Apicontent

Time for a day of reflection … If you have time today for only one question to reflect upon, let it be this one … In what ways are you seeing Jesus working in you and through you?

If necessary, go back and read anything you received this week that you want to reconsider … or that you missed!

Quick Links

God’s Purpose for Your Life

Following Jesus

The Power of the Cross

Praise from God

The Father Speaks

Love One Another!

Reflection

As you are learning more about God through His Word, what are you learning about Him and about being in a relationship with Him?

In what ways is your relationship with God making a difference in your life?

One of the key verses in the lesson this week was:

“For I know what I have planned for you,” says the Lord. “I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope.” —Jeremiah 29:11

In what ways is this verse from Jeremiah an encouragement to you?

In “Praise from God,” Beth Yoe wrote: “Saul proved to be a coward. He was unwilling to stand for the difficult right against the easy wrong.” 

What are some of the “difficult rights” in your life or in the life of some you know?

What can you do to have the strength and resolve to do what God wants you to do?

In what ways are you currently sharing the love of God?

When is it most difficult for you to share the love of God? Take time right now to ask God to fill you with HIS love.

Go a Step Beyond

Here’s this week’s recommendation for a video with information on what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ: I Am a Disciple

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” —Jeremiah 29:11

As you take a day for reflection, what are you learning about the Holy Spirit and his involvement in your life?

If necessary, go back and read anything you received this week that you want to reconsider … or that you missed!

Quick Links

Living “by the Spirit”

The Perfect Solution for Anxiety

Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

Seeing the Father

Prayer, Take It Seriously!

The Holy Spirit – Our Source of Strength for Obedience

Reflection

What one idea from this past week’s topics had the biggest impact on your life?

This week’s lesson emphasized, “It is through the Holy Spirit that we receive the ability and power to live the way God wants us to. When you become a Christian, Jesus does not give you a list of rules to follow. Rather, he empowers you by the Holy Spirit to live an intimate life with Him.”

In what ways are you experiencing the Holy Spirit in your life?

In our world today, many people reject the idea of one way to God, and yet the Bible is very clear that Jesus is the only way to a relationship with our Heavenly Father. What thoughts did you have about this as you read through Beth Yoe’s devotional on this topic?

Yesterday’s devotional emphasized the Holy Spirit as our source of strength. Beth Yoe specifically mentioned grace, comfort, wisdom, and strength. How are you currently experiencing the Holy Spirit’s strength in your life?

In what area of your life do you need to let the Holy Spirit have more control?

In what ways is the Holy Spirit working in your life?

In what ways are you growing in your relationship with God?

Go a Step Beyond

Here’s this week’s recommendation for another article with information on what it means to have a new life in Jesus Christ: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” —John 14:26

Over the past couple of weeks, we have been focusing on the work and power of the Holy Spirit. In what ways are you beginning to notice (or have been reminded about) the Spirit’s work in your life?

If you missed any information this week or want to reconsider something, take a moment to access that material through the “Quick Links” section.

Quick Links

Spirit-Controlled vs. Self-Controlled

God’s Supernatural Guidance

God’s Gift of Peace

Overcoming Fear

An Incredible Sacrifice

Heaven!

Reflection

This week’s lesson continued our focus on the Holy Spirit. Do you tend to be more Spirit-controlled or self-controlled? What steps do you need to take to allow the Holy Spirit to have more control in your life?

Beth Yoe closed her devotional about the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives in “God’s Supernatural Guidance” with this quote by C.H. Macintosh:

“If a man is drawing on his own resources, he will soon run dry. It matters not what his powers may be, or how extensive his reading, or how vast his stores of information; if the Holy Spirit be not the spring and power of his ministry, it must, sooner or later, lose its freshness and its effectiveness.”

When you are not relying on the Holy Spirit, what do you most tend to turn to for strength or inspiration?

What kind of result might you see if you leaned into the Holy Spirit’s source of power?

On the next day, Beth wrote these words about peace, “The peace of Jesus provides calm in the midst of a storm.”

In what ways do you need the peace of Jesus?

How can drawing on the strength of the Holy Spirit when you are in the midst of a storm give you peace?

In “Overcoming Fear,” Beth wrote, “We must remember that we can do nothing of eternal value apart from Christ. It is only when we are weak in the estimation of our own abilities that we are strong in God’s perfect, all-achieving power.”

God’s perfect, all-achieving power is accomplished through the Holy Spirit! What reminder can you put into your days to prompt you to turn to the Holy Spirit first when you are facing some type of difficulty?

What one principle can you apply to your own life from this week’s devotionals?

