The Daily Six
A 6-minute video every weekday
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Knowing God: A Summer with the Prophets
Seek the Lord and His Word in Your Personal Life This Summer: Join us each week to read together the Word of God in your own personal time along with the Lord. Use the reading guide below to explore the Old Testament prophets and the scriptures. |
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- How do You want to build my faith the way You built up Hezekiah?
- In light of Isaiah 42, what do You want me to know about Jesus’ identity?
- How do You want to encourage me with the promises of Isaiah 43?
**If you are currently receiving the daily reminder emails, you do not need to re-register.
NOTE: This is not broken up into Monday through Friday
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Week of July 13 – Isaiah 23 – 45
Spend the week reading slowly and carefully Isaiah chapters 23 – 45 As God warned of impending judgment on His people, He also demonstrated that judgment is coming to the rest of the earth. “Woes” were pronounced over the people who would have to endure the wrath of God coming to their societies. He warned against relying on human strength, symbolized by trusting in other nations, such as Egypt. In the midst of this horrible tale of destruction, the prophet worshiped with praise, declared God’s coming comfort, and revealed the promise of deliverance that always accompanies God’s acts of discipline. This section also detailed the storyline of Isaiah’s interaction with Hezekiah, one of the righteous kings of Judah, as he faced one of the many incursions against Israel and Judah by Assyria. |
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Three Readings to “Audit” Isaiah 23 – 45
Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 30:15 – 31:9: Isaiah prophesied the Lord’s rebuke on those who would trust in Egypt for help against the coming judgment. Even in the midst of this rebuke, however, Isaiah was quick to describe how God longs to be gracious to them, and to be their source of hope and trust. But since God knew they would refuse, only terror was before them. Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 37:1 – 38:22: When confronted by an invasion from Assyria, Judah’s King Hezekiah turned to the Lord. Isaiah encouraged him to trust in God’s deliverance, which he did, and the Lord smote the Assyrians. Later, when Hezekiah faced natural death in his agedness, he turned again to the Lord. Isaiah ministered to him a promise of a few more years of life because Hezekiah had sought the Lord. Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 40:1-31, Isaiah 42:1-4 and Isaiah 43:1-13: Written many years after the first half of the book of Isaiah, chapter 40 began a whole new tone—one of redemption, provision, and comfort. Isaiah spoke as if the Babylonian captivity that was yet to come was nearing its end, to encourage God’s people that healing and restoration was indeed in their future. Many of these passages described the coming Messianic age, when the fullest restoration of God’s people would occur. |
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Skim and Skip – “What did I miss in Isaiah 23 – 45?”
Concluding a series of warnings to various nations and regions (Isaiah 23), the Lord promised devastation to the entire earth in the end times (Isaiah 24). Isaiah praised the Lord for the ultimate establishment of Jerusalem in that Day, a day seen as deliverance for Israel (Isaiah 25-27). In the meantime, though, woes were still pronounced over both Israel (called “Ephraim”) and Jerusalem (Isaiah 28-29), and for those who would trust in Egypt instead of God (Isaiah 30). Promises of joy and security in God’s Kingdom were mixed among descriptions of distress and wrath coming to the nations (Isaiah 32-35). An account of Isaiah’s interaction with Judah’s King Hezekiah was retold from 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles (Isaiah 36-39). With new tones of hope, God laid out His promise for the Messiah and complete restoration of Jerusalem (Isaiah 40-45). |
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The Most Important Story
By 700 BC the Assyrian Empire was on a quest for world domination. The empire was growing as the Assyrian army made it a regular practice to bring city after city under siege. These cities would usually be forced to pay tribute to the king and to provide soldiers for the Assyrian army. The army grew as more territories were brought under its power. Assyria used fear and intimidation as a means of expanding their empire, overtaking cities with excessive and often gruesome brutality. In the book of Isaiah, chapters 36-37 recorded the events of Assyria’s attempt to capture Jerusalem. When Assyria advanced to the borders of Jerusalem (701 BC) the Jews were given a fair chance to cooperatively fall under the control of Assyria. After many surrounding cities of Judah were seized, the Assyrian king Sennacherib sent a representative named Rabshakeh to advise Jerusalem to surrender. The King of Jerusalem, Hezekiah, assured his people that God would deliver them and they would not be overtaken by Assyria. Obviously, the people in the city were left with a choice to trust a message of fear from the king of Assyria, or a message of hope from their godly king. Hezekiah’s motives for refusing to submit to Assyria were stemmed from his faith in God, rather than faith in himself. First, the Jewish people were living in the land that was given to them by the promise of God (Genesis 12:1-2). Hezekiah made a choice to hold on to God’s promise by faith rather than to be persuaded by fear. Second, cities that were brought under Assyrian control were expected to infuse Assyrian worship practices into their religious lives. This would be absolute violation to the first commandment given to Moses, “I am the Lord your God… You shall have no other gods before me” (Deuteronomy 5:6-7). Hezekiah sought the counsel of Isaiah (Isaiah 37:1-2) and fervently prayed to God (Isaiah 37:16-20). The prophet assured Hezekiah that Jerusalem would not fall to Assyrian control. God protected Jerusalem by sending an angel to the camp of Assyria. The angel of the Lord struck the camp, and 185,000 Assyrian soldiers died (Isaiah 37:36). Fear is often a powerful and persuasive factor in the daily decisions we face in our lives. Thankfully, God’s perfect love casts out fear (I John 4:18). With our hope in God’s promises, and with faithful obedience to His will, we can face any fear with courage and integrity. By Greg Genter, adapted from “Revealing the Relevant Word”, CrossCurrent Ministries, 2010. |
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Ten Week Journey with the Prophets
God’s people had been given a land and a name: “Israel,” which means “Struggles with God.” Century after century, the Israelites struggled to keep their faith and commitment to God. They abandoned the Lord and turned to idols, worldly ideology, and false religion. So, God raised up prophets to call them back to Him. These men of God offered both warning and promise, challenge and blessing. If we will hear their words as the Word of the Lord for us today, we too can receive the promised blessings as we stay faithful to our God! Summer Sundays Teaching Line-up: As Pastor Chris and Sherri Eads are away on sabbatical for rest, renewal, and refocus, we are blessed with a tremendous line-up of gifted teachers who will lead us through the Word of God each Sunday:
Our Summer Teaching Pastors Pastor Chris Campbell – Born and raised in central West Virginia, Chris Campbell spent several decades as a youth pastor and teaching pastor, to include four years as co-pastor with Chris Eads at CrossCurrent Ministries (now Acacia Church) in Ashburn, Virginia. Today, Chris Campbell serves as a licensed therapist and founder of Resolutions Counseling in his hometown of Bridgeport, West Virginia. Pastor Will Cravens – For many years, Will Cravens pastored Bridge Community Church in Ashburn, Virginia, before moving to Florida to serve full-time as a missionary and founder of Endurance Leadership. His wife, Sandra, revitalized our Mt. Hope children’s ministry while serving as interim director in 2023. Pastor Phil Holliday – The Holliday family led our own Pastor Chris Eads to faith in Jesus when he was a teenager in Vienna, Virginia. Phil had a long corporate career as an executive with Mobil Oil before “retiring” to serve as Executive Pastor and leadership consultant to several Northern Virginia churches. Pastor Randy Richardson – His greatest passion being relationally driven spiritual growth, Randy has served as pastor of small group discipleship and lead pastor for multiple churches in Massachusetts and Virginia. Today, while his vocation is in the corporate cyber security world, he and his wife, Debbie, continue to powerfully lead small groups at Mt. Hope Church and beyond. Pastor Samuel Sierra – Married to his beloved Evelyn, Samuel Sierra has a powerful story of healing and redemption as he found Christ and overcame profound addictions in his young adult years. Today he serves as an Elder at Mt. Hope and founder of Real Life Counseling, providing pastoral care to scores of individuals seeking a healed life. Elder Jameson Zoller – Son of our retired Pastor John Zoller, Jameson and his wife Kristie have been pillars of our church for decades, leading in multiple ministries throughout the years such as youth, children, and worship. Jameson is a high school English teacher in Loudoun County and serves as an Elder at Mt. Hope Church. |
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- What do you need to do in my life to prepare me to be used by You?
- If I were to meet with You face to face, what would You say to me?
- What do You want to reveal to me about the identity of Jesus in my life?
Week of July 6 – Isaiah 1 – 22
Spend the week reading slowly and carefully Isaiah chapters 1-22
Isaiah marks the beginning of a section of scripture that we call the “Major Prophets.” Prophets spoke direct words from God. Four Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel), and twelve “Minor Prophets” (named for the size of their books, not the importance) brought stern warnings of judgment and promises of future redemption, marking a tumultuous era in the history of God’s people. Prophesying during the last centuries of the kings of Israel and Judah, these prophets set the stage for God’s discipline of His people, which would come in the form of invasions and captivity at the hand of the Assyrians and Babylonians. The first section of Isaiah details his calling, key stories that defined the purpose of God’s judgment, and a clear message that even though God would use godless nations such as Assyria and Babylon to bring judgment on the Jewish people, His punishment would soon fall on those unholy peoples as well. Isaiah shows us that when God disciplines His people, He always does so with the promise of redemption, restoration, and healing close at hand.
Spend the week reading slowly and carefully Isaiah chapters 1-22
Isaiah marks the beginning of a section of scripture that we call the “Major Prophets.” Prophets spoke direct words from God. Four Major Prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Daniel), and twelve “Minor Prophets” (named for the size of their books, not the importance) brought stern warnings of judgment and promises of future redemption, marking a tumultuous era in the history of God’s people. Prophesying during the last centuries of the kings of Israel and Judah, these prophets set the stage for God’s discipline of His people, which would come in the form of invasions and captivity at the hand of the Assyrians and Babylonians. The first section of Isaiah details his calling, key stories that defined the purpose of God’s judgment, and a clear message that even though God would use godless nations such as Assyria and Babylon to bring judgment on the Jewish people, His punishment would soon fall on those unholy peoples as well. Isaiah shows us that when God disciplines His people, He always does so with the promise of redemption, restoration, and healing close at hand.
Three Readings to “Audit” Isaiah 1 – 22
Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 1:1-31 and Isaiah 6:1-13: God’s passionate heartbreak over His people was demonstrated as Isaiah poured out warnings of judgment and promise of restoration. Receiving his calling in a vision before the throne of God, the Lord commissioned Isaiah to close the ears of unrepentant Israel with words that would harden their hearts and experience the absence of God, lest they mistakenly believe they are right with the Lord.
Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 7:1 – 8:10: Isaiah was sent to the king of Judah to instruct him to trust the Lord during one of the many outbreaks of civil war between Judah and Israel (called “Ephraim” in this passage). A sign given to King Ahaz—the birth of a child in his court—was also a prophetic foreshadowing of the Christ-child. Israel’s defeat at the hands of the Assyrians was promised.
Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 9:1-7 and Isaiah 10:20 – 11:16: As the northern nation of Israel neared the judgment coming to them from Assyria, Isaiah reassured Judah that Assyria itself would fall, and a Messiah would eventually come from the remnant of God’s people.
Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 1:1-31 and Isaiah 6:1-13: God’s passionate heartbreak over His people was demonstrated as Isaiah poured out warnings of judgment and promise of restoration. Receiving his calling in a vision before the throne of God, the Lord commissioned Isaiah to close the ears of unrepentant Israel with words that would harden their hearts and experience the absence of God, lest they mistakenly believe they are right with the Lord.
Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 7:1 – 8:10: Isaiah was sent to the king of Judah to instruct him to trust the Lord during one of the many outbreaks of civil war between Judah and Israel (called “Ephraim” in this passage). A sign given to King Ahaz—the birth of a child in his court—was also a prophetic foreshadowing of the Christ-child. Israel’s defeat at the hands of the Assyrians was promised.
Read slowly and carefully: Isaiah 9:1-7 and Isaiah 10:20 – 11:16: As the northern nation of Israel neared the judgment coming to them from Assyria, Isaiah reassured Judah that Assyria itself would fall, and a Messiah would eventually come from the remnant of God’s people.
Skim and Skip – “What did I miss in Isaiah 1 – 22?”
In the face of impending judgment, it was essential for God to display the future plans He had for Israel. He that promised Jerusalem’s temple would be restored (Isaiah 2), through the impending “Day of the Lord” would take away Jerusalem for a time (Isaiah 2-3) and leave only a remnant (Isaiah 4). Isaiah pronounced woes on those who would face judgment (Isaiah 5) and praised God for the remnant that would be preserved (Isaiah 12). The various nations that threatened Israel and Judah were warned that they also would face judgment (Isaiah 13-22), an essential message for the Jews to hear as they faced their own immediate destruction. God made clear that Israel and Judah’s judgment would be temporary, and at the hands of nations no less in danger of God’s hand of discipline.
In the face of impending judgment, it was essential for God to display the future plans He had for Israel. He that promised Jerusalem’s temple would be restored (Isaiah 2), through the impending “Day of the Lord” would take away Jerusalem for a time (Isaiah 2-3) and leave only a remnant (Isaiah 4). Isaiah pronounced woes on those who would face judgment (Isaiah 5) and praised God for the remnant that would be preserved (Isaiah 12). The various nations that threatened Israel and Judah were warned that they also would face judgment (Isaiah 13-22), an essential message for the Jews to hear as they faced their own immediate destruction. God made clear that Israel and Judah’s judgment would be temporary, and at the hands of nations no less in danger of God’s hand of discipline.
The Most Important Story
There are questions that lie deep in the heart of every human soul. What is the purpose of life? Do things happen for a reason or by chance? Do I have a destiny? For many, answering the deep questions of the human heart proves impossible. The questions seem both undeniable and unknowable. Many people eventually tune out. We settle into the busyness of everyday life, hide behind our schedules, and stop asking if all this activity truly matters.
Consider that the prophet Isaiah was a real person. Try not to picture an old man with a long beard—he was a prophet for 60 years; therefore, it is likely that he began ministry in his 20’s or 30’s. He had a family. He had kids (see Isaiah 7:3; Isaiah 8:3). He struggled with personal doubts and insecurities.
None of the prophets in the Bible asked to be a prophet. There was no application for the job. There was no prophetic school. God simply talked. If God talked to you, you were a prophet. This was the case for Isaiah.
Isaiah received a vision of God in His full majesty (Isaiah 6:1-13). Isaiah described the scene with God sitting on a throne. God was wearing a robe that filled the temple. There were a burning altar and fiery angels hovering over God’s throne.
In verse five, Isaiah recorded his own words. He believed that he was about to die. Standing in the presence of Almighty God, he cried out, “I am ruined... I am a man of unclean lips.” One of the fiery angles took a burning coal and touched it to Isaiah’s lips. The angel said that he was now clean. His sin was forgiven. Finally, God spoke in verse eight, “Who will I send, and who will be willing to go?” Isaiah then answered, “Here am I, send me.”
The Bible assures us that we all have a purpose and God has a plan (see Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, and Ephesians 2:10). God offers us his forgiveness and cleansing. We find the answers to the ultimate questions of life when we encounter God on a personal level. God plants the answers in the same place they are being asked—deep within our hearts.
If you seek after God with all of your heart, you can trust that the life-purpose you discover is ultimately from God. It is then your response that makes all the difference. Consider the obedient, faith-filled response of Isaiah: “Here am I, send me.”
By Greg Genter, adapted from “Revealing the Relevant Word”, CrossCurrent Ministries, 2010.
There are questions that lie deep in the heart of every human soul. What is the purpose of life? Do things happen for a reason or by chance? Do I have a destiny? For many, answering the deep questions of the human heart proves impossible. The questions seem both undeniable and unknowable. Many people eventually tune out. We settle into the busyness of everyday life, hide behind our schedules, and stop asking if all this activity truly matters.
Consider that the prophet Isaiah was a real person. Try not to picture an old man with a long beard—he was a prophet for 60 years; therefore, it is likely that he began ministry in his 20’s or 30’s. He had a family. He had kids (see Isaiah 7:3; Isaiah 8:3). He struggled with personal doubts and insecurities.
None of the prophets in the Bible asked to be a prophet. There was no application for the job. There was no prophetic school. God simply talked. If God talked to you, you were a prophet. This was the case for Isaiah.
Isaiah received a vision of God in His full majesty (Isaiah 6:1-13). Isaiah described the scene with God sitting on a throne. God was wearing a robe that filled the temple. There were a burning altar and fiery angels hovering over God’s throne.
In verse five, Isaiah recorded his own words. He believed that he was about to die. Standing in the presence of Almighty God, he cried out, “I am ruined... I am a man of unclean lips.” One of the fiery angles took a burning coal and touched it to Isaiah’s lips. The angel said that he was now clean. His sin was forgiven. Finally, God spoke in verse eight, “Who will I send, and who will be willing to go?” Isaiah then answered, “Here am I, send me.”
The Bible assures us that we all have a purpose and God has a plan (see Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28, and Ephesians 2:10). God offers us his forgiveness and cleansing. We find the answers to the ultimate questions of life when we encounter God on a personal level. God plants the answers in the same place they are being asked—deep within our hearts.
If you seek after God with all of your heart, you can trust that the life-purpose you discover is ultimately from God. It is then your response that makes all the difference. Consider the obedient, faith-filled response of Isaiah: “Here am I, send me.”
