Worship Day Sunday
Day 1
Read Daniel 6:10-23 | Acts 16:25-34
(Today's devotion written by Autumn Gildroy)
In the midst of life’s trials and obstacles, prayer is not just a routine or what we can sometimes feel as an, “obligation,” it is the very lifeline that connects us to Christ. Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of the power of prayer. Two vivid accounts- Daniel in the lions’ den and Paul in prison. They demonstrate how prayer has an impact on our relationship, fortify our faith, and bring us through our darkest times.
In Daniel 6, we find a man of unwavering faith and devotion. Daniel, an exiled Jew in Babylon, had risen to a prominent position in King Darius’ court. His faithfulness to God, however, incited jealousy among other officials, leading them to manipulate the king into passing a law that forbade any person from praying to anyone but the king himself for thirty days. But Daniel didn’t hesitate. He continued to pray to God despite knowing the consequences. His response was to continue to pray even more fervently and trust God. “Now when Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously,” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel’s commitment to prayer wasn’t just an act of defiance against the decree- it was a declaration of his faith and trust in God. He knew that prayer was the means through when he stayed connected to God, regardless of the pressure. As a result, God shut the mouths of the lions and spared Daniel’s life. His life was a testimony to the power of prayer and God’s faithfulness.
In the same way, prayer keeps us anchored in God’s presence especially in times of trials. It is through prayer that we align our hearts with God’s will, strength to endure, and experience His deliverance in ways that surpass understanding.
Another powerful example comes from the life of the apostle Paul. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi after being beaten and unjustly accused for their faith. Instead of succumbing to despair or bitterness, they responded to their circumstances in a very different way. “But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,”(Acts 16:25). While in chains, Paul and Silas turned to prayer and worship. They didn’t wait for the chains to fall off before they praised God- they praised Him with the chains still on. Their prayers and praises were an outward reflection of their trust in God, despite their situation. And God responded. Suddenly there was an earthquake, and the prison doors were opened. The chains were loose. The jailer, seeing the miracle, was so moved that he and his entire household came to faith in Jesus. Paul’s example shows us that prayer isn’t just a request for deliverance from our trials, it is a way of acknowledging God’s presence and power in every circumstance. Whether we are in a literal prison or feeling bound by the challenges of life, prayer can release us from spiritual captivity and open doors for God’s work.
Both Daniel and Paul demonstrate that prayer is more than just a way to get through difficult situations. It is intimate dialogue with God as it deepens our relationship with Him. Prayer is how we express our dependence on God, align our hearts with His will, and experience His peace and provision even in the midst of the storms. It can even be a way of showing others His goodness.
In both stories, prayer was not a last resort but a first response. They prayed because they knew that God was their refuge and strength, their ever-present help in trouble. Prayer kept them grounded in God’s faithfulness, and it enabled them to stand firm when faced with terrible threats.
Just as Daniel’s prayers saved him from the lions and Paul’s prayers led to the salvation of a jailer and his family, our prayers have the potential to impact not only our own hearts but also those around us. Prayer is powerful because it aligns us with the purposes of God, and through it, we invite God to move in our circumstances in ways that glorify His name.
Ask yourself today:
What is your first response when you face difficulties? Prayer or worry?
How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more fully as Daniel and Paul did?
(Today's devotion written by Autumn Gildroy)
In the midst of life’s trials and obstacles, prayer is not just a routine or what we can sometimes feel as an, “obligation,” it is the very lifeline that connects us to Christ. Throughout the Bible, we see countless examples of the power of prayer. Two vivid accounts- Daniel in the lions’ den and Paul in prison. They demonstrate how prayer has an impact on our relationship, fortify our faith, and bring us through our darkest times.
In Daniel 6, we find a man of unwavering faith and devotion. Daniel, an exiled Jew in Babylon, had risen to a prominent position in King Darius’ court. His faithfulness to God, however, incited jealousy among other officials, leading them to manipulate the king into passing a law that forbade any person from praying to anyone but the king himself for thirty days. But Daniel didn’t hesitate. He continued to pray to God despite knowing the consequences. His response was to continue to pray even more fervently and trust God. “Now when Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously,” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel’s commitment to prayer wasn’t just an act of defiance against the decree- it was a declaration of his faith and trust in God. He knew that prayer was the means through when he stayed connected to God, regardless of the pressure. As a result, God shut the mouths of the lions and spared Daniel’s life. His life was a testimony to the power of prayer and God’s faithfulness.
In the same way, prayer keeps us anchored in God’s presence especially in times of trials. It is through prayer that we align our hearts with God’s will, strength to endure, and experience His deliverance in ways that surpass understanding.
