Transcription
In Pursuit of GodExploring and Expressing Faith
Table of ContentsBoldWEEK 1SummarySpirit of GodDependentBlessingFaith with FeetActs 1Acts 2Acts 3-4Acts 5-6Acts 7MovementDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 2SummarySpirit of GodMourningBlessingActionActs 8-9Acts 10-11Acts 12Acts 13Acts 14SummarySpirit of GodMourningBlessingActionActs 15Acts 16-17Acts 18Acts 19Acts 20-21OthersDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 3ObedienceDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 4SummaryGod, the Battle MedicSatisfiedBlessingActionActs 22Acts 23Acts 24Acts 25-26Acts 27-28Abraham the friend of GodGod the friendMercyBlessingFaith with feetGenesis 12-14Genesis 15-16Genesis 17-19Genesis 20-22Genesis 23-25JosephThe AuthorPure HeartedBlessingFaith with FeetGenesis 37-39Genesis 40-42Genesis 43-44Genesis 45-47Genesis 48-50FriendDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 5AuthorDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 6Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5
Table of ContentsExistenceMosesThe God who isPeacemakersBlessingActionWEEK 7Exodus 1-3Exodus 4-6Exodus 7-9Exodus 10-12Exodus 13-15Set ApartDavidSet ApartPersecutedBlessingActionWEEK 81 Samuel 15 -171 Samuel 18-201 Samuel 21-231 Samuel 24-271 Samuel 28-31Word of GodThe Word of GodJohn’s Biography of JesusPersecutedBlessingActionDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 11John 15John 16John 17John 18-19John 20-21Love of GodWho is JesusThe Divinity of JesusBecause LoveBlessingActionDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 10John 8John 9John 10John 11-12John 13-14Lamb of GodLong FarewellLamb of GodLight of the WorldBlessingActionDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 9John 1John 2John 3John 4-5John 6-7Son of God7 Signs, 7 SpeechesSon of GodSalt of the EarthBlessingActionDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5WEEK 12Ephesians 1Read AppendixIsaiah 9Isaiah 40Psalm 8Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5
BoldWeek 1
BoldWeek 1This week in summaryBoldSummarySpirit of GodDependentBlessingFaith with FeetWEEK 1Acts 1Acts 2Acts 3-4Acts 5-6Acts 7Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 1SummaryActs Chapters 1-7In the book of Acts, Luke continues where he left off in thebiography of Jesus. Luke records the early years of thegrowth of Jesus’ movement across the Roman Empire. Hebegins this new chapter of Jesus’ Kingdom with a farewellscene between Jesus and his followers before Jesus ascends.He left the Kingdom in their hands. He told them to continuefollowing his commands and announce the good newseverywhere they go, baptizing and making more disciples ofall groups of people.Jesus left, but he didn’t leave them on their own. Hepromised to send the Spirit of God to lead and guide them asthey continued to follow all of their king’s commands. Lukegave us a sneak preview of this Holy Spirit of God in Jesus’biography, but now the Holy Spirit will take center stage asthis Kingdom from Heaven grows across the earth.In the opening chapters of the book of Acts we're introducedto the Holy Spirit in a new way. In former times, Heempowered various individuals for a short time and came andwent at will. The prophet Joel, however, predicted—by thatsame Holy Spirit—a time when He would be poured out on allwho believe. When Jesus came, He spoke of that gift, and inActs we see it—or, rather, Him—poured out in the new way.The gift—that is, the Holy Spirit—is said to be for all who
