August 13th, 2024
by Tony Stephens
by Tony Stephens
Day 1: The Transformative Power of God's Word
Devotional
God's Word is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is the living, breathing revelation of God Himself. When we welcome it into our lives, it has the power to transform us from the inside out. The Thessalonians experienced this firsthand. They received the Word not as human words but as it truly is—the Word of God, which is at work in those who believe. This transformation is not just intellectual but deeply personal and spiritual. It changes our affections, our priorities, and our very lives. Are you ready to let God's Word transform you?
Bible VerseAnd we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Reflection Question How can you open your heart more fully to the transformative power of God's Word today?
Quote God's word transforms those who welcome it.
Prayer Lord, help me to receive Your Word with an open heart. Let it transform my thoughts, my actions, and my entire life. Amen.
Day 2: Trusting the Authority of Scripture
Devotional
To experience the full transformative power of God's Word, we must trust completely in its authority. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is the divinely inspired Word of God. This means that its teachings are not optional or subject to our personal preferences. They are authoritative and timeless. When we submit to the authority of Scripture, we allow it to guide our lives, shape our decisions, and mold our character. Trusting in the authority of Scripture is the first step towards true transformation.
Bible VerseAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
Reflection Question Do you fully trust the authority of Scripture in your life? If not, what is holding you back?
Quote To be transformed by scripture, you must trust completely the authority of scripture.
Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to trust in the authority of Your Word. Let it guide my life and transform me into the person You want me to be. Amen.
Day 3: The Foundation of the Church
Devotional
God's vision for His church is not a new concept; it is more than 2000 years old. The church is established on Jesus Christ, built by Him, and its future is guaranteed because of His work. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Son of God is the foundation on which the church is built. This confession is not just a statement of belief but a declaration of allegiance. As members of the church, we are called to uphold this foundation and live out our faith boldly and authentically.
Bible VerseAnd I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. - Matthew 16:18
Reflection Question How can you contribute to building and strengthening the church on the foundation of Jesus Christ?
Quote The church then, is established on Jesus. It is being built by Jesus, and its future is guaranteed because of the work of Jesus.
Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for being the foundation of the church. Help me to live out my faith boldly and contribute to the building of Your church. Amen.
Day 4: Preaching Christ Crucified
Devotional
We don't discover God's vision by a brilliance of speech or creative wisdom. We fulfill His vision by preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The message of the cross is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. It is a simple yet profound message that has the power to change lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to share this message with others, not relying on our own wisdom or eloquence, but on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bible VerseFor I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. - 1 Corinthians 2:2
Reflection Question Are you willing to share the simple yet powerful message of Christ crucified with others? How can you do this in your daily life?
Quote We don't discover God's vision by a brilliance of speech or creative wisdom. We fulfill his vision by preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Prayer Lord, give me the courage to share the message of Christ crucified with others. Let Your Holy Spirit guide my words and actions. Amen.
Day 5: Embracing the Holy Spirit
Devotional
Emotion is not a bad thing. God had emotion. But when the Holy Spirit drives your emotion, that's a good thing. Let the Word of God and the Holy Spirit drive your emotions, not let your emotions drive who you are. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our emotions, we experience true joy, peace, and fulfillment. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand God's Word, apply it to our lives, and live out our faith with passion and purpose.
Bible VerseYour word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105
Reflection Question Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your emotions and actions? How can you be more receptive to His leading?
Quote Let the word of God, let the Holy Spirit drive your emotions, not let your emotions drive who you are.
Prayer Holy Spirit, guide my emotions and actions. Help me to live out my faith with passion and purpose. Amen.
Devotional
God's Word is not just a collection of ancient texts; it is the living, breathing revelation of God Himself. When we welcome it into our lives, it has the power to transform us from the inside out. The Thessalonians experienced this firsthand. They received the Word not as human words but as it truly is—the Word of God, which is at work in those who believe. This transformation is not just intellectual but deeply personal and spiritual. It changes our affections, our priorities, and our very lives. Are you ready to let God's Word transform you?
Bible VerseAnd we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. - 1 Thessalonians 2:13
Reflection Question How can you open your heart more fully to the transformative power of God's Word today?
Quote God's word transforms those who welcome it.
Prayer Lord, help me to receive Your Word with an open heart. Let it transform my thoughts, my actions, and my entire life. Amen.
Day 2: Trusting the Authority of Scripture
Devotional
To experience the full transformative power of God's Word, we must trust completely in its authority. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is the divinely inspired Word of God. This means that its teachings are not optional or subject to our personal preferences. They are authoritative and timeless. When we submit to the authority of Scripture, we allow it to guide our lives, shape our decisions, and mold our character. Trusting in the authority of Scripture is the first step towards true transformation.
Bible VerseAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
Reflection Question Do you fully trust the authority of Scripture in your life? If not, what is holding you back?
Quote To be transformed by scripture, you must trust completely the authority of scripture.
Prayer Heavenly Father, help me to trust in the authority of Your Word. Let it guide my life and transform me into the person You want me to be. Amen.
Day 3: The Foundation of the Church
Devotional
God's vision for His church is not a new concept; it is more than 2000 years old. The church is established on Jesus Christ, built by Him, and its future is guaranteed because of His work. Peter's confession that Jesus is the Son of God is the foundation on which the church is built. This confession is not just a statement of belief but a declaration of allegiance. As members of the church, we are called to uphold this foundation and live out our faith boldly and authentically.
Bible VerseAnd I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. - Matthew 16:18
Reflection Question How can you contribute to building and strengthening the church on the foundation of Jesus Christ?
Quote The church then, is established on Jesus. It is being built by Jesus, and its future is guaranteed because of the work of Jesus.
Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for being the foundation of the church. Help me to live out my faith boldly and contribute to the building of Your church. Amen.
Day 4: Preaching Christ Crucified
Devotional
We don't discover God's vision by a brilliance of speech or creative wisdom. We fulfill His vision by preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The message of the cross is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. It is a simple yet profound message that has the power to change lives. As followers of Christ, we are called to share this message with others, not relying on our own wisdom or eloquence, but on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bible VerseFor I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. - 1 Corinthians 2:2
Reflection Question Are you willing to share the simple yet powerful message of Christ crucified with others? How can you do this in your daily life?
Quote We don't discover God's vision by a brilliance of speech or creative wisdom. We fulfill his vision by preaching Jesus Christ and him crucified.
Prayer Lord, give me the courage to share the message of Christ crucified with others. Let Your Holy Spirit guide my words and actions. Amen.
Day 5: Embracing the Holy Spirit
Devotional
Emotion is not a bad thing. God had emotion. But when the Holy Spirit drives your emotion, that's a good thing. Let the Word of God and the Holy Spirit drive your emotions, not let your emotions drive who you are. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide our emotions, we experience true joy, peace, and fulfillment. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand God's Word, apply it to our lives, and live out our faith with passion and purpose.
Bible VerseYour word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. - Psalm 119:105
Reflection Question Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your emotions and actions? How can you be more receptive to His leading?
Quote Let the word of God, let the Holy Spirit drive your emotions, not let your emotions drive who you are.
Prayer Holy Spirit, guide my emotions and actions. Help me to live out my faith with passion and purpose. Amen.
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