FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
Sowing and Reaping God’s Harvest
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. — 2 Corinthians 9:6 KJV
6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully[a] will also reap bountifully. — 2 Corinthians 9:6 ESV
MINISTRY RESOURCES
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR NEW YEAR!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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ESV Translation Philosophy
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to reproduce the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking full account of differences in grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and exact force of the original.
In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive views of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.
Every translation is at many points a trade-off between literal precision and readability, between “formal equivalence” in expression and “functional equivalence” in communication, and the ESV is no exception. Within this framework, we have sought to be “as literal as possible” while maintaining clarity of expression and literary excellence. Therefore, to the extent that plain English permits and the meaning in each case allows, we have sought to use the same English word for important recurring words in the original; and, as far as grammar and syntax allow, we have rendered Old Testament passages cited in the New in ways that show their correspondence. Thus in each of these areas, as well as throughout the Bible as a whole, we have sought to capture all the echoes and overtones of meaning that are so abundantly present in the original texts.
As an essentially literal translation, taking into account grammar and syntax, the ESV thus seeks to carry over every possible nuance of meaning in the original words of Scripture into our own language. As such, the ESV is ideally suited for in-depth study of the Bible. Indeed, with its commitment to literary excellence, the ESV is equally well suited for public reading and preaching, for private reading and reflection, for both academic and devotional study, and for Scripture memorization.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, October 5, 2025 – COMMUNION WITH GOD – Psalm 15
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Integrity
Today’s Devotional
In his book Man of Honor, Ray Pritchard shares the story of his stroll in a cemetery where he discovered a man’s grave marker with a wordy tribute. But he then describes a more eye-catching epitaph on the gravestone of the man’s son: “A man of unquestioned integrity.” As Pritchard wrote: “Five words to sum up an entire life. Sixty-plus years distilled into five words. But, oh what truth they tell.”
In Psalm 15:1, we find questions asking after a certain kind of person: “Who may worship in your sanctuary, Lord? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill?” (v. 1 nlt). The answer involves integrity and is captured in the word blameless found in verse 2: “Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts” (v. 2 nlt). The question (v. 1) and answer (v. 2) combination refers to communion with God. The rest of the psalm summarizes—in positive and negative terms—what a God-honoring life looks like.
When we have intimate communion with God, it’s displayed in a life of integrity, particularly in how we treat others as the Spirit helps us (see Matthew 22:34-40; 1 John 3:16-18). It’s the posture of life that we assume when we believe in and follow Jesus—the one who lived in perfect communion with His Father.
Reflect & Pray
What does your life say about your closeness to God? What spiritual disciplines might you need to adopt to have a closer relationship with Jesus?
Dear Father, please give me strength to love You with all my heart and to demonstrate this by integrity in my life.
For further study, read Going the Distance.
Today’s Insights
David asks, “Who may dwell in your sacred tent?” (Psalm 15:1). If we answer this question honestly, we’ll admit we often fall short of the high standards enumerated here. Who among us can claim to be “blameless” (v. 2)? The writer to the Hebrews sheds light on this. Of Jesus, that New Testament letter says, “Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens” (Hebrews 7:26).
Our high priest Christ “sacrificed for [our] sins once for all when he offered himself” (v. 27). This meant that He “entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption” (9:12). His once-for-all sacrifice on our behalf enables us to follow and obey Jesus as we treat others with the love and respect that honors our Father.
Today’s Devotional
Canada and the island of Saint Lucia celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday in October. Liberia sets aside a day for giving thanks at the beginning of November, while the United States and Australia mark the annual holiday at the end of the month. Other countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, Rwanda, and the Philippines, have unofficial days to foster gratitude.
There’s something powerful about a nation collectively expressing gratitude. It’s a picture we see when King David assembled the nation of Israel to give thanks to God for His presence, protection, and promises. The celebration marked the return of the “ark of God” (1 Chronicles 16:1). The people rejoiced that the ark, a symbol of God’s presence with them, was in Jerusalem. As David led Israel in praise, he reminded them of God’s protection as the nation conquered the land of Canaan (vv.18-22) and celebrated His faithfulness to fulfill His promises (v. 15).
