Dynamic Devotions Pt2
Dynamic Devotions Pt2
DYNAMIC DEVOTIONS
LESSON #2 “GOD’S WORD”
Intro. Last week we talked about the importance of developing a consistent, meaningful prayer life.
Tonight, we’re focusing on having a consistent, meaningful devotion to God’s Word.
Most of us have probably had challenges reading God’s word.
I understand if you have difficulty reading. Start where you are. If it’s reading one chapter a day in the Bible at first that’s great. If you don’t read well and that’s too much of a challenge for you there are numerous ways for you to listen to God’s word and if you need help finding them talk to me after class.
I. GIVING PRIORITY TO GOD’S WORD
A study by a Christian organization Lifeway Research recently found that approximately 31% of believers read the Bible every day, 30% a few times a week, 14 percent read once a week, 11% a few times a month, 5% once a month. About 9% say they rarely or never read their Bible.
A significant study conducted by the Centre for Bible Engagement involved over 40,000 participants aged 8 to 80. The research aimed tounderstand how biblical interaction influences behavior and
revealed profound insights:
Minimal Impact: Reading the Bible once or twice a week showed little to no effect on individuals' lives.
Slight Improvement: Engaging with Scripture three times a week resulted inonly minor improvements in behavior and mindset.
Significant Changes: When individuals read the Bible four or more times a
week, the results were striking:
Loneliness decreased by 30%
Anger issues reduced by 32%
Bitterness in relationships dropped by 40%
Alcoholism declined by 57%
Spiritual stagnation reduced by 60%
Exposure to pornography fell by 61%
Sharing one's faith increased by 200%
Formation of disciples grew by 230%
Retention of God's Word improved by 407%.
A. WHY GOD’S WORD IS SO IMPORTANT
1. God’s word is a light in a dark world
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
a. Without God’s word we’ll stumble through life
2. God’s word is the key for prospering
Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Psalm 1:2–3 (NLT)
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for “prosperity” means “peace, wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken.”
3. When we know God’s word we’ll have more peace
One of our greatest needs is to live with the peace of God.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
4. God’s word will accomplish things in us
Isa 55:10-11 (NKJV)
10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
a. The word is like rain causing things to grow
God never intended our lives to be dry and crusty!
His gave us His word to “water” us and accomplish things!
Isa 55:11 (NKJV)
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
b. God has sent His Word to accomplish things in every
area of our life, our family, our health, our money,
even dating advice
"And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."
I Pet.2:2 (NKJV)
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
c. The word of God is said to be like bread and milk, food
for growth
The problem some of us face reading the word of God is we wonder, "Am I getting anything out of this?”
Isa 55:11 (NKJV)
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
John 6:63 (NKJV)
"The words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."
5. We need the word of God for spiritual warfare
a. Jesus used the word for victory in the wilderness
temptation (Matt.4) "It is written"
God
c. The only way to know the word of God is through
hearing and reading
Eph 6:17 (NKJV)
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Heb 4:12 (NKJV)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2 Timothy is one of the last letters Paul wrote before his death.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The word "study" he uses here means, "to use speed, be prompt, earnest, diligent."
Earlier Paul had written similar advice in I Timothy.
I Timothy 4:13 (NKJV)
"Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."
Paul knew the importance of reading the word of God.
2 Timothy 4:13 (NKJV)
Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
The Parchments were Old Testament scriptures written down.
Imagine this old apostle sitting in a cold prison. He asks Timothy to bring a coat, some books, but he places a priority on the Scriptures on parchments.
Here is a man who had met Jesus face to face, he had written much of the New Testament, meaning he had revelation from the Holy Spirit, but he still knew he needed to continue reading the Bible.
He could have thought, “Well, I already know everything I need to know.”
But he wanted to keep reading the word of God.
No matter how much we have read our Bibles there’s always something fresh and alive that the Holy Spirit will bring to us when we read.
II. A SYSTEM OF READING
“Hit-and-run Bible study can often become hit and miss.”
“The devil isn’t afraid of the Bible that has dust on it.”
How we read the Bible will vary.
I have been told by numerous people over the years that when they got saved they just started at the beginning of the Bible and worked their way through.
I understand the sentiment. “You start at the beginning.”
There’s nothing wrong with that, but the Old Testament was God’s old way of dealing with people. I’m not diminishing its importance because it’s the word of God. We should get to know what it says but it’s probably better for new believers to begin in the New Testament.
The New Testament is God’s way of dealing with us through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
If you have recently given your life to Christ I would suggest reading the New Testament first.
