Daily Devotions (Sermon-Based)
Here's a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon entitled "Does God Harden Human Hearts?"
Day 1: Trusting in God's Strength Reading: Joshua 11:1-9
Devotional: As we read about the overwhelming odds faced by Joshua and the Israelites, we're reminded that God often calls us to face challenges that seem insurmountable. Just as He assured Joshua, God tells us, "Do not be afraid." When we feel outnumbered or outmatched by life's trials, remember that our strength comes not from our own abilities or resources, but from our faith in God. Today, reflect on a situation in your life where you feel overwhelmed. How can you lean more fully on God's strength rather than your own? Pray for the courage to trust Him completely, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Day 2: Obedience and God's Faithfulness Reading: Joshua 11:10-15
Devotional: Joshua's unwavering obedience to God's commands, even when they didn't make worldly sense, demonstrates the kind of faith God desires from us. Despite the temptation to keep powerful weapons for themselves, Joshua and the Israelites followed God's instructions to destroy them. This act of obedience reinforced their dependence on God rather than on earthly power. Consider areas in your life where God might be calling you to obey in ways that don't align with worldly wisdom. How can you demonstrate your trust in God's plan today, even if it doesn't make immediate sense to you?
Day 3: God's Justice and Mercy Reading: Romans 9:14-24
Devotional: The concept of God hardening hearts can be difficult to understand. However, this passage reminds us that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His justice is perfect. While we may struggle with the idea of God's judgment, we must also remember His incredible mercy towards us. We are all sinners deserving of judgment, yet God offers us grace through Jesus Christ. Today, spend time thanking God for His mercy in your life. How can you extend that same mercy to others, even those who may seem undeserving?
Day 4: Facing Our Giants Reading: 1 Samuel 17:32-51
Devotional: The mention of the Anakim and later of Goliath reminds us that we all face "giants" in our lives - seemingly insurmountable obstacles or fears. David's courage came from his unwavering faith in God's power. What are the giants in your life right now? Perhaps it's a difficult relationship, a health challenge, or a seemingly impossible goal. How can you approach these challenges with the same faith and courage as David? Remember, the battle belongs to the Lord. Pray for God's strength and guidance as you face your giants today.
Day 5: Resting in God's Promises Reading: Hebrews 4:1-11
Devotional: The book of Joshua ends with the statement that "the land had rest from war." This rest was a fulfillment of God's promises to Israel. In Christ, we too are offered a profound spiritual rest - a peace that comes from trusting in God's completed work of salvation. Yet many of us struggle to fully enter this rest, carrying burdens of worry, striving, and fear. Today, reflect on what might be keeping you from fully resting in God's promises. How can you more fully embrace the peace and rest that Jesus offers? Take time to lay your burdens at His feet and enter into His rest.
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