To know God is one of the greatest blessings you can receive. I have said on more than one occasion, it is good to know that family members or friends may know him. But there is nothing like having the knowledge, faith and the trust in God truly is one of the greatest gifts you may ever have in your life. Believers also have the wisdom and understanding that his presence is always there period to know him is to love him and the more you know , the deeper your love is. Knowing him means that you are empowered by him and nothing can separate you from his love. Today's devotion, taken from Romans11:33 speaks about the knowledge of God.
“Oh, how great our God is rich in wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand His decisions and His ways!”
In this tax, we see the mercy of God. Paul speaks clearly of the need to understand the mysteries of God. He declares that God's wisdom and knowledge are impossible to understand fully. His ways and thoughts are not ours. Paul recognizes that everything comes from him and exist by his power, intended for his glory. He gives mercy to everyone. That is the knowledge of what God has done. It allows us to speak into his riches. We may not fully understand, but we have enough to know how rich and great God is. We will never fully understand his majestic power , but the little that we know is more than sufficient. As we gain this knowledge, we see little by little how God increases our knowledge of him. It is mind boggling how great God is. May you be blessed today with the knowledge that God has granted unto you.
Prayer
Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Teach me to be joyful always, to pray continually and to give thanks in all my circumstances. I accept them as Your will for my life. Break the power of the enemy in my life. Defeat him through my sacrifice of praise. Change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment with my present circumstances.
Amen
Day 2: Thursday Romans 11:33-36
33 Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
34 For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice?[l] 35 And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back?[m]
36 For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.
Day 3: Friday Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
2 Let all Israel repeat: “His faithful love endures forever.”
19 Open for me the gates where the righteous enter, and I will go in and thank the Lord. 20 These gates lead to the presence of the Lord, and the godly enter there. 21 I thank you for answering my prayer and giving me victory!
22 The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord’s doing, and it is wonderful to see. 24 This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Please, Lord, please save us. Please, Lord, please give us success. 26 Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. 27 The Lord is God, shining upon us. Take the sacrifice and bind it with cords on the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you!
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are Able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don't thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you've given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy!
Amen
Day 4: Saturday Mark 11:1-11
As Jesus and his disciples approached Jerusalem, they came to the towns of Bethphage and Bethany on the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of them on ahead. 2 “Go into that village over there,” he told them. “As soon as you enter it, you will see a young donkey tied there that no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3 If anyone asks, ‘What are you doing?’ just say, ‘The Lord needs it and will return it soon.’”
4 The two disciples left and found the colt standing in the street, tied outside the front door. 5 As they were untying it, some bystanders demanded, “What are you doing, untying that colt?” 6 They said what Jesus had told them to say, and they were permitted to take it. 7 Then they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it, and he sat on it.
8 Many in the crowd spread their garments on the road ahead of him, and others spread leafy branches they had cut in the fields. 9 Jesus was in the center of the procession, and the people all around him were shouting,
“Praise God![a] Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessings on the coming Kingdom of our ancestor David! Praise God in highest heaven!”[b]
11 So Jesus came to Jerusalem and went into the Temple. After looking around carefully at everything, he left because it was late in the afternoon. Then he returned to Bethany with the twelve disciples.
Day 5: Sunday Reflection
What are you grateful and thankful for this week and as we come to a close of this journey?
Write out your own prayer of thanksgiving to God.
Day 6: Monday Isaiah 50:4-9A
4 The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning he wakens me and opens my understanding to his will. 5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. 6 I offered my back to those who beat me and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard. I did not hide my face from mockery and spitting.
7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do his will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. 8 He who gives me justice is near. Who will dare to bring charges against me now? Where are my accusers?
Let them appear! 9 See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side! Who will declare me guilty? All my enemies will be destroyed like old clothes that have been eaten by moths!
Day 7: Tuesday Psalm 31:9-16
9 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress. Tears blur my eyes. My body and soul are withering away. 10 I am dying from grief; my years are shortened by sadness. Sin has drained my strength; I am wasting away from within. 11 I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbors— even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. 12 I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot. 13 I have heard the many rumors about me, and I am surrounded by terror. My enemies conspire against me, plotting to take my life.
14 But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, “You are my God!” 15 My future is in your hands. Rescue me from those who hunt me down relentlessly. 16 Let your favor shine on your servant. In your unfailing love, rescue me.
