(Review & Continued from yesterday)
The author of this study says, "If we do not spend time meditating upon these unique excellencies [the supremacy - firstness- of God], we cannot understand how it is that we are to "glorify God," nor will we know what it means that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The Bible writers everywhere admonish us to "glorify God" - to show His supremacy."
QUESTIONS
Read over these last three verses and quickly explain how we are to put them into practice.
1. Romans 15:6
2. 1 Corinthians 6:20
3. 1 Corinthians 10:31
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Chapter Two - The Reality of God's Supremacy - Devo for 10/31/08
READING
Romans 3:23; More below
The author of this study says, "If we do not spend time meditating upon these unique excellencies [the supremacy - firstness- of God], we cannot understand how it is that we are to "glorify God," nor will we know what it means that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The Bible writers everywhere admonish us to "glorify God" - to show His supremacy."
QUESTIONS
Read over these verses and quickly explain how we are to put them into practice. We'll do a few more tomorrow as well.
1. Matthew 5:16 -
2. John 15:8 -
Romans 3:23; More below
The author of this study says, "If we do not spend time meditating upon these unique excellencies [the supremacy - firstness- of God], we cannot understand how it is that we are to "glorify God," nor will we know what it means that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." The Bible writers everywhere admonish us to "glorify God" - to show His supremacy."
QUESTIONS
Read over these verses and quickly explain how we are to put them into practice. We'll do a few more tomorrow as well.
1. Matthew 5:16 -
2. John 15:8 -
Chapter Two - The Reality of God's Supremacy - Devo for 10/30/08
READING
Isaiah 40:25; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 66:1a
QUESTIONS
1. After reading the first two verses, compare the greatness of God to the greatness of Mt. Everest (the world's highest mountain)
2. After reading the third verse, explain how big Mt. Everest is in comparison to God.
3. Compare the challenge and accomplishment of climbing Mt. Everest to the challenge and accomplishment of getting to truly know God.
Isaiah 40:25; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 66:1a
QUESTIONS
1. After reading the first two verses, compare the greatness of God to the greatness of Mt. Everest (the world's highest mountain)
2. After reading the third verse, explain how big Mt. Everest is in comparison to God.
3. Compare the challenge and accomplishment of climbing Mt. Everest to the challenge and accomplishment of getting to truly know God.
Chapter Two - The Reality of God's Supremacy - Devo for 10/29/08
The author writes, "Unless we spend much time considering that God is the first and the greatest, all kinds of other things will loom large in our eyes - our problems, our temptations, our goals, our achievements, and so forth, and we are sentenced to plod through life with our eyes pinched shut - for truly we see no better than that."
1. Based off what we have learned so far, what is revealed about our view of God when other things - our problems, our temptations, our goals, our achievements, and so on - loom large in our eyes?
2. Read Deuteronomy 4:39, and beside each of the following categories, write briefly how believing the truth of this verse can help you with that area:
-Our problems
-Our temptations
-Our goals
-Our achievements
1. Based off what we have learned so far, what is revealed about our view of God when other things - our problems, our temptations, our goals, our achievements, and so on - loom large in our eyes?
2. Read Deuteronomy 4:39, and beside each of the following categories, write briefly how believing the truth of this verse can help you with that area:
-Our problems
-Our temptations
-Our goals
-Our achievements
Chapter Two - The Reality of God's Supremacy - Devo for 10/28/08
READING
Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 4:39; Romans 11:36; Revelation 1:8
QUESTIONS
1. The verses today all point to God's supremacy. Look up that word at webster.com and define it here.
2. With that definition in mind, and keeping the above verses in mind, write a short description of how God is supreme above all other gods, above all mankind, above Satan.
Genesis 1:1; Exodus 20:2-3; Deuteronomy 4:39; Romans 11:36; Revelation 1:8
QUESTIONS
1. The verses today all point to God's supremacy. Look up that word at webster.com and define it here.
2. With that definition in mind, and keeping the above verses in mind, write a short description of how God is supreme above all other gods, above all mankind, above Satan.
Chapter Two - The Reality of God's Supremacy - Devo for 10/27/08
Sorry about the late posting of today and tomorrow's devo's...it's been a crazy two days! Thanks to those who felt comfortable sharing their prayer for what they want God to do in their lives during this Bible Study. For those of you who felt uncomfortable publicly posting such a prayer, please write your prayer down at home and keep it...we want you to be able to go back and look at the prayer when the study is done and see how you've allowed the Lord to answer that prayer!
READING
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
QUESTIONS
1. How do you think God renews our "inward man" day by day?
2. What does the last phrase of verse 18 ("for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal") mean in your own words?