BoldWeek 1believe—leaving none who believe who are without Him. Theevidence of His presence in the lives of those who firstreceived Him is seen in various ways: some spoke inlanguages they'd never learned, proclaiming Christ to thosewho heard. Others worked miracles, and, as Paul's letters willdetail, there are many other gifts of the Spirit—but each giftis given as a manifestation of the Spirit for the building up ofthe body of Christ—both numerically and developmentally.The fruit of the Holy Spirit is seen in the changed lives ofthose how have Him operating in their lives. That is, a changein character takes place in which it becomes evident—nightand day—the person is a different person than before.Numerically, we can witness the early congregation—thechurch—growing after some or other major miraculousevent. Later on, we'll see some emphasis shift away from themiraculous—though still quite present—and shift moretowards the spoken word.Developmentally, we see the church growing as the HolySpirit encourages them through daily, not-so-miraculousliving. We observe that in the former volume Luke thephysician wrote about all that Jesus began to do and teachuntil the day He was taken up into heaven. We can infer thatmeans that Jesus continued to “do and teach” after He was inheaven, but the nature of how He does so changes drastically.He will now do so through His servants by means of the HolySpirit. We read how the early congregation was generous andsharing. They were a unique kind of people who truly knewhow to sacrifice for one another. We read about how thoughthere were problems, they were met in decisive—sometimeseven a little scary—ways.Reading Today: Acts 110-15 minutes
BoldWeek 1Day 2Spirit of GodJesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comeson you;” The Spirit of God has many names to help usunderstand how God interacts with us directly. Here are afew of them:The SpiritThe Spirit of GodThe Breath of GodThe Spirit of the FatherThe Holy SpiritThe Holy GhostThe Eternal SpiritThe Spirit of the Holy oneThe Breath of the AlmightyThe Spirit of HolinessThe Spirit of TruthThe Spirit of GloryThe Spirit of the LORDThe Seven Spirits of GodThe Spirit of JesusThe Spirit of ChristThe Spirit of LifeThe Spirit of WisdomThe Spirit of UnderstandingThe Sprit of CounselThe Sprit of StrengthThe Spirit of GraceThe Sprit of SupplicationThe Spirit of KnowledgeThe Sprit of Fear of the LORDThe Spirit of AdoptionThe Guarantee of our inheritanceThe ComforterThe WitnessThe HelperThe TeacherThe Spirit is likedove,breath,wind,fire,water,ceremonial oil,voice,gift,powerA simple understanding: the Spirit is the part of God thatmeets us most directly affecting us from the inside. The Spiritof God lives in some people. We will learn more as we readActs.Who has the Spirit of God living in them?How did they receive?Reading Today: Acts 210-15 minutes
BoldWeek 1Day 3DependentBlessed are the poor in Spirit for theirs is the Kingdom ofHeavenThe poor in spirit, who feel accepted by God and understandtheir reliance on God for everything.The Beatitudes, sometimes called the beautiful attitudescome from a sermon brought by Jesus known as the SermonOn The Mount. The portion of this sermon is directed at Hisdisciples. In Matthew 5 beginning with verse 1 we read: Jesuswent up on a mountain side and sat down, His disciples cameto Him and He began to teach them. Teaching His disciples isone of the main things Jesus came to earth to do. He taughtHis disciples and now because His words were recorded forus, we may also learn from Jesus.Jesus said to them, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs isthe Kingdom of Heaven.”Blessed here means happy. Happy, someone that is poor? Wenormally do not link poor and happy together. But Jesus islooking past the obvious to what is real. Jesus is big on that.Strong people don’t think they have needs. People with greatwealth also may feel they have no needs. But as we have allseen in this life, money and wealth may not last forever andthe strength of our bodies has limits and lessens over time. Sowhat Jesus is saying here is that the pathway to realhappiness is not through us or what we can do, butsomething else.
