Genesis is broken down into two segments. Chapters 1-11 give the historical background to God’s covenant relationship with humanity, while chapters 12-50 focus on the covenant relationship with Abraham and his descendants. The Abrahamic Covenant reveals how God brings blessing to humanity both then and now. Genesis also calls us to trust and obey our Lord who created everything. As you read through Genesis keep in mind the intent of the author and how the original hearers would have received the message; and to not see it merely through the eyes of someone living in 2025.

December 1: Genesis 32

Note: Notice that Chapter 1 was an overview of the days of creation and in Chapter 2 God fills in the details.

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. As Jacob is on his way back home, who does he first encounter? How does this relate to Genesis 31:3?
2. What are the order of events in verses 2-12 and what emotions do you see in Jacob? At what point does Jacob pray and what does he pray? Do you make decisions first and then ask God to bless them? Can you acknowledge your fears to God and how can you claim His promises over them? For more verses on Fear check out: https://www.openbible.info/topics/fear.
3. When does God come to Jacob and who initiates the wrestling? How does Jacob respond? In the wrestling, how does God change Jacob (2 distinct ways)? How does this display God’s love for Jacob?
4. This event in Jacob’s life reminds us of Abraham’s encounter with God when he was asked to offer Isaac on Mt Moriah. Both men encountered situations beyond their ability, resulting in a crisis of faith and recognition of their desperate need of God. For each man it was not the moment of their salvation, but a time when they fully surrendered to His Lordship. Read John 15:5. What about you? Are there areas of your life not fully surrendered to God? How does this lead you to pray?
5. Note: ”Israel" means "God's Warrior.” When Jacob behaved like the "old Jacob," Moses referred to him as "Jacob," but when he behaved like the new "Israel" ("God's Warrior"), Moses referred to him as “Israel."

December 2: Genesis 33

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Who went first to meet Esau? What might have been the reason for the order in which Jacob sent his family to meet Esau?
2. In previous chapters we saw Jacob deceive and scheme Esau to take his blessing and attributed his success to his own efforts. In this chapter, how is Jacob demonstrating his growing trust in the Lord and His promises? Is his trust in the Lord consistent? Why or why not?
3. Proverbs 16:7 states: "When a man's ways are pleasing to the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” We see in this chapter Jacob seeks reconciliation with his brother Esau. Are there people in your life with whom you need to reconcile? How can you trust in the Lord for His timing and leading in this process?

December 3: Genesis 34

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Dinah’s parents were Jacob and Leah; who were her full brothers (29:32-35)? How did Jacob respond to the news of her rape? How did her brothers plot and get their revenge for Dinah’s rape?
2. After Schechem raped Dinah, how did he treat her? When he convinced his father to ask Jacob for the right to marry Dinah did he or his father apologize for the way in which Dinah had been treated? What does this tell you about the mentality of the Canaanites? Look back at 9:25-27, how were the Canaanites described? To learn more about the Canaanites: https://www.gotquestions.org/Canaanites.html.
3. How did Jacob respond to the actions taken by Simeon and Levi? What was he concerned about?
4. This chapter does not mention the name of the Lord. No one seeks His help, thoughts, or wisdom. Instead it displays the disfunction in Jacob’s family. What dysfunctional choices, or sins, do you see?
5. There is a saying, “we catch more than we are taught.” How we live, either for the Lord or for ourselves, will be modeled for our children and family. What are you modeling?

December 4: Genesis 35

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In Chapter 28:20-22 Jacob made a vow to God that if He would protect him then he would return and worship the Lord at Bethel (28:20-22). It has been 10 years since making the vow. Here in verse 1 we see God reminding Jacob of his vow and commanding him to return to Bethel to fulfill the vow by making an altar to the Lord. How does Jacob’s response show his commitment to the Lord? Are there idols in your life—actions, choices, or commitments that are sinful or draw your devotion away from the Lord—that need to be buried and left behind?
2. When Jacob returns to Bethel, as the Lord had commanded, how does the Lord bless him? How does Israel (Jacob) respond? God is growing Jacob’s faith and commitment; and he worships the Lord. Do you see God growing your faith and commitment to Him; and does this lead you to worship? If not, pray and ask the Lord to grow you in these areas; He will! Check out The Journey for ideas of how to engage with the Lord: https://www.gracepointefc.org/journey.
3. As Jacob is journeying to Ephrath, what sorrow and blessing did he encounter?
4. While Jacob is growing in his relationship and faith in the Lord, his family is not yet out of their dysfunction. Where does Reuben fall in the birth order and what does he do? What does this demonstrate about his character and his attitude toward his father?
5. How old is Isaac when he dies and who buries him? How does this fulfill the request of Jacob from Genesis 28:20-22?