3. When are you most tempted to look at the "temporal" things in your life instead of the "eternal?" [for example, I, Janette, have a hard time remembering to look at the "eternal" perspective when I get frustrated with my boys...their immediate behavior - "temporal" - annoys me at times, and I get frustrated, instead of seeing them as two souls that need to be taught about a Savior that can change their hearts.)
READING
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
QUESTIONS
1. How do you think God renews our "inward man" day by day?
2. What does the last phrase of verse 18 ("for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal") mean in your own words?
3. When are you most tempted to look at the "temporal" things in your life instead of the "eternal?" [for example, I, Janette, have a hard time remembering to look at the "eternal" perspective when I get frustrated with my boys...their immediate behavior - "temporal" - annoys me at times, and I get frustrated, instead of seeing them as two souls that need to be taught about a Savior that can change their hearts.)
Friday, October 24, 2008
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/25/08
READING
John 15:11; Ephesians 1:15-20
1. What kind of "extremes" do you see in the culture around you as people run from the emptiness of their lives?
2. Write out a prayer to God, sharing what you want Him to do in your heart during this Bible study. Be honest about where you perhaps struggle in your beliefs about Him (we all struggle in our beliefs at some point). Ask for His help in sticking with the study, even when distracted.
Make plans to bring someone with you to Sonlife Bible Study this Sunday morning (come early for donuts!). We're going to start out with a look at Roman mythology!
John 15:11; Ephesians 1:15-20
1. What kind of "extremes" do you see in the culture around you as people run from the emptiness of their lives?
2. Write out a prayer to God, sharing what you want Him to do in your heart during this Bible study. Be honest about where you perhaps struggle in your beliefs about Him (we all struggle in our beliefs at some point). Ask for His help in sticking with the study, even when distracted.
Make plans to bring someone with you to Sonlife Bible Study this Sunday morning (come early for donuts!). We're going to start out with a look at Roman mythology!
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/24/08
READING
John 10:10; Ephesians 1:3
"Sadder still is that many believers ...will go to their grave defending their salvation, but they have little enjoyment of it in this life. They have very little light from God in their souls, and they have no idea why their life is so empty. Inwardly, they feel cheated and betrayed by a Christianity that hasn't delivered."
QUESTIONS
1. According to John 10:10, what kind of life does God intend for believers in His Son Jesus Christ to have?
2. Look up "Abundant" on webster.com and describe it in your own words.
3. In Ephesians 1:3, Paul says God gives believers "all spiritual blessings." Look up "blessings" on webster.com and then rewrite the verse, replacing "blessings" with synonyms (different words that mean the same thing...in case your brain is fried from too much homework this week!).
John 10:10; Ephesians 1:3
"Sadder still is that many believers ...will go to their grave defending their salvation, but they have little enjoyment of it in this life. They have very little light from God in their souls, and they have no idea why their life is so empty. Inwardly, they feel cheated and betrayed by a Christianity that hasn't delivered."
QUESTIONS
1. According to John 10:10, what kind of life does God intend for believers in His Son Jesus Christ to have?
2. Look up "Abundant" on webster.com and describe it in your own words.
3. In Ephesians 1:3, Paul says God gives believers "all spiritual blessings." Look up "blessings" on webster.com and then rewrite the verse, replacing "blessings" with synonyms (different words that mean the same thing...in case your brain is fried from too much homework this week!).
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/23/08
QUESTIONS
The following verses describe a person who (as described yesterday) is reflecting about his life without having biblical illumination. The result that person (and eventually others) sees is despair. After reading each verse, use one word to describe how God seees that person:
1. Revelation 3:15-20
2. James 1:8
3. Matthew 6:24
The following verses describe a person who (as described yesterday) is reflecting about his life without having biblical illumination. The result that person (and eventually others) sees is despair. After reading each verse, use one word to describe how God seees that person:
1. Revelation 3:15-20
2. James 1:8
3. Matthew 6:24
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/22/08
Great Observations by those who have posted in the last couple of days...you're thinking!
READING
Ephesians 1:15-20
Reflection - Illumination = Despair
(From the author) "When I deal with a despairing individual - Christian or non-Christian - I know that I am dealing with a person who has spent some time in recent days reflecting. He has allowed himself to think much about the way his life has not turned out the way he expected. He is thinking about how pointless things are. He has reflection minus illumination. By the phrase "minus illumination" I mean that he has not been "seeing the invisible." There has been little or no illuminated truth penetrating his soul. God is not the biggest concern of his life [at least for that period of time]. He has been existing with little or no personal relationship with Jesus Christ [again, at least for that period of time]."