Go a Step Beyond

Here’s this week’s recommendation for an on-line video with information on the life of purpose and adventure we can live when we walk daily in the power of the Holy Spirit: Walk in the Spirit

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“For he himself is our peace.” —Ephesians 2:14

The Holy Spirit’s presence and work in our lives often appear mysterious. What are you learning about the Holy Spirit that is helping you to experience His power in practical ways?

Take a moment to reflect upon all that you read and experienced this week. If necessary, go back and read the lesson or devotionals, by clicking on an item in “Quick Links.”

Quick Links

Spiritual Breathing

Unfailing Love

Our Sin is Forgiven!

The Tomb is Empty

Love for Jesus

That You May have Life!

Reflection

This week’s lesson introduced the spiritual discipline of “Spiritual Breathing.” A spiritual discipline is a habit or regular pattern in your life that brings you back to God and opens your heart and mind to His direction. Campus Crusade for Christer founder, Bill Bright, practiced “Spiritual Breathing” on a regular basis as a way of getting back “in step” with God’s purposes for his life.

When you breathe, you exhale impurities, and inhale pure air and oxygen. In “spiritual breathing,” you “exhale” —by confession—sin, and “inhale”—by faith—the Holy Spirit’s control.

Exhale: Confess your sin—agree with God concerning your sin and thank Him for His forgiveness of it. Confession involves repentance—a change in attitude and behavior.

Inhale: By faith, surrender the control of your life to the Holy Spirit. Trust that He now directs and empowers you.

Did you take time to try experiencing the Holy Spirit in this way? If so, in what ways was it beneficial to you? If not, why not? Consider making this a regular practice in your life.

Beth Yoe’s devotional this week based on a passage of scripture in John 20 was entitled, “The Tomb is Empty!”

How often do you think about the reality of Jesus’ resurrection?

What difference does this fact make on your daily life? On your decisions? On your interactions with family, friends, coworkers, strangers?

In what ways is your life being changed because of your relationship with Jesus?

The birth, life, and death of Jesus made an impact on the world like no other person ever could or did! What impact on the world are you making because of the difference He has made on your life?

In what ways is God stretching you? How are you responding to that stretch? Are you joyful, thankful, frustrated, angry?

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to respond to God’s work in your life with a grateful heart!

Go a Step Beyond

Here’s this week’s recommendation for an additional resource to strengthen your knowledge and conviction about Jesus rising from the dead: Did Jesus Rise from the Dead?

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above.” —Colossians 3:1

It’s time for a reflection day, what are you learning about the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?

Are you prepared to think about all that you read this week? In other words, are you “caught up”? If not, go back and read anything you received this week that you missed or want to reconsider.

Quick Links

The Holy Spirit’s Power to Resist Temptation

Birth of Jesus

Give Him the Name Jesus

God with Us

Spread the News!

In the Presence of a King

Reflection

This week’s lesson made the point that there are days when it seems that the temptation of sin is everywhere! The media, Internet, friends and/or acquaintances; all can distract us from what God intends for us to pursue. Satan is always seeking to control our perspective, manipulate our thinking, and exploit our desires.

As you worked your way through that lesson, what was the most important idea or concept for your life?

The lesson presented nine different ways Satan tries to tempt us: deception, worldly gratification, accusation, distraction, affliction, discouragement, doubt, division, and intimidation.

Which of these most often presents itself in your life? Which one is effective? How can you resist temptation in this area?

One of the ways we can resist Satan’s attacks is to focus on God and what He is doing in our life. What is God presently doing in your life that is powerful and amazing?

What did you find most interesting about the devotionals this week on the birth of Jesus?

In “Give Him the Name Jesus,” Beth Yoe wrote,

“God desires that we trust Him. We are not to kick against His best for our lives, but fully embrace the path he has laid out for us. Even when we cannot fully understand His plan, He always has our best interests in mind.”

Mary and Joseph, individually and as a couple, surely had some reservations about the way God was unfolding His plan, and yet they trusted Him completely. In what area of your life do you need to embrace God’s plan?

Imagine yourself as one of the shepherds who saw the angels or as one of the wise men who saw the star. How do you think that experience might have changed your life?

Both the shepherds and the wise men went to worship Jesus. In what ways are you currently worshiping Jesus?

How has your own experience with knowing about the birth of Jesus changed your life? Are you sharing your knowledge and experience with others?

Go a Step Beyond

Check out this article with additional information on how you can Identify Satan’s tactics and learn how to use God’s power to resist evil: Standing Firm in Christ

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“The temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give into it.” —1 Corinthians 10:13

We are still talking about the Holy Spirit’s power in our lives. What are you learning and what difference is it making in your life?