By Greg Genter, adapted from “Revealing the Relevant Word”, CrossCurrent Ministries, 2010.
Each day this week, read and reflect on the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- What changes and repentance do You want to empower in my life?
- What promise of healing and restoration do You want me to believe for?
- Is there a particular calling for my life that I need to respond to?
Week of June 29 – Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah and Micah
Spend the week reading from Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah
We begin our journey through the prophets with a group of books known as the “Minor Prophets.” They are not considered “minor” because they lack importance, but rather because they are far shorter than Isaiah, Jeremah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, which are known as the “Major Prophets.” These smaller books are focused on the final decades before Assyria and Babylon invaded Israel and Judah, taking the people of Israel captive in two waves of God’s judgment. Joel introduced the concept of “The Day of the Lord,” a common theme among the prophets to speak of God’s acts of judgment and His promise of restoration and healing. Amos and Micah both warned of the coming captivities. Obadiah rebuked Israel’s hostile neighbor Edom. Jonah was called to preach repentance to the Assyrian capital, a call he resisted due to his hatred of Israel’s great enemy.
Spend the week reading from Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah
We begin our journey through the prophets with a group of books known as the “Minor Prophets.” They are not considered “minor” because they lack importance, but rather because they are far shorter than Isaiah, Jeremah, Ezekiel, and Daniel, which are known as the “Major Prophets.” These smaller books are focused on the final decades before Assyria and Babylon invaded Israel and Judah, taking the people of Israel captive in two waves of God’s judgment. Joel introduced the concept of “The Day of the Lord,” a common theme among the prophets to speak of God’s acts of judgment and His promise of restoration and healing. Amos and Micah both warned of the coming captivities. Obadiah rebuked Israel’s hostile neighbor Edom. Jonah was called to preach repentance to the Assyrian capital, a call he resisted due to his hatred of Israel’s great enemy.
Three Readings to “Audit” the Minor Prophets
Read slowly and carefully: Joel 2:1-32: A great plague of locusts was called an “army” by Joel, who saw this difficulty as an act of judgment coming from God. The Lord called His people to return to Him with all their hearts. God promised to restore the land and heal them from the locust plague, and then to pour out His Holy Spirit into their lives—a prophecy ultimately fulfilled in Acts 2:1-39 as the Holy Spirit filled the early followers of Jesus Christ.
Read slowly and carefully: Jonah 1:1-17 and Jonah 3:1 – 4:10: Jonah was called by God to preach to the Assyrian capital of Ninevah. He resented this call because the Assyrians were an enemy to Israel and a significant military threat. Preferring Ninevah to be destroyed, Jonah feared God’s mercy would spare the city and allow Israel’s enemy to thrive. The people of Ninevah did, in fact, repent and find God’s mercy for a time, for which Jonah was resentful and depressed.
Read carefully: Micah 4:1 – 5:5 and Micah 6:6-8: Micah spoke of the “Last Days” when the Messiah would be revealed. The mighty restoration of Jerusalem described is considered a prophetic vision of both a present restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile and also future end times, when God will prepare a New Heaven and New Earth for believers to enjoy for eternity. Micah prophesied that the birth of Messiah would occur in Bethlehem, which was fulfilled in Jesus.
Read slowly and carefully: Joel 2:1-32: A great plague of locusts was called an “army” by Joel, who saw this difficulty as an act of judgment coming from God. The Lord called His people to return to Him with all their hearts. God promised to restore the land and heal them from the locust plague, and then to pour out His Holy Spirit into their lives—a prophecy ultimately fulfilled in Acts 2:1-39 as the Holy Spirit filled the early followers of Jesus Christ.
Read slowly and carefully: Jonah 1:1-17 and Jonah 3:1 – 4:10: Jonah was called by God to preach to the Assyrian capital of Ninevah. He resented this call because the Assyrians were an enemy to Israel and a significant military threat. Preferring Ninevah to be destroyed, Jonah feared God’s mercy would spare the city and allow Israel’s enemy to thrive. The people of Ninevah did, in fact, repent and find God’s mercy for a time, for which Jonah was resentful and depressed.
Read carefully: Micah 4:1 – 5:5 and Micah 6:6-8: Micah spoke of the “Last Days” when the Messiah would be revealed. The mighty restoration of Jerusalem described is considered a prophetic vision of both a present restoration of Israel after the Babylonian exile and also future end times, when God will prepare a New Heaven and New Earth for believers to enjoy for eternity. Micah prophesied that the birth of Messiah would occur in Bethlehem, which was fulfilled in Jesus.
Skim and Skip – “What Did I Miss in The Minor Prophets?”
A plague of locusts was afflicting Israel when Joel called for repentance and warned of a coming Day of the Lord, where both judgment and blessing would come (Joel 1-3). The neighbors of Israel were not immune to facing God’s judgment (Amos 1), but so also Israel would face the consequences of her sins, which were specifically named (Amos 2-6). Amos shared visions that revealed God’s plans to no longer withhold judgment (Amos 7-9), and yet also promised restoration (Amos 9). For centuries, Israel’s neighbor Edom had assaulted her and gloated over her judgments. Obadiah promised that Edom, too, would face God’s hand. Jonah’s prayer from within the belly of a great fish expressed his faith (Jonah 2). Micah predicted destruction (Micah 1), identified corruption (Micah 2), condemned leadership (Micah 3), and promised the Messiah (Micah 5). He named Israel’s sins (Micah 6) and yet spoke of restoration and healing (Micah 7).
A plague of locusts was afflicting Israel when Joel called for repentance and warned of a coming Day of the Lord, where both judgment and blessing would come (Joel 1-3). The neighbors of Israel were not immune to facing God’s judgment (Amos 1), but so also Israel would face the consequences of her sins, which were specifically named (Amos 2-6). Amos shared visions that revealed God’s plans to no longer withhold judgment (Amos 7-9), and yet also promised restoration (Amos 9). For centuries, Israel’s neighbor Edom had assaulted her and gloated over her judgments. Obadiah promised that Edom, too, would face God’s hand. Jonah’s prayer from within the belly of a great fish expressed his faith (Jonah 2). Micah predicted destruction (Micah 1), identified corruption (Micah 2), condemned leadership (Micah 3), and promised the Messiah (Micah 5). He named Israel’s sins (Micah 6) and yet spoke of restoration and healing (Micah 7).
The Most Important Story
Despite our desire to live a blameless life, we will fall short of the glory of God. When we sin, it distances us from God. In order to bring restoration to our relationship with Him, we must repent of our wrong doings. Confessing our sin is something that God asks us to do. Repeatedly, His word shows us that through His righteousness and judgment, our relationship with Him will be restored and we will be delivered (see 1 John 1:7-9). More than simply repenting of our wrongs, we must also trust in God’s mercy and grace. Resting in that forgiveness, we can find our relationship with God flourish, even as we continue to struggle against our imperfections.
The story of Jonah is a perfect example of God's unwavering commitment to the people He loves. In Jonah 1:2, the Lord asked Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell them to turn from their wickedness. Instead of heeding the Lord’s command, Jonah deliberately disobeyed. But the Lord was relentless in His desire for Jonah to warn the Ninevites. Jonah was not eager to see the city spared from destruction but despite this he eventually obeyed the Lord's command. Nineveh believed Jonah’s message, and they repented of their sins. Nineveh was spared.
Just when we think the story of repentance and forgiveness is complete, God often engages the transformation process yet again. After forgiving both Jonah and the inhabitants of Nineveh, God extended His mercy once more. Jonah told the Lord he would rather die than see Nineveh delivered. As he sat in the desert and sulked, the Lord allowed a plant to grow in order to mercifully protect Jonah from the intense weather. The next morning the Lord had the plant wither. Jonah was beside himself with anger because the weather was severely affecting him. God used the plant as an analogy to show Jonah about His love for the Ninevites. If Jonah had been as concerned for the city of Nineveh as he was for the plant, he would have rejoiced at their repentance.
God saw Jonah through his selfishness, much like He sees us through our own selfishness. Let us strive every day to become more like Christ. Let us look at everyone through the eyes of God’s mercy and grace. And when it is necessary, let’s rest in His forgiveness and unwavering affection for us.
Adapted from “Revealing the Relevant Word”, CrossCurrent Ministries, 2010.
Despite our desire to live a blameless life, we will fall short of the glory of God. When we sin, it distances us from God. In order to bring restoration to our relationship with Him, we must repent of our wrong doings. Confessing our sin is something that God asks us to do. Repeatedly, His word shows us that through His righteousness and judgment, our relationship with Him will be restored and we will be delivered (see 1 John 1:7-9). More than simply repenting of our wrongs, we must also trust in God’s mercy and grace. Resting in that forgiveness, we can find our relationship with God flourish, even as we continue to struggle against our imperfections.
The story of Jonah is a perfect example of God's unwavering commitment to the people He loves. In Jonah 1:2, the Lord asked Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell them to turn from their wickedness. Instead of heeding the Lord’s command, Jonah deliberately disobeyed. But the Lord was relentless in His desire for Jonah to warn the Ninevites. Jonah was not eager to see the city spared from destruction but despite this he eventually obeyed the Lord's command. Nineveh believed Jonah’s message, and they repented of their sins. Nineveh was spared.
Just when we think the story of repentance and forgiveness is complete, God often engages the transformation process yet again. After forgiving both Jonah and the inhabitants of Nineveh, God extended His mercy once more. Jonah told the Lord he would rather die than see Nineveh delivered. As he sat in the desert and sulked, the Lord allowed a plant to grow in order to mercifully protect Jonah from the intense weather. The next morning the Lord had the plant wither. Jonah was beside himself with anger because the weather was severely affecting him. God used the plant as an analogy to show Jonah about His love for the Ninevites. If Jonah had been as concerned for the city of Nineveh as he was for the plant, he would have rejoiced at their repentance.
God saw Jonah through his selfishness, much like He sees us through our own selfishness. Let us strive every day to become more like Christ. Let us look at everyone through the eyes of God’s mercy and grace. And when it is necessary, let’s rest in His forgiveness and unwavering affection for us.
Adapted from “Revealing the Relevant Word”, CrossCurrent Ministries, 2010.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- What do You want to do inside me as I wait before You in silence?
- What commitment do I need to make to wait before You fully?
- What promises in Your Word do you want to confirm for me?
Monday, June 22 – “Wait for the Lord”
How committed are you—and how good are you—at spending time alone with God on a regular, daily basis? Do you see and know its value? Do you do it?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 27:1-14, Psalm 33:20-22 and Psalm 37:3-7. God’s Word (the Bible) promises to revive our soul, make us wise, bring joy to our hearts, and help us discern our realities (see Psalm 19:7-14). When we meditate on His Word day and night, it builds roots deep within our soul that will prosper and not wither (see Psalm 1:1-3). But to have time with God bear this fruit, often we must wait. Spiritual breakthrough does not occur instantly. There is a soaking, sitting, listening, and waiting before God with focus that will bring this to pass.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 27:1-14, Psalm 33:20-22 and Psalm 37:3-7.
How committed are you—and how good are you—at spending time alone with God on a regular, daily basis? Do you see and know its value? Do you do it?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 27:1-14, Psalm 33:20-22 and Psalm 37:3-7. God’s Word (the Bible) promises to revive our soul, make us wise, bring joy to our hearts, and help us discern our realities (see Psalm 19:7-14). When we meditate on His Word day and night, it builds roots deep within our soul that will prosper and not wither (see Psalm 1:1-3). But to have time with God bear this fruit, often we must wait. Spiritual breakthrough does not occur instantly. There is a soaking, sitting, listening, and waiting before God with focus that will bring this to pass.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 27:1-14, Psalm 33:20-22 and Psalm 37:3-7.
Tuesday, June 23 – “Trust, Delight, Commit”
As you soak in God’s Word, what outcomes do you experience? What correlation do you see between the fulfillment of God’s promises and time in His Word?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 37:3-7 and Psalm 40:1-8. The Word of God is filled with promises to bless, support, protect, guide, and provide. But the Word also provides the prescription for how we access and experience these promises. Psalm 37 reveals that these outcomes occur when we make a decision to trust God, to find great delight in Him, commit ourselves to the pursuit of Him, to be still before Him, and wait for His presence.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 37:3-7 and Psalm 40:1-8.
As you soak in God’s Word, what outcomes do you experience? What correlation do you see between the fulfillment of God’s promises and time in His Word?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 37:3-7 and Psalm 40:1-8. The Word of God is filled with promises to bless, support, protect, guide, and provide. But the Word also provides the prescription for how we access and experience these promises. Psalm 37 reveals that these outcomes occur when we make a decision to trust God, to find great delight in Him, commit ourselves to the pursuit of Him, to be still before Him, and wait for His presence.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 37:3-7 and Psalm 40:1-8.
Wednesday, June 24 – “Soul, Put Your Hope in God!”
What makes it hard for you to find delight in God? How can you build this up?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 42:1-11. To find genuine, thorough, and joyful delight in the presence of God, we must commit the time to be present with Him. But many people often find this delight does not come naturally. Hunger for God and His Word can occur even when we don’t feel it, but we cannot be passive about it. Waiting before the Lord is not just waiting for Him to show up. We command our soul to put our hope in God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 42:1-11.
What makes it hard for you to find delight in God? How can you build this up?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 42:1-11. To find genuine, thorough, and joyful delight in the presence of God, we must commit the time to be present with Him. But many people often find this delight does not come naturally. Hunger for God and His Word can occur even when we don’t feel it, but we cannot be passive about it. Waiting before the Lord is not just waiting for Him to show up. We command our soul to put our hope in God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 42:1-11.
Thursday, June 25 – “Rest in His Shadow”
When you are under stress, how does the presence of God affect you? Does God become to you a safe place of refuge, security, and strength? Why or why not?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 91:1-16. God promises to be a shield and fortress for us, to protects us from the harm that may face us. He will guard us, rescue, answer our prayers and be with us. We should not misread these promises to mean we will not encounter hard things, but rather with God’s help, no harm will come to our inner being. Our challenges and problems will not be a disaster. We can rest in the shadow of His covering!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 91:1-16.
When you are under stress, how does the presence of God affect you? Does God become to you a safe place of refuge, security, and strength? Why or why not?
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 91:1-16. God promises to be a shield and fortress for us, to protects us from the harm that may face us. He will guard us, rescue, answer our prayers and be with us. We should not misread these promises to mean we will not encounter hard things, but rather with God’s help, no harm will come to our inner being. Our challenges and problems will not be a disaster. We can rest in the shadow of His covering!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 91:1-16.
Friday, June 26 – “Do It Yourself”
Are you ready to seek God fervently on your own? Where do you still need help?
Read carefully and carefully Psalm 1:1-6. The goal of these handouts and The Daily Six video series has been to model for you, resource you, and equip you to study God’s Word with passion and hunger, and to build a daily habit around the scriptures. When we do this—when we meditate on God’s Word day and night—we will have roots that go deep. We will experience prosperity in our inner selves. And we will not wither. Let’s each make a commitment to do this every day on our own. God will meet us!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 1:1-6.
Are you ready to seek God fervently on your own? Where do you still need help?
Read carefully and carefully Psalm 1:1-6. The goal of these handouts and The Daily Six video series has been to model for you, resource you, and equip you to study God’s Word with passion and hunger, and to build a daily habit around the scriptures. When we do this—when we meditate on God’s Word day and night—we will have roots that go deep. We will experience prosperity in our inner selves. And we will not wither. Let’s each make a commitment to do this every day on our own. God will meet us!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 1:1-6.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- What do You offer to me in Your Word? Joy? Wisdom? Assurance?
- How can I mix both raw honesty before You and faith in Your presence?
- Help me discern the difference between seeking Your hand and Your face.
Monday, June 15 – “Reviving the Soul”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 19:1-14
What place does the Word of God hold in your heart? And what does it do within you? Is your soul revived when you soak in His Word? Do you experience joy?
David explained that everything in creation declares “the glory of God,” or His fullest identity (Psalm 19:1). We get a glimpse of who God is in His creation. But to see God more fully—and to see transformation within our own lives in relationship with Him—we look to His Word, called “the Law of the Lord” in Psalm 19:7. Digging deep into God’s Word (the Bible) promises to revive our soul, make us wise, bring joy to our hearts, and help us discern our realities.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 19:1-14.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 19:1-14
What place does the Word of God hold in your heart? And what does it do within you? Is your soul revived when you soak in His Word? Do you experience joy?
David explained that everything in creation declares “the glory of God,” or His fullest identity (Psalm 19:1). We get a glimpse of who God is in His creation. But to see God more fully—and to see transformation within our own lives in relationship with Him—we look to His Word, called “the Law of the Lord” in Psalm 19:7. Digging deep into God’s Word (the Bible) promises to revive our soul, make us wise, bring joy to our hearts, and help us discern our realities.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 19:1-14.
Tuesday, June 16 – “How Jesus Prayed Scripture”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 22:1-21
Have you been learning to pray scripture? Are you practicing this? What has been the result of praying through God’s Word? How is your faith built up by this?
When Jesus was suffering on the cross, he began to quote the words of Psalm 22, which was written 1,000 years earlier by David when he was suffering great injustice. Jesus found the raw honesty of David to be an anchor for how he should pray to the Father in his great pain. When Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” (Matthew 27:46), he was praying directly the words of Psalm 22:1. Praying scripture has power to connect us to God through His Word!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 22:1-21.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 22:1-21
Have you been learning to pray scripture? Are you practicing this? What has been the result of praying through God’s Word? How is your faith built up by this?