But spiritually insensible [blind] people don't "see" this. They think other things are the problem. When they despair, rather than acknowledging the poverty of their relationship with Jesus Christ, they seek to medicate the "down" feelings or distract themselves with activity.
QUESTIONS
1. Ouch! Every one of us has probably felt at least a little despair for a time in our young lives. The Apostle Paul knew this is common even for believers, so in Ephesians 1:17-18, what did he pray and ask God to do for the believers?
2. When we despair, we feel powerless to change our circumstances or ourselves. In verse 19, how does Paul describe the power God has to work in our lives?
3. Print out today's verses and start praying them for yourselves and for your parents. (Your parents deal with despair too!)
READING
Ephesians 1:15-20
Reflection - Illumination = Despair
(From the author) "When I deal with a despairing individual - Christian or non-Christian - I know that I am dealing with a person who has spent some time in recent days reflecting. He has allowed himself to think much about the way his life has not turned out the way he expected. He is thinking about how pointless things are. He has reflection minus illumination. By the phrase "minus illumination" I mean that he has not been "seeing the invisible." There has been little or no illuminated truth penetrating his soul. God is not the biggest concern of his life [at least for that period of time]. He has been existing with little or no personal relationship with Jesus Christ [again, at least for that period of time]."
But spiritually insensible [blind] people don't "see" this. They think other things are the problem. When they despair, rather than acknowledging the poverty of their relationship with Jesus Christ, they seek to medicate the "down" feelings or distract themselves with activity.
QUESTIONS
1. Ouch! Every one of us has probably felt at least a little despair for a time in our young lives. The Apostle Paul knew this is common even for believers, so in Ephesians 1:17-18, what did he pray and ask God to do for the believers?
2. When we despair, we feel powerless to change our circumstances or ourselves. In verse 19, how does Paul describe the power God has to work in our lives?
3. Print out today's verses and start praying them for yourselves and for your parents. (Your parents deal with despair too!)
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/21/08
READING
Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27
QUESTIONS
1. In both the Old and New Testaments, Scriptures tells us over and over how to love God. Why do you think we are told to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind? (Why didn't God just say, "love me a lot"?)
In this Bible Study, the author is going to help us understand how loving God with our soul and mind is so important. When we love with our heart, it is based more on how we feel at the moment. But when we love with our soul and mind, we are loving with knowledge...with eyes that "see" Who God is and what He is like. God never intended for Christians to be "dumb" followers who don't know how to think. In fact, in the last 100 years, Christians have settled for mental laziness like never before in history. And because of our ignorance, we are losing battles (seen and unseen) all the time. Get ready to be mentally stretched and challenged! God has great things for those who love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind!
2. Look up and write the definition for illumination. If you need a website to find it, try webster.com.
Tomorrow we will look at the following formula: Reflection - Illumination = Despair
(Or in other words, life without illuminated knowledge and love of God)
Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27
QUESTIONS
1. In both the Old and New Testaments, Scriptures tells us over and over how to love God. Why do you think we are told to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind? (Why didn't God just say, "love me a lot"?)
In this Bible Study, the author is going to help us understand how loving God with our soul and mind is so important. When we love with our heart, it is based more on how we feel at the moment. But when we love with our soul and mind, we are loving with knowledge...with eyes that "see" Who God is and what He is like. God never intended for Christians to be "dumb" followers who don't know how to think. In fact, in the last 100 years, Christians have settled for mental laziness like never before in history. And because of our ignorance, we are losing battles (seen and unseen) all the time. Get ready to be mentally stretched and challenged! God has great things for those who love Him with all their heart, soul, and mind!
2. Look up and write the definition for illumination. If you need a website to find it, try webster.com.
Tomorrow we will look at the following formula: Reflection - Illumination = Despair
(Or in other words, life without illuminated knowledge and love of God)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/20/08
Reading
Ephesians 4:17-20
Paul knew that it is really easy for believers to walk in spiritual blindness much like unbelievers do. Even though we believe in Jesus, the Light of the World, we often don't take time to get to know Who He really is , what He is really like, and how He can make us more like Him. Because of our ignorance, we end up being no different, really, than our unsaved friend or neighbor...except that we at least make an attempt to go to church regularly.
This is why believers end up with going through life with the same problems as unbelievers:
-divorce
-unwanted pregnancies
-STD's (sexually transmitted diseases)
-despair and thoughts of suicide
-boredom with life
-bad relationships with family members and coworkers
-addictions
THE POINT OF THIS STUDY?
That we will learn about God and His character...but not stop there (anybody can do that...even Satan himself!)...and that we will then learn how walking in a close relationship with Him changes our own character and helps us to walk through this world without blindly falling into the problems/traps listed above.