Week 6
Praying without Ceasing
In I Thessalonians, chapter 5, the apostle Paul gives his final advice to the believers at the church in Thessalonica. “Take care of one another, be patient, be joyful and never stop praying.” To pray without ceasing seems to be a daunting task. Our days are often filled to the brim with responsibilities, demands, and activity. It may seem impossible to squeeze in time for prayer. But Paul is encouraging believers to take a posture of prayer. To have a lifestyle which is characterized by consistent communication with God. This lifestyle very simply begins with shifting your thoughts towards God daily. It is a mental shift but also and increased awareness of God’s presence. Fortunately, God is always with us, allowing us immediate access to talk to Him, listen to Him, and to simply rest in Him.
Our lives are filled with countless moments in time. But as we allow the Holy Spirit access to these moments, we begin to practice prayer without ceasing. In your day or week do you ever find yourself in need of help or guidance? Take that opportunity to cry out to God in your spirit and request wisdom. Have a reason to celebrate? Take the time to just say “thank you God.” It is good to be intentional about taking focused times of prayer and studying your Bible, but you can also communicate with God throughout the day. Even as you are doing routine things in your home or on your job talk to Him. Sing songs of praise as you are in your car or turn off the music and listen for God’s voice. Greet the Lord when you wake up in the morning and pray for protection and peace before you go to bed at night. Even today as you finish this devotional reading, take just a moment to pray to the Lord and renew your commitment to hear His voice. Before long, you will be living the life Paul speaks of. Never stop trying and never stop praying.
Jennifer Stewart
Prayer
Dear Lord, I know You are inviting me right now to commune more deeply with You. Open my heart to seek You out in prayer. Help me to become aware that You are ever near and to abide in Your presence. Teach me to talk to you and remind me to listen. Allow me to seek You, trust You, live in You and rejoice in You. Let my life become a never ending prayer to You.
Amen
Day 2: Thursday I Thessalonians 5:12-18
12 Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
14 Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
15 See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.
16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Day 3: Friday Jeremiah 31:31-34
31 “The day is coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. 32 This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord.
33 “But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel after those days,” says the Lord. “I will put my instructions deep within them, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. 34 And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord.’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already,” says the Lord. “And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.”
Prayer
Oh, Most Merciful God, hear my cry and look to me with your merciful eyes. I may not be worthy of your presence Lord, but I strip myself of all connection to fleshly desires and bind myself to you. Father show mercy upon me and stretch your hand towards me in time of need. Please, do not forsake me, hear me when I call, heal me of my pains, and set me up to live and proclaim your glory. Amen.
Day 4: Saturday Psalm 51:1-12
1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. 3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. 4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.[a] 5 For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. 6 But you desire honesty from the womb,[b] teaching me wisdom even there.
7 Purify me from my sins,[c] and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me— now let me rejoice. 9 Don’t keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. 11 Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit[d] from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.
Day 5: Sunday Reflection
How have you engaged praying without ceasing this week?
How have you seen God manifesting His presence daily?
Prayer
Dear God, I love and adore you. I am grateful for every breath I take, a roof over my head, for the shoes on my feet, and the food on my table. Lord, I pray for your love and mercy to complete me and make me whole. As a human, I find myself complaining and being ungrateful. Teach me to always be content and know that your grace is sufficient every day. Ignite my heart’s desire to live in your presence and take me as your own. Amen.
Day 6: Monday Hebrews 5:5-10
5 That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.[a]” 6 And in another passage, God said to him, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”[b]
7 While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. 8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. 9 In this way, God qualified him as a perfect High Priest, and he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him.10 And God designated him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Day 7: Tuesday John 12:20-33
20 Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration 21 paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” 22 Philip told Andrew about it, and they went together to ask Jesus.
23 Jesus replied, “Now the time has come for the Son of Man[a]to enter into his glory. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.
27 “Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came! 28 Father, bring glory to your name.”
Then a voice spoke from heaven, saying, “I have already brought glory to my name, and I will do so again.” 29 When the crowd heard the voice, some thought it was thunder, while others declared an angel had spoken to him.
30 Then Jesus told them, “The voice was for your benefit, not mine. 31 The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out. 32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.
