Reflection: Alone With God

Scripture

  • “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6)
  • “We know that we have the requests we asked of Him.” (1 John 5:15)
  • “He who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Teaching

Prayer is not about trying to convince God with many words or urgent pleading. He already knows what you need before you ask. Instead, prayer is about childlike trust in a Father who loves, sees, and cares.

When you pray, shut out distractions and enter the secret place with God. There the Father is waiting for you. Jesus Himself will teach you to pray in that quiet space. Being alone with God should be your greatest joy and strength.

God is not concerned with how little you bring Him, but with how much He longs to give to you. His heart is full of tender, caring love. Even when your heart feels cold, sinful, or dark, His presence brings light and warmth.

Encouragement

  • Prayer in secret cannot be wasted. God promises to reward it openly.
  • The blessing of prayer doesn’t depend on strong feelings, but on God’s power and love.
  • Faith grows as we trust that our Father sees, hears, and knows our needs.
  • Prayer is not forcing an unwilling God, but resting in a willing and faithful Father.

Application

  • Go often into your “inner chamber” — a place where you can be still with God.
  • Close the door, silence distractions, and simply look to the Father.
  • Trust Him to answer in His way and His time.
  • Let your prayer be less about many words and more about faith, quietness, and confidence.

Prayer

Father, You see me, You hear me, and You know what I need even before I ask. Teach me to treasure time with You in the secret place. Give me faith to trust that You will answer and reward what is done in secret. Let my greatest joy be to be alone with You and to know that You supply every need according to Your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Attribution

Excerpt adapted from Andrew Murray, With Christ in the School of Prayer (1885).

August 23, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Jeremiah 49-50

Common Theme

These chapters declare God’s judgment against the nations surrounding Israel, culminating with Babylon itself. The Lord reveals His sovereignty over all kingdoms and His power to bring down even the mightiest oppressors.

Questions

  • What does God’s judgment on the nations teach us about His authority over world powers?
  • How does God’s eventual judgment of Babylon give hope to His people in exile?

God Shot

God is revealed as the righteous Judge who cannot overlook pride, idolatry, and oppression. At the same time, He is the Deliverer who rises to defend His people and overthrow their enemies.

Deeper✝

Jeremiah 49

This chapter contains a series of oracles against foreign nations: Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. Each prophecy highlights God’s judgment against nations that opposed or mistreated His people, showing that His sovereignty extends beyond Israel. While judgment is certain, the prophecy concerning Elam also includes a promise of restoration, underscoring God’s justice and mercy operating together.

Jeremiah 50

This chapter proclaims the fall of Babylon, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the impending restoration of Israel and Judah. The text highlights the joy of nations previously subjugated by Babylon, as they anticipate its downfall. The prophet encourages the exiled Israelites to flee Babylon, signaling a return to their homeland. Babylon’s shame is depicted through poetic imagery, portraying it as a mother figure that will face judgment for its actions against God’s people. The text draws parallels between Babylon and Assyria, asserting that God will judge oppressors.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

God Has Not Forgotten You

Reflection

You may fear that the Lord has passed you by, but it is not so. He who counts the stars and calls them by their names is in no danger of forgetting His own children. He knows your situation as thoroughly as if you were the only creature He ever made, or the only saint He ever loved. Rest in His compassion and draw near to Him in peace.

Prayer

Lord, You make a way out of no way.
You have already planned a pathway through the valley of impossibility. Help me to operate with faith, not just facts.

Amen.

Attribution: Reflection adapted from Morning and Evening by Charles Spurgeon. Prayer from 100 Days of Believing Bigger by Marshawn Evans Daniels.

August 22, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Jeremiah 46-48

Common Theme

These chapters describe God’s judgment on Egypt, Philistia, and Moab, showing that no nation can stand secure against His sovereign rule. The downfall of these nations demonstrates both His justice against pride and idolatry and His faithfulness to His word through the prophets.

Questions

  • What do these judgments reveal about God’s sovereignty over not only Israel but all nations?
  • How does the downfall of proud nations caution us about placing trust in earthly power or alliances?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as the Lord of hosts, sovereign over all nations, executing judgment according to His justice. At the same time, His heart is moved with compassion, as seen in His lament for Moab, showing that His justice flows from holiness, not cruelty.