When Jesus was suffering on the cross, he began to quote the words of Psalm 22, which was written 1,000 years earlier by David when he was suffering great injustice. Jesus found the raw honesty of David to be an anchor for how he should pray to the Father in his great pain. When Jesus cried, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me,” (Matthew 27:46), he was praying directly the words of Psalm 22:1. Praying scripture has power to connect us to God through His Word!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 22:1-21.
Wednesday, June 17 – “God Has Not Hidden His Face”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 22:22-31
When you pray scripture, do you see anything change in your faith and emotions?
Using the Word of God as our source of prayer forces us to pivot into faith as the scriptures declare truth we may not otherwise feel to be true. As David poured out his honesty of feeling abandoned by God (Psalm 22:1-2), he also professed his faith that God had not hidden His face from him (Psalm 22:24). Faith has room for both doubt and pain; faith expressed in the space of pain causes us to pivot.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 22:22-31.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 22:22-31
When you pray scripture, do you see anything change in your faith and emotions?
Using the Word of God as our source of prayer forces us to pivot into faith as the scriptures declare truth we may not otherwise feel to be true. As David poured out his honesty of feeling abandoned by God (Psalm 22:1-2), he also professed his faith that God had not hidden His face from him (Psalm 22:24). Faith has room for both doubt and pain; faith expressed in the space of pain causes us to pivot.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 22:22-31.
Thursday, June 18 – “The Lord is My Shepherd”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 23:1-6
How well are you doing in letting God lead you into quiet, restorative places? Do you need more rest in your life? Are you turning to God to be that source?
Unquestionably the most well-known Psalm reveals to us the shepherd’s heart that God has for us. He seeks to lead us to the provision of quiet spaces that will restore our soul. He gives us confidence even in the most fearful moments of our life. He establishes a covenant of relationship with us in love and dwells with us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 23:1-6.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 23:1-6
How well are you doing in letting God lead you into quiet, restorative places? Do you need more rest in your life? Are you turning to God to be that source?
Unquestionably the most well-known Psalm reveals to us the shepherd’s heart that God has for us. He seeks to lead us to the provision of quiet spaces that will restore our soul. He gives us confidence even in the most fearful moments of our life. He establishes a covenant of relationship with us in love and dwells with us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 23:1-6.
Friday, June 19 – “Your Face, O Lord, I Seek”
Read carefully and carefully Psalm 24:1-10 and Psalm 27:1-14
What is the difference between asking God for things and seeking to know Him?
David reveals that the way into God’s presence is not through our efforts to muscle up behavior modification, but rather to “seek His face” (Psalm 27:8). Someone once called this a contrast between “seeking God’s hand vs. seeking God’s face,” which is to seek to know God in intimacy more than we seek to have God’s help with things. This is the most mature and powerful form of prayer and it leads us into a life of deep relational closeness with God—but only as we seek.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 24:1-10 and Psalm 27:1-14.
Read carefully and carefully Psalm 24:1-10 and Psalm 27:1-14
What is the difference between asking God for things and seeking to know Him?
David reveals that the way into God’s presence is not through our efforts to muscle up behavior modification, but rather to “seek His face” (Psalm 27:8). Someone once called this a contrast between “seeking God’s hand vs. seeking God’s face,” which is to seek to know God in intimacy more than we seek to have God’s help with things. This is the most mature and powerful form of prayer and it leads us into a life of deep relational closeness with God—but only as we seek.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 24:1-10 and Psalm 27:1-14.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- What is Your prescription for blessing in my life?
- What do You want me to stand upon in my life, and what should I reject?
- Where do You want me to trust You and be vulnerable with You?
Monday, June 8 – “How to Be Blessed”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 1:1-6
What defines the way in which you live your life—how do you describe your “walk?” Upon what do you stand in life? Where have you settled in to believe?
The Psalms are a collection of poetry and song that various Israelites wrote over an extended period of time. They lead us into worship, personal reflection, raw honesty about our feelings, and movement towards trusting God. Psalm 1 promises blessing to the person who will meditate on God’s Word day and night, constantly thinking of and living from the Word. In this love for God’s Word, we gain an abundant life of prosperity and will not wither under the world’s stress.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 1:1-6.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 1:1-6
What defines the way in which you live your life—how do you describe your “walk?” Upon what do you stand in life? Where have you settled in to believe?
The Psalms are a collection of poetry and song that various Israelites wrote over an extended period of time. They lead us into worship, personal reflection, raw honesty about our feelings, and movement towards trusting God. Psalm 1 promises blessing to the person who will meditate on God’s Word day and night, constantly thinking of and living from the Word. In this love for God’s Word, we gain an abundant life of prosperity and will not wither under the world’s stress.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 1:1-6.
Tuesday, June 9 – “How Long, O Lord?”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 3:1-8, Psalm 4:1-8 and Psalm 13:1-6
When you are in great pain, do you approach God with raw vulnerability?
King David went through a terrible time of betrayal as his son Absalom rebelled against him and tried to seize the throne. And yet in this great turmoil, David claims the ability to sleep peacefully because of his faith in the Lord’s sustaining strength. But even in this trust, he also pours out his heart in raw honesty to God, naming his frustration and doubt at why God is not delivering him more quickly. Both faith and doubt can indeed coexist. Intimacy with God begins with honesty.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 3, Psalm 4 and 13.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 3:1-8, Psalm 4:1-8 and Psalm 13:1-6
When you are in great pain, do you approach God with raw vulnerability?
King David went through a terrible time of betrayal as his son Absalom rebelled against him and tried to seize the throne. And yet in this great turmoil, David claims the ability to sleep peacefully because of his faith in the Lord’s sustaining strength. But even in this trust, he also pours out his heart in raw honesty to God, naming his frustration and doubt at why God is not delivering him more quickly. Both faith and doubt can indeed coexist. Intimacy with God begins with honesty.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 3, Psalm 4 and 13.
Wednesday, June 10 – “God My Rock, My Refuge”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 13:5-6 and Psalm 18:1-6
What is your instinctive impulse during struggle? Is it to believe God or to doubt?
Many of the Psalms were written by David as he overcame tremendous injustice and betrayal. In spite of the hardships and fear of these difficult times, he made decisions of faith to see God as his strength and refuge. The context of the Hebrew words he chose indicate a bold and impulsive action that he engaged before God brought victory. His faith acted ahead of God’s deliverance, not after.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 13 and Psalm 18.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 13:5-6 and Psalm 18:1-6
What is your instinctive impulse during struggle? Is it to believe God or to doubt?
Many of the Psalms were written by David as he overcame tremendous injustice and betrayal. In spite of the hardships and fear of these difficult times, he made decisions of faith to see God as his strength and refuge. The context of the Hebrew words he chose indicate a bold and impulsive action that he engaged before God brought victory. His faith acted ahead of God’s deliverance, not after.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 13 and Psalm 18.
Thursday, June 11 – “When I Am In Too Deep”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 18:7-19 and Ephesians 1:4-5
Do you ever feel like your circumstances are too much for you to handle? Have you ever said, “I can’t do this anymore?” How does God help you in these times?
David’s anguish was too much for him. He felt like the injustice of King Saul’s efforts to kill him would be unsurvivable—both in physical reality and in his emotions. And yet, he continued to recognize that God was supporting him through it. He also recognized that God did so because of His love and delight in David. The New Testament echoes this same truth, that God takes great joy in us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 18:7-19 and Ephesians 1:4-5.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 18:7-19 and Ephesians 1:4-5
Do you ever feel like your circumstances are too much for you to handle? Have you ever said, “I can’t do this anymore?” How does God help you in these times?
David’s anguish was too much for him. He felt like the injustice of King Saul’s efforts to kill him would be unsurvivable—both in physical reality and in his emotions. And yet, he continued to recognize that God was supporting him through it. He also recognized that God did so because of His love and delight in David. The New Testament echoes this same truth, that God takes great joy in us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 18:7-19 and Ephesians 1:4-5.
Friday, June 12 – “According to My Righteousness”
Read carefully and carefully Psalm 18:19-33
What is the balance between God’s merciful delight in you regardless of your sin and the limitations of God’s blessing to come in according to our righteousness?
God supported David purely out of His love and delight for him. But David also recognized that God could only bless him within the boundaries of what He had to work with, namely the condition of David’s heart and righteousness. When we are walking in purity before the Lord, God has so much more ability to bless us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 18:19-33.
Read carefully and carefully Psalm 18:19-33
What is the balance between God’s merciful delight in you regardless of your sin and the limitations of God’s blessing to come in according to our righteousness?
God supported David purely out of His love and delight for him. But David also recognized that God could only bless him within the boundaries of what He had to work with, namely the condition of David’s heart and righteousness. When we are walking in purity before the Lord, God has so much more ability to bless us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 18:19-33.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts above, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- How have You designed me and embedded Your nature within me?
- What is my responsibility to steward Your image and character in me?
- What do I need to trust and what do I need to choose to follow You?
Monday, June 1 – “Praying in the Image of God”
Read slowly and carefully Genesis 1:1-31.
How is it relevant to your daily life that you have been made “in the image of God”? How does this define your sense of self? Your sense of responsibility?
When God formed Adam and Eve—and thereby forming the nature of every human being to come—He embedded His own nature and qualities in us. This means that our nature is like God in our ability to feel, think, desire, love and interact. This offers us great confidence that our foundational structure is “very good” (Genesis 1:31), but it also calls us to a careful stewardship of our responsibilities and relationships. We need to pray to live up to that reality.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Genesis 1:1-31.
Read slowly and carefully Genesis 1:1-31.
How is it relevant to your daily life that you have been made “in the image of God”? How does this define your sense of self? Your sense of responsibility?
When God formed Adam and Eve—and thereby forming the nature of every human being to come—He embedded His own nature and qualities in us. This means that our nature is like God in our ability to feel, think, desire, love and interact. This offers us great confidence that our foundational structure is “very good” (Genesis 1:31), but it also calls us to a careful stewardship of our responsibilities and relationships. We need to pray to live up to that reality.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Genesis 1:1-31.
Wednesday, June 3 – “Praying Strong and Courageously”
Read slowly and carefully Joshua 1:1-18.
As you face the complexities and challenges of your life today, how strong and capable do you feel? What (or who) is the source of your courage and strength?
As Joshua began to lead the people of Israel, the Lord told Joshua to put his hope, strength, and courage in God’s power and presence. He could be very courageous because of the Lord, not himself. We should pray over our daily circumstances and decisions, but more just than asking God for help, we should also express our trust in His power, presence, and His Word as our primary source of strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Joshua 1:1-18.
Read slowly and carefully Joshua 1:1-18.
As you face the complexities and challenges of your life today, how strong and capable do you feel? What (or who) is the source of your courage and strength?
As Joshua began to lead the people of Israel, the Lord told Joshua to put his hope, strength, and courage in God’s power and presence. He could be very courageous because of the Lord, not himself. We should pray over our daily circumstances and decisions, but more just than asking God for help, we should also express our trust in His power, presence, and His Word as our primary source of strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Joshua 1:1-18.
Thursday, June 4 – “Praying; Never Forsaken”
Read slowly and carefully once again Joshua 1:1-18.
Are you conscious of God’s attentive presence in your life, or do you feel like He is nowhere to be found? How does His promise compare to your present feelings?
The foundation of Joshua’s confidence was God’s promise to “be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9), and that God would “never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). This promise is not only for Joshua; it is given by Jesus to every believer (see Matthew 28:20). We must pray with faith regardless of how I feel!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Joshua 1:1-18.
Read slowly and carefully once again Joshua 1:1-18.
Are you conscious of God’s attentive presence in your life, or do you feel like He is nowhere to be found? How does His promise compare to your present feelings?
The foundation of Joshua’s confidence was God’s promise to “be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9), and that God would “never leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). This promise is not only for Joshua; it is given by Jesus to every believer (see Matthew 28:20). We must pray with faith regardless of how I feel!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Joshua 1:1-18.
Friday, June 5 – “Praying with Decision”
Read carefully and carefully Joshua 1:6 and Joshua 24:1-27.
Happy Friday, all… How resolute are you in serving and loving the Lord? Is there anything about full devotion to God that seems undesirable to you?
As leader of Israel, Joshua could only point the people of God to make their own decision to follow the Lord in wholehearted faith. No one can live our life with God for us. We must make our own choice. We must pray from that decision of faith. Only then God can manifest His presence and strength within us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Joshua 1:6 and Joshua 24:1-27.
Read carefully and carefully Joshua 1:6 and Joshua 24:1-27.
Happy Friday, all… How resolute are you in serving and loving the Lord? Is there anything about full devotion to God that seems undesirable to you?
As leader of Israel, Joshua could only point the people of God to make their own decision to follow the Lord in wholehearted faith. No one can live our life with God for us. We must make our own choice. We must pray from that decision of faith. Only then God can manifest His presence and strength within us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Joshua 1:6 and Joshua 24:1-27.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- Reveal to me how You move in power and what your goals are for us.
- What spiritual gift have you given to me and how do you want to use it?
- What humanism and self-sufficiency in me do You want me to surrender?
- One long form 31-minute episode to study what Pentecost is all about in one sitting.
- Click here to use our Long Form video.
Monday, May 25 – “Power to Save Thousands”
Read slowly and carefully Acts 1:4-8 and Acts 2:1-41
Do you find the initial gifting of supernatural languages as the Holy Spirit filled the believers to be an oddity or even a confusion? Why did God do this thing?
Many believers are uncertain, confused, and sometimes even fearful of the unique outpouring of supernatural languages given to the disciples to proclaim the Gospel. We might struggle to understand why God chose this display of power. The results were clear: over three thousand people were saved. But why?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 1:4-8 and Acts 2:1-41.
Read slowly and carefully Acts 1:4-8 and Acts 2:1-41
Do you find the initial gifting of supernatural languages as the Holy Spirit filled the believers to be an oddity or even a confusion? Why did God do this thing?
Many believers are uncertain, confused, and sometimes even fearful of the unique outpouring of supernatural languages given to the disciples to proclaim the Gospel. We might struggle to understand why God chose this display of power. The results were clear: over three thousand people were saved. But why?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 1:4-8 and Acts 2:1-41.
Tuesday, May 26 – “Pentecost and Unity”
Read slowly and carefully Acts 2:1-13, 41 and Galatians 3:26-29
Do you see yourself helping heal division and discord in our nation and our community? Do you feel powerless? What might God want to empower and how?
The core purpose of the Gospel is reconciliation—to reconcile us to God and to overcome the discord and disunity common to humankind. But for the sin nature which causes division to be overcome, it requires something supernatural. Our own human logic, argument, and activism will not heal the sinfulness of man. This is why God used the gift of “tongues” (languages) to bring together diverse and divided peoples: to demonstrate His power to heal sin and restore unity.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:1-13, 41 and Galatians 3:26-29.
Read slowly and carefully Acts 2:1-13, 41 and Galatians 3:26-29
Do you see yourself helping heal division and discord in our nation and our community? Do you feel powerless? What might God want to empower and how?
The core purpose of the Gospel is reconciliation—to reconcile us to God and to overcome the discord and disunity common to humankind. But for the sin nature which causes division to be overcome, it requires something supernatural. Our own human logic, argument, and activism will not heal the sinfulness of man. This is why God used the gift of “tongues” (languages) to bring together diverse and divided peoples: to demonstrate His power to heal sin and restore unity.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:1-13, 41 and Galatians 3:26-29.
Wednesday, May 27 – “From Babel to Unity”
Read slowly and carefully Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-13.
Do you know where disunity and discord in the human race began and why?
There is a direct connection between the beginning of human division and the outpouring of supernatural languages at the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. In Genesis 11, God chose to confuse the language of all humans to put the brakes on our humanistic self-sufficiency and pride. This is where diversity of race, ethnicity, and language began. But anytime God brings discipline upon us, He always has a plan to restore and redeem. The languages given in Acts 2 restored for a moment what was lost in Genesis 11—displaying God’s power to unify.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-13.
Read slowly and carefully Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-13.
Do you know where disunity and discord in the human race began and why?
There is a direct connection between the beginning of human division and the outpouring of supernatural languages at the baptism of the Holy Spirit in Acts 2. In Genesis 11, God chose to confuse the language of all humans to put the brakes on our humanistic self-sufficiency and pride. This is where diversity of race, ethnicity, and language began. But anytime God brings discipline upon us, He always has a plan to restore and redeem. The languages given in Acts 2 restored for a moment what was lost in Genesis 11—displaying God’s power to unify.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Genesis 11:1-9 and Acts 2:1-13.
Thursday, May 28 – “What Unity Looks Like”
Read slowly and carefully Acts 2:41-47
Are you experiencing the joy and fullness of restored unity in Christ? Do you know what that looks like, how to gain it, and why you may not have it in full?
After God poured out the unifying power of language that led to three thousand converts to Christ in a day, the early church formed around a contagious level of togetherness. Understanding this unity should create in us the hunger to see God do the same for us today and lead us to seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:41-47.
