Weekday Devotional - Week 12 Obedience (Day 2) - God's Promises

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

God's Promises

Scripture Reading: Jonah 3:1-10; James 1:22-25

Reflection:
What were God's promises to Jonah?

What happened in his life when he obeyed God?

How does obedience lead to blessing?

How is God calling you to be obedient even now?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your good plans for my life.  Call me to a great task and give me the courage to say yes!  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 12 Obedience (Day 1) - Choosing Obedience

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

Choosing Obedience

Scripture Reading: Jonah 1:1-2:10

Reflection:
What was God calling Jonah to do?

Why was it so hard for Jonah to obey?

Jonah finally obeyed.  What was his path from disobedience to obedience

When have you known you were disobeying God and found your way back to obedience?

Prayer: God, give me ears to hear you when you call.  Give me the courage to obey and the assurance that you will always be with me.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 11 Perseverance (Day 5) - Nothing can Separate Us

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

Nothing can Separate Us

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:28-39; Isaiah 40:25-31

Reflection:
After reading these scriptures, what promises did you find about persevering?

Consider that nothing in the entire world-no problem or hardship-can ever separate you from God's love in Jesus Christ.  What does that mean to you?

How can you cling to the promise that God will give you strength when you're weary? 

Prayer: God, thank you for your unwavering love.  Give me a heart that clings to you.  Make me soar on eagle's wings and tirelessly spread your gospel around the world. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 11 Perseverance (Day 4) - Jesus Calls His Disciples to Persevere

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

Jesus Calls His Disciples to Persevere

Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:1-24, 36-51; 25:1-13

Reflection:
What kind of perseverance did Jesus talk about in these scriptures?

What kind of promise await those who persevere?

Jesus says that no one knows the time when he will return but that we should keep alert.  How is keeping alert similar to persevering?

If Jesus came back today, would he find you faithful and persevering in all things?
Why or why not? 


Prayer: Lord, help me keep alert and watch for you.  Make me ready for your return. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 11 Perserverance (Day 3) - Community Support

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

Community Support

Scripture Reading: Exodus 17:8-16; Psalm 20

Reflection:
How did Moses' friends help him persevere?

What did they gain from their perseverance?

How does the psalm give your perspective?

How can your group of friends remind one another to persevere using the words of Psalm 20?  


Prayer: Lord, I know that some people trust in personal strength, money, or power, but I trust in you alone.  Help me make good friends who will point me to you when I need perspective.  Help me to ground myself in your goodness and love so that no matter what comes my way, I will persevere in your name. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 11 Perserverance (Day 2) - Faith in the Face of Fear

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

Faith in the Face of Fear

Scripture Reading: Exodus 14:5-31

Reflection:
How did Moses encourage the Israelites to persevere?

What caused them to have faith?

When have you had to persevere through a difficult situation?

What did God do in you through that situation?  


Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being steadfast and trustworthy.  Sometimes I grumble like the Israelites when I am afraid, but you are so good to me.  Help me trust you more and more  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 11 Perseverance (Day 1) - Count it Joy

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

Count it Joy

Scripture Reading: James 1:2-12; John 15:1-11

Reflection:
What does it mean to consider tests as joy?

What do we gain when we persevere?

Where do we get the strength to persevere?

How do we remain connected to the Vine?  


Prayer: Lord, help me to learn perseverance, to not give up, and to count all things joy because of your great love for me.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 10 Character (Day 5) - Healing

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

Healing

Scripture Reading: Genesis 32:1-33:20

Reflection:
Why did it take so long for Jacob and Esau to reconcile?

How had Esau changed?

How had Jacob changed?

When have you wrestled with God?  


Prayer: God, when I find myself wrestling with you, grant me your blessing and cause me to walk differently when I leave that place.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 10 Character (Day 4) - Break Away

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

Break Away

Scripture Reading: Genesis 31:1-55

Reflection:
What points of dishonesty and deception do you see in today's reading?

What negative patterns did Jacob need to overcome in his life? Laban's?

What do you need to make a clean break from in order for God to sharpen your character?

What patterns need adjusting?  


Prayer: God, you never leave me.  You cal me, and go with me everywhere.  Call me to a place of more depth of character as I journey to living fully in you.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 10 Character (Day 3) - Jealousy

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

Jealousy

Scripture Reading: Genesis 29:31-30:43

Reflection:
Why do we naturally tend to be jealous?

How was jealousy at the center of the feud between Rachel and Leah?

How does jealousy attack your character?

What would people say about your character?  


Prayer: Lord, keep me from jealousy.  Work on me until my character looks like you. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 10 Character (Day 2) - Character Transformation

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

Character Transformation

Scripture Reading: Genesis 28:10-29:30

Reflection:
What was God's covenant with Jacob?

What does it say about God that God would make such a covenant with someone who had been a cheat and a liar?

When have you been deceived?

How have you seen transformation of character?  


