FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
LIVING A VICTORIOUS LIFE
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
— 1 Corinthians 15:57 KJV
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
– 1 Corinthians 15:57 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, September 27, 2026 – PRAY FOR THEM – Matthew 18:10-14
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Evangelism; Salvation
ODB Scripture: Will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? [Matthew 18:12]
Today’s Devotional
The movie Sully depicts the heroic landing of a stalled passenger plane on New York’s Hudson River. As Captain “Sully” strode off the rescue ferry, he told an official, “I need to know who’s hurt and how badly and I need a count. One hundred fifty-five. That’s my number. That’s passengers and crew.” The man said, “Okay. How about you?” Sully replied, “I’ll answer that question when we’ve counted to one hundred fifty-five.”
Jesus is interested in a count too. He’s the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep. When He finds it, He “is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off” (Matthew 18:13). This doesn’t mean the one lost sheep counts more than the others. But there is the joy of relief when it’s found. As Sully’s passengers rejoiced to escape almost certain death, so heaven celebrates when someone receives salvation.
Do you know any lost sheep? Anyone who seems particularly unreachable? Pray for them. Seek to share the love of Jesus with them. Don’t give up until they’re in the fold.
Sully badgered anyone who would listen, “I need a count. We’ve got to have a count.” At long last, an official entered the hospital room where Sully was being examined. He smiled. “Got a count. One hundred fifty-five.”
Reflect & Pray
Who are three people who need Jesus you could pray for on a regular basis? How might you share the love of Jesus with them?
Dear Jesus, please help me to see Your “sheep” like You see them.
Today’s Insights
Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 are a direct reflection of God’s concern for those in need of Him. The example of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep (vv. 12-14) shows the seeking nature of God. The essence of verse 14—“your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish”—is seen in 2 Peter 3:9, where Simon Peter says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.
Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This was Christ’s own mission in coming to this world—to seek with the heart of the Father. He said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). As we pray for those who need Jesus, we’re joining God in His great work of rescue.
For further study, read: The Power of Prayer in Sharing the Gospel
Pray for Them
Monday, September 28, 2026 – ACCEPTED BY GOD – JUDGES 10:17-11:8, 29
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Suffering; Trust in God
ODB Scripture: The Spirit of the LORD came on Jephthah. [Judges 11:29]
5 AM Focus(es): When rejected by man, remember, we are accepted by God and we can trust Him to use us in His Kingdom.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): 1 Peter 3:8, 12
Today’s Devotional
He was the doctor who never turned away a patient—even if some couldn’t pay him and even though he himself had experienced rejection from society. In spite of Harold’s outstanding record in his medical studies, no hospital in London hired him because of the color of his skin. So in 1913 he opened his own practice in his home, often treating the poor for free. Dr. Harold Moody spent his life helping those discriminated against, earning him the title “Britain’s Martin Luther King.”
Dr. Moody shows that our life need not be determined by the rejection of others. Scripture also shows us this truth in the story of Jephthah. Although a mighty warrior, Jephthah was rejected by his half brothers and driven away from their town. They told him, “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family . . . because you are the son of another woman” (Judges 11:2). “So Jephthah fled from his brothers” and settled in another area (v. 3).
Although his family rejected him, God didn’t. When an enemy made war on Israel, it was Jephthah that the people turned to for help (vv. 4-6). They said, “Be our commander, so we can fight the Ammonites” (v. 6). God used and helped Jephthah to subdue their enemy (vv. 29, 32-33) and to later lead Israel (Judges 12:7).
When we’re rejected by others, let’s keep trusting and obeying God. It’s how He sees us and what He wants us to do that matters.
Reflect & Pray
How does rejection affect you? How does God’s acceptance of you encourage you?
Thank You, Father, for Your love and acceptance. For further study, read The Peace that Jesus Brings at odbm.org.
Today’s Insights
Jephthah the warrior was rejected by others, but God used him for His purpose (Judges 11:2-3, 29). Jesus also understood rejection. He was rejected by the people of His hometown of Nazareth, who doubted His authority (Mark 6:1-6). He was rejected by the Pharisees and other Jewish religious leaders who plotted to kill Him (3:6).