BoldWeek 1Jesus said that the poor in spirit will receive the kingdom ofHeaven. This is not a kingdom that can be taken by force orpurchased with money. The kingdom of heaven is gained bysubmitting to its King, Jesus. Someone that is poor in spiritsubmits because they know they have no other choice andbecause they believe in and trust the king. Jesus is the kingand Jesus is the key to the kingdom. To enter in one needonly bow before Him and allow Him to change them from theinside out. Being poor in spirit is almost completely aboutknowing you cannot do this on your own, and so you don’teven try.Reading Today: Acts 3-410-15 minutes
BoldWeek 1Day 4Blessing your NeighborsPray with your Family - Remember your neighbors by nameduring mealtime and bedtime prayers.Prayer Walk - Walk by yourself or with family, roommates,and other neighbors who are believers. Pray over each homeby name as you pass and ask God for opportunities with yourneighbors.Ask Open-ended Questions - How long have you lived here?What line of work are you in? What do you do for fun?Ask Follow-up Questions - How did that test go? Are youfeeling better? How was your vacation?Enjoy a Meal Together - Invite a neighbor (or two) for a BBQ,order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share.Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays - Bake cupcakes forbirthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmascookies.
BoldWeek 1Serve While You’re Outside - Turn lawn chores intoopportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc.Serve In Times of Need - Visit when a neighbor passes awayor has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals withother neighbors.Share Commonalities - Hobbies such as golf, book club,bunko night, or a running/fitness group can all bring peopletogether.Socialize and Make Holidays Special - Enjoy recreationalareas. Participate in yard sales and BBQs. Attend holidayparties.Reading Today: Acts 5-610-15 minutes
BoldWeek 1Day 5Faith with FeetThere’s a healthy progression when it comes to the Bible:Reading leads to understanding, believing and doing. Sobased on what you’ve read this week. What should you bedoing? We will come up with an action plan each week basedon what we’ve read. The following are some questions thatwill help you to develop action steps based on the text youread this week:What have you learned about God’s heart & values?How did people follow God’s instructions?What changes took place to society?What parts of this story might apply to you?Why is this story important for someone like you?Based on this week’s reading, What do you believe Godwants you to do?This week I choose to obey God byReading Today: Acts 710-15 minutes
MovementWeek 2
MovementWeek 2This week in summaryMovementSummarySpirit of GodMourningBlessingActionWEEK 2Acts 8-9Acts 10-11Acts 12Acts 13Acts 14Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 1SummaryActs Chapters 8-14Now what? People are dying, the cops are chasing them and Jesus’sfollowers leave town except they forgot to lay low. Instead thespread the message everywhere they go and this movement isspreading. No big surprise that the authorities that executed Jesuswould continue their bloody opposition but it seems their crackdown turns against them. God uses the followers of Jesus to pushthe boundaries of his Kingdom on earth from Jerusalem to thesurrounding regions. It’s just like Jesus predicted in Acts 1:8 Jesussaid, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you andyou will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to theends of the earth.”As we read along, we note the continued imparting of the Holy Spiritto new believers. Particularly in chapter 8, the Spirit is given to theSamaritans at the laying on of the hands of the missionaries—continuing the expanding geo-cultural nature of the spread of theGood News (recall that Jesus had said they would be His witnesses inJerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (1:8)).By contrast, the “Gentiles” receive the Spirit before anyone is evenimmersed in water (ch. 10)! His coming upon the Gentiles is directlyakin to what happened in the opening of chapter 2. We see in thesechapters, too, the Spirit's activity again in leading and guiding theChurch. Miracles are performed. Healings occur. Boldness,prophecy, and a host of other marks of the Spirit's activity arewitnessed.Reading Today: Acts 8-910-15 minutes
MovementWeek 2Day 2Spirit of GodOne of the many things that I love about God is that, eachtime I feel like I’ve got God figured out He does somethingmind-blowing.In the pattern of God interacting with humanity, Heprogressively takes steps to get closer and closer and closerto us.Then God took on human flesh and lived among us in theperson of Jesus.What!? God moved into the neighborhood and he’s hangingout at my barbeque? As mind blowing as the incarnation ofall powerful God is, He took it another step closer: from livingamong us to living inside us. The Spirit of God came to live inus guiding us and giving us power to fulfill God’s plan for us.God entered a symbiotic relationship with us. Hard to believethat some people around you have living in them the Spirit ofall-powerful God, creator of gold, galactic super-clusters, thehuman genome, math and squirrels. He is pure awesome andhe lives in some of us.How can I receive that?Reading Today: Acts 10-1110-15 minutes