Week 5
Pastor Quann’s Devotional Reading
Start Anew
At times our life, when we need to write a new chapter and be willing to let some things go and start anew with God. If we are honest, there are times we need a change in our lives because some of the things we are dealing with have dealt with us before. It is a blessing to know that no matter where we are, God gives us opportunity to start again. The time of renewal is a time to begin a new and exciting relationship with God. Discover a new way that God has in store for us. Today's devotion speaks clearly of starting anew in Isaiah 38:3 and reads in this manner,
“Remember O Lord how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single mindedly, always doing what pleases you. Then he broke down and wept bitterly.”
In this scripture, we see Hezekiah’s sickness almost unto death. The Lord told him to go to the King and to set his affairs in order. He was given an opportunity to start anew. He heard this, fell on his knees, and began to pray. He knew he needed a new beginning. He came to confess before the Lord. The Lord gave him a new beginning. That is what our God does, granting new opportunities. Today , my fervent prayer is that no matter where you are you ask God to grant to you a new and exciting beginning. We all need it at times and God is there to renew us with the new season. May this season be one that you can start anew.
Prayer
Gracious God. You are a renewing and restoring God. Renew us yet again, delivering us from the time of trial, sickness, broken heartedness and the snares of the enemy. Let us find refuge and comfort and you. In your mercy allow us a fresh start, a new beginning and new opportunities to serve you with our whole being.
Amen
Day 2: Thursday Isaiah 38:1-6
About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill, and the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to visit him. He gave the king this message: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your affairs in order, for you are going to die. You will not recover from this illness.’”
2 When Hezekiah heard this, he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, O Lord, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.
4 Then this message came to Isaiah from the Lord: 5 “Go back to Hezekiah and tell him, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your ancestor David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will add fifteen years to your life, 6 and I will rescue you and this city from the king of Assyria. Yes, I will defend this city.
Day 3: Friday Numbers 21:4-9
4 Then the people of Israel set out from Mount Hor, taking the road to the Red Sea[a] to go around the land of Edom. But the people grew impatient with the long journey, 5 and they began to speak against God and Moses. “Why have you brought us out of Egypt to die here in the wilderness?” they complained. “There is nothing to eat here and nothing to drink. And we hate this horrible manna!”
6 So the Lord sent poisonous snakes among the people, and many were bitten and died. 7 Then the people came to Moses and cried out, “We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes.” So, Moses prayed for the people.
8 Then the Lord told him, “Make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole. All who are bitten will live if they simply look at it!” 9 So Moses made a snake out of bronze and attached it to a pole. Then anyone who was bitten by a snake could look at the bronze snake and be healed!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience and suffering you showed us how to endure earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will. Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here on earth is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen
Day 4: Saturday Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever. 2 Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. 3 For he has gathered the exiles from many lands, from east and west, from north and south.
17 Some were fools; they rebelled and suffered for their sins. 18 They couldn’t stand the thought of food, and they were knocking on death’s door. 19 “Lord, help!” they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress. 20 He sent out his word and healed them, snatching them from the door of death. 21 Let them praise the Lord for his great love and for the wonderful things he has done for them. 22 Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and sing joyfully about his glorious acts.
Day 5: Sunday
Reflection
How do you currently practice confession in your life?
In what ways can you make confession and forgiveness a bigger part of your daily life?
Prayer
Lord, I confess all sins to you, merciful Father. But by your grace, through faith I know I'm saved for my sins. Free me from condemnation, for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. May I be aligned with your will, Lord. May all I do, all of my strivings, be to bring glory and honor to your great name, not to achieve a worldly standard. Teach me how to live fully in the freedom of our faith .
Amen
Day 6: Monday Ephesians 2:1-10
Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world.[a] He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else.
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. 10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
Day 7: Tuesday John 3:14-21
14 And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.[a]
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave[b] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.
18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. 19 And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. 20 All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. 21 But those who do what is right come to the light so others can see that they are doing what God wants.”
Week 4
Confession: Coming Home to God
Confession is good for the soul and everyone around us. Like the prodigal son who finally came to his senses and confess to his father, “I have sinned” , and discovered that his father was waiting for him with love in his heart and forgiveness on his lips, lent is a season when we, 2, have the opportunity to confess our sin and experience God's steadfast love and forgiveness.
“But while he was far off his father saw him and was filled with compassion he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.”
