The Mayfield Class
The Mayfield Class
Class audio from Sunday morning
Episodes
Genesis 40 | Joseph, Forgotten by Men but Not by God
Reflection Questions 1. Joseph served faithfully in a place that felt like a step backward (40:1–4). Where in your life do you feel “at the bottom of the bottom,” and how might God be asking you to serve well right there?2. Joseph noticed the faces of hurting men (40:6). Who around you is carrying something heavy that you’ve been too busy to see?3. Joseph says, “Do not interpretations belong to God?” (40:8). What comes out of your mouth in reflex, in surprise, stress, or pain, and what does that reveal about your heart?4. Joseph still believes his own dreams after 11 silent years (40:8). What promise or prayer have you quietly stopped believing God will answer?5. Joseph tells the baker the truth even though it is painful (40:18–19). Where do you need to speak truth in love instead of settling for being “nice”?6. The cupbearer “did not remember Joseph, but forgot him” (40:23). Where are you tempted to measure God’s faithfulness by people’s forgetfulness? How does Genesis 40 call you to trust God’s remembering instead?
Genesis 39 | Joseph and Potiphar, Obedience When It Costs Everything
Reflection Questions 1. In Genesis 39:2–3, Potiphar saw that the LORD was with Joseph. Where has God quietly worked in your life in ways others noticed before you did?2. Joseph succeeds in Potiphar’s house and in prison (39:4–6, 21–23). Where do you need to redefine “success” as faithfulness rather than comfort or outcomes?3. Joseph resists temptation by remembering who he is, what he’s been given, and who sees (39:8–9). Which of those three do you most often forget when temptation presses you?4. Potiphar’s wife tempts Joseph day after day (39:10). Where are you facing a “day after day” pressure that requires daily resistance rather than a one‑time decision?5. Joseph flees the house (39:12). What situation, habit, or environment do you need to physically leave rather than negotiate with?6. “The LORD was with Joseph” in the house and in the prison (39:2, 21). Where do you need to trust God’s presence even though your circumstances feel like a setback rather than a blessing?
John 2:1-25 | Do Whatever He Says
UHBC College Ministry 'The Hill'Reflection QuestionsWhat rituals in the “church” today are similar to the Jewish rituals described in this passage? Things we do over and over again but don’t actually make us clean. Why do you think the servants who knew what had happened to the water did not see Jesus’ glory and believe in him as the disciples did? How can Jesus be angry in verse 15 and still not sin? What was He angry about?What would you consider to be evidence that a person may have fake faith?
John 1:19-51 | Come and See
UHBC College Ministry 'The Hill'Reflection QuestionsJohn the Baptist had a crowd and status, yet he spent the whole time pointing away from himself and to Jesus. What would that cost you this week if you did the same thing?Nathanael asked, " Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” What is your version of that question about Jesus? What are things we can doubt about Jesus?Philip did not argue or reason with Nathanael. He said, “Come and see.” Why do you think that worked better than an argument would have?Five men follow Jesus in this passage: Andrew, the unnamed disciple (John), Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. Which one do you relate to the most?
Genesis 38 | Please Identify... Judah and Tamar
Six Reflection Questions1. Judah “went down” from his brothers (38:1).Where do you see subtle drift in your own life — not rebellion, but slow movement in the wrong direction?Explore spiritual drift2. Judah surrounds himself with Hirah, a friend who never challenges him.Who in your life is allowed to tell you the truth? And are you becoming someone else’s Hirah?Consider healthy accountability3. Tamar waits on a promise Judah never intended to keep.Where have you been wounded by someone’s broken promise? How does Tamar’s perseverance challenge your response?Reflect on persevering through injustice4. Judah keeps his promise to a stranger but not to his own family.Where do you find it easier to honor commitments outside your home than inside it? What promise at home needs attention this week?Explore faithfulness at home5. Tamar’s two words — “Please identify” — expose Judah completely.Where has God confronted you with truth you could no longer dodge? What did repentance look like afterward?Consider repentance moments6. Judah says, “She is more righteous than I,” and changes.Where do you need to believe that God can still change you, or someone you’ve quietly written off?
Genesis 37 | Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat
Reflection Questions 1. The Coat and the DreamIn Genesis 37:3–11, Joseph receives a royal robe and dreams that point toward God’s future plan. Where has God given you a glimpse of something He may be doing, and how have others responded to it? How do you handle the tension between God’s calling and people’s misunderstanding?2. The Brothers’ JealousyJoseph’s brothers “could not speak peacefully to him.” Where do you see jealousy, comparison, or resentment creeping into your relationships? What does this passage reveal about how quickly jealousy can turn into sin?3. The Errand to ShechemJacob sends Joseph alone to the very place where danger still lingers. Where has obedience to God led you into places that feel risky or confusing? How does Joseph’s “Here I am” challenge your own willingness to obey?4. The Man in the FieldA nameless man redirects Joseph to Dothan, unknowingly sending him into the pit. Where has God used an unexpected person or moment to move your life forward? How does this help you trust His providence even when the direction feels costly?5. The Pit and the SilenceJoseph cries out from the pit, and nothing happens. Where are you experiencing silence from God right now? How does this chapter help you distinguish between God’s silence and God’s absence?6. The Sale for Twenty ShekelsJoseph’s brothers sell him for the standard market price of a teenage boy. Where have you felt the sting of being undervalued, betrayed, or dismissed? How does God’s hidden work in Joseph’s life encourage you to trust Him with your own wounds?7. Jacob’s GriefJacob mourns for twenty years over a lie. Where are you carrying grief or regret that feels unresolvable? How does the promise of redemption, not reversal, speak into your story?8. Providence in the DetailsJoseph ends up in exactly the right house in Egypt, though no one can see it yet. Where can you look back and see God arranging details you didn’t recognize at the time? How does that strengthen your trust in His unseen work today?
