Friday, November 29, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 41 God's Promises (Day 5) - Promise of Future Glory

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Promise of Future Glory
 
Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 5:6-11; Psalm 91:1-16

Reflection:


List the promises you find in 1 Peter 5:6-11
 
List the promises you find in Psalm 91
 
How does the image of fellow believers sharing in your suffering encourage you

What anxiety do you need to throw on God today?

Prayer: Lord, thank you for caring about me.  Thank you for taking all of my anxiety.  Help me to be alert and stand against the accuser.  Embolden me in your promise that you will call me to your eternal glory.  Amen.

Thursday, November 28, 2013

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Good Morning God,

We are truly thankful to be in a relationship with you each and everyday.  We praise your name God for revealing to us some of your mysteries. God we are thankful when we have the opportunity to share your love with those who are hurting, feeling useless and believing no one cares about them.  We are thankful when sharing your love brings families, friends and enemies together.  We are thankful for the connections we have with each other because of you.

Today many of us will grieve the death of love ones, some will receive bad or good news, some will rejoice in the unity and restoration of family and some will be depressed and contemplating their next move.  God we pray this Thanksgiving morning that deep down in each of us we will use the stored up strength you've put in us.  We pray for those who will be traveling near and far.  We pray for those who are cooking for the first time.  We pray for those who will serve those less fortunate.  We pray that each of us will be willing to open the doors of our hearts for compassion, love, warmth, peace and joy you have to offer us.  When we open our hearts for these, there will be no room for hatred, strive, envy, jealousy and etc.  We are thanking you in advance as we bless the meals of this day.  Lord as you see fitting help us to be good stewards of in all you've given us this day.

Most of all God we are thankful to be in your presence on this day.  We pray this prayer through your Son name Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  Amen.


Weekday Devotional - Week 41 God's Promises (Day 4) - Promise of Joy in the Morning

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Promise of Joy in the Morning
 
Scripture Reading: Psalms 30, 34:17-20

Reflection:


What did the psalmist do when consumed with despair?
 
What was God's faithful response?
 
Do you seek God or hide from God when challenges come?

What promise from these passages encourages you in troubling times?

Prayer: God, I praise you that your turn my mourning into dancing, that your joy comes in the morning.  I often lose sight of your goodness when I'm in a valley of despair.  I forget your goodness and faithfulness.  But you're always good.  You're always faithful.  Help me live in your promise and find the joy you bring each day. Amen.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 41 God's Promises (Day 3) - Triumph Over Temptation

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Triumph Over Temptation
 
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; Hebrews 2:14-18

Reflection:


How does God help us overcome temptation and evil?
 
How is it a promise for us that God makes a way out of temptation?

What are some of your weaknesses and temptations?

How can you trust in God's promise to make a way out for you?

Prayer: Lord, I'm so grateful for your promise to supply a way out of temptation.  I often get myself into situations where I feel tempted beyond what I can endure.  Help me cling to your promise of salvation and stand on your promise of knowing what I'm going through  Amen.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 41 God's Promises (Day 2) - Precious and Wonderful Promises

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Precious and Wonderful Promises
 
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:18-22; 2 Peter 1:3-4

Reflection:


How can you know you have and live in the promises of God?
 
How does God help you live a godly life?

How easy is it for you to trust God's promises?

How do you struggle with trusting God in some areas?

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for giving me everything I need for a life with you.  I confess that I lose sight of your promises and try to go it alone.  But you're the promise.  You're the yes.  Seal me in the Spirit and lead me. Amen.

Monday, November 25, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 41 God's Promises (Day 1) - All the Time, God is Good

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
All the Time, God is Good
 
Scripture Reading: Psalms 145-146

Reflection:


What are the promises of god listed in these psalms?
 
Which of God's promises speak to you today?

How do God's promises give you hope?

How can you tell someone about God's promises and offer hope today?

Prayer: God, you promise that you will never leave me and that you'll always take care of me.  I find my hope in you as I stand on these promises.  Thank You for who you are and all you've done. Amen.

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Friday, November 22, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 40 Purity (Day 5) - Pure Motives

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Pure Motives
 
Scripture Reading: Galatians 5:16-26

Reflection:


What are the actions that are produced by selfish motives?
 
What is the fruit of the Spirit?

How can we follow the Spirit?

How does following the Spirit lead to purity?