Confession is the outward discipline associated with the inner act of repentance; it gives us something concrete to do with the sin and negative patterns we're naming in God's presence. The trouble is, we live in a culture that promotes a profound sense of denial about the presence of sin in our lives. Even when something is our fault, we encourage not to admit it and less we can derive some benefit from it (like a reduced penalty, repairing our public image, etc.). We are encouraged to hide the truth until we can no longer get away with it. And, even then, we may still try to twist facts or misuse language to keep from having to acknowledge personal responsibility for our actions. We use all sorts of means, ranging from flat out denial to subtle misuse of language, to avoid having to admit we are wrong. True confession requires us to name are sent out loud, to God, and to the person(s) we have injured or offended, taking steps to renounce it for Christ's sake. True confession will involve the willingness to make restitution if that is needed.
Wouldn't it be something if, during this Lenten season, we asked God to help us make a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves? What if we actually confessed as sin are bad behaviors towards others both in our current situations and also in the history of our past relationships? What if during this season we wrote notes, may phone calls, and have face to face meetings in which we confess our sins to one another and ask forgiveness for sins past and present?
I cannot imagine a more powerful force for good in this world than for us as Christians and confess our sins to God and to one another so that grace can flow more freely among us. I cannot imagine the homecomings there might be in our relationships with God and with others as we acknowledge the ways we have each wounded our own life, the lives of others, and the life of this world. Let us not miss the opportunity to confess our sins to God and to one another so that we can be healed.
Ruth Haley Barton, Lent a Season of Returning
Prayer
Lord on this day I confess my sins to you. Search me and examine me. See if there be any wicked way in me. Cleanse me from unrighteousness and lead me in the path everlasting. Extend your grace and loving kindness to me on this day. Give me the humility to allow you to evaluate my actions and life on today. And the courage to seek forgiveness from you and others.
Amen
Day 2: Thursday Luke 15:17-24
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.[b]’
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So, the party began.
Day 3: Friday Exodus 20:1-17
Then God gave the people all these instructions:
2 “I am the Lord your God, who rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery.
3 “You must not have any other god but me.
4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me. 6 But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those[b] who love me and obey my commands. 7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy.
12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
13 “You must not murder.
14 “You must not commit adultery.
15 “You must not steal.
16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house. You must not covet your neighbor’s wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
Prayer
Merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed. We have not loved you with our whole heart and mind and strength; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. In your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen.
Day 4: Saturday Psalm 19
1 The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. 2 Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. 3 They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard.[a] 4 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world.
God has made a home in the heavens for the sun. 5 It bursts forth like a radiant bridegroom after his wedding. It rejoices like a great athlete eager to run the race. 6 The sun rises at one end of the heavens and follows its course to the other end. Nothing can hide from its heat.
7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11 They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them.
12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. 13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins! Don’t let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin.
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
Day 5: Sunday
Reflection
Reflect on your life. In what ways do you find yourself falling short of Christlikeness?
How have you experienced God’s forgiveness and grace this week?
How can you extend grace and love to others in your family, church, and the world?
Prayer
Eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being, thank you for your grace and loving kindness. Cleanse us from all our offenses and deliver us from evil. With humility and meekness may we draw near to you confessing our faults and finding in you, grace, refuge and strength. Allow us to extend holy hands to you and to all you have created.
Amen
Day 6: Monday I Corinthians 1:18-25
18 The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. 19 As the Scriptures say,
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.”[a]
20 So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. 21 Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. 22 It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. 23 So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended, and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. 24 But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles,[b] Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.25 This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.
Day 7: Tuesday John 2:13-22
13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. 16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”
17 Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”[a]
18 But the Jewish leaders demanded, “What are you doing? If God gave you authority to do this, show us a miraculous sign to prove it.”
19 “All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
20 “What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?” 21 But when Jesus said, “this temple,” he meant his own body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said.
Week 3
Pastor Quann’s Devotional Reading
Stay in Constant Touch With God
Today's devotion comes from the same passage of scripture used for yesterday's devotion entitled Start Each Day With Praise which is another way of saying stay in contact with God. As you praise him you are drawn into his presence. Where His presence is, is fulfillment of joy regardless of the trials, tears, or troubles you experience. There is power when you draw near to God and cling to him. You can draw from his mighty power. We should always stay in contact with God. Sometimes we fail to keep in contact with family members and friends period time moves swiftly and it may be months since we spoke with them. That should never be the case with God. He ought to know us by name. We ought to know him in such a way that we are logging to spend more time with him. Today scripture reference is Psalm 63:8.
“I cling to You; your strong right hand holds me securely.”
