Thursday, October 31, 2013

No-Excuse WOW Bible Study Replay - Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go


Replay Information: 
Audio Only Replay  1 (530) 881-1219; enter meeting ID: 944312457 and Ref# below
Webinar Replay; click on links below:

June 12, 2013 -October 23, 2013
Book Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go

Weekday Devotional - Week 37 Generosity (Day 4) - Generous Love

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

Generous Love

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 Peter 1:22-23, Romans 5:5

Reflection:


How is the nature of genuine love generous?

How does a follower of Jesus love generously?


Who are examples of generous love in your life?

How could you be more generous with your love for others?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for teaching me what true love is.  Forgive me when I'm stingy with my love for you and others.  Give me a generous heart to love others with your kind of love. Amen.

Post reflection notes below for discussion

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 37 Generosity (Day 3) - Giving to God

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

Giving to God

Scripture Reading: Mark 14:3-9; John 6:1-13

Reflection:


What did the disciples think of the woman's gift for Jesus?

How can generous acts of love for Jesus bless others?
 

What is your prized possession?
 
How can you give it to God so that God can use it to bless others?

Prayer: Lord, I pour my life out to you.  Use me to be a blessing in the world. Amen.

Post reflection notes below for discussion

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 37 Generosity (Day 2) - Generous Welcome

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

Generous Welcome

Scripture Reading: 2 Samuel 9:1-13

Reflection:


What did David give to Mephibosheth?

How did David show generosity in this situation?
 

Who has genersouly welcomed you?

How could you go out of your way to show generosity today?

Prayer: Generous God, thank you for the way you go out of your way to bless me.  You bring me to your table and shower your blessings upon me.  Help me share your generosity with those who may need it.  Amen.

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Monday, October 28, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 37 Generosity (Day 1) - Forgiving Debt

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

Forgiving Debt

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 15:1-11

Reflection:


What does this passage say about God's idea of generosity?

What does God promise those who have a generous spirit?
 

Would you be able to forgive someone's debt entirely and not hold it against them?

What are you tightfisted with?  How could you be more generous?

Prayer: Generous and Loving God, you bless me beyond measure.  You have been so good to us.  Because of your generous love and grace, Lord, help me to spill out your generosity in others' lives.  Keep my hands open to give.  Keep my eyes open to see need.  Thank you for your blessings, make me a blessing to others.  Amen.

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Friday, October 25, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 36 Humility (Day 5) - Strength in Weakness

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

  Strength in Weakness

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:5-10; Colossians 3:12

Reflection:


What are we called to put on?

Why would Paul say that he bragged about his weakness?
 

Why did he have a thorn in his body?

When have you felt strength in your weakness?

Prayer: Lord, I want everything about my life to point to your saving love.  I don't want people to see me, but only you in me.  Help me humbly receive times of trial as moments to brag about your strength in me.  Be strong in my weakness so I can witness to your love.  Amen.

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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 36 Humility (Day 4) - Wisdom Brings Humility

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

  Wisdom Brings Humility

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 9:10-12, 11:2, 15:33, 22:4

Reflection:


When have you experienced pride before disaster?

What is the reward for humility?
 

How does wisdom bring humility?

 When have you respected someone because of their humility?

Prayer: God, you call me to grow in wisdom, and I know I can't do that until I have a humble heart.  Make me humble and grow me in your truth.  Amen.

Post reflection notes below for discussion

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 36 Humility (Day 3) - Jesus' Humility

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

  Jesus' Humility

Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:1-16

Reflection:


How did Jesus show humility?

How did god respond to Jesus' humility?
 

Who are humble people in your life?  How would you describe their humility?

How can you adopt the attitude of humility that was in Christ Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you are the ultimate example of humility. You made yourself low to the point of death, and God raised you up to the highest place.  Take away my selfishness, pride, and egotistical attitude.  Help me adopt your attitude instead.  Amen.

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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 36 Humility (Day 2) - Humble Recognition

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

  Humble Recognition

Scripture Reading: Luke 14:7-24

Reflection:


Who demonstrated pride in Jesus' story?

How did Jesus say to demonstrate humility?
 

How do Jesus' instructions on humility apply to your life today?

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I want to be the special one.  Sometimes I don't even care who I step on to get there.  But you call me to take the lowest place and to give without expecting anything in return.  Lord, give me the kind of humility that would throw a party for the forgotten and unseen and not seek anything in return.  Amen.

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Monday, October 21, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 36 Humility (Day 1) - Like a Child

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

  Like a Child

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:1-5, 11:25-30

Reflection:


What does it mean to humble yourself like a child?