Prayer: Lord, help me set aside my old ways.  Forgive me for my selfish desires and motives.  I want more of you.  I want the Spirit to fill me and bear fruit in me.  I want the Spirit to live in me and make me pure. Amen.

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Thursday, November 21, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 40 Puritiy (Day 4) - Pure Paths

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Pure Paths
 
Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:1-16

Reflection:


How does Psalm 119 describe a pure life?

How is a pure life achieved?

Do you seek God with your whole heart? Why or why not?

How can you make God's laws your joy?

Prayer: God, open my eyes to the joy of your instruction.  Help me seek you with my whole heart and walk in purity as I live to worship you. Amen.

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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 40 Purity (Day 3) - Refining Fire

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Refining Fire
 
Scripture Reading: Malachi 3:1-6; Psalm 51:7-10

Reflection:


How does God work in nus like a refiner's fire?

What imperfections does God work to clean out of your heart?

How do you find hope in the fact that God can make you pure again?

Prayer: God, I've gotten away from true worship.  I've let impurities creep in, and I need your loving fire to blog out the ugly parts of me.  I need you to wash me.  Give me a clean heart that is all for you. Amen.

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Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 40 Purity (Day 2) - Pure Lives

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Pure Lives
 
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:17-5:16

Reflection:


How have you seen sexual immorality, greed, or vulgar and obscene talk creep into a person's life when things become gods?

How does Paul's description of a pure life compare to the life you're living now?  Where do you need to seek purity?

Prayer: Lord, I often let things become gods in my life. I've been greedy, lustful, and have taken my mind off of you.  I've used my mouth to speak vulgarity instead of praise.  Forgive me.  Purify my heart.  Make me pleasing to you, and be happy by my purity. Amen.

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Monday, November 18, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 40 Purity (Day 1) - Purity in Heart

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Purity in Heart
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:5, 1 Timothy 1:5; James 3:17; Psalm 24:1-5

Reflection:


What does having a pure heart mean to you?
 
How does it feel to have a divided heart?

When have you felt like your heart was torn in different directions?

How do you get a pure heart?

Prayer: God, I confess I haven't loved you with a my whole heart.  I've given my heart to lesser gods even though I profess love for you alone.  Clear out everything that muddies up my heart and give me one for you alone.  Amen.

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Friday, November 15, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 39 Forgiveness (Day 5) - Forgiveness and Reconciliation

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Forgiveness and Reconciliation
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:21-24, 43-48; Luke 23:26-43

Reflection:


What is significant about Jesus forgiving the thief on the cross?
 
How is forgiveness an expression of love for Jesus and our neighbors?

How can you begin to demonstrate the kind of love and forgiveness Jesus calls us to have?

Prayer: Jesus, you showed me loving kindness right up to the last moments of your life.  You forgave a convicted criminal and invited him to paradise.  You love the unloved and unlovable and call me to do the same.  You call me to forgive as an expression of my love for you and for others.  Lord, help me to forgive.  Amen.

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Thursday, November 14, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 39 Forgiveness (Day 4) - Forgiveness in the Church

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Forgiveness in the Church
 
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:14-15; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 1 Peter 3:8-12

Reflection:


Have you ever seen a "root of bitterness" grow in a community?  What happened?
 
When have you seen a community make forgiveness a core value?

What does it feel like to bless someone who wrongs you?

Prayer: Lord, forgiveness doesn't come easy for me, even in church.  I let roots of bitterness grow; sometimes I even nurture them.  Forgive me when I choose bitterness over forgiveness.  Give me courage and grace to bless those who offend me.  Amen.

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 39 Forgiveness (Day 3) - Forgiving Others

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
Forgiving Others
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 1:1-5

Reflection:


How does the servant's debt to the king compare to the debt his friend owed him?

Who do you need to forgive today?

How can you find the grace to forgive?

Prayer: Forgiving God, thank you for your grace in my life.  You give me chance after chance.  You hear my prayer for forgiveness no matter how many times I ask.  Show me how to grant forgiveness to those in my life who need it.  Help me to give forgiveness freely just as it has been given to me.  Amen.

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Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 39 Forgiveness (Day 2) - Forgiveness Comes from God

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
Forgiveness Comes from God
 
Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:8-14

Reflection:


How is God like a compassionate parent?

What part of this psalm most comforts you?

What sins do you need God to remove as far as east is from west?

Prayer: Lord, I'm so thankful that you forgive me so freely and forget my sins.  You show me compassion and grace, and I praise you.  Amen.

