1/28/24 – 2/3/24

This week the Living Faith Devotional will guide us to finish reading Hebrews as we focus on loving our neighbors and continuing to “run with perseverance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NRSV). If you did not read the past two weeks, you are encouraged to read or listen to chapters 1 through 10:18 before you begin using the plan for this week. Invite and expect the Holy Spirit to share God’s message for you each day as you read or listen to a portion of the first-century sermon that will conclude much like other New Testament letters.

 

The format of this plan is designed for you to use as much or little as you have time to use each day. Below is a guide for the daily use of this devotional:

Each Day

• Read a portion of the Psalm
• Spend a few minutes in silence as you wait in the presence of the Lord
• Read The Bible verses for the day
• Answer the question(s) using a journal or notebook, talking to someone else about them, or simply think about your response(s)
• Listen to and/or sing a worship song or hymn
• Pray
• Live in response to Jesus

 

DAILY MESSAGE:

Each day read part of the Psalm to begin your time set apart to be with and encounter the living God revealed in and through Jesus:

Praise the LORD!

I thank the LORD with all my heart

in the company of those who do right, in the congregation.

The works of the LORD are magnificent;

they are treasured by all who desire them.

God’s deeds are majestic and glorious.

God’s righteousness stands forever.

God is famous for his wondrous works.

The LORD is full of mercy and compassion. – Psalm 111:1-4 CEB

 

SILENCE & SOLITUDE:

You are encouraged to spend a few minutes quietly alone with God after reading the verses. You may find it helpful to sit, kneel, lay down, or walk as the message rolls around in your heart and mind.

 

DAILY BIBLE VERSES TO READ:

Sunday – Romans 13:8-10 & John 13:34-35 (love your neighbors)

Monday – Hebrews 10:19-39

Tuesday – Hebrews 11

Wednesday – Hebrews 12:1-13

Thursday – Hebrews 12:14-29

Friday – Hebrews 13

Saturday – Matthew 11:27-12:13 (The Sabbath theme for this weekend is “STOP & REST.”)

 

VIDEO TO WATCH:

You are invited to watch the Book of Hebrews Summary video if you did not watch it during the past two weeks. The link below is for YouTube, but you can also find the video on The Bible Project website:

Book of Hebrews Summary by The Bible Project:

 

DAILY QUESTIONS:

You may find it helpful to read the verses a second time as you ask yourself these questions while pondering about God’s message to you. You may find it helpful to write your responses to the questions, or talk about them with a family member, friend, or your small group, or to simply think about them:

What do these Bible verses reveal about God and/or Jesus?

 

What do these verses reveal about people?

 

What is God’s message for me from what I read?

 

How should I respond to God’s message today and this week?

 

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Am I resting in the power, grace, and strength of Christ today by giving my cares and concerns to the One who can carry far more than I can?

 

How will I prepare to observe a full or partial Sabbath day of rest and worship this coming weekend?

 

LISTEN to and/or SING a Worship Song or Hymn to help you respond to God to express your love for the Lord. You may find it helpful to use the same song each day, or a different one on some or all of the days because of what the Bible verses bring to mind.

 

PRAY reading The Bible verse(s) again as you allow scripture to guide your prayer. After allowing the Bible verses to guide your prayer, consider praying through your day. This could include praying for the people you will be with, or have already been with, as well as for what is on your schedule, or what you have already done.

 

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online.