Devotion: Character
Day 1: Trusting God in Difficult Choices
Reading: Exodus 1:15-21
Devotional: The story of Shiphrah and Puah reminds us that sometimes following God requires tremendous courage. These midwives faced a seemingly impossible choice between obeying earthly authority and honoring God. Their decision to fear God above man, even at great personal risk, demonstrates true faith in action.
Today, reflect on areas in your life where you may be compromising your faith out of fear or convenience. Ask God for the strength to stand firm in your convictions, even when it's difficult. Remember that God sees your heart and honors those who honor Him. How might your life look different if you approached every decision with the courage and conviction of Shiphrah and Puah?
Day 2: God's Truth in a Relativistic World
Reading: John 14:1-7
Devotional: In a world that often claims there is no absolute truth, Jesus boldly declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This statement challenges us to anchor our lives in God's unchanging truth rather than shifting cultural norms or personal preferences.
Consider areas where you might be tempted to compromise God's truth to fit in or avoid conflict. How can you lovingly stand for God's truth in your relationships, workplace, or community? Pray for discernment to recognize truth and the courage to live it out, even when it's countercultural.
Day 3: The Transformative Power of God's Love
Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: True Christianity isn't about following a set of rules, but about being transformed by a relationship with the living God. As we spend time in God's presence and meditate on His Word, our character is gradually conformed to His image.
Reflect on how your relationship with God has changed you over time. Are there areas where you still struggle to reflect God's character? Ask the Holy Spirit to continue His transformative work in your life, renewing your mind and helping you discern God's will. Consider one practical step you can take today to align your life more closely with God's character.
Day 4: Finding Hope in God's Faithfulness
Reading: Hebrews 11:23-29
Devotional: Moses' story, from his miraculous preservation as a baby to his leadership of the Israelites, showcases God's faithfulness in seemingly hopeless situations. Even when circumstances appear dire, God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises and purposes.
Think about a challenging situation you're facing right now. How might God be working, even if you can't see it? Spend time praising God for His faithfulness in the past and entrusting your current struggles to His care. Ask for the faith to trust His plan, even when the path forward isn't clear.
Day 5: Living Out God's Love in a Broken World
Reading: Matthew 22:34-40
Devotional: Jesus summarizes all of God's commands into two fundamental principles: love God and love others. This simple yet profound instruction should guide every aspect of our lives as believers.
Examine your daily interactions. Are you consistently demonstrating love for God and others in your words, actions, and attitudes? Choose one specific way you can show God's love to someone today – perhaps through an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or by extending forgiveness. Remember that as we love others, we reflect God's character to a world in desperate need of His grace.
Reading: Exodus 1:15-21
Devotional: The story of Shiphrah and Puah reminds us that sometimes following God requires tremendous courage. These midwives faced a seemingly impossible choice between obeying earthly authority and honoring God. Their decision to fear God above man, even at great personal risk, demonstrates true faith in action.
Today, reflect on areas in your life where you may be compromising your faith out of fear or convenience. Ask God for the strength to stand firm in your convictions, even when it's difficult. Remember that God sees your heart and honors those who honor Him. How might your life look different if you approached every decision with the courage and conviction of Shiphrah and Puah?
Day 2: God's Truth in a Relativistic World
Reading: John 14:1-7
Devotional: In a world that often claims there is no absolute truth, Jesus boldly declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." This statement challenges us to anchor our lives in God's unchanging truth rather than shifting cultural norms or personal preferences.
Consider areas where you might be tempted to compromise God's truth to fit in or avoid conflict. How can you lovingly stand for God's truth in your relationships, workplace, or community? Pray for discernment to recognize truth and the courage to live it out, even when it's countercultural.
Day 3: The Transformative Power of God's Love
Reading: Romans 12:1-2
Devotional: True Christianity isn't about following a set of rules, but about being transformed by a relationship with the living God. As we spend time in God's presence and meditate on His Word, our character is gradually conformed to His image.
Reflect on how your relationship with God has changed you over time. Are there areas where you still struggle to reflect God's character? Ask the Holy Spirit to continue His transformative work in your life, renewing your mind and helping you discern God's will. Consider one practical step you can take today to align your life more closely with God's character.
Day 4: Finding Hope in God's Faithfulness
Reading: Hebrews 11:23-29
Devotional: Moses' story, from his miraculous preservation as a baby to his leadership of the Israelites, showcases God's faithfulness in seemingly hopeless situations. Even when circumstances appear dire, God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His promises and purposes.
Think about a challenging situation you're facing right now. How might God be working, even if you can't see it? Spend time praising God for His faithfulness in the past and entrusting your current struggles to His care. Ask for the faith to trust His plan, even when the path forward isn't clear.