December 5: Genesis 36

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to GGod in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What are the nationalities of the wives of Esau? What was the name of the land in which he settled and why did he move?
2. What is Esau called in verse 8? How do we see God fulfilling Genesis 25:23 in this chapter? For further study on the Edomites: https://www.gotquestions.org/Edomites.html.
3. What do the titles of Chief and King tell you about the Edomites? What is the important detail given about the kings in verse 31? What pattern do you notice about the succession of the kings; is it hereditary or something else?
4. Dr. Tom Constable once said relating to this chapter, “Perhaps the major lesson of this genealogy is that secular greatness develops faster than spiritual greatness. Consequently the godly must wait patiently for the fulfillment of God's promises.” (https://soniclight.com/tcon/notes/pdf/genesis.pdf) 
The Edomites, while successful, were not of the chosen line and as we continue to read we will see that they will be in constant conflict with God and Israel. How can the pursuit of success — business, accumulation of wealth, kids activities/sports, relationships — distract you from faithfulness to God’s calling in your life? How can you stay balanced and focused on what matters most? How does this lead you to pray?

December 6: Genesis 37

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How old is Joseph? How do Joseph’s brothers feel about him and what reasons are given for their feelings?
2. How are Joseph’s two dreams interrupted by his brothers and how do they respond? Jacob has had his own dream from the Lord (31:11); how does Jacob respond to Joseph’s dreams?
3. How do Joseph’s brothers treat him, and what is the outcome for Joseph by the end of the chapter?” How do Reuben and Judah’s actions differ from the rest of Joseph’s brothers?
4. Ponder: How does pride fuel jealousy? What other feelings often go with the feeling of jealousy and what actions might one be led to do as a result? Has pride led you to feelings of jealousy or actions you regret? How does this lead you to pray?

December 7: Genesis 38

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Who does Judah marry, what is her nationality, and how many sons do they have? Judah takes a wife, Tamar, for his first born son. What happens to Er and why?
2. Judah, following the custom of levirate marriage, gives Tamar to his second born son, Onan; what happens to Onan and why? Why does Judah not give Tamar to his third son? For more information on levirate marriage see: https://www.gotquestions.org/levirate-marriage.html.
3. What had Judah promised to Tamar and did he fulfill his promise? How and why does Tamar deceive Judah? When the deception is uncovered, how does Judah respond?
4. This is a sobering chapter full of evil, deception, self gratification with a disregard to Tamar, double standards for Judah and the prostitute, and the only mention of God is His response to evil. But God! Read Matthew 1:3; who do you see listed in the genealogy of Christ? God’s plans cannot be thwarted no matter how sinful man shows himself to be. He is a redeeming, heart-transforming God, yet also a just God who judges the evil of humanity. How does this lead you to pray?

December 8: Genesis 39

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How is Joseph’s master described in verse 1? According to verse 3, why did Joseph become a successful man? How did Joseph gain the favor of his master, Potiphar the Egyptian, and what was the result? What key repeated, three letter word, sheds light on the extent of Joseph’s responsibility in his master’s home?
2. How does Joseph respond to the wife of Potiphar? What is his motivation for responding the way he does? What is the difference between Judah’s character from the last chapter and Joseph’s? What is your motivation for your choices in life?
3. How did Joseph escape and what does Potiphar’s wife do in response? What happens to Joseph in prison and why? What is the key repeated phrase that we see at the beginning and end of this chapter?
4. Ponder: put yourself in Joseph’s shoes. How would you have felt to be sold by your brothers; tempted to sin but showed honor to God; and then wrongly accused, lied about, and thrown in prison? How did Joseph respond; did he fight back, complain, let anger spew, get depressed? Who was Joseph relying on as he faced all of this trauma and difficulty in life; and what was the result? Who are you relying on in the difficulties of your life? How does this lead you to pray?

