Weekday Devotional - Week 3 Community (Day 4) - The Work of the Community

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

The Work of the Community

Scripture Reading: Philippians 1:3-11, 2:1-4

Reflection:  
What does it mean to you to be partners with God?

What do other partnerships in your life look like?

If we are partners with God, what role do you play in the partnership?  What role does God play?

Prayer: 
Lord, I know you don't need me to do anything, but you invite each of your children into the work of bringing your kingdom.  I am honored to have a part to play.  Help me to be your church - alive and on fire in this world.  Give me work to do and the courage, strength, and vision to see it through.  Amen.


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Weekday Devotional - Week 3 Community (Day 3) - But They Might Be Different

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

But They Might Be Different

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:17-27; 1 John 4:7-21

Reflection:  

Why are we so different from one another?

Why do we need each other?

How can we bin community with difficult or hard-to-love people?

Prayer: 
Lord, it's hard to be in community.  It's hard to love people I don't like and to stick it out when my feelings are hurt.  Help me to forgive as you forgave me.  Help me to love as you love me.  Amen.


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Weekday Devotional - Week 3 Community (Day 2) - Growing in Community

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Growing in Community

Scripture Reading: Acts 2:29-47; Hebrews 10:19-25, 3:12-13; Galatians 6:1-2

Reflection:  

What would your life look like if you were devoted to a community where Bible study, fellowship and prayer were of utmost importance?

What, if anything, is keep you form being in the kind of community?

Why is it easier to focus on God when we're surrounded by other believers?

Prayer: 
Lord, you made people for community.  Help me to be vulnerable, real, and committed.  Bless the community to which I belong and give us a shared vision of how together, we can change the world.  Amen.


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Weekday Devotional - Week 3 Community (Day1) - We Were Made for Community

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

We Were Made for Community

Scripture Reading: 1 John 1:1-10; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Reflection:  

Have you ever felt drawn to Christians community?  Why?

Why is it important to belong to a fellowship of believers?

What do these communities have in common?

What is at the heart of Christian community?



Prayer: 
God, I am so grateful that you desire a relationship with me.  Help me to anchor my life with you in your church.  Make me vulnerable and humble as I join in fellowship with other believers.  Strengthen me to share your love to the ends of the earth.  Amen.


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Weekday Devotional - Week 2 Prayer (Day 5) - When We Don't Pray

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

When We Don't Pray

Scripture Reading: Daniel 4:19-37; 2 Chronicles 7:14

Reflection:
King Nebuchadnezzar's whole life changed when he began to pray.  Describe the transformation in his life? 

Daniel's whole life reflected a belief that God would hear his prayers and act on his behalf.  What does Daniel teach you about prayer?

What keeps you from prayer?

How does prayer keep you from wandering away from God?

Prayer: Lord, I am prone to wander indeed.  Help me learn from Daniel that when I put my firm trust in you, you will act in my life.  Give me eyes to see you move.  Give me faith to pray.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional Week 2: Prayer (Day 4) - Confidence in Prayer

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Confidence in Prayer

Scripture Reading: Luke 5:12-16, 6:12-29, 9:18-36; Mark 11:12-24; James 4:2-10

Reflection:
In today's reflection reading, what did God do as a result of Jesus' prayers?

What difficult decisions do you have to make right now?  How can these scriptures speak to your prayers about these issues?

What do you find the most challenging about prayer?

Prayer: Lord, I want to align with your will.  I want to be about your will and not my own.  But I also want what I want.  As I bring my difficult decisions to you, guide me to have confidence that you will answer - and help me receive your answer.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 2: Prayer (Day 3) - Where two or three are Gathered

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Where Two or Three are Gathered

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:18-20; Acts 12:1-19

Reflection:
Jesus instructed his followers that praying together brings about miraculous results.  What is the power in group prayer? 

How had God surprised you by miraculous answers to prayer?

Who are your prayer partners? 

How can you give yourself more fully to praying with other believers?

Prayer: Lord, surround us with good friends who will be prayer partners in life.  Thank you for coming among us when we gather to seek you.  Give us diligence to make time for praying together with other believers.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 2: Prayer (Day 2) - The Goal of Prayer

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

The Goal of Prayer

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:1-8; Genesis 18:16-33; John 17:1-16; Matthew 26:36-46

Reflection:
What in today's daily reading help you think about perseverance in prayer? 

What does it mean to be in alignment with God's will?

Jesus prayer "not what I want but what you want."  How can you live out this prayer in your own life?

