QT 28 Dec 14, Rom 12:1, Do we really appreciate all that has been done for us in securing salvation?

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
13	12/28	Rom 12:1-2	Romans 12:1 (ESV) — 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.	Paul appeals (or in other versions, beseeches) us on the basis of all God has done for us with our salvation to give our very life as a sacrifice to God. Not in the sense of physical death, but death from worldly things. It is not a command, but an appeal, on the basis of logic. How can we respond in any other way for all God has done for us.	How much do I value my salvation? Do I take it for granted? Do I treat it with the knowledge of all that has been done to secure my position in God's family. We are not all God's children. You have to be adopted into God's family to be his child. We may not like hearing that, but it is the truth of scripture.	God, thank you so much for your salvation. I do appreciate, more than I will ever be able to express my gratitude for all that you have done in my life. I know I am undeserving. I can't imagine the price that was paid for my sin. I pray my actions would not suggest a flippancy in regard to what you have done for me. Thank you.

QT 20 Dec 17, Eph 5:10 15-17, How we apply God's word requires intentional thought

12

12/20

Eph 5:3-21 (key:15-17)

Ephesians 5:10, 15-17 (ESV) — 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. … 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

We are told to "try to discern" and "look carefully" and "make(ing) the best use of time." God wants us to use our mind to do his will. Obviously, the word of God clearly reveals God's will. But there are things, not specifically mentioned, or as applications of God's word that we can do.

I know that we are to love one another, that is clearly in God's word. How I love is not exhaustively or at least specifically mentioned. Serving is mentioned but changing a tire is not mentioned in scripture. The application of love requires thought.

God, open my mind to how I can apply your word. I pray for a new and insightful way to love or serve someone this day.

QT 18 Dec 17, Col 1:6c-7, Seeing ministry multiple is a unique joy

12

12/18

Col 1:3-14 (key:9-10)

Colossians 1:6c–7 (ESV) — 6c …  since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth, 7 just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf

It is interesting to see Paul's excitement about a church he never visited. Apparently Epaphras shared his faith there and there was a response to the message. Paul is overjoyed and continues to thank God for their faith.

It is exciting to see our children in the faith take the gospel to others. The only greater joy is leading a person to the savior. The second greatest joy is seeing a child in the faith lead another to faith in Christ. That is the goal of the discipleship triads and quads -- seeing the gospel replicated. It is not just growing in our relationship with God, but it is making an impact on others.

Father, give me a strong witness among those I live and work around. I pray they would see the impact of Jesus Christ in my life. I pray they would be intrigued enough to question my faith.

QT 14 Dec 17, Phil 1:5-6, Our commitment to the gospel is a measure of spiritual maturity

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
12	12/14	Phil 1:3-11 (key:9-10)	Philippians 1:5–6 (ESV) — 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.	Paul was genuinely enthused by the Philippians. From the first day, when Lydia opened her house to him, through the years of ministry in which they repeatedly sent gifts, to now, the latest gift to arrive with Epaphroditus to Rome for him. He was deeply touched by their love.	Their use of their money and their commitment to the gospel is what affirmed to Paul that God was working in their lives, and he would bring that work to completion. They were part of completing God's will on earth. I want my life to be part of God's grand plan. I want to make an impact on many generations for his names sake.	Father, use me in this world for your name's sake. Give me a life that draws people to the savior. May I live never to bring dishonor to your name.

QT 13 Dec 2017, Job 28:28, The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
12	12/13	Job 28:20-28 (key:28)	Job 28:28 (ESV) — 28 And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.’ ”	In the preceding verses, it is clear that wisdom is not easily found. One can search the whole earth for wisdom. But God answers the search with a very clear cut answer. Wisdom is to fear God, and to turn away from evil.	We don't really seem to believe this truth of scripture. We seek for wisdom in all the wrong places. True wisdom is obedience to the word of God. Do I really believe this? Do my actions show that I believe this?	Lord, help me to be obedient to your word. Help me to see where I am not obedient? Be gentle, I pray.