December 9: Genesis 40

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What is Joseph’s position in prison and who is put under his charge? What does this imply about Joseph’s reputation and character while in prison?
2. To whom does Joseph give credit for the ability to interpret dreams? What are the two dreams and how does Jospeh interpret them?
3. What happens to the cupbearer and baker? What was Joseph’s request of the cupbearer and what does the cupbearer do? How can you be mindful to follow through with your commitments?
4. Joseph has been given the gift of interpreting dreams and he attributes his ability to God. What gifts and talents do you possess and do you give credit to God? How does this lead you to pray?

December 10: Genesis 41

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Who did Pharaoh first seek for the interpretation of his dreams and what was the result? Why did the cupbearer inform Pharaoh of Joseph? What did Joseph need to do before appearing before Pharaoh and what does this tell you about the conditions in prison?
2. Whom does Joseph say can interpret dreams and what is the interpretation? What does Joseph say about the repetition of the dreams in verse 32? What does this tell you about God? How does this lead you to pray?
3. In light of the dreams interpretation, what advice does Joseph give the Pharaoh? (V 33-36) How does Pharaoh respond and to whom does he give the credit? (V 38-39) What does Pharaoh do for Joseph?
4. What are the names of Joseph’s two sons? How does the meaning of their names give insight into how Joseph felt about his current situation in life? How has Joseph shown his trust in God despite his circumstances? What about you; how do you display trust in God despite your circumstances?

December 11: Genesis 42

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. When Jospeh’s brothers come before him to buy food, what do they do and how does this relate to Genesis 37:5-11? Do they recognize each other?
2. Joseph tested his brothers to determine their character and whether they had changed throughout the 21 years since they had sold him into slavery. What were the details and requirements of the test? What led Joseph to weep (v 24)?
3. How did Joseph secretly provide for them on their journey home and what does this reveal about his attitude toward his brothers? What impresses you the most from Joseph’s attitude? How do the brothers respond to finding the money in one of their sacks (v 28)?
4. How does Jacob respond to the news and the requirement of Joseph? What is Reuben’s idea and how does Jacob respond?
5. Ponder: In order to have reconciliation the offender must sincerely humble themselves, admit their sin, and have true repentance. This is why Joseph is testing his brothers; can he reconcile with them? How about you? Are there relationships in your life where reconciliation needs to take place? Are there areas in your life where you are the offender? The offended? How is your attitude toward the one who offended you? How does this lead you to pray and ask God to guide you in the healing of relationships?

December 12: Genesis 43

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

In this chapter we see situations in which Jesus faced opposition. This is a turning point in His ministry as the religious leaders move from argumentative and unresponsive to rejection and attempted entrapment.

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Which brother is taking the lead at the beginning of this chapter and how does his suggestion differ from Reuben’s in 42:37?
2. Why were the brothers afraid? What did they do when they saw Joseph? What did Joseph do when he saw Benjamin?
3. Why were the brothers astonished (amazed)? How was Benjamin treated differently? Thinking question: what was Joseph testing by giving Benjamin this kind of treatment? (Hint: 37:4)
4. What is Judah’s father called at the beginning this chapter versus the name used for him in chapter 42? Compare 42:37-38 with 43:14; what is happening to Jacob’s heart and what is he relying on? What do you do when faced with overwhelming fear? Do you rely on your own thoughts and ways of protecting yourself; or do you rely on God, seek His will and step out in faith? How does this lead you to pray?

December 13: Genesis 44

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What was Joseph’s plan to determine the sincerity and change in his brothers? When accused of taking Joseph’s cup, how did the brothers respond and how did Joseph’s servant modify the plan?
2. When the cup was found, how did the brothers respond and what did they do when they saw Joseph? How does this show the brothers change of heart toward their father and the sin they had committed against Jospeh years earlier? (Note: When they sold Joseph, years earlier, they had no regard for how it would impact their father.)
3. What does Judah offer to do and why? How does this point to Jesus and His death on the cross (Isaiah 53:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:21)? For further understanding: https://www.gotquestions.org/become-a-Christian.html.
4. In Judah’s speech to Joseph, he does not hide their sin or excuse it away but confesses it and shows empathy for the hurt he caused. How do you face your sin? How can 1 John 1:8-10 help you own and face your sin? How does this lead you to pray?
5. NOTE: This chapter mentions divination but it is not clear if Joseph actually practiced this or pretended to in order to test his brothers. While this chapter is silent on the morality of the practice of divination, the Bible is clear on it’s condemnation. Read Deuteronomy 18:9-13 for clarity. For further understanding: https://www.gotquestions.org/Bible-divination.html.