So here are 3 QUICK QUESTIONS for you:
1. Do you know any believers that struggle with any of the problems/traps listed above? (Don't give names or examples...just yes or no on this one.)
2. If you thought of someone in question 1, do you think when they were kids or teens, that they thought they would ever struggle with that issue in their life? Why or why not?
3. This one you don't need to answer on here, but right now, go to your Facebook, My Space, or email account (or on the phone or in person) and invite another REALIfeTEEn to join you in doing these studies on this blog. (Not just so they can go to the big activity in January for free, though that is good too!) Also, if they weren't in Sunday School this past Sunday (for any reason...sickness, out of town, conflict of schedule, whatever...) ask them to come this Sunday and sit with you. If they're shy like I know many of you are, that may be just the encouragement they need to come! In this blog, for this question #3, answer "DONE" if you invited someone just now.
SEE YOU AT THE JUDGMENT HOUSE THIS SATURDAY...MEET AT THE CHURCH AT 6 P.M.!
Ephesians 4:17-20
Paul knew that it is really easy for believers to walk in spiritual blindness much like unbelievers do. Even though we believe in Jesus, the Light of the World, we often don't take time to get to know Who He really is , what He is really like, and how He can make us more like Him. Because of our ignorance, we end up being no different, really, than our unsaved friend or neighbor...except that we at least make an attempt to go to church regularly.
This is why believers end up with going through life with the same problems as unbelievers:
-divorce
-unwanted pregnancies
-STD's (sexually transmitted diseases)
-despair and thoughts of suicide
-boredom with life
-bad relationships with family members and coworkers
-addictions
THE POINT OF THIS STUDY?
That we will learn about God and His character...but not stop there (anybody can do that...even Satan himself!)...and that we will then learn how walking in a close relationship with Him changes our own character and helps us to walk through this world without blindly falling into the problems/traps listed above.
So here are 3 QUICK QUESTIONS for you:
1. Do you know any believers that struggle with any of the problems/traps listed above? (Don't give names or examples...just yes or no on this one.)
2. If you thought of someone in question 1, do you think when they were kids or teens, that they thought they would ever struggle with that issue in their life? Why or why not?
3. This one you don't need to answer on here, but right now, go to your Facebook, My Space, or email account (or on the phone or in person) and invite another REALIfeTEEn to join you in doing these studies on this blog. (Not just so they can go to the big activity in January for free, though that is good too!) Also, if they weren't in Sunday School this past Sunday (for any reason...sickness, out of town, conflict of schedule, whatever...) ask them to come this Sunday and sit with you. If they're shy like I know many of you are, that may be just the encouragement they need to come! In this blog, for this question #3, answer "DONE" if you invited someone just now.
SEE YOU AT THE JUDGMENT HOUSE THIS SATURDAY...MEET AT THE CHURCH AT 6 P.M.!
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/18/08
Reading
2 Peter 1:3-9
Questions
1. From the first part of verse 3, rewrite in your own words what Scripture says God gives to believers.
2. From the second part of verse 4, rewrite in your own words how God gives us these things.
3. Verse 3 tells us that God also gives us great promises that He will help us to be more like Him...to have character like He does. Because He promises to help us add these character traits to our lives, He then tells us in verses 5-7 to add those specific character traits to our lives. Very quickly, list the traits that we are to add to our lives (with His help)
4. One last question: When we as believers don't bother to know these things about God and add them to our own list of character traits, what do we become? (verse 9)
2 Peter 1:3-9
Questions
1. From the first part of verse 3, rewrite in your own words what Scripture says God gives to believers.
2. From the second part of verse 4, rewrite in your own words how God gives us these things.
3. Verse 3 tells us that God also gives us great promises that He will help us to be more like Him...to have character like He does. Because He promises to help us add these character traits to our lives, He then tells us in verses 5-7 to add those specific character traits to our lives. Very quickly, list the traits that we are to add to our lives (with His help)
4. One last question: When we as believers don't bother to know these things about God and add them to our own list of character traits, what do we become? (verse 9)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/17/08
THIS QUESTION HAS BEEN CHANGED A BIT SINCE MEGAN'S ORIGINAL ANSWER...IN ORDER TO MAKE IT A BIT EASIER TO ANSWER. GOOD JOB, MEGAN, IN GIVING IT A SHOT ANYWAY!
Reading
Hebrews 11:7, 23-27
Ok, today we're going to stretch your memories a bit and ask you about some familiar Bible stories. Each of these is an example of someone who chose to see beyond what was going on in the world around them, and focused instead on spiritual truth that they could only see in faith.
1. Noah building the ark (v. 7)
- what couldn't he see in the world around him that probably made it more difficult to follow God?
