FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
HARVEST OF GRATITUDE
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness. — Psalm 65:11 KJV
You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with abundance.
– Psalm 65:11 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!
Moving forward an asterisk (*) identifies a member of the 5AM Bible Study Ministry Leadership Team.
If you are walking through any of life’s difficulties, challenges or an exciting time, please know that you do not have to walk through it alone. As God leads you, feel free to reach out to any of our leaders for prayer, encouragement, Scripture-based guidance, or simply someone to talk with.
Sometimes we need someone to pray with us. Sometimes we need a listening ear. Sometimes we need to laugh, cry, ask questions, or simply be reminded that we are still connected through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We want you to feel comfortable reaching out. Conversations shared with a Ministry leader will be treated with care, respect, sensitivity, and discretion. Your personal concerns are not meant to become general conversation. If a situation involves someone’s immediate safety, protection, or another circumstance that requires additional help, the leader will handle that matter prayerfully and responsibly.
Let’s bridge the gaps between one another through prayer, compassion, conversation, trust, and genuine connection, and love in Christ. 💙
In every season, remember this: You are not alone. We are not alone. We are all part of God’s community, and God is with us. 🙏🏽
AN OPEN INVITATION FROM CLASS 9
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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, it emphasizes “word-for-word” correspondence while fully accounting for 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 so abundantly present in the original texts.
As an essentially literal translation that takes into account grammar and syntax, the ESV 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 Bible study. Indeed, with its commitment to literary excellence, the ESV is equally well suited for public reading and preaching, private reading and reflection, academic and devotional study, and Scripture memorization.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, October 11, 2026 – JESUS LOOKS FOR THE LOST – Luke 15:3-7
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Forgiveness; Salvation
ODB Scripture: Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep. [Luke 15:6]
Today’s Devotional
“I’ve been looking for him all my life.” With tears in his eyes, Bill Cordes spoke those words after being reunited with his younger brother, Robert. The men hadn’t seen each other for eighty years after being split up when Robert was just four months old due to a troubled family situation. Bill’s granddaughter helped him finally find his baby brother—someone he’d never stopped thinking about or seeking to find.
In Luke 15, Jesus told three parables of people who refused to stop looking for something or someone precious. In the parable of the lost sheep, He said to the Pharisees who were challenging Him, if a shepherd lost one sheep of his hundred, wouldn’t he “leave the ninety-nine . . . and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” (v. 4). His point? The Pharisees—the “ninety-nine”—thought they were right with God, but they weren’t. And Christ told them, there’s “more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents”—who turns from sin to God’s forgiveness—than for those who don’t think they need to (v. 7).
Our Great Shepherd never stops looking for us, and He’ll never stop seeking others as well. When we repent and receive salvation in Christ, there’s great joy in heaven—in God’s heart—because what “was lost . . . is found” (v. 32). And what joy we experience in being found by the one who sought us!
Reflect & Pray
Why should you repent of your sins? How does it encourage you to know that Jesus looks for the lost?
Dear Jesus, because You sought me, I can repent of my sins and receive Your salvation.
Today’s Insights
In our text, Jesus points to the rejoicing that follows when a sinner “repents” (Luke 15:7). The Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible defines repentance as “a change in the whole personality from a sinful course of action to God.” It’s a complete about-face. This theme of repentance is found throughout the Bible and was especially prominent in the ministries of Christ and John the Baptist.
Mark tells us, “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (1:4). In fact, John’s very first recorded words were, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). Jesus’ ministry began with the very same message (4:17). It’s imperative that all of us, as sinners, repent: “Unless you repent, you too will all perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). The way to salvation is through belief in Christ, who died so we could live (John 3:16).
