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InDwell (7-Day Study)

September 30, 2025August 22, 2025Posted in God, Holy Spirit, study guidesTagged 7-day study, dwelling places, dwelling places of God in the Bible, God dwells with us, God with us, God's dwelling, Holy Spirit, immanuel, pillar, study of God's dwelling place, study of God's presence, tabernacle, temple, ZionLeave a comment

God’s presence and dwelling place among mankind has always been a thing. It is deeply embedded into who He is, His mission, and how he connects with His creation. God’s presence is stitched into the biblical narrative so that it is clearly part of His story.

Eden was the dwelling place of God, and God commissioned Adam and Eve to expand the boundaries of that dwelling place to fill the earth (Genesis 1:28). While God’s original call seemed to be thwarted by sin, God continues to establish his dwelling place in different forms which will shown throughout this devotional.

God continued to establish his dwelling place among the patriarchs until the building of the tabernacle and temple. After Solomon’s temple was destroyed, the prophets anticipate the coming of a new and expanding temple, and these prophecies would be fulfilled in Jesus and the church. The church as the dwelling place of God would expand until one day it filled the entire heaven and earth—the entire cosmos would become the dwelling place of God.

The mission of God did not begin with the Great Commission recorded in Matthew 28:18-20, but mission is God’s heartbeat from Genesis 1 until the new heaven and earth become the dwelling place of God in Revelation 21–22. This grand picture of the whole earth filled with God’s presence fulfills God’s original intention from the sanctuary of Eden. So that is where we begin.

7-DAYS IN GOD’S DWELLING PLACES

Day 1 – Eden

Day 2 – Pillar

Day 3 – Tent

Day 4 – Immanuel

Day 5 – Body

Day 6 – Zion

Day 7 – Rest

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InDwell Devotional Download

Hope in God – Reflections from Isaiah

August 22, 2024September 14, 2024Posted in hope, study guidesTagged book of isaiah, hope in God, Isaiah, isaiah devotional, Isaiah reflections, worship songs based on Isaiah, worship through isaiahLeave a comment

Some of the early church fathers regarded Isaiah as ‘the great prophet’. Some even saw the book as ‘A Fifth Gospel’. It’s easy to see why. The prophet Isaiah played an important role in God’s plan; He foretold the Messiah’s coming and brought hope to His people during a challenging time. This promise of hope is not only for the nation of Israel, but also for all of us.

A book of stark contrasts, Isaiah juxtaposes terrifying warnings of judgment and destruction with uplifting promises of hope. We see how God works for the good of his children and is sovereign in the worst of circumstances. We see the hope of the Messiah—Jesus Christ—in every chapter. Though we are sinful and deserve to be punished, God has provided salvation for us through the Messiah, who suffered and freed us from our sins.

The Book of Isaiah show us who God is. The ever-strong and never-weary One who loves to help weak and weary people like us. In him, hope soars today and forever.

Hope in God is a meant to be a mini reflection through each chapter of the Book of Isaiah. Each chapter comes with a verse to memorize, questions to reflection upon, and a song for meditation. The images throughout are from beautiful Chad, Africa.

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Exodus: In Awe of God

June 29, 2019June 23, 2019Posted in God, study guidesLeave a comment

God shows up in mighty and miraculous ways throughout history. Exodus shows God in all his wonder.

Israel had been in Egypt for 400 years. They were slaves in a foreign land. They were waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham—waiting for the Promised Land. There was one bring problem. Pharaoh. The god-complex ruler of Egypt made it his mission to stand between Israel and their God. That wouldn’t last long. He was no match for the Creator-God.

God would use Pharaoh’s decree to murder every Israelite son. One Hebrew couple defied this decree. When they could no longer hide their baby boy, the mother placed their son in a basket and into the Nile, trusting God’s will for his life. In God’s plan, Pharaoh’s daughter found the basket, caught in the reeds beside the river. She adopted the baby into her family and named him Moses.

Moses grew up in the palace walls, but he was never really an Egyptian. When he saw the oppression of his people he took action. This led Moses on a wild journey that would lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

Along the way, both Moses and Israel would witness the wonders of God. Moses was first introduced to God through a burning bush. Then God would lead his people out of Egypt following 10 plagues, by a pillar of cloud and fire, through splitting the Red Sea, and by providing manna from heaven and water from a rock. No generation in human history saw God work like this before or since.

The story of Exodus is also our story. Like Israel, we are God’s people. He draws us out of our sin (our Egypt), and draws us into His presence (into relationship with Him). Come let us behold God and be in awe of him together.
filled with awe and wonder,
Justin

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Genesis: The Beginnings

June 23, 2019Posted in Genesis, study guidesTagged beginnings, Genesis, Genesis bible study, genesis discussion questions, genesis family guide, genesis the beginning, study genesis, studying genesis, the beginningLeave a comment

New beginnings bring an air of excitement and freshness. The book of Genesis is taken from its first words, “In the beginning.” Genesis is the beginning of everything. It is the beginning of creation, human history, life, death, and so much more.