- what blessing(s) did Noah receive because of his choice to believe God instead of what "made sense" in the world around him?
2. Moses's parents in hiding him when he was a baby from Pharoah's order to kill all baby boys (v. 23)
-What benefits did Moses's parents receive because they refused to kill their newborn son, as ordered by Pharoah?
3. Moses choosing to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery instead of living as an heir of Pharoah. (v. 24-27)
- What would have made Moses's choice so difficult?
- What benefits came from Moses choosing to obey God instead of living it up in Egypt?
Reading
Hebrews 11:7, 23-27
Ok, today we're going to stretch your memories a bit and ask you about some familiar Bible stories. Each of these is an example of someone who chose to see beyond what was going on in the world around them, and focused instead on spiritual truth that they could only see in faith.
1. Noah building the ark (v. 7)
- what couldn't he see in the world around him that probably made it more difficult to follow God?
- what blessing(s) did Noah receive because of his choice to believe God instead of what "made sense" in the world around him?
2. Moses's parents in hiding him when he was a baby from Pharoah's order to kill all baby boys (v. 23)
-What benefits did Moses's parents receive because they refused to kill their newborn son, as ordered by Pharoah?
3. Moses choosing to lead Israel out of Egyptian slavery instead of living as an heir of Pharoah. (v. 24-27)
- What would have made Moses's choice so difficult?
- What benefits came from Moses choosing to obey God instead of living it up in Egypt?
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/16/08
Reading
John 15:11; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Questions
The text says, "You cannot make the right decisions in the visible world unless you are spending much time in the invisible world."
1. How does a person "spend much time in the invisible world"?
2. According to John 15:11, why does Jesus want you to to know what He has spoken to you?
3. From 2 Timothy 3, verses 15-17, list how spending time in Scripture can help the believer in his walk in this visible world.
John 15:11; 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Questions
The text says, "You cannot make the right decisions in the visible world unless you are spending much time in the invisible world."
1. How does a person "spend much time in the invisible world"?
2. According to John 15:11, why does Jesus want you to to know what He has spoken to you?
3. From 2 Timothy 3, verses 15-17, list how spending time in Scripture can help the believer in his walk in this visible world.
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/15/08
Reading
Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 22:3, 5
Questions
1. How would life be more dangerous if you couldn't physically see?
2. What does Proverbs 14:12 say about the dangers of being spiritually blind?
3. In Proverbs 22:3, 5, the description "simple man" refers to someone who is spiritually imperceptive, or blind. How is being spiritually blind dangerous for the following people?
- a child:
- a teenager:
- an adult with kids:
- a senior citizen:
Proverbs 14:12; Proverbs 22:3, 5
Questions
1. How would life be more dangerous if you couldn't physically see?
2. What does Proverbs 14:12 say about the dangers of being spiritually blind?
3. In Proverbs 22:3, 5, the description "simple man" refers to someone who is spiritually imperceptive, or blind. How is being spiritually blind dangerous for the following people?
- a child:
- a teenager:
- an adult with kids:
- a senior citizen:
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/14/08
Reading
2 Kings 6:8-17
Questions
1. Why was Elisha's servant afraid?
2. Why was Elisha not afraid?
"...God does not in this dispensation [church age] of time open physical eyes to see the spiritual realm as He did for Elisha's servant. Instead, He has given us something better! He has permanently revealed everything He wants us to know about the spiritual realm in His inspired Word."
3. What does 2 Peter 1:3 say that God's Word gives us?
Be watching for the opportunity to interact with each other on this site about some of the questions in the coming days. This study will have great topics for discussion with each other.
2 Kings 6:8-17
Questions
1. Why was Elisha's servant afraid?
2. Why was Elisha not afraid?
"...God does not in this dispensation [church age] of time open physical eyes to see the spiritual realm as He did for Elisha's servant. Instead, He has given us something better! He has permanently revealed everything He wants us to know about the spiritual realm in His inspired Word."
3. What does 2 Peter 1:3 say that God's Word gives us?
Be watching for the opportunity to interact with each other on this site about some of the questions in the coming days. This study will have great topics for discussion with each other.
Chapter One - Seeing the Invisible - Devo for 10/13/08
Reading
Acts 16:16-40
Questions
1. Why were Paul and Silas arrested? (v. 19-23)
2. Why do you think Paul and Silas sang praises to God? Or, what do you think was going through their minds at that point?
3. What other people were impacted by Paul and Silas during their time in jail?
4. If Paul and Silas's focus had been on their pain and the injustice done to them, how might the jail experience have turned out differently?
Acts 16:16-40
Questions
1. Why were Paul and Silas arrested? (v. 19-23)
2. Why do you think Paul and Silas sang praises to God? Or, what do you think was going through their minds at that point?