For further study, read: The Gift of Confession
Jesus Looks for the Lost
Monday, October 12, 2026 – WHAT GOD HAS DONE – Deuteronomy 8:10-18
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Bible study
ODB Scripture: Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands. [Deuteronomy 8:11]
5 AM Focus(es): As we come out of our wilderness, relearn the Bible’s instructions and do them. Remember what God has done for us as we live for Him and give Him praise
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Joshua 1:8
Today’s Devotional
Dan Wallace teaches Greek and travels the world cataloguing ancient manuscripts. At the height of his career, he caught encephalitis, a disease that causes the brain to swell. Dan spent the next year in a wheelchair, traveling to five hospitals and the Mayo Clinic. He survived, though he lost most of his memory, including his knowledge of foreign languages. Yet he persisted and returned to the classroom. Dan says, “I had to relearn Greek, and I taught myself Greek using the textbook that I myself had published the year before!”
It’s strange to learn Greek from yourself, but it’s not unusual to learn the same truths over again. This is why God gave us Deuteronomy. Its name means “second law,” a fitting title for a book that reviews the laws and commands given by God in the Old Testament. Deuteronomy gives the Ten Commandments again (ch. 5) and repeatedly urges God’s people to remember how He delivered them from Egypt, led them through the wilderness, and brought them to the promised land. They needed to remember their salvation story, lest their success might make them proud and they’d “forget the Lord . . . [their] God, who brought [them] out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery” (8:14).
What wilderness has God brought you out of? How has He provided for you? When we pause to think, we have ample reason to thank and praise Him—again and again.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it important to rehearse the Bible’s stories and instructions? What other practices help you to celebrate your salvation?
Dear Jesus, please help me to remember Your story.
Today’s Insights
“Remembering” is a surprisingly central theme in Scripture. The Israelites were to remember God’s faithfulness in the past since it would serve as the basis for trusting His future faithfulness (Deuteronomy 8:10-18). More than simple recollection, biblical remembering involves active obedience. Our unfaithfulness is how we “forget” His faithfulness (vv. 11, 14).
Thankfully, even when we do forget, God always “remembers” His promises to His loved ones. The prophet Isaiah reminds God’s people: “Remember these things, Jacob, for you, Israel, are my servant. I have made you, you are my servant; Israel, I will not forget you” (Isaiah 44:21). Today, as we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we can respond in praise.
For further study, read: Genesis to Revelation
What God Has Done
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 – JESUS’ PRAYER PRIORITY – Mark 1:29-39
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Prayer
ODB Scripture: Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place. [Mark 1:35]
5 AM Focus(es): Life is busy, however, we must come aside to pray. Just as Jesus prioritized His prayer time, we must do the same)
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Psalm 55:17-18
Today’s Devotional
The Arctic lights of the aurora borealis (the northern lights) are well known for their shimmering green and violet light, but did you know they also emit low frequency electromagnetic (radio) waves? Special devices can convert these natural radio signals into audible whooshing and crackling noises. However, to record these otherwise inaudible vibrations of electric and magnetic energy, you must travel at least four miles away from human sources of sound or electricity that could interfere with the radio receivers.
It’s also sometimes necessary to leave the noise of our lives to hear God’s voice. Mark’s gospel describes Jesus waking up before dawn and finding a “solitary” place to pray (1:35). He’d stayed up late the night before, healing and freeing people from demons (vv. 21-32). The “whole town” had watched (v. 33). Can you imagine their joy and awe? But while Jesus willingly served them, the experience was likely also exhausting.
So the next morning, Jesus took time to find quiet before God, despite the fact that the people were looking for him (v. 37). Jesus’ example shows us the value He placed on spending time alone in prayer.
Today, take a break and listen for God’s voice in the quiet (Psalm 46:10). Let Him reorder your priorities and refresh your soul so you can enjoy the peace He offers.
Reflect & Pray
How can we take time to be still before God? Why might you be hesitant to spend time in silence with Him?
Dear God, please show me how to give more of myself to You as I pay attention to You.
Today’s Insights
Jesus modeled many things perfectly for us, including His consistent priority of prayer. It was perhaps this example that caused His disciples to ask for His help in this important area. Luke 11:1 says, “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.’ ” Christ responded by giving them a model of prayer that we refer to as the Lord’s Prayer.
