Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Ten Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Ten Scripture - Luke 19:38 - Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Day Ten The Heart of the Matter:

• When you think of Jesus, how do you picture him coming to you?  In compassion?  In humility?  In judgment?  Why do you think that is?
• How might things have been different in Jerusalem had Jesus shown up on a horse, ready for battle, rather than a donkey?
• In what areas of your life do you live out Jesus' peace, compassion, or judgment?  In what ways do you not?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Nine Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Nine Scripture - Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Day Nine The Heart of the Matter:

• Think of a time in your life when you were aware of being guilty of something.  How did you deal with your feelings in those circumstances?
• Have you ever received the gift of forgiveness?  Describe your experience.
• Are you holding on to feelings of guilt and sin in your relationship with God?  If so, have you considered asking God to release you from that burden so you might fully embrace the extravagant love Jesus embodied on the cross?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Eight Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Eight Scripture - John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Day Eight The Heart of the Matter:

• Has God ever revealed himself to you through hints or guesses?  How has your understanding been shaped by such revelations?
• What is your favorite verse of Scripture?  How does it speak to you with poetry and images?
• How does Jesus' Incarnation offer hope and meaning for your life?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Seven Scripture

Day Seven Scripture - Psalm 100:1, 5 - Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth . . . . For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

There is no "Heart of the Matter" section at the end of this day's reading but it did end with these questions:
Have you been able to develop a regular diet of the Word that can help you grow?  If not, what's standing in your way, and what can be done to remove those obstacles?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Six Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Six Scripture - Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Day Six Heart of the Matter:

• How does the Bible fit into your walk with God?
• What stands in the way of you having a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Scriptures?  How could that challenge be overcome?
• How do you think God could use the Bible to help guide, encourage, and esteem you?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Five Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Five Scripture - Luke 12:32 - Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Day Five Heart of the Matter:

• When you hear the story of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15, how do you feel?  Do you identify with the son, the father, or even the older brother who is challenged by the prodigal's return?  How so?
• Are there any challenges in your life that might be hindering you from coming home to the open arms of the Father?  If so, how do you think you can overcome them?
• Are you more likely to think of God as demanding and punitive, or loving and good?  Why do you think that is?  Give an example of a time you experienced the goodness of God.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Four Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Four's Scripture - James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father . . .
Day Four's The Heart of the Matter:

•  If you were asked to draw a picture of God, what would it look like?
• Of the three affirmations you just read about - God never lets us down, God never lets us off, and God never lets us go - which one challenges you the most?  Why?
• Think of a time in your life when you experienced a consequence of sin.  How did that affect your relationship to God?