The psalmist, after his constant praise, speaks of clinging to God. He knows those around him seek to plot his demise an harm him. Nevertheless, he is in constant contact with God and fully knows that God's right hand holds him tight and secure . He has no fear but is confident in God Almighty. Therefore, he clings to God and will not let go. He knows God will not let him go. Today, whatever you do, whatever trials you're dealing with—just cling to God and stay close and draw near to Him. He is never, ever so far from us that he cannot reach us.
Prayer
Lord, I pray that I might become more aware of your presence. I pray you would move the Holy Spirit more boldly in my life. Help me to crave your presence, grow in the fruit of the Spirit and so walk closer with You. I pray for guidance from your spirit. May your will and promises always be the meditation of my heart.
Amen
Day 2: Thursday - Psalm 63:8
1 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you! 4 I will praise you as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer. 5 You satisfy me more than the richest feast. I will praise you with songs of joy.
6 I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night. 7 Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.
Day 3: Friday - Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
17 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. 2 I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants.”
3 At this, Abram fell face down on the ground. Then God said to him, 4 “This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations! 5 What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham for you will be the father of many nations. 6 I will make you extremely fruitful. Your descendants will become many nations, and kings will be among them!
7 “I will confirm my covenant with you and your descendants after you, from generation to generation. This is the everlasting covenant: I will always be your God and the God of your descendants after you.
Prayer
Heavenly father you are my hope. Give me a tangible reminder today that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline. God you know all about me—my desires and needs and the promises you have given me. Today I give them to you, I trust them to you knowing that You can do more than I could ever think or imagine.
Amen
Day 4: Saturday - Psalm 22:23-26
23 Praise the Lord, all you who fear him! Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel! 24 For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy. He has not turned his back on them, but has listened to their cries for help.
25 I will praise you in the great assembly. I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you. 26 The poor will eat and be satisfied. All who seek the Lord will praise him. Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy
Day 5: Sunday - Reflection
In what moments do you feel most aware of God’s presence?
In what areas of life do you feel yourself losing hope?
What areas of life do you need to recommit to trust God in?
Prayer
Lord, make me more aware of your presence. Help me to put my hope and trust in you. I pray that you would open my eyes, my ears, and my heart to see you in every moment of life. In the areas that I have taken over, let me now recommit to you . Let your will be done.
Amen
Day 6: Monday - Psalm 22:27-31
27 The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. 28 For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations.
29 Let the rich of the earth feast and worship. Bow before him, all who are mortal, all whose lives will end as dust. 30 Our children will also serve him. Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord. 31 His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born. They will hear about everything he has done.
Day 7: Tuesday - Romans 4:13-25
13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary, and the promise is pointless. 15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.”[a] This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!”[b]19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb. 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Week 2
Pastor Quann’s Devotional Reading
The Best Way to Begin Your Day
I believe with all my heart that the best way to begin the day is to begin with prayer. When you awake in the morning before you begin to move about pray and give God thanks for the new day and ask Him for guidance for the day. I remember a song that went something like this, “Did you stop to pray today?” I don’t know time you are reading this devotion, but I pose the question again, “Did you start the day with prayer?” Or were you so busy tuning into the TV, putting on the coffee, or jogging without even taking a moment or two just to talk to God? Your day would be so much better if you began with prayer. Let me repeat, the best way to begin your day is with prayer. Mark 1:35 is the scriptural text today,
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.”
Jesus the Master Teacher began the day in prayer. He went to an isolate place to steal away to talk to His Heavenly Father. He was about to go to Galilee to preach and teach. However, He did not go without praying first. The Word of God says that Simon and others went to find Him. Jesus was already prepared to go to Galilee to cast out demons, heal the infirmed and bless the people But before any of that, He took the time to pray What a valuable lesson for us! Jesus set the example on how to begin your day May we follow the example of the Master and pray early in the morning every day.
Prayer
Lord this is the day that you have made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. With gratitude, I thank you for preserving my life for one more day. With gratitude, I thank you for our ultimate gift of love for me, in the form of your Son and the sacrifice of His life on my behalf. Because of this overwhelming gift, I humbly submit to you. Lord you are the great Teacher, so teach me your ways that I may rely on your faithfulness. Teach us to number our days and to use our time wisely.
Amen
Day 1 Mark 1:35
35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.
Day 2 Psalm 25:1-10
1 O Lord, I give my life to you. 2I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. 3 No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced, but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others. 4 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you. 6 Remember, O Lord, your compassion and unfailing love, which you have shown from long ages past. 7 Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord. 8 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. 9 He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.10 The Lord leads with unfailing love and faithfulness all who keep his covenant and obey his demands.
