Devotions on God's Vision of Who We Are

Joshua Engen • February 4, 2024

Devotions on God's Vision of Who We Are

Daily Devotion 1: Blessed in God's Peace


Key Scripture: John 16:33 (CSB) - "I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world."


Summary: Our true blessing lies in our relationship with God, experiencing the peace that only He can give. Despite the challenges, we are encouraged to be courageous, knowing that Christ has overcome the world.


Consider the life of Paul, who faced numerous hardships and persecutions. Yet, in the midst of adversity, he found peace in Christ, boldly proclaiming that suffering in this present time is incomparable to the glory awaiting believers.


Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the peace that surpasses understanding. Grant us courage to face trials, knowing that in Christ, we are blessed and victorious. Amen.


Daily Devotion 2: Preserving as Salt


Key Scripture: Matthew 5:13 (CSB) - "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It’s no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet."


Summary: As believers, we are the preservative in the world, preventing decay and corruption. Our loyalty to God and His Word makes us valuable, useful, and durable.


Reflect on Noah, who faithfully preserved humanity by following God's instructions to build the ark. Our loyalty and usefulness in preserving God's values mirror Noah's dedication.


Closing Prayer: Lord, may we remain faithful and true, preserving Your truth and values in a world prone to decay. May our lives reflect the durability and loyalty found in You. Amen.


Daily Devotion 3: Shining as Stars


Key Scripture: Daniel 12:3 (KJV) - "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever."


Summary: Believers are called to be the light of the world, shining with wisdom and leading others to righteousness. Our view of eternity and obedience to God's Word empower us to shine brightly.


Consider the early disciples who, filled with the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the Gospel, becoming guiding lights to a dark world.


Closing Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to shine brightly in this world, guiding others to righteousness. May our lives reflect Your wisdom and eternal perspective. Amen.


Daily Devotion 4: Seeking God's Vision


Key Scripture: Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) - "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."


Summary: Seeking God's vision for our lives and church is crucial. Divine instruction from the Holy Spirit, found in God's Word, guides us, ensuring our happiness and fruitful endeavors.


Closing Prayer: Lord, grant us the wisdom to seek and follow Your vision. May our lives and church thrive as we keep Your law and find happiness in Your divine instruction. Amen.


Daily Devotion 5: Living Blessed Lives


Key Scripture: Ephesians 1:3-6 (CSB) - "Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ."


Summary: Our true blessing lies in being children of God. In Christ, we have received every spiritual blessing, including adoption into God's family and redemption.


Reflect on the parable of the prodigal son, where the Father's love and blessings awaited the returning child. Our heavenly Father delights in blessing His children.


Closing Prayer: Gracious Father, thank you for adopting us into Your family and showering us with spiritual blessings. May we live each day as Your blessed children. Amen.

By Joshua Engen June 10, 2024
Acts 2:21-41
By Joshua Engen June 3, 2024
Day 1: The Power of Unity and the Holy Spirit Key Verse: "When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place." - Acts 2:1 (CSB) Summary: The day of Pentecost marked a pivotal moment in Christian history, where the followers of Jesus were united in one place, awaiting the promised Holy Spirit. This unity and anticipation created an environment ripe for a miraculous encounter with God. The Holy Spirit descended upon them, signifying the birth of the Church and empowering believers to spread the gospel. Application Questions: How can you cultivate a sense of unity and anticipation in your faith community? In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit to empower you today? Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to stay united in purpose and eagerly await Your presence in our lives. Empower us to spread Your gospel with boldness and love. Amen. Day 2: Speaking in Tongues and Proclaiming God's Deeds Key Verse: "Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them." - Acts 2:4 (CSB) Summary: The disciples began to speak in different languages, empowered by the Holy Spirit, allowing people from various nations to hear about God's magnificent acts. This miracle not only spread the gospel but also symbolized the reversal of Babel, where language barriers once divided humanity. Application Questions: How can you use your unique gifts to communicate God's love to others? Who in your life needs to hear about the great things God has done? Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering us to share Your message. Help me to use my gifts to proclaim Your deeds and reach those who need to hear about Your love. Break down any barriers that prevent others from understanding Your gospel. Amen. Day 3: Calling on the Name of the Lord Key Verse: "Then everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." - Acts 2:21 (CSB) Summary: Peter concludes his sermon with the powerful promise that salvation is available to all who call on the name of the Lord. This call is not just a one-time event but a continual act of faith and trust in Jesus as our Savior and King. Application Questions: Have you called on the name of the Lord for your salvation? If not, what is holding you back? How can you help others understand the importance of calling on Jesus for their salvation? Prayer: Jesus, thank You for the gift of salvation available to all who call on Your name. I call on You now, trusting You as my Savior and King. Help me to share this life-saving message with those around me. Amen. ​​ Day 4: The Holy Spirit Dwells Within Every Believer Key Verse: "Don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own." - 1 Corinthians 6:19 (CSB) Summary: The moment we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. This indwelling presence of God transforms us and empowers us to live a life that reflects Jesus. The Holy Spirit's presence is a constant source of strength, guidance, and comfort. Application Questions: How does knowing the Holy Spirit lives within you influence your daily decisions and actions? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? Prayer: Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of Your Spirit dwelling within me. Help me to live in a way that honors Your presence in my life and to seek Your guidance in all that I do. Amen.  Day 5: The Holy Spirit Empowers People to Share the Gospel Key Verse: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." - Acts 1:8 (CSB) Summary: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to share the gospel, often in extraordinary ways. On the day of Pentecost, the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues, allowing them to communicate God's deeds to people of different languages. This empowerment is available to all believers, equipping us to spread the message of Jesus. Application Questions: How can you rely on the Holy Spirit’s power to share the gospel with others? Can you recall a time when the Holy Spirit enabled you to witness in a special way? Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for empowering me to be a witness for Jesus. Give me boldness and the right words to share the gospel with those around me. Help me to rely on Your power rather than my own. Amen.
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