John 1:1-18 | Jesus is God
UHBC College Ministry 'The Hill'Reflection QuestionsThe author, the disciple John, calls Jesus four things in 18 verses. The Word. The Light. The Life. God. Which one of those is the hardest for you to accept? Verse 12 uses the word received. What is the difference between receiving someone and just agreeing that they exist?If this book is indeed a trial and we are the jury, what further evidence would you want before deciding who Jesus is? Where do you see this battle between the light and the darkness most clearly in your own life?
Genesis 36 | The Esau Credits
Reflection Questions Genesis 36:1–8 shows Esau prospering while walking away from God. Where are you tempted to envy people who seem to be thriving without God? What does this passage expose about what you are counting?Esau’s drift happened slowly — one compromise at a time. Where do you see slow drift in your own life? What small alignment needs correcting before it becomes a direction?Esau’s family blended into Canaan over generations. What habits, values, or patterns might you be handing down without meaning to? What would faithfulness look like in front of those who are watching you?Genesis 36 lists kings, chiefs, and territories — seventy‑three names. What “names” or accomplishments are you tempted to measure your life by? How does Hebrews 11 redefine success?Jacob gets one sentence: he lived in a tent. Where is God calling you to embrace being a sojourner rather than chasing what looks impressive?Edom had kings before Israel ever did. Where do you feel behind, overlooked, or small? How does this chapter remind you that God is not building what the world is counting?The line of Esau ends in Herod; the line of Jacob ends in Jesus. How does this help you trust God’s long story rather than your short scoreboard?
Genesis 35 | Finally to Bethel
Reflection QuestionsIn Genesis 35:1–4, God calls Jacob back to Bethel after ten years of stopping short. Where have you stopped short of obedience, not by saying no but by simply never going? What step is God calling you to take now?Jacob buries the household gods under the terebinth tree at Shechem. What idols have you moved “to the garage,” keeping them out of sight but not out of your life? What would it look like to bury them instead of storing them?In Genesis 35:5, God protects Jacob with a terror that falls on the surrounding cities. Where have you been living in fear of something God has already covered? How does this passage invite you to trust His protection rather than your own caution?In Genesis 35:9–15, God repeats the promises Jacob already heard, but deeper and fuller. Where has God been repeating something to you, not because you missed it but because you are finally ready to hear it? How is He shaping your perspective?In Genesis 35:16–20, Jacob builds a pillar over Rachel’s grave just days after building a pillar at Bethel. Where are you carrying joy and sorrow side by side? How does this chapter help you see God’s presence in both pillars?In Genesis 35:22, Jacob hears of Reuben’s sin and remains silent again. Where are you tempted to avoid hard conversations, hoping silence will create peace? How is God calling you to speak truth with courage and love?In Genesis 35:29, Jacob and Esau bury their father together. Where do you see God’s grace holding relationships that once seemed beyond repair? How does this encourage you to trust God with reconciliation in your own life?
Genesis 34 | Dinah, The Appeaser, the Avengers, and God's Grace
Reflection QuestionsIn Genesis 34:1–5, Dinah is harmed and Jacob remains silent. Where are you tempted to stay quiet when speaking up would honor God and protect others? What fears or hidden motives keep you from acting?Dinah is repeatedly called “the daughter of Leah,” highlighting Jacob’s failure to value her. Where might favoritism, neglect, or indifference be shaping your relationships? How is God calling you to see and defend those who are vulnerable?In Genesis 34:6–12, Hamor offers Jacob land, offspring, and blessing on Canaanite terms. Where are you tempted to accept shortcuts that promise what God has already promised? How can you discern when an opportunity is actually a compromise?In Genesis 34:13–17, Jacob’s sons use the covenant sign as a weapon. Where are you tempted to use spiritual things, Scripture, or religious identity to justify anger, pride, or control? What would repentance look like in that area?In Genesis 34:25–29, Simeon and Levi avenge Dinah with slaughter, reproducing the very evil they sought to punish. Where has anger led you to escalate rather than heal? How does the gospel call you to pursue justice without revenge?In Genesis 34:30–31, Jacob speaks only of himself, while his sons speak of their sister. Where do you see self‑protection overshadowing compassion in your own life? How is God inviting you to move toward courage, truth, and sacrificial love?Genesis 34 contains no mention of God, prayer, or worship. Where have you stopped short of obedience, settling in a place God never told you to stay? What step of faith is God calling you to take so you do not remain “a day short of Bethel”?
Genesis 33 | Jacob Meets Esau
Reflection QuestionsIn Genesis 33:1–4, Jacob approaches Esau with dread, bowing seven times, but Esau runs to embrace him. Where have you feared a relational encounter, only to find God had already gone ahead of you? How does this encourage you to trust God with the conversations you dread?Jacob’s repentance is visible in his posture, not just his words. Where is God calling you to show repentance through action rather than speech? What would “bowing low” look like in your own relationships?In Genesis 33:5–11, Jacob repeatedly says that God has dealt graciously with him. Where do you need to acknowledge God’s grace instead of rehearsing your own efforts or strategies? How does gratitude reshape the way you relate to others?Jacob gives back the blessing he once stole, offering restitution freely. Where might God be calling you to make something right, not out of guilt but out of grace? What step of restoration would reflect God’s work in your life?In Genesis 33:12–17, Jacob chooses the right direction but uses a shaded answer to avoid going to Seir. Where are you tempted to use partial truth instead of full obedience? What would it look like to answer honestly and trust God with the outcome?In Genesis 33:18–20, Jacob stops one day short of Bethel and builds an altar at the wrong address. Where have you stopped short of what God has clearly called you to do? How can you take the next step toward full obedience rather than settling for almost obedience?
