Weekday Devotional - Week 46 Choices (Day 2) - Choose Life

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

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

 

Choose Life

 

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Reflection:

What does Moses tell the people to choose?
 
How can we choose life today?
 
What does choosing life look like in our everyday decisions?

Prayer:  God, teach me to choose life and what's right over death and what's wrong.  Help me choose you every time.  You're good and faithful, even when I make bad decisions.  Bring me back to you and guide me to choose wisely, to love and obey you in all things.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 46 Choices (Day 1) - Choosing to Spend Wisely

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

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

 

Choosing to Spend Wisely

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 12:13-34

Reflection:

What does Jesus mean by the parable about the rich man building bigger barns?
 
What choices did he have to make concerning his money?
 
Did he choose wisely?

How does Jesus instruct us to make choices about the way we use our financial resources?
 
Prayer:  Lord, help me not to hoard my blessings but to make wise choices and choose generosity.  I worry about money, clothes, food and all manner of material things.  Sometimes I choose to worry instead of choosing joy.  Teach me, Lord, to place my treasure in heaven. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 45 Resources (Day 5) - Be The Best In Sharing Resources

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

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

 

Be The Best In Sharing Resources

 

Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15

Reflection:

What does Paul celebrate with the churches of Macedonia?
 
Describe their willingness to share their resources?
 
What can we learn from their example?

How can we become the "best in this work of grace" (v.7)?
 
Prayer:  God, you've given me so much and called me to share my resources to do your kingdom work.  Help me give generously and support the work of ministry wherever I'm called to do so.  Help me sacrifice for the sake of your kingdom work. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 45 Resources (Day 4) - God Provides Resources For Ministry

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

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

 

God Provides Resources For Ministry

 

Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:14-4:17

Reflection:

What was Moses afraid of?
 
How did god overcome his fears?
 
What resources does Moses have to do what God call him to do?

What excuses do you make when God calls you to a ministry?
 
Prayer:  God, I confess that I get scared when you call me to a task.  I don't see the resources I have, the abilities you gave me, or the promise of your presence.  I only see my fear.  But you call and equip me with the resources I need to do your work.  Give me courage and show me what is already in my hands for the work your call me to do.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 45 Resources (Day 3) - Giving God The Best We Have

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

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

 

Giving God The Best We Have

 

Scripture Reading: Genesis 4:1-7; Hebrews 11:4

Reflection:

What did each brother off God?
 
What was the difference in their offerings?
 
How can you give God the best you have?

 
Prayer:  God, help me be like Abel an bring my very best to you.  Help me see giving my resources as an act of worship.  Be pleased by my offering and give me a willing heart.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 45 Resources (Day 2) - Giving God All You Have

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

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

 

Giving God All You Have

 

Scripture Reading: Ezra 1:1-11

Reflection:

What resources did the people have?
 
How did they receive the resources to build the temple?
 
How can you offer your resources for God's purposes?

 
Prayer:  God, help me look around and see all the resources I have.  Help me know what I have and surrender it when you call.  Keep me from growing attached to things, and help me find joy in giving you everything.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 45 Resources (Day 1) - Surrendered then Multiplied

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

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

 

Surrendered Then Multiplied

 

Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 17:1-16

Reflection:

What was the widow afraid of?  What did Elijah tell her to do?
 
When has God stretched your resources?
 
How were you able to overcome your fears and watch God meet your needs?

 
Prayer:  God, no matter my place in the world, I have resources to off you.  Help me give you everything I have and trust you to meet my needs.  When I'm stretched beyond what I think I can handle, show me your blessing and keep my jars full.  All I have is yours.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 44 Trust (Day 5) - Trust That Grounds US

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

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

 

Trust That Grounds Us

 

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 17:5-8

Reflection:

According to these verses in Jeremiah, should we trust in human strength?  Why or why not?

In whom should we trust? Why?
 
What happens when we trust in God?

How does trusting God give your roots that reach down tot he water?
 
Prayer:  Lord, help me put my trust in you alone and not in any human strength or power.  You are the source.  You are the strength, the wisdom, and the power.  Help me find my trust and hope in you. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 44 Trust (Day 4) - Trust at All Times

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

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

 

Trust at all Times

 

Scripture Reading: Psalm 62; 1 John 2:15-17

Reflection:

What did the psalmist warn against?

How does Psalm 62 speak to your experience with God?
 
Why do we trust the things of the world so freely?

How can you trust in God alone at all times?
 
Prayer:  God, help me put my trust in your and not in my wealth.  Help me trust you when I have much or little, when I'm sure or scared, confident or timid.  Help me trust you at all times and find my hope in you.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 44 Trust (Day 3) - Trust in the Future

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

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

 

Trust in the Future

 

Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 121

Reflection:

What are God's promises in today's passages?

How do they inspire you to trust in God?
 
When have you felt God's protection?

What do you think are God's plan for you?
 
Prayer:  Lord, help me search for you with all my heart.  Reveal to me the plans you have for me.  Help me find strength and courage that you will protect me and be with me always. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 44 Trust (Day 2) - Trust and Risk

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

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

 

Trust and Risk

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 14:22-33

Reflection:

What did Peter learn when he stepped out of the boat?

What happened when he took his eyes off Jesus?
 
When have you been willing to risk something to follow Jesus?

How do you find the trust to go?
 
Prayer:  Lord, call me out of the boat.  Tell me to come to where you are and make me brave as I take the risk to get there. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 44 Trust (Day 1) - Trust With All Your Heart

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

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

 

Trust With All Your Heart

 

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 3:1-15

Reflection:

How do the proverbs say wisdom is achieved?

How are you challenged by the instruction to give the first of all your crops (v. 9)?
 
When have you trusted God and found God to be faithful?

How can you become more trusting of God's good will for you?
 
