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

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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.