Just as how we may differ in the way we spend our time in prayer we have to find what works best for us in reading and studying God’s word.
I am providing several reading plans that will be available after the class along with a list of study resources Pastor Pool has created attached at the end of the lesson.
I use what is called the SOAP method and I’m including it as well.
I have kind of adapted it to my own preference and I thought I’d include what I do for your reference.
I also want to mention that if you are just beginning to read the Bible start with a chapter or two and take some time to think over what you’ve read.
The following is the SOAP method I use and I’ll provide and sample after a brief explanation.
S. O. A. P. Method of Study Bible
Daily read one chapter in the Old Testament beginning with Genesis 1, a Psalm beginning with Psalm 1 and when finished with the Psalms go to Proverbs and read a chapter daily. One chapter from the New Testament beginning with Matthew 1.
Scripture
* When reading the Bible pay attention to those verses that catch your attention.
- Write it down giving chapter and verse
Observation
* Spend time meditation on the verse or passage
- Write down what you observe in it or how it speaks to you
Application
* Consider how it can be applied to your everyday life
- Write down how you intend to apply what you observed
Prayer
* Write out a prayer that will express your need for help in apply the observation of the scripture that caught your attention
A sample from my recent reading…
2/16/26
S.O.A.P. JOURNAL
2 Samuel 8 / Psalm 61 / Ephesians 3 / Acts 10 Amplified
“Far Beyond What We Can Imagine”
S. Ephesians 3:16-20 NKJV
“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”
O. When we get a revelation of the love of God then we discover He is able to do far above all we could ever imagine in and through us.
A. I am strengthened with might today by His Spirit in my inner man and Jesus dwells in my heart through faith.
P. Thank You, Jesus, for doing exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think according to the power that works in me.
PRAYER AND CONFESSION: Thank You Jesus, for giving me Your word. I will devote more of my time to reading and meditating on the word of God. I will look for direction and guidance, Your peace, and believe for it to accomplish what You intend it to in my life. Your word will be my weapon in spiritual warfare. Thank You for everything Your word is to me, in Your name, Jesus, Amen.
STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD
Pastor John Pool
2 Timothy 2:15
Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
Bible versions: (there are many more than this)
NASB New American Standard Bible: one of the closest to original language
ESV English Standard Bible: close to original and widely used
KJV King James version: traditional including thee’s and thou’s NKJV New King James version: traditional without thee’s and thou’s
NIV New International version: popular, smooth reading modern version NLT New Living Translation: clear, readable, modern (my favorite)
AMP Amplified: use to enhance understanding. Can be cumbersome to read at length
Bible study tools:
Study Bible: Lots of helps, cross references, and tools to help understand and interpret the Bible. (Often have maps, too.)
Concordance: Alphabetical list of words and phrases with original language words and definitions. Strong’s Exhaustive is the most popular.
Lexicon: Definitions and meanings of Biblical words. Partners well with concordances.
Bible Dictionary: Definitions and proper names for Biblical words. Help with analyzing scripture. Vine’s Expository Dictionary is popular.
Encyclopedia: Historic information: geography, customs, language, literature, and characters.
Cultural books: Helps designed to target specifics and give more detail, such as customs or temple details. Alfred Edersheim is a popular author of these.
Commentary: Interpretation by respected theologians. Help with understanding meaning of passage. Matthew Henry, Scofield, Tyndale, and Charles Spurgeon, are popular ones. Use with caution as these are mankind’s comments, not God’s words.
Online study tools:
biblegateway.com passage lookup, keyword search, reading plans& more (my favorite)
biblehub.com great helps like Strong’s concordance and lexicons (my favorite)
gospel.com partner with biblegateway.com (great resource)
crosswalk.com passage lookup, keyword search, devotionals & more (Jeff’s favorite)
biblestudytools.com partner with crosswalk.com (great resource)
blueletterbible.com search, bible studies, maps, commentaries& more
biblica.com read, study, search & more. Favor New International Version (NIV)
youversion.com free online bible and devotions. (I use this for my devotions)
studylight.org tools, teachings, devotionals, study plans
mywsb.com Lifeway’s online search engine (Southern Baptist)
dailybibleonline.com tools, teachings, and some unique resources
LESSON #2 “GOD’S WORD”
Intro. Last week we talked about the importance of developing a consistent, meaningful prayer life.
Tonight, we’re focusing on having a consistent, meaningful devotion to God’s Word.
Most of us have probably had challenges reading God’s word.