Deeper✝

Jeremiah 46–49

Jeremiah 46–49 contains prophecies against various nations, primarily Egypt, Moab, Ammon, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, Hazor, and Elam. The first oracle against Egypt, dated to 605 BC, predicts the downfall of Pharaoh Necho’s army during the battle of Carchemish, emphasizing divine judgment against Egypt’s pride and imperialism. Despite this judgment, Egypt is not entirely forsaken, as it will eventually be restored.

The oracles against the Philistines, Moab, and Ammon follow, detailing their impending defeat and humiliation. The Moabites, related to the Israelites, are warned of their judgment due to their idolatry and defiance against God, with vivid imagery of destruction and exile. The Ammonites, also linked to Israel, face similar fates, with references to their deity Milcom and the promise of eventual restoration.

Edom’s prophecy highlights its loss of wisdom and impending destruction, with no mention of restoration. Damascus is depicted as weak and suffering from judgment, while Kedar and Hazor represent Arab tribes facing Babylonian attacks. Lastly, Elam is singled out for judgment but is also promised restoration.

The overarching theme emphasizes that God’s judgment serves a greater purpose, leading to eventual restoration and inclusion of all nations in His plan. This reflects a message of hope amidst the historical realities of injustice and cruelty, suggesting that God’s grace extends beyond Israel to all nations.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

What does the word regeneration mean in Titus chapter 3 and verses 3 through 7? And how do these scriptures relate to recovery?

Regeneration in Titus 3:3–7

The word translated “regeneration” in Titus 3:5 comes from the Greek palingenesia (παλιγγενεσία). It literally means new birth or rebirth—a beginning again.

Paul describes it as the “washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

  • Washing points to cleansing from the corruption of sin.
  • Regeneration is receiving new life from God, not just reformed behavior.
  • Renewal of the Spirit emphasizes the ongoing transformation and empowerment to live differently.

Importantly, Paul reminds us that this new life is not the result of “works of righteousness which we have done” but solely because of God’s mercy and kindness revealed in Christ.

Flow of Titus 3:3–7

  • Verse 3: Our past condition—foolish, enslaved, driven by passions, full of malice, envy, and hatred.
  • Verses 4–5: God’s kindness and love appeared; He saved us, not because of our efforts, but by His mercy, through regeneration and renewal.
  • Verse 6: The Spirit was poured out richly through Jesus Christ.
  • Verse 7: The result—we are justified by grace and made heirs with hope of eternal life.

Connection to Recovery

Recovery, whether from addiction, destructive patterns, or brokenness, parallels this passage in powerful ways:

  • Honesty about the past (v. 3): Just as Paul describes, recovery begins with acknowledging the old life—enslavement to harmful desires and behaviors.
  • God’s intervention (vv. 4–5): Real change is not just willpower or self-reform. True recovery comes through God’s mercy and the Spirit’s regenerating work.
  • A new identity (vv. 6–7): Recovery is sustained by embracing who we are in Christ—justified, heirs of grace, and filled with hope.
  • Freedom from shame: Regeneration assures us that the past no longer defines us. In Christ, we are given new life and power to walk in freedom.

In Summary

  • Regeneration in Titus 3:3–7 means the Spirit-given new birth and cleansing that makes us spiritually alive.
  • These verses mirror recovery by showing that lasting transformation is not self-driven but God-driven, freeing us from the old life and giving us hope for the new.

August 21, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Jeremiah 41–45

Common Theme

After Jerusalem’s fall, the remnant of Judah struggles with fear, rebellion, and misplaced trust. Despite God’s clear word through Jeremiah, they reject His command to stay in the land and instead flee to Egypt, showing their resistance to God’s authority and their tendency to rely on human security.

Questions

  • Why do people often seek safety in their own plans rather than trusting God’s commands?
  • How does rejecting God’s word reveal the true condition of the heart?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as patient yet unwaveringly faithful to His word, warning His people even when they refuse to listen. He shows that His authority extends beyond borders, and no one can escape His presence or His purposes.

Deeper✝

Jeremiah 41

In Jeremiah 41:1–18, After Gedaliah’s murder by Ishmael, who also kills other Judean officials, Ishmael attempts to gain power. The next day, pilgrims from Shiloh, Shechem, and Samaria come to worship at the temple but fall victim to Ishmael’s treachery. He murders most of them and takes captives, including royal daughters, before fleeing. Johanan and his men manage to rescue some captives but fail to apprehend Ishmael, leading them to consider fleeing to Egypt due to fears of Babylonian retaliation.

The narrative reflects on themes of leadership, betrayal, and the consequences of moral failure, drawing parallels to historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, who faced similar challenges of division and reconciliation. The text encourages reflection on the lessons of tragedy and the potential for renewal amidst failure, urging Christians to discern the Spirit’s guidance in their lives.

