Memory Verse: Luke 19:8-10

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Dwell | MONDAY

Ask God to help you see how His grace changes hearts and leads to real generosity. Ask Him to help you to understand and apply His Word to your life.

Read: Luke 19:1-10

What drew Zacchaeus to Jesus, and how did Jesus respond? What change do you see in Zacchaeus after meeting Jesus?

What was Jesus trying to accomplish? How can you tell if he was successful? In what ways does your story look like Zacchaeus’s and what might it take for you to respond to Jesus with similar, extravagant generosity?

Where might Jesus be calling you to respond to His grace with extravagant generosity in your life?

Memorize: Begin memorizing Luke 19:8-10. Write it out by hand.

Dwell | TUESDAY

Ask God to shape your heart into a cheerful giver and to help you trust His provision. Ask God to help you to understand and apply His Word to your life.

Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12

What does Paul mean by “sowing generously” and “reaping generously”? How does this passage describe the way God supplies and multiplies what we give? What does Paul say about our attitude toward the poor?

What is the natural or worldly motivation and attitude toward giving? How does Paul show that generosity is an act of faith that leads to thanksgiving and blessing for others? What kinds of blessings does God abundantly give and why?

What is one specific way you can give this week—time, money, encouragement, or service—with joy and trust in God?

Memorize: Memorize Luke 19:8-10. Read through once, then cover one phrase at a time and say it three times.

Dwell | WEDNESDAY

Ask God to fill you with joy and peace in every circumstance and to help you trust His care for your needs. Ask Him to help you to understand and apply His Word to your life.

Read: Philippians 4:4-19

What commands and promises does Paul give about joy, prayer, anxiety, and God’s peace? What does he praise the Philippian Christians for, and how does he describe God’s provision for those who give and live faithfully?

How do Paul’s teachings counter our tendencies to control circumstances or fear scarcity? How do his words show a life of joy, prayer, contentment, and confidence that God supplies what we need?

What worry do you need to bring to God today, and what step can you take this week to live in gratitude and trust that He will provide?

Memorize: Read Luke 19:8-10 out loud three times, looking away when you can.

Dwell | THURSDAY

Ask God to shape your heart into one that delights in blessing others. Ask Him to help you to understand and apply His Word to your life.

Read: Proverbs 11:25

What principle does this proverb teach about those who refresh others? What does it teach about generosity?

What natural selfish tendencies does this proverb correct? How does it challenge God’s people to live generously so their lives bless and refresh others?

Who is one person you can “refresh” today with a kind word, a thoughtful gift, or practical help?

Memorize: Say Luke 19:8-10 from memory. Check yourself. Say it again.

Dwell | FRIDAY

Ask God to help you understand Christ’s love and to live that love in real, visible ways. Ask Him to help you to understand and apply His Word to your life.

Read: 1 John 3:16-18

How does this passage define love by Jesus’ example? What does John say love must look like in practice?

What is the natural or worldly way to define love, and how does John call believers to selfless love through sacrifice, truth, and action?

What need can you meet this week to show love “with actions and in truth,” not only with words?

Memorize: Quote Luke 19:8-10 from memory. Check yourself. Keep trying until you get it right.