Weekday Devotional - Week 50 Wisdom (Day 5) - Wisdom for All Seaons

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Wisdom for All Seasons

Scripture Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

Reflection:  

How is Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 a statement about God's wisdom?
  
How does God give perfect wisdom in every season?

When has God granted you wisdom in the various seasons of your life?

What season are you in now?  How does God's wisdom speak to you in this season?

 
Prayer:  God, thank you for your great wisdom in all the seasons I go through.  You care for me in each season in the exact way that I need it .  Help me seek you and find you throughout the season of life.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 50 Wisdom (Day 4) True Wisdom

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

True Wisdom

 

Scripture Reading: Colossians 2:1-23

Reflection:  

 What were some believers focusing on instead of Christ's wisdom?
  
Do you struggle to let go of a need to cling to old rules and laws instead of following the wisdom of Christ?

How can you not just look like you're wise, but actually gain the wisdom of Christ?

 
Prayer:  Lord, forgive me when I care more about false sets of rules and regulations than living freely with you.  Help me find true wisdom in you alone.  Help me not just put on a show of piety and religion but live out the abundant life you have for me.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 50 Wisdom (Day 3) - Christ is God's Wisdom

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Christ is God's Wisdom

 

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Reflection:  
How is the cross seen by the world?
  
How is the cross seen by those who follow Jesus?

How does the world define wisdom and foolishness?
 
Why is following Jesus foolish according tot he world's standards?

 
Prayer:  God of all Wisdom, thank you for the cross.  Thank you for the wisdom of Jesus Christ who delivered me.  Help me brag, not of my own greatness, but only in Jesus.  Amen.

No-Excuse WOW Bible Study - Unveiling the Psalms

St. Paul UMC Newton - No Excuse Word-On-Wednesday (WOW) Bible Study

This is a weekly Bible Study Webinar recorded on Wednesday at 7pm.  Join the webinar or/and conference call for our No Excuse Word-on-Wednesday (WOW) Bible Study

Conference Call:  1 (530) 881-1212 Meeting ID: 944312457

Live Webinar: https://www.startmeeting.com/wall/944-312-457

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

January 8, 2014
Current Book:  The Bible: The Book of Psalms
Ref# 40 - Introduction to the Psalms
Ref# 43 - Psalm 1 
Ref# 44 - Psalm 2

Weekday Devotional - Week 50 Wisdom (Day 2) - God's Wisdom is the Best

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 Wisdom is the Best

 

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 4:1-27

Reflection:  
Why is God's wisdom so important?
  
What does it cost to purse God's wisdom?

What is the most important benefit of seeking godly wisdom?
 
How has God's wisdom led you to walk and not stumble?

 
Prayer:  God, your wisdom is perfect.  When I seek your wisdom and obey, I walk safely on your path.  Guide me.  Lead me.  Teach me.  Help me seek your wisdom and then obey.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 50 Wisdom (Day 1 ) - Wisdom in Discernment

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Wisdom in Discernment

Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1-23

Reflection: 
 
How did the magi receive God's direction?
  
What did they do that showed wisdom?

How do you seek God's direction?

How do you gain wisdom as you discern God's instructions for you?

 
Prayer:  Lord, you guide me, instruct me, and give me wisdom.  Help me pay attention to your leading and make me grow in wisdom. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 49 Evangelism (Day 5) - Creation Tells the Story

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Creation Tells the Story

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 19:1-14; Romans 1:18-20

Reflection: 
 
How does the beauty of creation tell the story of God's good news?
  
When you look at the world, do you hear the heaven declaring God's glory  How?

How are our words and meditations pleasing to God?

In what ways can you join in with creation to declare the glory of God to the world?

 
Prayer:  God, you are amazing.  You're beautiful, and your creation tells the world how good you are.  Let me join in with creation to declare your good news to the world. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 49 Evangelism (Day 4) - New Sight

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

New Sight

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:35-43

Reflection: 
 
What did Jesus ask the beggar?
  
What did the beggar say he wanted from Jesus?

How did Jesus' work in him lead other to praise God?

What have you received or what do you still need from Jesus?  How can Jesus' work in you lead others to praise God?

 
Prayer:  Lord, I want to see.  I'm like the beggar calling from the side of the road.  I need you to open my eyes.  I want to see you.  Lord, do a work in me that leads others to praise you. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 49 Evangelism (Day 3) - A Story to Tell

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

A Story to Tell

Scripture Reading: Luke 8:26-39

Reflection: 
 
What story did the man have to tell others about what Jesus had done?
 
