend in, specifically when it comes to matters of faith?

Who does Israel want to be like? Why? When you look at your own life, who (or what) is your model for living "the good life?" In what way are you most tempted to follow the "Joneses" instead of Jesus Christ?

Tuesday, June 3                                                           Matthew 5: 13-16

As a Christian, we are supposed to stand out. How should we look different to the world around us as Christians? When you think about sticking out as a Christian, how comfortable or secure are you in that? What fears do you have?

What makes you excited enough to tell others about? If you see a really great show on TV or find a great sale, do you share with it others? Why are we so afraid to share the things God has done in our lives?                                  

Wednesday, June 4                                                        Romans 12:1-21                          What is the "pattern of this world?" How do we overcome these patterns in our culture (world)? In what ways should we be transformed from the world around us? How do you differentiate the good in our world from the bad?

What would it look like if everyone honored others above themselves and lived in harmony? How would it change things in your neighborhood? How about in your house? At work? Why is this so easy to talk about but hard to live out?

Thursday, June 5                                                          Ephesians 5:8-21

What "fruit" are you producing in your life? How does that set you apart from the ordinary? If you expose your life to the light honestly, what do you see? What's good? What is in need of addressing?

Spend some time today giving thanks to the Lord. What do you have that He did not provide you with?

Friday, June 6                                                                      1 Peter 5:1-9

We are all called to be shepherds of Gods flock to those under are care. Who is in your flock? Your children? Co-workers? Family members? How are you serving them? What example are you setting?

What are the qualities you should have? How can you improve your character qualities? Who is our enemy and how can we resist him?Monday, May 26                                                            1 Samuel 1:1-20

Have you ever prayed for or wanted something to the point of crying? What does it take to be moved to that point? What does it reveal about Hannah that she was this engaged in prayer? About God that He heard and answered?

It was God's will for Samuel to be born and later serve Him. What deal did Hannah make with God? Why? What does this say about the life of faith and prayer that God honored her prayer? Do you think God expected her to follow through?

Tuesday, May 27                                                          1 Samuel 1:21-28

When you get a prayer answered do you dedicate the results to God? How easy do you think it would be for Hannah to follow through on her vow? Is it hard to submit to God and do what He wants you to do?

How tempting would it have been for Hannah to simply stay put and never go to the temple? In our more domesticated version of faith, do you see people making these kinds of vows to the Lord? Why or why not? Not to skip ahead, but what were the results of her obedience and integrity?

Wednesday, May 28                                                       1 Samuel 2:1-11

How does Hannah's prayer praise God? What is the underlying theme of the prayer? How is this significant, given that she has just given her son away?

How often do you simply praise God? Take time today and praise God for all the things in your life - the good, the challenging, and even the uncomfortable.

Thursday, May 29                                                      Hebrews 11:32-48

We so often think of Christianity in very comfortable (and comforting) terms. How does that jive with the version listed here in this passage? Could your faith endure these things? How does this passage challenge you in your life of faith?

What does this passage say about the men and women who live with this kind of faith? How can you grow into a faith more akin to this passage?

Friday, May 30                                                                   Psalm 37:3-5

What does verse 4 mean? What does it look like? When we do focus our attention like this, what does Scripture promise? How have you experienced this?

How often is the desire to "trust in the Lord and do good" and to "commit your way to the Lord" in the forefront of your mind? Again, what are the promises? What most often keeps you from doing so? What can you do about that?