Read slowly and carefully Acts 2:41-47
Are you experiencing the joy and fullness of restored unity in Christ? Do you know what that looks like, how to gain it, and why you may not have it in full?
After God poured out the unifying power of language that led to three thousand converts to Christ in a day, the early church formed around a contagious level of togetherness. Understanding this unity should create in us the hunger to see God do the same for us today and lead us to seek the Holy Spirit’s empowerment.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:41-47.
Friday, May 29 – “The Other Form of This Gift”
Read carefully 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and 1 Corinthian 14:1-40
What does “speaking in tongues” look like today, and what is God doing with it?
The outpouring of supernatural language in Acts 2 is not the only form of this unique spiritual gift. 1 Corinthians 14 reveals that there is also a supernatural language of prayer in the Holy Spirit. But there are specific boundaries associated with this gift and those who are given it. We should all learn where God is in this.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and 1 Corinthian 14:1-40.
Read carefully 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and 1 Corinthian 14:1-40
What does “speaking in tongues” look like today, and what is God doing with it?
The outpouring of supernatural language in Acts 2 is not the only form of this unique spiritual gift. 1 Corinthians 14 reveals that there is also a supernatural language of prayer in the Holy Spirit. But there are specific boundaries associated with this gift and those who are given it. We should all learn where God is in this.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Corinthians 12:1-31 and 1 Corinthian 14:1-40.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- Reveal to me in Your Word the different roles of the Holy Spirit.
- What have You already placed within me, and what is next for me?
- How do You want me to seek Your Holy Spirit?
- One long form 32-minute episode to study what Pentecost is all about in one sitting.
- Click here to use our Long Form video.
Monday, May 18 – “The Power and Purpose of Pentecost”
Read slowly and carefully Acts 2:1-39
Do you understand what happened on the Day of Pentecost and why it is important? How do you see its relevance to your daily life with God?
Fifty days after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples experienced an overwhelming outpouring of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the prophecies of Joel 2 and the promise of Jesus (see John 14:17, Acts 1:8). They were filled with the Holy Spirit and given power—a promise not just for them, but for us!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:1-39.
Read slowly and carefully Acts 2:1-39
Do you understand what happened on the Day of Pentecost and why it is important? How do you see its relevance to your daily life with God?
Fifty days after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples experienced an overwhelming outpouring of the Holy Spirit in accordance with the prophecies of Joel 2 and the promise of Jesus (see John 14:17, Acts 1:8). They were filled with the Holy Spirit and given power—a promise not just for them, but for us!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:1-39.
Tuesday, May 19 – “This Promise is For You”
Read slowly and prayerfully once again: Acts 2:1-39
Do you believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit that was poured out upon the disciples on Pentecost is for you as well? Or was it only for the early disciples?
Many theologians and churches have taught that the supernatural events of Acts 2:1-4 were specific only to the formation of the early church and are not experiences available to us today. However, the Apostle Peter said the exact opposite in Acts 2:39. Under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit, he revealed that the promise and power of the Holy Spirit is for each of us today.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:1-39.
Read slowly and prayerfully once again: Acts 2:1-39
Do you believe that the baptism in the Holy Spirit that was poured out upon the disciples on Pentecost is for you as well? Or was it only for the early disciples?
Many theologians and churches have taught that the supernatural events of Acts 2:1-4 were specific only to the formation of the early church and are not experiences available to us today. However, the Apostle Peter said the exact opposite in Acts 2:39. Under the inspiration and anointing of the Holy Spirit, he revealed that the promise and power of the Holy Spirit is for each of us today.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:1-39.
Wednesday, May 20 – “Two Totally Different Concepts
Read carefully Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 8:9-17 and Galatians 5:16-25
Do you recognize and understand the difference between the Spirit of God dwelling inside us and the Holy Spirit “filling” or “baptizing” us?
The baptism in the Holy Spirit that occurred on Pentecost filled the believers with God’s power for ministry. This outpouring is the Holy Spirit coming “upon” us to anoint us with unique strength for spiritual battle and ministry gifting. The indwelling of the Spirit within our spirit is an entirely different experience and function of the Holy Spirit which empowers our daily relationship with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 8:9-17 and Galatians 5:16-25.
Read carefully Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 8:9-17 and Galatians 5:16-25
Do you recognize and understand the difference between the Spirit of God dwelling inside us and the Holy Spirit “filling” or “baptizing” us?
The baptism in the Holy Spirit that occurred on Pentecost filled the believers with God’s power for ministry. This outpouring is the Holy Spirit coming “upon” us to anoint us with unique strength for spiritual battle and ministry gifting. The indwelling of the Spirit within our spirit is an entirely different experience and function of the Holy Spirit which empowers our daily relationship with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ezekiel 36:26-27, Romans 8:9-17 and Galatians 5:16-25.
Thursday, May 21 – “Indwelling vs. Outpouring”
Read slowly and carefully Acts 1:4-8 and Ephesians 5:18
Have you experienced—and can you recognize—both the indwelling and the outpouring (filling) of the Holy Spirit in your life? What confuses you about this?
Once we understand the difference between these two concepts—as confusing as the nuanced distinction may be—we can seek God more boldly and with clearer faith to experience everything He has for us. Being “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) is a repeated, ongoing experience, whereas the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when we are born again is complete, permanent, and constant.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 1:4-8 and Ephesians 5:18.
Read slowly and carefully Acts 1:4-8 and Ephesians 5:18
Have you experienced—and can you recognize—both the indwelling and the outpouring (filling) of the Holy Spirit in your life? What confuses you about this?
Once we understand the difference between these two concepts—as confusing as the nuanced distinction may be—we can seek God more boldly and with clearer faith to experience everything He has for us. Being “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) is a repeated, ongoing experience, whereas the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when we are born again is complete, permanent, and constant.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 1:4-8 and Ephesians 5:18.
Friday, May 22 – “Filled, Filled Again…”
Read carefully Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 8:14-17; and Acts 19:1-7
Do you know the biblical pattern of how to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Experience after experience of the disciples in Acts reveals that the same group of people are filled once, then filled again as circumstances arose where they needed God’s unique empowerment. We also see clearly that the apostles were sent to pray for believers who were already indwelt by the Spirit to be filled (baptized) with the Spirit. The pattern to experience this is clear: Pray for it!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 8:14-17; and Acts 19:1-7.
Read carefully Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 8:14-17; and Acts 19:1-7
Do you know the biblical pattern of how to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Experience after experience of the disciples in Acts reveals that the same group of people are filled once, then filled again as circumstances arose where they needed God’s unique empowerment. We also see clearly that the apostles were sent to pray for believers who were already indwelt by the Spirit to be filled (baptized) with the Spirit. The pattern to experience this is clear: Pray for it!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 2:4; Acts 4:8, 31; Acts 8:14-17; and Acts 19:1-7.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in these questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you:
- Reveal to me how You see me, what You think of me, and who I truly am.
- What are You doing inside of me and in the spiritual realms for me?
- How do you want me to outwardly respond to what You are doing inside?
Monday, May 11 – “Hearing Our Identity”
Read slowly and carefully Matthew 3:1-17
Do you know what God thinks of you? Do you have clarity on how God feels about you, how He gauges your performance, or how He sees your identity?
When Jesus presented himself to be baptized, God spoke his identity to him—he was God’s beloved son. We can learn our identity from God when we trust Jesus and believe that we are buried with him in baptism and raised to new life. We are no longer defined by our sin; we are children of God in whom He is pleased.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Matthew 3:1-17.
Read slowly and carefully Matthew 3:1-17
Do you know what God thinks of you? Do you have clarity on how God feels about you, how He gauges your performance, or how He sees your identity?
When Jesus presented himself to be baptized, God spoke his identity to him—he was God’s beloved son. We can learn our identity from God when we trust Jesus and believe that we are buried with him in baptism and raised to new life. We are no longer defined by our sin; we are children of God in whom He is pleased.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Matthew 3:1-17.
Tuesday, May 12 – “There is a Second Baptism”
Read slowly and carefully Matthew 3:11-12, Acts 1:4-8, and Acts 2:1-39
Have you ever heard of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit?” When you hear this term, do you recognize that this is an entirely different thing than baptism in water?
As Jesus came to be baptized, John the Baptist revealed that this water baptism for the cleansing of sin was only the first. A second “baptism” would come from Jesus that would not be a physical baptism in water, but rather a second experience—a baptism of the Holy Spirit—which was fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Matthew 3:11-12, Acts 1:4-8, and Acts 2:1-39.
Read slowly and carefully Matthew 3:11-12, Acts 1:4-8, and Acts 2:1-39
Have you ever heard of the “baptism of the Holy Spirit?” When you hear this term, do you recognize that this is an entirely different thing than baptism in water?
As Jesus came to be baptized, John the Baptist revealed that this water baptism for the cleansing of sin was only the first. A second “baptism” would come from Jesus that would not be a physical baptism in water, but rather a second experience—a baptism of the Holy Spirit—which was fulfilled in Acts 2:1-4.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Matthew 3:11-12, Acts 1:4-8, and Acts 2:1-39.
Wednesday, May 13 – “Immediately!”
Read slowly and carefully Acts 8:26-39
When you discover something in God’s Word that speaks to you, how quickly do you react? How long do you ponder the revelation before it causes change in you?
The Holy Spirit led Philip to a discussion with a high-ranking Ethiopian government official who was studying the prophesies of Isaiah without understanding. As Philip explained the Gospel of Jesus to him from those scriptures, the Ethiopian was instantaneous in his faith. He commanded his chariot to be stopped so he could be baptized immediately. When faith begins on any matter with the Lord, we should step in with all our hearts…immediately!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 8:26-39.
Read slowly and carefully Acts 8:26-39
When you discover something in God’s Word that speaks to you, how quickly do you react? How long do you ponder the revelation before it causes change in you?
The Holy Spirit led Philip to a discussion with a high-ranking Ethiopian government official who was studying the prophesies of Isaiah without understanding. As Philip explained the Gospel of Jesus to him from those scriptures, the Ethiopian was instantaneous in his faith. He commanded his chariot to be stopped so he could be baptized immediately. When faith begins on any matter with the Lord, we should step in with all our hearts…immediately!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 8:26-39.
Thursday, May 14 – “He Was Filled with Joy”
Read slowly and carefully Acts 16:16-34
How much joy does your salvation bring you? Is being saved an important box checked, but then not something you think of often? Or is it your greatest joy?
Arrested, severely beaten, and locked in prison, Paul and Silas were so full of the Holy Spirit that they worshipped in song all night. Their fellow prisoners were so captivated by their joy that they remained with them even after a mighty earthquake shook the prison and broke all their chains. The prison warden saw this faith and believed—along with his entire family—and was joyfully baptized.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 16:16-34.
Read slowly and carefully Acts 16:16-34
How much joy does your salvation bring you? Is being saved an important box checked, but then not something you think of often? Or is it your greatest joy?
Arrested, severely beaten, and locked in prison, Paul and Silas were so full of the Holy Spirit that they worshipped in song all night. Their fellow prisoners were so captivated by their joy that they remained with them even after a mighty earthquake shook the prison and broke all their chains. The prison warden saw this faith and believed—along with his entire family—and was joyfully baptized.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 16:16-34.
Friday, May 15 – “More Than a Symbol”
Read slowly and carefully Romans 6:1-14
What does baptism mean to you? Is it merely a symbol of your faith, or do you believe an actual, substantive transaction occurred in the spiritual realm?
The symbolism of water baptism is clear—that our sins are buried with Christ and we are raised to a new life with him. But a sacrament is more than a symbol. It is an outward sign of an actual transaction that is occurring in the spiritual realm. We need to consider by faith that we indeed have a real life that is free from sin.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 6:1-14.
Read slowly and carefully Romans 6:1-14
What does baptism mean to you? Is it merely a symbol of your faith, or do you believe an actual, substantive transaction occurred in the spiritual realm?
The symbolism of water baptism is clear—that our sins are buried with Christ and we are raised to a new life with him. But a sacrament is more than a symbol. It is an outward sign of an actual transaction that is occurring in the spiritual realm. We need to consider by faith that we indeed have a real life that is free from sin.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 6:1-14.
Each day this week, read and reflect the texts below, asking God to lead you in four different questions in prayer. Ask God to speak to you in the following:
- Lead me to seek You and inquire of You where I need to listen for You.
- Search my inmost being; know me and reveal what You see in me.
- Help me take captive of all my thoughts to be in alignment with You.
- Give me a spirit of wisdom and revelation that I may know You better.
Monday, May 4 – “Four Levels of Mature Prayer”
Read slowly and carefully James 5:13-18 and Romans 8:26-27
How mature do you believe you are in prayer? Beyond asking God to fulfill your desires and needs, do you interact with Him in a proactive conversation?
When prayer is mature in its fullest potential, it is an effective, interactive, responsive communication with God. Our spirit engages the Holy Spirit praying through us. By inquiring, listening, seeking, and surrendering, our active and effective communion with God is far greater than simply making requests of Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from James 5:13-18 and Romans 8:26-27.
Read slowly and carefully James 5:13-18 and Romans 8:26-27
How mature do you believe you are in prayer? Beyond asking God to fulfill your desires and needs, do you interact with Him in a proactive conversation?
When prayer is mature in its fullest potential, it is an effective, interactive, responsive communication with God. Our spirit engages the Holy Spirit praying through us. By inquiring, listening, seeking, and surrendering, our active and effective communion with God is far greater than simply making requests of Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from James 5:13-18 and Romans 8:26-27.
Tuesday, May 5 – “Listening, Inquiring, Seeking”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 23:1-12 and Galatians 5:22-23
How strongly do you desire to know and follow the will of God in the circumstances of your life? How consistently do you seek to understand His will?
The most mature forms of prayer are focused on aligning our heart and mind with the perfect will of God. We only discover God’s will for the circumstances and choices in our life by intensively seeking God. We inquire of the Lord with a posture of submission to His wisdom over and above our own. We listen intently in our spirit for impressions and insights that manifest in us the fruit of the Spirit.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 23:1-12 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 23:1-12 and Galatians 5:22-23
How strongly do you desire to know and follow the will of God in the circumstances of your life? How consistently do you seek to understand His will?
The most mature forms of prayer are focused on aligning our heart and mind with the perfect will of God. We only discover God’s will for the circumstances and choices in our life by intensively seeking God. We inquire of the Lord with a posture of submission to His wisdom over and above our own. We listen intently in our spirit for impressions and insights that manifest in us the fruit of the Spirit.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 23:1-12 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Wednesday, May 6 – “Surrender, Repentance, Searching
Read slowly and carefully once again: Psalm 139:1-24
How deeply do you want God to reveal to you the inner realities of your thoughts, desires, and instincts? Do you want God to lead change in your heart and mind?
King David’s greatest concern was not for God to answer prayers for specific needs, but rather to search out the deepest places of his heart. He understood that God knows every aspect of our being—our desires, thoughts, impulses, and instincts. He also knew that those inner places are troubled by the patterns of sin. He sought God intently for the Lord to lead his life by searching, knowing, revealing and rooting out from him any persistent anxiety, offense, or sin.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 139:1-24.
Read slowly and carefully once again: Psalm 139:1-24
How deeply do you want God to reveal to you the inner realities of your thoughts, desires, and instincts? Do you want God to lead change in your heart and mind?
King David’s greatest concern was not for God to answer prayers for specific needs, but rather to search out the deepest places of his heart. He understood that God knows every aspect of our being—our desires, thoughts, impulses, and instincts. He also knew that those inner places are troubled by the patterns of sin. He sought God intently for the Lord to lead his life by searching, knowing, revealing and rooting out from him any persistent anxiety, offense, or sin.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 139:1-24.
Thursday, May 7 – “Spiritual Battle”
Read slowly and carefully Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
How confident do you feel in overcoming negative spiritual influences in your life?
The scriptures reveal that our real struggles in life are not other people or human situations. Our battle is against the influences of dark and evil forces in the spiritual realm that are shaping our thoughts and producing in us ideas and ideologies that are contrary to Christ. But we do not fight this battle in the same way others do; we have the power of God to correct our unscriptural thoughts.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ephesians 6:10-18 & 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Read slowly and carefully Ephesians 6:10-18 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
How confident do you feel in overcoming negative spiritual influences in your life?
The scriptures reveal that our real struggles in life are not other people or human situations. Our battle is against the influences of dark and evil forces in the spiritual realm that are shaping our thoughts and producing in us ideas and ideologies that are contrary to Christ. But we do not fight this battle in the same way others do; we have the power of God to correct our unscriptural thoughts.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ephesians 6:10-18 & 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.
Friday, May 8 – “Building Faith, Praying Scripture
Read slowly and carefully Ephesians 1:15-23
How do you choose the words of your prayers? Do you feel nervous that you are not praying well or effectively? Would you like God to form the words for you?
The most effective prayer is to stand boldly on the claims of scripture, using the words of a text as an outline or even exact verbiage for our prayers. Using God’s own Word back to Him is to be certain we have aligned our faith and our requests with His promises, ensuring the alignment of our desires with God’s specific will.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ephesians 1:15-23.
Read slowly and carefully Ephesians 1:15-23
How do you choose the words of your prayers? Do you feel nervous that you are not praying well or effectively? Would you like God to form the words for you?
