Apicontent

We are in the middle of reading devotionals about the events leading up to Jesus’ death. What are you learning from God’s Word about God and his work in the world through these readings?

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

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Meditate on God’s Word

Embracing God’s Will

God’s Strength

Don’t Fall Asleep!

Betrayed

By His Wounds, We Are Healed

Reflection

This week’s lesson was about meditating on the Word of God? What one principle do you remember from that lesson?

When do you take time to meditate on God’s Word?

What benefit to your own life do you see in taking time to meditate on God’s Word?

Beth Yoe discussed the importance of joyfully accepting God’s purposes for our lives in “Embracing God’s Will.”

Do you embrace God’s will or do you fight against it?

Why is it sometimes difficult to embrace God’s will for us?

How can we recognize God’s will and joyfully accept it?

Beth followed up the devotional on God’s will with a devotional on God’s strength. In your own life, how are these two concepts linked?

Beth included this quote by Alexander Maclaren in the devotional on God’s strength: “Peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God.”

What steps do you need to take in your life to help you focus on the presence of God?

The next day Beth closed her devotional with these words: “Let all of our trials lead us to earnest prayer.”

When you are facing trials, to what or whom do you most often turn to? Why do you not pray first?

How can you begin to discipline yourself to turn to God immediately when faced with a difficulty, struggle, or trial?

In “By His Wounds, We Are Healed”, Beth wrote: “To free humankind from bondage, He [Jesus] became bound and we owe our liberty to His bondage.”

Take a few moments to reflect upon Jesus’ decision to become bound in order to pay your debt of sin.

Take time to thank Him for your liberty and freedom.

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” —Psalm 143:10

Allowing God’s Word to influence us at any moment throughout the day can make a huge difference in our lives. As you consider all that you’ve read and reflected upon this week, in what ways is God’s Word changing you? Transforming you? Challenging you?

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

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Anger

Fear

What Is in Your Heart?

King of the Jews

Suffering

God’s Plan Unfolding

Reflection

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

In this week’s lesson on anger, well-known and respected psychologist Henry Brandt said,

“I have never found anger to be a positive factor in problem-solving. I have never found anger to be righteous. It is always a hindrance to intelligent straight thinking and rational behavior. In an instant, anger can change a person from being satisfied, cheerful, and relaxed to being dissatisfied, unhappy, and tense. There is universal agreement that unrestrained anger can destroy us.”

Think for a moment about how you handle your anger? Is it in a godly way, or in a way that hurts other people and sometimes destroys relationships?

What action steps did you decide to pursue relative to what you learned in that lesson?

This week Beth Yoe wrote in the devotional on fear:

“We need to identify what temptations are most appealing to us and will cause us to fall. We must know where we are most tempted and seek to avoid placing ourselves where we are likely to tumble down.”

Take a few minutes to think about when and where you are most tempted.

What is your typical response?

How can you either avoid these temptations or confront them with God’s help?

In the devotional on suffering, Beth included this quote by Billy Graham:

Whatever the circumstances, whatever the call, whatever the duty, whatever the price, whatever the sacrifice—His strength will be your strength in your hour of need.

What are you currently facing that has you needing the strength of Jesus? Take time to ask Him for it now!

Go a Step Beyond

To deepen your understanding of the key concepts about anger found in this week’s lesson, take time to read this article: Anger vs. Forgiveness

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize these verses:

“Go ahead and be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life” —Ephesians 4:26–27, The Message

Time for a day of reflection … what are you learning about the death and resurrection of Jesus? What difference is it making in your day to day living?

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

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Forgiveness

Jesus Died for Us!

Hope in Times of Despair

Love that Results in Courage

He Has Risen!

But They Did Not Believe

Reflection

This week’s lesson confronted us with the hard truth of forgiveness. The lesson ended with this question:

Are there people in your life you can’t or won’t forgive?

Take some time alone with God to confess your inability to forgive, and ask the Holy Spirit to forgive them through you. As you rely on Him, He will give you the power!

Forgiveness can be an ongoing process! Take a few moments to once again consider the above question and spend time with God, allowing him to work in your heart.

This week’s devotionals brought us to the passages in the Bible describing the actual death and resurrection of Jesus!

What emotions did you have as you read about Jesus’ death?

What thoughts did you have as you read the words, “He is risen!”

Beth Yoe challenged us with these words:

“Oh that all of our passions and desires would always lead us to Jesus! There is a difference between simply knowing Jesus as a person and passionately loving Him as our Lord. When we are inspired with love and delighted by His presence, it is not a compulsion but a pleasure to walk with Him. Just as a child who adores their father’s company, our delight in Him should be prompted by joy.”