I understand if you have difficulty reading. Start where you are. If it’s reading one chapter a day in the Bible at first that’s great. If you don’t read well and that’s too much of a challenge for you there are numerous ways for you to listen to God’s word and if you need help finding them talk to me after class.
- Before giving some suggestions in how to effectively read the Bible I wanted to first stress the importance of this devotion
I. GIVING PRIORITY TO GOD’S WORD
A study by a Christian organization Lifeway Research recently found that approximately 31% of believers read the Bible every day, 30% a few times a week, 14 percent read once a week, 11% a few times a month, 5% once a month. About 9% say they rarely or never read their Bible.
A significant study conducted by the Centre for Bible Engagement involved over 40,000 participants aged 8 to 80. The research aimed tounderstand how biblical interaction influences behavior and
revealed profound insights:
Minimal Impact: Reading the Bible once or twice a week showed little to no effect on individuals' lives.
Slight Improvement: Engaging with Scripture three times a week resulted inonly minor improvements in behavior and mindset.
Significant Changes: When individuals read the Bible four or more times a
week, the results were striking:
Loneliness decreased by 30%
Anger issues reduced by 32%
Bitterness in relationships dropped by 40%
Alcoholism declined by 57%
Spiritual stagnation reduced by 60%
Exposure to pornography fell by 61%
Sharing one's faith increased by 200%
Formation of disciples grew by 230%
Retention of God's Word improved by 407%.
A. WHY GOD’S WORD IS SO IMPORTANT
1. God’s word is a light in a dark world
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
a. Without God’s word we’ll stumble through life
- We need the word of God to direct us
2. God’s word is the key for prospering
Joshua 1:8 (NKJV)
This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Psalm 1:2–3 (NLT)
2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.
3 They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do.
The Old Testament was originally written in Hebrew. The Hebrew word for “prosperity” means “peace, wholeness, nothing missing, nothing broken.”
3. When we know God’s word we’ll have more peace
One of our greatest needs is to live with the peace of God.
John 16:33 (NKJV)
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
4. God’s word will accomplish things in us
Isa 55:10-11 (NKJV)
10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, and do not return there, but water the earth, and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater,
11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
a. The word is like rain causing things to grow
God never intended our lives to be dry and crusty!
His gave us His word to “water” us and accomplish things!
Isa 55:11 (NKJV)
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
b. God has sent His Word to accomplish things in every
area of our life, our family, our health, our money,
even dating advice
- We need the word of God for personal growth and development
"And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."
I Pet.2:2 (NKJV)
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
c. The word of God is said to be like bread and milk, food
for growth
The problem some of us face reading the word of God is we wonder, "Am I getting anything out of this?”
Isa 55:11 (NKJV)
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
John 6:63 (NKJV)
"The words I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."
5. We need the word of God for spiritual warfare
a. Jesus used the word for victory in the wilderness
temptation (Matt.4) "It is written"
- Some believers get beat up by fighting a silent spiritual battle
God
c. The only way to know the word of God is through
hearing and reading
Eph 6:17 (NKJV)
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Heb 4:12 (NKJV)
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- We have to know how vital the word of God is to us if we’re going to devote quality time to it
2 Timothy is one of the last letters Paul wrote before his death.
2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The word "study" he uses here means, "to use speed, be prompt, earnest, diligent."
Earlier Paul had written similar advice in I Timothy.
I Timothy 4:13 (NKJV)
"Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."
Paul knew the importance of reading the word of God.
2 Timothy 4:13 (NKJV)
Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments.
The Parchments were Old Testament scriptures written down.
Imagine this old apostle sitting in a cold prison. He asks Timothy to bring a coat, some books, but he places a priority on the Scriptures on parchments.
Here is a man who had met Jesus face to face, he had written much of the New Testament, meaning he had revelation from the Holy Spirit, but he still knew he needed to continue reading the Bible.
He could have thought, “Well, I already know everything I need to know.”
But he wanted to keep reading the word of God.
No matter how much we have read our Bibles there’s always something fresh and alive that the Holy Spirit will bring to us when we read.
II. A SYSTEM OF READING
“Hit-and-run Bible study can often become hit and miss.”
“The devil isn’t afraid of the Bible that has dust on it.”
How we read the Bible will vary.
I have been told by numerous people over the years that when they got saved they just started at the beginning of the Bible and worked their way through.
I understand the sentiment. “You start at the beginning.”
There’s nothing wrong with that, but the Old Testament was God’s old way of dealing with people. I’m not diminishing its importance because it’s the word of God. We should get to know what it says but it’s probably better for new believers to begin in the New Testament.