December 14: Genesis 45

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. In chapter 44 we saw the genuine repentance and change of heart of Joseph’s brothers for the way they had treated Joseph and their father. In light of this, how does Joseph respond at the beginning of chapter 45? Pause and ponder: put yourself in Joseph’s shoes, how would you have felt? What about the brothers, what would it have been like to hear this amazing and shocking news?
2. What is Joseph’s explanation for how he arrived in Egypt and the position he now holds? Again pause and ponder: If you had been abused by your brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongly imprisoned for years, how would you have felt? Would you feel anger, bitterness, resentment? How does Joseph feel and whom has he been trusting in all these years? How does this lead you to pray?
3. How does Pharaoh bless Joseph and his family? When Jacob hears the news that Joseph is alive how does he respond?
4. This chapter displays an epic reunion of Joseph and his brothers; but what is the first question Joseph asks when he reveals himself to his brothers (,v 3)? In the next chapter we will see the reunion between Joseph and his father; but in this chapter, I can’t help but think of heaven as Jospeh asks about his father. When our loved ones leave this earth we often think about our reunion in heaven and how amazing it will be; but like Joseph, is your first thought about your heavenly father? Read the following verses about heaven: Revelation 22:1-5; Revelation 21:4; Revelation 22:20. How does this lead you to pray?

December 15: Genesis 46

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. On the journey to meet Joseph, Israel offered sacrifices to God at Beersheba. God then spoke to him in a vision of the night; what did God say and what promises were made? Does any of this sound familiar?
2. How many people were in Jacob’s family when he arrived to meet Joseph? Which son did Jacob send ahead to meet Jospeh; and what does this imply about this son’s position in the family?
3. What impacts you the most about the reunion between Jacob and Joseph? A son presumed dead all these years; now reunited! What emotions would you feel?
4. What instructions does Joseph give his family prior to meeting Pharaoh? What land do they settle in and why; and why would this detail be important? For further study on Goshen: https://www.compellingtruth.org/land-of-Goshen.html
5. How does this chapter display the protection of God toward His people? How does this lead you to pray?

December 16: Genesis 47

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How did Pharaoh describe the land of Goshen? What does this imply about how Pharaoh felt toward Jospeh? Ultimately, what does this show about God’s provision for His people?
2. What was the extent of the famine? After all the money was gone, what did the Egyptians give to Joseph and why? Why did the Egyptians say, “You (Joseph) have saved our lives”?
3. How old was Jacob when he arrived in Egypt and how long did he live there? What promise did Jacob request of Joseph? Ponder: How does Jacob display his faith in God through the request made?
4. Read the following passages about God’s promise to Jacob: 28:13-15; 31:3; 35:9-12; 46:2-4. Jacob did not see the land promise fulfilled in his lifetime, yet he believed what the Lord had told him. We may not hear audible voice of the Lord, but He has given us His full written word! Is there a promise from God’s word that you struggle to believe? How does this lead you to pray?

December 17: Genesis 48

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What did Jacob share with Joseph concerning God’s promise at Luz (Bethel)? (v. 3-4 & 21) What does this tell you about Jacob’s faith?
2. What does Jacob tell Joseph about his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh? What deliberate action did Jacob do with his hands, and how did Joseph react? What reason does Jacob give for this action?
3. After Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, did Jacob ever expect to see Joseph again? What surprises Jacob in verse 11? Read Ephesians 3:20: Where have you seen God do “exceedingly abundantly above” what you thought possible?
4. How does Jacob describe God in the blessing he gives to Joseph? What has God been for you throughout your life? What attribute of God or truth of God would you want others to know if you were nearing the end of your life? How does this lead you to pray?

December 18: Genesis 49

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to the Lord in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Before Jacob dies, he makes a prophetic pronouncement over each son. How does Jacob describe what he is going to tell them (v 1)?
2. As you read about each son, keep the following questions in mind: What is Jacob proclaiming over them: a blessing; curse; warning; judgment; promise; or maybe a combination? How had the son’s character or actions influenced Jacob’s pronouncements over them? Does living a life of character matter? How does this lead you to pray? |
For further study on Jacob’s prophecies: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jacobs-prophecies.html.
3. Judah has a special blessing and promise; what is the promise and how long will this last for Judah? For further study on the Scepter check out: https://www.gotquestions.org/scepter-will-not-depart-from-Judah.html