MovementWeek 2Day 3Mourning and ComfortBlessed are those who mourn for they will be comfortedThose who mourn, who know and express their feelings,grieving the nature and effect of sin in themselves and inothers.Jesus’ disciples came to Him and He began to teach them.That statement from Matthew 5 tells me that these menfollowed Jesus. They knew that to learn from Him they mustbe with Him.Jesus teaching continued with these words, “Blessed arethose who mourn for they will be comforted.”Remember the word blessed here means happy. So here wego again, mourning and happy don’t seems to have anyconnection. When we think of mourning we think of loss andseparation. As people we can be sad about the loss of manythings. A job, a possession, a friend or loved one, eitherbecause they moved away or because of death, but weespecially connect mourning with death.Jesus says that when we mourn we will be comforted, we willreceive comfort and that comfort will come from Him ormore specifically from the Holy Spirit. In The Gospel of JohnJesus tells His disciples that He has to go away so He can sendthe Holy Spirit to us here on earth. In this case Jesus actuallyrefers to the Holy Spirit as the comforter. Think of it this wayyou are very cold and you wrap up in a huge goose downcomforter. That is a tiny example of the comfort that Jesushas the capacity to offer.
MovementWeek 2Jesus mourned many things but what He mourned the mostwas when people rejected His offer of Love and salvation.Jesus wants us to experience His comfort. Comfort that hasthe ability to turn gloom into joy, sorrow into happiness andemptiness into the richest life we can possibly imagine. Thebiggest reason why life with Jesus is so rich and good isbecause He is in it with us, all the way wherever we go andwhatever we go though.Reading Today: Acts 1210-15 minutes
MovementWeek 2Day 4Blessing your NeighborsPray with your Family - Remember your neighbors by nameduring mealtime and bedtime prayers.Prayer Walk - Walk by yourself or with family, roommates,and other neighbors who are believers. Pray over each homeby name as you pass and ask God for opportunities with yourneighbors.Ask Open-ended Questions - How long have you lived here?What line of work are you in? What do you do for fun?Ask Follow-up Questions - How did that test go? Are youfeeling better? How was your vacation?Enjoy a Meal Together - Invite a neighbor (or two) for a BBQ,order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share.Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays - Bake cupcakes forbirthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmascookies.
MovementWeek 2Serve While You’re Outside - Turn lawn chores intoopportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc.Serve In Times of Need - Visit when a neighbor passes awayor has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals withother neighbors.Share Commonalities - Hobbies such as golf, book club,bunko night, or a running/fitness group can all bring peopletogether.Socialize and Make Holidays Special - Enjoy recreationalareas. Participate in yard sales and BBQs. Attend holidayparties.5 People I will bless this weekReading Today: Acts 1310-15 minutes
MovementWeek 2Day 5Faith with FeetBased on Acts 8-14 What do you believe God wants you to do?What have you learned about God’s heart & values?How did people follow God’s instructions?What changes took place to society?What parts of this story might apply to you?Why is this story important for someone like you?Reading Today: Acts 1410-15 minutes
OthersWeek 3
OthersWeek 3This week in summaryOthersSummarySpirit of GodMourningBlessingActionWEEK 3Acts 15Acts 16-17Acts 18Acts 19Acts 20-21Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 1SummaryActs Chapters 15-21A big transition just happened in the middle of this otherwiseculturally Jewish movement. The leaders are seeing that Godhas a plan for non-Jewish outsiders. Samaritans (half-Jews)and gentiles (non-Jews) are getting involved. The Spirit of Godis verifying the validity of their inclusion in his Kingdom. Theleaders gather together to discuss this issue. What do we dowith our ancient animosity and prejudice? Do they need tobecome like us or like Jesus? What do we do with these‘others’?In these chapters, we begin to note a marked decline in thedirect mentioning of the Holy Spirit. We might not knowwhat, exactly, if anything at all, we should make of this. Doesit mean we shouldn't see the Holy Spirit at work in quite somany places? Does it mean we should only credit Him in theextraordinary events? Has Luke now established so well thatthe Holy Spirit is the main character that it would seem clichéto keep bringing Him up?