It begins with focus on the person, holiness, and kingdom of our heavenly Father (v. 2). Then it turns to our daily needs—even needs so basic as our daily food (v. 3). Jesus then closes with an expression of concern for our relationships with others (v. 4). In these few words, He gives us a magnificent blueprint for our own prayers. As we leave the noise around us and pray to our heavenly Father, we can listen to Him speaking to us.
For further study, listen to the podcast: Waiting in Silent Rest for God
Jesus’ Prayer Priority
Wednesday, October 14, 2026 – LIVES MOLDED BY GOD – Jeremiah 18:1-10
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Spiritual growth
ODB Scripture: Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?
5 AM Focus(es): If we have sinned, repent. God is the Master Potter and He can mold and reshape us when we wander away from Him as He pleases.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Psalm 139:23-24
Today’s Devotional
When Asheton met Nick, she described herself as lost, lacking purpose, and behaving in ways she wasn’t proud of. Nick had recently experienced something similar and had reconnected with his faith in the process. He shared with Asheton how viewing God as a loving potter who had reshaped his life and given him hope in that difficult time. The two eventually married and took up pottery as a hobby. Now they offer pottery classes and encourage the attendees that “they’re special and created for a purpose.”
God likened Himself to a potter when communicating with the prophet Jeremiah, instructing him to observe the way a potter reshaped marred pots into new pots “as seemed best to him” (Jeremiah 18:4). God revealed to the prophet His ability to shape and reshape the Israelites—either planting or uprooting them according to their response to His counsel. He endowed Jeremiah with a message of repentance and hope for them that He can “do with you, Israel, as this potter does” (v. 6).
Jeremiah’s message was proclaimed to the nation of Israel, but the principle applies to our individual lives as well. When we find ourselves wandering from God’s truth in our thoughts and actions, we can turn to the Potter for help. When we admit our wrongdoings and ask Him for guidance and wisdom to change our ways, we can trust Him to reshape us with His loving hands.
Reflect & Pray
When has God reshaped your life? How are you different today as a result of His help?
Please mold me, dear Father, into the person You want me to be.
Today’s Insights
When Paul wrote Philippians, he was writing from prison (1:13). While there, he also wrote Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, which are referred to as the Prison Epistles. How did the apostle endure such difficult times? In part, by focusing beyond that moment to when he’d see his Savior and in part by focusing on others.
While imprisoned, his heart was breaking for those who were living in opposition to the gospel: “As I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ” (Philippians 3:18). His tears demonstrated his concern for others. Our hope in Jesus and concern for others can lift us beyond our present circumstances to lives of hope and purpose as we wait for our longings to be fulfilled when Christ returns (vv. 14, 21).
For further study, read: All Things New
Thursday, October 15, 2026 – SEARCHING FOR HOPE – Romans 15:5-13
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Fruit of the spirit; God’s character; Holy Spirit; Hope
ODB Scripture: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him. [Romans 15:13]
5 AM Focus(es): Trust in God’s promises and His faithfulness to give us hope to endure and encourage us amidst the chaos of this world.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): John 16:33
Today’s Devotional
For many years, hope has been one of the most searched terms on the internet. Surprisingly, it surpasses searches for political crises and even making money online. People are seeking more profound meaning. Recent years haven’t fostered optimism; instead, they’ve felt like an ongoing, slow-motion crisis: Environmental fears, economic instability, and digital anxiety dominate our headlines and hearts. Yet, through all these struggles, millions type hope into their browsers, as if throwing a lifeline to something beyond the chaos.
Paul understood that God is the Someone beyond the chaos. When the apostle wrote of “the God of hope” (Romans 15:13), he wanted Roman believers in Jesus to understand that God was both the source and object of their hope. Paul reminds us that true hope isn’t merely wishful thinking or fleeting optimism; it’s anchored in God’s character and faithfulness. And He instills confidence in us through His promises. He’s also the one who provides “endurance and encouragement” (v. 5) through the power of His Holy Spirit. This hope endures despite circumstances, filling us with joy and peace as we recognize God has accepted us in Christ (v. 7).