The most effective prayer is to stand boldly on the claims of scripture, using the words of a text as an outline or even exact verbiage for our prayers. Using God’s own Word back to Him is to be certain we have aligned our faith and our requests with His promises, ensuring the alignment of our desires with God’s specific will.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ephesians 1:15-23.
Each day this week, read and reflect on Luke 11 and Romans 8, carefully learning how the Holy Spirit partners with us in prayer. Look for what the more mature forms of prayer are. Pray slowly and thoughtfully, asking God sincerely to:
- Reveal to me how You want to partner with me in prayer.
- Help me discover the subtle leading of Your Spirit in my prayer.
- Encourage me to be persistent and bold as I trust Your Spirit’s leading.
Monday, April 27 – “We Don’t Know What to Pray For”
Read slowly and carefully Romans 8:18-27
How hard is prayer for you? Where do you experience frustration? How might God be in the middle of your frustration and be using it for your good?
According to scripture, frustration and groaning is the starting point of mature prayer. It is the basic human condition, and God leverages the hardships of living in a fallen world to intercede for us and through us. The Holy Spirit leads us in hope by praying through us, often through a deep internal groaning.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 8:18-27.
Read slowly and carefully Romans 8:18-27
How hard is prayer for you? Where do you experience frustration? How might God be in the middle of your frustration and be using it for your good?
According to scripture, frustration and groaning is the starting point of mature prayer. It is the basic human condition, and God leverages the hardships of living in a fallen world to intercede for us and through us. The Holy Spirit leads us in hope by praying through us, often through a deep internal groaning.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 8:18-27.
Tuesday, April 28 – “Partnering with God”
Read slowly and carefully Romans 8:15-27 and Galatians 4:4-7
How does the fact that God has a specific plan for your life give you confidence in prayer? How can you leverage trust in God’s sovereignty to pray with boldness?
Romans 8 calls God “Abba, Father,” which is an Aramaic term of intimacy and affection. Galatians 4 reveals that God has a plan from beginning to end for all of creation. When we pray from a position of hope that God is intimately involved in our story, we have bold confidence that the Holy Spirit is participating in our prayers because He is participating in our life. He knows our heart and mind; He connects us with the heart and mind of the Heavenly Father in prayer.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 8:15-27 and Galatians 4:4-7.
Read slowly and carefully Romans 8:15-27 and Galatians 4:4-7
How does the fact that God has a specific plan for your life give you confidence in prayer? How can you leverage trust in God’s sovereignty to pray with boldness?
Romans 8 calls God “Abba, Father,” which is an Aramaic term of intimacy and affection. Galatians 4 reveals that God has a plan from beginning to end for all of creation. When we pray from a position of hope that God is intimately involved in our story, we have bold confidence that the Holy Spirit is participating in our prayers because He is participating in our life. He knows our heart and mind; He connects us with the heart and mind of the Heavenly Father in prayer.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 8:15-27 and Galatians 4:4-7.
Wednesday, April 29 – “Maturing Past My Will”
Read slowly and carefully once again: Romans 8:15-27
Why does the Holy Spirit need to pray through us? If the Holy Spirit is God (as a member of the Trinity), why does He need to pray to Himself through us?
There is a great mystery in the spiritual life that God needs us to pray for His will to be fully accomplished in us. Praying “in the spirit” (see Ephesians 6:18) is forming a partnership with God that involves the shifting of my will to be submitted to His will. A mature form of prayer will focus on listening, surrendering, and seeking God for the accomplishment of His kingdom within us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 8:15-27.
Read slowly and carefully once again: Romans 8:15-27
Why does the Holy Spirit need to pray through us? If the Holy Spirit is God (as a member of the Trinity), why does He need to pray to Himself through us?
There is a great mystery in the spiritual life that God needs us to pray for His will to be fully accomplished in us. Praying “in the spirit” (see Ephesians 6:18) is forming a partnership with God that involves the shifting of my will to be submitted to His will. A mature form of prayer will focus on listening, surrendering, and seeking God for the accomplishment of His kingdom within us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Romans 8:15-27.
Thursday, April 30 – “My Weakness and My Will”
Read slowly and carefully Matthew 26:36-46 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
How do you view your weaknesses and struggles? Do they provide an advantage to your relationship with God, or do they deter your faith and create a barrier?
The most mature forms of prayer are focused on aligning our heart and mind with God. This starts with submission and brining our weaknesses to Him. Dependance upon the Lord is fostered by seeing our weakness as an advantage—that it purifies us from self-reliance and generates trust in what God does for us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Matthew 26:36-46 and Romans 8:15-27.
Read slowly and carefully Matthew 26:36-46 and 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
How do you view your weaknesses and struggles? Do they provide an advantage to your relationship with God, or do they deter your faith and create a barrier?
The most mature forms of prayer are focused on aligning our heart and mind with God. This starts with submission and brining our weaknesses to Him. Dependance upon the Lord is fostered by seeing our weakness as an advantage—that it purifies us from self-reliance and generates trust in what God does for us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Matthew 26:36-46 and Romans 8:15-27.
Friday, May 1 – “Travailing in Prayer”
Read slowly and carefully Luke 11:1-13
How hard do you pray? How persistent and bold are you in prayer?
We are often tempted to give up praying when we do not see immediate answers or breakthroughs. Discouragement and apathy can quickly set in when we measure our effectiveness in prayer by the speed of results. Real change in spiritual matters takes time. Change and growth happens when we press in through prayer. Results will not come quickly; persistence in prayer is essential.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:1-13.
Read slowly and carefully Luke 11:1-13
How hard do you pray? How persistent and bold are you in prayer?
We are often tempted to give up praying when we do not see immediate answers or breakthroughs. Discouragement and apathy can quickly set in when we measure our effectiveness in prayer by the speed of results. Real change in spiritual matters takes time. Change and growth happens when we press in through prayer. Results will not come quickly; persistence in prayer is essential.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:1-13.
Each day this week, read and reflect on Luke 11 and Matthew 6, carefully asking God to reveal how to pray in the manner Jesus taught. Explore the promises of Philippians 4:6-8 and consider how you can best approach God with confidence and authenticity. Pray slowly and thoughtfully, asking God sincerely:
- Reveal to me Your character as my Father and how I should see You.
- Help me build faith in Your Word and Your provision.
- Encourage me to rejoice and give thanks in every situation.
Monday, April 20 – “What is Prayer?”
Read slowly and carefully Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15
What is prayer to you? Do you feel like you are good at it? How mature and developed do you feel you are? Where do you want to grow?
Jesus’ disciples were uncertain that they understood the purpose and process of praying. They asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, similar to how many of us want and need his guidance. He makes clear that prayer starts in relationship with God. Prayer is not just asking for things; it is relating deeply with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15.
Read slowly and carefully Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15
What is prayer to you? Do you feel like you are good at it? How mature and developed do you feel you are? Where do you want to grow?
Jesus’ disciples were uncertain that they understood the purpose and process of praying. They asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, similar to how many of us want and need his guidance. He makes clear that prayer starts in relationship with God. Prayer is not just asking for things; it is relating deeply with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15.
Tuesday, April 21 – “Praying for Our Needs”
Read slowly and carefully Luke 11:3-4 and 1 Peter 5:6-7
How do you perceive the nature of God towards you? Do you see Him more as a spiritual “daddy,” or more as a revered and feared Father?
If we consider God’s posture towards us through the lens of how a good earthly father would view an infant child, we understand the nature of prayer that asks God for the provision of our needs. 1 Peter 5:7, among other passages, instructs us to present our needs and concerns to Him. Romans 8:15 calls Him “Abba, Father,” which is an Aramaic term of intimacy and affection: perhaps “dad” in our culture. When we present our needs to God, we are trusting His affection for us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:3-4 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Read slowly and carefully Luke 11:3-4 and 1 Peter 5:6-7
How do you perceive the nature of God towards you? Do you see Him more as a spiritual “daddy,” or more as a revered and feared Father?
If we consider God’s posture towards us through the lens of how a good earthly father would view an infant child, we understand the nature of prayer that asks God for the provision of our needs. 1 Peter 5:7, among other passages, instructs us to present our needs and concerns to Him. Romans 8:15 calls Him “Abba, Father,” which is an Aramaic term of intimacy and affection: perhaps “dad” in our culture. When we present our needs to God, we are trusting His affection for us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:3-4 and 1 Peter 5:6-7.
Wednesday, April 22 – “Peace that Transcends Everything”
Read slowly and carefully Philippians 4:4-9 and Matthew 6:9-13
Where do you need peace in your life? What would it mean to you for God to provide you irrational levels of peace? What circumstances do you need this in?
When we pray in alignment with the instructions of Philippians 4:6, we are promised that profound peace from God will be ours. He does not promise to provide us everything we want. Rather, God gives us peace that defies everything that would be natural to us. God’s will is always best for us. When we pray for this properly—with thanksgiving—He promises peace that surpasses our desires.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Philippians 4:4-9 and Matthew 6:9-13.
Read slowly and carefully Philippians 4:4-9 and Matthew 6:9-13
Where do you need peace in your life? What would it mean to you for God to provide you irrational levels of peace? What circumstances do you need this in?
When we pray in alignment with the instructions of Philippians 4:6, we are promised that profound peace from God will be ours. He does not promise to provide us everything we want. Rather, God gives us peace that defies everything that would be natural to us. God’s will is always best for us. When we pray for this properly—with thanksgiving—He promises peace that surpasses our desires.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Philippians 4:4-9 and Matthew 6:9-13.
Thursday, April 23 – “God as My Helper”
Read slowly and carefully Philippians 4:4-9 and John 14:15-27
Where do you call out to God for Him to help you? What kind of help do you look for from Him—provision, or guidance that offers us confidence and peace?
God ultimately knows what is best for us. When we seek God with a keen of understanding of His will as revealed by scripture, we can have great confidence that He indeed hears us and will answer us (see 1 John 5:14). To aid us in understanding God’s will, He has also promised a helper for us—the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth (see John 16:13).
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Philippians 4:4-9 and John 14:15-27.
Read slowly and carefully Philippians 4:4-9 and John 14:15-27
Where do you call out to God for Him to help you? What kind of help do you look for from Him—provision, or guidance that offers us confidence and peace?
God ultimately knows what is best for us. When we seek God with a keen of understanding of His will as revealed by scripture, we can have great confidence that He indeed hears us and will answer us (see 1 John 5:14). To aid us in understanding God’s will, He has also promised a helper for us—the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth (see John 16:13).
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Philippians 4:4-9 and John 14:15-27.
Friday, April 24 – “Maturing in Prayer”
Read slowly and carefully once again: Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15
How do you listen to God? Do you perceive His presence in a tangible way?
The most mature forms of prayer are to learning to listen, soak, and be silent before God to hear the inner voice of His Holy Spirit. Far more powerful than the joy and beauty of His providing for our needs, when we discover the intimacy of relating to God, there is great joy, peace, and depth to our relationship with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15.
Read slowly and carefully once again: Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15
How do you listen to God? Do you perceive His presence in a tangible way?
The most mature forms of prayer are to learning to listen, soak, and be silent before God to hear the inner voice of His Holy Spirit. Far more powerful than the joy and beauty of His providing for our needs, when we discover the intimacy of relating to God, there is great joy, peace, and depth to our relationship with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Luke 11:1-5 and Matthew 6:5-15.
Each day this week, read and reflect on Psalm 51, carefully asking God to reveal how King David worked through his sin struggles to find the power of the Holy Spirit at work in him. Pray the words of Psalm 51 and ask God sincerely:
- Reveal to me the foundation of Your steadfast love and compassion.
- Help me understand the work that You do in cleansing me.
- Speak joy and gladness into me, restoring the joy of my salvation.
Monday, April 13 – “According to Your Unfailing Love”
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
What is the foundation of God’s mercy in your life? What can God do in you, even in the space of your greatest sins? How does His compassion affect this?
The Holy Spirit flowed through David to write scripture even in the midst of his tremendous sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. God’s love and compassion are so unfailing that He is present even in our unfaithfulness. This is mercy!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
What is the foundation of God’s mercy in your life? What can God do in you, even in the space of your greatest sins? How does His compassion affect this?
The Holy Spirit flowed through David to write scripture even in the midst of his tremendous sin against Uriah and Bathsheba. God’s love and compassion are so unfailing that He is present even in our unfaithfulness. This is mercy!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Tuesday, April 14 – “For I Know My Transgressions”
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
How real to you is the full nature of your sin? But do you view your sin through the lens of God’s mercy, or do you rather view yourself with shame?
We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s ideal for us (see Romans 3:23). Confession of this sin and alignment with God will lead to our healing (see 1 John 1:7-9). But our ability to rightly understand this and benefit from it depends on how well we understand and believe God’s unfailing love and great compassion.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
How real to you is the full nature of your sin? But do you view your sin through the lens of God’s mercy, or do you rather view yourself with shame?
We have all sinned and fallen short of God’s ideal for us (see Romans 3:23). Confession of this sin and alignment with God will lead to our healing (see 1 John 1:7-9). But our ability to rightly understand this and benefit from it depends on how well we understand and believe God’s unfailing love and great compassion.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Wednesday, April 15 – “Truth in My Inner Parts”
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
Do you crave God revealing to you what is really going on inside you? Even if that reality is painful to see, do you see God’s truth as cleansing and healing?
David had great confidence that God would cleanse his inmost parts, and so he was bold to ask God to reveal truth to him. He knew that God could make his soul as clean and white as snow. He wanted to be well not only on the outside, but in his innermost being. We, too, should seek the Lord for His cleansing and truth.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
Do you crave God revealing to you what is really going on inside you? Even if that reality is painful to see, do you see God’s truth as cleansing and healing?
David had great confidence that God would cleanse his inmost parts, and so he was bold to ask God to reveal truth to him. He knew that God could make his soul as clean and white as snow. He wanted to be well not only on the outside, but in his innermost being. We, too, should seek the Lord for His cleansing and truth.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Thursday, April 16 – “Cleanse Me and I Will Be Clean”
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
Do you trust the Lord that He will be the one to clean your innermost places? What role do you play in this? Are you doing it? Is God doing His part in you?
David’s ultimate prayer was for God to wash away all his iniquity and to create in him a clean, new heart. He knew that as God did this, he would be able to experience joy and gladness once again. But he also understood that he needed to hear God’s voice of joy in him as God finished His work within him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
Do you trust the Lord that He will be the one to clean your innermost places? What role do you play in this? Are you doing it? Is God doing His part in you?
David’s ultimate prayer was for God to wash away all his iniquity and to create in him a clean, new heart. He knew that as God did this, he would be able to experience joy and gladness once again. But he also understood that he needed to hear God’s voice of joy in him as God finished His work within him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Friday, April 17 – “Create in Me a Clean Heart”
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in changing you? What is the role of your spirit? What do you need and want God to do in your spirit?
The purpose of the Holy Spirit living in our spirit is to move us and guide us to follow the best way of living—which is to live how God desires us to live. David asked God to renew his spirit and make him willing to follow the Lord in all things. This is the promise of Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God will renew our hearts and place His Spirit in us to move and empower us to holiness.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Read slowly and carefully each day, over and over again: Psalm 51
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in changing you? What is the role of your spirit? What do you need and want God to do in your spirit?
The purpose of the Holy Spirit living in our spirit is to move us and guide us to follow the best way of living—which is to live how God desires us to live. David asked God to renew his spirit and make him willing to follow the Lord in all things. This is the promise of Ezekiel 36:26-27, where God will renew our hearts and place His Spirit in us to move and empower us to holiness.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 51.
Each day this week, read and reflect on John 14 – 15 and Ezekiel 36:25-27, carefully asking God to reveal how He empowers our growth through giving us a new heart and a new spirit. Pray these questions sincerely:
- Can you reveal to me what is the real condition of my heart towards You?
- What do I love more than You? Can you help me deepen my love for You?
- What do You desire to do through the Holy Spirit living inside me?
Monday, April 6 – “How to Love God”
Read slowly and carefully John 15:1-17 and Matthew 22:37-40
What is your experience with love for God? Is God real enough that you have a strong love for Him in your heart, or is He too intangible for you to love?
Jesus opened the opportunity for us to live (abide) in a deep relational space with God that flows from a deep love in our heart. This is the whole goal of religion—not to be a mechanical ritual to God, but rather love that consumes our heart.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 15:1-17 and Matthew 22:37-40.
Read slowly and carefully John 15:1-17 and Matthew 22:37-40
What is your experience with love for God? Is God real enough that you have a strong love for Him in your heart, or is He too intangible for you to love?
Jesus opened the opportunity for us to live (abide) in a deep relational space with God that flows from a deep love in our heart. This is the whole goal of religion—not to be a mechanical ritual to God, but rather love that consumes our heart.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 15:1-17 and Matthew 22:37-40.
Tuesday, April 7 – “My Second Birth”
Read slowly and carefully John 3:1-8 and John 14:15-18
Have you been born again by God? Do you know what this means, or does it sound as confusing to you as it did to Nicodemus? Do you want a new life in God?
Despite being a profoundly religious man, Jesus had to explain to Nicodemus a deeper and more essential life with God that we cannot generate. Just like we were all born in the flesh from our mother’s womb—and we did nothing to create that first birth—so God wants to bring a second birth into our life. Being “born again” means to be born of God, a spiritual rebirth where the Holy Spirit brings new life to our spirit. When this birth occurs, God’s Spirit begins to dwell within our spirit. Everything about the source of our identity becomes new.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 3:1-8 and John 14:15-18.