Another powerful example comes from the life of the apostle Paul. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi after being beaten and unjustly accused for their faith. Instead of succumbing to despair or bitterness, they responded to their circumstances in a very different way. “But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,”(Acts 16:25). While in chains, Paul and Silas turned to prayer and worship. They didn’t wait for the chains to fall off before they praised God- they praised Him with the chains still on. Their prayers and praises were an outward reflection of their trust in God, despite their situation. And God responded. Suddenly there was an earthquake, and the prison doors were opened. The chains were loose. The jailer, seeing the miracle, was so moved that he and his entire household came to faith in Jesus. Paul’s example shows us that prayer isn’t just a request for deliverance from our trials, it is a way of acknowledging God’s presence and power in every circumstance. Whether we are in a literal prison or feeling bound by the challenges of life, prayer can release us from spiritual captivity and open doors for God’s work.
Both Daniel and Paul demonstrate that prayer is more than just a way to get through difficult situations. It is intimate dialogue with God as it deepens our relationship with Him. Prayer is how we express our dependence on God, align our hearts with His will, and experience His peace and provision even in the midst of the storms. It can even be a way of showing others His goodness.
In both stories, prayer was not a last resort but a first response. They prayed because they knew that God was their refuge and strength, their ever-present help in trouble. Prayer kept them grounded in God’s faithfulness, and it enabled them to stand firm when faced with terrible threats.
Just as Daniel’s prayers saved him from the lions and Paul’s prayers led to the salvation of a jailer and his family, our prayers have the potential to impact not only our own hearts but also those around us. Prayer is powerful because it aligns us with the purposes of God, and through it, we invite God to move in our circumstances in ways that glorify His name.
Ask yourself today:
What is your first response when you face difficulties? Prayer or worry?
How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine?
In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more fully as Daniel and Paul did?
Day 2
(Today’s Devotion written by Jamie Walker)
Finding Your Purpose through the Bible—Part 1
Why are we here? What a question, right? Some days does it feel like you are like Dory and instead of swimming to find your parents you are swimming to find your purpose? If you aren’t now, you have or will be struggling with the age-old question: What are we meant to do on this earth?
So, I thought, why not check the bible out for this information. As I started diving into the verses several things became clear to me and I’m sure they will to you.
Please read Romans 8:26-30
When you read these verses, what do you think your purpose is and how can you find out more about it?
Then go on to Romans 12:1-13
After spending time in these words, I walked away with three main ideas, fill in the blanks below:
Do they use the same gifts or is the church purpose a vastly different path than your earthly purpose?
If so, how much more/less time do you give to pouring into your church purpose?
Finding Your Purpose through the Bible—Part 1
Why are we here? What a question, right? Some days does it feel like you are like Dory and instead of swimming to find your parents you are swimming to find your purpose? If you aren’t now, you have or will be struggling with the age-old question: What are we meant to do on this earth?
So, I thought, why not check the bible out for this information. As I started diving into the verses several things became clear to me and I’m sure they will to you.
Please read Romans 8:26-30
When you read these verses, what do you think your purpose is and how can you find out more about it?
Then go on to Romans 12:1-13
After spending time in these words, I walked away with three main ideas, fill in the blanks below:
- We are to be _______________ by the renewal of our mind,
Which occurs through ____________________.
And through that _________________________ we can find what is the _______________ of _____________. - We all have _______________ that are given to us through the grace given to us and we are to use them in proportion to our _____________.
- While we are to think of ourselves with ________________________ judgment and not think highly of ourselves, we are later directed to try to outdo each other in ______________ _____________________.
Do they use the same gifts or is the church purpose a vastly different path than your earthly purpose?
If so, how much more/less time do you give to pouring into your church purpose?
Day 3
(Today’s devotion written by Jamie Walker)
Finding your Purpose through the Bible—Part 2
Read Matthew 5:1-16
As we continue into this self-discovery I was struck by these verses. As you first read the salt of the earth section, does it seem to contradict the verse where we are not to think too highly of ourselves? How can you determine the difference between the two? To me, the key is that while being the salt of the world and the city on the hill, we are to be doing it to glorify God.
What is one way you can glorify God while also being one who is set apart-shining a light on your corner of the world? And while you are over there shining, what does this have to do with your purpose? Could it be that when we are in our true calling, fulfilling our purpose, we are just shinier? People take notice, or call attention to a certain gift you have for instance.
Read Psalm 90:1-12
After you have read this section, what stood out to you most?
