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FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)

HARVEST OF GRATITUDE

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SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.  — Psalm 145:3 KJV

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. – Psalm 145:3  ESV

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MINISTRY RESOURCES

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Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)

Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)

MINISTRY FORMS & HANDOUTS

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LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR NEW YEAR!

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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.

Let’s bridge the gaps between one another through prayer, compassion, conversation, trust, 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. 🙏🏽

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AN OPEN INVITATION FROM CLASS 9
Please join us whenever your Teacher is absent, 
or you just want to visit
425-666-4453

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Visit here to submit Prayer Requests

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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.

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PRAISE & WORSHIP

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DAILY DEVOTIONALS

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Sunday, October 18, 2026 – FISHERS OF SHEEP – Matthew 4:18-22

Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Disciple-making; Evangelism

ODB Scripture:  I will send you out to fish for people. [Matthew 4:19]

Today’s Devotional

It was one of those videos that makes you stop and do a double take—Yemeni fishermen frantically rescuing hundreds of sheep from the Red Sea. A ship carrying thousands of sheep had run aground off the coast of Ras Al-Ara, Yemen. The vessel was headed for Djibouti when it capsized, leading to the drowning of more than 160 sheep. However, many were saved due to the combined efforts of a group of fishermen who found themselves, well, fishing for sheep.

Isaiah’s words came to mind when I first saw that image: “We all, like sheep, have gone astray” (53:6). In the same moment, perhaps reflecting the way the Old and New Testaments beautifully work in tandem, Jesus’ invitation to His first disciples surfaced from my memory. Matthew’s gospel records His invitation as He walked beside the Sea of Galilee: “ ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people’ ” (4:19).

For those of us intent on being Jesus’ disciples today, that same invitation is offered. Jesus calls us to fish for people. And why? People—and that means all of us—are like sheep who have strayed from God’s ways and will and words. We need rescue. Being introduced to the Savior can take place by way of His disciples. In His beautiful way, Jesus makes us—His sheep—fishers of other sheep.

Reflect & Pray

Who in your vicinity is like a drowning sheep? What part can you play in their rescue?

Dear God, please make me a fisher of sheep.

Today’s Insights

The account of Jesus calling His disciples to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:19) strongly emphasizes the force of Christ’s call on their lives. Typically, someone who wanted to study under a rabbi would make the decision to approach the rabbi about being a disciple. But Jesus is the one who approached His disciples and commanded them to follow Him. Immediately after the description of Christ calling His first disciples, we’re told of His healing ministry (vv. 23-25).

His healing actions revealed that He was bringing God’s kingdom (v. 17) down to earth in a powerful way—and He’d chosen the disciples to be part of that mission. Those called by Jesus immediately left fishing—their livelihood—as well as their families (v. 22) to devote all of themselves to living out the mission of reaching those who need God. Today, as well, God has called us to share the gospel with others.

For further study, read: Waiting on God’s Rescue

Fishers of Sheep

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Today’s Devotional

“You have to be careful about the snakes, insects, jaguars and everything else,” said archaeologist Ivan Šprajc. Wielding chainsaws and machetes, he and his team slashed through thick jungle to try to reach the lost city of Ocumtún. The ancient metropolis had disappeared along with the rest of the once-vibrant Mayan civilization on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula. No one knows why.

“The study of history is, in large measure, the study of ruins,” says author George Will—an apt testimony to our human inability to do things that last.

In the Bible, we read a prophecy about a thriving city. “They will destroy the walls of Tyre and pull down her towers,” God said through His prophet Ezekiel (26:4). “Out in the sea she will become a place to spread fishnets” (v. 5). Tyre had been “a power on the seas” who put “terror on all who lived there” (v. 17). They’d also celebrated Jerusalem’s fall (v. 2). A companion prophecy says of Tyre’s destruction, “The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring down her pride in all her splendor” (Isaiah 23:9). Tyre fell because of its pride.

Working hard to create new things is one way we reflect God’s image. But beware the fatal trap of pride. Whatever we do, let’s do it for our eternal God and in His strength. He promises us “a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Hebrews 12:28).

Reflect & Pray

What city or civilization do you admire and why? How do you think of it when you consider that one
day it will no longer exist?