3. What other people were impacted by Paul and Silas during their time in jail?
4. If Paul and Silas's focus had been on their pain and the injustice done to them, how might the jail experience have turned out differently?
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Joseph: 17-30 - Joseph Does Time in Prison! - Devo for 10/10/08
Reading
Genesis 39:20-40:23
Questions
1. What did Joseph notice about the prisoners? (Gen. 40:6)
2. Do you notice when others are having a bad day?
3. What do you usually do about it?
Joseph must NOT have been sad himself if he confronted others. Read Genesis 40:8-20. Look at what Joseph shared with these two men. We must be willing to share with our friends both the good and the tough. God is good and forgiving - but He is also just and promises to judge sin.
4. What should you tell others about...
a. sin:
b. forgiveness:
c. heaven:
d. hell:
Love others enough to tell them the truth - the whole truth of God's Word. Share God's love and warn of God's judgment. Be a servnat!
Genesis 39:20-40:23
Questions
1. What did Joseph notice about the prisoners? (Gen. 40:6)
2. Do you notice when others are having a bad day?
3. What do you usually do about it?
Joseph must NOT have been sad himself if he confronted others. Read Genesis 40:8-20. Look at what Joseph shared with these two men. We must be willing to share with our friends both the good and the tough. God is good and forgiving - but He is also just and promises to judge sin.
4. What should you tell others about...
a. sin:
b. forgiveness:
c. heaven:
d. hell:
Love others enough to tell them the truth - the whole truth of God's Word. Share God's love and warn of God's judgment. Be a servnat!
Joseph: 17-30 - Joseph Does Time in Prison! - Devo for 10/09/08
Reading
Genesis 39:20-40:23
Questions
We are never more Christlike than when we serve. One writer said, "God has three sorts of servants in the world: some are slaves, and serve Him from fear; others are hirelings, and serve for wages; and the last are sons, who serve because they love."
1. How do you serve?
2. Who do you presently serve in your life?
3. List some of the acts of service you have done for others in the last three weeks.
Genesis 39:20-40:23
Questions
We are never more Christlike than when we serve. One writer said, "God has three sorts of servants in the world: some are slaves, and serve Him from fear; others are hirelings, and serve for wages; and the last are sons, who serve because they love."
1. How do you serve?
2. Who do you presently serve in your life?
3. List some of the acts of service you have done for others in the last three weeks.
Joseph: 17-30 - Joseph Does Time in Prison! - Devo for 10/08/08
Reading
Genesis 39:20-40:23
Thought
Modern prisons are bad enought today, but they pale in comparison with the ancient prisons of Egypt. It seemed as if Joseph was punished for doing right, but God, in His sovereign plan, used 13 difficult years to prepare Joseph for 80 years of service.
Even though we do not admit it at the time, God knows what He is doing all the time. Humanly speaking, Joseph was a prime candidate for bitterness. Joseph refused to fail of the grace of God. Your spiritual success is not based on what others have done to you, but on your response to what has been done to you.
Let's learn from Joseph: the guy who refused to be bitter! Joseph's RESPONSE to his prison sentence is an example to us, proving that God's GRACE is always sufficient. Read through the outline below to get a good grasp on Joseph's prison time.
1. Joseph's response to the PRISON GUARD...TOTAL SUBMISSION! (39:21)
2. Joseph's response to the PRISONERS...TOLERANCE! (39:22)
3. Joseph's response to the PRESENCE OF GOD...TRUST! (39:23)
4. Joseph's response to POTIPHAR...OBEDIENCE! (40:1-2)
5. Joseph's response to PHARAOH'S OFFICERS...COMPASSION! (40:4)
a. He served them.
b. He saw that they were sad.
c. He spoke the truth in love.
6. Joseph's response to his PAST LIFE...ENDURANCE! (40:14-15)
a. He knew his life was unfair. He refused to allow it to affect his choices as a godly servant.
b. He did not use his tough situation as an excuse to sin.
c. He continued to have HOPE. He never gave up!
Questions
1. Who does Genesis 39:21 and 23 say was with Joseph even while he was in prison?
2. The presence of God can make a prison a palace, or a palace a prison: depending on your relationship with God. Read Genesis 40:1-4. What does verse 4 say Joseph did to the butler and the baker?
Genesis 39:20-40:23
Thought
Modern prisons are bad enought today, but they pale in comparison with the ancient prisons of Egypt. It seemed as if Joseph was punished for doing right, but God, in His sovereign plan, used 13 difficult years to prepare Joseph for 80 years of service.