For me, these words are clear that God is in control of our time here, and it is just a fleeting amount of time. We should strive to number our days (to me this means know that they are limited), so that we may get a heart of wisdom. Do you agree? Disagree?
Now having read that and the section above pertaining to being the light of the world, what would you now say about your purpose? Is it more or less clear to you? What is your next best step if you know your purpose very clearly? What can you do today if it is still unclear?
Finding your Purpose through the Bible—Part 2
Read Matthew 5:1-16
As we continue into this self-discovery I was struck by these verses. As you first read the salt of the earth section, does it seem to contradict the verse where we are not to think too highly of ourselves? How can you determine the difference between the two? To me, the key is that while being the salt of the world and the city on the hill, we are to be doing it to glorify God.
What is one way you can glorify God while also being one who is set apart-shining a light on your corner of the world? And while you are over there shining, what does this have to do with your purpose? Could it be that when we are in our true calling, fulfilling our purpose, we are just shinier? People take notice, or call attention to a certain gift you have for instance.
Read Psalm 90:1-12
After you have read this section, what stood out to you most?
For me, these words are clear that God is in control of our time here, and it is just a fleeting amount of time. We should strive to number our days (to me this means know that they are limited), so that we may get a heart of wisdom. Do you agree? Disagree?
Now having read that and the section above pertaining to being the light of the world, what would you now say about your purpose? Is it more or less clear to you? What is your next best step if you know your purpose very clearly? What can you do today if it is still unclear?
Day 4
(Today's devotion written by Autumn Gildroy)
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
In a world that constantly values strength, power, and self-sufficiency, it can be difficult to embrace weakness. We are taught to strive for perfection, to hide our flaws, and to cover up our struggles. Yet, in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul offers a radical perspective: our weaknesses are not something to be ashamed of or to hide, but rather an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed in our lives. The apostle Paul is speaking here from personal experience. He had pleaded with God three times to remove a “thorn in the flesh”-a physical or emotional affliction that caused him great pain. But God’s answer wasn’t a simple removal of the burden. Instead God spoke words that would change Paul’s entire outlook: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Notice that God doesn’t promise to take away our weaknesses or struggles. Instead, He invites us to see them in a new light. Our weaknesses become the very means by which God’s power is perfected. This doesn’t mean God desires us to stay weak or never grow, but rather that He can do more in our lives when we are dependent on Him rather than our own strength. When we embrace our weaknesses, we make room for God’s grace to work in us and through us. The less we rely on ourselves, the more we recognize our need for God, and in that place of humility, His power can be displayed. It is in our weakness that we experience His strength in ways we never could if we were self-sufficient.
Paul goes so far as to say that he will “boast all the ore gladly of my weaknesses” (v. 9). Why? Because, in his weakness, he experienced the power of Chris in ways that were impossible when he was relying on his own strength. When we acknowledge our weaknesses, we invite God’s strength to rest upon us in a deeper way. This shift in perspective transforms how we view trials. Instead of dreading weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and tribulations (v. 10), Paul says he is content with them, because they are opportunities for Christ’s power to rest on him. It is not that Paul enjoys suffering or seeks hardship, but that he understands that in his struggles, God’s power is magnified.
This contentment in weakness is not natural- it is supernatural. It requires us to trust that God’s purposes in our lives are greater than our momentary discomforts. It requires us to believe that when we are at our lowest, God’s strength is at its greatest.
What weaknesses or struggles are you facing today? It’s easy to want to hide them, to feel like they disqualify us from being used by God. But what if, instead of seeing your weakness as limitation, you saw it as an opportunity for God to show His strength?
The next time you face a challenge, don’t rush to “fix” it or push through in your own power. Instead, take a moment to surrender that weakness to God. Ask Him to fill you with His strength and to use the very thing that feels like a burden to reveal His grace and power in your life.
Ask yourself these questions:
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
In a world that constantly values strength, power, and self-sufficiency, it can be difficult to embrace weakness. We are taught to strive for perfection, to hide our flaws, and to cover up our struggles. Yet, in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul offers a radical perspective: our weaknesses are not something to be ashamed of or to hide, but rather an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed in our lives. The apostle Paul is speaking here from personal experience. He had pleaded with God three times to remove a “thorn in the flesh”-a physical or emotional affliction that caused him great pain. But God’s answer wasn’t a simple removal of the burden. Instead God spoke words that would change Paul’s entire outlook: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Notice that God doesn’t promise to take away our weaknesses or struggles. Instead, He invites us to see them in a new light. Our weaknesses become the very means by which God’s power is perfected. This doesn’t mean God desires us to stay weak or never grow, but rather that He can do more in our lives when we are dependent on Him rather than our own strength. When we embrace our weaknesses, we make room for God’s grace to work in us and through us. The less we rely on ourselves, the more we recognize our need for God, and in that place of humility, His power can be displayed. It is in our weakness that we experience His strength in ways we never could if we were self-sufficient.