Dear God, please help me serve You well as a citizen of Your kingdom, which can never be shaken.

Today’s Insights

Ezekiel pronounces judgment not only against Jerusalem but also the nations who celebrated the downfall of God’s people. Chapters 25-32 include prophecies against seven nations, including Tyre (26:1–28:19). Judgment would be thorough; for instance, Egypt would go down “to the earth below . . . to the pit” (32:18), a reference to the place of the dead.

And Tyre, a preeminent naval power (26:17), would disappear beneath “the ocean depths” as they also would go “down to the pit” (vv. 19-20). Pride inevitably leads to a fall. Serving God ultimately leads to peace (28:26). Today, God can help us serve Him in His strength.

For further study, read: The Promised King

The Lesson in the Ruins

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Tuesday, October 20, 2026 – YOU DO IT TO ME – Acts 9:1-6, 17-20

Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Generosity; Justice; Racism; Suffering; Union with Christ

ODB Scripture: He … heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”  [Acts 9:4]

5 AM Focus(es):  Just as Jesus has forgiven us, we must forgive others who persecute us and serve all who are suffering.

5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s):  Matthew 5:43-48

Today’s Devotional

In September 1963, Welsh artist John Petts heard the news that a racially motivated bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, had killed four African American girls. Wanting to help, he offered to replace the church’s shattered stained-glass window. The people of Wales soon raised the funds.

Petts’ striking replacement window shows Jesus on the cross, His right hand pressing against the frame to signify His pushing out hatred, and His left hand open, offering forgiveness. Along the bottom of the window run the words, you do it to me. One wonders who Jesus is talking to in those words—the racist group that killed those three young believers or the Welsh people who donated the window?

Maybe we don’t have to choose. Before his conversion, Saul persecuted Jesus’ disciples (Acts 9:1-2). Yet, when Christ appeared to him, He said, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (v. 4). Jesus identifies so closely with His people that to harm or bless them is to harm or bless the Lord Himself.

As Saul discovered, Jesus pushes out hatred by offering transforming forgiveness (9:17-20). His right and left hands always work together—and are never taken off the shoulders of His suffering people.

Reflect & Pray

How might Jesus’ example motivate you to serve the persecuted church?
How might it change how you view generosity to any believer in need?

Dear Jesus, I want to serve You by serving Your suffering people today.

Today’s Insights

Believers in Jesus are distinctively described as “the faithful in Christ” (Ephesians 1:1; see Colossians 1:2). Paul says that we who are “in Christ . . . though many, form one body” (Romans 12:5). This solidarity between Jesus as “head” of the church, His body (Ephesians 4:15), is clearly affirmed when He warned Saul that an attack on the church was an attack on Him (Acts 9:4-5). In the gospel of Luke, Christ teaches through a parable about helping those in need (10:25-37).

In another parable, He says that whatever help given to believers is a service rendered to Him personally (Matthew 25:40). Today, we can “do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10) knowing that when we serve those who are suffering, we serve Jesus.

For further study, listen to the podcast: Give Up

You Do It to Me

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Today’s Devotional

The world watched the news in horror as the sightseeing helicopter flying over the river tore into pieces. As the main rotor and tail broke off, the cabin plunged into the waters below, with the pilot and a family of five trapped inside. Just days after the tragedy that had taken the lives of his sister, brother-in-law, niece, and two nephews, the brother was at the site honoring his loved ones. “They left together,” he said.

Life can change in a moment, leaving us reeling from loss we can’t explain. Job also suffered unspeakable loss and sorrow. One tragic day, messengers told Job that his servants had been killed and his livestock were stolen or dead (Job 1:13-17). Then Job received even more devastating news. While his seven sons and three daughters were together, a mighty wind caused the house they were in to collapse, killing them (vv. 18-19). “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship” (v. 20). In anguish, Job said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (v. 21).

Job didn’t know why he had to suffer, but even in his darkest hour he worshiped God. Breaking His silence, God reminded Job of His great wisdom and power, and he was able to trust God’s sovereign plan (chs. 38-42).

We may never understand why tragedies strike, but we can take our pain to God, who comforts us.

Reflect & Pray

When has God comforted you during a tragedy? How can you trust Him in your grief?

Dear God, please help me trust You even when I’m suffering.

