Sunday, December 16, 2012

Opening: Do you remember as a child or when your children were young that there were times the request, “Come look.” “See what I can do.” “Come help me.”

Scripture: Read Isaiah 55:1-12.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• There is a sense of urgency in this passage, as God invites everyone to enter into his promised blessings. God implores us to “seek the Lord while he may be found” (see verse 6).
• “Come … come. … come.” Jesus also urgently calls come (see John 7:37–39). This is all one needs to do in order to find mercy in God. When do you hear God’s call to come?
• Verse 5 addresses the glorious son of David, the messianic servant, through whom God attracts the nations, bringing history to its appointed consummation. Also see Romans 1:1–5.
• Verse 8 talks about how God’s thoughts, insights, and plans are far beyond human comprehension. When has there been times when you simply did not understand what was going on or why things were happening the way they were? Did you still trust that God knew what was going on? Anything right now in your life that you need to trust God

Prayer Focus: That you would come to God with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life. I will make an everlasting covenant with you. I will give you all the unfailing love I promised to David.”[1]

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[1] Isaiah 55:3 (NLT)

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Opening: What two positive qualities about your mom or dad come to mind as you recall your childhood?

Scripture: Sunday’s message comes from today’s texts. Read Hosea 3:1; Matthew 1:18-25; Romans 3:23-24.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• That’s right – God commands Hosea to do something most of us would say, “No way!” (If you don’t know the story of Hosea, read Hosea 1-3.) What does Hosea’s story tells us about God? About us? About God and His relationship with us?
• What is most striking to you in this story of Jesus’ conception? How have you experienced Jesus as Immanuel in your life lately?
• What do you learn about faith from Joseph? What does it mean to you to realize that God trust His Son to a man and a woman? What does it say about God trusting you to continue to raise up the next generation of Christ followers?

Prayer Focus: For tomorrow’s worship celebration to be a wonderful experience of praise and celebration, and that we would be people devoted to love in all circumstances.

Message Series: “A Different Kind of Christmas”

Tomorrow’s Message Title: “Scandalous Love“

Friday, December 14, 2012

Opening: Sometimes we have to go through pain, but after it’s over, there is blessing and joy; i.e., a vaccination. Think of some other human experiences that hurt in the beginning, but are for our good or bring about an enhanced life.

Scripture: Read Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• This is called “The Suffering Servant” passage. Such a prophecy is astounding! Who would believe that God would choose to save the world through a humble, suffering servant rather than a glorious king? The idea is contrary to human pride and worldly thinking. But God often works in ways we don't expect. The Messiah's strength is shown by humility, suffering, and mercy.[1]
• Look through the passage again. Which prophecy would have been the most unbelievable for Isaiah’s original hearers? Which prophecies describe the experience of Jesus’ crucifixion? Which prophecies are most meaningful to you?
• Verse 6 reads, “All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.”[2] Here is the message of Advent – Jesus came so that our sins would be taken away. Right now, give thanks to God for the gift of the Christ Child.

Prayer Focus: That we would be counted as righteous because of Jesus’ sacrifice.

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[1] Life Application Study Bible, Isaiah 53:1ff

[2] Isaiah 53:6 (NLT)

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Opening: What does you name mean? If you do not know, you might look it up at http://www.babynames.com.

Scripture: Read Isaiah 49:1-13.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Verse 1 foretold the announcement of Jesus’ birth. See Matthew 1:18-21 and Luke 1:30-31.
• Reread verse 4. What work or effort in your life do you need to “leave it all in the hands of the Lord”? What then is left for you to do?
• Look again at verse 7. Unlike the kings of this world, the servant of the Lord conquers by his sufferings. This was certainly fulfilled in Jesus – “by His stripes we are healed.”[1]

Prayer Focus: That we would be the “Lord’s sheep, whom He leads to green pastures and cool waters.”[2]

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[1] Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

[2] See Isaiah 49:9-10

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Opening: You have been chosen to be the subject of newspaper article in your hometown. You’re asked to list your accomplishments and awards. What do you say?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 42:1-13.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Verse 1 is very similar to God’s declaration at Jesus baptism. Read Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, and Luke 3:21-22.
• As you read today’s passage, what examples from Jesus’ life came to mind?
• Verse 4 in the Septuagint (the Greek version of the Old Testament) reads, “And his name will be the hope of all the world” and is quoted in Matthew 12:21. How is Jesus the hope of all the world?
• Reread verse 6. Do you know someone who needs these comforting words? Where do you need them in your life?

Prayer Focus: That everything in our lives would “glorify the LORD and sing his praise.”[1]

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[1] Isaiah 42:12

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Opening: What “life events” usually involve sending out announcements?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 40:1-8.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• Recognize this passage? This verse is used to describe John the Baptist (see Matthew 3:3, Mark 1:3; Luke 3:4, and John 1:23).
• We all experience heartache in our lives. In the midst of yours, did you receive comfort or sense tenderness? How did the Lord help you through that situation?
• Verse 8 reads “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever.”[1] What are the things, possessions, fads, etc. that wither and fade with the passing of time? Do you seek to derive happiness, acceptance, or purpose from these withering and fading things or the word of the Lord?

Prayer Focus: That we would keep permanent things our priority and leave behind the things that fade.

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[1] Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)

Monday, December 10, 2012

Opening: What is your favorite “feast” – not just a favorite food item, but an entire meal of items that makes your mouth water?

Scripture: Read Isaiah 25:1-9.

Connect the Text with Your Life:

• What are the wonderful things God planned long ago for you? Can you list them?
• Reread verse 4 with this question in mind: in what ways did Jesus fulfill this verse? Think of specific incidences in the Gospels.
• In verse 6, Isaiah talks about God's great Messianic feast, where all the people of the world – Gentiles and Jews together – will celebrate as God overthrows evil and they experience the joy of eternity with God.
• Part of verse 8 is quoted in 1 Corinthians 15:54 to describe Christ's victory over death. God's ultimate victory is seen when death, our ultimate enemy, is defeated. Another part of this verse is quoted in Revelation 21:4, which describes the glorious scene of God's presence with his people. How do you feel about this promise? Do you know for certainty your death will be overcome in victory? Do you know someone who needs this assurance?

Prayer Focus: That we would declare, “This is our God! We trusted in him, and he saved us! This is the LORD, in whom we trusted. Let us rejoice in the salvation he brings!”[1]

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[1] Isaiah 25:9 (NLT)