Apicontent

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.”

Quick Links

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.

Quick Links

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!

Quick Links

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.

Quick Links

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.”

Quick Links

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)

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.
 

Quick Links

“One Another” Body Life

Pray … and Don’t Stop!

God WILL Answer

Humility

We Come to God Only Through Jesus

God, Have Mercy on Me!

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:

• God who is always with us
• Our Lord and Master
• The strong, faithful One
• The Sovereign Ruler of the entire universe
• Everlasting God
• The God who sees
• 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 for 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:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Time for some reflection. What are you learning about Jesus’ life and teachings as you read the devotionals from the book of Matthew? In what ways is your life becoming more Christlike day by day?

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

Quick Links

Live for Eternal Significance

Exalted by God

Our Work for God

Reluctant or Willing?

Faithful in Service

Accountable

Reflection

How did you answer the question included at the end of this week’s lesson, “Live for Eternal Significance”: In what ways are you able to use your time, talent, and treasure to echo into eternity?

What are your thoughts about having your life echo into eternity? Have you thought about this before?

How can you be more intentional with the use of your time, talent, and treasure?

In “Exalted by God,” Beth Yoe included this quote by Thomas a Kempis: “Man sees your actions, but God, your motives.”

How does this quote relate to the issue of using your time, talent, and treasure in a way that will echo into eternity?

Which of this week’s devotionals was most meaningful to you?

In “Accountable,” Beth Yoe wrote: “The failure of the servant to put his talents to work was an indication of his lack of faith in the master’s response to him upon his certain return. The servant failed to put forth any effort to improve the lot given him.”

In what ways do the ways in which you are using your time, talent, and treasure show your faith, or lack of faith, in God?

In what ways are you currently focused on living for eternal significance?

Go a Step Beyond

Life can be hard! If you are looking for some additional encouragement or inspiration, take some time to watch and listen to Pastor Tony Evans. The video we are recommending for this week contains an entire sermon of reassurance and motivation to persevere. When You Feel Like Giving Up

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, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” —Colossians 3:23–24

Time for some reflection. As you read through this week’s devotionals, what thoughts and feelings did you have about following Jesus?

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

Quick Links

Jesus: God’s Beloved Son

God’s Vineyard

Rejection of the Son?

Jesus, Our Cornerstone

Broken to Pieces

Choose to Follow the Truth

Reflection

This week we began a new lesson series on God’s great love for us. The lesson focused on Jesus, God’s beloved Son.

In the introduction to the lesson, the author stated: “Love begins with God. God loves us, not because we did anything to deserve it, but simply because it is His nature to love. He values us. He longs for us. He has our best interest at heart.”

What is your personal response to the above statement?

In what ways are you currently experiencing God’s love?

What difference does knowing God and experiencing His love for us make as we live day to day?

Which of the devotionals this week was most meaningful to you?

In “Rejection of the Son?” Beth Yoe wrote: “May we not be found in the place of desolation! Consider for a moment all that God has blessed us with! Think about His constant love for us!”

What blessings are you currently experiencing from God’s hand?

In what ways are you experiencing God’s love?

Are there any ways in which God seems distant from you right now?

Yesterday, Beth Yoe wrote in “Choose to Follow Truth”: People are clearly given the choice between following the world and following God. God does not want us to do a limping dance between the two options—a divided mind and heart will never stand.”

In what ways are you currently following the world? In what ways are you following God?

When in your life do you tend to “do a limping dance between the two options”?

How can you remember to follow Jesus?

This week we completed the “Parables in Luke” devotionals. What are some of the important lessons you have learned over the past several weeks of reading, studying, and reflecting?

Go a Step Beyond

Take a few moments to be encouraged as you follow God! Check out this video: Follow

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” —Jeremiah 17:7–8

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 past week that you want to reconsider … or that you missed!

Quick Links

Jesus Tells the Story of the Lost Sheep

Introduction to Highlights in Matthew

Can You See God’s Grace?

Are You Willing to Repent?

Come, Follow Me!

God Is at Work!

Reflection

The lesson this week was on the parable of the Lost Sheep. The lesson ended with this question: How might accepting that God values you and takes joy in you affect your relationship with Him?

This week we began a new series of devotions from the book of Matthew. Which of the devotionals was most meaningful to you?

In “Can You See God’s Grace,” Beth Yoe included a quote from Robert J. Morgan: “No sea is deeper than the ocean of His love. There is no army stronger than His hosts, no force greater than His throne of grace, no enemy who can overcome His direct and indirect work in our lives.”

In what ways are the observations about God included in this quote encouraging to you?

What things in your life are you facing right now that you need to apply God’s grace and power to?

In “Come, Follow Me!” Beth Yoe wrote: “It is God’s desire for us to live our lives with open hands—not holding on to any earthly treasure or endeavor.”

In what ways are you living your life with open hands? In what ways are you “holding on” to things here on earth?

Yesterday, in “God Is at Work!” Beth wrote, “There is always much more going on than what we can see. God is always working whether we see His hand or not.”

In what area of your life do you need to trust God’s work?

Go a Step Beyond

Take a few minutes to watch this inspirational video: Life with God

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” —Ephesians 3:20–21

Every day you are receiving knowledge from God’s Word that has the potential to change your life. As you read about and reflect upon the life and love of Jesus, what difference is it making in your life on a day-to-day basis?

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

Quick Links

Jesus Tells the Story of the Lost Son

Choosing to Follow Jesus

You Need a Savior

The Next Step

Are You Ready?

The All-Encompassing Compassion of Christ

Reflection

This week’s lesson focused on the parable of the Lost Son.

Which person do you most relate to in this story: the father, the lost son, the older son?

In what ways do you currently view God’s love?

The lesson ended with this question: Can you identify any wrong thoughts that are keeping you from fully receiving your heavenly Father’s love?

Beth Yoe wrote in “Choosing to Follow Jesus”: “Emotional zeal will not sustain us when the winds of life blow hard. Our love for Jesus must be grounded in the knowledge of the truth of His Word.”

How do you most often handle “the winds of life”?

In what ways are you grounding your love for Jesus in the knowledge and truth of His Word?

In “The All-Encompassing Compassion of Christ,” Beth included this quote by D.A. Carson: “It is rare that Christians earnestly seek the Lord’s face when things are going swimmingly, when material blessings abound and we seem to be protected from the vicissitudes faced by others. But in the blackness of discouragement, when we are harassed and downcast, we may indeed turn to the Lord and acknowledge our helplessness apart from his grace; we may do so knowing that God is a compassionate God and that Jesus’ compassion was particularly directed toward the harassed and the helpless.”

What place are you at in your life today? Where things are going very well? In a place of “blackness”? Ask your heavenly Father to meet you there.

In what ways are you experiencing God’s compassion?

Go a Step Beyond

Take a little extra time to focus on your relationship with God. You will experience spiritual growth as you put your trust in Jesus Christ. And as you grow, you will be able to trust God increasingly with every detail of your life. Take a few minutes to watch this video: Develop the Relationship

Write It on Your Heart

Take a few minutes to memorize this verse:

“Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.” —Psalm 119:89