MONDAY | JULY 13

Verse to Read | Matthew 14:1-12

Questions1. What accusation had John the Baptist made

against Herod?2. Why was Herod reluctant to kill him?3. How did John the Baptist die?

Life ApplicationBeing impulsive can lead to tragic consequences. John the Baptist lost his life because of a spur of the moment decision made by Herod. Do you make rash judgements or decisions? Do you make promises that you immediately regret? How healthy is your self-control?

Prayer PromptBeing impulsive can lead to tragic consequences. John the Baptist lost his life because of a spur of the moment decision made by Herod. Do you make rash judgements or decisions? Do you make promises that you immediately regret? How healthy is your self-control?

TUESDAY | JULY 14

Verse to Read | Matthew 14:13-21

Questions1. What problem confronts the Disciples and

what solution do they suggest to Jesus?2. What does Jesus tell them to do instead?3. How do we know that everyone had enough

to eat?

Life ApplicationJesus easily could have fed the crowd on his own, but he enlisted the help of His Disciples. He does the same to us. We are invited to work alongside our Savior so we can experience the joy of service. Prayer PromptAsk God to show you where He needs you working alongside Him.

WEDNESDAY | JULY 15

Verse to Read | Matthew 14:22-36

Questions1. What did Jesus do after He sent his Disciples

on their way in the boat?2. The Disciples had seen Jesus perform

miracles. Why do you think they thought they were seeing a ghost instead of Jesus?

3. What does Jesus say to the Disciples as He approaches the boat?

Life ApplicationBeing in ministry with Jesus can be scary, but Jesus assures his Disciples that He is there to support and save them. Is Jesus asking you to do something scary or uncomfortable? Do you trust that He will constantly be with you through it?

Prayer PromptIf you are scared or concerned about a direction God is asking you to go in, pray for courage, clarity and peace as you move forward.

THURSDAY | JULY 16

Verse to Read | Matthew 15:1-20

Questions1. Of what does Jesus accuse the Pharisees and

teachers of the Law?2. Why is it that what comes out of our mouths

is what defiles us?3. What things does Jesus say come from a

defiled heart?

Life ApplicationWhat from this list are you guilty of in the last day? The last week? The last year? What keeps these present in your life? Pick at least one of these things and see if you can go a day without doing it. Then try for a week? A year?

STUDENTSWEEK 6

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Prayer PromptGod knows the sins we struggle with. Ask Him today to help you overcome that which you listed so that area of your heart may be made clean.

FRIDAY | JULY 17

Verse to Read | Matthew 15:21-28

Questions1. What did the Canaanite woman ask of Jesus and

what was His response?2. How does the woman refer to Jesus?3. Why did Jesus decide to heal her daughter?

Life ApplicationSometimes it can feel like Jesus isn’t answering our prayers because we think we aren’t worthy of the answer. It can also be hard to continuously pray the same thing over and over. Take encouragement from the Canaanite woman. Be persistent in praying for what you know Jesus can give you.

Prayer PromptBe honest talking to God about those things that you are asking of Him. Share with Him your desires, your hesitations, your fears and the state of your belief in His ability to answer.

SATURDAY | JULY 18

Verse to Read | Matthew 15:29-39

Questions1. What emotion caused Jesus to call the Disciples

to Him?2. What was Jesus’ concern for these people?3. Does the Disciples’ reaction surprise you? Why or

why not?

Life ApplicationHow often do we find ourselves in the same situation and still don’t know what to do? Like the Disciples who had just fed a large crowd, we can be slow to depend on God’s provision. Why is it hard for us to learn from our previous experiences, especially when it comes to Jesus?

Prayer PromptAsk God to remind you of how He has helped you in the past, in order to encourage you to see how He will respond to you in the present.