Read slowly and carefully John 3:1-8 and John 14:15-18
Have you been born again by God? Do you know what this means, or does it sound as confusing to you as it did to Nicodemus? Do you want a new life in God?
Despite being a profoundly religious man, Jesus had to explain to Nicodemus a deeper and more essential life with God that we cannot generate. Just like we were all born in the flesh from our mother’s womb—and we did nothing to create that first birth—so God wants to bring a second birth into our life. Being “born again” means to be born of God, a spiritual rebirth where the Holy Spirit brings new life to our spirit. When this birth occurs, God’s Spirit begins to dwell within our spirit. Everything about the source of our identity becomes new.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 3:1-8 and John 14:15-18.
Wednesday, April 8 – “What the Holy Spirit Does”
Read slowly and carefully John 3:1-7 and Ezekiel 36:25-27
If you have experienced the new birth of your spirit by being “born again,” do you recognize God’s Spirit within you? If you’ve not experienced this, do you want to?
Being “born again” is not only about a change of status in our relationship with God and a renewing of our identity. It is also about God placing Himself within us by the presence of His Holy Spirit. He trades out the hardened heart common to all of us with a new, soft, and transformed heart. This is why Jesus came to die for us—not just to accomplish the forgiveness of our sins, but to also create is us a new heart that follows God’s way out of love and joy rather than religious effort.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 3:1-7 and Ezekiel 36:25-27.
Read slowly and carefully John 3:1-7 and Ezekiel 36:25-27
If you have experienced the new birth of your spirit by being “born again,” do you recognize God’s Spirit within you? If you’ve not experienced this, do you want to?
Being “born again” is not only about a change of status in our relationship with God and a renewing of our identity. It is also about God placing Himself within us by the presence of His Holy Spirit. He trades out the hardened heart common to all of us with a new, soft, and transformed heart. This is why Jesus came to die for us—not just to accomplish the forgiveness of our sins, but to also create is us a new heart that follows God’s way out of love and joy rather than religious effort.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 3:1-7 and Ezekiel 36:25-27.
Thursday, April 9 – “What We Do”
Read slowly and carefully Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25
What part do you play in the transformation of your heart? If God is doing the work of creating a new heart within you, what must you do to realize this?
The great promise of Christianity is so much more than forgiveness of our sins. The promise is God dwelling within us and empowering us to live differently from our spirit that has been reborn and replaced with God’s Holy Spirit. God does all this work on our behalf. But we have a role to play, too. If we are going to live by and through the Holy Spirit’s leading in our life, we must follow His leading. We choose to align ourselves and obey the promptings of the Spirit to walk in Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25.
Read slowly and carefully Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25
What part do you play in the transformation of your heart? If God is doing the work of creating a new heart within you, what must you do to realize this?
The great promise of Christianity is so much more than forgiveness of our sins. The promise is God dwelling within us and empowering us to live differently from our spirit that has been reborn and replaced with God’s Holy Spirit. God does all this work on our behalf. But we have a role to play, too. If we are going to live by and through the Holy Spirit’s leading in our life, we must follow His leading. We choose to align ourselves and obey the promptings of the Spirit to walk in Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25.
Friday, April 10 – “What it Looks Like”
Prayerfully meditate again on Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25
How do you include God in your day-to-day activities? Have you ever experienced His promptings to approach your practical circumstances differently?
The purpose of the Holy Spirit living in our spirit is to move us and guide us to follow the best way of living—which is to live how God desires us to live. Our natural impulse to sin (called our “sin nature”) prevents us from following God in our day-to-day actions and feelings. But when we slow down and seek God’s guidance even in our most mundane tasks, He will respond and He will lead us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25.
Prayerfully meditate again on Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25
How do you include God in your day-to-day activities? Have you ever experienced His promptings to approach your practical circumstances differently?
The purpose of the Holy Spirit living in our spirit is to move us and guide us to follow the best way of living—which is to live how God desires us to live. Our natural impulse to sin (called our “sin nature”) prevents us from following God in our day-to-day actions and feelings. But when we slow down and seek God’s guidance even in our most mundane tasks, He will respond and He will lead us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Galatians 5:16-25.
Each day this week, read and reflect on 1 John 2 and John 14 - 15, carefully asking God to reveal how He empowers our growth. Pray these questions sincerely:
- God, where am I susceptible to temptation? How can you help me?
- What do I need to add into my life to be truly abiding in you?
- What is the role of Your Holy Spirit in leading me to victory?
Monday, March 30 – “Overcoming Temptation”
Read slowly and carefully 1 John 2:15-17
What is the core temptation to sin in your life? What instincts and impulses get the best of you? Are there patterns to why and how you can be deceived?
Even though we long to be and do good, every human being struggles with sin. The patterns of temptation and struggle are universal and consistent. They come from the nature of the world—lust, pride, and self-sufficiency.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 John 2:15-17.
Read slowly and carefully 1 John 2:15-17
What is the core temptation to sin in your life? What instincts and impulses get the best of you? Are there patterns to why and how you can be deceived?
Even though we long to be and do good, every human being struggles with sin. The patterns of temptation and struggle are universal and consistent. They come from the nature of the world—lust, pride, and self-sufficiency.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 John 2:15-17.
Tuesday, March 31 – “Loving the World”
Once again, read slowly and carefully 1 John 2:15-17
What do you love about the world? What do you get out of life that is not the best God has for you? How can you live in the world but still live for God?
John calls us to not love the world or anything that comes from the world. The desires, impulses, and strongholds of worldly thinking will always fail us. The empty promises the world gives us will all pass away. But we still have to live in the world. We still have to go to work, manage our homes, handle our finances, and fulfill our obligations. Learning to keep all these activities while having a different surrender to God and love for God is the key to a healthy spiritual life.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 John 2:15-17.
Once again, read slowly and carefully 1 John 2:15-17
What do you love about the world? What do you get out of life that is not the best God has for you? How can you live in the world but still live for God?
John calls us to not love the world or anything that comes from the world. The desires, impulses, and strongholds of worldly thinking will always fail us. The empty promises the world gives us will all pass away. But we still have to live in the world. We still have to go to work, manage our homes, handle our finances, and fulfill our obligations. Learning to keep all these activities while having a different surrender to God and love for God is the key to a healthy spiritual life.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 John 2:15-17.
Wednesday, April 1– “What is Spiritual Maturity?”
Read slowly and carefully 1 John 2:15-17 and John 15:1-4
What is your responsibility in your relationship with God? Do you feel you have to work and strive, or are you able to settle calmly into a relationship of love?
Overcoming temptation and loving God more than the world requires a change of heart and perspective. Jesus told a parable about a vine and a gardener. He established that God is the farmer who will carefully prune and shape the vine. We are that vine, and to find true life, we must abide in the presence of God. Our hearts must desire a relationship with God that is more than outward obedience. It is an inner work of relationship that places us into God’s hands.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 John 2:15-17 and John 15:1-4.
Read slowly and carefully 1 John 2:15-17 and John 15:1-4
What is your responsibility in your relationship with God? Do you feel you have to work and strive, or are you able to settle calmly into a relationship of love?
Overcoming temptation and loving God more than the world requires a change of heart and perspective. Jesus told a parable about a vine and a gardener. He established that God is the farmer who will carefully prune and shape the vine. We are that vine, and to find true life, we must abide in the presence of God. Our hearts must desire a relationship with God that is more than outward obedience. It is an inner work of relationship that places us into God’s hands.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 John 2:15-17 and John 15:1-4.
Thursday, April 2 – “Remain in Me”
Prayerfully explore once again John 15:1-6
How much do you depend upon yourself to navigate the pressures and obligations of life? Do you recognize that all you are and have comes from God?
When Jesus told us to remain in him, he meant for us to place ourselves into the relational context of living with, in, and through him. Abiding in Jesus is not outward effort. It is an inner commitment to depend on him as the source of all things. We recognize that apart from that relationship, we “can do nothing” (John 15:5). Even though we do many things without God’s help, the “nothing” speaks of the spiritual quality of those things we do. When we live and operate from within the context of relationship with God, our actions flow from Him, not us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 15:1-6.
Prayerfully explore once again John 15:1-6
How much do you depend upon yourself to navigate the pressures and obligations of life? Do you recognize that all you are and have comes from God?
When Jesus told us to remain in him, he meant for us to place ourselves into the relational context of living with, in, and through him. Abiding in Jesus is not outward effort. It is an inner commitment to depend on him as the source of all things. We recognize that apart from that relationship, we “can do nothing” (John 15:5). Even though we do many things without God’s help, the “nothing” speaks of the spiritual quality of those things we do. When we live and operate from within the context of relationship with God, our actions flow from Him, not us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 15:1-6.
Friday, April 3 – “How Do I Do This?”
Read slowly and carefully John 15:4-5 and John 14:15-25
Does spiritual maturity seem out of reach for you? Do you feel like you have no idea how to abide in a deep relationship with Jesus? How could God help you?
The concepts of surrendering to God, depending on Him, and abiding with Him are all abstract. Relationship with the invisible yet omnipresent God of the universe may feel particularly hard to form. But Jesus did not leave us alone to figure it out. He gave us the Holy Spirit to be a comforter, counselor, and partner to help shoulder the load of building a deep and abiding relationship with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 15:4-5 and John 14:15-25.
Read slowly and carefully John 15:4-5 and John 14:15-25
Does spiritual maturity seem out of reach for you? Do you feel like you have no idea how to abide in a deep relationship with Jesus? How could God help you?
The concepts of surrendering to God, depending on Him, and abiding with Him are all abstract. Relationship with the invisible yet omnipresent God of the universe may feel particularly hard to form. But Jesus did not leave us alone to figure it out. He gave us the Holy Spirit to be a comforter, counselor, and partner to help shoulder the load of building a deep and abiding relationship with God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from John 15:4-5 and John 14:15-25.
Monday, March 23 – “How a Man of God Fails”
Read slowly and carefully all of 2 Samuel 11
Do you love God with all your heart, but find yourself still very capable of blowing it big time? Where are you most susceptible to sin? What tempts you and why?
Even though he loved God with all his heart, David fell hard into the worst of sins. Adultery turned to murder as he sought to cover his tracks. We need to explore our own tendencies to sin so that we are not caught off guard and fall.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Read slowly and carefully all of 2 Samuel 11
Do you love God with all your heart, but find yourself still very capable of blowing it big time? Where are you most susceptible to sin? What tempts you and why?
Even though he loved God with all his heart, David fell hard into the worst of sins. Adultery turned to murder as he sought to cover his tracks. We need to explore our own tendencies to sin so that we are not caught off guard and fall.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Tuesday, March 24 – “The Intentionality of Sin”
Once again, read slowly and carefully all of 2 Samuel 11
What motivates you when you sin? Are you able to recognize the impulses and desires that trap you? What could you change within yourself to choose holiness?
Even though David loved God with all his heart, there were deeper issues at play within him. None of these are uncommon to any of us. Natural desires were tempted by his own lust and likely the intentionality of Bathsheba as well. Like all of us, David had to take step after step to fully engage the sin that he had chosen. If we will realize the common pattern and recognize that we sin because we want to and choose to, we discover the choice that is available to us to depend on God for healing and help in our time of temptation.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Once again, read slowly and carefully all of 2 Samuel 11
What motivates you when you sin? Are you able to recognize the impulses and desires that trap you? What could you change within yourself to choose holiness?
Even though David loved God with all his heart, there were deeper issues at play within him. None of these are uncommon to any of us. Natural desires were tempted by his own lust and likely the intentionality of Bathsheba as well. Like all of us, David had to take step after step to fully engage the sin that he had chosen. If we will realize the common pattern and recognize that we sin because we want to and choose to, we discover the choice that is available to us to depend on God for healing and help in our time of temptation.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Wednesday, March 25 – “Digging Deeper, Doubling Down”
Contemplate and meditate on 2 Samuel 11
Once sin has begun to damage you, what do you do next? Do you pull back immediately, or do you tend to keep pressing further and further out of shame?
David and Bathsheba’s sin took a natural and predictable course. Bathsheba became pregnant. When David tried to cover up the consequence by calling her husband home from battle so that it would seem the child was his, the ruse failed. Her husband Uriah was too noble of character and refused to sleep with his wife while his men were still in the battlefield. Instead of falling into genuine repentance, David chose to fall even deeper into sin and have Uriah killed.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Contemplate and meditate on 2 Samuel 11
Once sin has begun to damage you, what do you do next? Do you pull back immediately, or do you tend to keep pressing further and further out of shame?
David and Bathsheba’s sin took a natural and predictable course. Bathsheba became pregnant. When David tried to cover up the consequence by calling her husband home from battle so that it would seem the child was his, the ruse failed. Her husband Uriah was too noble of character and refused to sleep with his wife while his men were still in the battlefield. Instead of falling into genuine repentance, David chose to fall even deeper into sin and have Uriah killed.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Thursday, March 26 – “Self-Protection”
Prayerfully explore once again all of 2 Samuel 11
How far are you willing to go to protect yourself from the consequences and outcomes of sin? Have you ever made matters worse trying to cover your sin?
Self-preservation is a natural human instinct. We desire to avoid pain, even when the pain is an understandable and self-created situation. David was no different. In fear of the consequences to his leadership, reputation, or appearances, he chose to spiral further and further into darkness rather than turn to the Lord in repentance. God is merciful and will meet us the moment we turn to Him; we would do well to consider how we could trust Him to help us clean things up.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Prayerfully explore once again all of 2 Samuel 11
How far are you willing to go to protect yourself from the consequences and outcomes of sin? Have you ever made matters worse trying to cover your sin?
Self-preservation is a natural human instinct. We desire to avoid pain, even when the pain is an understandable and self-created situation. David was no different. In fear of the consequences to his leadership, reputation, or appearances, he chose to spiral further and further into darkness rather than turn to the Lord in repentance. God is merciful and will meet us the moment we turn to Him; we would do well to consider how we could trust Him to help us clean things up.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 11.
Friday, March 27 – “When God Wakes Us Up”
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 32
Are you encouraged or discouraged by this week of soaking in David’s spiral of destruction? Does seeing how common sin is even to those who love God help you? How can David’s story inspire to you turn to God for His mercy and grace?
David wrote Psalm 32 as he came to a place of confession and repentance. Hiding sin eats away at us. But the moment we awaken to truth and to God’s merciful love, His forgiveness washes over our soul. He restores our joy and our strength, and He comes to help us overcome the source and the impact of our sin.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 32.
Read slowly and carefully Psalm 32
Are you encouraged or discouraged by this week of soaking in David’s spiral of destruction? Does seeing how common sin is even to those who love God help you? How can David’s story inspire to you turn to God for His mercy and grace?
David wrote Psalm 32 as he came to a place of confession and repentance. Hiding sin eats away at us. But the moment we awaken to truth and to God’s merciful love, His forgiveness washes over our soul. He restores our joy and our strength, and He comes to help us overcome the source and the impact of our sin.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Psalm 32.
Monday, March 16 – “And David Was Angry with God”
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:1-8
Do you ever feel like God is unjust? Do the scriptures record things that God does that seem to be entirely unfair? How about what God does in in your life?
All this week, we will study carefully one key story from David’s early reign as king of Israel. We will see how David was angry with God for what seemed like a great injustice—the Lord killed a man named Uzzah for touching the Ark of the Covenant.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:1-8.
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:1-8
Do you ever feel like God is unjust? Do the scriptures record things that God does that seem to be entirely unfair? How about what God does in in your life?
All this week, we will study carefully one key story from David’s early reign as king of Israel. We will see how David was angry with God for what seemed like a great injustice—the Lord killed a man named Uzzah for touching the Ark of the Covenant.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:1-8.
Tuesday, March 17 – “The Precision of Scripture”
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:1-13 and Exodus 25:12-15
How carefully do you search the scriptures for truth, guidance, and authority over what you should think, believe, and do? How precise are you with the Word?
Even though David had intended it to bring the Ark of the Covenant home with a very reverent honoring of God’s presence, the Lord struck Uzzah dead because they treated the Ark with great contempt. The tragedy was not without warning, however, as Exodus 25 provided very precise instructions on how to handle the intense holiness of God’s presence in the Ark. By not following the precise Word of God, everyone involved was put in great peril. While the Lord abundantly loves us without condition, the reality of His holy “otherness” must be revered.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:1-13 and Exodus 25:12-15.
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:1-13 and Exodus 25:12-15
How carefully do you search the scriptures for truth, guidance, and authority over what you should think, believe, and do? How precise are you with the Word?
Even though David had intended it to bring the Ark of the Covenant home with a very reverent honoring of God’s presence, the Lord struck Uzzah dead because they treated the Ark with great contempt. The tragedy was not without warning, however, as Exodus 25 provided very precise instructions on how to handle the intense holiness of God’s presence in the Ark. By not following the precise Word of God, everyone involved was put in great peril. While the Lord abundantly loves us without condition, the reality of His holy “otherness” must be revered.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:1-13 and Exodus 25:12-15.
Wednesday, March 18 – “Inquiring of the Lord”
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:13 and 1 Chronicles 15:11-16
How often do you charge ahead in some matter without slowing down to ask God for His wisdom and leadership? How well do you seek the Lord for His direction?