If you celebrate a Thanksgiving holiday with friends and family, consider making it a gratitude gathering and reflecting together on the ways you’ve experienced God’s presence, protection, and promises over the past year. Whether or not you live in a country that officially celebrates Thanksgiving, each of us can take time to “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced God’s presence, protection, or promises? How can you express gratitude?
Dear God, please cultivate within me a spirit of gratitude as I remember all You’ve done.
Today’s Insights
To celebrate the return of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem, David composed this worship song in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36, a “song of thanksgiving to the Lord” (v. 7 nlt). The lyrics of this praise song are also presented as two different songs in the Psalms: Psalm 105:1-15 (1 Chronicles 16:8-22) and Psalm 96:1-13 (1 Chronicles 16:23-33).
In 1 Chronicles 16, to show his gratitude to God for being the God of Israel, David recalled aspects of their history where God acted favorably and mightily to fulfill His covenant promises to His chosen people (vv. 8-22). He calls on the nations to worship God because He’s the true and holy God who is Creator, sovereign King, and righteous Judge (vv. 23-36). We too have many reasons to be grateful and thankful to God. Like the psalmist, when we gratefully recall who He is and what He’s done for us, we can respond in worship and praise.
Today’s Devotional
Climbing Jamaica’s Dunn’s River Falls is an exhilarating experience. Water cascades over the smooth rocks of the falls on its way to the Caribbean. It’s a challenge as climbers battle the water’s flow to make their way to the top. For a teenager named JW, it’s a near impossibility. He’s sight-impaired, with only a pinhole view of the world.
But JW was determined to climb, and his friend Josiah was willing to team up with him. Josiah was JW’s eyes—telling him which slippery rocks to avoid and where to put his hands and feet. And JW was Josiah’s heart—showing him what courage looks like.
So much of life is like that daunting climb: We shouldn’t walk alone. King Solomon points us to that truth. “Two people are better than one, for they can help each other succeed” (Ecclesiastes 4:9 nlt). Both Josiah and JW were attempting something special—and they could do it only in tandem. The passage continues: “If either [person] falls down, one can help the other up” (v. 10). But neither fell and neither failed. Together, they reached their goals.
God’s design for people, presented clearly by Solomon and demonstrated vividly by these two teenagers, is that we work together. The tasks God calls us to do are best done with others—each using what skills and emotions God has given to bring an outcome that points to Him.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it important to serve with others? How does it feel when you team up to point people to God?
Dear God, please help me team up with You and others to accomplish Your mission on earth.
For further study, read The Absurdity of Chasing Dreams.
Today’s Insights
The book of Ecclesiastes—written from the perspective of “under the sun” (1:14) or the human experience on earth—seems to be one long lament. What’s it all about? Does anything ultimately matter? Why even try? That forlorn theme continues here, as the writer (called “the Teacher” in 1:1) observes “a man all alone” (4:8). Eventually this solitary figure asks himself, “For whom am I toiling?” The Teacher observes, “This too is meaningless—a miserable business!” (v. 8).
Yet Ecclesiastes also recognizes that there is a life worth living. The wise man declares, “Two are better than one” (v. 9) and points to a specific reason why doing life together is preferred: “If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (v. 10). God lovingly equips us to help each other and in turn to accept help. Our necessary interdependence reminds us of our complete reliance on God and His goodness.
Examine the original Hebrew meaning of key words in Ecclesiastes 1.
Today’s Devotional
When my two nieces were younger, they’d coax me into a game after dinner. They’d turn off all the lights in the house, and we’d shuffle through the darkness, clutching each other and laughing. They enjoyed scaring themselves by choosing to walk in the dark, knowing they could turn on the light anytime.
In his letter to the early believers in Jesus, the apostle John talked about choosing to walk in a different kind of darkness. First John 1:6 refers to sin as “darkness.” Walking in darkness isn’t a momentary lapse but a choice to keep engaging in wrongdoing. John reminds us that our holy God “is light” and “in him there is no darkness” (v. 5). So when we claim a relationship with Him yet willfully continue sinning, “we lie and do not live out the truth” (v. 6). Jesus, the light of the world, came so that “whoever follows [Him] will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
By God’s grace, after we’ve wandered in spiritual darkness and we turn to Him in repentance, we can walk in His light again—in His ways and purposes. He will “forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Only when we live in obedience to God can we enjoy the full blessing of relationship with Him and with other believers (v. 7).