Get ready to reflect! Do you need to review the lesson or devotionals? Did you miss one? Click on one of the “Quick Links” below and get the information you need!

Quick Links

The Holy Spirit’s Power to Overcome Evil

Sermon on the Mount

Humility

Finding Comfort

God’s Mercy

God’s Presence

Reflection

The lesson this week on overcoming evil focused on a passage of scripture that describes God’s protection against Satan’s attacks:

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” —Ephesians 6:10–17

• The belt of truth
• The body armor of God’s righteousness
• The shoes of peace
• The shield of faith
• The helmet of salvation
• The sword of the Spirit which is the word of God

At this time in your life, which piece of armor is most important to you? How can you use it most effectively?

Can you imagine scenarios in your life when specific pieces of armor would be critical for you?

How do you most often deal with temptation and evil in your life?

What changes do you need to make in your life so that the armor of God is your first plan for dealing with Satan’s schemes?

This week marks the beginning of another new devotional series. What did you learn this week about and from the Sermon on the Mount?

In “Finding Comfort,” Beth Yoe quoted Oswald Chambers:

“The teachings of Jesus are all out of proportion when compared to our natural way of looking at things, and they come to us initially with astonishing discomfort. We gradually have to conform our walk and conversation to the precepts of Jesus Christ as the Holy Spirit applies them to our circumstances. The Sermon on the Mount is not a set of rules and regulations—it is a picture of the life we will live when the Holy Spirit is having His unhindered way with us.”

What would your life look like if the Holy Spirit was “having His unhindered way” with you?

Of the four devotionals, you read this week based on the Sermon on the Mount, which one challenged you most? Which one was most comforting? Which one was most encouraging?

What is God teaching you about yourself and your relationship with Him?

Go a Step Beyond

Here’s this week’s recommendation for a video featuring Francis Chan talking about humility: Jesus, More Than a Savior

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize these verses:

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. —Ephesians 6:13–17

We are now fully immersed in the Sermon on the Mount … in what ways are the words of Jesus challenging you?

If necessary, go back and read anything you received this week that you want to reconsider … or that you missed!

Quick Links

Pray with Confidence

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Making a Difference

Let Your Light Shine!

Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law

Quite Simply … We Need a Savior!

Reflection

As you worked through this week’s lesson, what was one new concept you learned about prayer?

One of the key points in the lesson on prayer was: “It is important to focus on God rather than on your request when you pray. He already knows what you are praying about and His answer to your questions. Trust His heart, His answer, and His timing.”

Why do you think it is important to focus on God when we pray?

In what ways does prayer affect the relational issues discussed in the devotionals for this week?

Hebrews 12:1–2 says, “We must get rid of every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set out for us, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.”

What sin in your life often clings to you?

What do you need to do to disentangle yourself from that sin?

What do you think it means to “run with endurance”?

In what ways are you currently “salt” in your life circumstances and situations?

In what ways are you currently “light” in your life circumstances and situations?

In “Jesus Came to Fulfill the Law,” Beth Yoe included this quote by Oswald Chambers: “The Sermon on the Mount is not a set of rules and regulations—it is a picture of the life we will live when the Holy Spirit is having His unhindered way with us.”

What do you like about reading the Sermon on the Mount?

What steps do you need to take in order for the Holy Spirit to have his “unhindered” way with you?

Beth Yoe wrote in “Quite Simply … We Need a Savior!”:

“Our actions and words come from the overflow of our hearts. That is why Jesus told us the fruit of our lives is a good indicator of what lies within us. Are we full of selfish ambitions, vain conceits, greed, anger, and the like? Or are we full of love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness?”

What is overflowing from your heart?

What changes do you need to make in your life in order to let Jesus flow out of your life?

Go a Step Beyond

This week’s devotionals focused on the words of Jesus. Here’s a recommendation for an article to consider as you think about those words and how they apply to your own situations: Is Jesus Relevant Today?

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse: 

“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:16

Time for a day of reflection … in what ways are you seeing God work in and through you?

Think for a moment about what you have been reading in the Sermon on the Mount … in what ways are these words affecting your life? 

If necessary, go back and read anything you received this week that you want to reconsider … or that you missed!

Quick Links

Different Ways to Pray

What’s Really on Your Mind?

Offering Forgiveness

Take a Look at Your Motives

Marriage Is Designed by God

Watch Your Words!

Reflection

This week’s lesson was a continuation of the topic of prayer.

