Devotion Book 2

Devotion Book 2 – Lesson 2

Devotions Book 2

Lesson 2

Diligence (weeks 5-6) Faith (weeks 1-2)

Diligence (Obedience) / Week 5

Day 1 / Isaiah 1:16-20

God gave the nation of Israel a choice; they could obey Him and be blessed in the land He had given them or they could disobey Him and be destroyed by their enemies. God gives us a choice, too. He says that if we obey Him, we will experience His blessings. If we don’t obey, we will miss out on them and experience guilt, trouble and sorrow. To obey brings blessings; to disobey brings conflicts.

What blessings has obedience brought me? What conflicts has disobeying God brought me?

Day 2 / Romans 5: 12-19

Sin entered into the world because of one man’s disobedience. When Adam chose to disobey God in the Garden of Eden, he made all of us sinners. He, as our father, introduced sin into the human nature. Sin brought with it the penalty of death. But when the “second Adam,” Jesus Christ obeyed God the Father and died as our substitute, He made it possible for us to live eternally through faith in Him.

Our obedience and disobedience affect others, too. When we obey God, others are blessed. When we disobey Him, others are hurt.

How have others been helped by my obedience this week? How have they been hurt by my disobedience?

Day 3 / Exodus 19: 3-6

The Israelites had been in the wilderness for two months when God called Moses up to Mount Sinai. There He gave Moses the law. The first thing God taught him was that if the people would obey, they would be the most special, honored people on earth — a “peculiar treasure” (v. 5).

We are special to God because we have believed and received His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. But when we willingly obey Him, we prove our love for Him and He responds by blessing us in a special way.

In what special ways have I been blessed because of my obedience to God and His Word?

Day 4 / Joshua 1:8

Joshua was Moses’ right-hand man for many years. He served faithfully; and when Moses died, God singled out Joshua to be the new leader of the nation. What an enormous responsibility it was! But Joshua received this promise from God: Meditate in the Word, do what it says, and you will be prosperous and successful.

As believers, we can claim this same promise of God today… if we meet His conditions.

What have I meditated on in God’s Word this week? Have I obeyed what I have learned? What truth from God’s Word am I allowing the Holy Spirit to build into my life?

Day 5 / James 1: 23-25

As Christians we need to keep looking into God’s “mirror” — His Word. It shows us who we really are and helps us to become more like our Lord Jesus Christ as we obey His teachings. By being “doers of the Word” choosing to obey, we are blessed.

What is one thing God’s “mirror” reveals to me about myself. How can I improve my “image”?

Day 6 / Acts 26: 13-19

Paul the apostle witnessed to many prominent men of his generation. On this occasion, he shared his faith with king Agrippa of Palestine. He told the king how he had seen Jesus on the road to Damascus, how God had spoken to him and called him into the ministry. Then, he boldly declared: “I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision” (v.19). What God had told Paul to do, he did. His obedience is still reaping blessings, hundreds of years later. For example, his New Testament writings greatly influence our lives today.

What could I do for the Lord that would be a blessing to other Christians? To my family?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Diligence (Obedience) / Week 6

Day 1 / Romans 6:14-23

God has given to each of us the power to make decisions. We can use this power to live our way or His way. That is, we can choose to follow our own selfish desires, or we can choose to follow His direction. We can’t blame someone or something else for what we do, because we decide which path to take. How important it is to choose the path of obedience to God.

How have I decided today? How have I chosen to obey? To disobey?

Day 2 / Joshua 24: 13-15

Joshua was getting ready to die when he spoke these solemn words to the nation of Israel. After reminding them of the mighty, wondrous things God had done for them, he urged them to not fall into idolatry. One phrase stands out in his message to them: “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua then stated without reservation, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Whom have I chosen to serve (obey)? Why?

Day 3 / I Samuel 8:19-22

The prophet Samuel warned the Israelites against choosing a king to rule over them. In spite of his urgings, they insisted on having a king, so they could be just like the other nations around them. They were not satisfied with the priests and judges God had placed in authority over them. So, God let them choose a king, but they paid dearly for their disobedience.

Just as God allowed the Israelites to choose against His will, He allows us to do so, too. But just as they suffered for their wrong choices, so do we.

What has the effect of wrong choices been in my life? How should I use my power to choose? Will I?

Day 4 / Nehemiah 9:16

God did so many wonderful things for His chosen people, the Israelites. He set them free from Egyptian slavery. He saved them from the wrath of their enemies, drowning Pharaoh and his soldiers in the same sea through which He had led them to safety. He provided food for them in the desert. He guided them faithfully year after year. But how did they respond? They refused to obey. Proud and stiff-necked, they chose to not listen to His commands. But, in spite of their awful disobedience, God was gracious, merciful and ready to pardon.

Have I refused to obey God in any area of my life? Will I ask His forgiveness now?

Day 5 / II Corinthians 2:9

Paul wrote two letters to the church at Corinth. In his first letter, he told them to stop fellowshipping with a certain man in the church, because the man was committing a terrible sin and would not stop. In His second letter, Paul explains that the intention of his instruction was to test their obedience and restore the disobedient brother.

How has God “tested” my obedience? Have I passed or failed?

Day 6 / Matthew 4: 18-22

The first four men Jesus called to be His disciples were Peter, Andrew, James and John. When Jesus called them, they were busy doing other things. Peter and Andrew were fishing, and James and John, who were also fishermen, were mending their nets. All four responded immediately to Jesus’ call, forsaking their fishing business and following Him. They chose to obey Him and become His disciples.