Prayer:  God, you are wise and kind and good beyond measure.  Help me trust your goodness and seek you.  An in seeking you, help me to know you.  And in knowing you, help me to trust you more. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 43 Purpose-Driven (Day 5) - Purpose and Focus

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

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

 

Purpose and Focus

 

Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:12-4:1

Reflection:

How did Paul describe his purpose and focus?

How is life in Christ a pursuit that requires purpose and focus?
 
What do you need to purposefully leave behind in order to move forward with Christ?

How has Christ grabbed hold of you for a purpose?
 
Prayer:  Lord, I know you have a purpose for me.  I know you call me to grow in spiritual maturity.  Help me be purposeful and focused as I seek to be more and more like Christ. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 43 Purpose-Driven (Day 4) - Purpose Driven Living

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

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

 

Purpose Driven Work

 

Scripture Reading: Revelation 3:14-22

Reflection:

What does it mean to be lukewarm in faith?

What is the reward for choosing to live a purpose-filled life for God?
 
Are you lukewarm right now?  How can you be more purposeful as you live out your faith?
 
Prayer:  Lord, you call me to be a sold-out, 100-percent follower.  I'm wishy-washy and ride the fence of faith, but you call me to choose you.  Help me choose purpose and intention as I live out my faith.   Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 43 Purpsose-Driven (Day 3) - Purpose Driven Work

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

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

 

Purpose Driven Work

 

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 10:4, 13:4, 14:23, 20:4, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Reflection:

How would you summarize Proverbs' description of work ethic?

When have you been lazy in your work?
 
How can you find more purpose, intention, and diligence in your work?
 
Prayer: Lord, I know you call me to excellence in all I do.  I know you call me to work at everything as though I'm working for you.  But sometimes I give a less than stellar performance and do the minimum requirement to just get by.  Help me not to be lazy.  Give me energy and strength to be excellent in my work, and let it glorify you.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 43 Purpose-Driven (Day 2) - Purposeful Prayer

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

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

 

Purposeful Prayer

 

Scripture Reading: Luke 11:5-13, 18:1-8

Reflection:

How do these scriptures encourage you to be persistent and purposeful in your prayer life?
 
What personal  prayer for you or a friend needs persistent and purposeful prayer right now?
 
Prayer: Lord, thank you for hearing me when I pray, Thank you for giving me permission to pray boldly, persistently, with purpose and expectation that you'll hear and answer.  Help me pray mightily for things I need and for friends in need.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 43 Purpose-Driven (Day 1) - Training with Purpose

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

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

 

Training with Purpose

 

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 4:7-16

Reflection:

How do the scriptures for today encourage discipline?
 
In what areas of your life do you need more discipline?
 
When have you been disciplined and achieved a goal?  How can that experience help you in spiritual discipline?
 
Prayer: God, help me rain myself for a holy life.  Give me focus , discipline, and purpose as I seek to become more and more like Christ, to take on his likeness.  Help me practice living for Christ while I actually live for him.   Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 42 Moderation (Day 5) - Good Friends

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

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

 

Good Friends

 

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 23:19-21; 2 Peter 1:3-11

Reflection:

Why does it matter the kind of friends you hang around the most?
 
How can friends hinder our attempt at moderation?
 
What does a life godliness look like?

Good friends ought to be honest and hold us accountable too.
 
Prayer: Lord, I know I thrive when I'm surrounded by people who encourage my growth in discipleship.  I know it in my mind, but I have a hard time ending friendships that hinder my walk with you.  Help me discern who my good friends are who will cheer me on to moral excellence and self-control.  And when it's time to end a friendship, give me courage to make that choice.  Thank you for all the good things in this world.  Help me take in only as much of them as I need. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 42 Moderation (Day 4) - Excess

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

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

 

Excess

 

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; Philippians 3:1-21

Reflection:

What does it mean that not everything is helpful?
 
How do we know what is helpful and what isn't?
 
How does moderation help us honor God with our bodies?

Where do you have excess in your life now?

Prayer: Lord, I deceive myself into thinking that since I have the freedom to do something, I should take advantage of that freedom.  Help me seek you in all things and not just my own desires.  Help me serve you with my body by keeping it healthy and whole. Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 42 Moderation (Day 3) - God Provides

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

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

God Provides

 

Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:25-34; Proverbs 21:20

Reflection:

What causes worry?

What assurance do we find in God?

What gives you the greatest sense of security?

How can you rely more fully on God?

Prayer: Lord, I worry too much about what to wear, eat or drink.  I don't trust you enough to take care of me.  Help me to trust and rely on you.  Help me have a simple faith and life that's free of the need for more and more physical pleasure and fill me with a desire for more of you only.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 42 Moderation (Day 2) - Don't Hoard

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

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

Don't Hoard

 

Scripture Reading: Exodus 16:9-30; Psalm 78:15-32

Reflection:

What did Moses prime the Israelites?

What were God's instructions?

Why do you think God gave them these instructions

When have you found yourself hoarding and overindulging for fear of not having enough tomorrow?

Prayer: God, you give me just what I need, and still I get the urge to hide some away in case you don't bless me tomorrow.  I know what the Israelites were thinking, because I've thought it too.  Help me use only what I need and no more.  Amen.

Weekday Devotional - Week 42 Moderation (Day 1) - Think First

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

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

Think First

 

Scripture Reading: Genesis 25:19-34; Hebrews 12:16-17

Reflection:

How did Esau's actions fulfill the prophecy in Genesis 25:23?

What was significant about Esau giving away his birthright?

How would you describe Esau's actions

When have you made a hasty decision because of a physical desire that led to lasting consequences?

Prayer: God, forgive me when I seek to satisfy a physical desire without thinking through the consequences.  Help me to think with my heart and seek you in all things.  Amen.