Many of His followers deserted Him (John 6:60-66). For a time, His siblings failed to believe He was the Messiah (7:5). His disciple Judas Iscariot betrayed Him (18:2-3). At His trial, the people shouted for His crucifixion (Mark 15:13). When we face rejection, we can bring our pain to Him knowing He understands. He sees us, loves us, and accepts us.
For further study, read: The Peace that Jesus Brings
Accepted by God
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 – LISTENING TO GOD – Ecclesiastes 5:1-5
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Prayer
ODB Scripture: After all, God is in heaven, and you are here on earth. So let your words be few. [Ecclesiastes 5:2 NLT]
5 AM Focus(es): When we pray, we must listen to God. When listening to others, take the time to understand what they’re saying before responding.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Isaiah 50:4-5
Today’s Devotional
In a TED Talk, Celeste Headlee outlines “10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation.” One of those might appear to be counterintuitive: In order to have good conversation, we need to listen. Often when the other person is talking, we aren’t really listening to them but forming in our minds what we next want to say. Headlee quotes author Stephen Covey: “Most of us don’t listen with the intent to understand. We listen with the intent to reply.”
Scripture has much to say about listening, especially when it comes to God. Ecclesiastes is rather blunt: “Keep your ears open and your mouth shut” (Ecclesiastes 5:1 nlt). It reminds us that God knows a whole lot more than we do—“God is in heaven” (v. 2)—so it’s wise for us to listen to Him. A verse in Proverbs seems to resonate with the quotes from Headlee and Covey: “Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions” (18:2).
What does this mean for us? As we come before God in prayer, we would do well to make time to actually listen to Him, not just rattle on with our lists of concerns and worries. And as we find ourselves in conversations with others today, we might be surprised at how our relationships deepen when we’re really listening to them, not just figuring out what we want to tell them.
Reflect & Pray
When it comes to listening, how might you think differently about your prayer time with God? How can you take more time to listen to Him?
Dear God, please help me to truly listen to others. I want to make time in my prayers to really listen to You. For further study, read Teach Us to Pray 5 at odbm.org.
Today’s Insights
Having the posture of a listening and responsive heart is an important part of prayer. We often hear from God as His Spirit nudges us to the Scriptures (John 14:26), which challenge us to listen to and obey His words and enlighten us to wisdom for the challenges of life. This may explain why obey and listen are the same word (shema) in Hebrew.
To hear God and not obey Him is the greatest of follies. In 1 Samuel 15:22, Saul is chastened by Samuel’s words: “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice.” These words echo Ecclesiastes 5:1: “Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools.” Today, the Spirit can help us take time to listen to what God is saying to us when we pray.
For further study, watch the Video devotional: Hearing the Voice of God
Listening to God
Wednesday, September 30, 2026 – NOT RITUAL BUT CHRIST – Colossians 2:6-15
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, person/work; Salvation; Spiritual Warfare
ODB Scripture: Hollow and deceptive philosophy . . . depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. [Colossians 2:8]
5 AM Focus(es): Get rid of rituals, put your trust in Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Hebrews 13:9
Today’s Devotional
In Santa Fe, New Mexico, thousands gather each year to burn Zozobra—a fifty-foot towering effigy stuffed with their worries, bills, and regrets. They shout, “Burn him!” as they hope the flames will devour their anxieties and troubles and reset their lives. The ritual reflects a deep human longing to be cleansed of fear, shame, and failure. It’s dramatic. But it’s also powerless. Fire can destroy paper but not guilt. It can consume ashes but not shame.
The apostle Paul wrote, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (Colossians 2:8). He reminded his readers that they shouldn’t trade Jesus for empty substitutes, and he explains why: Christ is the visible “image of the invisible God” (1:15), is supreme over creation (1:16), fully God in human flesh (2:9), and victorious over “every power and authority” (v. 10). Because of His death and resurrection, we’re “rooted and built up in him” (v. 7), and fully alive and forgiven by Him (v. 13). Human rituals and cultural ceremonies can mesmerize a crowd, but only Jesus can cancel sin’s debt and break its grip forever.