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Matthew: Follow the King

January 4, 2019June 23, 2019Posted in followership, Jesus, Matthew, study guidesTagged devotional on Matthew, follow the king, Gospel of matthew, Jesus is King, Matthew bible study, matthew study guide, study matthew for families1 Comment

King’s sit on thrones in palaces.

King’s wear royal clothes and crowns.

Kings enjoy the best things the world has to offer.

King’s make laws and command kingdoms.

King’s don’t live and work among their people.

The Gospel of Matthew is about a King—a different sort of king. His family tree is traced back to the great king David, but he is born to an unknown young couple. Rather than a palace, he has nowhere to call home. He wears a crown, but it is made of thorns. He commands obedience, a loving obedience that comes from the heart.

Matthew’s King doesn’t sit on a throne surrounded by a royal court; he spends time with sinners and outcasts. Matthew wants his readers to know one thing above all: Jesus is King. He is the king who guides his people like a shepherd into his kingdom. He forgives them, offers rest to their souls, and promises never to leave them. Though he calls his people to follow him in suffering and the cross, he promises that this is the way to eternal life.

Matthew also shows that Jesus is King through his actions. Storms are silenced by his voice. Evil spirits are cast out with a word. The sick are healed by his touch.

The day is coming when he’ll return revealed in all his power and glory—the reigning and ruling, eternal King. Matthew wants his readers to know, follow, and be like the King.

I want to know this King, how about you? Let’s discover him together through Matthew.

FOLLOW THE KING is a study guide of 111 devotionals through the Gospel of Matthew.

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1 Peter: Faith In The Fire

August 26, 2018January 4, 2019Posted in 1 Peter, study guidesTagged 1 Peter, 1 peter devotional guide, 1 Peter outline, 1 Peter small group study, 1 peter study guide, faith in the fire, faith under fire, peter, questions from 1 Peter, study 1 PeterLeave a comment

Peter is someone we can all relate to in the Bible. He says what he thinks. He is impulsive. He takes matters into his own hands. He blows it really bad with Jesus. In the gospel, he is a big coward.

Yet on the other hand, in Acts, you see a new Peter. He repents. He is restored with Jesus. God redeemed his shame. He grows in faith and grace. The three years he spent with Jesus were not wasted. Jesus made him the leader of the disciples. He has a bold faith and is unashamed of Jesus. He went on to write two books of the Bible (1 and 2 Peter). He was a pastor who loved people (aka: sheep). And like Jesus, He was crucified for being a Christian.

In Peter, we see a normal Jesus-follower. Someone who really loves Jesus. Someone who really sins. Someone with whom God is patient as he grows and matures through his sin to love Jesus more and sin less. His imperfections are endearing and his progress is encouraging.

Peter’s first letter is packed with timeless wisdom for every Christian generation. It is gold for the soul from a seasoned pastor on how to live amidst life’s trials in light of the person and work of Jesus, who also suffered trials.

Peter writes to groups of Christians who lived in modern-day Turkey. They were Christians who were suffering greatly for their faith in Jesus. Their faith was under fire. In the heat of the trials, Peter reminds them that they belong to God. Remembering that we belong to a loving and sovereign God allows us to find peace and purpose in every circumstance or seasons of trial, giving us strength to press onward toward faith and obedience to Jesus.

Click here to Downloads the 1 Peter Study Guide

Hebrews: Jesus is Greater

February 21, 2018February 20, 2018Posted in Bible, Hebrews, Jesus, study guidesTagged book of hebrews, Hebrews, Hebrews Bible Study, Hebrews in the Bible, Hebrews small group study, Hebrews study guide downloads, Jesus is greater, letter to the Hebrews, study the book of HebrewsLeave a comment

Do you realize what you have in Jesus, right now?

One of the greatest truths you’ll receive in your lifetime is this: There’s nothing in your life that’s greater than Jesus. Nothing.

It is possible to grow familiar with who Jesus is and forget what he has done, is doing, and will do. You can grow discouraged and apathetic and distant from Jesus, your first love. You forgot who Jesus is. And something else becomes greater than Jesus.

This is the message of Hebrews. Jesus is greater. He’s greater than your sin. He’s greater than your enemy. He’s greater than your failure. Jesus is greater and there is no other substitute.

Hebrews is not for the shallow of faith. The author will push you into he deep end of the promises and purposes of God. As you swim in the deep waters of this Hebrew you will appreciate more wholly your Rescuer and Redeemer—Jesus the Great.

Click here to Downloads the Hebrews Study Guide

James: How Faith Works

January 16, 2017Posted in Bible, faith, study guides, workTagged faith and works, family worship guide, how faith works, James the brother of Jesus, sstudy guide of the book of James, study guideLeave a comment

James knew that the world detested Christians, but he also knew the Christian faith was an active world-changing faith. It was a faith at work. In other words, faith had fruits of faith (i.e. works). It was a faith that looked like Jesus, talked like Jesus, and served like Jesus. With millions of Christians suffering persecution and isolation worldwide, what letter couldn’t be more applicable or encouraging today?

So what is faith, true faith? James shows us how faith works. He makes it clear that salvation doesn’t come through good works but that true faith produces good works. The journey of faith is like a construction site where one is continually sharpening their skills on the job and among others. Yet in the case of faith the site is the church among one another. It’s not an easy journey, it’s slow, and there are setbacks. The risks are great, but the reward is even greater because we are in Jesus.

