Faith University - Week 5 Devotionals
DAY 1
Daniel: The Faith that Stands Firm
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- Daniel 1:8-20
Devotional:
As Pastor Dale shared this weekend, we must not let fear overcome us but take a step of faith. We will not be disgraced when we put our trust in the Lord. Instead, Ephesians 6:10 tells us to “Trust in the Lord and His mighty power!” The amazing missionary from Israel showed us what faith overcoming fear should look like!
When we trust Him, we will see that he ordains every step we take. These steps are leaps of faith and permeate the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon, exemplified through Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Daniel’s story begins with his decision not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. By faith, Daniel requested a diet of vegetables and water, trusting God to sustain him. Despite the potential consequences, Daniel’s faithfulness to God’s laws resulted in favor and wisdom beyond his peers. This small step kept the Israelite men focused on God's promises amid arduous circumstances. His perseverance in faith set the stage for many more miracles in his life.
Prayer:
Lord, give us the courage to stand firm in our convictions and trust You in every situation. Help us to honor You in our daily choices. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- Daniel 1:8-20
Devotional:
As Pastor Dale shared this weekend, we must not let fear overcome us but take a step of faith. We will not be disgraced when we put our trust in the Lord. Instead, Ephesians 6:10 tells us to “Trust in the Lord and His mighty power!” The amazing missionary from Israel showed us what faith overcoming fear should look like!
When we trust Him, we will see that he ordains every step we take. These steps are leaps of faith and permeate the lives of the Jewish exiles in Babylon, exemplified through Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
Daniel’s story begins with his decision not to defile himself with the royal food and wine. By faith, Daniel requested a diet of vegetables and water, trusting God to sustain him. Despite the potential consequences, Daniel’s faithfulness to God’s laws resulted in favor and wisdom beyond his peers. This small step kept the Israelite men focused on God's promises amid arduous circumstances. His perseverance in faith set the stage for many more miracles in his life.
Prayer:
Lord, give us the courage to stand firm in our convictions and trust You in every situation. Help us to honor You in our daily choices. Amen.
DAY 2
Memorize Scripture
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Instruction:
Spend time today memorizing Ephesians 2:8-9. Reflect on how living by faith and not by sight was demonstrated in Daniel’s life, and consider how you can apply this principle.
Scripture: Ephesians 2:8-9
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."
Instruction:
Spend time today memorizing Ephesians 2:8-9. Reflect on how living by faith and not by sight was demonstrated in Daniel’s life, and consider how you can apply this principle.
DAY 3
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: The Faith that Faces the Fire
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- Daniel 3:1-30
Devotional:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s faith was tested when they refused to worship the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. By faith, they faced the fiery furnace, declaring that God could save them, but even if He did not, they would not bow down. Their perseverance in faith led to a miraculous deliverance that amazed everyone and glorified God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give us the strength to stand firm in our faith, no matter the circumstances. Help us to trust in Your power to save and glorify You through our actions. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- Daniel 3:1-30
Devotional:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s faith was tested when they refused to worship the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. By faith, they faced the fiery furnace, declaring that God could save them, but even if He did not, they would not bow down. Their perseverance in faith led to a miraculous deliverance that amazed everyone and glorified God.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, give us the strength to stand firm in our faith, no matter the circumstances. Help us to trust in Your power to save and glorify You through our actions. Amen.
DAY 4
Faith Activity
Activity:
Today, participating in a fast is an act of faith. Choose something to fast from—preferably food, but it can be technology or another activity—and dedicate this time solely to prayer and seeking God.
Instruction:
Spend prayer during your fast, asking God to strengthen your faith and perseverance. Reflect on the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how their faith led to miraculous outcomes.
Activity:
Today, participating in a fast is an act of faith. Choose something to fast from—preferably food, but it can be technology or another activity—and dedicate this time solely to prayer and seeking God.
Instruction:
Spend prayer during your fast, asking God to strengthen your faith and perseverance. Reflect on the stories of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how their faith led to miraculous outcomes.
DAY 5
Daniel: The Faith that Trusts God’s Protection
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- Daniel 6:1-23
Devotional:
Daniel’s faith was again tested when he continued to pray to God despite the decree that anyone who prayed to any god or human other than the king would be thrown into the lion’s den. By faith, Daniel continued his prayers, trusting in God’s protection. God miraculously shut the mouths of the lions, demonstrating His power and Daniel’s unwavering faith.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to trust in Your protection and to persevere in faith, even in the face of danger. May our faith inspire others to believe in Your power and love. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- Daniel 6:1-23
Devotional:
Daniel’s faith was again tested when he continued to pray to God despite the decree that anyone who prayed to any god or human other than the king would be thrown into the lion’s den. By faith, Daniel continued his prayers, trusting in God’s protection. God miraculously shut the mouths of the lions, demonstrating His power and Daniel’s unwavering faith.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to trust in Your protection and to persevere in faith, even in the face of danger. May our faith inspire others to believe in Your power and love. Amen.
DAY 6
Watch the devotional
Instruction:
Go to our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pcfresno/) to watch the devotional from one of our pastors. Reflect on how the faith and perseverance of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego led to amazing miracles. Consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life and inspire those around you with your faith.
Final Thought:
This week, we’ve seen how the perseverance of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in their faith led to incredible miracles. None of their stories required vast leaps of obedience, merely small, faithful steps along the way that resulted in fantastic stories. They showed us that standing firm in our faith and trusting God in every circumstance can lead to outcomes that glorify God and inspire others. Let’s strive to live out our faith with perseverance and trust in God’s miraculous power.
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9am and 11am as we continue Faith University!
Instruction:
Go to our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pcfresno/) to watch the devotional from one of our pastors. Reflect on how the faith and perseverance of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego led to amazing miracles. Consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life and inspire those around you with your faith.
Final Thought:
This week, we’ve seen how the perseverance of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in their faith led to incredible miracles. None of their stories required vast leaps of obedience, merely small, faithful steps along the way that resulted in fantastic stories. They showed us that standing firm in our faith and trusting God in every circumstance can lead to outcomes that glorify God and inspire others. Let’s strive to live out our faith with perseverance and trust in God’s miraculous power.
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9am and 11am as we continue Faith University!