Day 3 Mark 1:9:13
9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”12 The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, 13 where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.
Day 4 I Peter 3:18-21
18 Christ suffered for our sins once for all time. He never sinned, but he died for sinners to bring you safely home to God. He suffered physical death, but he was raised to life in the Spirit. 9 So he went and preached to the spirits in prison— 20 those who disobeyed God long ago when God waited patiently while Noah was building his boat. Only eight people were saved from drowning in that terrible flood. 21 And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Day 5 Reflection
When and where is your “isolated place” to pray?
How have you engaged prayer this week more deeply?
Prayer
Dear Lord, I know that wherever I am, You are with me—guiding, protecting, providing. You make a mountain into a way; You make streams flow in the desert; You cause a root to grow out of dry ground. Thank You for giving me the opportunity to see You work when all hope seems lost.
Amen
Day 6 Genesis 9:12-17
12 Then God said, “I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. 13 I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth. 14 When I send clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, 15 and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life.16 When I see the rainbow in the clouds, I will remember the eternal covenant between God and every living creature on earth.” 17 Then God said to Noah, “Yes, this rainbow is the sign of the covenant I am confirming with all the creatures on earth.”
Day 7 Deuteronomy 2:7
7 For the Lord your God has blessed you in everything you have done. He has watched your every step through this great wilderness. During these forty years, the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.”’
Week 1
Pastor Quann’s Devotional Reading
Ash Wednesday—Accept God’s Blessings
Today marks the beginning of the Lenten Season. On this day, we observe Ash Wednesday. This day marks the start of a forty-day period of fasting and praying. We pray that during this season we might turn to God and seek a deeper walk with Him. We pray that it might be a time of sacrifice and self-inventory, drawing closer to God and accepting His blessings. I would argue strongly that God stands ready to bless us. Unfortunately, far too many people will not accept His blessings. He stands ready to grant to us His mercy, His love and His compassion. As we draw near to Him during this season, I pray that your relationship will grow deeper, turning toward Him and not away from Him. Plan to spend quiet time with God during this season so that your life is renewed and strengthened. The scripture reference Isaiah 1:19 reads in this manner.
“If you will only obey Me, you will have plenty to eat.”
In this moving scripture, we see the blessings that God wants to extend to His people. He lets them know through the Prophet that if they will just accept and obey Him, blessings will flow from on high. In the previous verse he writes, “Come now, let’s settle this”, says the Lord. “though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Through they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.” The blessings are there! All we need to do is to accept them. Though our sins may be man, He will make them as white as snow. We do not have to live in sin and shame. Today won’t you accept the Lord’s great invitation? Give your life to Him and see the blessings He has for you. Do not put it off. Today is the day of salvation. On this Ash Wednesday, make a commitment and give your life to Christ. He will make you brand new.
Prayer
Dear Lord as we enter this season of Lent together let us welcome your presence in the daily moments of life and your cleansing action through our obedience to you. Allow us to see that you have blessings waiting for us to accept. And let this time of prayer deepen our roots in you as you ever draw us near.
Amen
Day 1 Isaiah 1:18b-19
18bThough your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, I will make them as white as wool.19 If you will only obey me, you will have plenty to eat.
Day 2 Galatians 3:13
13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrongdoing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
Day 3 Psalm 51:1-2
1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. 2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
Day 4 Joel 2:1-2; 12-13
1 Sound the trumpet in Jerusalem! Raise the alarm on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us. 2 It is a day of darkness and gloom, a day of thick clouds and deep blackness. Suddenly, like dawn spreading across the mountains, a great and mighty army appears. Nothing like it has been seen before or will ever be seen again. 12That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. 13 Don’t tear your clothing in your grief but tear your hearts instead. ”Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to relent and not punish
Day 5 Reflection
How have you practiced the way of prayer presented in this week’s recording?
How do you see God’s mercy and forgiveness manifesting in your life this week?
Prayer
Father of all mercies, you revealed your boundless compassion to your apostle Saint Peter in a three-fold vision: Forgive our unbelief, we pray, and so strengthen our hearts and enkindle our zeal, that we may fervently desire the salvation of all people, and diligently labor in the extension of your kingdom; through him who gave himself for the life of the world, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
Day 6 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation.
Day 7 Philippians 2:5-8
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. 6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