Prayer: Thank you, Lord for seeing past my surface-level schemes and emotions.  Thank you for promising to be with me.  Refine my character and make me more like who you would have me to be.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 10 Character (Day 1) - Getting Ahead

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

Getting Ahead

Scripture Reading: Genesis 27:1-28:9

Reflection:
What are some character flaws that jump out at you?

What did each person gain?

What did each person lose?

What does this story teach you about your character strengths and flaws?
 
Prayer: Lord, please forgive me when I scheme and try to work things out apart from your will.  Lead me back to you.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 9 Testing (Day 5) - The Other Side

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

The Other Side

Scripture Reading: Psalm 66

Reflection:
List the tests that the psalmist writes about.

List the blessings that the psalmist names. 

Now list the tests that you have endured.

List the blessings in your life that you're on the other side of those tests. 

Prayer: God, I praise you because you are good and faithful and trustworthy.  Thank you for testing me, refining me and making me more and more like Christ.  Keep working on me until I'm who you created me to be. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 9 Testing (Day 4) - The Money Test

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

The Money Test

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:18-30

Reflection:
Why would Jesus tell the man to sell all of his possessions?

In what ways was Jesus' command a test?

How do you feel God calling you to establish your priorities in line with Jesus' teaching?

How have you felt rested in a similar way as the rich young ruler?

Prayer: Lord, I don't want anything to stand in the way of my walk with you.  Remove the barriers and give me the strength and the grace to face a test with resolve to trust you.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 9 Testing (Day 3) - Bread from Heaven

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

Bread from Heaven

Scripture Reading: Exodus 15:22-16:35

Reflection:
Describe the relationship between God and the Israelites.

How did the Israelites show a lack of trust?  What was their test?

Describe your relationship with God.

What test are you going through in your walk with God?

Prayer: God, make me faithful in the time of testing.  Help me rely on you and your provision.  I'm grateful that you love me so very much.  Give me the faith and the desire to love and trust you.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 9 Testing (Day 2) - The Ultimate Test

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

The Ultimate Test

Scripture Reading: Genesis 22:1-19; Hebrews 11:8-19

Reflection:
How did God test Abraham?

How did God provide for Abraham?

When has your faith been supremely tested?  How did you experience God's provision?

Prayer:  Lord, you are trustworthy.  You are good.  When I face trials of any kind, help me remember your faithfulness.  You never leave me, and I'm thankful. Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 9 Testing (Day 1) - This is a Test

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

This is a Test

Scripture Reading: Job 23:1-12; 1 Peter 1:3-12

Reflection:
When have you felt like Job?

How does Job remain faithful and sure of God's presence with him?

What does 1 Peter teach you about times of testing?

Prayer:  Lord, when I am in trials, give me the confidence of Job that you are with me and committed to my good.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 8 Self Discipline (Day 5) - Proven Results

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

Proven Results

Scripture Reading: Daniel 1:1-21; Matthew 6:33

Reflection:
How did Daniel train for his faith in God?

What were Daniel's top priorities in the midst of difficult situations?

How can discipline help you order and live out your priorities? 

Prayer:  Lord, give me strength and discipline as I seek a closer walk with you.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 8 Self Discipline (Day 4) - Change your Mind

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

Change your Mind

Scripture Reading: Colossians 3:1-17

Reflection:
How would you describe your old life?  Your new life?

How do you struggle with putting on the new self?

How can you keep your heart and mind on God? 

Prayer:  Lord, help me set my mind on your today Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 8 Self Discipline (Day 3) - Growing in God's Love

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 God's Love

Scripture Reading: Titus 2:11-3:15; Psalm 34:1-22

Reflection:
What are the characteristics of a disciplined lifestyle indicated in Psalm 34?

How does God bless a disciplined life?

What is God's desire for you according to the reading of Titus?

How does the grace of God educate us? 

Prayer:  Lord, draw me into a deeper relationship with you.  Peel off the layers of doubt and struggle, and free me for a life with you.  Give me strength to train to be a good example tot he world of who you call me to be.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 8 Self Discipline (Day 2) - Overcoming Sinful Desires

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

Overcoming Sinful Desires

Scripture Reading: Romans 6:1-18, 13:11-14

Reflection:
How might we be slaves to sin?

How can we live in the freedom of Christ?

How do we "dress ourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ"?

What sin in your life keeps you from the fullness of the freedom of Christ?

 Prayer:  Lord, I am so grateful for the gift of freedom from sin.  Help me turn my back on my sinful desires and live fully in the light of day.  Amen.

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Weekday Devotional - Week 8 Self Discipline (Day 1) - Training for a Life of Faith

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

Training for a Life of Faith

Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Reflection:
Describe characteristics you think of when you hear "people of the light" versus "people of the night."

How is training for a life of faith like physical training?

Why do we most often fail when we merely try?

How can we succeed in our goals to be more and more like Christ?

Prayer: God, grant me the strength to train for a deeper walker with you.  Give me self-discipline and encourage me as I seek more of you.  Amen.

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