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Monday, November 11, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 39 Forgiveness (Day 1) - Forgive Us

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   
This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.
 
Forgive Us
 
Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-15

Reflection:


Write Matthew 6:12 in your own words.
 
Why does Jesus say that we should pray to forgive others?

What grudges are you holding on to?

Who do you need to forgive?

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the ways I've wronged you and help me forgive those who've wronged me.  Help me not to be stingy in my forgiveness, but forgive as you've forgiven me.  Amen.

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Friday, November 8, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 38 Gratitude (Day 5) - Gratitude In Any Situation

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

Gratitude in Any Situation

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:10-13; Hebrews 13:5-6; 1 Timothy 6:3-10

Reflection:


What is the secret of contentment?
 
How are contentment and gratitude connected?

What is your level of contentment?

How can gratitude help you find deeper contentment?

Prayer: Lord, I struggle so much with contentment.  I want things I don't need and have things I don't want.  I get caught up in pursuing wealth simply so I can fill my life with material things.  But true contentment isn't about money at all.  Everything I need is in you.  Help me strive only toward your kingdom and to set aside my desire for more stuff.  Be my strength and rest.  Amen.

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Thursday, November 7, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 38 Gratitude (Day 4) - Great is God's Faithfulness

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

Great Is God's Faithfulness

Scripture Reading: Lamentations 3:22-26; Psalm 40

Reflection:


Make a mental timeline of moments throughout your life when you experienced God's faithfulness?

How is God's kindness renewed in your life each morning?

How has God lifted you up out of a pit at some point in your life?

How does God's faithfulness lead to gratitude in your heart?

Prayer: Faithful God, your kindness is new every morning.  I live in the shadow of your faithful love and care.  Even when I know the pain in the pit and utter despair, I know you're still faithful.  You see me, know me, love me and have mercy on me.  You're so faithful, and I'm so grateful.  Amen.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 38 Gratitude (Day 3) - For All God Has Done

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

For All God Has Done

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-20

Reflection:


What does God ask of the people as they prosper?

Why did God allow times of scarcity?

When have you deceived yourself into thinking that your strength or ability produced prosperity?

Prayer: Gracious God, you led the Israelites on an amazing journey.  Sometimes they remained focused on your vision for them and sometimes they got distracted.  I'm just like them.  I settle in to my blessings and begin to think I made them with my own hands.  But you're the source of all I have.  Humble me.  Remind me of all you've done.  You have been so good to me.  Amen.

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Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 38 Gratitude (Day 2) - Deeper Gratitude

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

Deeper Gratitude

Scripture Reading: Luke 7:26-50

Reflection:


Why was the Pharisee upset about the woman's behavior?
 
How did Jesus set him straight?

Who did Jesus say loved him more? Why?

How do you show Jesus how grateful you are for his forgiveness and new life?

Prayer: Lord, I don't demonstrate gratitude for all you've done as much as I want to.  Inside, I feel like the woman who washed your feet with her tears of gratitude.  But I don't live to show you my gratitude.  Sometimes I even hold my nose in the air like the Pharisee as if I deserve anything you give me.  Thank you that no matter the depth of my sin, you find me, save me, and love me into a new life.  Amen.

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Monday, November 4, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 38 Gratitude (Day 1) - Life of Praise

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

Life of Praise

Scripture Reading: Psalms 92 and 146

Reflection:


List all of the words that describe the psalmist's gratitude for what God has done?

What is the underlying theme of your life song?

Write a psalm of gratitude to God and express your praise for all that God has done and will do in you?


Prayer: Gracious God, I am so grateful you call me your child.  I want to praise you with every breath I breathe.  Be praised, O God, by the song my life sings.  Let my relationships, work, play and rest - let it all flow out of my gratitude for your goodness.  God, you are so good.  Thank You.  Amen.

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Friday, November 1, 2013

Weekday Devotional - Week 37 Generosity (Day 5) - Generous Works

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 Timothy 6:17-19; Matthew 6:19-21

Reflection:


Write 1 Timothy 6:17-19 in your own words.  What do you understand these verses to mean?

What does Jesus say about the things we should treasure?


How does the perspective in these two passages free us for generosity?


Prayer: Lord, I confess I get stuff and then keep it to myself.  I operate out of scarcity and fear that if I lose something, I might never get it back.  Help me be generous in everything I do.  Free me fro my tightfistedness and lead me to a generous heart. Amen.

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