God did not strike Uzzah down in arbitrary anger. But because David and his men did not approach God’s presence with the careful consecration it requires, and because they did not inquire of the Lord or the scriptures as to how to be in His presence, they encountered the natural consequences of an unholy handling of the Ark. To be in God’s pure presence, we must revere His holiness, search the scriptures relentlessly, consecrate ourselves, and inquire carefully of Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:13 and 1 Chronicles 15:11-16.
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:13 and 1 Chronicles 15:11-16
How often do you charge ahead in some matter without slowing down to ask God for His wisdom and leadership? How well do you seek the Lord for His direction?
God did not strike Uzzah down in arbitrary anger. But because David and his men did not approach God’s presence with the careful consecration it requires, and because they did not inquire of the Lord or the scriptures as to how to be in His presence, they encountered the natural consequences of an unholy handling of the Ark. To be in God’s pure presence, we must revere His holiness, search the scriptures relentlessly, consecrate ourselves, and inquire carefully of Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:13 and 1 Chronicles 15:11-16.
Thursday, March 19 – “Then There Will Be Rejoicing”
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:13-15 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-28
Have you ever experienced the tangible presence of God? What emotions did you experience? Or what do you imagine you would experience in His presence?
Once David and the Levites had fully understood the profound importance of revering God’s holiness and the purity of His presence with the Ark, they tried again and did things properly. God helped them. They experienced such joy and relief as they received the help from God that He had always desired to give them. When we approach God with reverence, consecration, and inquiring of Him—rather than just asking Him to answer our prayer requests—the real help and presence of the Lord will fill us with overwhelming peace and joy.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:13-15 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-28.
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:13-15 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-28
Have you ever experienced the tangible presence of God? What emotions did you experience? Or what do you imagine you would experience in His presence?
Once David and the Levites had fully understood the profound importance of revering God’s holiness and the purity of His presence with the Ark, they tried again and did things properly. God helped them. They experienced such joy and relief as they received the help from God that He had always desired to give them. When we approach God with reverence, consecration, and inquiring of Him—rather than just asking Him to answer our prayer requests—the real help and presence of the Lord will fill us with overwhelming peace and joy.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:13-15 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-28.
Friday, March 20 – “Despising Joy”
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:13-20 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-29
Have you ever been uncomfortable around people who are worshipping? Have you ever felt like others are closer to God in intimacy and has this bothered you?
As the Ark was coming into the city with God’s help, David rejoiced so freely in worship that he took off his royal robes and danced among the ordinary people. His wife Michal was so incensed at his display of joy that she despised him. Those who have never tasted God’s manifest presence may see such joy as foolishness.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:13-20 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-29.
Read slowly and carefully 2 Samuel 6:13-20 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-29
Have you ever been uncomfortable around people who are worshipping? Have you ever felt like others are closer to God in intimacy and has this bothered you?
As the Ark was coming into the city with God’s help, David rejoiced so freely in worship that he took off his royal robes and danced among the ordinary people. His wife Michal was so incensed at his display of joy that she despised him. Those who have never tasted God’s manifest presence may see such joy as foolishness.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 2 Samuel 6:13-20 and 1 Chronicles 15:25-29.
Monday, March 9 – “Chosen… But Not Yet”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 16:1-23
Are you willing to wait for the Lord? In whatever plans God has for your life, are you willing to wait—even in very difficult situations—for God to bring it to pass?
We see in 1 Samuel 16:1-23 David learning to submit to God and wait on His timing and trusting the Lord even in great hardship. A heart after God is not passive; it actively trusts.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 16:1-23.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 16:1-23
Are you willing to wait for the Lord? In whatever plans God has for your life, are you willing to wait—even in very difficult situations—for God to bring it to pass?
We see in 1 Samuel 16:1-23 David learning to submit to God and wait on His timing and trusting the Lord even in great hardship. A heart after God is not passive; it actively trusts.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 16:1-23.
Tuesday, March 10 – “When I Cannot Control the Giants”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 17:1-50
What (or who) are the giants in your life that you cannot see a way to overcome? How far are you willing to trust God for His ability to win in your life through Him?
A Philistine giant named Goliath taunted the armies of Israel with a challenge: a one-to-one, hand-to-hand combat between one Israelite and Goliath could determine the entire outcome of the war. No Israelite soldier was willing to face his certain death to take on this giant enemy. But young David knew the strength of his God. With nothing by a handful of stones familiar to his days as a shepherd, David took on the monster and won, not by his own strength, but by God’s.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 17:1-50.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 17:1-50
What (or who) are the giants in your life that you cannot see a way to overcome? How far are you willing to trust God for His ability to win in your life through Him?
A Philistine giant named Goliath taunted the armies of Israel with a challenge: a one-to-one, hand-to-hand combat between one Israelite and Goliath could determine the entire outcome of the war. No Israelite soldier was willing to face his certain death to take on this giant enemy. But young David knew the strength of his God. With nothing by a handful of stones familiar to his days as a shepherd, David took on the monster and won, not by his own strength, but by God’s.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 17:1-50.
Wednesday, March 11 – “Having Enough Confidence in God”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 18:5-12
Where are the limits of your confidence in God? What circumstances or threats to your security would cause you to doubt God’s presence and care for you?
After God gave David a stunning victory over Goliath, the people of Israel began to celebrate him as much greater and more powerful than King Saul. This attention on the young man angered Saul deeply. As David was playing the harp in Saul’s court, the king attempted to kill David… twice. While most of us would run from the first sign of danger, David continued to serve Saul with trust in the Lord. He had enough confidence in God’s promise for his life to not flee. Having a heart for God is more than just loving the Lord; it is profoundly trusting Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 18:5-12.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 18:5-12
Where are the limits of your confidence in God? What circumstances or threats to your security would cause you to doubt God’s presence and care for you?
After God gave David a stunning victory over Goliath, the people of Israel began to celebrate him as much greater and more powerful than King Saul. This attention on the young man angered Saul deeply. As David was playing the harp in Saul’s court, the king attempted to kill David… twice. While most of us would run from the first sign of danger, David continued to serve Saul with trust in the Lord. He had enough confidence in God’s promise for his life to not flee. Having a heart for God is more than just loving the Lord; it is profoundly trusting Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 18:5-12.
Thursday, March 12 – “Sparing My Enemy’s Life
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 18:10-12 and 1 Samuel 23:14 – 24:4
If you were given the opportunity to fix a great trouble in your life, would you seize it instantly? Or would you wait on the Lord for wisdom and empowerment?
Saul sought more intently to kill David as his bitterness and jealousy grew. David fled throughout the desert rather than to confront Saul. One day, as David and his companions were hiding deep in a cave, he was given a serendipitous chance to settle the problem once and for all. By “chance,” Saul came alone into the cave so he could relieve himself in privacy. But instead of seizing the miraculous opportunity to kill Saul and save himself, David chose to leave matters to God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 18:10-12 and 1 Samuel 23:14 – 24:4.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 18:10-12 and 1 Samuel 23:14 – 24:4
If you were given the opportunity to fix a great trouble in your life, would you seize it instantly? Or would you wait on the Lord for wisdom and empowerment?
Saul sought more intently to kill David as his bitterness and jealousy grew. David fled throughout the desert rather than to confront Saul. One day, as David and his companions were hiding deep in a cave, he was given a serendipitous chance to settle the problem once and for all. By “chance,” Saul came alone into the cave so he could relieve himself in privacy. But instead of seizing the miraculous opportunity to kill Saul and save himself, David chose to leave matters to God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 18:10-12 and 1 Samuel 23:14 – 24:4.
Friday, March 13 – “So Pure Before the Lord”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 24:1-20
How much help does God need from you and me to accomplish what He intends to do? Are your ambition, strength, and efforts necessary, or can God do it alone?
David was given a tremendous opportunity to end the horrific injustice of being hunted by King Saul even though he was innocent of any wrongdoing. But David chose to trust the Lord to deliver him instead of taking matters into his own hands. The mercy David showed Saul brought the mad king to his own point of surrender, where he finally understood God’s plan for David to be the future king.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 24:1-20.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 24:1-20
How much help does God need from you and me to accomplish what He intends to do? Are your ambition, strength, and efforts necessary, or can God do it alone?
David was given a tremendous opportunity to end the horrific injustice of being hunted by King Saul even though he was innocent of any wrongdoing. But David chose to trust the Lord to deliver him instead of taking matters into his own hands. The mercy David showed Saul brought the mad king to his own point of surrender, where he finally understood God’s plan for David to be the future king.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 24:1-20.
Monday, March 2 – “Surrendering Our Ambition”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 9 - 10
Where do you have plans, ideas, and ambitions that might not be the best God desires for you? How easy is it for you to surrender those to God and trust Him?
We see in 1 Samuel the pride and control-filled life of King Saul eating away and the health of Israel and himself. God wants better for us. If we will surrender to Him, we can learn from these passages to trust God and not live by our flesh.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 9 – 10.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 9 - 10
Where do you have plans, ideas, and ambitions that might not be the best God desires for you? How easy is it for you to surrender those to God and trust Him?
We see in 1 Samuel the pride and control-filled life of King Saul eating away and the health of Israel and himself. God wants better for us. If we will surrender to Him, we can learn from these passages to trust God and not live by our flesh.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 9 – 10.
Tuesday, March 3 – “Anointed… Even After Sin”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 10:1-11 and 1 Samuel 19:23
In the places where you know you have failed the Lord, how well do you recognize the grace and mercy of God? Do you trust He has a good path forward for you?
God had given King Saul a spiritual gift of prophecy—the supernatural ability to hear the word of God and speak on behalf of God to the people. It was part of the special anointing for Saul’s ministry as king. But even as Saul’s life would spiral into deep sin that ultimately cost him his leadership position, God continued to graciously anoint him with prophetic words. God will deal with our sin—sometimes with life-changing discipline and judgment. But His love for us, His mercy over our sinful hearts, and His ability to use us is never completely lost.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 10:1-11 and 1 Samuel 19:23.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 10:1-11 and 1 Samuel 19:23
In the places where you know you have failed the Lord, how well do you recognize the grace and mercy of God? Do you trust He has a good path forward for you?
God had given King Saul a spiritual gift of prophecy—the supernatural ability to hear the word of God and speak on behalf of God to the people. It was part of the special anointing for Saul’s ministry as king. But even as Saul’s life would spiral into deep sin that ultimately cost him his leadership position, God continued to graciously anoint him with prophetic words. God will deal with our sin—sometimes with life-changing discipline and judgment. But His love for us, His mercy over our sinful hearts, and His ability to use us is never completely lost.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 10:1-11 and 1 Samuel 19:23.
Wednesday, March 4 – “The Partial Obedience of Ambition”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 15:17-26
Where are you committed to the Lord, but only partially? Where do you keep the commands of the Lord in mind, but then only fulfill them halfway?
During a season of very harsh warfare, God commanded Saul to utterly destroy the wicked Amalekites. It was a brutal instruction based on God’s wisdom that the Amalekite’s evil had reached a point of no return. Saul won the battle and did most of what God wanted. But he spared King Agag and kept many of the spoils for himself and then tried to cover it up with religious sacrifice. The Lord rebuked Saul, saying that He prefers obedience far more than our religious activities.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 15:17-26.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 15:17-26
Where are you committed to the Lord, but only partially? Where do you keep the commands of the Lord in mind, but then only fulfill them halfway?
During a season of very harsh warfare, God commanded Saul to utterly destroy the wicked Amalekites. It was a brutal instruction based on God’s wisdom that the Amalekite’s evil had reached a point of no return. Saul won the battle and did most of what God wanted. But he spared King Agag and kept many of the spoils for himself and then tried to cover it up with religious sacrifice. The Lord rebuked Saul, saying that He prefers obedience far more than our religious activities.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 15:17-26.
Thursday, March 5 – “Running Ahead of God”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 10:8 and 1 Samuel 13:7-14
When you see wisdom from the scripture or sense God speaking to you, do you jump right into doing things, or do you wait on the Lord in patient prayer?
The prophet Samuel instructed Saul to wait one week for him to join him at Gigal where he would lead a worship sacrifice for Saul and his military men. When Samuel did not arrive on time, and Saul’s men were getting restless and fearful, Saul took matters into his own hands and led the worship experience without the prophet. While this spiritual activity may seem well-intended, it demonstrated a pattern in Saul’s life of destructive impatience, ambition, and selfish control.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 10:8 and 1 Samuel 13:7-14.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 10:8 and 1 Samuel 13:7-14
When you see wisdom from the scripture or sense God speaking to you, do you jump right into doing things, or do you wait on the Lord in patient prayer?
The prophet Samuel instructed Saul to wait one week for him to join him at Gigal where he would lead a worship sacrifice for Saul and his military men. When Samuel did not arrive on time, and Saul’s men were getting restless and fearful, Saul took matters into his own hands and led the worship experience without the prophet. While this spiritual activity may seem well-intended, it demonstrated a pattern in Saul’s life of destructive impatience, ambition, and selfish control.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 10:8 and 1 Samuel 13:7-14.
Friday, March 6 – “The Heart God Wants”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 13:13-14 and 1 Samuel 16:1-11
Do you look to your own external qualities as your source of strength, or do you truly consider the inner places of your heart to be more important?
When God sought a new king to replace the fallen King Saul, He sent the prophet Samuel to find someone whose heart was pure. He did not look to the natural strengths of a mighty man. Rather, He looked to the heart of a soft, broken, and humble man—someone far better suited to lead Israel and depend on the Lord. God is always looking for our heart to be fully towards Him. This is our strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 13:13-14 and 1 Samuel 16:1-11.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 13:13-14 and 1 Samuel 16:1-11
Do you look to your own external qualities as your source of strength, or do you truly consider the inner places of your heart to be more important?
When God sought a new king to replace the fallen King Saul, He sent the prophet Samuel to find someone whose heart was pure. He did not look to the natural strengths of a mighty man. Rather, He looked to the heart of a soft, broken, and humble man—someone far better suited to lead Israel and depend on the Lord. God is always looking for our heart to be fully towards Him. This is our strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 13:13-14 and 1 Samuel 16:1-11.
Monday, February 23 – “Surrendering Our Pride”
Read slowly and carefully Proverbs 16:1-19
Where do you depend upon your own strength and abilities to navigate the complexities of your life? How do these strengths hold up? Is there a better way?
We often use pride as a cover to protect ourselves from our lack of confidence in ourselves and even others. If we will submit our trust to God, we can learn to let Him reshape our hearts as we trust and submit to Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Proverbs 16:1-19, where the Lord challenges how we see ourselves and how we try to lead out lives in pride and control.
Read slowly and carefully Proverbs 16:1-19
Where do you depend upon your own strength and abilities to navigate the complexities of your life? How do these strengths hold up? Is there a better way?
We often use pride as a cover to protect ourselves from our lack of confidence in ourselves and even others. If we will submit our trust to God, we can learn to let Him reshape our hearts as we trust and submit to Him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Proverbs 16:1-19, where the Lord challenges how we see ourselves and how we try to lead out lives in pride and control.
Tuesday, February 24 – “What Seems Right to Me”
Read slowly and carefully for a second day Proverbs 16:1-25
Are fear and insecurity ever behind your impulse to try to control the details of your life? How well do you trust that the Lord is better at directing your steps?
We humans have a constant impulse to make plans and to control whatever we can to bring about the outcomes we desire in life. But the scripture counsels us that it is ultimately the Lord who determines the course of our life and our circumstances. The way that seems right to us may indeed lead us to a more destructive outcome, not because God is being arbitrary towards us. Rather, it is because our own ideas about life are far inferior to the wisdom God has. We are blessed when we choose to trust God rather than ourselves!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six for a second day from Proverbs 16:1-25, where we can learn to submit to God’s wisdom and leadership instead of our own.
Read slowly and carefully for a second day Proverbs 16:1-25
Are fear and insecurity ever behind your impulse to try to control the details of your life? How well do you trust that the Lord is better at directing your steps?
We humans have a constant impulse to make plans and to control whatever we can to bring about the outcomes we desire in life. But the scripture counsels us that it is ultimately the Lord who determines the course of our life and our circumstances. The way that seems right to us may indeed lead us to a more destructive outcome, not because God is being arbitrary towards us. Rather, it is because our own ideas about life are far inferior to the wisdom God has. We are blessed when we choose to trust God rather than ourselves!
Click here for today’s The Daily Six for a second day from Proverbs 16:1-25, where we can learn to submit to God’s wisdom and leadership instead of our own.
Wednesday, February 25 – “All Things Through Christ, Not Me”
Read slowly and carefully Philippians 3:3-9 and 4:13
Where do you lack confidence in yourself? How about confidence in God? Where do you fear that things will not go well for you if you let go of control?
When we manage all the aspects of our life by our own efforts, emotions, ideas, and wisdom, we are living from what the New Testament calls “the flesh,” or in some more modern translations, “the sinful nature.” Our natural human impulse to control is not rooted in submissive trust of God, but rather our human nature, which is corrupted by sin. When we put our confidence in God rather than our flesh, then everything I do can be done through Christ’s strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Philippians 3:3-9 and 4:13, where we discover how to surrender living in our flesh and develop a trust that all things can be done in Jesus Christ.