If you’re searching for hope, direct your heart toward God. As you trust in His promises and embrace His faithfulness, you can have eternal hope found in Him alone.
Reflect & Pray
HWhat keeps your hope in God alive when you face adversity? What can you do to remain confident in Him?
God of truth, please fill me with Your hope and joy. For further study, read Hope: Discovering the One True Source at odbm.org.
Today’s Insights
In Romans 15, Paul says the foundation for the unity of believers in Jesus is to have “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (vv. 5-6). Unity is found in following His example of self-giving love, not in having identical beliefs, backgrounds, or preferences. The goal of this unity is worship “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 6).
In fact, unity itself is a form of worship: “Accept one another . . . in order to bring praise to God” (v. 7). Romans is especially focused on Jewish and gentile unity. The apostle emphasizes that Jews and gentiles worshiping God together fulfills God’s promises (vv. 8-12). Today, we can join together with other believers and worship “the God of hope” who fills us “with all joy and peace” (v. 13).
For further study, feel free to browse through our resources at the store: Reclaim Today Guide – Ecclesiastes
Searching for Hope
Friday, October 16, 2026 – READY FOR CHRIST’S RETURN – 1 Peter 3:13-17
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Apologetics; Influencing others; Spiritual maturity
ODB Scripture: Be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. [1 Peter 3:15]
5 AM Focus(es): Through your suffering, are you ready to share the good news with others of Jesus’ return?
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Matthew 24:44
Today’s Devotional
It was late fall, and my wife and I were going to take a trip by car. The day before our planned departure, it began to snow, and I suddenly realized I hadn’t taken the car in to have snow tires put on. The snowy, deteriorating conditions led to a long line at the tire shop—something I could have avoided with better planning.
Much of life is about getting ready, isn’t it? It’s vital for us to think ahead, prepare for what eventualities might occur, and make sure we’ve planned well.
This is true of our spiritual life as well. In Matthew 24, Jesus pointed out the necessity of being all set for His later return. He told His listeners that they “must be ready” because He will come again (v. 44). And Peter later wrote that believers should prepare themselves ahead of time intellectually and spiritually “to give the reason for the hope that [they] have” (1 Peter 3:15).
Our lives should be ones of preparation. First, we must make sure we’re ready for Jesus’ return by putting our faith in Him. Next, our task is to continually prepare ourselves for service for Him—even if it means to “suffer for doing good” (v. 17). With His help, let’s get ready.
Reflect & Pray
How are you sure you’re ready to meet Jesus when He returns or when you die? What can you do to better prepare to serve and honor God?
Dear Jesus, please help me use my time wisely—preparing for what You want me to do. While I handle daily responsibilities, help me to also set aside times for spiritual preparation.
Today’s Insights
After we’ve placed our trust in Jesus as our Savior and are ready to meet Him when He returns, we’re called to share our hope in Christ with others. The apostle Peter tells us, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15). The sometimes-overlooked key to his instructions on sharing our faith is that there needs to be a catalyst in our lives that causes people to ask about it.
That catalyst is a Christlike, hope-filled life, which opens the door to sharing about our relationship with Jesus. Because we live in a desperate world, a life that displays hope can cause people to want what they see in us. God can help us “be prepared” to tell others of our Savior (v. 15), who is our source of hope through His resurrection (1:3).
For further study, read: Die First, Then Comes the End
Saturday, October 17, 2026 – GOD’S COMPASSION – Jonah 3:10-4:2, 4, 6-11
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): God’s love; Love
ODB Scripture: The LORD replies, “Is it right for you to be angry?” [Jonah 4:4]
Today’s Devotional
I didn’t like Sadie. My colleague was often rude to me, so I avoided her. So when she heard about an evangelistic meeting in my church and asked if she could go with me, I was indifferent. “I’ll see,” I mumbled.
Days passed, and the topic seemed forgotten. But God hadn’t forgotten. I could feel His gaze, waiting for me to reach out to Sadie. One day, while I was praying, a question pervaded my thoughts: Think about your response to Sadie. Is it right?