How were those who witnessed the miracle part of this man's story?

What has Jesus done for you?

How can you go throughout your world proclaiming what Jesus has done for you?

 
Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your saving work in my life. Thank you for healing me, ridding me of the demons I wrestle with, and giving me new life.  I have a story to tell the world about who you are and all you've done.  Confirm your story in me, giving me a zeal for telling everyone I know. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 49 Evangelism (Day 2) - Miraculous Witness

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

Miraculous Witness

Scripture Reading: Luke 7:11-17

Reflection: 
 
How can dead situations come back to life through the power of Jesus?
 
What has seemed dead in your life that Jesus raised to new life in you?

How can you extend words and acts of healing that express the good news with those who need it most?

 
Prayer:  Lord, thank you for your miraculous power that bring the dead to life.  Bring me to life in the areas of my situation that seem hopeless, despairing, and dead.  Let my witness be that you've brought me back to life.  Give me the energy and courage to tell everyone I know. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 49 Evangelism (Day 1) - Good News

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Good News

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 2:1-20

Reflection: 
 
What is the good news?  

What did the shepherds do after they went to see the baby?

How can we attain the enthusiasm the shepherds had for telling others?

Who can you share the good news with today?
 
Prayer:  Lord, your love is great news.  The fact that you came to earth to walk among humankind, teach us, and show us they way, is great news.  Your death and resurrection for salvation and eternal life is great news.  Your Spirit living in us to empower us for ministry is great news.  Lord, place a desire in my heart to share this life-giving, amazing news with everyone I meet.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 48 Self Denial (Day 5) - Learning from the Master

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Learning from the Master

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:36-46

Reflection: 
 
What practices helped Jesus in his act of self-denial?  

Whom would you want around you when you face a dark trial?

How can we learn to say, "Let it be what you want" in our prayer?

How can you deny your old ways and make more room for Jesus?
 
Prayer:  God, I'm humbled by Jesus' selfless act of love.  He gave himself even to death to prove your love for me.  Help me give myself completely to you.  Help me say, "Let it be what you want"  no matter what you ask of me.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 48 Self Denial (Day 4) - Self-Denial and Giving Up

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Self-Denial and Giving Up

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 18:18-30

Reflection: 
 
How does the rich man's response compare with Peter's?  

How did Jesus call the rich man to practice self-denial?

What keeps you from fully following Jesus?

How can you deny your old ways and make more room for Jesus?
 
Prayer:  Lord, I want to think that I would sell everything I have and give it to the poor.  I want to believe that I could deny myself the worldly, material things I've grown accustomed to.  Help me keep a safe distance from my attachment to the world.  Help me regularly say no to my desires and seek yours instead.    Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 48 Self Denial (Day 3) - Saying No to Self

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Saying No to Self

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:24-28; Mark 8:27-38; Luke 14:25-35

Reflection: 
 
What is required of those who would follow Jesus?  

What is the cost of following Jesus?

How do you say no to yourself in your walk with Christ?

How costly has it been for you to follow Jesus?
 
Prayer:  Lord, you call me to take up my cross, and I do it gladly.  Help me say no to myself and follow wherever you lead me.    Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 48 Self-Denial (Day 2) - Self-Denial Creates Possibility

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Self-Denial Creates Possibility

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 1:18-25, 2:13-23

Reflection: 
 
What did God command Joseph to do?  

What were the results of Joseph's obedience?

How long does it take you to say yes when God calls you?

How did Joseph demonstrate self-denial?
 
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the witness of Joseph and his willingness to set aside his reputation and fears to play his part in the redemption story.  Help me give up my own plans when you call me to a different task.  Help me obey and trust you.   Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 48 Self Denial (Day 1) - Self-Denial to Answer God's Call

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Self-Denial to Answer God's Call

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 1:26-56

Reflection: 
 
How did Mary respond to the angel's message?  How did the angel answer her?  

How did self-denial lead Mary to fulfill God's call for her life?

In what way shave you responded to God's call in your life?  Why?

How can self-denial help you fulfill God's call in your life?
 
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the witness of Mary and her willingness to give herself to your purpose for her life.  Help me give myself to you completely.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 47 Thankfulness (Day 5) - List of Thanks

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

List of Thanks

Scripture Reading: Psalms 100:1-5, 118:1-29

Reflection: 

Count the verse that speak thankfulness to God.  Why does the psalmist have so much to thank God for?