What steps do you need to take to experience passion and desire that leads to Jesus?

Go a Step Beyond

As you consider the resurrection of Jesus, take a few minutes to check out this video: Proofs of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize these verses:

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” —Ephesians 4:31–32, NKJV

As you take a day for reflection, answer this question: In what ways is your life being transformed by the Word of God?

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

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Know What God Wants You to Do Every Day

Only Jesus

I Have Seen the Lord!

Go to God … First!

Peace Be with You!

A Job to Do

Reflection

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

This week’s lesson emphasized, that God reveals His will to us through: His Word, the Holy Spirit, other people, and providential circumstances.

Which one of these do you tend to mostly depend upon?

Which one do you need to learn more about? What steps are you going to take?

What is one area or circumstance in your life that requires God’s direction? Take time, right now, to ask Him to show you clearly what He wants you to do.

In “Only Jesus,” Beth Yoe included these words from Charles Spurgeon:

We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul.

In what ways do you let Jesus define your happiness?

What other things often take the place of Jesus (be honest!)?

What action steps do you need to take in order to allow Jesus to be the central thing in your life?

Mary exclaimed, “I have seen the Lord!” In what ways have you seen Jesus?

When is the last time you went “to God … first”? What difference did it make?

In what ways are you experiencing God’s peace?

How do you see God’s peace in the people around you?

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

In what ways is the Holy Spirit leading, directing, and guiding you?

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: Abiding in Christ

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

Over the past couple of weeks, we have focused on the death and resurrection of Jesus. What difference is the reality of the risen Christ making 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.

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Jesus said, “I am …”

Stop Doubting and Believe

Jesus Makes Another Appearance

Do You Love Me?

A Special Blessing

Parables in the Book of Luke

Reflection

This week’s lesson focused on the “I am” statements of Jesus:

• “I am the bread of life.”
• “I am the light of the world”
• “I am the good shepherd.”
• “I am the door.”
• “I am the resurrection and the life.”
• “I am the way … truth … and the life.”
• “I am the vine.”

Which one of these statements is most real to you at this point in your life?

Which one of these statements do you need to learn more about from God’s Word?

Beth Yoe focused this week on Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances. Why do you think these appearances are important in the biblical narrative?

What did you learn this week about Jesus as you read through the Bible verses and Beth’s observations?

In “A Special Blessing,” Beth Yoe included these words from Joni Erickson Tada: “God doesn’t just give us grace; He gives us Jesus, the Lord of grace.”

Why do think Joni makes this distinction?

In what ways have you experienced the Lord of grace?

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

Go a Step Beyond

This week we read about how Jesus interacted with Thomas after Thomas doubted the reality of Jesus’ resurrection. What doubts do you have? Check out this week’s recommendation for a video with the One-Minute Apologist as he talks about how God’s presence can calm our doubts: How Can God’s Presence Calm My Doubts?

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Jesus [said], ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” —John 14:6

As we take a day for reflection … what are you learning about Jesus that is transforming your life?

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.”

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Jesus, the “Messiah”

The Sower and the Seed

Withered and Choked

Producing a Crop

God’s Love Extends to All!

Just Who Is My Neighbor?

Reflection

This week’s lesson turned our attention to the fact that Jesus is “Messiah.”

Why is this fact important?

What did you learn about Jesus that you didn’t know before?

This week we began a new series of devotionals focused on the Parables of Jesus as communicated in the book of Luke.

What practical applications did you make to your life based on the stories that you read?

In “Withered and Choked,” Beth Yoe wrote: “As life progress[es], and it always does, trials caused the plants to wither. Our roots must go down deep into the Living Water in order for us to withstand the hardships of life.”

What trials have you experienced?

Is there currently something in your life that is difficult for you? Give it to Jesus!

In what ways are you helping your roots to go down deep in the Living Water?

Take a moment to consider the ways that is God stretching you.

How are you responding to that stretch? 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 being the “Messiah”: Was Jesus the Messiah?

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6.

It’s always a good idea to take a step back and look at the big picture … what was the most meaningful thing you learned this week? In what way(s) is it making a difference in your life on a day-to-day basis?

What is one overall principle that you are integrating into your life as you read through the devotionals that are coming your way?

As you prepare to reflect upon this week’s reading, go back and read anything you received this week that you missed or want to reconsider.

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God’s Names in the Bible–Seven Names to Hold on To!