QT 11 Dec 17, Prov 3:5-6, The key to walking God's paths

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
11	12/11	Prov 3:1-8	Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) — 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.	This passage is full of reasons to pay attention to God's word. I wonder at times if it corresponds to the Old Covenant or is a general principle for life. In the latter it would mean that in general, God will take care of those who acknowledge him. Rom 8:28 says a similar thing except that it says that God works for the good of those who love him.	The word is the key to living a fruitful life. By fruitful, I do not mean it in a materialistic sense but rather with the idea that God can use and bless your life. I want to be about God's business. I want to live my life according to God's word. I want to trust in him and not my own understanding.	God help me to stay close to your word. Help me to always give it attention day and night. Help me to be faithful and to live my life according to your principles.

QT 7 Dec 17, Prov 2:20-21, God's word can protect us against sexual sin

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
11	12/7	Prov 2:16-22	Proverbs 2:20–21 (ESV) — 20 So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright will inhabit the land, and those with integrity will remain in it,	The danger is adultery or fornication, a sin that our society no longer sees as grave as God sees it. The secret to protection from sin, is the wisdom of God's word washing the world's way of thinking away.	We need God's word so much today. The world wants to enslave us in its system of values. God offers real freedom by obedience to him. It doesn't seem that way, because the world wants us to be "free" from God, but they only offer a different type of slavery that leads to death.	God protect me from the world's way of thinking. Wash me in the word. Protect me from the evil one's schemes.

QT 6 Dec 17, Prov 2:9-10, God's wisdom exercised in our life begets more of God's wisdom in our life

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
11	12/6	Prov 2:1-15	Proverbs 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; 10 for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;	This is the result of inclining our heart to God's word and being obedient to the word (application). Correct  godly knowledge begets more correct godly knowledge. When we listen (get, hear) the word and obey (do) the word, the effect is very pleasant.	We are created for a purpose. Ultimate joy is found in achieving that purpose. Our primary purpose is to know God and glorify him with our life The word of God is the key because it contains the instructions on how to achieve our purpose in life. Ultimately all of life will seem meaningless and frustrating until we understand our purpose.	Lord, continue to teach me and use me to glorify you in my life. Teach me from your word. Reveal yourself to me.

QT 4 Dec 17, Phil 4:5, Gentleness is a characteristic of God-followers

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
11	12/4	Phil 4:1-9	Philippians 4:5 (ESV) — 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;	The NIV says 'gentleness' and the NASB95 says 'gentle spirit.' Why? I believe because it is a primary characteristic of our Lord. He love people and cared for people and was gentle with people.	I have seen this character quality change the most in my life over the years. This same passage mentions peace twice. There is a peace that comes from years of walking with God. It is hard to explain, but it is a calmness born out of the Spirit who lives within. As more aspects of our lives are turned over to Christ, we realize the overwhelming peace that only Jesus can give.	Lord, I want to grow more in your peace. I want to be known as a man with a gentle spirit, who is reasonable. I don’t want to be a uncaring firebrand or as a man without compassion. I pray for the church. There are too many who live be rules and not by the love of God. Help us to learn to love.

QT 30 Nov 17, John 17:20, I am His and need not fear this world

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
10	11/30	John 17:20-26	John 17:20 (ESV) — 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,	Jesus prayer was not just for his disciples but for us as well.	Jesus prayed for me on earth, and intercedes for me even today before the Father. I am his and he will keep me until the end. Why do I fear? Why do I let events un-nerve me? Why do I let the world bother me?	Father, keep me in you, give me the peace that passes all understanding. Help me to rest in your love and not in my weak strength.

QT 29 Nov 17, John 17:15-18, The word of God is the essential ingredient to living in this world for God

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
10	11/29	John 17:12-19	John 17:15–18 (ESV) — 15 I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.	God doesn't want to take us out of the world. Jesus sends us out into the world. They key is that we are sanctified (made holy) through the truth, God's word.	The key to our witness and effectiveness is the word of God. The word sanctifies us, that is, it makes us holy. We are set apart from the world. We are different because of the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit within us. The key to growing in our effectiveness in the world is to make living the word of God our priority in life.	Father, help me to be a doer of the word and not just a hearer. Open my eyes to truth. Give me insight into your word and its implications for my life.