Today’s Insights

Amid Job’s extreme pain, his words reflected a worshipful understanding of the sovereignty of God (Job 1:21). The psalmist also recognized God’s power and authority and said, “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2). Believers in Jesus find the same comfort knowing that God controls all things, and nothing happens apart from His eternal gaze.

The apostle Paul celebrated God’s sovereignty with these words: “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever!” (Romans 11:35). Today, when we experience trials, we can take our pain to God knowing that our lives are under His watchful care.

For further study, read: Grieving with Those Who Grieve

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Thursday, October 22, 2026 – IN STEP WITH GOD – Galatians 5:16-26

Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Fruit of the spirit; Holy Spirit; Spiritual growth

ODB Scripture:  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  [Galatians 5:25]

5 AM Focus(es):  Whenever we are out of step with God, we should ask the Holy Spirit to help us walk worthy and bear good fruit for the Kingdom of God.

5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Ephesians 5:8-10

Today’s Devotional

Can you imagine sprinting as hard as you can possibly run . . . without being able to see?

That’s what happens in Paralympic guide running. Blind runners compete with a guide, someone who runs alongside them step by step, connected by a short tether. American runner David Brown is among the world’s fastest blind Paralympian runners, having won a gold medal for running a 100-meter dash in under eleven seconds. Jerome Avery was Brown’s guide for much of his career. Brown described their connection this way: “We’re like one person.” Avery agreed, saying, “It should look like one person running.”

What a beautiful illustration of the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Even when we’re running with all we’ve got, the Spirit stays perfectly in step with us—directing our every movement, guiding us this way and that.

In Galatians 5, Paul describes how we overcome struggles with sin: by being in sync with the Spirit’s work in us. He writes, “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh” (v. 16). A few verses later, he adds, “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” (v. 25). That, he says, would enable us to step past the “acts of the flesh” (v. 19) so we can be spiritually fruitful (vv. 22-23).

Let’s walk—and maybe even run—in step with the Spirit.

Reflect & Pray

How do you realize you’re out of step with God? In your life, what does being “in step” with the Spirit look like?

Dear Father, thank You that the Holy Spirit helps me walk closely with You. Please help me keep in step with You! For further study, read The Fruit of the Spirit at odbm.org.

Today’s Insights

Paul had much to teach us about the Holy Spirit’s role in the life of the believer in Jesus. The moment a person believes in Christ through faith, they receive the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:2, 14). Referred to as “the Spirit of his Son” (4:6), God sent Him to dwell in our hearts. He adopted us to become His children and empowers us to call Him “Abba, Father” (v. 6).

The apostle warned that our sinful human nature continues to resist the indwelling Spirit (5:17). The key to victory is to live in the power of the Spirit. As we’re led by Him and walk and keep in step with Him, He helps us to overcome the vices of the sinful nature and live in a right relationship with God (vv. 5, 16, 18, 25). Such a Spirit-controlled life is one that pleases God as it bears the “fruit of the Spirit” (v. 22).

For further study, read: The Fruit of the Spirit

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Today’s Devotional

Lillie Cunningham is 110 years old, yet she isn’t reliant on a cane or walker. She does rely on Scripture, however, which she reads every morning and night—and attends church every Sunday. When she considers her life, she states, “I just always had faith and trust in God that he was going to carry us through.”

Mrs. Cunningham trusts in and praises God for carrying her through hardships, including wars, pandemics, and the death of her husband and siblings. Her life resembles that of the psalmist who proclaimed God’s “love in the morning and [His] faithfulness at night” (Psalm 92:1-2); and her perseverance points to the psalmist’s words: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree . . . ; planted in the house of the Lord . . . . They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (vv. 12-14). And like the psalmist, she attributes it all to God (v. 15).

We can learn much from this centenarian’s example. Like Lillie, may we live our lives in communion with and praise for God by spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and worshiping “in the courts of our God” (v. 13). We aren’t promised a long life on earth, but through Him, we can stay “fresh and green” (v. 14) as God prepares us for eternal life with Him.

Reflect & Pray

What does it look like to flourish through walking with God? How has God carried you through hardships?

Dear God, thank You for bringing me through both the joys and trials of my life. Please help me to walk with You in my everyday activities.

