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

Day Twelve Scripture - Luke 24:2-3 - They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Day Twelve The Heart of the Matter:

• What "stones" in your life has Jesus helped you roll away?  What stones remain?
• Think now of a time you've experienced unexplained hope.  Describe it here.
• Think of a time when you felt more like the grumbling Israelites after Moses' death.  Were you able to see beyond your circumstances and ignite a new hope?

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

Day Eleven Scripture - Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Day Eleven The Heart of the Matter:

• Is it difficult for you to believe that God loves you unconditionally?  Why or why not?
• How has your relationship with your earthly father colored your perception of God as a heavenly Father?
• Are there any areas in your life in which you lack confidence?  Why do you think that is, and how do you think God can help?

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?