Why would Jesus make that requirement to enter the kingdom of heaven?
 

Why does Jesus say we gain when we become like children?

How have you experienced the breath of God bringing you back to life?

Prayer: Lord, I forget what it's like to have the humble, trusting heart of a child.  I grew up and lost my innocent trust in you.  I began to think that I can handle life on my own, that I don't need you.  Sometimes I deceive myself into thinking my piety can get me higher status with you, that you might pick me to be your favorite.  But you call me to humble myself before you and become like a trusting child.  Make me like a child before you. Amen.

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Friday, October 18, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 35 Revival (Day 5) - God-Breathed Life

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

  God-Breathed Life

Scripture Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Reflection:


What did the dry bones represent?

What happened when God breathed over the dry bones?
 

When have you felt like a pile of dry bones?

How have you experienced the breath of God bringing you back to life?

Prayer: Lord, I have seasons in my life when I feel like I'm laid out in ta valley of dry bones.  I long to be brought back to life, but I need your breath to flow into me.  Holy Spirit, come and breathe new life into me.  I'm desperate, lifeless and hopeless without you.  Revive me, Lord. Amen.

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Thursday, October 17, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 35 Revival (Day 4) - Revived by the Spirit

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

  Revived by the Spirit

Scripture Reading: Acts 19:1-11

Reflection:


What were the disciples missing when Paul encountered them in Ephesus?

What happened when they received the Holy Spirit?
 

How was Paul's life changed by the power of the Holy Spirit?

How can you submit more fully to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I sometimes try to muster a life of faith with my own efforts.  I forget my need for the Holy Spirit and spin my wheels trying to live for you.  Fill me again with your Spirit.  Empower me for life of true discipleship that's led by the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 35 Revival (Day 3) - Revive Us Again

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

  Revive Us Again

Scripture Reading: Psalm 86

Reflection:


Why did the psalmist believe that God would answer his prayers?

Write verses 16-17 in your own words.  How do these verses inspire you to seek revival?
 

Of all the promises the psalmist listed, which ones do you need to embrace?

Prayer: Lord, come back to me.  Have mercy on me.  When I get away from you, come get me.  Keep me focused on you alone.  Revive my spirit until I'm settled in your love once more.  Amen.

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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 35 Revival (Day 2) - Being Overwhelmed

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

  Being Overwhelmed

Scripture Reading: 2 Chronicles 20:1-30

Reflection:


Why were the people so overwhelmed?

What revival did God bring?
 

When have you felt completely overwhelmed and in need of a revival?

How did God come through for you and bring you revival?

Prayer: God, when I feel pressed, crushed and overwhelmed I feel far away from you.  I lose sight of who you are and that your presence is with me.  Thank you for grace even when I don't believe you're there.  Help me praise you, even when I don't know the outcome of my situation.  Amen.

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Monday, October 14, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 35 Revival (Day 1) - Wavering

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

  Wavering

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 18:16-40

Reflection:


Why did Elijah confront the Israelites?

What did he ask the people to do?
 

When have you wavered back and forth between two opinion?

How has God demonstrated God's power and brought you to a point of revival?

Prayer: Lord, I confess I go through season when I'm unsure about who you are.  I hobble back and forth between lesser gods that compete for my allegiance.  Show your power to me until I'm convinced you're the only God worthy of my worship.  Amen.

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Friday, October 11, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 34 Priorities (Day 5) - Humble Priority

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

  Humble Priority

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:9-14; James 4:1-10

Reflection:


What are the results of too much pride?

What is the solution to too much pride?
 

Why is humility at the top of God's priorities for us?

In what areas of your life could you show more humility?

Prayer: Lord, I'm a sinner in need of your mercy and grace.  Sometimes thing are going really well, and I start to think that I can make it on my own.  But I need you, Lord.  Show me how to walk humbly with you.  Amen.

Post reflection notes below for discussion

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 34 Priorities (Day 4) - Caring for the Least of These

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

  Caring for the Least of These

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

Reflection:


What does this passage teach us about what is important to God?

Whom are we called to serve?
 

What happens when we neglect to serve?

How are you currently serving the least of these?  How could you get more involved in serving?

Prayer: Lord, I long to be found faithful when you come again.  I pray that you would show me how and where to serve the least among us.  Forgive me for the times when I've looked in your face and ignored you.  Give me a heart and eyes to see you in everyone I meet and give me the grace to serve.  Amen.