Praying with Persistence

Contentment

The Faithful Manager

Faith in Action

The Fig Tree

Reflection

This week’s lesson made focused on the names of God and what we learn about his character through his names. The lesson also included several names for God that are used consistently in the New Testament:

• Emmanuel: God with us
• Adonai: Lord and Master
• Elohim: God, the strong, faithful One
• El Elyon: The Most High God
• El Olam: Everlasting God
• El Roi: The God who sees
• El Shaddai: God Almighty

Which of these names is most meaningful to you at this time in your life?

Which name in the lesson was most powerful to you?

How can remembering the names of God encourage you when you are facing a difficult situation or circumstance in your life?

In “Prayer with Persistence,” Beth Yoe discussed praying with persistence and boldness.

Which characteristic is easier for you: persistence or boldness?

Which characteristic do you need to strengthen in your life? What steps can you take to make that happen?

In what ways is your life bearing fruit? Be specific!

Go a Step Beyond

This week’s lesson focused on some of the names of God. Give yourself a few minutes to reflect on who God is as you watch this week’s video resource: Be Still

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” —Colossians 3:23

As you take a day for reflection, answer this question:  In what ways is your life being transformed as you learn more about the life and teachings of Jesus?

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

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God’s Names in the Bible—Ten “Jehovah” Names You Can Rely On!

God’s Kingdom

Just a Little Yeast

Honor from God

Bless Those with Less!

Excuses, Excuses …

Reflection

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

This week’s lesson presented 10 different “names” for God …

Which one of the names did you immediately, or most closely, identify with?

In what ways can you begin to focus your attention on each one of these names and what they tell us about who God is?

What is one area or circumstance in your life that requires God’s intervention? Take time, right now, to ask yourself this question.

In “God’s Kingdom,” Beth Yoe ended her devotional with this anonymous quote: “The best protection against Satan’s lies is to know God’s truth.”

How can what we know about God through his names help us when we are encountering Satan’s lies?

In what ways do you see the “yeast” of the Gospel growing in your life?

Micah 6:8 asks the question, “And what does the LORD require of you?” And then gives the answer: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” 

In what ways are you currently living out this directive?

Are there opportunities in your life for you to “bless those with less”? What are you currently doing with those opportunities?

What excuses you are using for not following Jesus? What can you do to eliminate those excuses?

In what ways is the Holy Spirit guiding you as you read the parables of Jesus?

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” —Philippians 2:3–4

What are Jesus’ parables teaching you? In what ways are you applying the lessons from them to your everyday 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.

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What Does It Mean to “Ask, Seek, and Knock”?

Invited!

God’s Great Mercy

The Lost Sheep

The Lost Coin

The Lost Son

Reflection

This week’s lesson focused on “Ask, Seek, and Knock”:

Today, which one of those verbs is most important to you?

What are you most asking, seeking, and knocking for?

In what ways are you watching for God’s answers?

Have you personally responded to God’s invitation to a relationship with him?

In what ways have you experienced God’s “mercy”? What difference does God’s mercy make in your daily life?

Three of the devotionals this week addressed things that were lost: the lost coin, the lost sheep, and the lost son.

Which one of these parables is most meaningful to you at this point in your life?

What lessons do you need to learn about who God is as you think about him finding the “lost”?

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

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” —Matthew 7:8

As we take a day for reflection … In what ways are you currently experiencing God on a daily basis?

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.”

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Prayers You Can Use

God Is Waiting

Coming to Our Senses

Celebrating the Return of the Lost Son!

We Just Have to Celebrate!

We are God’s Servants

Reflection

This week’s lesson turned focused on the various ways we can use Scripture in our conversations with God.

The application of the lesson encouraged you to choose one of the prayers/scripture passages included in the lesson and pray it for the next week. What kind of impact did this exercise have on your life?

In what ways does prayer strengthen our relationship with God?

In what ways is God “waiting” for you?

Four of this week’s devotionals focused on the parable of the Lost Son. 

What about this story is most meaningful to you?

In what ways have you experienced God’s lavish love?

What one application of these devotionals are you currently trying to incorporate into your life?

In “We Are God’s Servants” Beth Yoe quoted Matthew Henry: “None shall be called to an account for more than they have received; but for what we have, we must all account.” 

In what ways are you using what you have in service to God?

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“In certain ways we are weak, but the Spirit is here to help us. When we don’t know what to pray for, the Spirit prays for us in ways that cannot be put into words. All of our thoughts are known to God. He can understand what is in the mind of the Spirit, as the Spirit prays for God’s people” (Romans 8:26-27, CEV)