OthersWeek 3Yet in especially two places the Holy Spirit is made mention ofin this chapter set. First, we see the Holy Spirit actuallyprevent the missionaries from preaching the Good Newstwice! How do we account for this strange activity? Later on,Paul comes across some disciples who had never heard thereeven was a Holy Spirit! He lays hands on them and theyreceive Him.The section closes on the Holy Spirit both compelling Paul togo up to Jerusalem and at the same time warning him of whatis to come. It seems in 21:4, though, that the Holy Spirit is stillquite prominent in that the believers there make a strongattempt to keep Paul there longer—perhaps praying forpermission from Him for Paul to stay a while longer.Reading Today: Acts 1510-15 minutes
OthersWeek 3Day 2Holy Spirit of GodThe following list describes of some of the ways the Spirit ofGod interacts with us. There are many more, this is just toget you started.Ways the Spirit of God leads us:WisdomGuidanceSpecific instructionsGiving us words as we proclaiming JesusWays the Spirit of God gives us power:BoldnessProphecySpeaking in tonguesMiraculous signsHealingCursingWays the Spirit of God validates our testimony:Using miraculous signsWhile we proclaim JesusVerifying to the audienceVerifying the inclusion of outsiders (gentiles)Reading Today: Acts 16-1710-15 minutes
OthersWeek 3Day 3Meekness: strength under controlBlessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earthThe meek, who know they don’t have it all together and havethus yielded control of their life to God and can be gentlewith other people and themselves.The word meek is not one we use a great deal so here is whatit means from Jesus point of view.Meek here is not weak, in fact it is best pictured as strengthunder control. I knew a man when I was very young; heworked with my father in construction. This man was 6 footfive and had the biggest hands I ever saw. He was Norwegianand his family had for many years built boats that were verydetailed and finely built, almost to the point of beingfurniture. This large, huge handed man could do the finestfinish work imaginable. I remember my father complimentinghis abilities many times.The same huge man that had the capacity for fine work couldhave also been a formidable foe is he wanted. But the manwas gentle and very unassuming. It’s like he knew where hecame from, and so used it for good.In another place in the Bible it says that God is the giver ofevery good and perfect gift. A meek, gentle person knows thisand gives credit and honor to God who again has everythingat His disposal and Gives to those who will use His gifts well.
OthersWeek 3The whole inheriting the earth thing is just that, the things ofthe earth that belong to God come to us when we humblysubmit and come to Him, the giver of every good and perfectgift.Reading Today: Acts 1810-15 minutes
OthersWeek 3Day 4Blessing your NeighborsPray with your Family - Remember your neighbors by nameduring mealtime and bedtime prayers.Prayer Walk - Walk by yourself or with family, roommates,and other neighbors who are believers. Pray over each homeby name as you pass and ask God for opportunities with yourneighbors.Ask Open-ended Questions - How long have you lived here?What line of work are you in? What do you do for fun?Ask Follow-up Questions - How did that test go? Are youfeeling better? How was your vacation?Enjoy a Meal Together - Invite a neighbor (or two) for a BBQ,order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share.Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays - Bake cupcakes forbirthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmascookies.