QT 28 Nov 17, John 17:11, We are to be in the world, not just a part of the world

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
10	11/28	John 17:6-11	John 17:11 (ESV) — 11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one.	We are in the world, Jesus knew he was leaving the world. He also knew, that we would be one with him, and that we would be together with him again.	Being in the world is important, if it was not, the best choice would to take us home upon believing. No, we have a mission here in the world. We are not of the world anymore. We are not to live for the world anymore. But we are to be in the world. We are to be salt and light to the world. Probably, we are the restrainer of sin as well. We have a reason and purpose to be in the world.	Lord, help me to fulfill my purpose in this world. Help me to see the avenues that you have opened for me to work. I think I am following the paths you have laid out, but I do know that the world pulls me to be a part of it, not just in it.

QT 27 Nov 17, John 17:3, Eternal life is a relationship with God, not a religion

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
10	11/27	John 17:1-5	John 17:3 (ESV) — 3 And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.	Eternal life is a relationship with God and his Son (through the Spirit) which resides in us. It is a relationship primarily, not a length of time, since time would have no meaning in eternity (infinity).	Do I truly appreciate the significance of my relationship to God? The answer is no. If I did I would be far more vocal and courageous in my defense of the gospel. I am like Timothy, timid when I do not need to be timid. God has given me so much and he expects me to use what he has given me.	Thank you Lord for all that you have taught me and done in my life. May I live in a manner that truly expresses my thankfulness for eternal life, for a relationship with God, the only true God.

QT 22 Nov 17, Matt 6:9-13. Understanding the model of Jesus example prayer

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
10	11/22	Matt 6:9-13	Matthew 6:9–13 (ESV) — 9 Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread, 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.	I like how the Bible Knowledge Commentary organizes this prayer. Worship Reverence Desire (for God's Kingdom) Prayer for His will to be accomplished on earth Petition for daily personal needs Requests for spiritual needs (like forgiving another) Recognition of my spiritual weakness	This is a good way of thinking about prayer. What are my real personal needs, and do I ever pray for my spiritual needs. Do I remember to acknowledge my weakness?	Father, you are awesome in understanding what is best for us. Our world is in pain because we have ignored your rule. I pray your rule would descend upon us. I pray we would repent of our sin. I pray today that I would stay fixed on accomplishing my work. I pray I would be a good witness to my co-workers. I pray for protection from the enemy's schemes.

QT 20 Nov 17, Mark 11:24-25, God promises to answer prayer, but what does it look like?

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
9	11/20	Mark 11:20-25	Mark 11:24–25 (ESV) — 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”	The passage teaches that we must believe that what we is praying will come true.	I need to start visualizing all the ways God may choose to answer a prayer. He will answer it, although probably not in the way I would expect. But by visualizing the potential answers. Then when it is answered, I can recognize the answer and thank God for his perfect provision.	Lord, help me to be more cognizant of your answered prayers. Help me to hear and see what you are doing in the world and the lives of others.

QT 16 Nov 17, Matt 5:13, The Church restrains evil for now ...

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
9	11/16	Matt 5:1-16	Matthew 5:13 (ESV) — 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.	Salt is for preservation. We are the preserving agent in the world. We also add taste to the food (life) such that it is good. But the world has rejected us and prefers garbage to God's food.	Someday, the church will be taken away and our role in constraining evil will be removed from the earth. The people of the earth will get what they always wanted, life without God, and life without his reminders, and life without his influence through believers. Of course, the tribulation saints will rise up and it will be short-lived. But even the tribulations saints will not number enough men and women to constrain evil.	Father open our eyes before it is too late. Evil is attacking on all fronts. The world is heading to chaos. What a terrible time to learn. Open our eyes I pray.

QT 15 Nov 17, Ps 119:110, The world wants to see individual Christians fail -- they are watching you.

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
9	11/15	Ps 119:105-112	Psalm 119:110 (ESV) — The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts.	The wicked, enemies of God, and especially Satan's workers, are laying juicy traps for me all the time. Not every instant, but are strategically looking for those opportunities to capture me. An snare or traps always have juicy bait, otherwise they would not work.	People, even my non-Christian friends want to see me fail. Not that they are trying to be an enemy, but that want reasons to not believe. Of course, I will fail, but there are different types of failures. We understand that we will all fail in some degree, but it is the big stuff that really interests them, like my relationship with my wife, and how I handle frustration at work.	Father, help me to live in your power and grace. Help to live as a good example to those around me. Protect me from the evil one's snares. May people see Jesus Christ in my life and reshaping my life.

QT 13 Nov 17, Ps 19:13, Live according to your limits

8

11/13

Ps 19:12-14

Psalm 19:13 (ESV) — 13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression.

