DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
DEVOTIONAL GUIDE by Nan Allen
© COPYRIGHT 2015 LIFEWAY WORSHIP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
“OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART” Read Psalm 119:18 and Ephesians 1:18-19. According to these verses, what can happen if God opens our eyes? Name the revelations listed in these passages. Read Matthew 5:8. Whose words are these? Who can see God? Pray for spiritual vision and understanding.
“I COULD SING OF YOUR LOVE FOREVER” Read Psalm 89:1-2. The psalmist declares that he will proclaim the Lord’s great love forever. In what other ways can you spread the word that God’s love is forever? Read Psalm 78:6. This gives one reason why we should sing of God’s love. What is it? Make a list of ways you can declare God’s love. Now make a list of people who need to hear about God’s eternal love and care. Pray for those people now, and ask God to give you an opportunity to share His love with them.
“10,000 REASONS” Read Psalm 103. This is a song lyric written by King David many years ago, but it is still a great thought for today. Compare it to the lyrics of the song “10,000 Reasons.” List some similarities. For example, find the attributes of God in both songs. (Hint: Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love.”1) Where do you find the same thought in this song? Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for all that you find in these lyrics. Scripture quotation taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 1
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—2
“STAND AND SHOUT” Read Psalm 66. Find synonyms for the word “shout.” A true fan is loyal. A true fan is passionate. A true fan is...LOUD. You can’t watch your favorite team play without standing up when the half-court shot is in the air, or the running back is breaking every tackle, or the ball is sailing off the bat, heading for the fence. It’s just not possible to sit there and not get up and get loud. The song “Stand and Shout” gives sort of a list of things we’ve got to shout about. Look at the lyrics and underline those things. Pray for boldness to stand and shout about God’s work in your life.
“GREAT I AM” The words “I am” come from God’s lips often throughout the Bible. Read the following verses and write down what God says about Himself.
• Genesis 17:1
• Judges 6:10
• Psalm 35:3
Jesus says “I am” several times, too, during His time on earth. What does Jesus say about Himself in the following verses?
• John 6:35
• John 8:12
• John 11:25
• John 14:6
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—3
“IN CHRIST” Read Philippians 4:13. What promise does this make to believers? Read Philippians 4:19. In this verse, what is the promise? Think about the trials that you face. Do these verses say anything about how you should approach them? Now read Isaiah 40:31. In the Old Testament (before Christ came to earth), the promise is given to God’s children. What is it? Ask God to help you trust Him in all circumstances and to give you strength above what you have on your own.
“VOICE OF TRUTH” Read the story in Matthew 14:22-33, which is the basis for the first verse of the song. What happened? What were Jesus’ words to Peter? What were Peter’s words about Jesus? Now read the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. This is the subject of the second verse of the song. In both of these stories, what were the most important lessons the characters learned? What can you learn from these characters? When you face a tough decision or a bigger-than-life task, to whom should you listen? Pray for clarity, guidance, and comfort from God as you face these trials.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—4
“WHAT FAITH CAN DO” Read Matthew 17:14-20. Who came to Jesus for healing? Why couldn’t the disciples heal? What were Jesus’ reasons for their inability to heal? How much faith does Jesus say it takes to move mountains? Why do you think He used this comparison? Now read Matthew 21:18-22. Jesus again talked about what faith can do. In verse 22, what does Jesus say about asking in faith? Is there a mountain in your life that seems impossible to climb? Pray to God about it now. Ask Him to give you the kind of faith that Jesus talked about.
“YOU NEVER LET GO” Read Psalm 136:1-9. Write down what the psalmist says in each verse about God and His faithfulness. (Hint: Every other line says, “God’s love never fails” [or is eternal], but what do the other lines say about God?) Ask God to show His love for you during times you feel you are not loved. By faith, accept His unconditional love.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—5
“IN CHRIST ALONE (MY HOPE IS FOUND)” Read Philippians 3:7-11 and Colossians 1:15-20. What do these verses tell us about Jesus Christ? Now read John 14:6. What does Jesus say about Himself? If you have doubts about the way to salvation, these words from Jesus should settle the matter. Either He was telling the truth, or He was lying. Which do you think it is? Pray for God’s wisdom and understanding in all things, but especially in the matter of salvation.
“IT’S STILL THE CROSS” What does the cross at Calvary mean to you? Read 1 Corinthians 1:18. What does the apostle Paul say about the cross? How does the cross affect your everyday life? Does it give you hope? Does it make you feel uncomfortable? Why or why not? Thank God for the cross, and ask Him to help you understand why He had to sacrifice His Son this way.
“LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND” Following God’s path is a journey. Start by reading Psalm 25:4-5. According to the psalmist, where does the journey begin? Read Isaiah 48:17. What is the next step? Read Jesus’ words in John 12:25-26. Is this good news or troubling news? Does this give the next step to following Jesus? Read Jesus’ words again in Luke 9:23. What must we do to follow Him? How often must we do it? Pray a prayer of surrender and ask God’s guidance on the journey with Him.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—6
“NO TURNING BACK” Read Romans 12:1. Look at every main word of this verse. Underline each one and try to understand what God is saying through the apostle Paul. Also read Galatians 2:19-20. These passages call for full surrender, not just commitment. Commitment has its limits in human power. But surrender is even harder because it goes against our sinful nature. Do the hard thing–surrender. Ask God to lift you up and empower you for His work.
“I WILL FOLLOW” Read Matthew 8. Yes, the whole chapter. You need to read it all to get the point. There are several stories of Jesus’ miraculous deeds. Then stuck in the middle of them are verses 18-22, which seem to take a random turn. Or do they? What are the miracles recorded here? Write them down. Now what do these miracles and Jesus’ call (found in verses 18-22) have to do with each other? What does this say to you when Christ asks you to follow Him? (hint: excuses?) Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Pray that God will direct your path.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—7
“SURRENDER” Read Exodus 15:2 and Psalm 28:7. Both passages make similar statements. However, what does each one claim that the other doesn’t? Pray for God’s strength, but realize that you will have to surrender your strength before He can fully strengthen you.
“MOVE” Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-25. Paul is giving another metaphor here. What does this refer to? How should we prepare for this? Why do we prepare? What will we receive for our efforts? Pray that God will help you endure present trials and be prepared for those that will come.
“THE MOTIONS” Read the lyrics to this song. Can you say this to God? Now read Romans 12:1-2. Are there certain parts of your life that you need to surrender? Read Philippians 3:7-14. Does this give you some ideas about how to know God’s will for your life? Pray every day, not just one time, surrendering every part of yourself to Him.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—8
© COPYRIGHT 2015 LIFEWAY WORSHIP. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
“OPEN THE EYES OF MY HEART” Read Psalm 119:18 and Ephesians 1:18-19. According to these verses, what can happen if God opens our eyes? Name the revelations listed in these passages. Read Matthew 5:8. Whose words are these? Who can see God? Pray for spiritual vision and understanding.
“I COULD SING OF YOUR LOVE FOREVER” Read Psalm 89:1-2. The psalmist declares that he will proclaim the Lord’s great love forever. In what other ways can you spread the word that God’s love is forever? Read Psalm 78:6. This gives one reason why we should sing of God’s love. What is it? Make a list of ways you can declare God’s love. Now make a list of people who need to hear about God’s eternal love and care. Pray for those people now, and ask God to give you an opportunity to share His love with them.
“10,000 REASONS” Read Psalm 103. This is a song lyric written by King David many years ago, but it is still a great thought for today. Compare it to the lyrics of the song “10,000 Reasons.” List some similarities. For example, find the attributes of God in both songs. (Hint: Psalm 103:8 says, “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and rich in faithful love.”1) Where do you find the same thought in this song? Pray a prayer of thanksgiving for all that you find in these lyrics. Scripture quotation taken from the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Holman CSB®, and HCSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 1
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—2
“STAND AND SHOUT” Read Psalm 66. Find synonyms for the word “shout.” A true fan is loyal. A true fan is passionate. A true fan is...LOUD. You can’t watch your favorite team play without standing up when the half-court shot is in the air, or the running back is breaking every tackle, or the ball is sailing off the bat, heading for the fence. It’s just not possible to sit there and not get up and get loud. The song “Stand and Shout” gives sort of a list of things we’ve got to shout about. Look at the lyrics and underline those things. Pray for boldness to stand and shout about God’s work in your life.
“GREAT I AM” The words “I am” come from God’s lips often throughout the Bible. Read the following verses and write down what God says about Himself.
• Genesis 17:1
• Judges 6:10
• Psalm 35:3
Jesus says “I am” several times, too, during His time on earth. What does Jesus say about Himself in the following verses?
• John 6:35
• John 8:12
• John 11:25
• John 14:6
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—3
“IN CHRIST” Read Philippians 4:13. What promise does this make to believers? Read Philippians 4:19. In this verse, what is the promise? Think about the trials that you face. Do these verses say anything about how you should approach them? Now read Isaiah 40:31. In the Old Testament (before Christ came to earth), the promise is given to God’s children. What is it? Ask God to help you trust Him in all circumstances and to give you strength above what you have on your own.
