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Archive for October, 2007

October 28, 2007

Published by dave on October 28, 2007 in Joseph Series: Redemptive Living In A Broken World. 1 Comment

Genesis 37:1-36 - “Facing Our Deepest Need”

  1. Returning from a recent trip to Uganda and Kenya our plane flew over Sudan. As I looked out the window at 30,000 feet, I saw a different sight than I would have seen if I was standing on the ground in Sudan. Why is it tempting to think that we should live our lives at the 30,000 feet level rather than face the “on-the-ground” broken and difficult relationships in our lives? What are some ways that we seek to escape the issues of brokenness and sin?
  2. Genesis 37 begins the presentation of Joseph’s life by looking at his family background. Though not a very pretty picture, we are able to see several dynamics that contributed to the sinful behavior of these individuals. Read the chapter and take note of the attitudes and actions of Joseph, Jacob and Joseph’s brothers. What is the common thread in all their actions?
  3. Joseph was favored by his father and hated by his brothers. How are his dreams an expression of Joseph’s heart and God’s plan? What can we learn from this passage of Scripture?
  4. In spite of the evil actions of Joseph’s brothers, God was at work. How does the story reveal the “accidental circumstances” that were orchestrated by God? What were they? How is God at work in the details of our lives? Why should we be confident that God is with us as we face difficulties and hardships
  5. It was in Dothan that Joseph was sold into slavery. It was in Dothan that Elisha’s servant saw chariots of fire. Compare 2 Kings 6:13-23 with Genesis 37:12-33. What are the glaring differences? Why doesn’t the Lord always open our eyes to His plan in the world and our lives? How should we live when it seems like God is missing from our circumstances?
  6. Jacob’s family had a history of showing favoritism toward certain people. Read Genesis 37:34-36 and evaluate Jacob’s response to Joseph’s disappearance. What does his grief indicate about his view of Joseph? What does his response tell the other brothers about Joseph’s place in their father’s life?
  7. If Jacob worshiped Rachel and Joseph, what should we think about our relationships with our family members? What are some healthy ways that our identity is tied up with our family members? What are some unhealthy ways?
  8. How does the story of Joseph point us to Jesus and our need for Christ’s redemptive work in our lives?
  9. How does this chapter help us answer the following questions: Who am I? Where is God in my life? Who do I trust? What can we learn about redemptive living in a broken world from Genesis 37?

Ask the Lord to use this meditation of His Word to increase our love for Him and for each other as we seek to live daily by the grace of God.

October 14, 2007

Published by ken on October 14, 2007 in Engaging Our Changing World. 0 Comments

Mark 10:17-31 - Proclaiming Grace to Good People

  1. By faith, identify 1-3 people with whom you will begin (or continue) to have spiritual conversations.
  2. How does God’s character relate to the “relative goodness” of humanity?
  3. When should we encourage our family and friends to reexamine their beliefs and decisions concerning Jesus?
  4. The question of following Jesus is a question of the heart. Pray that God would open their hearts to the gospel. Will you commit yourself to praying (1x / week, 3x/week, 1x/month, everyday, etc.) for these people?
  5. How can you practically exhibit God’s grace and Jesus’ compassion in the lives of “good” people during this upcoming week?
  6. How can you testify to the “rewards” of following Christ with family and friends?

October 7, 2007

Published by ken on October 7, 2007 in Engaging Our Changing World. 0 Comments

Psalm 73:25-26 - “A Cry for Intimacy”

  1. Why do you think people seek “experiences” with God? Do you seek God or an experience of God? What’s the difference?
  2. Can you recall a time when you felt “intimate” and/or “on fire” for God? What was it like? Did you do anything to make this happen?
  3. Intimacy will not come unless we learn the discipline of “forsaking.” What areas listed above (principle #2) do you need to forsake? Is there anything specific?
  4. Some of our most intimate and dynamic times with God occur when we are “frail.” What, if any, is the connection between our human frailty and developing intimacy for God via spiritual disciplines such as prayer, worship, fasting, etc?
  5. What are some characteristics of passionate prayer?
  6. What kind of changes would occur as we develop a passionate, intimate, and dynamic relationship with God?