The Power of Daily Devotions.
Part 2 – How to have a fruitful Devotional Session.
Welcome to session #2 of “Small Groups” season at Joy Fountain. We pray and sincerely hope for you to attend faithfully and that God by His Holy Spirit teaches us all as we read scripture and contribute to discussion sessions. Today we will continue from last week’s topic of how to have fruitful devotions.
Jesus set the example of a morning or daily devotional habit as we established from the last small group meeting discussions and the scriptures we read. Jesus did this for continuous fellowship with the Father. It was the source of His strength and power. If we are so engaged as well for ourselves it will be the source of our strength and power. Amen!
First off here is the last session’s Memory Verse Exercise:
“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.”
Mark 1:35 NKJV
Try Today’s Memory Verse Exercise:
In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NKJV
Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:7-11 (Moses meets with God)
- What stood out to you in the Scripture text?
Guided Group Discussions
Discuss an experience you’ve had during any devotional time
Let some group members share with everyone an experience they had during their personal devotions. Answer these questions in your contribution:
- Did you read a Bible passage? If so please share a scripture verse that spoke to you
- Share an experience that you had during a recent time of prayer if you have one
- How do you feel after a devotional session? What happens to you?
- From our scripture text, we read earlier of Moses going into the Tabernacle to meet God. In the same manner, our daily devotional goal is to meet daily with Jesus.
1. Begin a “Devotional Session” talking to The Father with “Thanksgiving and Praise.”
The Bible teaches that we should approach God with Thanksgiving and Praise in our hearts. Here are a few scripture references. Please read them all.
- THANKS and PRAISE to God. See Psalm 100:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
- Jesus’ miracle of feeding 5,000 with 5 barley loves and 2 small fish began with giving thanks for an insignificant small supply. John 6:10-12.
- Jesus gave thanks at Lazarus’ grave before calling him back from the dead. John 11:40-44.
- Apostle Paul started most of his letters with a mixture of thanks and praise to God. Also in portions of scriptures where he would pray he did the same as well as instructing that this should be done when praying. 1 Corinthians 1:1-4, Philippians 1:3, 1 Timothy 2:1-7.
- Discuss why you think opening personal devotion sessions with Thanksgiving and Praise is important.
2. Read and Meditate on the Scriptures
The Bible teaches that the word of God is powerful and works God’s will in our lives if we are willing.
- The Scriptures reveal Christ and the will of God to us. John 5:37-40
- The Scriptures are likened to food that we need for sustenance from new to mature believers.
- The Scriptures help us grow spiritually and succeed in life according to the Father’s definition of success. Psalm 1:1-3 Joshua 1:8
- The Scriptures are powerful. Hebrews 4:12
- Do you make time to read the scriptures daily?
Part 2 Conclusion/Summary
There is much more to this subject and we will continue in Part 3 next time we gather. Let us remember and if this is something you haven’t been practicing it is time to incorporate giving of thanks in your personal devotional sessions. Then proceed to read and meditate on the scriptures. With these first two items (Thanks/ Praise and The Scriptures) you’d be well on your way to a fruitful time with the Father.
Prayer Time
- Any Praise Reports or Requests to share?
- Praise God for the gift of meeting with Him daily
- Pray that we cultivate and maintain a daily devotional habit.
- Pray for one another’s needs as needed.
Announcements
- Next Small Groups Wednesday, November 22, 2023
- Prayer Summit Saturday, December 2, from 12 pm to 3 pm. Come fasting
- Every Tuesday in November “Deeper With Jesus” Prayer and Fasting. 6 to 7 pm. You can still join if you’re not participating. There are 3 more Tuesdays to go.