Weekly Sunrise Sermon Devotional
Below you will find a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on our latest Sunday Sermon in our series, "Two Men's Journeys"
Monday Devotional
Acknowledging Pain and Suffering
Reading: Job 1:12-22
Devotional: As we read about Job's immense losses, we're reminded that acknowledging our pain is an important part of our faith journey. Job tore his robes and shaved his head—outward signs of his grief. Yet in his anguish, he did not sin, but worshiped God. Today, reflect on times of suffering in your own life. Have you allowed yourself to truly grieve? How can you honor your pain while still maintaining faith? Remember, God doesn't expect us to ignore our suffering but invites us to bring it before Him in raw honesty.
Reading: Job 1:12-22
Devotional: As we read about Job's immense losses, we're reminded that acknowledging our pain is an important part of our faith journey. Job tore his robes and shaved his head—outward signs of his grief. Yet in his anguish, he did not sin, but worshiped God. Today, reflect on times of suffering in your own life. Have you allowed yourself to truly grieve? How can you honor your pain while still maintaining faith? Remember, God doesn't expect us to ignore our suffering but invites us to bring it before Him in raw honesty.
Tuesday Devotional
God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Reading: Romans 8:28-39
Devotional: Today's passage reminds us that God works all things for good, even in our suffering. This doesn't mean God causes our pain, but that he can redeem it. Reflect on the sermon's point that God's passivity is not the same as his activity. Are there areas in your life where you're struggling to see God's goodness? Ask him to reveal his redemptive work, even if it's not immediately apparent. Trust that, like with Job, God is still present even when we don’t understand what he is doing, or, from our perspective, not doing.
Reading: Romans 8:28-39
Devotional: Today's passage reminds us that God works all things for good, even in our suffering. This doesn't mean God causes our pain, but that he can redeem it. Reflect on the sermon's point that God's passivity is not the same as his activity. Are there areas in your life where you're struggling to see God's goodness? Ask him to reveal his redemptive work, even if it's not immediately apparent. Trust that, like with Job, God is still present even when we don’t understand what he is doing, or, from our perspective, not doing.
Wednesday Devotional
Jesus' Example in Suffering
Reading: Matthew 26:36-46
Devotional: Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane shows us that even the Son of God experienced anguish and desired to avoid suffering. Yet he submitted to the Father's will. This reminds us that our own struggles don't necessarily indicate a lack of faith. Consider areas where you're resisting God's will due to fear of pain or discomfort. How can Jesus' example inspire you to trust God, even when it's difficult?
Reading: Matthew 26:36-46
Devotional: Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane shows us that even the Son of God experienced anguish and desired to avoid suffering. Yet he submitted to the Father's will. This reminds us that our own struggles don't necessarily indicate a lack of faith. Consider areas where you're resisting God's will due to fear of pain or discomfort. How can Jesus' example inspire you to trust God, even when it's difficult?
Thursday Devotional
Community in Suffering
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Devotional: Paul speaks of how our own sufferings equip us to comfort others. Think about the story from the sermon of the young mother with cancer finding others who shared her experience. How has God used your pain to minister to others? If you're currently suffering, take time to heal, but also consider that there might be a time when God can use you to give comfort to someone who is walking a similar path.
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Devotional: Paul speaks of how our own sufferings equip us to comfort others. Think about the story from the sermon of the young mother with cancer finding others who shared her experience. How has God used your pain to minister to others? If you're currently suffering, take time to heal, but also consider that there might be a time when God can use you to give comfort to someone who is walking a similar path.
Friday Devotional
Worship in the Midst of Pain
Reading: Psalm 13
Devotional: This Psalm moves from lament to praise (both are worship), much like Job's response to his suffering. It shows us that worship isn't just for happy times, but can coexist with our pain and questions. Reflect on how you typically respond to hardship. Do you allow space for both lament and praise? Today, try writing your own psalm, expressing your honest feelings to God while also affirming His goodness and sovereignty. Remember, true worship is about recognizing God's position as Lord over all circumstances.
Reading: Psalm 13
Devotional: This Psalm moves from lament to praise (both are worship), much like Job's response to his suffering. It shows us that worship isn't just for happy times, but can coexist with our pain and questions. Reflect on how you typically respond to hardship. Do you allow space for both lament and praise? Today, try writing your own psalm, expressing your honest feelings to God while also affirming His goodness and sovereignty. Remember, true worship is about recognizing God's position as Lord over all circumstances.
Past "Two Men's Journeys" Devotionals
May 4: Wisdom and Stories
Click here to watch this week's sermon.
