Daily Worship (June 8)
Devotional 1: Created for Relationship with God
Genesis 1:26-27 (NIV)
"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Devotional Thought
In Genesis 1:26-27, we learn something amazing about ourselves—we are made in the image of God. This means we reflect some of His characteristics, like the ability to love, reason, and create. In the sermon, we talked about how our God is a relational God, and because we are made in His likeness, we are built for relationships too, starting with Him. God designed us to know and be known by Him. He didn't make us because He needed us, but because He wanted to share His love and joy with us.
Think about what it means to be in a relationship with God. It's not just about following rules; it's about delighting in Him and enjoying the life He offers. Relationships with other people can be difficult, and sometimes we mess up, but our relationship with God is one we should pursue above all. How do we do this? By spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and reflecting on His goodness. As we grow closer to God, we'll notice His love spilling over into our other relationships, transforming them with grace and forgiveness.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us in Your image and for wanting a personal relationship with us. Help us to see the value in this relationship and to seek You daily with joyful hearts. Draw us closer to You so that Your love may overflow into all aspects of our lives, transforming us and those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."
Devotional Thought
In Genesis 1:26-27, we learn something amazing about ourselves—we are made in the image of God. This means we reflect some of His characteristics, like the ability to love, reason, and create. In the sermon, we talked about how our God is a relational God, and because we are made in His likeness, we are built for relationships too, starting with Him. God designed us to know and be known by Him. He didn't make us because He needed us, but because He wanted to share His love and joy with us.
Think about what it means to be in a relationship with God. It's not just about following rules; it's about delighting in Him and enjoying the life He offers. Relationships with other people can be difficult, and sometimes we mess up, but our relationship with God is one we should pursue above all. How do we do this? By spending time in prayer, reading the Bible, and reflecting on His goodness. As we grow closer to God, we'll notice His love spilling over into our other relationships, transforming them with grace and forgiveness.
COMMA Questions
- Context: How do the surrounding verses in Genesis 1 add depth to our understanding of being made in God's image?
- Observation: What does it mean that God said, "Let us make mankind in our image"?
- Meaning: Why is it important that humans are made in the image of a relational God?
- Main Idea: How does being created in God's image affect our identity and purpose?
- Application: In what ways can you grow closer in your relationship with God this week?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating us in Your image and for wanting a personal relationship with us. Help us to see the value in this relationship and to seek You daily with joyful hearts. Draw us closer to You so that Your love may overflow into all aspects of our lives, transforming us and those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotional 2: Designed for Community
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NIV)
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Devotional Thought
Ecclesiastes 4 teaches us about the importance of relationships. Life can be challenging, and God knows we need each other to get through it. In the sermon, we saw how God created us not only for a relationship with Him but also with others. This passage highlights why community is critical. Together, we can accomplish more, encourage each other, and offer support during tough times.
Being part of a community is integral to God's design. As the passage suggests, two are better than one because they support and strengthen each other. Whether in family, friendships, or church, these connections are meant to reflect God's relational nature. We all face moments of weakness or difficulty, and it's during these times that having someone to lean on becomes invaluable. This passage tells us that relationships are like a multi-stranded cord—they're stronger together.
COMMA Questions
Lord, thank You for placing us in communities and relationships that reflect Your relational nature. Help us to be supportive, loving, and open to one another. May we glorify You through these relationships, showing Your love in all we do. Guide us to build one another up and to live for the good of others, pointing everyone back to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”
Devotional Thought
Ecclesiastes 4 teaches us about the importance of relationships. Life can be challenging, and God knows we need each other to get through it. In the sermon, we saw how God created us not only for a relationship with Him but also with others. This passage highlights why community is critical. Together, we can accomplish more, encourage each other, and offer support during tough times.
Being part of a community is integral to God's design. As the passage suggests, two are better than one because they support and strengthen each other. Whether in family, friendships, or church, these connections are meant to reflect God's relational nature. We all face moments of weakness or difficulty, and it's during these times that having someone to lean on becomes invaluable. This passage tells us that relationships are like a multi-stranded cord—they're stronger together.
COMMA Questions
- Context: What is the broader message of Ecclesiastes 4 about life and work?
- Observation: What benefits of partnership and community does the passage highlight?
- Meaning: Why are relationships vital in reflecting God's image in our lives?
- Main Idea: How does this passage emphasize the strength found in unity and community?
- Application: In what ways can you build and strengthen relationships within your community?
Lord, thank You for placing us in communities and relationships that reflect Your relational nature. Help us to be supportive, loving, and open to one another. May we glorify You through these relationships, showing Your love in all we do. Guide us to build one another up and to live for the good of others, pointing everyone back to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Devotional 3: Unity and Diversity in Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV)
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
Devotional Thought
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 reflects the beautiful unity and diversity within the Body of Christ. This passage aligns with the sermon’s theme about being created for relationships with one another. Paul uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate how every believer has a unique role, yet all are essential to the whole. Just as God exists as a relational Trinity, we are called to be diverse yet unified in our purpose and mission.
The church is meant to display the unity in diversity of the Trinity. Our differences—such as gifts, backgrounds, and experiences—are to be celebrated, as they enrich the community and serve God's purposes. It’s tempting to see differences as barriers, but God invites us to view them as opportunities for growth and ministry. Embracing this perspective not only strengthens our connections but also demonstrates the power of the gospel. Recognizing that we are stronger together is crucial for fulfilling God’s call to worship and mission.
COMMA Questions
Prayer
Gracious God, thank You for creating us to be part of Your diverse yet unified body. Help us to appreciate and embrace our differences as gifts from You. Teach us to work together in harmony, valuing each person's role in Your kingdom. May our unity reflect Your love and glorify Your name in all the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
Devotional Thought
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 reflects the beautiful unity and diversity within the Body of Christ. This passage aligns with the sermon’s theme about being created for relationships with one another. Paul uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate how every believer has a unique role, yet all are essential to the whole. Just as God exists as a relational Trinity, we are called to be diverse yet unified in our purpose and mission.
The church is meant to display the unity in diversity of the Trinity. Our differences—such as gifts, backgrounds, and experiences—are to be celebrated, as they enrich the community and serve God's purposes. It’s tempting to see differences as barriers, but God invites us to view them as opportunities for growth and ministry. Embracing this perspective not only strengthens our connections but also demonstrates the power of the gospel. Recognizing that we are stronger together is crucial for fulfilling God’s call to worship and mission.
COMMA Questions
- Context: How does the preceding chapter and following verses add to the understanding of unity in diversity within the church?
- Observation: What is the significance of comparing the church to a body with many parts?
- Meaning: How does this passage reflect the unity and diversity found in the nature of God?
- Main Idea: What does it mean to belong to the Body of Christ, and why is every part important?
- Application: How can you contribute your unique gifts and talents to build up your church community?
Prayer
Gracious God, thank You for creating us to be part of Your diverse yet unified body. Help us to appreciate and embrace our differences as gifts from You. Teach us to work together in harmony, valuing each person's role in Your kingdom. May our unity reflect Your love and glorify Your name in all the world. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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