Ouch! The question reminded me of what God asked the prophet Jonah after the people of Nineveh repented: “Is it right for you to be angry?” (Jonah 4:4). Jonah had warned the Ninevites of God’s judgment for their sin (3:1-4). Strangely, however, when they repented and God “did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened” (v. 10), “this seemed very wrong” to Jonah “and he became angry” (4:1). He believed that the cruel enemies of Israel had gotten off easily (vv. 1-3) and deserved punishment.
But God corrected Jonah, pointing out his lack of compassion for the Ninevites, who had no true spiritual understanding (vv. 5-11). God, “gracious and compassionate . . . slow to anger and abounding in love” (v. 2), cares about the welfare of all people, no matter what they’ve done. Let’s extend God’s compassion to others too—helping them to know and love Him.
Reflect & Pray
Why can it be difficult to show compassion to some people in your life? How can God help you extend it to them?
Loving Father, please help me to see others the way You do and show them Your compassion.
Today’s Insights
Jonah wanted God to destroy the wicked Ninevites and became angry when He forgave them and spared their lives (3:10–4:1). The prophet even objected to God being “gracious and compassionate . . . slow to anger and abounding in love” (Jonah 4:2). Jonah didn’t want Him to extend His grace to the gentiles.
But our sovereign God has the right to show mercy to whomever He chooses (v. 11; see Exodus 33:19; Romans 9:15). As believers in Jesus and His “chosen people” (1 Peter 2:9), we’re “to be like God” (Ephesians 4:24)—compassionate, kind, patient, loving, and forgiving (Colossians 3:12-14). Today, God can help us show compassion to others, even to difficult people.
For further study, read: A Circumcised Heart and a Compassionate Life
God’s Compassion
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT
When the Clay Wanders
Even if you lose your way, God can still work in your life for His own purposes. “But now, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay and you are our potter; and we are all the result of your hands.” – Isaiah 64:8 (KJV)
Have you ever lived your life, carried out your duties, helped others, and striven to be faithful to God, only to feel out of touch with your purpose? You may be progressing, but you don’t know where you’re heading. You might be praying, but your course still remains obscure. You give your time and effort to service, but the joy you used to feel has disappeared. At some point on this journey, you start to wonder, ‘Lord, are you satisfied with where I am?’
It doesn’t necessarily mean that we have deliberately turned away from God when we are spiritually wandering. Our busy lives can draw our attention away. Failure and disappointment can blur our judgment, and because we have grown so used to our usual routines, we stop seeking God’s guidance.
But here’s the hopeful fact we should remember: even if we lose sight of our goals, we can return to the One who knows how to shape our lives.
1. The Potter Has Not Forgotten the Clay
In Jeremiah 18:1-6, God told Jeremiah to go to the potter’s house, where he saw the potter at work, shaping clay on a wheel; when the vessel became defective, the potter did not throw it away at once but remolded it into a different vessel.
Jeremiah 18:4 (KJV) declares: “And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.”
God used this illustration to teach Israel about His authority and their duty to respond to Him; it also reminds us of a significant spiritual truth: our mistakes, disappointments, and unexpected changes need not determine the rest of our lives.
Your plans may have come to nothing, a task may have ended, or you may have found parts of yourself that need correction. Don’t think your value to God has ceased.
A damaged season needn’t be the last word on your life, because you can experience God’s restoring grace through repentance, obedience, and surrender.
2. Sometimes We Wander Because We Want Control
We often ask God to guide our lives while still holding on to our own expectations. We hope He will bless our plans, preserve our relationships, and open doors on our preferred timetable. But what do we do when God’s wisdom contradicts what we think is best?
Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV) instructs us to: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Surrendering to God does not mean that we stop thinking, planning, or making responsible decisions. It means submitting our desires and decisions to God’s wisdom. Sometimes we wander because we have become more committed to our own plans than to seeking His guidance. Surrender is not the absence of questions. It is choosing to keep trusting God even as questions remain.
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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