Genesis 32 | Jacob Wrestles With God and Receives a New Name
Reflection Questions In Genesis 32:1–2, Jacob sees the angels of God at Mahanaim, a second camp he did not build. Where has God met you “on the way,” providing reassurance only after you stepped into something uncertain? How does this strengthen your trust in His presence?In Genesis 32:6–8, Jacob panics at the news of Esau’s approach and immediately begins strategizing. Where do you tend to build your own “two camps,” relying on your plans instead of God’s promises? What does this reveal about your fear?In Genesis 32:9–12, Jacob prays for the first recorded time in Scripture, confessing his unworthiness and anchoring his fear between God’s promises. Where do you need to pray like Jacob prayed, honestly naming your fear and surrounding it with God’s Word?In Genesis 32:13–21, Jacob sends gifts to Esau, treating his brother like God, hoping to appease him. Where are you tempted to negotiate your way out of guilt or conflict instead of seeking true reconciliation? What would obedience look like instead?In Genesis 32:24–28, Jacob wrestles with God, is broken, and receives a new name. Where is God wrestling you right now, pressing on an area of self‑reliance or pride? What truth do you need to confess so God can bless you?In Genesis 32:30–31, Jacob sees God face to face and walks away limping. What “limp” has God given you, such as a scar, a weakness, or a reminder, that keeps you dependent on Him? How can you see that limp as grace rather than loss?
Genesis 31 | Jacob & Laban, God Calls Jacob Home and Exposes False Gods
Reflection QuestionsIn Genesis 31:1–3, Jacob sees danger rising in Laban’s household, but God calls him home with the promise, “I will be with you.” Where is God calling you into something uncertain right now? How does His promise of presence steady you when the path ahead feels risky?In Genesis 31:4–16, Jacob recounts twenty years of God’s protection, provision, and intervention. Where can you look back and clearly see God’s hand in seasons you once thought were chaotic or unfair? How does remembering God’s past faithfulness strengthen your trust today?In Genesis 31:19, Rachel steals her father’s household gods, grasping for something she can hold when facing the unknown. What “household gods” are you tempted to carry into uncertain seasons, security, money, relationships, plans? How does this passage expose their inability to save?In Genesis 31:24–30, God stops Laban, a man on the warpath, with a single dream. Where have you seen God intervene in ways you could never have orchestrated? How does this help you trust Him rather than the “insurance plans” you tend to rely on?In Genesis 31:36–42, Jacob finally speaks the truth about twenty years of unseen labor, saying, “God saw my affliction and issued His verdict.” Where have you been faithfully laboring without recognition? How does knowing that God sees and remembers your work encourage you to persevere?In Genesis 31:43–55, Jacob and Laban make a covenant, and Jacob sets up a pillar, echoing the pillar at Bethel. Where do you need to mark God’s faithfulness in your own life? What would it look like to “set up a pillar” of remembrance in this season?
Genesis 29:31-30:43 | Leah & Rachel, Jealous Hearts & Unfailing Grace
Reflection QuestionsIn Genesis 29:31–35, the Lord sees Leah, the overlooked, unloved wife, and opens her womb. Where do you feel overlooked or unseen right now? How does God’s attention to Leah encourage you to trust that He sees you even when others don’t?Leah names her sons with prayers full of longing, disappointment, and hope. Where have you revised your prayers downward, asking God for less because you’re afraid He won’t give you what you truly desire? What would it look like to bring your full longing back to Him?In Genesis 30:1–8, Rachel reaches for a quick fix through Bilhah instead of turning to God. Where are you tempted to reach for “mandrakes”, cultural shortcuts, self‑help strategies, or things you can control, instead of waiting on God? How have those quick fixes failed you?In Genesis 30:14–21, Rachel and Leah trade mandrakes and hire Jacob like property, believing they can engineer blessing. Where do you see yourself trying to manipulate outcomes rather than trusting God’s timing? How does this passage expose the futility of self‑reliance?In Genesis 30:22–24, God remembers Rachel and opens her womb, not because of her schemes, but because of His grace. Where do you need to stop striving and start trusting that God’s work in your life does not depend on your performance?In Genesis 30:25–43, Jacob prospers not because of peeled sticks or clever strategy, but because God keeps His promise. Where have you been tempted to credit your success to your own skill or effort? How does this passage call you to recognize God’s hand in what you’ve received?
Genesis 29:1–30 | Jacob, Rachel, Laban, Leah... Costly Love & Sanctifying Discipline
Reflection Questions In Genesis 29:1–14, Jacob arrives in Haran and immediately sees God’s providence at work, and Rachel appears at the well just as he arrives. Where have you seen God’s hand guiding you into places or relationships you didn’t plan? How does this passage encourage you to trust God’s unseen work in your current season?In Genesis 29:15–20, Jacob works seven years for Rachel, and they seem “but a few days” because of his love for her. Where is God calling you to embrace costly, patient, sacrificial love? How does Jacob’s devotion challenge the way you love the people God has placed in your life?In Genesis 29:21–25, Jacob wakes up to Leah instead of Rachel, a moment of painful reckoning. Where have you experienced a “behold, it was Leah” moment, when consequences arrived for something you sowed? How does this passage invite you to see God’s discipline as sanctifying rather than punishing?In Genesis 29:25–27, Laban deceives Jacob using the same method Jacob once used on Isaac, darkness, disguise, and misdirection. Where do you see God using difficult circumstances to refine areas of your character that need shaping? How does this help you interpret your own “Laban seasons”?In Genesis 29:28–30, Jacob begins fourteen years of service under Laban, years of discipline, growth, and sanctification. Where is God calling you to endure a long, difficult season with faith and patience? How does the promise of God’s presence (Genesis 28:15) strengthen you to persevere?Across Genesis 29:1–30, God works through deception, heartbreak, rivalry, and disappointment, yet His purposes never stop. How does God’s unstoppable faithfulness comfort you when your life feels messy, complicated, or far from what you expected? Where do you need to trust that God is still shaping you into the person He intends you to become?
