Faith University - Week 7 Devotionals
DAY 1
Hannah: The Faith that Perseveres in Prayer
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:1-2
- 1 Samuel 1:1-20
Devotional:
As Pastor Marcus shared this weekend, we must remember that salvation comes from faith, and those around us also need it. This is a gift from God, and Pastor Marcus used the verse that we memorized a few weeks ago, 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.” We have been saved because of God's faithfulness and others' prayers. If every step is a leap of faith, we see that prayer can make a mighty impact on our lives and the futures of others, and we see that through the lives of Hannah, Samuel, and David.
Hannah’s story is one of deep faith and persistent prayer. Despite her barrenness and the ridicule she faced, she continued to pray fervently to God for a child. Her faith was rewarded when God blessed her with a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord’s service. Hannah’s unwavering trust in God, even in her despair, teaches us the power of persistent faith and prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to persevere in our prayers and trust in Your perfect timing. Strengthen our faith to believe in Your promises, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:1-2
- 1 Samuel 1:1-20
Devotional:
As Pastor Marcus shared this weekend, we must remember that salvation comes from faith, and those around us also need it. This is a gift from God, and Pastor Marcus used the verse that we memorized a few weeks ago, 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.” We have been saved because of God's faithfulness and others' prayers. If every step is a leap of faith, we see that prayer can make a mighty impact on our lives and the futures of others, and we see that through the lives of Hannah, Samuel, and David.
Hannah’s story is one of deep faith and persistent prayer. Despite her barrenness and the ridicule she faced, she continued to pray fervently to God for a child. Her faith was rewarded when God blessed her with a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord’s service. Hannah’s unwavering trust in God, even in her despair, teaches us the power of persistent faith and prayer.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to persevere in our prayers and trust in Your perfect timing. Strengthen our faith to believe in Your promises, even when circumstances seem hopeless. Amen.
DAY 2
Memorize Scripture
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:47
"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands."
Instruction:
Spend time today memorizing 1 Samuel 17:47. Reflect on how this verse encapsulates the theme of God fighting our battles and how it relates to the faith demonstrated by Hannah, Samuel, and David.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:47
"All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give all of you into our hands."
Instruction:
Spend time today memorizing 1 Samuel 17:47. Reflect on how this verse encapsulates the theme of God fighting our battles and how it relates to the faith demonstrated by Hannah, Samuel, and David.
DAY 3
Samuel: The Faithful Servant
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:32-34
- 1 Samuel 3:1-21
Devotional:
Samuel’s life was marked by faithful service to God from a young age. Dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, Samuel grew up in the temple and learned to hear God’s voice. His unwavering faith and obedience made him a pivotal figure in Israel’s history, bridging the era of the judges and the monarchy where Samuel anointed the first two kings of Israel: Saul and David. Samuel’s faithful service illustrates the importance of faithful obedience.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us hear Your voice and respond obediently like Samuel. May our lives be marked by faithful service to You, making a lasting impact on Your kingdom. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:32-34
- 1 Samuel 3:1-21
Devotional:
Samuel’s life was marked by faithful service to God from a young age. Dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, Samuel grew up in the temple and learned to hear God’s voice. His unwavering faith and obedience made him a pivotal figure in Israel’s history, bridging the era of the judges and the monarchy where Samuel anointed the first two kings of Israel: Saul and David. Samuel’s faithful service illustrates the importance of faithful obedience.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us hear Your voice and respond obediently like Samuel. May our lives be marked by faithful service to You, making a lasting impact on Your kingdom. Amen.
DAY 4
Faith Activity
Activity: Share the Gospel
Today, take a step of faith by sharing the Gospel with someone, even if you’re new to faith. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you the words to say.
Instruction:
Identify someone who might benefit from hearing the Gospel and share your faith journey with them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open their heart and give them the courage and wisdom to share effectively.
Activity: Share the Gospel
Today, take a step of faith by sharing the Gospel with someone, even if you’re new to faith. Trust that the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you the words to say.
Instruction:
Identify someone who might benefit from hearing the Gospel and share your faith journey with them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open their heart and give them the courage and wisdom to share effectively.
DAY 5
David: The Faith that Faces Giants
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:32-34
- 1 Samuel 17:1-58
Devotional:
David’s encounter with Goliath is a powerful testament to faith in action. Despite being young and inexperienced in battle, David trusted God’s power rather than strength. Armed with only a sling and five stones, he defeated the giant, demonstrating that faith in God can overcome any obstacle. David’s story shows us that God fights our battles and brings victory when we step out in faith. God’s victory through David’s step of faith has inspired generations of people, including those of David’s mighty men who killed four of Goliath’s brothers. Your dedication to small steps of faith will inspire generations, including those closest to you.
Prayer:
Lord, give us the courage to face the giants in our lives with faith like David. Help us to trust in Your power and provision, knowing that the battle belongs to You. Amen.
Scripture Reading:
- Hebrews 11:32-34
- 1 Samuel 17:1-58
Devotional:
David’s encounter with Goliath is a powerful testament to faith in action. Despite being young and inexperienced in battle, David trusted God’s power rather than strength. Armed with only a sling and five stones, he defeated the giant, demonstrating that faith in God can overcome any obstacle. David’s story shows us that God fights our battles and brings victory when we step out in faith. God’s victory through David’s step of faith has inspired generations of people, including those of David’s mighty men who killed four of Goliath’s brothers. Your dedication to small steps of faith will inspire generations, including those closest to you.
Prayer:
Lord, give us the courage to face the giants in our lives with faith like David. Help us to trust in Your power and provision, knowing that the battle belongs to 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 Hannah, Samuel, and David put them in the middle of spiritual battles and how the Holy Spirit protected and guided them. 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 explored how the faith of Hannah, Samuel, and David put them amid spiritual battles and how God protected and guided them through it all. Their stories remind us that faith often places us in challenging situations, but the Holy Spirit always provides protection, guidance, and victory. Let’s live out our faith boldly, trusting that God will fight our battles and use us for His glory.
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9am and 11am for an incredible message! Be sure to join us on the weekend of August 17-18 for Faith University 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 Hannah, Samuel, and David put them in the middle of spiritual battles and how the Holy Spirit protected and guided them. 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 explored how the faith of Hannah, Samuel, and David put them amid spiritual battles and how God protected and guided them through it all. Their stories remind us that faith often places us in challenging situations, but the Holy Spirit always provides protection, guidance, and victory. Let’s live out our faith boldly, trusting that God will fight our battles and use us for His glory.
Join us this weekend on Saturday at 6pm or Sunday at 9am and 11am for an incredible message! Be sure to join us on the weekend of August 17-18 for Faith University graduation!