Jeremiah 42

In Jeremiah 42:1–43:7, the remnant associated with Johanan seeks God’s guidance through Jeremiah about fleeing to Egypt. They promise to obey God’s word, and Jeremiah agrees to seek counsel. After ten days, he conveys God’s message: if they stay in the land, they will be preserved, but fleeing to Egypt will lead to judgment. Despite this warning, the group accuses Jeremiah of lying and chooses to go to Egypt, taking Jeremiah and Baruch against their will. The text emphasizes that obedience to God’s will is essential for discipleship, and often, the reluctance to follow stems from moral sloth rather than a lack of understanding. The narrative highlights the tragedy of rejecting God’s guidance when it conflicts with personal desires.

Jeremiah 43—44

In Jeremiah 43:8–44:30, the prophet Jeremiah, at God’s command, buries stones in Tahpanhes to symbolize Babylon’s impending conquest of Egypt, warning Judeans that their escape to Egypt will not shield them from judgment. He predicts destruction of Egyptian temples and obelisks, emphasizing that the idolatry of Judeans in Egypt mirrors their past faithlessness in Judah. The people respond defensively, asserting that their worship of the Queen of Heaven has brought them better fortunes than worshiping the Lord. They claim this practice was supported by their husbands, highlighting a cultural divide regarding religious practices. Jeremiah counters their claims, foretelling judgment for their apostasy and predicting the downfall of Pharaoh Hophra as a sign of God’s authority. He assures that a remnant will eventually recognize the enduring truth of God’s word over the falsehoods of idolatry. The application stresses the importance of acknowledging one’s failures and relying on God’s grace, contrasting the people’s misguided attempts to seek divine favor through idolatry.

Jeremiah 45

Jeremiah 45:1–5 discusses the prophecy concerning Baruch, Jeremiah’s scribe, which is chronologically out of place with earlier chapters. The prophecy, dated in the fourth year of Jehoiakim (605 BC), follows Baruch’s reading of Jeremiah’s scroll, leading to public persecution and his subsequent hiding. After Jerusalem’s fall, Baruch faced accusations but was taken to Egypt with Jeremiah. This account serves to confirm Baruch’s divine calling and emphasizes that his presence in Egypt is not due to God’s disfavor. Baruch’s struggles reflect the cost of serving God during tumultuous times, paralleling Jeremiah’s laments. God assures Baruch of his life’s value, urging faithfulness despite challenges. The text encourages Christians facing difficulties to find solace in the examples of biblical figures, highlighting that their lives are gifts meant for service amid struggles.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

August 20, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Habakkuk 1–3

Common Theme

Habakkuk wrestles with the problem of evil, questioning why God allows wickedness to prosper, but ultimately learns that the righteous live by faith. The book closes with a powerful affirmation of trust in God’s sovereignty and salvation, even amid suffering and loss.

Questions

  • How does Habakkuk’s dialogue with God help us understand the place of honest lament in faith?
  • What does it mean to live by faith when circumstances seem unjust or overwhelming?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as the holy and sovereign ruler who governs history and will ultimately judge wickedness. He is the God of salvation, worthy of trust and worship, whose power brings both trembling and joy.

Deeper✝

Habakkuk 1

The book of Habakkuk presents a dialogue between the prophet and Yahweh, focusing on the prophet’s questions about the existence of wrongdoing and God’s tolerance of it. In Chapter 1, Habakkuk questions why God allows injustice, receiving a response about the rise of the Babylonians. The text highlights the relevance of Habakkuk’s message in today’s context, addressing themes of loss, cultural displacement, and impending destruction. It illustrates how believers can respond faithfully to dire circumstances, reflecting on the prophet’s struggle with the reality of suffering.

Habakkuk 2

Habakkuk 2 reveals Yahweh’s message about the fall of Babylon and addresses the prophet’s concerns regarding the wicked. God instructs Habakkuk to write down a vision that contrasts two paths: puffed-up desire and faith. The text emphasizes that the righteous will live by their faithfulness, addressing the prophet’s questions about God’s tolerance of evil and the prosperity of the wicked. Key issues include the implications of Jerusalem’s fall, God’s reputation amidst Babylon’s success, and the challenge of idolatry. Yahweh’s responses highlight the eventual downfall of Babylon and the restoration of His people. The chapter offers practical guidance for those facing turmoil, reminding them to seek divine wisdom and participate in worship. It reassures believers that, despite suffering, God is present and will ultimately deliver them. The message encourages faith in God’s promises, emphasizing that the righteous will endure through their trust in Him.

