Winter Devotional 8

Passage: 1 Peter 4:7-10

Be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

Reflection:

Love is a powerful gift and command. Love does not mean agreeing with sin or ignoring evil. However, love does give us the ability to treat others with kindness and grace no matter the circumstance. It may be hard, but we are called to use self-control, pray, and serve those around us. This true love covers sin and blesses those around us.

Reflection Questions:

1. How do you define love?

2. How does the Bible’s definition of love differ from the world’s?

3. Who do you need to show love to today?

4. In what ways does this passage encourage you?

Winter Devotional 7

Passage: Psalm 37:5-7

Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.

He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

Reflection:

The world never ceases to throw obstacles our way. We will come face to face with trials and have to choose to lean in to Jesus in each of those moments. Psalm 37 encourages us that committing to Jesus and keeping our minds steadfast on Him will always benefit us. Though challenging, we need to be still before the Lord and trust that He is good, righteous, and just.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are you waiting on right now?

2. Do you believe that God is good and just?

3. How does this passage convict you?

4. Who can you share this truth with?

Winter Devotional 6

Passage: 2 Chronicles 30:18-20

Although most of the many people who came from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun had not purified themselves, yet they ate the Passover, contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God—the Lord, the God of their ancestors—even if they are not clean according to the rules of the sanctuary.” And the Lord heard Hezekiah and healed the people.

Reflection:

After years of rebellion and idol worship the people of Judah finally had a King, Hezekiah, who followed the Lord with his whole heart. He called all people of Judah to come to celebrate Passover and restore relationship with God. Many people came, but some did not follow all the rules for the celebration. The King prayed on behalf of the people and God forgave and healed them. This shows us that God sees our heart first. Even when we mess up for years upon years, when we return to Him, he is merciful. He desires our hearts and longs to restore us to Himself.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does this passage teach us about the character of God?

2. How does this passage encourage you?

3. In what ways do you need forgiveness and restoration?

4. Why do you think the Lord wants your whole heart and attention?

Winter Devotional 5

Passage: Psalm 118:7-9

The Lord is on my side as my helper;

    I shall look in triumph on those who hate me.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in man.

It is better to take refuge in the Lord

    than to trust in princes.

Reflection:

It is easy to turn to the people around us when we face difficult situations. Often, we want to ask a friend or family member for advice before we ask the Lord. This passage reminds us that the Lord is the best person to trust. He is our safe place and refuge. He will NEVER sin against us or lead us astray. He has control over all things. Amazingly, the Lord not only wants to support us in hard times, but He also desires to see us succeed. He is our biggest cheerleader and the one who can offer us the best advice. This week look to the Lord first. It will be worth it!

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you been wandering from God lately?

2. What areas of your life do you need to talk to God about?

3. In what ways does this passage encourage you?

4. What do you learn about God through this passage?

Winter Devotional 4

Passage: Psalm 118:5-6

Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?

Reflection:

This year we want to prepare to trust the Lord in all circumstances. We cannot control what lies ahead, but we can strive to look to Him first in every situation. This is a daily discipline that we must work on. Remembering that the Lord is on our side and for us will help us navigate each moment we find ourselves in.  No matter what comes before us, the Lord is our redeemer and refuge. Man has no hold on us. Christ is the victor over all things!

Reflection Questions:

1.           How can you prepare your heart to trust God no matter what?

2.          What areas of your life do you need to return to God?

3.          In what ways does this passage encourage you?

4.          What do you learn about God through this passage?

Winter Devotional 3

Passage: Joel 2:12-14

12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,

    “return to me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

13    and rend your hearts and not your garments.”

Return to the Lord your God,

    for he is gracious and merciful,

slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;

    and he relents over disaster.

14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,

    and leave a blessing behind him,

a grain offering and a drink offering

    for the Lord your God?

Reflection:

God’s people have the tendency to turn from Him and pursue selfish gain. In Joel, we see God use a locust attack to redirect them back to Himself. Yet, amidst their disobedience and punishment, God offers mercy. This passage reminds us that while consequences come from our own disobedience, turning to God is always the correct next step. He is gracious and merciful and loves us endlessly. He desires our full attention, hearts and souls.

Reflection Questions:

1. How have you been wandering from God lately?

2. What areas of your life do you need to return to God?

3. In what ways does this passage remind you to serve  the Lord?

4. What do you learn about God through this passage?

Winter Devotional 2

Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:55-58

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.  But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Reflection:

Often, we wonder why Christmas matters and how we should respond to it. Christmas matters because through the arrival of Jesus to earth the fulfillment of eternal grace began to unfold. Jesus, born as a baby, developed into a teacher, guide, and friend. Then, He became sin so that we could know forgiveness and eternal life with Him. In response we are told to serve Him. This may look like full time ministry for some, but for most it looks like taking the situation you are in and doing everything for the Glory of God. Direct all praise to Him and boldly declare the truth of Christ. The humble baby delivered us from sin!

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you celebrate the coming of Christ?

2. How has Christ changed your life?

3. In what ways does this passage remind you to serve  the Lord?

4. What do you learn about God through this passage?

Winter Devotional 1

Passage: Psalm 103:1-5

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

    and all that is within me,

    bless his holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul,

    and forget not all his benefits,

Who forgives all your iniquity,

    who heals all your diseases,

Who redeems your life from the pit,

    who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

Who satisfies you with good

    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Reflection:

As we move into Advent next week, we take time to reflect on why this season is such a celebration. Psalm 103 helps us remember who God is and why Jesus is such a life saving gift. He forgives ALL iniquity. He heals us of our diseases both physically and spiritually. He redeems us and sets us apart for good. He shows us love and mercy choosing to bless us though we are worthy of cursing. He renews us and satisfies us. This is the God we celebrate. This is the God who sent us salvation through Jesus. He is good and worthy of praise.

Reflection Questions:

1. Why do you celebrate the coming of Christ?

2. How has Christ changed your life?

3. In what ways does this passage remind you to praise the Lord?

4. What do you learn about God through this passage?