December 19: Genesis 50

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How long did the Egyptians mourn for Jacob? What request does Joseph ask of Pharaoh; and what does Pharaoh’s response show about his care for Joseph and his family?
2. With Jacob gone, what do Joseph’s brothers fear? What do the brothers seek from Joseph? How does Joseph respond to their request?
3. How did Joseph view his suffering in life? (V 19-20) Where was his focus; on the pain and hurt he had encountered or something else? How do you view your struggles? How can you pray to have a perspective like Joseph? Joseph knew and trusted God in all his circumstances. Check out The Journey for next steps you can take to grow in your relationship with God! https://www.gracepointefc.org/journey.
4. Where was Joseph living at the end of his life? Where did he request to be buried and why? Abraham, Issac, Jacob and Joseph all believed in the promises of God, despite never seeing them completely fulfilled. Are you being intentional to pass down the truths of God to your children, family, or friends? How does this lead you to pray?

December 20: Advent 1: Why Jesus Came

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. As you read the following passages search for the answer to the question: Why did Jesus come? Romans 3:23; Proverbs 14:12; John 8:34; Isaiah 59:2; 2 Corinthians 5:19; Romans 5:6-12; Luke 19:10.
2. Reflect on how He came for you: John 14:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9.

December 21: Advent 2: How Jesus Came

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How long has Jesus existed? John 1:1-5 and 14-16; John 8:23, 58; John 17:5; Colossians 1:15-20.
2. How did Jesus come to earth? Luke 2:6-7; Philippians 2:5-11.
3. How does this lead you to pray?

December 22: Advent 3: Prophesies Fulfilled

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper: 
As you read the following passages, answer the question: How did Jesus fulfill the Old Testament Prophecy?

1. Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:22-23
2. Hosea 1:1, Jeremiah 31:15 and Matthew 2:13-18
3. Isaiah 9:2-7; Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6 and Matthew 1:1-16, 20; Luke 1:32, 69
4. Micah 5:2 and Matthew 2:1-6
5. Isaiah 53:8-9 (if time read the whole chapter) and Matthew 27:50; 2 Corinthians 5:21
6. How does this lead you pray?

December 23: Advent 4: How The People Responded

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How did the Shepherds respond to the birth of Jesus? Luke 2:8-14, 20.
2. How did King Herod and the wise men respond to the birth of Jesus? Matthew 2:1-10, 13, 16-18.
3. What about the religious leaders? Matthew 2:4-6. The distance from Jerusalem to Bethlehem was about 5-6 miles and yet we have no record of religious leaders going to see Jesus at His birth. Why didn’t they go? The Scripture does not directly answer this but we can ponder: Unbelief, indifference, too busy, etc.?
4. How about you? How have you responded to Jesus? John 1:9-13; John 3:16-18.

December 24: Advent 5: Mary and Joseph

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Luke 1:26-55: In the 6th month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy (the mother of John the Baptist), the angel of the Lord appeared to Mary. What the did angel say to Mary and how did she respond? Ponder how Mary might have felt.
2. Mary’s Song is found in verses 46-55. What did she believe to be true of her Lord? How would this have helped her find strength in such an unusual time in her life? Where do you find strength in difficult times?
3. Matthew 1:18-19: How does Joseph respond to the news of Mary’s pregnancy? Ponder: If you were Joseph, how would you have felt?
4. Matthew 1:20-25: What does the angel of the Lord say to Joseph and how does his response to Mary’s pregnancy change? What did he trust in?

December 25: Advent 6: Luke 2:1-20

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Merry Christmas! The King is born! Today, as you read Luke 2, ask the Holy Spirit to help you marvel in what our Lord has done for us. Have a wonderful day celebrating Jesus.

December 26: Jesus Will Come Again!

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. As you read the following passages take time to dwell on Christ’s glorious return! 
John 14:1-3; Revelation 1:4-8; I Thessalonians 4:13-18, 5:2; Acts 1:6-11; and Hebrews 9:27-38.
2. Are you ready for His return? Philippians 2:9-11 
How doe this lead you to pray?