Habakkuk 3

Habakkuk 3 is a song to Yahweh that reflects on His power and ways in the world, serving as a response to earlier revelations about the Babylonians. While differing in form from the rest of the book, it is integral to the overall message. The song transitions from celebrating Yahweh’s visible power to expressing joy despite the absence of basic needs, illustrating Habakkuk’s faith in unseen promises. He anticipates suffering but chooses to be a survivor rather than a victim. The chapter emphasizes the struggle of reconciling personal beliefs with divine revelation, showcasing a matured faith in the concluding verses, which highlight God’s historic deeds and majesty.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

August 19, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

2 Kings 24–25; 2 Chronicles 36

Common Theme

The fall of Judah to Babylon demonstrates the culmination of God’s judgment against persistent rebellion and unfaithfulness. Despite repeated warnings through prophets, the people hardened their hearts, and God handed them over to exile, fulfilling His word.

Questions

  • What does the fall of Jerusalem reveal about the seriousness of ignoring God’s warnings?
  • How does God’s faithfulness in judgment also point to His faithfulness in keeping promises of restoration?

God Shot

God is shown as the sovereign Judge who faithfully carries out His word, even when it means bringing devastating judgment. His holiness cannot tolerate sin, and His justice ensures that rebellion is never ignored, yet even in wrath His larger purposes of redemption are still unfolding.

Deeper✝

2 Kings 24-25

In 2 Kings 23:31–24:17, Jehoahaz, son of Josiah, is appointed king of Judah but is soon imprisoned by Pharaoh Necho, who makes Judah a vassal of Egypt. Jehoahaz dies in captivity without a regnal summary. Necho then installs Eliakim as king. During Jehoiakim’s reign, Babylonian power rises, leading to a struggle between Egypt and Babylon. Jehoiakim, initially supported by Egypt, rebels against Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar eventually captures Jerusalem, and Jehoiakim dies before the city surrenders. His son, Jehoiachin, reigns briefly before surrendering and facing exile. Nebuchadnezzar empties the temple and palace treasures and installs Zedekiah, Josiah’s youngest son, as a vassal king. The narrative reflects the Israelites’ faith amid suffering and alienation, paralleling the struggles of German colonists in Ukraine during the Russian Revolution, highlighting the resilience of faith in times of upheaval.
2 Kings 24:18–25:30

In 2 Kings 24:18–25:30, Zedekiah’s reign begins as a vassal of Nebuchadnezzar after Jehoiachin’s capture. Zedekiah’s rebellion against Babylon, prompted by unclear motivations, leads to Jerusalem’s siege in 588 BC, lasting about a year and a half. The city is ultimately captured, resulting in its complete destruction, including the burning of the temple and the removal of sacred vessels. Following this, Gedaliah is appointed governor by the Babylonians, but he is soon murdered by Ishmael, leading to the flight of the remaining Judahites to Egypt, marking the end of national existence.

Jehoiachin is released from prison by Awel-Marduk, Nebuchadnezzar’s successor, after two years, receiving a favored status among captive kings, although the specifics of his privileges remain unclear. The text reflects on the nature of loss, comparing physical death to the death of relationships and communities, emphasizing that while exiles lost possessions and friends, they retained hope in God’s faithfulness. This hope serves as a reminder of continuity with the past despite the pain of separation and loss.