OthersWeek 3Serve While You’re Outside - Turn lawn chores intoopportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc.Serve In Times of Need - Visit when a neighbor passes awayor has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals withother neighbors.Share Commonalities - Hobbies such as golf, book club,bunko night, or a running/fitness group can all bring peopletogether.Socialize and Make Holidays Special - Enjoy recreationalareas. Participate in yard sales and BBQs. Attend holidayparties.5 People I will bless this weekReading Today: Acts 1910-15 minutes
OthersWeek 3Day 5Faith with FeetBased on Acts 8-14 What do you believe God wants you to do?What have you learned about God’s heart & values?How did people follow God’s instructions?What changes took place to society?What parts of this story might apply to you?Why is this story important for someone like you?Reading Today: Acts 20-2110-15 minutes
ObedienceWeek 4
ObedienceWeek 4This week in summaryObedienceSummaryGod, the Battle MedicSatisfiedBlessingActionWEEK 4Acts 22Acts 23Acts 24Acts 25-26Acts 27-28Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 1SummaryActs Chapters 22-28The course is set. Paul is compelled by the Spirit of God to goto Jerusalem and to Rome. He is well aware of the fact thatthis will mean his arrest but He also knows this trial will givehim the opportunity to make a personal invitation to thegovernor and the king.In this set of chapters, there is a markedly reduced explicitmention of the Holy Spirit—like pretty much zero until Paulmentions the Spirit as the force behind prophecy. In thesechapters, we can reflect more on where we see the activity ofthe Holy Spirit in ways already revealed and learn to fill insome of the blanks in our own lives. In other words, we nowget to wrestle with questions of where the lines blur betweensomething that just simply happens as a course of nature andthose things that happen by divine providence. Might wesometimes become so used to seeing His activity that it almostbecomes a given that it is He who is at work in our lives? Is thatnecessarily a good or bad thing? What are the pros and cons ofthat?Reading Today: Acts 2210-15 minutes
ObedienceWeek 4Day 2God, the Battle MedicThe Kingdom of God is different than the nations of earth.Our values are different; our approach to life is different. Forthose who choose to follow the way of Heaven, there is anecessary conflict the pattern of life on earth. Not everyonewants to surrender their will to see God’s will accomplish. Toembrace God’s kingdom I must sacrifice mine.Just like Jesus, the citizens of heaven on earth suffer thetension of God’s growing Kingdom. All who desire to live aGodly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But our struggle isnot against flesh and blood humanity. God seldom removesthe source of our pain; But He is always going through it withus so we never have to face suffering alone.Before Jesus returned to the Father he promised to send theHoly Spirit to lead and guide in His absence. Jesus referred tothe Spirit of God as “The Comforter.” In the Spirit of Godstands with us in the middle of life shattering conflict and hegives us comfort. Not just comfort, He brings peace leadingto joy. It’s a mind blowing paradox that followers of Jesusfind joy when their life is torn apart. This joy is not the tenseexcitement of masochism. It’s the relaxed peace that comesfrom knowing that God has total control. It’s hard not tosmile when you know that God has the winning hand. Besure to bet on Him.Reading Today: Acts 2310-15 minutes
ObedienceWeek 4Day 3SatisfiedBlessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousnessfor they will be filled.Those who crave uprightness, who are more excited aboutGod’s agenda for themselves and the world than any otherthing.We all know what it’s like to be really hungry. In fact we haveall used phrases like I’m starving to death, which in my casethough I have used that phrase it’s never been true. As I thinkabout it I have never missed a meal that I did not elect tomiss for one reason or another. The hunger that Jesus istalking about here is for Him. Oh He says righteousness,which simply means to live rightly or to do right things. Thequestion is one of standards, which one do we use ours orHis. When I have made choices that have only me in mindthings never turn out well, and by no coincidence at all is theopposite true that when I do things the way I know that Jesusteaches it goes well.But Jesus says that we will be filled. And He’s not just saying alittle, but over the top full: filled with His Spirit, we receiveblessing after blessing after blessing.Think about it if we are what we eat and we experience theresults of what we eat, it makes sense to only satisfy ourhunger with what will last, Jesus’ righteousness.Reading Today: Acts 2410-15 minutes
ObedienceWeek 4Day 4Blessing your NeighborsPray with your Family - Remember your neighbors by nameduring mealtime and bedtime prayers.Prayer Walk - Walk by yourself or with family, roommates,and other neighbors who are believers. Pray over each homeby name as you pass and ask God for opportunities with yourneighbors.Ask Open-ended Questions - How long have you lived here?What line of work are you in? What do you do for fun?Ask Follow-up Questions - How did that test go? Are youfeeling better? How was your vacation?Enjoy a Meal Together - Invite a neighbor (or two) for a BBQ,order in Pizza, or have everyone bring a dessert to share.Celebrate Special Occasions and Holidays - Bake cupcakes forbirthdays. Send a casserole to new parents. Deliver Christmascookies.
