Prophetic Whisperings
Rejoice! - Enjoying the Gift
Monday, December 22 John 3:23-30
In this passage, who does the bride represent? Who is the Bridegroom? Who is the friend? What is his response to the bridegroom coming? Why? What does this say about John's heart?
How would you rate your level of joy this Christmas season? What do you tend to focus on during this season? Why do you think that is? In what ways does this passage capture the true meaning of the season? Take some time now to think about why God sent his Son. What would your life be like without a Savior?
Tuesday, December 23 Isaiah 65:17-25
As you read this passage, stop after each sentence, close your eyes to imagine what this new place will be like. What is the most appealing part? What is noticeably absent? How does that affect the picture?
Reread the passage. What emotion does God repeat over and over again? Why do you think He repeats it? How do we tend to look at life during seasons of joy and/or rejoicing? How can this experience of joy be more present in your life?
Wednesday, December 24 Luke 1:26-38
As you read this passage, what words or phrases jump out at you? Why? Considering what is being announced here, what emotion do you imagine the angel is experiencing? Why?
As you read this passage, think about how you can prepare for the celebration of Jesus' arrival. In Matthew's gospel, the angel says that Jesus' name will be ‘Immanuel,' which means ‘God with us.' How does this story illustrate the truth of that name? How have you most experienced God with you this Christmas?
Thursday, December 25 Luke 2:1-20
Read this passage aloud, if possible. What do the angels say to the shepherds as they first appear? In your own words, what are they saying? What is the reaction of the angels? What would you say is the reason for their celebration?
Imagine yourself in their "shoes." From their perspective, what is coming to pass in this obscure moment in history? How does that explain the magnitude of the reaction in heaven? How does it influence your perspective on Christmas?
Friday, December 26 Isaiah 35
God has redeemed us through the gift of his Son - that's why we give gifts at Christmas. How would you describe this scene is being painted here? In a word or two, what comes to mind? What are the promises in this passage?
How have you been changed by your relationship with God? How have you already experienced "gladness and joy?" How can you let it shape the way you experience Christmas each year?
Get Ready-God Prepares His People
Monday, December 15 Mark 1:1-8
In what ways does this passage describe how God prepares His people-specifically for the coming of Jesus? How do you experience God preparing His people for the events in our lives?
What is John's description of John the Baptist? How would that strike you? How do you think someone that different would come across today? In what ways do you feel like Christians should stand out in the world around them? Why?
Tuesday, December 16 1 Peter 1:10-16
How does this passage say God has prepared His people? How did He prepare you to know Christ? Spend some time thanking God for preparing you.
What are the instructions of vs. 13-16? What does it mean to "prepare your minds for action?" What action? How do we "set [our] hope fully" on the grace of Jesus? How does that affect our holiness?
Wednesday, December 17 Isaiah 40:1-11
What are the various descriptions of God given in this passage? What is the overall picture painted of Him? How do you synthesize the descriptions of power and glory with those of comfort, grace, and gentleness?
Re-read verse 11...why do you think this imagery is used? Imagine yourself in this picture as the lamb. How does it feel to be close to God? Is that new to you? How can you live in more awareness of His closeness and comfort?
Thursday, December 18 Psalm 25
Read this psalm aloud. What is the Lord saying to you today through His word?
Friday, December 19 2 Peter 3:8-15
What words or phrases jump out at you from this passage? Why? How does it "speak" to you? What do you think Peter (the author) is trying to drive home in this passage? What is the tone of the message? Why?
Read verse 11 again. How would you answer this question? How does the last verse really wrap things up...meaning, what does it say about God and His motivationWatch Out!
Watch Out - He's Coming Back
Monday, December 8 Mark 13:24-31
When you read this description, what images come to mind? What is most exciting to you about this event? What is most distressing? Why? How can we be sure these things will happen?
What does the parable of the fig tree mean, in this context? What does Jesus promise will endure to the end? How should these things inform how we live now?
Tuesday, December Mark 13:32-37
What is the primary (and repeated) instruction Jesus gives to us in this passage? What does it look like to follow those instructions in everyday life? How does the parable in verses 35-37 challenge you?
What keeps you from responding or living as this passage suggests? The future is always uncertain, but who does know everything that will happen? If we trust in God and know this will happen, what will our response be - especially during this season?
Wednesday, December 10 Isaiah 64:1-9
This verse portrays God as a mover and a shaker - active and involved. What images are used to describe Him in this passage? What do you think life would be like if God just sat back and did not do anything?
The NLT of this verse says, "When we proudly display our righteous deeds, we find they are like filthy rags." What does that mean to you? And yet...what is the promise for those who wait on God's plans and timing and follow His ways?
Thursday, December 11 1 Corinthians 1:4-9
The Bible says here that we are to "eagerly wait" for the return of Jesus. How eager are you for that day? Why or why not? What is your degree of trust that God can keep you strong and free from blame until the end?
How has God enriched your life? How has He provided for our church? What role do you play in that? What gifts are you using in the church to bless people?
Friday, December 12 Colossians 3:1-4
You may have heard where you treasures are your heart will be also. What are the "earthly things" that tend to occupy your thoughts? Your heart? How do those things distract your from the presence of Jesus?
What is the promise in this passage? What do you think that means? How is it connected with Jesus' return?
Printer Friendly Format