Instead of yielding our burdens to rituals and traditions, let’s surrender them to Christ. He alone frees us from captivity and fills us with hope.
Reflect & Pray
How can human rituals be dangerous substitutes for Christ? In what ways does He offer us freedom from them?
Dear Jesus, only You can truly set me free.
Today’s Insights
Paul wrote, “[God] has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith . . . and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel” (1:22-23). The apostle is combatting false teaching here—probably Gnosticism. Among its claims were that Christ didn’t have a physical body.
This isn’t a biblical teaching, as it denies the crucifixion and resurrection. Paul warned, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy” (2:8). As he said, “You were dead in your sins” but now “God made you alive with Christ” (v. 13). When we accept Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for our sin, we become free from sin’s burden.
For further study, read: Teach Us to Pray
Thursday, October 1, 2026 – GENTLE ANSWERS WITH GOD’S HELP – Proverbs 15:1-6
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, Person/Work; Fruit of the spirit; Love
ODB Scripture: A gentle answer turns away wrath. [Proverbs 15:1]
5 AM Focus(es): When having a conversation with someone who is angry, first, pray for God’s wisdom. Secondly, in love, learn to respond gently.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): James 1:5, 19
Today’s Devotional
“Close it up. I’ve seen enough.” Those were the words of an older, experienced beekeeper to me one afternoon when I was learning how to tend a hive. My movements had been quick and forceful, causing vibrations that alarmed the bees and resulted in a growing swarm around my head. Even though I was trying to care for them, I was only making them angry. My friend proceeded to show me the importance of moving “softly,” using gentle motions that were less likely to disturb the bees. Today (years later), when I go into a hive, my motions are so much smoother that my wife tells me it almost looks like I’m dancing.
Sometimes difficult conversations are like dancing with bees. When others are upset and emotions are tense, reacting angrily only makes matters worse. As King Solomon observed, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). Responding kindly and peacefully to those who are irritated or unreasonable may take time to learn. But because gentleness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit at work within us (see Galatians 5:22-23), with God’s help we can make progress in it.
These days I’m learning to pray for wisdom and gentleness whenever I go into a hive or a difficult conversation. When we walk with God into tense moments, our “help in trouble” is never far away (Psalm 46:1).
Reflect & Pray
How can God help you react gently to someone who’s angry? What will you say to someone who needs a gentle response from you today?
Dear Jesus, please help me to gently share Your love in the ways I respond to others today.
Today’s Insights
Wisdom is one of the great themes of the Bible. In fact, in Old Testament wisdom literature, poetry is designed to show the difference between wisdom and folly. This is often done through the poetic device of parallelism. In antithetical parallelism, a verse will contain two lines that contrast with one another, as seen in Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This device is found throughout Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and makes a vivid case for living a life of wisdom in a world wracked by foolishness. The book of Proverbs offers practical advice for how to use our words wisely. We can ask God for wisdom when we don’t know how to respond in difficult situations. In the New Testament, James tells us, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (1:5).
For further study, read: Guided by the Spirit
Friday, October 2, 2026 – GOALS ALIGNED WITH GOD – Philippians 3:10-16
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Despair; Mental illness; Spiritual maturity
ODB Scripture: I want to know Christ. [Philippians 3:10]
5 AM Focus(es): Even when we are hurting, we can trust in God’s love to comfort us and turn our mourning into dancing.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Today’s Devotional
After getting fired from his job without prior notice, Wil became so depressed that he admitted himself into an inpatient mental health facility. Then one day, after weeks with no progress, he was taking his daily walk when his therapist, seeing him, smiled and called out, “I bet I’ll beat you to the community room.” Wil recalls, “That small act triggered something inside of me.” Suddenly he felt he had a purpose. Walking fast, he raced his therapist to the room and won. To his surprise, having one inspiring goal and meeting it gave him hope—a key to his recovery.