Presumption is a failure to observe limits. I know what my limits are, and when I willing violate those limits I put myself in danger to temptation. Violating the limits are not sin, just stupid.

I will never win the battle with sin here on earth. I will always struggle. But I do not have to be defeatist. I do not and should not allow sin to rule in my life. I may fail, but every time I will pick myself up, repent, and honestly seek to stay clear of whatever trap I fell into.

Lord, help me to recognize my limits, to understand your limits on me, and to live accordingly. Let me live in the joy of your salvation.

QT 9 Oct 17, Ps 19:9b-10a, Do we really seek God's word above financial gain?

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
8	11/9	Ps 19:7-11	Psalm 19:9b–10a (ESV) — 9b … the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; …	God's rules are to be desired more than gold. There is something about God's rules that is far more valuable than any type of monetary gain. But we really don't believe it and we really don't see it.	I think we don't understand how are lives can be truly transformed by the word of God. We don't fully appreciate how important it is. We seek better jobs, better pays, better deals, … all financial actions. But God says, the word is much better. How is that shown in my life?	Father, my life does not live this verse. I need to recommit myself to getting into the word of God in as many ways as possible: reading, QT, memorization, bible study, and mediation. My two weaknesses are nightly reading and meditation during the day. I need to set a reading goal and stick to it this year.

QT 2 Nov 17, Matt:5:17-19, Jesus fulfilled the law for us, we are not under the OT law

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
8	11/2	Matt 5:17-20	Matthew 5:17–19 (ESV) — 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. 19 Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.	This verse is used by many who would argue that we are still under the law today. So it is important to understand what Jesus means. Because incorrectly interpreting this verse would seem to condemn Paul as one of the least in the kingdom of God. And while he does say that, it is certainly not because he felt he was teaching false doctrine. If Paul taught that we are not under the law, that the law was nailed to the cross, and that it has been abolished, then Jesus' statement "until all is accomplished" has been fulfilled. Jesus said, "I came to fulfill them (the law)." A look at one of the meanings in the Greek, suggests to carry through to the end. Jesus completely obeyed the entire OT law. He fulfilled it. And having fulfilled it he died for our sins. His life accomplished the law. He did not come to abolish the law, he lived the law. But his death did abolish the OT law.	Of course, it is not that we are no longer under any law. Paul's letters say that we are under the law of Christ. Many of the commandments of the law have been repeated by Jesus and the apostles and so they are the law of Christ for us. Nine of the ten commandments, most of the moral law are clearly repeated for the NT believer. The dietary and ceremonial laws are not repeated, and so we are not under those laws. A person is free to obey those law but to teach others to obey them would be teaching false doctrine.	Father, why is it we want to be under the OT law? Is it our pride, our sense of earning our salvation? Help me to communicate the love of Christ to those who wrap themselves in the hypocrisy of law-followers. Help them to see that far from showing the beauty of Christ, their lives depict ugliness, hardness, anger, and no joy. Open our eyes to truth.

QT 1 Nov 17, Isa 53:8, He was "cut off" for me, who is undeserving

Wk	Date	Passage	Key Verses(s) [Optional]	Basic Thing(s) Taught	Personal Insight(s) & Application(s)	Prayer Response
7	11/1	Isa 53:4-12	Isaiah 53:8 (ESV) — 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people?	This verse reminds me of another verse: Daniel 9:26 (ESV) — 26 And after the sixty-two weeks, an anointed one shall be cut off and shall have nothing. And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. Its end shall come with a flood, and to the end there shall be war. Desolations are decreed. Two similar words: cut off. The first in Isaiah means to be excluded and the second in Daniel means to be ended. Both are also equivalently to be cut off, just difference senses.	Jesus life was given for my life and many others. He died in my place for my sin. He suffered my punishment and took away my guilt. He was guilty of no sin. He never wronged anyone. He never lied or stole or was jealous or tried to destroy a person's good name. He did call sin by its name, and in the case of the Pharisees, that was embarrassing. But everything he did was right. The one person who never had to die, chose to die for me.	Father, thank you for your love and the love shown in your son. I am undeserving. I continually fail to comprehend the magnitude of your love and what you did for me. Forgive me for my complacency toward you and with the gospel. Help me to be bold to share my story to others.