Devotion Book 2

Devotion Book 2 – Lesson 3

Devotions Book 2

Lesson 3

Faith (week 3-6)

Faith Week 3

Day 1 / Acts 16: 25-34

While Paul and Silas were preaching the gospel in the city of Philippi, they were unlawfully arrested and imprisoned. At midnight, while they were singing praises to God, the prison was shaken by a terrible earthquake. This passage of Acts tells how two completely different people – Paul and the Philippian jailer – responded in the crisis.

How do I normally respond in a crisis?

Day 2 / John 6: 27-29

During the first part of His earthly ministry, Jesus was very popular. Because of the wondrous things He did, great multitudes followed Him everywhere. On this occasion, a group of people found Jesus in Capernaum, after searching some time for Him. He confronted them with a strong accusation: “You are looking for me,” He said, “not because you saw miraculous signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled.” (v. 26) Then, they asked Him how they could please and serve God. Jesus told them there is only one way: by believing in Him.

Why am I following Jesus?

Day 3 / John 20: 30, 31

Jesus did a lot of things during His lifetime on earth that are not recorded in the Bible. But the ones that are recorded give us more than enough on which to base our faith in Him. In fact, the very purpose of the Bible is to show that He is the Son of God and that eternal life is given only through believing in Him.

What are some of the things God’s Word has taught me to believe about Jesus?

Day 4 / Hebrews 11: 24-29

In choosing to be with his people, Moses chose suffering and affliction. He valued persecution for Christ’s sake above the riches of Egypt. He forsook all the wealth and power his position afforded. He did not fear the wrath of the Pharaoh, who obviously considered him a traitor. Instead, Moses fearlessly did what he knew was right. He was able to do so for one reason: he trusted God. His faith made it possible for him to follow God’s leading through hard times and hard places.

How has my faith in God helped me through hard times and hard places? The next time I experience hardship or difficulty where will I turn first?

Day 5 / Hebrews 12: 1, 2

Jesus is the “author and finisher of our faith.” As the “author” He is the source, the originator. He enables us from the very beginning to believe in Him. As the “finisher” He is the perfector who makes our faith stronger and more complete.

In what ways has Jesus made my faith stronger and more complete?

Day 6 / Acts 20: 17-27

Paul’s farewell to the leaders of the Ephesian church must have been very difficult for him, because he knew it was the last time he would see them. His words to them were serious and straightforward. He reminded them of the two main parts of his message to them: 1) repentance toward God, and 2) faith in Christ. Everywhere Paul went he preached these two things, boldly declaring God’s way of salvation.

What am I telling others they must believe to be saved?

Day 1 Learn & Live Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage? _____________________________________________________________________

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Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today? __________________________________

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Day 2 Learn & Live Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage? __________________________________________________________________

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Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today? _________________________________

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Day 3 Learn & Live Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage? _____________________________________________________________________

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Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today? __________________________________

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Day 4 Learn & Live Bible reading text:_______________________

What do I learn from this passage? __________________________________________________________________

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Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today? _________________________________

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Day 5 Learn & Live Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage? __________________________________________________________________

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Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today? _________________________________

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Day 6 Learn & Live Bible reading text:________________________

What do I learn from this passage? __________________________________________________________________

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Pray & Praise In light of what I have learned, what do I ask God for today? _________________________________

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Faith / Week 4

Day 1 / James 2: 14-24

Many of the Jewish Christians to whom James originally wrote this letter, did not understand the relationship between faith and works. James zeroes in on the fact that real faith is evidenced through works. It is not enough to simply say that you believe. You must also live by faith “practicing what you preach.” Abraham, the father of the Hebrew nation, is the key example James uses to make his point regarding faith and works.

What “works” am I doing which prove the genuineness of my faith?

Day 2 / James 2: 21-23

To understand this scripture one must understand that Abraham’s faith was proven by His “works.” He was not saved by

his works, but rather demonstrated his genuine trust in God through his works. His faith was “made perfect” – made complete – by what he did. Real faith in God is shown through obedience to Him.

In what ways is my faith being proved by my actions?

Day 3 / Mark 2: 1-5

Four men were determined to see Jesus, but because of a large crowd surrounding Him they were unable to even get near Him. It was especially difficult for them because they were carrying a crippled friend, whom they wanted Jesus to heal. They climbed to the roof of the house in which He was preaching, removed part of the roof and, using ropes, let down their friend to Jesus. When Jesus realized what was happening, He observed one thing about the four men. Not their persistence, nor their creativity, nor their love; but their faith. He knew they truly believed in Him – their actions proved it.

What has Jesus seen me do for others which shows my faith in Him?

Day 4 / Acts 27: 1-44

While on his way to Rome, the ship in which Paul was sailing ran into a violent storm. The storm lasted for two weeks! It became so intense that the sailors and passengers threw all cargo overboard to keep the ship from sinking. No one expected to make it through the storm. No one, except Paul. God had assured him that everyone would survive. He was so confident in what God had told him that he fixed a meal on the 14th day and urged the others to eat with him. They had not eaten anything during the storm. Paul’s steady faith was a remarkable testimony to everyone on board.

In what ways have I shown my faith to unbelieving friends and neighbors?

Day 5 / Hebrews 11:28

After God had wrought such awesome plagues on the land of Egypt, some perhaps could not have imagined anything worse. But there was something worse, something more dreadful than all the other calamities. An angel sent from God told Moses about it: the death angel would pass over the entire land of Egypt and, in every house where the blood of a lamb had not been applied to the doorposts; the first-born son in that house would die. This must have seemed a very strange thing to Moses and the people, but he accepted it as God’s message. They believed, so they obeyed.

What am I believing and obeying that I don’t fully understand?

Day 6 / Galatians 5: 1-6

False teachers visited the church in Galatia and taught many heresies. Some of the Galatians accepted their teachings, so Paul wrote this letter to expose the error and remind them of the absolute truths of the gospel he had proclaimed. One thing the false teachers emphasized was that salvation required doing good works. Paul corrected this heresy, explaining that only one thing matters: faith in Jesus Christ – “faith working in love.” In other words, faith which is evidenced in action, faith which springs from genuine love for Christ.

How have I shown my faith and love for Christ this week? Has my faith in God and His Word been shaken in any way by false teachers and their worldly philosophies?