2 Chronicles 36

2 Chronicles 36:2–21 summarizes the reigns of the last kings of Judah—Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah—highlighting the kingdom’s decline. The text emphasizes the themes of exile and the plundering of the Lord’s temple, attributing Judah’s downfall to the unfaithfulness of its leaders and people. Unlike 2 Kings, which blames Manasseh for the exile, the Chronicler holds the entire nation accountable, reflecting a corporate understanding of sin and responsibility. The Chronicler warns his contemporaries against repeating past mistakes, linking the desecration of the temple to divine judgment. The narrative underscores the retribution principle of the Mosaic covenant, where obedience leads to blessings and disobedience to curses. The Chronicler asserts that the exile was God’s doing, fulfilling prophetic words, and emphasizes God’s faithfulness to His promises. The application section draws parallels to modern discussions of theodicy, noting that while suffering persists, believers can find strength in God’s support through trials. Ultimately, the text reassures that God uses suffering to develop virtues in the faithful, leading to ultimate reward.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23 serves as a hopeful conclusion to the Chronicler’s history, directing readers to the repatriation story in Ezra-Nehemiah. The epilogue, attributed to the Chronicler, includes a date referencing the first year of Cyrus king of Persia (538 BC) and highlights Cyrus’s decree, which, while not explicitly mentioning the Hebrews, pertains to the Israelites exiled by Assyrians and Babylonians. The Chronicler emphasizes God’s sovereignty, as seen in Cyrus’s actions, which fulfill Isaiah’s prophecies regarding the restoration of Jerusalem. Cyrus is portrayed as both a shepherd and a prophet of Yahweh, facilitating the return of Jews to Palestine and the rebuilding of the temple. The text reflects on the tension between God’s sovereignty and the ongoing struggles against nations opposing Him. The incomplete citation from Ezra 1:3 in the epilogue invites worship, paralleling the psalmist’s call to ascend to the temple. This worship is essential for understanding life’s complexities, as it allows believers to gain perspective on righteousness and wickedness, echoing Peter’s affirmation of believers as a chosen people called to declare God’s praises.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

August 18, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Jeremiah 38–40; Psalm 74, 79

Common Theme

Both Jeremiah’s account and these psalms highlight God’s sovereign judgment over nations and His people, while also pointing to His mercy as the only hope for restoration. God allows Jerusalem’s destruction because of sin, yet He preserves His prophet and hears the desperate cries of His people.

Questions

  • How does God’s preservation of Jeremiah during Jerusalem’s fall display His faithfulness even in judgment?
  • In Psalm 74 and 79, what does the psalmist’s appeal to God’s covenant teach us about how to pray in seasons of devastation?

God Shot

God is the righteous Judge who allows destruction when His people persist in rebellion, yet He is also the covenant-keeping God who hears the cries of the afflicted and preserves a remnant. He is both just and merciful, holding nations accountable while remaining faithful to His promises.

Deeper✝

Jeremiah 38-39

In Jeremiah 38:1–28, the officials express anger towards the prophet Jeremiah for his discouraging messages about Babylonian dominance, leading them to lower him into a muddy cistern as punishment. This act reflects the dire circumstances of the siege, highlighting water scarcity. An Ethiopian eunuch, Ebed-Melek, bravely intervenes, persuading King Zedekiah to rescue Jeremiah from the cistern, using rags to prevent injury during the extraction. Although Jeremiah is freed, he remains confined under guard. Zedekiah seeks Jeremiah’s spiritual counsel, revealing his concerns for both his safety and the city’s fate. Jeremiah presents Zedekiah with the choice of surrendering to the Babylonians or facing destruction. Zedekiah’s request for secrecy indicates his internal conflict and lack of trust in those around him. The chapter concludes with Jeremiah still in custody until Jerusalem’s fall, setting the stage for future events. The narrative emphasizes the impact of fear on decision-making and the importance of discerning and trusting God’s will amidst difficult choices.

The passage from Jeremiah 38:28b–39:18 recounts the fall of Jerusalem and the fate of its leaders, particularly Zedekiah, who attempts to escape but is captured by the Babylonians. The city is burned, including the royal palace, while some of the poorest inhabitants are left behind to tend the land. Nebuchadnezzar orders Jeremiah’s release, recognizing his prophetic role, and hands him over to Gedaliah, who will become governor of Judah. The narrative also highlights Ebed-Melek, the eunuch who saved Jeremiah, receiving a divine promise of life. The text reflects on the nature of tragedy and judgment, suggesting that while Jerusalem’s fall was foretold, it embodies both divine judgment and tragedy. It emphasizes God’s grace amidst judgment, illustrating that new beginnings can arise even in dire circumstances, affirming God’s sovereignty over history and personal lives.

Jeremiah 40

In Jeremiah 40 Nebuzaradan, a Babylonian official, informs Jeremiah that God has handed Judah and Jerusalem to Babylon for judgment. Jeremiah chooses to stay with the remnant in the land rather than go to Babylon, indicating his commitment to renewal. Gedaliah, appointed governor, gathers remnants of Judeans at Mizpah, including Ishmael and Johanan, who will play crucial roles in the unfolding events. Johanan learns of a plot by Ishmael, who is allied with the Ammonite king Baalis, to assassinate Gedaliah, but Gedaliah dismisses the warning.