Are you ready to grow in your faith? Then let’s go!

Click here to Download the James Study Guide

70 Portraits of Jesus in John’s Gospel

October 9, 2016October 9, 2016Posted in Bible, Jesus, study guidesTagged family worship guide, Gospel of John study guide, Jesus in John, john, portraits of Jesus, Portraits of Jesus in John's Gospel, study guide of John, study of John, study of john for the familyLeave a comment

John—the beloved disciple of Jesus—writes so that people may believe that Jesus is the Son of God (20:31). John is a Jesus lover. And Jesus loves John too. This mutual love is seen in the way that John writes about Jesus. It’s as if he paints beautiful and endearing portraits of Jesus each able to stand alone for us to marvel at.

As John reflects on Jesus, you are meant to also. Think of yourself at an art gallery. Stand back. Take it in. Get swept up into the scene. Think long and lovingly upon each portrait as John paints it. Jesus will marvel you. He will leave an impression upon you. Each time you look at Jesus you will walk away in awe.

Click Here to Download the “70 Portraits of Jesus in John’s Gospel” Study Guide

Galatians: In Defense of the Gospel

September 23, 2016September 23, 2016Posted in gospel, study guidesTagged defense of the gospel, galatian, galatians pdf, galatians study guide, gospel unser attack, knowing the gospel, outline of galatians, study galatians, study guideLeave a comment

Galatians is about the Gospel. It is about protecting the good news because it is constantly under attack. Paul was ahead of his time when he wrote this letter to Galatia because the same issues they faced centuries ago we face today. Learn from Paul and the early church how to defend the gospel from attacks from within or without. This isn’t a study for the faint of heart.

Click here to download the Galatians Study Guide

2 Corinthians Study: Boast in Weakness

March 23, 2015March 23, 2015Posted in Bible, church, leadership, pride, study guidesTagged 2 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians Bible study, 2 Corinthians discussion questions, 2 Corinthians small group, 2 Corinthians Study, Bible, bible study, boast in weakness, church, leadership, new, power in weakness, practical guide to ministryLeave a comment

What does God want me to do with my money? How should I respond to someone who has wronged me? What is the purpose of suffering and hardships? Can’t I boast a little bit? These are some of the questions you will discover as you read through 2 Corinthians.

Paul’s second letter to the Corinthian church has a different flavor than the first. It is more personal and pastoral. You see Paul roll up his sleeves and wear his emotions on them. Paul loves the church and so should we. How can we love the church despite all its people problems? Paul gives us practical insights. There is something for everyone. Just take a look at this 2 Corinthians Study: Boast in Weakness…

1 Corinthians Study: making much of Christ in a messy church

February 16, 2015February 13, 2015Posted in Bible, church, study guidesTagged 1 Corinthians, 1 Corinthians Bible study, 1 Corinthians small group, 1 Corinthians study guide, bible study, dealing with differences, free study guide, getting along with others in church, making much of Christ, marriage, messy church, money issues, new, resurrection, setting disputes, small group, study guide, worshipLeave a comment

Do you struggle getting along with others in church? You are not alone.

Paul’s first letter to Corinth is about dealing with relational differences, setting disputes, reinforcing God’s view of marriage and divorce, the essentials of public worship, the importance of Jesus’ resurrection, money issues, and so much more.

Are you looking for something to study from the Bible? With your family? With your small group? Click below to download a family worship guide 1 Corinthians: making much of Christ in a messy church.

Acts: Church, Missions & the Holy Spirit

March 11, 2014March 18, 2021Posted in Acts, Bible, Books of Acts, church, Holy Spirit, missions, study guidesTagged 30 Ways to Awaken Your Congregation for the Cause of Global Engagement, Acts, acts bible study, Acts family worship guide, acts of the apostles, Bible, book of acts, church, missions, new, study through acts, the book of acts, the Holy SpiritLeave a comment

The book of Acts is about the church in formation, the mission of Jesus unfolding, and a gospel of the Holy Spirit. It is an action-packed book, so much so that a friend recently said to me, “Someone could easily make a movie out of it.” It is full of suspense, imprisonment, shipwreck, and of course Jesus’ followers living their faith out loud. It’s a refreshing and invigorating book.

When’s the last time you read it? With your family? Click below to download a family worship guide on the Acts of the Apostle: Church, Missions and the Holy Spirit.

Luke: Discovering Jesus, the Son of God

July 20, 2013March 28, 2014Posted in Bible, family, study guidesTagged discovering Jesus, discussion questions, family worship, family worship guide, gospel of Luke, life of jesus, Luke, new, questions, small group discussion, the son of God, theology, worship guideLeave a comment

For a few months, I have been studying the Gospel of Luke with some friends. It has been a joy to study the life of Jesus. Below is a Family Worship Guide that I created from our discussions. Just click on the image below. You will find questions with and without helps. I hope this is a blessing to you and your family.

Let me know if you would like to make changes or additions. This is certainly a work in progress.

7-DAYS IN GOD’S DWELLING PLACES

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