FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
HARVEST OF GRATITUDE
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. — Isaiah 55:11 KJV
so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11 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!
An asterisk (*) next to a birthday celebrants name indicates this member of the 5AM Bible Study is also a Ministry Leader.
So, 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.
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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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 25, 2026 – GOD’S PORTRAIT OF YOU – Exodus 2:1-10
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Big story of the Bible; Creation; God’s love; Spiritual Growth
ODB Scripture: She saw that he was a fine child. [Exodus 2:2]
Today’s Devotional
The British TV reality show Portrait Artist of the Year pits nine amateur painters against each other in creating portraits of a local celebrity. The images have to be completed in just four hours, which is condensed into the one-hour program. It’s fascinating to watch the cameras capture each artist’s creation slowly emerging from a blank canvas.
The Bible records the story of creation in Genesis, where God brings life out of the void —a blank canvas. Yet there’s a another “creation story” in Exodus 2—the birth of Moses. This language echoes earlier Genesis accounts. The mother of Moses “saw that he was a fine child” (Exodus 2:2); this is the Hebrew word tov, meaning “good,” as used in Genesis: “God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:25). Baby Moses is put in a basket and floated on the water to be saved—basket being the same word for ark in the story of Noah. Here, we see God bringing to life a portrait of the leader of His chosen people, Israel.
How is God “painting” your life? Perhaps you have come from the bulrushes of humble beginnings. Maybe you feel inadequate for the tasks ahead, as Moses did (see Exodus 4). Yet God’s portrait of you is slowly emerging: “We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10). As God paints your life, be assured he is bringing tov (good) out of your blank canvas.
Reflect & Pray
How are you experiencing God’s development of you? What does His portrait of you look like?
Dear Father, please conform me into the image of Your Son, Jesus. Lead me into the portrait You wish me to be.
Today’s Insights
Stephen’s defense before the council of Jewish leaders included biographical snapshots from Moses’ life, including his rescue by Pharaoh’s daughter (Acts 7:20-21; see Exodus 2:1-10) and that “Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action” (Acts 7:22).
Though Moses’ forty years in Pharaoh’s household prepared him for his leadership assignment, it took an additional forty years of the Master Artist’s work to ready him for rescuing the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery (see Acts 7:28-36). Today, just as God prepared Moses for his task, He’s working in our lives to conform us to His image.
For further study, read: The Intimacy of Prayer
Monday, October 26, 2026 – GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME – Isaiah 43:1-7
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Love; Union with Christ
ODB Scripture: I have summoned you by name; you are mine. [Isaiah 43:1]
5 AM Focus(es): Many people like to be seen and known at any cost. However, God created us and knows us by name.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Luke 12:7-10
Today’s Devotional
One particularly catchy book promotion featured the auctioning of the chance for readers to have their name in print. Willing participants could pay to have their names used for a character in a bestselling author’s upcoming novel. The highest bidder in the auction won a chance to select a name to be used in the book. The money raised went to charity—and of course the author’s novel was promoted.
Many people enjoy seeing their names in print. It’s a way for them to be known or even “seen.” But rest assured, Someone much more important already knows your name and already sees you.
When Isaiah reminded the Israelites about God’s love for them, he said, “[God has] summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1). The prophet was reminding the people of God’s covenant agreement with them formed with their forefather Abraham many years before (see Genesis 12:1-3). And even though the people may have felt abandoned during the time these words were spoken, Isaiah’s reminder showed that God knew their needs and was with them (Isaiah 43:2-5).
Similarly, those who believe in Jesus are known by God. John 10:3 says, “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.” We’re known by God when we seek to follow Him and follow His commands outlined for us in Scripture. We’re known and we’re loved. God sees us and knows us by name.
Reflect & Pray
How does reflecting on the fact that God knows your name help you? How can you share the good news of being known by Him?
Almighty God, thank You for knowing me and seeing me.
Today’s Insights
Because of the Israelites’ unrepentant unfaithfulness, God exiled them to Babylon (Isaiah 39:6-7). But He assured them, “I will be with you” (43:2; see v. 5). He also promised He’d bring them back to the promised land (vv. 2-6). He lovingly called them “my sons . . . and my daughters . . . who [are] called by my name” (vv. 6-7). As believers in Jesus, we too are called by God. Paul says, “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ” (Ephesians 1:4 nlt).