Psalm 74

Psalm 74 expresses the anguish of the psalmist over God’s perceived rejection and the destruction of Jerusalem. The opening verses question why God has abandoned His people, highlighting their identity as His flock. The psalmist laments the assault on the temple and the silence of God, feeling lost without prophetic guidance. Despite the despair, the psalmist acknowledges God’s unchanging power over chaos. The latter part of the psalm calls on God to remember His covenant and the suffering of His people, urging Him to act against their enemies. The text encourages communal discernment of God’s presence in difficult times and understanding one’s role in faith.

Psalm 79

Psalm 79 reflects on the suffering of God’s people following the fall of Jerusalem and their exile. The psalmist reminds God of the cost of these events, emphasizing Israel as His inheritance. While acknowledging their deserved punishment, the poet urges God to respond to the injustices faced by Judah. The prayer seeks both mercy and justice, highlighting the need for restoration and the importance of God’s reputation among nations. Ultimately, the psalm underscores the significance of prayer as a means of relationship with God, beyond merely seeking outcomes.


✝Deeper excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.

Freedom Starts Today – Study Guide Week 6

Study Guide: Week 6 (Days 36–42)

Day 36 – Your Choice: A Breeze or a Beating

Quote: “If you were to rise early every morning… it would keep it constantly in your head, that softness and idleness were to be avoided, that self-denial was a part of Christianity.” — William Law

The author shares a personal struggle with all-or-nothing thinking, moving from alcohol to other indulgences like ice cream. The key takeaway: 99% commitment leads to constant temptation, but 100% commitment makes obedience easier. By deciding in advance to abstain completely, the decision is already made when temptation arises. Romans 13:14 calls believers to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh.”

Prayer:

Father, You know the weakness of my heart and the pull of the sin that seeks to master me. Today I ask You to give me unwavering decisiveness, the resolve to say no every time, without hesitation, to that which dishonors You. Clothe me in the Lord Jesus Christ so that my life is guarded by His presence and power. Let there be no provision, no compromise, no open door for this sin. Make my heart steadfast so that no matter when, where, or how temptation comes, my answer is always no, for the sake of Your glory and my holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 1

Paul, called by God’s will to be an apostle, addresses the church in Corinth, extending grace and peace. He expresses gratitude for the grace given to them in Christ, noting their enrichment in speech and knowledge, and assures them of God’s faithfulness. Paul appeals for unity among the believers, urging them to avoid divisions and quarreling over allegiance to different leaders. He emphasizes that Christ is not divided and that he was sent to preach the gospel, not to baptize. Paul contrasts worldly wisdom with the power of the cross, stating that the message of Christ crucified is seen as foolishness by many but is the power of God for those being saved. He reminds them that God chose the weak and foolish to confound the wise, ensuring that no one can boast before Him, and that their identity in Christ brings wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.✝

Discussion Questions:

  • What areas of your life require a 100% “line in the sand” decision?
  • How does advance decision-making help resist temptation?

Day 37 – No Pain, All Gain

Quote: “It is an abuse to confess any kind of sin… without a will to be delivered from it.” — Francis de Sales

Through an analogy about ignoring a doctor’s health advice, the author explains that confession without repentance is ineffective. True change requires turning from sin and toward Christ, replacing harmful habits with righteous actions. 2 Timothy 2:22 teaches us to flee sin and pursue righteousness with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Prayer:

Lord, You see my sin more clearly than I do, and You love me enough to call me out of it. Give me the power to truly repent—to turn from sin and turn fully to Christ. Break my attachment to what harms me, and help me pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with a pure heart. Teach me to take each step in Your strength, one day at a time, until my life reflects the freedom You purchased for me. Amen.

Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2

In this passage, Paul encourages Timothy to be strengthened by the grace of Christ and to share in suffering as a good soldier. He emphasizes the importance of teaching others and remaining focused on spiritual pursuits rather than civilian distractions. Paul reminds Timothy of the resurrection of Jesus and his own suffering for the gospel, asserting that God’s word remains unbound. He advises against quarrels and irreverent discussions, urging Timothy to present himself as an approved worker of God. The text highlights the need to cleanse oneself from dishonorable actions, pursue righteousness, and avoid foolish controversies. Finally, it calls for kindness and patience in teaching, with the hope of leading others to repentance and truth.✝

Discussion Questions:

  • Why is confession without repentance ineffective?
  • What specific steps can you take to replace sinful habits with godly ones?