The apostle Paul understood the power of a clear goal. “I want to know Christ,” he told church members (Philippians 3:10). He wanted to know the power of the resurrected Jesus, for that power would help the apostle become more like Him. To achieve that aim, Paul followed one strategy: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (vv. 13-14). Feel like you’re falling short? God helps us refocus our goals as we “live up to what we have already attained” in Christ (v. 16).
Paul’s goal, therefore, wasn’t focused on earthly things. He knew that “our citizenship is in heaven” (v. 20). With this eternal perspective in view, we find new hope to thrive in Christ.
Reflect & Pray
What goals do you have? How might you need to change them to align with Christ’s purpose?
Please shape my goals, dear Father, so they inspire me to know Jesus.
Today’s Insights
Paul is driven by his urgent passion “to know Christ” (Philippians 3:10). He wants to “know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection” (vv. 10-11). Being transformed to be like the resurrected Jesus requires us to pursue that goal with everything we have (vv. 13-14, 17).
Yet even as we “press on toward the goal” (v. 14), we know it’s only possible through complete reliance on God. He’ll help us shape our goals so that we’ll know Him better. One day, we’ll be resurrected and will finally reflect Him perfectly (v. 21).
For further study, read: 3 Tips for Discerning God’s Will
Saturday, October 3, 2026 – COMPASSIONATE UNDERSTANDING – Hebrews 4:14-16
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, person/work
ODB Scripture: Just as we are–yet he did not sin. [Hebrews 4:15]
Today’s Devotional
My father-in-law was a gunner in a bomber over Europe during World War II. His plane was shot down and he was captured, spending several months as a prisoner of war. Jim rarely spoke of the experience, but those who knew him before the war said that he’d been a happy-go-lucky young man with a beaming smile. His war experiences turned him into a moody, withdrawn person.
Trying to understand his experience, I read Masters of the Air, Donald Miller’s description of the air war over Europe. Miller helped me grasp the physical and psychological price paid by these airmen. His book increased my compassion for my father-in-law.
The writer of Hebrews wrote of our “great high priest” (4:14)—Jesus Himself—who did much more than merely gain understanding of our struggles. He lived among us, learning how we feel in every situation. Hebrews tells us, “We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (v. 15). Think of it! Jesus knows what we endure. He’s been tempted just as we are.
Learning to have a heart of compassion like Jesus is a great way to show His love to those who need Him. May God give us, by His Holy Spirit, an understanding heart that reaches out to others in love and mercy.
Reflect & Pray
Who do you struggle to have compassion for? How can you develop a more understanding heart?
Dear Father, please forgive me for being harsh with others. Teach me the grace of compassion so they might see Your love in me.
Today’s Insights
The letter to the Hebrews explains what Jesus did for us, but to better appreciate that, it’s important to understand the system of sacrifice instituted in Leviticus (4:1–7:10). In Hebrews, the writer affirms the humanity of Christ who, though fully God, “had to be made like [humans], fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God” (2:17).
The writer explains, “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood . . . why was there still need for another priest to come?” (7:11). Jesus’ humanity and His divine nature enable Him to “empathize” with us in “our weaknesses” (4:15) and to redeem us once for all from our sins. Because He empathizes with us, we can seek His help as we reach out to those around us. In the process, we point them to Christ, our once-for-all sacrifice.
For further study, read: Who Is Your Neighbor?
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
SETTING GOALS GOD’S WAY
“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:9 NIV
Setting goals for ourselves can be stressful, with worry about whether we can accomplish them and fear of the embarrassment of failure. But we can avoid all the unnecessary stress if we first present our goals before God and ask for His blessing. If our goals line up with God’s will, we have nothing to worry about! We can trust that everything will turn out the way God wants it to.
God knows our strengths and weaknesses, and more importantly, He gives us everything we need to accomplish His goals for us. All Christians should have one goal: our heavenly goal. So go ahead, challenge yourself and set realistic goals—just be sure to consult the Master Planner first!
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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