Even though we do not admit it at the time, God knows what He is doing all the time. Humanly speaking, Joseph was a prime candidate for bitterness. Joseph refused to fail of the grace of God. Your spiritual success is not based on what others have done to you, but on your response to what has been done to you.
Let's learn from Joseph: the guy who refused to be bitter! Joseph's RESPONSE to his prison sentence is an example to us, proving that God's GRACE is always sufficient. Read through the outline below to get a good grasp on Joseph's prison time.
1. Joseph's response to the PRISON GUARD...TOTAL SUBMISSION! (39:21)
2. Joseph's response to the PRISONERS...TOLERANCE! (39:22)
3. Joseph's response to the PRESENCE OF GOD...TRUST! (39:23)
4. Joseph's response to POTIPHAR...OBEDIENCE! (40:1-2)
5. Joseph's response to PHARAOH'S OFFICERS...COMPASSION! (40:4)
a. He served them.
b. He saw that they were sad.
c. He spoke the truth in love.
6. Joseph's response to his PAST LIFE...ENDURANCE! (40:14-15)
a. He knew his life was unfair. He refused to allow it to affect his choices as a godly servant.
b. He did not use his tough situation as an excuse to sin.
c. He continued to have HOPE. He never gave up!
Questions
1. Who does Genesis 39:21 and 23 say was with Joseph even while he was in prison?
2. The presence of God can make a prison a palace, or a palace a prison: depending on your relationship with God. Read Genesis 40:1-4. What does verse 4 say Joseph did to the butler and the baker?
Monday, October 6, 2008
Joseph: 17-30 - Joseph Faces Temptation Head-On! - Devo for 10/07/08
Reading
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
Why did Joseph refuse to sin? Read Genesis 39:8-9.
From these two verses we see three principles Joseph chose to believe and live by. Every time we are tempted to sin, we should boldly write these three principles on the chalkboards of our minds.
"Behold my master..." - I'll DISAPPOINT others that look up to me!
"...thou art his wife" - I'll DEFILE you. Don't ruin your life like this!
"...and sin against God" - I'll DISPLEASE God!
1. Name three individuals who would be greatly disappointed if you turned your back on God and chose to live a life of sin.
2. You cannot help your friends by joining in on their sin. Is there anyone you need to apologize to because you made sinful choices in the past?
3. How real is God to you?
4. When temptation moves in, what are some practical ways you can concentrate on the presence of the true and living God?
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
Why did Joseph refuse to sin? Read Genesis 39:8-9.
From these two verses we see three principles Joseph chose to believe and live by. Every time we are tempted to sin, we should boldly write these three principles on the chalkboards of our minds.
"Behold my master..." - I'll DISAPPOINT others that look up to me!
"...thou art his wife" - I'll DEFILE you. Don't ruin your life like this!
"...and sin against God" - I'll DISPLEASE God!
1. Name three individuals who would be greatly disappointed if you turned your back on God and chose to live a life of sin.
2. You cannot help your friends by joining in on their sin. Is there anyone you need to apologize to because you made sinful choices in the past?
3. How real is God to you?
4. When temptation moves in, what are some practical ways you can concentrate on the presence of the true and living God?
Joseph: 17-30 - Joseph Faces Temptation Head-On! - Devo for 10/06/08
Reading
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
How did Joseph refuse to sin? Read Genesis 39:10.
1. Write out how Proverbs 1:10 relates to Joseph's refusal.
2. According to Psalm 1:1, how does the man blessed by God deal with the ungodly, the scornful, and the sinners?
Joseph stayed away from Mrs. Potiphar and her influence. Who usually talks teens into sin...a friend? Do you have any friends that try to talk you into getting involved in sin? If you have friends that constantly try to get you into sin, stay away from them!
3. What do the following verses teach us about a Christian's choice in the friends they hang out with?
a. Proverbs 1:11-16
b. Proverbs 4:14-15
c. Proverbs 13:20
d. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
How did Joseph refuse to sin? Read Genesis 39:10.
1. Write out how Proverbs 1:10 relates to Joseph's refusal.
2. According to Psalm 1:1, how does the man blessed by God deal with the ungodly, the scornful, and the sinners?
Joseph stayed away from Mrs. Potiphar and her influence. Who usually talks teens into sin...a friend? Do you have any friends that try to talk you into getting involved in sin? If you have friends that constantly try to get you into sin, stay away from them!