Day 38 – Satan’s Sinister Strategy

Quote: “It is the prisoners, and the blind, and the leper, and the possessed… who are His special care.” — Andrew Jukes

The author recounts a conversation among church leaders where many confessed having suicidal thoughts, highlighting that such thoughts often stem from the enemy’s lies. The Bible links self-harm and suicide to demonic influence, showing Satan’s desire to destroy life. Believers must reject these lies, honor God with their bodies, and run to Him for healing. 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Father, You know the struggles that weigh on my heart and mind, and You see the battles I face that others may never know. Thank You for sending Jesus to rescue and heal the broken, the bound, and the hurting like me. Help me to reject the lies of the enemy and listen only to Your voice of truth. Remind me that I am not my own, but belong to You, bought at the greatest price. Fill me with Your Spirit’s power to honor You with my body and my life. Thank You for Your constant presence, unfailing love, and victorious strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 107

The text emphasizes gratitude towards the LORD for His enduring goodness and steadfast love. It encourages the redeemed to proclaim their deliverance from various troubles, including wandering in desolate places, imprisonment, and affliction due to sin. Each time the afflicted cried out to the LORD, He responded by delivering them from their distress, leading them to safety, healing, and providing sustenance. The passage highlights the LORD’s power over nature, calming storms and transforming desolate lands into fruitful ones. It illustrates the contrast between the fate of the wicked and the blessings bestowed upon the needy and upright. The text concludes with a call for wisdom, urging readers to reflect on the steadfast love of the LORD and to express their gratitude through thanksgiving and praise in communal settings. Overall, it serves as a reminder of divine intervention and the importance of recognizing and celebrating God’s wondrous works.✝

Discussion Questions:

  • How can recognizing the source of destructive thoughts help in resisting them?
  • What does it mean to honor God with your body?

Day 39 – I of the Hurricane

Quote: “Fallen man is… a rebel who must lay down his arms.” — C. S. Lewis

The author shares his personal story of total loss due to sin, leading to full surrender to Christ. Despite external chaos, surrender brought peace, purpose, and joy, like being in the calm eye of a hurricane. Habakkuk 3:16–19 shows us that even in loss, we can rejoice in the Lord, our strength.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus,
I come to You in the middle of my storm, surrounded by chaos, loss, and uncertainty. My heart trembles, my strength fails, and I cannot calm the winds on my own. But I know You are the One who speaks peace into the fiercest hurricane.
Be the center of my life, the still place in my storm. Take my fears, my failures, my broken pieces, and make them Yours. Fill me with Your peace that the world cannot give. Help me to trust You even when nothing makes sense, to rejoice in You when everything else is gone, and to rest in the strength only You provide. You are my Savior, my refuge, my peace. Be the I of my hurricane today and every day.
Amen.

Scripture Reading: Habakkuk 3

Habakkuk’s prayer expresses deep reverence and fear of the Lord’s power and works. The prophet acknowledges God’s splendor and might, recalling His past actions that shook nations and brought salvation to His people. Despite witnessing calamity and suffering, Habakkuk resolves to wait patiently for God’s intervention against invaders. He emphasizes unwavering faith, declaring that even in times of scarcity and hardship, he will rejoice in the Lord and find strength in Him. The prayer concludes with a note of triumph, as Habakkuk affirms that God empowers him to rise above challenges, likening his strength to that of a deer.✝

Discussion Questions:

  • How does surrendering everything to Christ bring peace in chaos?
  • What “hurricanes” in your life need Christ’s peace today?

Day 40 – Saved to Be Sent

Quote: “We have the means to evangelize our country; but they are slumbering in the pews of our churches.” — John R. W. Stott

The story of the Gerasene demoniac in Mark 5 illustrates that Jesus not only saves but also sends. After healing the man, Jesus told him to go home and tell others what God had done for him. The man obeyed, and people were amazed. Like him, we are called to share our testimony so others may know Christ.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming through the storm of sin and death to rescue me. Thank You for having mercy on me, clothing me in Your righteousness, and giving me a new mind and heart. I praise You for saving me when I was lost, bound, and without hope.

Now, Lord, I ask that You send me. Open my eyes to see the people around me who need to hear what You have done. Give me boldness to tell my story, that others may marvel at Your power and grace. Use my life as a testimony of Your mercy, for Your glory alone. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Mark 5

In the country of the Gerasenes, Jesus encounters a man possessed by an unclean spirit, living among tombs and exhibiting superhuman strength. The man, identifying himself as “Legion” due to the many demons within him, begs Jesus not to torment him. Jesus commands the spirits to leave the man and allows them to enter a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea and drown. The herdsmen report this to the townspeople, who find the formerly possessed man now sane and clothed, leading them to fear and ask Jesus to leave. The man wishes to follow Jesus, but Jesus instructs him to share his story of healing with his friends.