Genesis 27:41 - 28:22 | Jacob on the Run & God on the Road (Jacob's Ladder)
Reflection QuestionsIn Genesis 27:41–45, Esau’s hatred forces Jacob to run from the consequences of his own sin. Where have you experienced the impulse to run, from conflict, from consequences, or from something you caused? How does this passage invite you to stop running and face your sin honestly before God?In Genesis 28:3–4, Isaac blesses Jacob with the full Abrahamic promise before Jacob repents or apologizes. Where have you seen God show grace to you before you “deserved” it? How does this challenge your assumptions about how God treats sinners who are still in process?In Genesis 28:10–13, Jacob lies down alone, ashamed, and afraid... and God comes down to meet him. Where do you feel most alone or most convinced God is distant? How does God’s initiative in this passage reshape your understanding of His nearness in your darkest places?In Genesis 28:15, God says, “I am with you… I will keep you… I will not leave you.” Which of these promises do you most need to believe today? What would change in your life if you truly trusted that God is already present in the place you fear He has abandoned?In Genesis 28:16–17, Jacob says, “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it.” Where might God already be at work in your life in ways you have not yet recognized? What practices help you “look up” instead of assuming God is absent?In Genesis 28:20–22, Jacob responds with conditional faith: “If God will be with me… then the LORD shall be my God.” Where do you see “if‑then faith” in your own walk with Christ? What would it look like to trust God’s promises without waiting to see how things turn out first?
Genesis 27:1-40 | Jacob & Esau, The Lie That Costs & The Promise That Stands
Reflection Questions1. In Genesis 27:1–4, Isaac knows God’s clear word (“the older shall serve the younger”) yet attempts to bless Esau anyway. Where are you tempted to force your own way even when Scripture has already made God’s way clear? How does Isaac’s resistance warn you about the danger of letting personal desires override God’s revealed will?2. In Genesis 27:5–17, Rebekah believes the promise but does not trust the Promiser, choosing deception instead of faith. Where do you find yourself trying to “help God along” rather than waiting for Him to act? What consequences have you seen when you try to accomplish God’s work through your own schemes?3. In Genesis 27:18–24, Jacob lies repeatedly, wears Esau’s clothes, and fears being exposed, like a “costume that doesn’t fit.” What disguises are you tempted to wear to present yourself differently than you really are? How has deception, even small deception, cost you more than the thing you were trying to gain?4. In Genesis 27:33, Isaac trembles violently when he realizes he cannot redirect God’s will. Where has God “shaken you awake” through circumstances that exposed your attempts to control outcomes? How did that moment lead you toward surrender, repentance, or renewed trust?5. In Genesis 27:34–38, Esau weeps bitterly, but Hebrews 12 says his tears were grief over consequences, not repentance. Where do you see the difference between grief and repentance in your own life? What would true repentance look like in the area where you most resemble Esau?6. Across Genesis 27:1–40, every character schemes, manipulates, or resists God, and yet God’s plan stands firm. How does God’s unstoppable faithfulness comfort you when you see your own failures, fears, or attempts to control? Where do you need to stop grabbing and start trusting the God who cannot be thwarted?
Genesis 26 | Isaac & God's Presence
Reflection Questions1. In Genesis 26:1–5, God tells Isaac to stay in a famine‑stricken land and promises, “I will be with you.” Where is God calling you to stay, trust, or obey even when circumstances feel barren or risky? How does God’s promise of His presence reshape the way you face uncertainty?2. Isaac repeats Abraham’s sin, lying about Rebekah because he is afraid in verses 6-11. Where are you tempted to compromise because fear feels more real than God’s presence? What patterns have you inherited or repeated that God is calling you to break?3. God exposes Isaac’s lie not through a miracle but through Abimelech looking out a window. Where might God already be working in your life through ordinary means you’ve overlooked? How can you cultivate the habit of “noticing” God’s providence?4. Isaac keeps digging wells in verses 17-22: Esek (contention), Sitnah (hostility), and finally Rehoboth (room). Where are you experiencing “Esek and Sitnah” seasons with conflict, resistance, or setbacks? How does Isaac’s perseverance encourage you to keep digging faithfully until God provides “Rehoboth”?5. In Genesis 26:24, God appears and says, “Fear not, for I am with you.” How does believing God’s present presence (not just past or future) change the way you face fear, temptation, or discouragement today?6. In Genesis 26:26–33, Abimelech concludes, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you.” What would people conclude about God by watching your life this week? Where is God inviting you to live more visibly as someone who believes He is with you?
Genesis 25:19–34 | Jacob & Esau, Sovereign Grace & Despised Promises
Reflection Questions1. In Genesis 25:21, Isaac prayed for twenty years before God answered. Where are you experiencing a kind of “barrenness” right now, whether spiritually, emotionally, vocationally, or relationally? How does Isaac’s persistent prayer challenge the way you respond when God seems silent?2. In Genesis 25:22–23, Rebekah felt turmoil inside her and “went to inquire of the Lord.” When life feels chaotic or painful, do you tend to seek God or seek escape? What would it look like for you to “inquire of the Lord” in your present confusion?3. God overturns human expectations in Genesis 25:23, “the older shall serve the younger.” How does this passage challenge your assumptions about fairness, control, or how God “should” work? Where do you need to surrender your expectations to God’s sovereign wisdom?4. Esau lives by impulse and appetite, driven by whatever is immediately in front of him (Genesis 25:27-30). Where are you most tempted to live like Esau, choosing the urgent over the eternal, the visible over the promised?5. In Genesis 25:31–34, Esau trades his birthright for a bowl of stew, and Hebrews 12 calls him “unholy.” What “red stew” are you tempted to trade the things of God for comfort, approval, pleasure, convenience, distraction? How does this passage warn you to value what God values?6. Neither Jacob nor Esau is admirable, yet God works through one and offers grace to both. How does this passage humble you about your own sin and lift your eyes to God’s undeserved grace? Where do you need to repent of Esau‑like impulsiveness or Jacob‑like scheming and return to simple trust in Christ?
Genesis 25:1-18 | The Death & Legacy of Abraham
Reflection Questions1. Abraham continues to act in faith even in old age (Gen 25:1-6), ordering his household and protecting the covenant line. How does this challenge you to finish well in the season you are in? Where do you need to take faithful action rather than coast spiritually?2. Abraham dies, but the promises of God continue through Isaac. (Gen 25:7-11) How does this passage reshape the way you think about your legacy? What are you doing now that will matter spiritually after you are gone?3. In Genesis 25:11, Isaac settles at the well where God met Hagar in her distress.Where has God met you in past seasons of pain, and how might He be calling you to return to those places with renewed trust?4. God fulfills His word to Ishmael (Gen 25:12-18) even though Ishmael is not the child of promise. How does this passage challenge your assumptions about who God blesses and why? Where do you need to trust God’s sovereignty rather than your expectations?5. Genesis 25 shows God moving His redemptive story forward through ordinary people, ordinary families, and ordinary generations. How does this passage invite you to trust God’s providence in the ordinary moments of your life this week?