Make a list of things for which you are thankful.

Why do you have reason to thank God?

Prayer: God, you are good, and I thank you for your unfailing love.  You've proved yourself over and over to me, showing me mercy, love and grace.  I don't deserve it and even try to reject it at times, but you shower your blessing on me.  Thank you for all you've done.  Give me a thankful heart that sees your blessing and leads others to know you.   Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 47 Thankfulness (Day 4) - Thankful for Tough Times

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Thankful for Tough Times

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 42; Philippians 4:4-9

Reflection: 
 
How does the psalmist always come back to thankfulness?
 
What does Philippians 4:4-9 say about giving thanks in tough times?

When have you craved God like a deer craving water?

Prayer: God I get depressed and lose sight of all that you've done for me.  Trials come, I get knocked off guard, and before I know it, I'm lost, thirsty and headed toward hopelessness.  But you meet me where I am.  Fill me with hope in hard times and keep me ever mindful of who you are and all you've done.  I'm thankful for your grace, mercy and steadfast love even when I can't find words to express my thanks.   Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 47 Thankfulness (Day 3) - Thankful for Salvation

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Thankful for Salvation

 

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58; Ephesians 2:1-10

Reflection: 
 
How does Christ's power give us victory?
  
Why is thankfulness a worthy response to the victory we participate in?

Why does God show us so much mercy?

How does salvation through Jesus Christ give us cause for thankfulness?


Prayer: Lord, I thank you for the victory you've won for me over sin and death.  I praise you that you paid so high a price to save me.  I thank you for your love and grace, and I give my life as an act of praise for your great love.   Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 47 Thankfulness (Day 2) - Thankful for 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.

 

Thankful for God's Faithfulness

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 136

Reflection: 

How do you remember the story of God's faithfulness?
 
What parts of God's faithfulness to God's people makes your heart swell with thanks?

How does the story of God's faithfulness continue in you?

How do you give thanks?


Prayer:  God, for all your many acts of faithfulness-from your covenant with Abram to your promise of eternal life-I'm thankful beyond words.  Help me thank you with my life.  Let your story of faithfulness continue in me, and i will give you praise.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 47 Thankfulness (Day 1) - Attitude of Thankfulness

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Attitude of Thankfulness

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 147:1-11; Revelation 7:9-8:1

Reflection: 

What words describe God in today's scripture readings?
 
How does proclaiming God's greatness set our hearts on thankfulness?

How can you create an attitude of thankfulness in your life?

What is the starting point of thankfulness?


Prayer:  God, everything about you causes me to praise you.  You heal the brokenhearted.  You're the same in the sunshine and in the rain.  You are good.  You are love.  I come before you with a thankful heart.  Be glorified as I live to praise you. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 46 Choices (Day 5) - Small Choices

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Small Choices

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 17:5-10; Matthew 13:31-34

Reflection: 

Jesus' disciples ask him to increase their faith.  What did Jesus mean in his answer to their request?
 
What is required of those who follow Jesus?

What is a choice you have made in your life in Christ that has started small like a mustard seek and grown beyond what you could have imagined?


Prayer:  Lord, give me more and more faith for my life with you.  Help me serve you without expectation of praise.  Plant in me the faith of a mustard seed and grow me in your world to do your great work. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 46 Choices (Day 4) - Choosing Action

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Choosing Action

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:28-32; James 2:14-26

Reflection: 

When have you realized that you made the wrong choice and changed your mind?
 
How is God speaking to your about choosing to put your faith into action?


Prayer:  Lord, my whole life is made up of a series of decisions.  I can make good choices of disastrous ones.  Help me make choices that put my faith into action.  Show me when my choices could bring healing, help or hope to another. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 46 Choices (Day 3) - Choosing New Life

The Daily Devotional comes from the Common English Bible (The Daily Companion).   

This is a 52 week 5 day a week daily devotional.

 

Choosing New Life

 

Scripture Reading: Mark 2:13-22

Reflection:

What was Jesus' mission?
 
What does a new life in Christ look like?





What new choices do you need to make to live out your new life in Christ?

Prayer:  Lord, sometimes it's hard to remember I have a new life in you.  I'm accustomed to my sinful nature and easily fall into making old choices.  But you call me to a new wineskin.  You desire change in me and that I choose a faith filled lifestyle instead of my old, sinful ways.  Give me the guidance I need to choose your every time. Amen.