Calling us by our names, Jesus leads us to follow Him (John 10:3). We don’t need to be afraid of the uncertainties of our future, for God has assured us, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1 nlt). He knows us and has written our names “in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3; see Revelation 20:12-15).
For further study, read: You Are Seen
God Knows Your Name
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 – A RICH LIFE OF GRATITUDE – 2 Timothy 1:1-3, 6-10
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Christ, person/work; Hope
ODB Scripture: [God] has saved us and called us to a holy life . . . because of his own purpose and grace. [2 Timothy 1:9]
5 AM Focus(es): In spite of our afflictions, we have hope in Christ. Let us tell of His goodness and give thanks.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Today’s Devotional
In a letter dated September 13, 1943—five months after his imprisonment for opposing the Nazi regime—Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote his parents. He asked for books and paper. He thanked them for the ways they’d helped him, and said, “It’s a strange feeling to be so completely dependent on other people; but at least it teaches one to be grateful, and I hope I shall never forget that. In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich.”
In 2 Timothy, writing while “being chained like a criminal” (2:9), the apostle Paul too expressed his deep gratitude to those who’d loved and cared for him (1:3-4, 16). He asked for Timothy to bring his “scrolls, especially the parchments” (4:13).
And he lifted up the greatest gift God has given—“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we’ve done but because of his own purpose and grace” (1:9). The grace revealed through Christ—who “destroyed death” and “brought life and immortality to light” (v. 10)—brought Paul peace and purpose even in his suffering.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was never freed from Nazi imprisonment. He was executed on April 9, 1945. It’s believed Paul was executed not long after writing 2 Timothy. Yet both could testify to the goodness of a God who always gives immeasurably more than we could ever give in return.
Reflect & Pray
In what ways have you experienced others’ care? How has gratitude changed you?
Gracious God, thank You for all You are.
Today’s Insights
Paul’s invitation to Timothy to “join with [him] in suffering for the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8) is one that most would rather take a pass on. When we experience suffering and discomfort because of our faith in Jesus, we often resist it rather than welcome it. The consolation and hope that strengthens us, however, is found in the words in the remainder of the verse: “by the power of God.”
Believers in Christ have resources that more than match the challenges they encounter. Those assets include God’s “power” (v. 7)—His might and strength. Furthermore, God’s Spirit resides in us: “Guard the good deposit . . . with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us” (v. 14; see v. 7). Finally, in our suffering, God’s grace strengthens us: “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1).
For further study, read: Does Gratitude Help Our Mental Health?
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 – BECAUSE GOD! – Psalm 86:1-12
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): God’s character; Prayer; Trust in God
ODB Scripture: You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. [Psalm 86:5]
5 AM Focus(es): When we are lonely or distressed, trust in God to be faithful to show up.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Deuteronomy 31:6
Today’s Devotional
Six-year-old Tiana clasped her hands. She prayed as she scanned the crowd, glancing toward the front door of the church. Her classmates waved at guests settling in for the Father’s Day concert. Fathers and father figures returned the greetings. But nobody waved at Tiana. Her teacher encouraged her to join the choir, but Tiana didn’t budge. Suddenly her daddy rushed through the door. As he waved and found a seat, Tiana smiled, burst into tears, and stepped onto the stage.
Whatever our age, there’s a tender heart of a child within each of us that aches to be seen, heard, and loved. But the psalmist David demonstrated how God delights in showing up for His children. David prayed with confidence in a love that never fails, forgets, or forsakes—the love of our heavenly Father. Confessing his need, David prayed with faith in God’s trustworthiness (Psalm 86:1-4). He declared that God is “forgiving and good, abounding in love” (v. 5). He sang, “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me” (v. 7). David cried out with expectation because God had proven His faithfulness (v. 11).
Like David, we can trust our heavenly Father to show up because He promises to do so. We too can sing, “I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever” (v. 12). Why? Because God is incomparable; He alone is God (vv. 8, 10).
