Day 1:
PREP: How does Joseph decide what to do next? When does he make decisions?
READ: Matthew 2:19-23
SO WHAT: You probably don’t get instructions from the Lord in dreams or with an audible voice, but the Holy Spirit has plans for you and is wanting to guide you. Today, try and find out something He wants from you and do it. Get quiet enough to listen in your heart.
PRAY: Ask Jesus to put a burden of love on your heart for someone today. Ask Him to be clear.
Day 2:
PREP: John the Baptist talks about repentance in these verses. That word ‘repent’ in the original language literally means “change your thinking”. What did John want people to change their thinking about?
READ: Matthew 3:1-12
SO WHAT: If Jesus is going to be the King of the world, what do you need to change your mind about? What doesn’t matter? What does matter? What needs to be cut down in your life?
PRAY: Ask the Lord to show you one thing He wants to work on in you today and ask for help.
Day 3:
PREP: Baptism is about allegiance and dedication. It’s a ceremonial way of saying that you’re sold out to a group or cause. It’s like people painting up at sporting events. This is your team.
READ: Matthew 3:13-17
SO WHAT: After 30 years of anonymity, Jesus gets baptized. He’s all in on this mission in a public way, and what happens? Do you feel like the Father did about Jesus? Are you ready to sell out for this mission as well and make this your team today?
PRAY: Ask Jesus to show you specific ways to follow Him today that you can carry out.
Day 4:
PREP: When Jesus was tempted by Satan, what questions did Satan ask Him? Look closely.
READ: Matthew 4:1-11
SO WHAT: Twice, the question was, “If you are the Son of God…” in other words, do you know who you are? What if you get asked that question? Do you know who you are and whose you are today? What do you need to remember about who you really are?
PRAY: Ask Jesus to help you feel what is true about you - so that you can really know it
Day 5:
PREP: What does Paul tell you about Jesus in these verses? What is your image of Him here?
READ: Colossians 1:15-20
SO WHAT: If Jesus has all of God’s fullness and is making God visible for us, then what is Godlike? Think about what you know of Jesus - that’s what God wants you to know about His heart.
PRAY: Jesus died to bring everyone to God and to bring everything together under His supremacy - ask Jesus to show you what needs to be reconciled in you today. Ask for help.
Day 6:
PREP: Paul describes the Gospel (or Good News) - once you were this, now you are this. What is the Good News? How did it become available to you?
READ: Colossians 1:21-23
SO WHAT: Look at the three things Paul says you are now because of Jesus’ death. What would be different about your life today if you lived like you completely believed that was true?
PRAY: What is the one thing you most need Jesus to do for you today?
Day 7:
PREP: What are the things you need to remember when the world falling is apart around you?
READ: Psalm 46
SO WHAT: No matter what happens, God is with me, He is in control and I am safe. Go back through this Psalm with that last sentence in mind. What if you made it your goal to believe this with everything you’ve got the next time the ceiling caves in? What would change?
PRAY: Ask Jesus to help you remember and feel the things you forget or don’t really buy into.