Monday: Trusting God Through Suffering
Reading: Job 1:1-22
Devotional: Job's story reminds us that even the most righteous can face immense suffering. Despite losing everything, Job's initial response was to worship God. Today, reflect on times when you've faced unexpected losses or trials. How did you respond? Job's example challenges us to trust God's goodness even when we don't understand our circumstances. Consider how you might cultivate a heart of worship in both good times and bad.
Tuesday: The Danger of Misguided Comfort
Reading: Job 4:1-11, 8:1-7
Devotional: Job's friends, though well-intentioned, often caused more harm than good with their words. Their assumption that suffering always results from sin was misguided. As you read, consider times when you may have offered simplistic answers to complex situations. How can we learn to be more compassionate listeners and supportive friends to those who are suffering? Pray for wisdom to know when to speak and when to simply be present with those in pain.
Wednesday: Crying Out to God
Reading: Job 23:1-17
Devotional: In this passage, Job expresses his deep longing to find God and present his case. Even in his anguish, he affirms God's power and sovereignty. When you feel distant from God or struggle to understand His ways, remember that it's okay to express your honest feelings to him. God is big enough to handle our questions and doubts. Take time today to pour out your heart to God, trusting that he hears you even when you can't sense His presence.
Thursday: God Speaks in the Whirlwind
Reading: Job 38:1-18
Devotional: After chapters of silence, God finally speaks to Job - not with direct answers, but with questions that reveal his majesty and wisdom. Sometimes, like Job, we demand explanations from God. But God's response reminds us that his ways are far beyond our understanding. Today, spend time in nature or contemplate the vastness of the universe. Allow God's creation to remind you of his power and wisdom, and consider how this perspective might change your approach to current challenges.
Friday: Restoration and New Perspective
Reading: Job 42:1-17
Devotional: Job's story concludes with restoration, but more importantly, with a transformed understanding of God. Job declares, "My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you." Through his suffering, Job gained a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How have difficult experiences shaped your faith? Thank God for the ways He has revealed Himself to you, even through trials. Pray for those currently in the midst of suffering, that they too might experience God's presence in a profound way.
Monday: Trusting God Through Suffering
Reading: Job 1:1-22
Devotional: Job's story reminds us that even the most righteous can face immense suffering. Despite losing everything, Job's initial response was to worship God. Today, reflect on times when you've faced unexpected losses or trials. How did you respond? Job's example challenges us to trust God's goodness even when we don't understand our circumstances. Consider how you might cultivate a heart of worship in both good times and bad.
Tuesday: The Danger of Misguided Comfort
Reading: Job 4:1-11, 8:1-7
Devotional: Job's friends, though well-intentioned, often caused more harm than good with their words. Their assumption that suffering always results from sin was misguided. As you read, consider times when you may have offered simplistic answers to complex situations. How can we learn to be more compassionate listeners and supportive friends to those who are suffering? Pray for wisdom to know when to speak and when to simply be present with those in pain.
Wednesday: Crying Out to God
Reading: Job 23:1-17
Devotional: In this passage, Job expresses his deep longing to find God and present his case. Even in his anguish, he affirms God's power and sovereignty. When you feel distant from God or struggle to understand His ways, remember that it's okay to express your honest feelings to him. God is big enough to handle our questions and doubts. Take time today to pour out your heart to God, trusting that he hears you even when you can't sense His presence.
Thursday: God Speaks in the Whirlwind
Reading: Job 38:1-18
Devotional: After chapters of silence, God finally speaks to Job - not with direct answers, but with questions that reveal his majesty and wisdom. Sometimes, like Job, we demand explanations from God. But God's response reminds us that his ways are far beyond our understanding. Today, spend time in nature or contemplate the vastness of the universe. Allow God's creation to remind you of his power and wisdom, and consider how this perspective might change your approach to current challenges.
Friday: Restoration and New Perspective
Reading: Job 42:1-17
Devotional: Job's story concludes with restoration, but more importantly, with a transformed understanding of God. Job declares, "My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you." Through his suffering, Job gained a deeper, more intimate knowledge of God. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. How have difficult experiences shaped your faith? Thank God for the ways He has revealed Himself to you, even through trials. Pray for those currently in the midst of suffering, that they too might experience God's presence in a profound way.
June 1: When the World Falls Apart
Click here to watch this week's sermon.