Today’s Insights

The superscript for Psalm 92 reads, “For the Sabbath day.” It’s the only psalm written for the Sabbath, and the tone is one of thanks and praise. “I sing for joy at what your hands have done,” writes the psalmist (v. 4). This references creation, after which God “rested from all his work” (Genesis 2:2). The psalm also draws on a familiar theme of Scripture’s poets—“the righteous will flourish like a palm tree” (Psalm 92:12).

This echoes Psalm 1, which likens the one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord” (v. 2) to “a tree planted by streams of water” (v. 3). Psalm 1 notes how “the Lord watches over the way of the righteous” (v. 6). Psalm 92 acknowledges God Himself as the source of that righteousness, for “the righteous” (v. 12) declare, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock” (v. 15). Through our joys and trials, we can praise God, knowing that He cares for us.

For further study, read: Walk with Me

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Saturday, October 24, 2026 – QUIET FAITHFULNESS IN CHRIST  – 1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Biblical theology of Mission; Service

ODB Scripture:  Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord.  [1 Corinthians 15:58]

Today’s Devotional

Lillie Cunningham is 110 years old, yet she isn’t reliant on a cane or walker. She does rely on Scripture, however, which she reads every morning and night—and attends church every Sunday. When she considers her life, she states, “I just always had faith and trust in God that he was going to carry us through.”

Mrs. Cunningham trusts in and praises God for carrying her through hardships, including wars, pandemics, and the death of her husband and siblings. Her life resembles that of the psalmist who proclaimed God’s “love in the morning and [His] faithfulness at night” (Psalm 92:1-2); and her perseverance points to the psalmist’s words: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree . . . ; planted in the house of the Lord . . . . They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (vv. 12-14). And like the psalmist, she attributes it all to God (v. 15).

We can learn much from this centenarian’s example. Like Lillie, may we live our lives in communion with and praise for God by spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and worshiping “in the courts of our God” (v. 13). We aren’t promised a long life on earth, but through Him, we can stay “fresh and green” (v. 14) as God prepares us for eternal life with Him.

Reflect & Pray

What does it look like to flourish through walking with God? How has God carried you through hardships?

Dear God, thank You for bringing me through both the joys and trials of my life. Please help me to walk with You in my everyday activities.

Today’s Insights

The superscript for Psalm 92 reads, “For the Sabbath day.” It’s the only psalm written for the Sabbath, and the tone is one of thanks and praise. “I sing for joy at what your hands have done,” writes the psalmist (v. 4). This references creation, after which God “rested from all his work” (Genesis 2:2). The psalm also draws on a familiar theme of Scripture’s poets—“the righteous will flourish like a palm tree” (Psalm 92:12).

This echoes Psalm 1, which likens the one “whose delight is in the law of the Lord” (v. 2) to “a tree planted by streams of water” (v. 3). Psalm 1 notes how “the Lord watches over the way of the righteous” (v. 6). Psalm 92 acknowledges God Himself as the source of that righteousness, for “the righteous” (v. 12) declare, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock” (v. 15). Through our joys and trials, we can praise God, knowing that He cares for us.

For further study, read: Walk with Me

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THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT

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From the Archives: Timeless Wisdom with Sister Clovia

A Legacy of a Well-Worn Bible

They say a Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.  That is a legacy of faith.  The well-worn pages of a Bible tell a beautiful story that lasts forever.  

Every wrinkle marks a place where you met God.  The notes written in the margin remind you of lessons learned, questions asked, and surrender given.  In a few places, you might find smeared ink where teardrops have fallen, battles have been fought, and sins have been forgiven.  

The cracked, worn binding of a Bible reveals strength that has been unleashed in prayer, and the Word of God breathes life into the soul.

Every time you open your Bible, you receive an amazing gift.  Each word echoes God’s voice.  Every book points to Jesus.  Every verse reveals His plan, His purpose, and His passion for you.  

Every time you open your Bible, you meet God.  Every time you come into His presence, you have a chance for a fresh start; a new beginning; and a radical transformation.

O how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.  – Psalm 119:97 ESV

My friend, “if your Bible could tell the story of your walk with God, what would its pages reveal?”

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CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH

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***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***

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Tags: #gratitude #harvest