Have you started to implement any of the ideas presented? If so, in what ways is the discipline of prayer affecting your life?

If you have not made prayer a daily commitment in your life, why not? What is keeping you from taking time to talk with God on a regular basis?

Beth Yoe included a quote by Ken Sande as she talked on Jesus’ words of forgiveness: “Peacemakers are people who breathe grace. They draw continually on the goodness and power of Jesus Christ, and then they bring His love, mercy, forgiveness, strength, and wisdom to the conflicts of daily life. God delights to breathe His grace through peacemakers and use them to dissipate anger, improve understanding, promote justice, and encourage repentance and restoration.”

What keywords can you identify in this quote?

Would the people around you use any of these words to describe you?

What encourages you or convicts you when you think about these keywords?

Just yesterday Beth Yoe challenged us with these words from Oswald Chambers: “The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live.”

Which “teaching” this week has “hit you” where you live? What has been your response?

In that same devotional Beth penned these words, “Christians are to be honorable and trustworthy. We are to be known as people of our word.”

Do you agree or disagree with her statement?

Is your opinion based on the truth of God’s Word?

In what ways is your life reflecting your conviction?

Go a Step Beyond

This week’s devotions focused on ways we live out our relationship with Jesus every day. Take a moment to focus on your relationship with Jesus as you this video: Life with God

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” —Luke 6:45

Time to step back and consider what you have been reading and contemplating for the past week. In what ways are you finding the words in the Sermon on the Mount challenging? Convicting? Encouraging? Reassuring?

If necessary, go back and read anything you received this week that you want to review … or that you missed!

Quick Links

Share the Good News!

Learning to Forgive

Do I Really Have to Love My Neighbor?

Finding a Way to Give in Secret

Just a Simple Prayer

Take Time to Pray!

Reflection

What are you learning about Jesus that you never knew or never thought about before?

This week’s lesson turned to the topic of sharing your faith with others. The lesson closed with this challenge: “When you wake up each morning, thank the Lord Jesus that He lives within you, tell Him that you are available and stay alert so He can use you to speak of His love and forgiveness sat every opportunity throughout the whole day.”

Is this a priority for you? Why or why not?

Do the people you interact with on a regular basis know that you have a relationship with Jesus?

As you think about the interactions you typically have throughout your day, when do you have opportunities to share the story of your relationship with Jesus?

In the devotional “Learning to Forgive,” Beth Yoe spent some time discussing retaliation. If you are honest with yourself, how do you really feel about retaliation? In what ways does God need to transform you?

How do you really feel about loving your neighbor?

In what ways are you sharing (giving) what God has given you without being recognized for it?

In what ways is prayer affecting your life on a daily basis?

In what ways is your conversation with God changing and growing?

How is your life with God affected when you pray on a regular basis?

Go a Step Beyond

As you consider the directive to share God’s Good News from this week’s lesson, take a moment to read this article: God’s Call for Everyone

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” —John 13:34–35

Remember: God is a personal God … and he is reaching out to you personally!

It’s time to think about all that you’ve read this week! If necessary, go back and read anything you received recently that you want to reconsider … or that you missed!

Quick Links

Knowing Our Great God

Have You Ever Tried the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting?

What Do You Treasure?

Stay Focused

Choices, Choices

Trusting in a Good God

Reflection

This week’s lesson focused on five fundamental character qualities of God: God is sovereign, eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, and present everywhere.

Which of these character qualities is most real to you at this point in your life?

Which one of these character qualities do you need to learn more about?

This week all of our devotionals were still focused on the teachings of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. 

Which teaching did you find most difficult? 

Which teaching do you find most challenging? 

What thoughts do you have about fasting? Are you willing to try it? What benefits do you think there might be in fasting?

In “What Do You Treasure,” Beth Yoe asked two very important questions that would be easy to just skim over: How do we spend and invest our time? And, how do we spend and invest our resources? 

If you make these questions personal, how would you answer … How am I spending and investing my time?

How am I spending and investing my resources? 

Is your personal focus in the right place?

What are your daily choices revealing about your priorities?

Yesterday’s devotional was entitled, “Trusting in a Good God.” How much trust do you have that God is good?

What has influenced your perspective?

How can you grow in your trust in God?

Go a Step Beyond

Here’s this week’s recommendation for an article for you to contemplate as you consider all the information you read this week: Choose Wisely.

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize these verses:

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth where they can erode away or may be stolen. Store them in heaven where they will never lose their value and are safe from thieves. If your profits are in heaven, your heart will be there too.” —Matthew 6:19–21, TLB