Day 5: Living Out God's Love in a Broken World
Reading: Matthew 22:34-40
Devotional: Jesus summarizes all of God's commands into two fundamental principles: love God and love others. This simple yet profound instruction should guide every aspect of our lives as believers.
Examine your daily interactions. Are you consistently demonstrating love for God and others in your words, actions, and attitudes? Choose one specific way you can show God's love to someone today – perhaps through an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or by extending forgiveness. Remember that as we love others, we reflect God's character to a world in desperate need of His grace.
Questions to think about...
How do we discern between obeying earthly authorities and following God's higher moral code when they conflict, as Shifra and Puah had to do?
In what ways might we be called to demonstrate 'godly character' in our daily lives, even when it comes at a personal cost?
How can we cultivate a faith that fears God more than earthly consequences, as exemplified by the midwives in the story?
What does it mean to truly love others as much as ourselves, and how can we practically apply this in our relationships and communities?
How does understanding God's character help us interpret and live out His commandments beyond just following rules?
In what situations might we be tempted to compromise our values for safety or status, and how can we prepare ourselves to stand firm?
How can we balance adherence to moral absolutes with showing grace and understanding the complexities of real-life ethical dilemmas?
What role do seemingly 'minor' figures like Shifra and Puah play in God's larger plan, and how might this encourage us in our own walks of faith?
How does the concept of living as 'aliens and strangers' in this world shape our priorities and decision-making as Christians?
In what ways are we called to 'step up' in our various roles and relationships to reflect God's character to those around us?
In what ways might we be called to demonstrate 'godly character' in our daily lives, even when it comes at a personal cost?
How can we cultivate a faith that fears God more than earthly consequences, as exemplified by the midwives in the story?
What does it mean to truly love others as much as ourselves, and how can we practically apply this in our relationships and communities?
How does understanding God's character help us interpret and live out His commandments beyond just following rules?
In what situations might we be tempted to compromise our values for safety or status, and how can we prepare ourselves to stand firm?
How can we balance adherence to moral absolutes with showing grace and understanding the complexities of real-life ethical dilemmas?
What role do seemingly 'minor' figures like Shifra and Puah play in God's larger plan, and how might this encourage us in our own walks of faith?
How does the concept of living as 'aliens and strangers' in this world shape our priorities and decision-making as Christians?
In what ways are we called to 'step up' in our various roles and relationships to reflect God's character to those around us?
Digging In Deeper
Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon, along with some relevant verses for key themes:
Explicitly Mentioned:
1. Exodus 1:6-22 (The main passage discussed about Shiphrah and Puah)
2. Hebrews 2:14-18
3. John 1:1, 14
4. Psalm 111:10
5. Acts 5:28-29
6. Matthew 22:36-40 (Greatest Commandment)
7. Matthew 11:29-30
8. Matthew 12:12
9. Romans 12 (alluded to, likely Romans 12:2)
Alluded to or Relevant to Themes:
1. Genesis 1:28 (Be fruitful and multiply)
2. Isaiah 45:5-6 (There is no God besides me)
3. John 14:6 (I am the way, the truth, and the life)
4. Romans 3:23 (All have sinned and fall short)
5. Proverbs 9:10 (Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)
6. Hebrews 11:13 (Aliens and strangers on earth)
7. 1 John 4:8 (God is love)
8. James 1:27 (Pure religion)
9. Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit - character)
10. Philippians 2:12-13 (Work out your salvation)
11. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Being transformed into His image)
12. Luke 1:26-38 (Mary's trust in God)
13. Acts 16:14-15 (Lydia in the early church)
The sermon touches on many biblical themes, so there are likely many more relevant verses that could be cited, but these cover the main points and explicit references made in the sermon.
Explicitly Mentioned:
1. Exodus 1:6-22 (The main passage discussed about Shiphrah and Puah)
2. Hebrews 2:14-18
3. John 1:1, 14
4. Psalm 111:10
5. Acts 5:28-29
6. Matthew 22:36-40 (Greatest Commandment)
7. Matthew 11:29-30
8. Matthew 12:12
9. Romans 12 (alluded to, likely Romans 12:2)
Alluded to or Relevant to Themes:
1. Genesis 1:28 (Be fruitful and multiply)
2. Isaiah 45:5-6 (There is no God besides me)
3. John 14:6 (I am the way, the truth, and the life)
4. Romans 3:23 (All have sinned and fall short)
5. Proverbs 9:10 (Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom)
6. Hebrews 11:13 (Aliens and strangers on earth)
7. 1 John 4:8 (God is love)
8. James 1:27 (Pure religion)
9. Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit - character)
10. Philippians 2:12-13 (Work out your salvation)
11. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (Being transformed into His image)
12. Luke 1:26-38 (Mary's trust in God)
13. Acts 16:14-15 (Lydia in the early church)
The sermon touches on many biblical themes, so there are likely many more relevant verses that could be cited, but these cover the main points and explicit references made in the sermon.