Reflect & Pray
When have you chosen to “walk in the darkness”? How did this choice impact your relationship with God and with other believers?
Thank You, God, for Your forgiveness and help. Please enable me to walk in Your light.
For further study, watch The Scenery of Forgiveness.
Today’s Insights
The prologue to the letter of 1 John (1:1-4) echoes the introduction to the gospel he’d written earlier (John 1:1-18). In the gospel of John, the apostle says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (1:1). The letter of 1 John begins, “That which was from the beginning . . .” (1:1).
John’s gospel says of Jesus, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind” (1:4). His letter says, “The life [Jesus] appeared” (1:2). The parallels continue as the gospel of John calls Christ “the true light” (1:9) and 1 John says, “God is light” (1:5). John then encourages us to “walk in the light, as he is in the light” (v. 7). Bringing our sin to the light of confession brings us forgiveness through the blood of Jesus (vv. 7, 9).
Thursday, October 16, 2025 – PURSUED BY GOD – Psalm 119:169-176
Daily Bread Focuses: Decision-making; Spiritual growth; Study Bible; Wisdom
Scriptures: John 8:32-36; John 10:28-29; Romans 11:33-36; Psalm 105:1-8
Today’s Devotional
David Uttal is a cognitive scientist who studies navigation but has problems navigating his way around geographic locations. This isn’t a new problem for him—one that goes back to when he was thirteen years old and got lost for two and a half days on a hike. Uttal admits he’s still terrible with simple directions in life. But some people are natural navigators—knowing exactly where they are and how to get where they desire to go. Others, like Uttal, struggle even with clear directions and often get lost.
The psalmist also felt the disorientation of lostness: “I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands” (Psalm 119:176). He compared himself to a wandering sheep. Although sheep can be valuable creatures, they’re also notoriously rebellious and will sometimes drift away from their shepherd—putting them in need of rescue. The psalmist’s spiritual navigation skills had deteriorated, and his spiritual sense of direction had faded, so he needed God to pursue him and give him a “discerning mind” (v. 169 nlt).
When we wander away from God’s care, He loves us enough to seek us and lead us back to Himself. As He helps us understand the Scriptures and follow “all [His] commands” (v. 172), we can avoid getting spiritually lost.
Reflect & Pray
In what ways have you drifted away from God and His wisdom? In what ways will you remember His instruction today?
Gracious God, I recognize that I’m often like a lost sheep—easily distracted and led astray. Please bring me back to Your side.
For further study, read Learning the Rhythms of Freedom.
Today’s Insights
The Bible is God’s gift to enable us to live a life that honors Him (Deuteronomy 4:1-8; 2 Timothy 3:14-17). Psalm 119 is the psalmist’s unwavering commitment to live out its truths. The psalm begins with a declaration that “those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart” are blessed (v. 2). Throughout the psalm, the psalmist spells out these blessings.
Its 176 verses (arranged in 22 stanzas of 8 verses each) affirm the authority, supremacy, sufficiency, and transformative power of the words of Scripture. They provide assurance, hope, peace, joy, and delight (vv. 14, 16, 24, 97, 103, 111, 114, 165). Scripture provides wisdom and guidance to navigate life’s challenges (vv. 32, 98-100, 105) and comforts us in times of trouble (vv. 28, 50, 52, 92). It empowers us to live a life that honors God, keeping us from sin and correcting us when we go astray (vv. 9-11, 29, 133). Our loving God uses the Scriptures to draw us to Himself.
Today’s Devotional
With extra time on my hands, my plan for the coming months centered on serving people as much as I could. But while helping a new friend, I tripped and fell and broke my arm in three places. Suddenly I was the one in need. God’s people cared for me with visits, gift cards, flowers, phone calls, texts, prayers, meals (and even a box of chocolates), and by running errands. I couldn’t believe how kind my family, friends, and fellow church members were! It was as if God were saying, “Sit down. You need help. You’ll see what caring looks like.” Because of them, I know more about serving from the heart and feeling grateful to God for others.
Fellow believers eagerly helped me in the ways Paul instructed the church members living in Rome to follow (Romans 12). He encouraged them in many ways, including to love sincerely, to be devoted to one another in love, to honor others, and to share with those in need (vv. 9-13). Paul taught them doctrine throughout his letter. But he also shared that life in Christ isn’t abstract theology—it’s shown in our practical daily living (chs. 12-16). God’s way is love. Receiving and then pouring out His love on others is one of many ways to express His love for us.