The New Testament is God’s way of dealing with us through Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.
If you have recently given your life to Christ I would suggest reading the New Testament first.
Just as how we may differ in the way we spend our time in prayer we have to find what works best for us in reading and studying God’s word.
I am providing several reading plans that will be available after the class along with a list of study resources Pastor Pool has created attached at the end of the lesson.
I use what is called the SOAP method and I’m including it as well.
I have kind of adapted it to my own preference and I thought I’d include what I do for your reference.
I also want to mention that if you are just beginning to read the Bible start with a chapter or two and take some time to think over what you’ve read.
The following is the SOAP method I use and I’ll provide and sample after a brief explanation.
S. O. A. P. Method of Study Bible
Daily read one chapter in the Old Testament beginning with Genesis 1, a Psalm beginning with Psalm 1 and when finished with the Psalms go to Proverbs and read a chapter daily. One chapter from the New Testament beginning with Matthew 1.
Scripture
* When reading the Bible pay attention to those verses that catch your attention.
- Write it down giving chapter and verse
Observation
* Spend time meditation on the verse or passage
- Write down what you observe in it or how it speaks to you
Application
* Consider how it can be applied to your everyday life
- Write down how you intend to apply what you observed
Prayer
* Write out a prayer that will express your need for help in apply the observation of the scripture that caught your attention
A sample from my recent reading…
2/16/26
S.O.A.P. JOURNAL
2 Samuel 8 / Psalm 61 / Ephesians 3 / Acts 10 Amplified
“Far Beyond What We Can Imagine”
S. Ephesians 3:16-20 NKJV
“that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,”
O. When we get a revelation of the love of God then we discover He is able to do far above all we could ever imagine in and through us.
A. I am strengthened with might today by His Spirit in my inner man and Jesus dwells in my heart through faith.
P. Thank You, Jesus, for doing exceedingly abundantly above all that I ask or think according to the power that works in me.
PRAYER AND CONFESSION: Thank You Jesus, for giving me Your word. I will devote more of my time to reading and meditating on the word of God. I will look for direction and guidance, Your peace, and believe for it to accomplish what You intend it to in my life. Your word will be my weapon in spiritual warfare. Thank You for everything Your word is to me, in Your name, Jesus, Amen.
STUDYING THE WORD OF GOD
Pastor John Pool
2 Timothy 2:15
Amplified Bible (AMP)
15 Study and be eager and do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth.
Bible versions: (there are many more than this)
NASB New American Standard Bible: one of the closest to original language
ESV English Standard Bible: close to original and widely used
KJV King James version: traditional including thee’s and thou’s NKJV New King James version: traditional without thee’s and thou’s
NIV New International version: popular, smooth reading modern version NLT New Living Translation: clear, readable, modern (my favorite)
AMP Amplified: use to enhance understanding. Can be cumbersome to read at length
Bible study tools:
Study Bible: Lots of helps, cross references, and tools to help understand and interpret the Bible. (Often have maps, too.)
Concordance: Alphabetical list of words and phrases with original language words and definitions. Strong’s Exhaustive is the most popular.
Lexicon: Definitions and meanings of Biblical words. Partners well with concordances.
Bible Dictionary: Definitions and proper names for Biblical words. Help with analyzing scripture. Vine’s Expository Dictionary is popular.
Encyclopedia: Historic information: geography, customs, language, literature, and characters.
Cultural books: Helps designed to target specifics and give more detail, such as customs or temple details. Alfred Edersheim is a popular author of these.
Commentary: Interpretation by respected theologians. Help with understanding meaning of passage. Matthew Henry, Scofield, Tyndale, and Charles Spurgeon, are popular ones. Use with caution as these are mankind’s comments, not God’s words.
Online study tools:
biblegateway.com passage lookup, keyword search, reading plans& more (my favorite)
biblehub.com great helps like Strong’s concordance and lexicons (my favorite)
gospel.com partner with biblegateway.com (great resource)
crosswalk.com passage lookup, keyword search, devotionals & more (Jeff’s favorite)
biblestudytools.com partner with crosswalk.com (great resource)
blueletterbible.com search, bible studies, maps, commentaries& more
biblica.com read, study, search & more. Favor New International Version (NIV)
youversion.com free online bible and devotions. (I use this for my devotions)
studylight.org tools, teachings, devotionals, study plans
mywsb.com Lifeway’s online search engine (Southern Baptist)
dailybibleonline.com tools, teachings, and some unique resources
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