 |
 |
|
unchanging: God's Word
Daily Devotions for Feb. 4-8
|
Greetings!
Welcome to the daily devotions for "Unchanging," our new sermon series about staying grounded in changing times. Perhaps you have noticed that "change" has become a cultural buzz word. It seems that everywhere we turn someone is promising change, begging for change or mandating change. In 2008, Wheaton Bible Church will experience a lot of change; this is the year we relocate. We are surrounded by change. It is an inevitable part of our lives.
While some change is disruptive and uncomfortable, other change is liberating and quite healthy. It is easy, however, to focus on all that is changing and to forget what is remaining the same. Our desire is to be captivated by the truth that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. At the same time, we want God to deeply change us. And, as He changes us, we pray that as individuals and as a church we would root ourselves in God's unchanging truth.
May God richly bless you as you spend time with Him this week.
|
|
 |
MONDAY, Feb. 4
|
|
|
"As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?" (Ps. 42:1-2) Right now is a great time. Got your Bible?
Yesterday, Pastor Rob spoke to us about the importance of God's Word. Open your Bible to 2 Tim. 3:16-17. Read these verses two or three times.
Who is the initiator of Scripture? When God breathed, what happened?
These verses affirm God as the Authority of Scripture and the rightful Voice to speak into our lives.
According to these verses, what can we expect Scripture to do in our lives?
Take a few minutes to write about a time when God used His Word to work in one of these ways in your life. Do you remember the verse?
Some of us could have filled an entire journal with God's instruction, while for others, this might be the first time you have ever opened God's Word. Whatever your situation, the Bible has the power to equip us and train us for every good work God has called us to do. Close this time with God by asking Him to open your heart and speak to you through His Word.
|
|
TUESDAY, Feb. 5
|
|
|
As we consider the power of God's Word, today we will look at its ability to instruct and guide. One of these classic teaching passages is found in Psalm 119. Read Ps. 119:9-16 and 33-37.
Verse nine tells us that we keep our way pure by living according to God's Word. It is interesting to note the direction of the conversation in these two passages. In verses 33-37, the writer is asking God to act. What are some of the things God is asked to do?
If we read these verses as if we wrote them, we are asking God to teach us, direct us and focus us. Now, look at verses 9-16 again. In these verses, the writer speaks of our action in response to God's Word. What are the verbs the writer uses to describe his own action in response to God's Word?
It is not enough that God speaks to us-we must respond. Before you pray today, choose one of the "God actions" and one of the "man actions." Let those responses guide you as you pray for God's instruction.
|
|
WEDNESDAY, Feb. 6
|
|
|
It is mid-week, and I pray that God's Word is taking root in our lives as we seek Him. Yesterday, we looked at the power of God's Word as it speaks instruction and guidance to us. Today, we consider the power of Scripture to convict and cleanse.
On Monday, we saw in 2 Tim. 3:16 that one of the roles of Scripture is to rebuke and correct. God doesn't simply instruct us in the way to go, but He also shows us the error of the way we are going. Rom. 3:23 tells us that we all sin against God. Read Ps. 51:1-12 for a snapshot of a heart dealing with sin.
Wow! Have you ever wanted to talk to God like that? Perhaps you have wanted to and not known what to say. These words from the psalmist are a prayer representing the reality of each and every person's battle with sin. Let this be your prayer today. Read these verses again. As you do, read them as if you had written them. You may even want to take the time to write a prayer using Ps. 51:1-12 as a model.
Lord, create in us clean hearts.
|
|
THURSDAY, Feb. 7
|
|
|
God's Word teaches and convicts, but it also has the amazing power to encourage. In the midst of struggle, Scripture can be comforting to us. Today's time with God will be spent allowing God's encouraging words to pour over you. Before you go to the Scripture, take a moment to list some of the struggles you are facing today.
Read Ps. 46, Ps. 23 and Isa. 40:28-31. Write down ways God has encouraged you just now through His Word.
Pray that God's Word would be your strength today.
|
|
FRIDAY, Feb. 8
|
|
|
This week, we have caught only a glimpse of the power of God's Word. His desire is to speak to us in every circumstance of life. However, what God speaks must be heard. We must develop a hunger for the Bible. I had a seminary professor who said, "A day without learning something new from God's Word is a day wasted." In light of this, let me challenge you today to make a commitment to God's Word. For some, that commitment may be to read the Bible once a week or perhaps daily. For others, it may be a deepening of your study of Scripture. Whatever the case may be, ask God to develop within you an appetite, a hunger for His Word.
Let's begin to prepare our hearts for Sunday and our focus on the greatness of God by reading Ps. 96.
Pray now that God would write the truths that we learned this week on our hearts and that He would prepare us to hear from Him as we worship together on Sunday.
|
|
| |
 |
Wheaton Bible Church
410 North Cross Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
630.260.1600
www.wheatonbible.org
|
Sign up to get daily devotions via email!
|
|
| |
|
|