Have I chosen to obey the Lord and be His disciple? How does my life evidence my choice?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Devotions Book II (lesson 2 continued)

The Building Blocks: God’s Principles

“ … giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” II Peter 1:5-8

Faith

Faith / Week 1

Day 1 / Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith is defined in this passage as the “substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (v. 1). In other words, it is the confident assurance that what we want is going to happen (if it is according to God’s will) and that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we can’t see it ahead. Two things are essential to exercising faith: we must believe that God is (that He exists) and that He responds positively to those who “diligently seek Him” (v. 6). Through faith, we please Him. Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

How am I pleasing God by actively putting my faith in Him?

Day 2 / Hebrews 11:7

Noah is an excellent example of faith. Warned by God of the coming world flood, he built a huge boat in which his family would be saved. Though he had never seen rain, Noah took God at His word. By faith, he obeyed, and he and his family escaped destruction.

What specific things have I not seen, yet believe in?

Day 3 / Isaiah 43:8-13

Faith, according to the prophet Isaiah, is knowing, believing, and understanding that God is God (v. 10). It is recognizing that He alone is God, that He alone is the true Savior of man.

How do I know, believe, and understand that God is the only true God?

Day 4 / Hebrews 11:11-12

When Sarah was very old, God told her that she would have a child. She laughed at first, thinking only of her advanced age. After all, didn’t she know better than anyone that she couldn’t bear children, that she was too old? Then Sarah’s thinking began to change, because she realized who had given the promise: God. This awareness made the difference, for she stopped thinking about what she couldn’t do and focused instead on what God could do.

Why can I believe the promises in the Bible? Are there any promises I have doubted?

Day 5 / Romans 4:1-5

If Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation, had been justified by works, he could brag about his own accomplishments. (Being justified means being placed in a right standing before God). But Abraham did not earn righteousness; rather, he simply believed God, and God credited his faith as righteousness. He was saved by faith.

Do I believe I am righteous? On what basis?

Day 6 / Hebrews 11:4

Abel is another example of salvation through faith. Perhaps, like his brother Cain, Abel did not understand how the blood of a lamb could take away his sin. But because God had told him to bring a lamb, he did. He took God at His Word, and his faith made him righteous in God’s sight.

Do I take God at His Word? How does my life prove that I do?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Faith / Week 2

Day 1 / Romans 4:18-25

When Abraham was 75 years old, God told him to leave his home in Ur and go to an unknown “promised land.” God assured Abraham that the land would belong to him and his descendants forever. There was a problem, however: Abraham and his wife Sarah had no children. She was then 65 years old. But, in spite of their advanced ages, God promised to give them a son. It was quite a promise for a couple past the normal childbearing years.

Abraham, not considering the fact that his body was too old to produce an heir, believed God regarding the promise. He trusted God’s word to him, and in so doing he became a great example to all believers of true faith in God.

What is my faith based on? How do I respond to God’s promises to me?

Day 2 / Romans 10:13-17

Any person can be saved simply by calling on the name of the Lord, placing faith in Him. But, one cannot do this without having first heard the Word of God. It is through hearing the message of the Word that faith comes. Only then is there something to believe in.

When and how did I first hear the Word of God? What was the “message” that gave me faith? What was my response?

Day 3 / I Corinthians 2:1-5

Paul was well-bred, well-educated and exceptionally gifted. His “credentials” were impressive. But, according to his testimony in these verses, he minimized these things to magnify Jesus Christ. He did not want the Corinthians to put their faith in his enticing words, but in the powerful truth of Christ’s finished work. He didn’t want to talk the Corinthians into believing. Paul wanted them to believe after God had shown them the truth of His message.

Have I ever tried to talk someone into believing in God? Do I trust in my ability to convince or God’s ability to convict?

Day 4 / Romans 12:3-5

We’re not supposed to put ourselves on a pedestal, thinking we are super-special. Rather, we should recognize that we are members of the same body, each dependent on the other. We are to evaluate ourselves according to “the measure of faith” God has given each one of us. This faith is given to us to be exercised in serving the Lord. When He gives us a “job” to do within the body, He gives us as well the faith we need to do it.

How am I exercising faith in the responsibilities I have been given?

Day 5 / Galatians 5:22, 23

When the Holy Spirit is in control of our lives, there will be “fruit” to prove it. The fruit on a plant or a tree is what lets us know that it is alive. The “fruit of the Spirit” in our lives is what lets us know that Jesus is alive in us. One of these “fruits” is faith. What this means in a very practical sense is that faith (believing and trusting in God) is a natural by-product of yielding to the Holy Spirit’s control.

It there anything I have difficulty believing and trusting God for? Is it because the Holy Spirit is not in control?

Day 6 / Luke 17: 5, 6

The disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith. But His answer to their request seems to say, “You don’t need more faith. You just need to exercise the faith you now have.” Apparently God doesn’t measure faith like we do. It is not the amount of faith we have, but how much we use the faith we already have that really counts. Like the muscles in our body, faith has great potential, but must be used to develop properly.

What is one thing I have trusted God for this week? Does my faith need to be increased?

Day 1 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 2 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 3 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 4 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 5 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Day 6 Learn & Live

Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage?

____________________________________________________________________________________

Pray & Praise

In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

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