Day 1: God Sees You
Reading: Psalm 139:1-18
Devotional: In a world where we often feel invisible or overlooked, today's passage reminds us of a profound truth: God sees us. Just as he saw Job, he sees you in every moment of your life. Reflect on the intimate knowledge God has of you—your thoughts, your ways, your very being. How does it make you feel to know that the Creator of the universe is so deeply attentive to you? Today, rest in the comforting reality that you are never out of God's sight. In your struggles and joys, remember that his gaze is upon you, not with judgment, but with love and care.
Day 2: Known and Loved
Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Devotional: God not only sees us, but he knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. Today's passage speaks of a love so powerful that nothing can separate us from it. Like Job, we may face trials and opposition, but God's love remains constant. Reflect on times when you've felt unworthy or unlovable. Now, consider how God sees you—as His beloved child, worth the sacrifice of His Son. How might your life change if you truly lived in the light of this love? Today, let God's perfect knowledge and unconditional love for you shape your actions and attitudes.
Day 3: Fearing God Above All
Reading: Proverbs 1:7-9, 3:5-8
Devotional: Job was described as a man who feared God and shunned evil. This "fear" isn't about being afraid, but about having a deep reverence and respect for God that influences all of life. Today's passages highlight the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord. In a world full of competing voices and pressures, how can you cultivate a greater fear of God? Consider areas of your life where you might be more concerned with human opinion than God's perspective. Ask God to help you reorient your life around him, trusting his ways above all else.
Day 4: Hope in Suffering
Reading: Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4
Devotional: Job's story reminds us that even the righteous can face intense suffering. Today's passages offer a perspective on suffering that might seem counterintuitive—that it can produce hope and maturity in our faith. Reflect on a time of hardship in your life. How did it shape your character or faith? While we don't seek out suffering, these verses encourage us to see it as an opportunity for growth. Today, if you're in a season of difficulty, ask God to help you persevere and to show you how he might be working through your struggles.
Day 5: God's Presence in Every Season
Reading: Isaiah 43:1-3, Matthew 28:16-20
Devotional: Throughout Job's story, even in his darkest moments, God was present. Today's passages remind us of God's promise to be with us always. This doesn't mean life will be easy, but it does mean we're never alone. Reflect on times when you've felt God's presence strongly, and times when he's seemed distant. How might you cultivate a greater awareness of his presence in your daily life? Today, practice intentionally acknowledging God's presence with you—in your joys, your mundane tasks, and your challenges. Let the reality of his constant presence bring you comfort and courage.
Day 1: God Sees You
Reading: Psalm 139:1-18
Devotional: In a world where we often feel invisible or overlooked, today's passage reminds us of a profound truth: God sees us. Just as he saw Job, he sees you in every moment of your life. Reflect on the intimate knowledge God has of you—your thoughts, your ways, your very being. How does it make you feel to know that the Creator of the universe is so deeply attentive to you? Today, rest in the comforting reality that you are never out of God's sight. In your struggles and joys, remember that his gaze is upon you, not with judgment, but with love and care.
Day 2: Known and Loved
Reading: Romans 8:31-39
Devotional: God not only sees us, but he knows us completely and loves us unconditionally. Today's passage speaks of a love so powerful that nothing can separate us from it. Like Job, we may face trials and opposition, but God's love remains constant. Reflect on times when you've felt unworthy or unlovable. Now, consider how God sees you—as His beloved child, worth the sacrifice of His Son. How might your life change if you truly lived in the light of this love? Today, let God's perfect knowledge and unconditional love for you shape your actions and attitudes.
Day 3: Fearing God Above All
Reading: Proverbs 1:7-9, 3:5-8
Devotional: Job was described as a man who feared God and shunned evil. This "fear" isn't about being afraid, but about having a deep reverence and respect for God that influences all of life. Today's passages highlight the wisdom that comes from fearing the Lord. In a world full of competing voices and pressures, how can you cultivate a greater fear of God? Consider areas of your life where you might be more concerned with human opinion than God's perspective. Ask God to help you reorient your life around him, trusting his ways above all else.
Day 4: Hope in Suffering
Reading: Romans 5:1-5, James 1:2-4
Devotional: Job's story reminds us that even the righteous can face intense suffering. Today's passages offer a perspective on suffering that might seem counterintuitive—that it can produce hope and maturity in our faith. Reflect on a time of hardship in your life. How did it shape your character or faith? While we don't seek out suffering, these verses encourage us to see it as an opportunity for growth. Today, if you're in a season of difficulty, ask God to help you persevere and to show you how he might be working through your struggles.