Genesis 24 | Isaac & Rebekah, God’s Providential Love Story
Reflection Questions1. Abraham’s final recorded words in Genesis 24:1–9 show unwavering trust: “He will send his angel before you.” How does Abraham’s confidence in God’s providence shape the servant’s mission? Where do you need to trust God’s unseen work in the ordinary moments of your life?2. The servant prays with remarkable specificity in Genesis 24:12–14, asking God to reveal character through ordinary actions. How does this challenge the way you pray? What would it look like to pray specifically rather than vaguely in your current season?3. Genesis 24:15–21 says, “Before he had finished praying…” Rebekah was already on her way. How does this passage reshape your understanding of God’s providence in everyday events? Where have you seen God working “before you finished asking”?4. In Genesis 24:21–27, the servant stands still and watches in silence to see if God is answering. What does his patient watching teach us about faith? Where do you need to slow down and watch for God’s hand instead of forcing an outcome?5. In Genesis 24:55–58, Rebekah says, “I will go.” How does her response echo Abraham’s obedience in Genesis 12? What is God calling you to say “I will go” to right now?6. Isaac and Rebekah’s story ends in Genesis 24:62–67 with the first mention of marital love in the Bible: “And he loved her.” How does this passage challenge modern assumptions about love, commitment, and covenant? What does it teach us about how love grows inside God’s promises?
Genesis 23 | Sarah’s Death & Faith That Grieves Well
Reflection Questions1. In Genesis 23:1–2, Moses slows down to honor Sarah’s life and Abraham openly weeps for her. What does this teach us about the relationship between faith and grief? Why is it important that the Bible shows Abraham, a great man of faith, mourning deeply?2. In Genesis 23:3–9, Abraham rises from mourning and begins negotiating for a burial place. What does this reveal about taking faithful action before the feelings of strength return? How does Abraham’s belief in God’s promises shape the way he makes decisions in sorrow?3. In Genesis 23:10–16, Abraham refuses a gift and insists on paying full price for the land. Why is this significant theologically? How does this act demonstrate that Abraham is interpreting his grief through the covenant rather than interpreting the covenant through his grief?4. In Genesis 23, Moses emphasizes twice that Sarah is buried “in the land of Canaan.” Why does the location matter? How is every burial in this cave an act of resurrection hope pointing forward to Christ?5. Hebrews 11:13–16 says the patriarchs died “in faith,” looking toward a better country. How does this New Testament lens help us understand Abraham’s actions in Genesis 23? How does the resurrection of Jesus shape the way Christians grieve today?6. Abraham grieves (v.2), acts (v.3), and hopes (v.19–20). Which of these three movements do you most need right now? What is the “next faithful thing” God is calling you to do in the middle of your own loss or uncertainty?
Genesis 22 | Abraham & Isaac, God the Tester & Provider
Reflection Questions1. Why does Moses tell us upfront that this is a test? How does that shape the way we read the passage and understand God’s character?2. In Genesis 12, Abraham surrendered his past. In Genesis 22, he is asked to surrender his future. Where is God asking you to surrender something you’ve been holding tightly?3. What is the emotional and theological weight of the phrase: “your son… your only son… Isaac… whom you love”?4. Abraham rises early and obeys immediately. What does this teach us about faith as movement, not merely emotion? How might three days of walking with Isaac have tested Abraham’s resolve? What does this teach us about long obedience?5. In verses 6-10, Isaac willingly carries the wood and submits to being bound. What does this reveal about his faith and Abraham’s discipleship?6. God will provide. Abraham’s answer to Isaac is both confident and open‑ended. How can we learn to trust God’s character even when we don’t know His method?7. How does the ram “in the place of his son” prepare us for the gospel? How does substitution deepen your understanding of Christ’s work?8. Jehovah‑Jireh. What does it mean that “on the mount of the LORD it shall be provided”? Where have you seen God “see to it” in your own life?9. Why does Moses introduce Rebekah in verse 23, immediately after Moriah? What does this teach us about God preparing the future before we even know we need it?
Genesis 21 | Laughter is Born & Ishmael Laughs
Reflection Questions1. Where in your life are you tempted to laugh with doubt rather than laugh with joy? How does the quiet, matter‑of‑fact fulfillment of God’s promise in verses 1–2 challenge the way you expect God to work?2. Where do you see yourself tempted to “walk toward Egypt” when life gets hard? Why do we so easily forget past encounters with God when the next crisis hits?3. What does Hagar’s story teach us about the difference between experiencing grace and embracing grace? Where do you need God to “open your eyes” to a well that is already in front of you?4. How does Paul’s interpretation in Romans 9 and Galatians 4 help you understand the spiritual meaning of this chapter? What does this story reveal about the danger of assuming that proximity to God’s people equals belonging to God?5. Why is Abimelech’s statement “God is with you in all that you do” so significant in light of Abraham’s failures? Where do you see God polishing you through friction, waiting, or adversity?
Genesis 20 | Abraham & Abimelech, When Old Sins Come Back
Reflection Questions1. Where do you see your own “default sins” resurfacing the way Abraham’s fear-driven deception resurfaced in Gerar? Why do certain sins feel “natural” or “reasonable” to us even when we know they are wrong?2. Abraham knew God’s promise, yet acted as if he didn’t. Where do you see that same gap in your life? What does this chapter teach us about the difference between knowing truth and trusting truth?3. How does God’s intervention in Abimelech’s life challenge our assumptions about who is “righteous” in a given moment? What encouragement do you draw from the fact that God protects His covenant even when His people fail?4. Why is it easier to explain our sin than to repent of it? What does Abimelech’s confrontation reveal about the role of others in exposing our blind spots?5. How does Genesis 20 help us understand the difference between grace that forgives and grace that enables change? What does this chapter teach us about the real consequences of sin, even forgiven sin?