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Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 34 Priorties (Day 3) - True Devotion is Action

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

  True Devotion is Action

Scripture Reading: James 1:19-27

Reflection:


What are the results of doing God's will?

What does true devotion to God look like?
 

Why is true devotion connected to our care of widows and orphans?

What instructions listed here can you act on immediately?

Prayer: Lord, I'm way too quick to speak and too slow to listen.  I get angry and lose sight of who you called me to be.  I forget what it looks like to follow you, Lord.  Please give me true devotion.  Help me control my tongue and stand faultless before you.  Show me how to care for widows, orphans and the most vulnerable in the world.  I know it matters to you; it matters to me too. Amen.

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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 34 Priorities (Day 2) - Justice is God's Priority

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

Justice is God's Priority

Scripture Reading: Mark 12:28-34; Amos 5:11-15, 21-24

Reflection:


Why did God hate and reject Israel's festivals?

What does God call for instead of empty praise?
 

How do you live out the command to love your neighbor as yourself?

Prayer: God, I'm called to love you with my whole heart, being and mind.  You call me to love my neighbors even as I love myself.  Sometimes I want to praise you when I've disregarded justice for my neighbors.  Help me see justice-seeking as living out my love for my neighbors.  Make your priorities my priorities, Lord.  Amen.

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Monday, October 7, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 34 Priorities (Day 1) - God's Top Priorities

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 Top Priorities

Scripture Reading: Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 6:25-34

Reflection:


What are the most important things to God?

What do you worry most about?
 

How do you keep your priorities straight as you walk humbly with God?

Prayer: Lord, sometimes I worry about everything.  My list of priorities looks more like a list of worries than of thing that are truly important.  Help me let go of all the tings keep me from giving you my full attention.  Help me depend on you and seek you above everything else I do.  Show me, Lord, how to do justice in this world.  Give me the grace to embrace faithful love, and walk with me as I humble myself before you.  Amen.

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No-Excuse WOW Bible Study Replay - The Bait of Satan: Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense


Replay Information: 
Audio Only Replay  1 (530) 881-1219; enter meeting ID: 944312457 and Ref# below
Webinar Replay; click on links below:


January 30, 2013 - June 5, 2013:
 The Bait of Satan:  Living Free from the Deadly Trap of Offense

Friday, October 4, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 33 Leadership (Day 5) - Giving Encouragement

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

Giving Encouragement

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-14; Hebrews 3:12-13

Reflection:


How did Moses encourage the Israelites?

How do the stories of what God has done for you continue to encourage your faithfulness?
 

How can what God has done in our lives be an encouragement to others?

 Whom can you encourage in their walk with God today?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all you've done in my life.  You've brought new life to me, given me your holy presence, and one great things.  Help me encourage others to obey you, and seek you.  Amen.

Post reflection notes below for discussion

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 33 Leadership (Day 4) - Delegating Leadership

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

Delegating Leadership

Scripture Reading: Exodus 18:7-27; Deuteronomy 1:9-18

Reflection:


What was Jethro's advice to Moses?

What are some criteria for choosing good leaders, as listed in the scripture?
 

Do you naturally delegate tasks to others, or do you prefer to do everything alone?

 What lessons do you learn about delegating from Moses?

Prayer: Lord, I'm amazed at the way scripture speaks so clearly to current day situation.  I can get overwhelmed with all I have to do.  I deceived myself into thinking that I'm the only one who can accomplish everything.  I don't even look up to see that there might be others who can share the load.  Help me learn that delegating is OK.  Remind me that you're God over all of my to-do lists.  Amen.

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Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 33 Leadership (Day 3) - Leading by God's Direction

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

Leading by God's Direction

Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:7-23

Reflection:


What three things did Moses request from the Lord?

How did God respond to Moses' request?
 

What aspect of leadership did Moses display in this part of his story?

Which of Moses' requests connect with you today?  Why?

Prayer: Lord, I want to know that when you send me, you'll be right there with me.  Thank you for the example of Moses, who depended on you and trusted you to be faithful.  Thank you for your promise to be with me always.  Lead me as you call me to lead others.  Amen.

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Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 33 Leadership (Day 2) - Shepherding Leadership

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

Shepherding Leadership

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:1-10

Reflection:


How does this passage call people to lead?

Why is humility so important in leading and being led?
 

What characteristics of good leadership have you observed in some leaders you've followed?

How can you be a leader in the way described in today's verses?

Prayer: Lord, help me to be humble and not self-seeking.  Help me voluntarily lead others to a deep faith in you.  Help me not to rule over but humbly serve those in my care.  Amen.

Post reflection notes below for discussion