Day 5: God's Presence in Every Season
Reading: Isaiah 43:1-3, Matthew 28:16-20
Devotional: Throughout Job's story, even in his darkest moments, God was present. Today's passages remind us of God's promise to be with us always. This doesn't mean life will be easy, but it does mean we're never alone. Reflect on times when you've felt God's presence strongly, and times when he's seemed distant. How might you cultivate a greater awareness of his presence in your daily life? Today, practice intentionally acknowledging God's presence with you—in your joys, your mundane tasks, and your challenges. Let the reality of his constant presence bring you comfort and courage.
June 8: When Those We Love Suffer
Click here to watch this week's sermon.
Day 1: Unconditional Love
Reading: Romans 8:35-39
Devotional: God's love for us is not transactional. It doesn't depend on our circumstances, our behavior, or what we can offer Him. Just as Pastor Dennis realized God's deep love while his newborn son was in distress, we too can experience the profound depth of God's love in our most challenging moments. Today, reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult situation. How did it change your understanding of his love? Remember, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Day 2: Faith Beyond Blessings
Reading: Job 1:20-22
Devotional: The enemy assumed Job's faith was based on his blessings, but true faith goes beyond material prosperity. Job's response to losing everything demonstrates a faith rooted in who God is, not what he provides. Consider your own faith—is it dependent on your circumstances? Ask God to help you cultivate a faith that stands firm in both abundance and lack. Praise Him today simply for who He is, not for what He gives.
Day 3: Suffering and Divine Presence
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Devotional: Suffering is not a sign of God's absence or displeasure. Often, it's in our pain that we experience God's nearness most profoundly. Pastor Dennis’s experience in the NICU revealed God's presence in a new way. Think about a time of suffering in your life. How did God reveal Himself to you? How can you use that experience to comfort others who are hurting? Thank God for his comfort and ask him to make you a conduit of that comfort to someone today.
Day 4: Growth Through Challenges
Reading: James 1:2-4
Devotional: The sermon mentioned how protecting children from all difficulties can actually hinder their growth. Similarly, God allows us to face challenges because he knows they can strengthen our faith and character. What current challenge are you facing? Instead of asking God to remove it, try asking him what he wants you to learn through it. How might this difficulty be preparing you for future service or deepening your reliance on him?
Day 5: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Reading: John 3:16-17
Devotional: As gathered around the Lord’s Table on Sunday, we were reminded of God's sacrificial love in sending Jesus. God's love for us is so vast that he gave his only Son. Meditate on the magnitude of this sacrifice. How does it change your view of God's love for you personally? How might it inspire you to love others more sacrificially? Express your gratitude to God for this ultimate demonstration of love and ask him to help you live in response to it today.
Day 1: Unconditional Love
Reading: Romans 8:35-39
Devotional: God's love for us is not transactional. It doesn't depend on our circumstances, our behavior, or what we can offer Him. Just as Pastor Dennis realized God's deep love while his newborn son was in distress, we too can experience the profound depth of God's love in our most challenging moments. Today, reflect on a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult situation. How did it change your understanding of his love? Remember, nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Day 2: Faith Beyond Blessings
Reading: Job 1:20-22
Devotional: The enemy assumed Job's faith was based on his blessings, but true faith goes beyond material prosperity. Job's response to losing everything demonstrates a faith rooted in who God is, not what he provides. Consider your own faith—is it dependent on your circumstances? Ask God to help you cultivate a faith that stands firm in both abundance and lack. Praise Him today simply for who He is, not for what He gives.
Day 3: Suffering and Divine Presence
Reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7
Devotional: Suffering is not a sign of God's absence or displeasure. Often, it's in our pain that we experience God's nearness most profoundly. Pastor Dennis’s experience in the NICU revealed God's presence in a new way. Think about a time of suffering in your life. How did God reveal Himself to you? How can you use that experience to comfort others who are hurting? Thank God for his comfort and ask him to make you a conduit of that comfort to someone today.
Day 4: Growth Through Challenges
Reading: James 1:2-4
Devotional: The sermon mentioned how protecting children from all difficulties can actually hinder their growth. Similarly, God allows us to face challenges because he knows they can strengthen our faith and character. What current challenge are you facing? Instead of asking God to remove it, try asking him what he wants you to learn through it. How might this difficulty be preparing you for future service or deepening your reliance on him?
Day 5: The Ultimate Sacrifice
Reading: John 3:16-17
Devotional: As gathered around the Lord’s Table on Sunday, we were reminded of God's sacrificial love in sending Jesus. God's love for us is so vast that he gave his only Son. Meditate on the magnitude of this sacrifice. How does it change your view of God's love for you personally? How might it inspire you to love others more sacrificially? Express your gratitude to God for this ultimate demonstration of love and ask him to help you live in response to it today.