Prayer: God, all too often I pray because of what I hope to get out of it.  Help me not approach prayer or you as a consumer or as a worker, but as your humble child  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional Week 2: Prayer (Day 1) - Jesus Teaches us How to Pray

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:1-11; Matthew 6:5-15

Reflection:
The two scripture readings give slightly different versions of Jesus' instructions on prayer.  Make some notes from both passages, noting any differences or similarities?

How do the instructions help you in your daily prayer life?

What does knowing even Jesus had to get away from it all to pray teach you about the significance of prayer in your own life?

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for wanting to be in conversation with me.  Thank you for teaching me to pray.  Guide me to make the time and stir within me a desire to spend time with you each day.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 1: Reading the Bible (Day 5) - Change Comes

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Change Comes

Scripture Reading: Mark 4:1-20; Deuteronomy 30:11-20; Hebrews 4:12-13

Reflection:
Why were three of the seeds mentioned in Mark 4 incapable of producing fruit?  What was the result of the hearing and accepting the word (the seed)?

Is the full obedience mentioned in Deuteronomy achievable?  Why or why not?

What results do you hope to see in your life as you study the Bible?

Prayer:  Lord, your word is precious to me.  Help me to seek you in the scriptures.  Draw near to me.  Plant me firmly in your word and change my heart. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 1: Reading the Bible (Day 4) - Getting the Most out of Bible Study

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Get the Most out of Bible Study

Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 22:1-23:25

Reflection:
List some adjectives that describe how King Josiah might have felt after discovering the sacred texts?

What did you do in response to hearing the scriptures for the first time?

What in your life needs to be cleans out in order to live according the the scriptures?

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for the grace that give me a chance to start over when I have lost touch with you.  I know you haven't gone anywhere, but I turned away.  Help me ground myself in regular Bible reading and stay close to your Word. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 1: Reading the Bible (Day 3) - Finding Your Way in the Bible

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Finding Your Way in the Bible

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17; James 1:19-25; Psalm 119:105

Reflection:
What purpose does Bible study have in the life of a believer?

How would you describe your current Bible study routine?

Look into the mirror of your life.  What needs adjustment?  What is God revealing to you about your life direction?

Prayer:  Lord,thank you for the gift of scripture.  Give me diligence as I seek to know you more and more through daily Bible study.  Reveal your heart to me and show me your will. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 1: Reading the Bible (Day 2) - Letting the Bible Read Us

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Letting the Bible Read Us

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Psalm 119:1-16

Reflection:
How does the Holy Spirit help you understand the Bible?

What does Psalm 119 say about how reading the Bible can transform your life?

Do you mostly read with your head or your heart?  How could you find a middle way?

Prayer:  Lord, give me new insight as I read your holy words.  Transform every part of my life until I take on your character and grace. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 1: Reading the Bible (Day 1) - The Bible Tells Me So

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

The Bible Tells Me So

Scripture: Deuteronomy 8:1-11; Matthews 4:1-11; John 5:36-47; 2 Timothy 2:15

Reflection: 
What does God promise when we follow instructions written in the Bible?

When has a scripture come alive for you in hard situations, temptations, or trials?  How would you describe that experience?

Prayer:  Lord, Bring your word to life for us and let us see ourselves in your great story of love and redemption.  Speak to us as we seek you.  Amen.

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Rev. Lettie is back to blogging again!

Greetings All,

I have been away from blogging and daily discussion far too long, and now I'm back in the groove of things.  First let me start by saying Happy New Year to each of you and welcome to the Lenten Season.  The Lenten Season starts on Wednesday, February 13, Lent is a time of waiting, preparing, reflection, and self-examination during the 40 days before Easter.  Many of you will sacrifice or fast from something during these 40 days excluding Sunday.  

When you prepare for Lent, truly let this be a true sacrifice, something that is your true weakness.  (i.e. overindulgence of sweets, excessive internet use, constant television watching, constant negative attitude and excessive social media).  

With that said, my commitment is beyond Lent but starting on Ash Wednesday, I will work on my attitude and tone with people who offend me.  It's really easy for me to cut people off, chew them up and spit them out, because of the way they treated me.  In the meantime, I will be apart of a covenant group that will also serve as my accountability group, counseling session and conscience when I'm having one of those let me cuss you out day.  Yes, I said cuss, but not curse.  There's a difference!

Now you know what I'm doing for Lent, hit me up to let me know what you are doing!