Genesis 19 | Near Sodom, In Sodom, Shaped by Sodom
Reflection Questions:Why do you think worldliness is almost always gradual rather than sudden? What makes slow drift so spiritually dangerous? Where are you tempted to trade gospel witness for cultural acceptance or a “seat at the table”?Lot calls the mob “brothers” and offers his daughters. What does this reveal about a believer who has lived too long in a corrupt culture? Where do you see this same confusion in the modern church?The men are struck blind, yet still grope for the door. What does this teach us about the blinding power of sin? Where have you seen this in your own life or in others?Why do you think Lot “lingered” even after believing the angels and warning his family? What does lingering look like in your life?The angels seize Lot “because the LORD was merciful to him.” How does this verse shape your understanding of salvation and grace?Lot’s daughters carry Sodom into the cave. How does this challenge us as parents, leaders, and disciplers? Where might we be allowing “Sodom” into our homes?How does the parallel between Noah’s drunkenness (Genesis 9) and Lot’s drunkenness (Genesis 19) reinforce the message that judgment alone cannot change the human heart?
Genesis 17-18 | Circumcision & Unexpected Visitors
Reflection QuestionsWhy do you think God began with His name “El‑Shaddai” after 13 years of silence? What does this reveal about how God restores discouraged believers?What does it mean to “walk before Me and be blameless”? How does the idea of wholeness or integrity help you understand this command?Abraham receives a new name as a daily reminder of God’s promise. What “names” or reminders has God placed in your life to keep His promises before you?Why do you think God chose circumcision, a permanent, embodied sign, and the very spot where he tried to take a shortcut, as the covenant marker? What does this teach us about surrender?Where have you quietly stopped hoping, the way Sarah had? What would it look like to bring that area back before God? How does the question “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” confront your current fears or doubts?Abraham intercedes not only for Lot but for the entire city. How does Abraham’s prayer challenge your own prayer life? Where do you need to grow in boldness, persistence, or compassion?
Genesis 15-16 | The God Who Saves and Sees
Reflection QuestionsWhere do you see yourself in Abram’s fear in verse 1? Why do you think God begins with “Fear not… I am your shield”? What does this reveal about God’s heart toward His people when they are anxious or discouraged?Verse 6 says Abram “believed the Lord, and He counted it to him as righteousness.” How would you explain the difference between faith and righteousness? Why is this distinction essential for understanding the gospel?Sarai’s plan was culturally acceptable but spiritually disastrous. What are some “culturally acceptable shortcuts” Christians are tempted to take today?Why do you think Abram, who had just shown courage in chapter 14, becomes passive in chapter 16? Where are you tempted to be passive when God calls you to lead?Hagar is the first person in Scripture the Lord pursues in the wilderness. What does this reveal about God’s character?How does God’s pursuit of Hagar foreshadow the gospel and the ministry of Jesus?
Genesis 13-14 | Abram's Faith & Courage
Reflection Questions:1. What does Abram’s return to the altar in Genesis 13:1–4 teach us about repentance and restoration?2. Why is prosperity often a greater test of faith than adversity? How do you see that in Genesis 13?3. Abram risked everything to rescue Lot. What does this teach us about sacrificial love and courage?4. Why is Abram’s refusal of the king of Sodom so important? What does it reveal about his heart?5. How does Melchizedek point us to Christ? How do Psalm 110 and Hebrews 7 deepen your understanding of Jesus’ priesthood?6. What does this passage teach us about living faithfully in a world filled with competing kings and competing kingdoms?
Genesis 12 | Abram's Call & Egypt
Reflection QuestionsWhat stood out to you the most about the vagueness of God’s call to Abram (“to the land I will show you”)? How does this challenge the way we often want clarity before obedience?Abram obeyed based solely on God’s spoken word (12:1-4). What does this teach us about the nature of biblical faith (Heb 11:1)? What parts of God’s Word are hardest for you to trust right now? Why?How does knowing that these promises in Geb 12:1-3 ultimately point to Christ (Galatians 3:16) deepen your understanding of the passage? How does Easter (the resurrection) confirm that God keeps His promises?Why do you think God allowed a famine to hit Abram immediately after his obedience? What does Abram’s stumble in Egypt teach us about the ongoing battle between faith and fear?How does God’s intervention in Egypt (12:17) encourage you when you fail? What does this story teach us about God’s commitment to His promises, even when His people stumble?
Genesis 11:10-32 | The Faith of Abram
Reflection QuestionsWhat does this genealogy reveal about the way God works slowly, quietly, and faithfully over long stretches of time? How does that challenge our desire for instant results?Abram was an idolater when God called him. What does that reveal about the nature of grace, and how does it challenge our assumptions about who God can save?Abram obeyed God without knowing where he was going. What is one area of your life where God is calling you to obey without full clarity?Why do you think obedience becomes harder as we get older? What habits in your life are forming you toward obedience, or away from it?Where do you tend to skim the Bible? What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teach you about the value of slowing down and reading Scripture deeply in light of Genesis 11:10-32?
Genesis 10:1 - 11:9 | The Tower of Babel
Reflection QuestionsWhere in your life do you sense a quiet desire to “stay in one place” spiritually, avoiding the risk, obedience, or scattering God is calling you to?Why is pride so often disguised as productivity, ambition, or “just being responsible”?What would it look like for you to live as someone sent, not someone settled?How does Jesus succeed where the builders of the Tower of Babel failed?Where do you sense God gently frustrating your plans, and how might that be His mercy?
Genesis 8-9 | Noah & the Flood Part 2
Reflection QuestionsWhere have you seen God “remember” you, by Him stepping into your story with His mercy, provision, or rescue? How does recalling those moments strengthen your trust in Him today?Noah’s first act after stepping onto dry ground was worship. What would it look like for worship to be the “first thing” in your life?Noah waited, trusted, and obeyed even when God was silent. Where is God asking the two of you to wait patiently right now? What does faithful obedience look like in that area?Noah walked with God for centuries, yet fell when he relaxed spiritually. Where are you most tempted to “ease up” spiritually? What safeguards or rhythms can help you stay alert?God blessed Noah’s family and sent them out. What kind of spiritual legacy do you want to build? What is one step could you take this month to move toward that legacy?