Reflect & Pray
How does trusting that God never leaves change how you wait? How can you pray expectantly today?
Dear Father, please help me trust You because You alone are God!
Today’s Insights
In Psalm 86, David describes being in grave danger. Ruthless enemies “are trying to kill [him]” (v. 14), but he turns to God for protection and deliverance (vv. 1-4). The psalmist proclaimed God’s sovereignty and omnipotence: “There is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. . . . For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God” (vv. 8, 10). David affirmed that God hears and answers prayers (vv. 6-7).
He’s “ready to forgive [and] full of unfailing love for all who ask for [His] help” (v. 5 nlt). Whatever our life’s circumstances, we can put our trust in God (v. 4), for He’s “compassionate and gracious . . . , abounding in love and faithfulness” (v. 15). As we wait on Him, we can pray, “Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; . . . I will glorify your name forever” (vv. 11-12).
For further study, read: Why Should I Trust God
Thursday, October 29, 2026 – HOPE IN A HERO – 1 Chronicles 16:12-27
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Hope; Trust in God
ODB Scripture: Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. [1 Chronicles 16:10]
5 AM Focus(es): In the world there are trials and temptations but there is hope as we put our trust in God our Hero who will never leave us.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): John 16:33
Today’s Devotional
In a film about a vigilante crime-fighting hero, the protagonist seems to be waging an impossible war. Not only is his city overrun with violence and theft, but he also discovers that the police force, court system, and public officials are corrupt. He’s repeatedly tempted to give up on the city and leave. But our hero realizes that what people need is hope. He chooses to stay.
That fictional world isn’t too different from our world. Evil is present. Those in power will disappoint us. But thankfully God never abandons His people, no matter how dark things appear. We see evidence of this in King David’s song of praise after the ark of the covenant was moved to Jerusalem. David exhorted his people to praise God, who “remembers His covenant forever” (1 Chronicles 16:15) and faithfully led them to the promised land (v. 18).
Despite threats from powerful enemy nations around Israel and grumbling and idolatry among its people, God “allowed no one to oppress them” (v. 21). He guided the Israelites through the desert, displaying strength (v. 11), wonders and miracles (v. 12), and righteous judgments (v. 14). Because of God’s great love (v. 34), His people had hope for the future. The same is true today. We can trust that God won’t abandon us; He’s stronger than any evil we face.
Reflect & Pray
What situation in our world seems hopeless? How do you see that God is still working?
Heavenly Father, I’ve heard of Your great faithfulness to keep Your promises through many generations. I trust You to do it again.
Today’s Insights
The song in 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 celebrates the faithfulness of God. David said, “He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations” (v. 15). Remembering God’s faithfulness prompts him to respond in praise and prayer: “Sing to the Lord, all the earth . . . . For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise” (vv. 23, 25).
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Cry out, ‘Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations’ ” (vv. 34-35). God’s faithfulness in the past inspires hope, trust, and rejoicing in the present and the future. No matter what we face today, we can trust that God is faithful.
For further study, feel free to browse through our resources at the store: Reclaim Today Guide – Ecclesiastes
Friday, October 30, 2026 – GET GOING WITH GOD – Genesis 12:1-8
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Christ, person/work; God’s character; Holy Spirit
ODB Scripture: The LORD had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” [Genesis 12:1]
5 AM Focus(es): Even when our God-given assignments seem unrewarded; by faith we must trust God to complete the work He started with us.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Matthew 4:18-26
Today’s Devotional
It was raining, bringing the temperature down even more. We were on a multiday hike in Nepal, and leaving the warm mountain lodge to venture into the freezing weather was getting harder each morning. “Let’s go,” insisted our guide. “We can’t wait for the weather to get better. Don’t worry, I’ll be with you.”
Setting off in the rain and fog, I felt utterly miserable. It seemed pointless to keep going—what could we see? Many hours later, however, the skies cleared up, revealing breathtaking vistas of towering peaks in the distance—views that we would have missed had we stayed back.