3. What do the following verses teach us about a Christian's choice in the friends they hang out with?
a. Proverbs 1:11-16
b. Proverbs 4:14-15
c. Proverbs 13:20
d. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Joseph: 17-30 - Joseph Faces Temptation Head-On! - Devo for 10/04/08
Reading
Genesis 39:6-23
Thought
It is amazing that each time we read through this passage, we learn something new. Joseph refused to sin with Potiphar's wife. Joseph kept his purity. How? Why? What was in Joseph's thinking and lifestyle that kept him pure? Can we stay just as pure in the wicked world we live in? Joseph faced intense temptation. When was the last time you faced such intense temptation? Keep in mind, temptation is not sin, but yielding to the temptation is sin.
Questions
1. Joseph faced constant temptation. What three words in Genesis 39:10 show us that this temptation kept coming back on a daily basis?
Joseph knew he would have to fight temptation when he went to work! He had to be prepared ahead of time to say, "No!" Remember, Joseph could have done what most do today and make all kinds of excuses why it would be okay to sin. Like...
"No one will ever know. She wouldn't dare tell and jeopardize her position."
"Everyone else in my position would do it, so why shouldn't I?"
"Just one time to get her off my back; one time is no big deal."
"I'll get special privileges and extra pay by giving in."
"Wait a minute! I'm her slave. She owns me. I don't have a choice."
"I might lose my job - maybe my head - if I say no!"
Without typing it, what is your favorite excuse when you face temptation? No one can make us sin. When anyone sins, the CHOOSE to sin. Not even the devil can MAKE us sin!
Genesis 39:6-23
Thought
It is amazing that each time we read through this passage, we learn something new. Joseph refused to sin with Potiphar's wife. Joseph kept his purity. How? Why? What was in Joseph's thinking and lifestyle that kept him pure? Can we stay just as pure in the wicked world we live in? Joseph faced intense temptation. When was the last time you faced such intense temptation? Keep in mind, temptation is not sin, but yielding to the temptation is sin.
Questions
1. Joseph faced constant temptation. What three words in Genesis 39:10 show us that this temptation kept coming back on a daily basis?
Joseph knew he would have to fight temptation when he went to work! He had to be prepared ahead of time to say, "No!" Remember, Joseph could have done what most do today and make all kinds of excuses why it would be okay to sin. Like...
"No one will ever know. She wouldn't dare tell and jeopardize her position."
"Everyone else in my position would do it, so why shouldn't I?"
"Just one time to get her off my back; one time is no big deal."
"I'll get special privileges and extra pay by giving in."
"Wait a minute! I'm her slave. She owns me. I don't have a choice."
"I might lose my job - maybe my head - if I say no!"
Without typing it, what is your favorite excuse when you face temptation? No one can make us sin. When anyone sins, the CHOOSE to sin. Not even the devil can MAKE us sin!
Joseph: 17-30 - Let's Meet Poor, Pitiful Mrs. Potiphar - Devo for 10/03/08
Reading
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
6. Mrs. Potiphar had a lying tongue! She could not be trusted! It seems as if no one truly believed her. If the chief executioner's wife had truly experienced attempted rape, Joseph would have lost his head. Instead, he was put in prison, and given leadership opportunity even there.
From Proverbs 12:22, what does God think about lying?
7. Mrs. Potiphar is forgotten! Some people leave such an impression due to their faith they are not easily forgotten. Others, due to their sinfulness, leave no such impression.
a. What will be remembered about you after you leave your school?
b. What will be remembered about you when you die?
Let's learn from Joseph and not from Mrs. Potiphar.
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
6. Mrs. Potiphar had a lying tongue! She could not be trusted! It seems as if no one truly believed her. If the chief executioner's wife had truly experienced attempted rape, Joseph would have lost his head. Instead, he was put in prison, and given leadership opportunity even there.
From Proverbs 12:22, what does God think about lying?
7. Mrs. Potiphar is forgotten! Some people leave such an impression due to their faith they are not easily forgotten. Others, due to their sinfulness, leave no such impression.
a. What will be remembered about you after you leave your school?
b. What will be remembered about you when you die?
Let's learn from Joseph and not from Mrs. Potiphar.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Joseph: 17-30 - Let's Meet Poor, Pitiful Mrs. Potiphar - Devo for 10/02/08
Reading
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
5. Mrs. Potiphar had a disrespectful attitude towards her husband. This is seen in Genesis 39:14. Potiphar's wife quickly shifted the blame to her husband, showing great disrespect.
a. What does Ephesians 5:33 teach young wives?
b. What usually happens in a home where the mom refuses to submit and is disrespectful to her husband?
Genesis 39:6-23
Questions
5. Mrs. Potiphar had a disrespectful attitude towards her husband. This is seen in Genesis 39:14. Potiphar's wife quickly shifted the blame to her husband, showing great disrespect.
a. What does Ephesians 5:33 teach young wives?
b. What usually happens in a home where the mom refuses to submit and is disrespectful to her husband?
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