Intro to James:

James, a bondservant of the Lord, was the half-brother of Jesus (not one of the disciples). At first, James was not convinced that his half-brother was really the Christ; at least not until after Jesus’ resurrection. James would then become not only a leader in the early church, but also a friend of Peter and Paul. James is writing to his fellow Jewish Christians, who are suffering for the faith, with the goal of exhorting them to seek wisdom from the Lord as they live out their faith in their actions, words, and thoughts. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (4:8)

December 27: James 1

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. Why is James exhorting his fellow suffering Christians to consider trials as joy? Will everyone encounter trials? What can trials produce in you? To whom and how should one ask for wisdom during a trial? How can someone be blessed when in a trial? What about you; how have you walked through trials?
2. Are temptation and sin the same thing? Who temps us? What is the result of sin? What does and doesn’t come from God?
3. In verse 19 -20, what is the order given for how to avoid anger? How are you doing with this order in your relationships? Spend a moment asking God to show you if you are getting this out of order; and if yes, ask Him to show you how this wrong order has negatively impacted your relationships? How does this lead you to pray? This is an excellent verse to memorize!
4. How should we receive the word and how should we respond to it? What can cause a man’s religion to be worthless?
5. James is a very convicting book, in a good way. The Holy Spirit convicts so that new, good growth can flourish. As you read, allow the Holy Spirit to do His work in your life. How does this lead you to pray?

December 28: James 2

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How does James compare/contrast the rich versus the poor in verses 1-13? What does he call evil motives (thoughts)? What did God choose the poor to receive; and what is the qualification for receiving it?
2. How do we become guilty of all of the law? By what law does James want us to be judge by and therefore guide our speaking and actions? For further study: https://www.gotquestions.org/law-of-liberty.html. Also: https://soniclight.com/tcon/notes/pdf/james.pdf : “God will not judge us with partiality. He will punish the unmerciful unmercifully. We need to understand this statement in the light of other revelations concerning how God will judge believers. We are in no danger of losing our salvation or even experiencing God's wrath (Rom. 8:1). However, we will suffer a loss of some reward if we sin by practicing unmerciful favoritism (2 Cor. 5:10; cf. Matt. 5:7; 6:15; 7:1; 18:23-25).”
3. What do the demons believe? Is this kind of faith enough? What kind of faith is dead and useless? Is James saying your works save you, why or why not? For further study: https://www.gotquestions.org/faith-without-works-dead.html.
4. How are your faith and works, working together? In other words, is your faith in God just lip service or is it changing your life (thoughts, actions, desires)? How does this lead you to pray?

December 29: James 3

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What would make a perfect man? What small part has the ability to direct the whole body?
2. How is the tongue like a fire? What two things can come from the same tongue and how does God feel about this? How’s your tongue? How does this lead you to pray?
3. In verses 13-18, James mentions two different types of wisdom; what are they; how are they described; and what is there result?
4. Read: Proverbs 2:6 - How does one obtain wisdom? (If time read the whole chapter) How does this lead you to pray?

December 30: James 4

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. What causes quarrels and conflicts? Why do you not receive what you ask for? How does friendship with the world contribute to your hostility toward God?
2. What is God opposed to? What 2 actions cause the devil to flee from you? What happens when we draw near to God and how does one do this?
3. How does the context of chapter 3 shed light on verses 11-12; what is the problem in judging your brethren? “The heart of the problem is always the problem of the heart.” (Jeff).
4. How does a proud person make plans differently from a humble person? (V 13-17) What is sin?
5. How has the Lord impacted your reading today? What conviction, encouragement or challenge have you faced while reading and how does this lead you to pray?

December 31: James 5

Pray: “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.”

1. What do you learn about God (The Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) from this chapter? His thoughts, ways or actions toward us, as His creation? How can you respond to God in prayer and praise?

Dig Deeper:

1. How is James describing the rich in verses 1-6? Is he simply saying it is wrong to be rich; why or why not? How is the wealthy man treating his employees? It is good to let Scripture interpret Scripture, therefore, read the following Scriptures to shed light on how we should view wealth: Luke 12:19-21; I Timothy 6:10; and Matthew 6:33. How do you view wealth and how do you treat those in your life as a result?
2. In verses 7-11, why are we to be patient? What are we to do as we wait for the Lord’s return? Who are the two examples mentioned of suffering and patience? What are they called because of their endurance and how does the Lord respond to them? How is your patience and how does this lead you to pray?
3. When we do not display patience in suffering, what are we likely to do or say in the midst of our suffering? How does verse 12 warn against this type of reaction to suffering?
4. How many times is the word “pray” (prayer) used in verses 13-18? What do you learn about the word pray? Does God always heal? For further study: https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-for-the-sick.html.