“VOICE OF TRUTH” Read the story in Matthew 14:22-33, which is the basis for the first verse of the song. What happened? What were Jesus’ words to Peter? What were Peter’s words about Jesus? Now read the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. This is the subject of the second verse of the song. In both of these stories, what were the most important lessons the characters learned? What can you learn from these characters? When you face a tough decision or a bigger-than-life task, to whom should you listen? Pray for clarity, guidance, and comfort from God as you face these trials.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—4
“WHAT FAITH CAN DO” Read Matthew 17:14-20. Who came to Jesus for healing? Why couldn’t the disciples heal? What were Jesus’ reasons for their inability to heal? How much faith does Jesus say it takes to move mountains? Why do you think He used this comparison? Now read Matthew 21:18-22. Jesus again talked about what faith can do. In verse 22, what does Jesus say about asking in faith? Is there a mountain in your life that seems impossible to climb? Pray to God about it now. Ask Him to give you the kind of faith that Jesus talked about.
“YOU NEVER LET GO” Read Psalm 136:1-9. Write down what the psalmist says in each verse about God and His faithfulness. (Hint: Every other line says, “God’s love never fails” [or is eternal], but what do the other lines say about God?) Ask God to show His love for you during times you feel you are not loved. By faith, accept His unconditional love.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—5
“IN CHRIST ALONE (MY HOPE IS FOUND)” Read Philippians 3:7-11 and Colossians 1:15-20. What do these verses tell us about Jesus Christ? Now read John 14:6. What does Jesus say about Himself? If you have doubts about the way to salvation, these words from Jesus should settle the matter. Either He was telling the truth, or He was lying. Which do you think it is? Pray for God’s wisdom and understanding in all things, but especially in the matter of salvation.
“IT’S STILL THE CROSS” What does the cross at Calvary mean to you? Read 1 Corinthians 1:18. What does the apostle Paul say about the cross? How does the cross affect your everyday life? Does it give you hope? Does it make you feel uncomfortable? Why or why not? Thank God for the cross, and ask Him to help you understand why He had to sacrifice His Son this way.
“LEAVE EVERYTHING BEHIND” Following God’s path is a journey. Start by reading Psalm 25:4-5. According to the psalmist, where does the journey begin? Read Isaiah 48:17. What is the next step? Read Jesus’ words in John 12:25-26. Is this good news or troubling news? Does this give the next step to following Jesus? Read Jesus’ words again in Luke 9:23. What must we do to follow Him? How often must we do it? Pray a prayer of surrender and ask God’s guidance on the journey with Him.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—6
“NO TURNING BACK” Read Romans 12:1. Look at every main word of this verse. Underline each one and try to understand what God is saying through the apostle Paul. Also read Galatians 2:19-20. These passages call for full surrender, not just commitment. Commitment has its limits in human power. But surrender is even harder because it goes against our sinful nature. Do the hard thing–surrender. Ask God to lift you up and empower you for His work.
“I WILL FOLLOW” Read Matthew 8. Yes, the whole chapter. You need to read it all to get the point. There are several stories of Jesus’ miraculous deeds. Then stuck in the middle of them are verses 18-22, which seem to take a random turn. Or do they? What are the miracles recorded here? Write them down. Now what do these miracles and Jesus’ call (found in verses 18-22) have to do with each other? What does this say to you when Christ asks you to follow Him? (hint: excuses?) Read Proverbs 3:5-6. Pray that God will direct your path.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—7
“SURRENDER” Read Exodus 15:2 and Psalm 28:7. Both passages make similar statements. However, what does each one claim that the other doesn’t? Pray for God’s strength, but realize that you will have to surrender your strength before He can fully strengthen you.
“MOVE” Read 1 Corinthians 9:23-25. Paul is giving another metaphor here. What does this refer to? How should we prepare for this? Why do we prepare? What will we receive for our efforts? Pray that God will help you endure present trials and be prepared for those that will come.
“THE MOTIONS” Read the lyrics to this song. Can you say this to God? Now read Romans 12:1-2. Are there certain parts of your life that you need to surrender? Read Philippians 3:7-14. Does this give you some ideas about how to know God’s will for your life? Pray every day, not just one time, surrendering every part of yourself to Him.
SonPower Seventeen Devotional Guide—8