Later, Jesus returns to a crowd where Jairus, a synagogue ruler, pleads for help for his dying daughter. As Jesus goes with him, a woman suffering from a long-term illness touches his garment and is healed. Jesus acknowledges her faith and assures her of her healing. Meanwhile, news arrives that Jairus’s daughter has died, but Jesus encourages him to believe. At Jairus’s home, Jesus raises the girl from the dead, commanding her to rise, and instructs her parents to keep the miracle private and provide her with food.✝

Discussion Questions:

  • Why do you think Jesus told the man to stay and share his story locally?
  • How can your personal testimony be a tool for evangelism?

Day 41 – Sold Out or Sell Out

Quote:
Still, as of old,
Man by himself is priced.
For thirty pieces Judas sold
Himself, not Christ.
— Hester H. Cholmondeley

The author likens being “sold out” for Christ to being firmly “nailed down” so that no temptation can sway you. Judas sold out Christ for thirty pieces of silver; we must resolve never to sell out Christ for temporary pleasures. Matthew 26:14–16 warns us of the cost of betrayal.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I declare today that I am Yours. No price the world offers and no temptation Satan presents is worth betraying You. I have been crucified with You, and my old life has been nailed to the cross.

I am sold out to You, Lord. Strengthen me when the pressure comes, guard my heart when sin entices, and remind me that Your love and grace are better than any fleeting pleasure. I will not sell out, because You bought me with Your blood. I belong to You forever. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Matthew 26

In this passage, Jesus predicts his impending crucifixion to his disciples, stating that he will be delivered up in two days during the Passover. Meanwhile, the chief priests and elders conspire to arrest and kill him, deciding against doing so during the feast to avoid public unrest. In Bethany, a woman anoints Jesus with expensive ointment, prompting criticism from the disciples, which Jesus defends as a preparation for his burial. Judas Iscariot then agrees to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

As the Passover approaches, Jesus instructs his disciples on where to prepare the meal. During the meal, he reveals that one of them will betray him, leading to sorrow among the disciples. Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, symbolizing his body and blood, and foretells Peter’s denial. Later, in Gethsemane, Jesus prays in anguish, asking for strength to face his fate, while his disciples struggle to stay awake.

Judas arrives with a crowd to betray Jesus with a kiss, leading to his arrest. Despite a disciple’s attempt to defend him, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of fulfilling Scripture. He is taken to Caiaphas, where false witnesses attempt to incriminate him. Jesus remains silent until directly questioned about his identity, affirming he is the Christ, which leads to accusations of blasphemy and his condemnation to death. Meanwhile, Peter denies knowing Jesus three times, fulfilling Jesus’ earlier prediction, and he leaves in sorrow.✝

Discussion Questions:

  • What does it mean to be “sold out” to Christ?
  • What “price” would tempt you to compromise, and how can you guard against it?

Day 42 – Evicting Birds

Quote: “You can’t keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest.” — Attributed to Martin Luther

Using his wife’s battle with OCD, the author illustrates how intrusive thoughts are like birds, inevitable, but they don’t have to be entertained. Philippians 4:8–9 teaches believers to focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable, filling the mind with God’s truth for peace.

Prayer:

Father, thank You that I do not have to believe every thought that comes into my mind. Thank You that You have given me truth in Your Word to silence lies and temptations. When I set my thoughts on who You are, on Your goodness, purity, and faithfulness, You promise to fill me with Your peace. Keep my mind steady and my heart secure as I rest in the truth of Christ. Amen.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4

The passage encourages believers to stand firm in the Lord and to resolve conflicts, specifically urging Euodia and Syntyche to agree. It emphasizes rejoicing in the Lord, being reasonable, and presenting requests to God through prayer, promising that His peace will guard their hearts. The text advises focusing on virtuous thoughts and practicing learned teachings. The author expresses gratitude for the Philippians’ concern and support, acknowledging their partnership in the gospel. He shares his contentment in all circumstances, attributing his strength to Christ. The passage concludes with greetings to the saints and a blessing of grace from the Lord Jesus Christ.✝

Discussion Questions:

  • What are some “birds” (thoughts) you need to evict today?
  • How can Philippians 4:8–9 reshape your thought life?


✝Excerpted from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.