Paul goes so far as to say that he will “boast all the ore gladly of my weaknesses” (v. 9). Why? Because, in his weakness, he experienced the power of Chris in ways that were impossible when he was relying on his own strength. When we acknowledge our weaknesses, we invite God’s strength to rest upon us in a deeper way. This shift in perspective transforms how we view trials. Instead of dreading weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and tribulations (v. 10), Paul says he is content with them, because they are opportunities for Christ’s power to rest on him. It is not that Paul enjoys suffering or seeks hardship, but that he understands that in his struggles, God’s power is magnified.
This contentment in weakness is not natural- it is supernatural. It requires us to trust that God’s purposes in our lives are greater than our momentary discomforts. It requires us to believe that when we are at our lowest, God’s strength is at its greatest.
What weaknesses or struggles are you facing today? It’s easy to want to hide them, to feel like they disqualify us from being used by God. But what if, instead of seeing your weakness as limitation, you saw it as an opportunity for God to show His strength?
The next time you face a challenge, don’t rush to “fix” it or push through in your own power. Instead, take a moment to surrender that weakness to God. Ask Him to fill you with His strength and to use the very thing that feels like a burden to reveal His grace and power in your life.
Ask yourself these questions:
- How do you typically respond to your weaknesses or struggles?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s power being made perfect in your weakness?
- What specific weakness or challenge are you currently facing that could become an opportunity for God’s power to be displayed?
Day 5
Read 1 Chronicles 16:8-36
David was an interesting guy, as most of you that went through the series on his life that we did recently, know. He is a very strategic character as the establisher and leader of God’s way of doing things is given a foundation. He was a thinker. He was a writer. He was a leader. He was a fighter. But he was also a musician. Rarely do you see these sorts of traits mixed together quite like this guy. I submit to you that it was a strategic and important combination of traits that needed to be. He established the temple, which was the earthly place of the presence of God and would inform all that we know and love about those ideas.
At the beginning David established the idea that one of the key components of the presence of God will be praise and worship music. He established a large portion of the Levites, the tribe that was to care for the presence of God, to music detail. Asaph was entrusted as the guy to kick this whole thing off. But a leader that doesn’t go first is not a leader. So David went first. He told them who they were to be (1 Chronicles 16:4) but then he showed them what he means. This portion of the Bible is David showing that very thing. It is a generic praise and worship song that started the job of what those that were in charge of the music and worship in God’s presence, should look like.
What are you thankful for right now? Take some time to dwell on this and don’t just blurt out things and fly through the thought.
Remembering the work of the Lord was a part of David’s praise. What are the wondrous works of the Lord that you have seen and are reminded of right now?
Verses 23-24 tell us to declare the works of the Lord for the whole earth. What are some of the works of the Lord you could declare right now?
How does this become your prayer today?
David was an interesting guy, as most of you that went through the series on his life that we did recently, know. He is a very strategic character as the establisher and leader of God’s way of doing things is given a foundation. He was a thinker. He was a writer. He was a leader. He was a fighter. But he was also a musician. Rarely do you see these sorts of traits mixed together quite like this guy. I submit to you that it was a strategic and important combination of traits that needed to be. He established the temple, which was the earthly place of the presence of God and would inform all that we know and love about those ideas.
At the beginning David established the idea that one of the key components of the presence of God will be praise and worship music. He established a large portion of the Levites, the tribe that was to care for the presence of God, to music detail. Asaph was entrusted as the guy to kick this whole thing off. But a leader that doesn’t go first is not a leader. So David went first. He told them who they were to be (1 Chronicles 16:4) but then he showed them what he means. This portion of the Bible is David showing that very thing. It is a generic praise and worship song that started the job of what those that were in charge of the music and worship in God’s presence, should look like.
What are you thankful for right now? Take some time to dwell on this and don’t just blurt out things and fly through the thought.
Remembering the work of the Lord was a part of David’s praise. What are the wondrous works of the Lord that you have seen and are reminded of right now?
Verses 23-24 tell us to declare the works of the Lord for the whole earth. What are some of the works of the Lord you could declare right now?
How does this become your prayer today?
Devotions
Archive
2025
2024
January
March
May
June
July
August
September
2023
January
February
July
October
2022
No Comments