ObedienceWeek 4Serve While You’re Outside - Turn lawn chores intoopportunities to serve: Mow lawns, water yards, etc.Serve In Times of Need - Visit when a neighbor passes awayor has a baby. Deliver flowers or a gift. Coordinate meals withother neighbors.Share Commonalities - Hobbies such as golf, book club,bunko night, or a running/fitness group can all bring peopletogether.Socialize and Make Holidays Special - Enjoy recreationalareas. Participate in yard sales and BBQs. Attend holidayparties.5 People I will bless this weekReading Today: Acts 25-2610-15 minutes
ObedienceWeek 4Day 5Faith with FeetBased on Acts 22-28 What do you believe God wants you to do?What have you learned about God’s heart & values?How did people follow God’s instructions?What changes took place to society?What parts of this story might apply to you?Why is this story important for someone like you?Reading Today: Acts 27-2810-15 minutes
FriendWeek 5
FriendWeek 5This week in summaryFriendAbraham the friend of GodGod the friendMercyBlessingFaith with feetWEEK 5Genesis 12-14Genesis 15-16Genesis 17-19Genesis 20-22Genesis 23-25Day 1Day 2Day 3Day 4Day 5Day 1Abrahama friend of GodAbraham clearly had a very special role in God's purpose. Hewas known as the friend of God, a friendship based upon anongoing relationship and acts of obedience to the divine will.He left his home country, prepared a covenant ceremony,had himself and the male members of his camp circumcisedand was even prepared to offer his long awaited son as aburnt offering in obedience to God's will. As a result the Lordestablished a commitment with him and his descendants.This unique relationship enabled Abraham to feel confident1enough to intercede persistently.Briefly looking at Abraham’s life it isn’t obvious why Godchoose him. Abraham twice dismisses his wife to win favorfrom national rulers by deceiving them. He takes his wife’sservant to have a son, and then discards her when things gettense.But for all his flaws, Abraham responds to God and trusts Himunder some extraordinary circumstances. No matter howextreme and unreasonable God’s request, Abraham trustsand obeys God.
FriendWeek 5Abraham’s life was summarized by early followers of Jesus,highlighting his faith in God which explains why he wasknown as a friend of God:By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to aplace that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he wentout, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to livein the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents withIsaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For hewas looking forward to the city that has foundations, whosedesigner and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself receivedpower to conceive, even when she was past the age, since sheconsidered him faithful who had promised. Therefore fromone man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants asmany as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerablegrains of sand by the seashore. These all died in faith, nothaving received the things promised, but having seen themand greeted them from afar.- Hebrews 11Reading Today: Genesis 12-1415-20 minutes1Robert Bradshaw
FriendWeek 5Day 2God the friendThe h
Table of Contents Existence WEEK 7 Moses Exodus 1-3 Day 1 The God who is Exodus 4-6 Day 2 Peacemakers Exodus 7-9 Day 3 Blessing Exodus 10-12 Day 4 Action Exodus 13-15 Day 5 Set Apart WEEK 8 David 1 Samuel 15 -17 Day 1 Set Apart 1 Samuel 18-20 Day 2 Persecuted 1 Samuel 21-23 Day 3 Blessing 1 Samuel 24-27 Day 4 Action 1 Samuel 28-31 Day 5