In Genesis 12:1, God told Abram to head into Canaan: “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” At that moment, there seemed little to look forward to; all Abram could see was a long, arduous journey through a foreign and inhospitable land where hardship and enemies awaited. The only assurance he had was God’s presence and promise of becoming “a great nation” (v. 2). Yet “Abram went, as the Lord had told him” (v. 4). Only many years later would he see the promises fulfilled.
Sometimes God may call us to a challenging job, ministry, or task that seems unrewarding. But, as He helps us to trust Him and step out in faith, He’ll always be there. As we get going, He goes with us.
Reflect & Pray
What is God calling you to do? What’s holding you back, and how will you get going?
Loving Father, please give me the faith to trust You to take a step into the unknown, knowing You’re always with me.
Today’s Insights
Abraham is held up as a model of faith for good reason (see Hebrews 11:8-10). When he received his calling from God (Genesis 12:1), the Scriptures hadn’t begun to be written. God told him to leave his “country . . . people and . . . father’s household” (v. 1). As a nomadic herdsman living thousands of years ago, he had no way to research where he was going, and opportunities to communicate with those he left behind would’ve been extremely limited.
Yet his commitment and his faith were resolute. Three times the New Testament tells us that Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23; see Genesis 15:6). Today, as we step into the unknown, we can remember that God is faithful and He’ll be with us.
For further study, listen to the following podcast: Your Everyday Purpose
Saturday, October 31, 2026 – NO MASK, SIMPLY JESUS – Ephesians 4:20-24
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Identity in Christ; Spiritual maturity; Unity with Christ
ODB Scripture: Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [Colossians 3:10]
Today’s Devotional
In ancient Greece, actors on stage would portray the emotions of their characters by wearing masks that either expressed tragedy or comedy. Masks also allowed the same actor to play multiple roles in the same production. They weren’t permanent, nor were they representative of the real person. Put on for the performance, the facial disguises were taken off when the production was over.
In Colossians 3:10, Paul writes to believers in Jesus to encourage them to “put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.” Rather than a temporary mask worn to entertain people, it should be displayed as a permanent part of life that will be seen each day. The apostle says to “put off your old self” (Ephesians 4:22)—the sinful life we lived before receiving salvation in Christ.
Taking off our old habits and putting on a new self doesn’t just happen naturally. Paul says we need “to be made new in the attitude of [our] minds” (v. 23). This starts with how we think—recognizing that as believers we’re “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24).
The actors in Greece were paid to put on fake faces. Today, by God’s grace, let’s put on the true image of Jesus so the world knows that He’s living within us.
Reflect & Pray
What are some ways you wear a mask that reflects your old life? How can you “put on” Jesus each day?
I pray, dear Jesus, that my life may be a true representation of who You are. Please help me be real each and every day for You.
Today’s Insights
In view of what God did through Jesus in choosing, redeeming, and predestining believers in Him to be His children (Ephesians 1:3-14), Paul instructs believers to “to live a life worthy of [His] calling” (4:1). We’re to “no longer live” the ungodly lives of our past (v. 17), for we’ve been given a new life (vv. 22-24). The New Living Translation puts it this way: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Our new person is “created to be like God”—truly righteous and holy (Ephesians 4:24). We’re to “put to death . . . whatever belongs to [our] earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed” (Colossians 3:5) and to rid ourselves of “anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language” (v. 8). As we “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12), God will help us live an authentic, Christlike life before others.
For further study, read: Don’t Run from Your Failures
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT
From the Archives: Timeless Wisdom from Sister Clovia
FAITH AND HOPE
Faith and hope are emotions that give us a sense of optimism. It is our faith and hope that helps us get through hard times.
However, there is a difference between faith and hope. Let’s explore further:
Faith is grounded in the reality of the future, and hope is looking to its validity. Without faith, there is no hope, and without hope, there is no faith. So the two go hand in hand.
The most amazing things in life tend to happen right at the moment you are about to give up hope. Hope is the belief we might get it done, and faith is the knowledge we will get it done.
When you walk by faith, you will never lose hope because:
- FAITH makes all things possible;
- HOPE makes all things work, and
- LOVE makes everything beautiful.
Love gives you hope; hope builds faith; faith brings you closer to God. So let’s keep loving, keep hoping, and always have faith in God.
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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