As we look for and find everyday ways to serve people in our churches or communities, they’ll be encouraged, we’ll be blessed, and God will be praised.
Reflect & Pray
Who needs your help this week? What will you do?
You’re kind beyond measure, God. Please help me to receive and give Your love to those around me.
For further study, read A Family Dedicated to Serving.
Today’s Insights
A pattern found in several of Paul’s church letters (see Ephesians and Colossians) is that he teaches a section of doctrine followed by a section of practical application and response. In Romans, the doctrinal teaching is found in chapters 1-11, with practical response dominating chapters 12-16.
The key transition point is the word therefore in 12:1: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”
Paul is saying that because of the love and grace God has demonstrated for us as described in chapters 1-11, we can have the heart response described in chapters 12-16. As one pastor said, “What we believe must influence and impact how we behave as God’s ambassadors.” God’s love for us enables us to pour out His love on others.
Saturday, October 18, 2025 – A PRAYERFUL POSTURE – 2 Chronicles 20:5-12
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Healing; Hope; Prayer; Spiritual Growth; Suffering
Today’s Devotional
A lengthy battle with a chronic illness had taken its toll on Jimmy. Though he desired to spend time with God each morning, praying to Him and meditating on the Scriptures, he couldn’t find a way to position his body in his chair that wasn’t painful. He shifted from side to side, but there was no relief. Finally, in desperation, he fell to his knees. As he did, that prayerful posture proved to lessen the agonizing ache. In the mornings that followed, Jimmy spent time with God on his knees—experiencing comfort even as he called out to Him in prayer.
Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, also faced a battle—not with pain but with threatening enemies (2 Chronicles 20:1-2). The king was “terrified by this news and begged the Lord for guidance” (v. 3 nlt). All the people of Judah sought “help from the Lord” as well (v. 4). God heard their prayers, and His Spirit came upon a Levite named Jahaziel, who delivered this comforting message to the king: “Do not be afraid or discouraged . . . . The Lord will be with you” (vv. 15, 17). Jehoshaphat “bowed down with his face to the ground,” and everyone “fell down in worship before the Lord” (v. 18).
In painful and challenging times, we can often experience God’s nearness in a powerful way. As He helps us submit to His will and live out a prayerful posture in our hearts, we can find comfort and peace in Him.
Reflect & Pray
How has God comforted you as you prayed to Him? What painful thing will you bring to Him today?
Loving God, thank You for meeting and comforting me as I pray to You.
For further study, read Compassion: Learning to Love Like Jesus.
Today’s Insights
Jehoshaphat is one of Judah’s more intriguing kings. The kingdoms of Judah and Israel had parted ways barely six decades earlier, yet Jehoshaphat foolishly agreed to go into battle allied with Israel’s idol-worshiping King Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:3). Their combined forces were routed, and Ahab was killed (vv. 33-34). Despite that episode, Jehoshaphat followed God throughout most of his reign.
As a large foe amassed against the people of Judah (20:1-3), Jehoshaphat instinctively sought God. Praying before all the people, he recalled God’s promise to their father Abraham (vv. 5-9). Desperate though he was, Jehoshaphat knew God could be trusted. In our trials, we too can find comfort when we seek God in prayer.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
OUR MORNING GLORY WITH GOD
We wake up every morning to give glory to God. We know the secret, learned from many troubled ways. We must seek Jesus in the morning if we want Him throughout the day.
The “morning glory” represents a fresh start of a gloriously new day in our faith journey. It is a new dawn and a complete renewal of our spiritual life in Christ.
Good morning, Jesus; knowing You are beside us is all we need to begin our day!
All 5 A.M. Bible Study Ministry members rise today with:
God’s Spirit to teach us.
God’s Power to pilot us.
God’s Strength to sustain us.
God’s Wisdom to guide us.
God’s Eyes to look ahead for us.
God’s Ears to hear us.
God’s Word to speak for us.
God’s Hand to protect and carry us.
God’s Love to prosper and complete us.
“In the morning, you shall see the glory of the Lord….” — Exodus 16:17
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
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