Genesis 6:9-7:24 | Noah & The Flood
Reflection QuestionsWhat does it really mean that Noah was “a righteous man” and “walked with God”? How does Hebrews 11:7 help us understand that?Noah obeyed God for decades without seeing results. Where in your life is God calling you to long‑term obedience without visible payoff?How does Noah’s example of being a herald of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5) encourage or convict you in your own calling to bear witness to Christ?How does this passage reshape your understanding of what it means to “walk with God” in a world moving in the opposite direction?What is one area of your life where you know God is calling you to obey, but you’ve been delaying, rationalizing, or resisting?
Genesis 5:1-6:8 | Enoch and the Sons of God
Reflection QuestionsWhat does it practically mean for you to “walk with God” in this season of life?Genesis 5 repeats “and he died” over and over. How does the brevity of life shape the way you think about your priorities, your marriage, and your legacy?Genesis 6:5 says every intention of man’s heart was “only evil continually.” What does this reveal about the seriousness of sin? How does it challenge the way we sometimes minimize or excuse our own sin?God is grieved by sin (Gen. 6:6). What does it do to your heart to know that your sin grieves God, not because He is surprised, but because He loves you?Genesis 6:8: “But Noah found favor.” Where have you personally experienced God’s “But God…” grace in your life? How does that grace motivate obedience rather than passivity?
Genesis 4 | Cain and Abel
Reflection QuestionsWhat does today’s passage teach us about sin? What does it teach us about God’s Amazing Grace towards sinners? Cain’s murder of Abel was ultimately an act of hatred toward God. How does this reshape the way you think about “ordinary” sins, like being impatient with your spouse or children, bitterness, lust, comparison, or harsh words? What does repentance look like in those moments?Cain’s rebellion eventually produces Lamech, who is violent, vengeful, and sexually unfaithful. How does Genesis 4 challenge us to think about the spiritual legacy you are building within your marriage and home? What habits or routines are you doing or could you start doing that help you disciple your children and point them to Jesus rather than leaving that to the world?Moses ends the chapter by telling us that Seth’s line is marked by worship. “At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord.” What does it look like for your home to be marked by worship rather than worry, busyness, or distraction? What are steps you can start taking to lead your family in that endeavor?
Genesis 3:8-24 | The Fall Part 2
Reflection QuestionsWhere do you see Jesus in this passage, and what does this passage teach us about Jesus? What does God’s judgment on Eve teach us about the brokenness we feel in marriage, parenting, and relationships? How does that brokenness point us back to Jesus?What does God’s judgment on Adam teach us about work, frustration, and the longing for meaning? How does this passage expose the ways we try to find identity in our work?How does this passage help you love God more deeply and guard against abandoning your “first love”? What are some routines or habits that could help you continually love God?
Genesis 3:1-9 | The Fall
Reflection QuestionsHow does the serpent’s strategy in Genesis 3 mirror the way temptation works in our lives today? Why do you think subtle temptations are often more dangerous than obvious ones?Which of Satan’s three attacks, distorting God’s Word, denying God’s judgment, or questioning God’s goodness, do you find yourself most vulnerable to? Why do you think Satan begins with a question rather than a direct contradiction?Eve knew God’s command, but she didn’t cling to it. What keeps us from holding tightly to God’s Word? What are practical ways we can grow in loving, knowing, and understanding Scripture?Which of Satan’s three attacks, distorting God’s Word, denying God’s judgment, or questioning God’s goodness, do you find yourself most vulnerable to? Why do you think Satan begins with a question rather than a direct contradiction?Paul tells us to “stand firm” in Ephesians 6. What does standing firm look like in your week ahead?
Genesis 2:18-25 | Creation of Woman and Marriage
Reflection QuestionsGenesis 2 repeatedly emphasizes “The Lord God” as the One who forms, provides, and brings. How does remembering that marriage is God‑initiated and not human‑invented shape the way we approach our own marriages?God declares Adam’s aloneness “not good” before Adam ever feels it. What does this reveal about God’s care, wisdom, and understanding of our needs?The Hebrew word helper is used of God Himself throughout the Old Testament. How does this elevate, not diminish, the role of the wife?Husbands: What does it look like to honor your wife as your God‑given helper in the exalted, biblical sense, not the worldly or sinful sense?Wives: How does seeing your role through the lens of God’s own helping character bring dignity and purpose to your calling?What does Adam’s response in verse 23 teach us about how we should view our spouse? What habits currently help you, or could you start, that would help you be thankful for your spouse? Leave = loyalty. Cleave = holding fast / covenant. What are some subtle ways that husbands and wives can fail to leave and cleave? Ex: parents, friendships, habits, hobbies, priorities… One flesh expresses the deepest intimacy, such as physical, emotional, spiritual, and covenantal. How does this shape the way you think about the purpose of sex in your marriage?Paul says in Ephesians 5:32 that marriage “refers to Christ and the church.” Where have you seen the gospel displayed in your marriage, or in the marriages of others?
Genesis 2:1-17 | God's Rest and Eden
Reflections Questions1. How does the image of God breathing life into Adam (vs 7) deepen your understanding of Scripture being “God‑breathed”? 2 Like Adam (vs 15-17), where do you most feel the pull to “do it your way” instead of trusting God’s Word? What does the command in verses 16–17 teach us about the nature of obedience and trust?3. In light of Gen 2:1-3, what would it look like for you to practice Sabbath as a routine and habit of remembering God’s creation, salvation, and faithfulness?4. If God wasn’t tired, what does it mean that He “rested”? How does this reshape your understanding of Sabbath?
