Faith University - Week 6 Devotionals
DAY 1
Elijah: The Faith that Confronts Falsehood
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- 1 Kings 18:16-39
Devotional:
As Pastor Brad shared this weekend, if we have faith, it must be accompanied by actions. When connected to Jesus, we will produce much fruit in our lives. He said so in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” Every action is a small step of faith that can become a giant leap. Read through the lives of Elijah and Elisha and see that none of the miracles God did through them required much action but a small step of faith that turned into a giant leap. They saw the Lord do incredible things throughout their lives.
Elijah’s faith was showcased powerfully on Mount Carmel when he confronted the prophets of Baal. He challenged the people of Israel to choose between God and Baal and demonstrated God’s power by calling down fire from heaven. Elijah’s bold faith in the face of overwhelming odds led to a dramatic display of God’s sovereignty and a revival among the Israelites. His story teaches us that faith can confront falsehood and lead others to God.
Prayer:
Lord, give us the courage and faith of Elijah to stand against falsehood and proclaim Your truth. May our faith inspire others to recognize Your power. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- 1 Kings 18:16-39
Devotional:
As Pastor Brad shared this weekend, if we have faith, it must be accompanied by actions. When connected to Jesus, we will produce much fruit in our lives. He said so in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” Every action is a small step of faith that can become a giant leap. Read through the lives of Elijah and Elisha and see that none of the miracles God did through them required much action but a small step of faith that turned into a giant leap. They saw the Lord do incredible things throughout their lives.
Elijah’s faith was showcased powerfully on Mount Carmel when he confronted the prophets of Baal. He challenged the people of Israel to choose between God and Baal and demonstrated God’s power by calling down fire from heaven. Elijah’s bold faith in the face of overwhelming odds led to a dramatic display of God’s sovereignty and a revival among the Israelites. His story teaches us that faith can confront falsehood and lead others to God.
Prayer:
Lord, give us the courage and faith of Elijah to stand against falsehood and proclaim Your truth. May our faith inspire others to recognize Your power. Amen.
DAY 2
Memorize Scripture
Scripture: Hebrews 11:6
"And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Instruction:
Spend time today memorizing Hebrews 11:6. Reflect on the importance of faith in pleasing God and how Elijah’s faith in Mount Carmel demonstrated his earnest seeking of God.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:6
"And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."
Instruction:
Spend time today memorizing Hebrews 11:6. Reflect on the importance of faith in pleasing God and how Elijah’s faith in Mount Carmel demonstrated his earnest seeking of God.
DAY 3
Elijah: The Faith that Prays Persistently
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- 1 Kings 18:41-46
Devotional:
After the victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah demonstrated his faith again by praying persistently for rain. Despite initial signs that nothing was happening, Elijah continued to pray until a small cloud appeared, eventually bringing heavy rain. Elijah’s persistent faith in prayer teaches us to trust and seek God even when we don’t see immediate results.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to be persistent in our prayers and to trust that You are working even when we cannot see immediate results. Strengthen our faith to continue seeking You earnestly. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:33-34
- 1 Kings 18:41-46
Devotional:
After the victory on Mount Carmel, Elijah demonstrated his faith again by praying persistently for rain. Despite initial signs that nothing was happening, Elijah continued to pray until a small cloud appeared, eventually bringing heavy rain. Elijah’s persistent faith in prayer teaches us to trust and seek God even when we don’t see immediate results.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to be persistent in our prayers and to trust that You are working even when we cannot see immediate results. Strengthen our faith to continue seeking You earnestly. Amen.
DAY 4
Faith Activity
Activity: Invite Non-Christians to Church
Today, take a step of faith by inviting someone who does not know Christ to join you at church for this upcoming weekend. This act of faith can plant seeds and open doors for others to experience God’s love and power.
Instruction:
Identify one or more people in your life who do not know Jesus and extend an invitation to attend church with you. Pray for them and ask God to open their hearts to His message.
Activity: Invite Non-Christians to Church
Today, take a step of faith by inviting someone who does not know Christ to join you at church for this upcoming weekend. This act of faith can plant seeds and open doors for others to experience God’s love and power.
Instruction:
Identify one or more people in your life who do not know Jesus and extend an invitation to attend church with you. Pray for them and ask God to open their hearts to His message.
DAY 5
Elisha: The Faith that Brings Life
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:35
- 2 Kings 4:8-37
Devotional:
Elisha’s interaction with the Shunammite woman demonstrates a faith that brings life. When the woman’s son died, she sought Elisha, believing that God could work through him to restore her child. Elisha’s faith and prayer brought the boy back to life, showing that God can do the impossible for those who trust Him. This story highlights the impact of faith on both the believer and those who witness God’s miracles.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to have faith like Elisha, believing that You can bring life and hope to any situation. Use our faith to demonstrate Your power and inspire others to believe in You. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:35
- 2 Kings 4:8-37
Devotional:
Elisha’s interaction with the Shunammite woman demonstrates a faith that brings life. When the woman’s son died, she sought Elisha, believing that God could work through him to restore her child. Elisha’s faith and prayer brought the boy back to life, showing that God can do the impossible for those who trust Him. This story highlights the impact of faith on both the believer and those who witness God’s miracles.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to have faith like Elisha, believing that You can bring life and hope to any situation. Use our faith to demonstrate Your power and inspire others to believe in You. 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 of Elijah and Elisha led to incredible miracles and how their actions inspired others. Consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life and encourage those around you with your faith.
Final Thought:
This week, we’ve seen how the steps of faith in the lives of Elijah and Elisha led to miraculous events that demonstrated God’s power to both believers and onlookers. Their perseverance in faith and trust in God’s ability to do the impossible serve as powerful examples for us. Let’s strive to live out our faith with the same boldness and persistence, trusting that God can and will work through us to inspire and transform those around us.
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9am and 11am as we finish Faith University! Then come back the weekend of August 17-18 for graduation!
Instruction:
Go to our Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/pcfresno/) to watch the devotional from one of our pastors. Reflect on how the faith of Elijah and Elisha led to incredible miracles and how their actions inspired others. Consider how you can apply these lessons to your own life and encourage those around you with your faith.
Final Thought:
This week, we’ve seen how the steps of faith in the lives of Elijah and Elisha led to miraculous events that demonstrated God’s power to both believers and onlookers. Their perseverance in faith and trust in God’s ability to do the impossible serve as powerful examples for us. Let’s strive to live out our faith with the same boldness and persistence, trusting that God can and will work through us to inspire and transform those around us.
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9am and 11am as we finish Faith University! Then come back the weekend of August 17-18 for graduation!