Genesis 1:3-31 | Filling and Forming the Earth
Reflection QuestionsWhat was something from the creation story that stuck out to you? Why? How do you see the Gospel, the good news of Jesus, in Genesis 1? How does the structure of Genesis 1, three days of forming and three days of filling, shape the way we understand God’s intentionality in creation?How does the fact that light exists before the sun deepen your understanding of God as the true source of light and life?What does it mean that humanity is made in the image and likeness of God, and how does that shape the way we view ourselves and others?What does the rhythm of evening and morning teach us about the gospel pattern of moving from darkness to light?
Genesis 1:1-2 | In the Beginning
Reflection QuestionsWhat stuck out to you about either the context of Genesis or the opening two verses? Why? How does understanding the wilderness (Exodus) context of when Genesis was written help us to read Genesis with fresh eyes? Why is it significant that “God” (Elohim) is plural in verse 1, while “created” is singular? How does knowing your origin story in Genesis shape your identity as a follower of Jesus? Aka, how does Genesis prepare us to “Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called?” (Eph 4:1)How does Genesis 1:1-2 motivate us to share the gospel with others? How does it help you engage friends who believe in naturalism, materialism, or secular origin stories of creation?
Ecclesiastes 12:9-14
Reflection Questions1. Solomon’s final word is “Fear God and keep His commandments.” What is one step, in light of this passage and this book, you could take this week to live that out more intentionally?2. What does it mean to “approach God’s Word with great care”? (12:9) How does that challenge the way you’ve read Scripture this past year?3. Solomon says the words of the wise are like “goads” and “nails firmly fixed.” (12:11) Can you share a time when Scripture prodded you back to God or anchored you in truth?4. Why do you think Solomon warns against relying too heavily on “many books”? (12:12) How can we keep resources like podcasts or devotionals in their proper place?5. Ecclesiastes reminds us that life is a vapor. How should that truth shape our priorities in 2026?
Ecclesiastes 11:1-12:8
Reflection Questions1. In light of all we have read in Ecclesiastes, what does it mean to live “worthy of the calling” God has given us, and how can remembering future accountability before God motivate us to live faithfully today?2. Why is laziness such a danger to our spiritual lives, not just our work lives? (Ecc 11:1-6)3. Solomon says life is sweet and we should rejoice in our days. What does it look like to enjoy life in a way that honors God, and why is it tempting to think we can “get serious about God later” instead of now? (11:7-10)4. How does his vivid description of aging and death serve as a warning and reminder for us today? (12:1-8)
Ecclesiastes 9-10
Reflection Questions1. How does Solomon’s reminder that death comes to all (9:2–3) challenge the way we view our daily lives?2 Which of Solomon’s points on enjoying God’s blessing (9:7-10) resonated with you and why? Daily provisions, spouse, or work. 3. Solomon reminds us that even wise people are quickly forgotten (9:15). How does this truth redirect us to live for Christ rather than human recognition?4. Why is it so easy to waste life on distractions (social media, entertainment, trivial pursuits)? How can we guard against becoming “trivial” ourselves?5. How do our words reveal whether we are wise or foolish (10:12–15)? What practical steps can we take to use our words to build up rather than tear down?
Ecclesiastes 8
Reflection Questions1. How do verses 5–6 remind us that wisdom involves knowing the right time and the right way to respond? What does this look like practically in our workplaces, churches, or communities?2. How does acknowledging our limits (vv. 7–8) help us avoid rebellion and instead trust God’s sovereignty over authority, justice, and death?3. How can we teach our children to respect authority in the home so that they learn to respect authority outside the home?4. Why does Solomon command joy in the midst of confusion and injustice? How does gratitude help us resist the temptation to dwell on the past or worry about the future? (vs 14-15)5. How can we encourage one another to rest in God’s sovereignty when life doesn’t make sense? (vs 16-17)
Ecclesiastes 7:7-29
Reflection Questions: 1. How does impatience reveal pride in our hearts? Can you think of a recent situation where impatience led to anger? (Ecc 7:7-12)2. How might reflecting on God’s sovereignty, “consider the words of God,” change the way you approach your devotional life? How are you doing that, or what steps can you take to start doing that? (7:13-14)3. Avoiding Extremes (7:15-18) A. What does it mean to be “overly righteous”? How might legalism or pride masquerade as righteousness in our lives? B. Why is it dangerous to let sin discourage us into a downward spiral? How does fearing God keep us balanced?4. Why does Solomon describe sexual sin as “more bitter than death”? How does this warning speak to you and our culture today? (7:26)
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7:6
Reflection Questions1. Ecclesiastes 7:2 says, “It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting.” Why might sorrow be more spiritually impactful than celebrations? How does this align with the gospel?2. In 6:1–6, Solomon describes someone who has everything but cannot enjoy it. What does this teach us about the difference between having blessings and receiving them with joy? What is the key to joy in life? (see Ecc 5:18-20)3. Ecclesiastes 5:1 says, “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God.” What does it mean to “guard your steps” in worship? How does this potentially challenge your approach to church and devotional time?
Ecclesiastes 4
Reflection Questions1. How does the reality of injustice (vs 1-3) deepen your longing for Christ’s return and His perfect justice?2. Solomon warns against both envy-driven toil and lazy disengagement (vs 4-5). Where do you tend to lean, toward overwork or underwork?3. What does “one handful of quietness” (vs 6) look like in your current season of life? How can you pursue gospel-centered balance?4. Solomon says in verse 10, “Woe to him who is alone when he falls.” What relationships are you growing, or what steps can you take to start growing relationships, to ensure you’re not walking alone? 5. What does Solomon’s story in verses 13-16 of the forgotten kings teach us about the fleeting nature of fame and influence?
Ecclesiastes 3
Reflection Questions1. In light of verses 1-8, how does acknowledging that time is in God’s hands, not ours, change the way you approach your daily decisions?2. Verse 11 says God has “put eternity into man’s heart.” How do you see that longing for eternity show up in your own life?3. Solomon says there’s “nothing better” than to be joyful and do good (vs 12-13, 22). What does joyful obedience look like in your current season? What ordinary routines in your life might be more spiritually significant than you’ve realized?4. How does knowing that God is sovereign over time (vs 14-17) lead you to fear Him rightly?5. How does this passage point you to Jesus as the only source of lasting meaning, hope, and eternal life?