Read slowly and carefully Philippians 3:3-9 and 4:13
Where do you lack confidence in yourself? How about confidence in God? Where do you fear that things will not go well for you if you let go of control?
When we manage all the aspects of our life by our own efforts, emotions, ideas, and wisdom, we are living from what the New Testament calls “the flesh,” or in some more modern translations, “the sinful nature.” Our natural human impulse to control is not rooted in submissive trust of God, but rather our human nature, which is corrupted by sin. When we put our confidence in God rather than our flesh, then everything I do can be done through Christ’s strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Philippians 3:3-9 and 4:13, where we discover how to surrender living in our flesh and develop a trust that all things can be done in Jesus Christ.
Thursday, February 26 – “Being Like Everyone Else”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 8:1-8
Do you trust God to lead you in a way that is different than everyone else in the world? Do you benchmark your life against others, or can you trust God alone?
When God led Israel to the Promised Land and established them as a secure nation, His plan was to lead them by spiritual leaders who would seek the face of God, not by corrupt politicians. But fear and comparison to others led them to desire a political king. When they demanded this of God, He gave into them. But He revealed to Samuel that they were rejecting God’s plan for their lives.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 8:1-8, where we see how the pressures to fit in and do things the way the world does scuttles God’s ability to do His best in us.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 8:1-8
Do you trust God to lead you in a way that is different than everyone else in the world? Do you benchmark your life against others, or can you trust God alone?
When God led Israel to the Promised Land and established them as a secure nation, His plan was to lead them by spiritual leaders who would seek the face of God, not by corrupt politicians. But fear and comparison to others led them to desire a political king. When they demanded this of God, He gave into them. But He revealed to Samuel that they were rejecting God’s plan for their lives.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 8:1-8, where we see how the pressures to fit in and do things the way the world does scuttles God’s ability to do His best in us.
Friday, February 27 – “What We Asked For”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 8:9-18
What are the outcomes you experience when you do things in your own strength?
In spite of His better judgement, God gave into the people of Israel when they demanded to be led by a corrupt politician rather than spiritually minded judges who would seek Him in prayer. God knew the outcome would be painful. But He never violates our free will. When we choose to navigate life in our flesh—in our own impulses of human control—negative outcomes will likely occur. God wishes to spare us of these. He warned Israel; they would not listen. We would do better to seek His wisdom in the scriptures and live by His strength, not ours.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 8:9-18, where we discover the outcomes of living in our own strength and wisdom.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 8:9-18
What are the outcomes you experience when you do things in your own strength?
In spite of His better judgement, God gave into the people of Israel when they demanded to be led by a corrupt politician rather than spiritually minded judges who would seek Him in prayer. God knew the outcome would be painful. But He never violates our free will. When we choose to navigate life in our flesh—in our own impulses of human control—negative outcomes will likely occur. God wishes to spare us of these. He warned Israel; they would not listen. We would do better to seek His wisdom in the scriptures and live by His strength, not ours.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from 1 Samuel 8:9-18, where we discover the outcomes of living in our own strength and wisdom.
Previous Weeks for our "Best Of" Daily Six Readings and Meditations
Monday, February 9 – “Only What My Father Says”
Read slowly and carefully John 8:28-30 and John 14:23-31
Who do you listen to in your life? What are the voices that influence you—social media, politics, friends, family, your own head? Could you listen only to the Lord?
This week, as we continue to study “Hearing the Voice of God,” we will look at who Jesus listened to. He only spoke and lived as the Father taught him. We can learn this also.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 1:1-13, which tells how Jesus first hear the voice of God and what God said—revealing to us what it means to be a son or daughter of God.
Read slowly and carefully John 8:28-30 and John 14:23-31
Who do you listen to in your life? What are the voices that influence you—social media, politics, friends, family, your own head? Could you listen only to the Lord?
This week, as we continue to study “Hearing the Voice of God,” we will look at who Jesus listened to. He only spoke and lived as the Father taught him. We can learn this also.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 1:1-13, which tells how Jesus first hear the voice of God and what God said—revealing to us what it means to be a son or daughter of God.
Tuesday, February 10 – “As God Sent Jesus, So Also You”
Read slowly and carefully John 20:19-31
How do you think God spoke to Jesus? Do you imagine it being more powerful than how He speaks to you? Are you sure this is correct?
When Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to his disciples, blessed them, and began to give them instructions about what to do next. At this point in their discipleship, they were ready to carry the story of Jesus forward to others. So, Jesus sent them. But he highlighted that how he was sending them was exactly how God had sent him. The same leading, the same power that Jesus had is also given to us. As we follow God’s leadership in our lives, we hear just like Jesus did.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 16:15-20, which tells how Jesus promised his disciples great power and strength from the Lord when he sent them to carry on the Gospel.
Read slowly and carefully John 20:19-31
How do you think God spoke to Jesus? Do you imagine it being more powerful than how He speaks to you? Are you sure this is correct?
When Jesus rose from the dead, he appeared to his disciples, blessed them, and began to give them instructions about what to do next. At this point in their discipleship, they were ready to carry the story of Jesus forward to others. So, Jesus sent them. But he highlighted that how he was sending them was exactly how God had sent him. The same leading, the same power that Jesus had is also given to us. As we follow God’s leadership in our lives, we hear just like Jesus did.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 16:15-20, which tells how Jesus promised his disciples great power and strength from the Lord when he sent them to carry on the Gospel.
Wednesday, February 11 – “That Your Joy May Be Complete”
Read slowly and carefully John 15:9-17
Does the time you spend with God bring you an abundant experience of joy, or do you sometimes feel like you are just going through the motions of religion?
Our relationship with God will bear the fruit of thorough and complete joy because our relationship is rooted in deep and unconditional love. When we love God enough to joyfully obey whatever He has told us—to include obedience to the scriptures and loving one another—our joy will become complete. It will be the same joy Jesus has rising up within us as we follow his voice and know him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:18-22, which tells how Jesus explained the joy we can have when we practice prayer and fasting in the right way—in a new and living way and not in the dead cycles of religion.
Read slowly and carefully John 15:9-17
Does the time you spend with God bring you an abundant experience of joy, or do you sometimes feel like you are just going through the motions of religion?
Our relationship with God will bear the fruit of thorough and complete joy because our relationship is rooted in deep and unconditional love. When we love God enough to joyfully obey whatever He has told us—to include obedience to the scriptures and loving one another—our joy will become complete. It will be the same joy Jesus has rising up within us as we follow his voice and know him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:18-22, which tells how Jesus explained the joy we can have when we practice prayer and fasting in the right way—in a new and living way and not in the dead cycles of religion.
Thursday, February 12 – “Slowing Down to Hear”
Read slowly and carefully Exodus 20:8-11 and Mark 2:23-28
How well do you slow down? In our fast-paced, pressure-filled suburban life, how well do you create the space to be with God in a restful posture?
By placing the concept of keeping a weekly Sabbath in the Ten Commandments, God elevated to a level of core human morality the command to be purposeful with rest in our relating with God. If we want to hear the Lord speak into our lives, we must slow down and allow God’s presence to have restful space. While God is present with us even while we go about our busy day--and we should learn to relate with him there, too—we cannot only meet with God in our hurry.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:23-28, where Jesus explained the Sabbath as a tool given to us to relate better with the Lord.
Read slowly and carefully Exodus 20:8-11 and Mark 2:23-28
How well do you slow down? In our fast-paced, pressure-filled suburban life, how well do you create the space to be with God in a restful posture?
By placing the concept of keeping a weekly Sabbath in the Ten Commandments, God elevated to a level of core human morality the command to be purposeful with rest in our relating with God. If we want to hear the Lord speak into our lives, we must slow down and allow God’s presence to have restful space. While God is present with us even while we go about our busy day--and we should learn to relate with him there, too—we cannot only meet with God in our hurry.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:23-28, where Jesus explained the Sabbath as a tool given to us to relate better with the Lord.
Friday, February 13 – “Religion vs. Relationship”
Review and soak carefully in all of Mark 2:1-28
How do you spend time with God every day without it becoming a religious hardship? How do you stay close to the Lord with joy in the grace of God?
Throughout this teaching on how to hear the voice of God, we have continued to discover and emphasize the importance of regular, focused, intentional time with God in His Word and in prayer. It is the only way to truly know and relate with God. Building a regimen to your life to ensure you make room for God is essential. However, regimens can turn quickly into religion instead of relationship. We need to learn the heart of Jesus that is all grace and forgiveness, and from there, step into daily commitment of slowing down, seeking him, and abiding in him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:1-28, where Pastor Chris tells his own story of moving from dry and lifeless religion into abundant, joyful relationship with God.
Review and soak carefully in all of Mark 2:1-28
How do you spend time with God every day without it becoming a religious hardship? How do you stay close to the Lord with joy in the grace of God?
Throughout this teaching on how to hear the voice of God, we have continued to discover and emphasize the importance of regular, focused, intentional time with God in His Word and in prayer. It is the only way to truly know and relate with God. Building a regimen to your life to ensure you make room for God is essential. However, regimens can turn quickly into religion instead of relationship. We need to learn the heart of Jesus that is all grace and forgiveness, and from there, step into daily commitment of slowing down, seeking him, and abiding in him.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:1-28, where Pastor Chris tells his own story of moving from dry and lifeless religion into abundant, joyful relationship with God.
Monday, February 2 – “Be the Sheep Who Knows His Voice”
Read slowly and carefully John 10:1-16
Have you ever had a moment where you were certain God was speaking or revealing something to you? What made you aware of this? What was it like?
This week, we continue to study “Hearing the Voice of God.” As God speaks to us, He is often revealing a path of growth ahead. Jesus told us that when we belong to him, we do indeed already know how to hear his voice. But we may not yet recognize it. We need to learn to cultivate that ability to hear and understand what God is saying to us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 7:31-37, which tells a parallel story of a man whom Jesus healed of his inability to hear and speak. While we may not need a physical healing to our ears, we do indeed need the Lord to open our ability to hear him!
Read slowly and carefully John 10:1-16
Have you ever had a moment where you were certain God was speaking or revealing something to you? What made you aware of this? What was it like?
This week, we continue to study “Hearing the Voice of God.” As God speaks to us, He is often revealing a path of growth ahead. Jesus told us that when we belong to him, we do indeed already know how to hear his voice. But we may not yet recognize it. We need to learn to cultivate that ability to hear and understand what God is saying to us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 7:31-37, which tells a parallel story of a man whom Jesus healed of his inability to hear and speak. While we may not need a physical healing to our ears, we do indeed need the Lord to open our ability to hear him!
Tuesday, February 3 – “Reject the Father of Lies”
Read slowly and carefully John 8:25-47
Where do you think the devil has influenced your view of self through deception? What do you believe about yourself that is not how God sees things?
Satan is known as “the accuser”; he has mastered the art of twisting the truth of how God sees us into a lie of condemnation. This deception causes us to miss what God wants to say and what He has called us to do and to be. We are unable to hear God’s voice because His voice contradicts the lies we have been fed by Satan all our lives. We can reverse this deception and begin to hear God’s vision for us when we also recognize the dishonest voice of the devil and see his distorted view of ourselves as false—and God’s view of us as absolute truth.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 8:31-38, which tells a parallel story of how Peter had succumbed to the deception of the devil in his life over a particular subject.
Read slowly and carefully John 8:25-47
Where do you think the devil has influenced your view of self through deception? What do you believe about yourself that is not how God sees things?
Satan is known as “the accuser”; he has mastered the art of twisting the truth of how God sees us into a lie of condemnation. This deception causes us to miss what God wants to say and what He has called us to do and to be. We are unable to hear God’s voice because His voice contradicts the lies we have been fed by Satan all our lives. We can reverse this deception and begin to hear God’s vision for us when we also recognize the dishonest voice of the devil and see his distorted view of ourselves as false—and God’s view of us as absolute truth.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 8:31-38, which tells a parallel story of how Peter had succumbed to the deception of the devil in his life over a particular subject.
Wednesday, February 4 – “Cast Down Imaginations”
Read slowly and carefully 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Do you know what your part is to overcome the deception the devil has placed over your view of self? How do you combat those lies with the truth of God?
Satan’s aim to deceive us and block out God’s voice in our lives can and must be brought down. His lies are merely an imagination, but when they take root in our hearts and mind, they can become so strong that they keep a hold on us. We have the Word of God as a spiritual weapon to counteract and bring down these strongholds and imaginations as we choose to submit to Jesus’ truth.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 11:20-26, which tells a parallel story of how Jesus modeled faith that can move mountains in our lives. When we need false ideas to come down, faith is the mechanism!
Read slowly and carefully 2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Do you know what your part is to overcome the deception the devil has placed over your view of self? How do you combat those lies with the truth of God?
Satan’s aim to deceive us and block out God’s voice in our lives can and must be brought down. His lies are merely an imagination, but when they take root in our hearts and mind, they can become so strong that they keep a hold on us. We have the Word of God as a spiritual weapon to counteract and bring down these strongholds and imaginations as we choose to submit to Jesus’ truth.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 11:20-26, which tells a parallel story of how Jesus modeled faith that can move mountains in our lives. When we need false ideas to come down, faith is the mechanism!
Thursday, February 5 – “Receive the Holy Spirit” Read slowly and carefully Luke 3:15-18, Acts 1:4-8, and Acts 2:1-18
Have you been empowered by the Lord to do the spiritual work and win the spiritual battles in front of you? What empowerment do you need from him?
Before his disciples could effectively carry out God’s calling on their lives, Jesus told them they needed to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, which John the Baptist called a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” (which is different from water baptism at salvation). Once we have overcome the enemy’s lies about ourselves, and we have understood our calling from God, the next step is to seek the Lord—and wait for Him—to baptize us (overflow upon us) in the Holy Spirit.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 1:1-11, which tells this story and shows how Jesus told his disciples to wait for this baptism!
Have you been empowered by the Lord to do the spiritual work and win the spiritual battles in front of you? What empowerment do you need from him?
Before his disciples could effectively carry out God’s calling on their lives, Jesus told them they needed to receive the power of the Holy Spirit, which John the Baptist called a “baptism of the Holy Spirit” (which is different from water baptism at salvation). Once we have overcome the enemy’s lies about ourselves, and we have understood our calling from God, the next step is to seek the Lord—and wait for Him—to baptize us (overflow upon us) in the Holy Spirit.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 1:1-11, which tells this story and shows how Jesus told his disciples to wait for this baptism!
Friday, February 6 – “Receive His Boldness”
Read carefully Acts 4:13-31
Do you have a fierce boldness to fulfill whatever God calls you to, or are you fearful that you are not equipped to carry out God’s will for your life?
As soon as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began their mission of fulfilling God’s call upon them, they met instant resistance and trouble. The very people they had been called to reach with the good news of Jesus persecuted and threatened them. Instead of shrinking back in fear, however, they sought God for another round of Holy Spirit empowered capability. God gave them boldness to face their fears and continue to minister in His strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 4:14-37, which tells this story and shows us how the Holy Spirit poured boldness into the disciple’s lives.
Read carefully Acts 4:13-31
Do you have a fierce boldness to fulfill whatever God calls you to, or are you fearful that you are not equipped to carry out God’s will for your life?
As soon as the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began their mission of fulfilling God’s call upon them, they met instant resistance and trouble. The very people they had been called to reach with the good news of Jesus persecuted and threatened them. Instead of shrinking back in fear, however, they sought God for another round of Holy Spirit empowered capability. God gave them boldness to face their fears and continue to minister in His strength.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 4:14-37, which tells this story and shows us how the Holy Spirit poured boldness into the disciple’s lives.
Monday, January 26 – “Called into the Kingdom”
Read slowly and carefully Mark 1:14-20
What does it look like to distinctly follow Jesus in your life? Do you follow with more than just an intellectual agreement? Do you know where he is calling you?
When Jesus called Simon and Andrew to follow him, it was not a random call from a stranger. They likely knew him well as they all lived in the same small fishing town of Capernaum. What attracted them to leave behind their profession and commit to following Jesus was what he offered them—life in an entirely new kingdom, a new way of living.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 1:14-20, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Read slowly and carefully Mark 1:14-20
What does it look like to distinctly follow Jesus in your life? Do you follow with more than just an intellectual agreement? Do you know where he is calling you?
When Jesus called Simon and Andrew to follow him, it was not a random call from a stranger. They likely knew him well as they all lived in the same small fishing town of Capernaum. What attracted them to leave behind their profession and commit to following Jesus was what he offered them—life in an entirely new kingdom, a new way of living.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 1:14-20, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Tuesday, January 27 – “You Can Be Changed”
Read slowly and carefully Mark 2:13-17
Do you trust that God is willing to meet you with mercy wherever you are, even if it is a place of brokenness, sinfulness, or discouragement? What is His goal?
When Jesus called Levi (later known as Matthew) to follow him, he was living the life of a mobster, ruthlessly extorting money out of helpless victims under the cover of the Roman government’s corrupt tax system. Jesus’ call had no conditions attached. And yet, his intention was not to let Levi languish in his destructive lifestyle. He knew that if Levi answered his call, he would be changed.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:13-17, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Read slowly and carefully Mark 2:13-17
Do you trust that God is willing to meet you with mercy wherever you are, even if it is a place of brokenness, sinfulness, or discouragement? What is His goal?
When Jesus called Levi (later known as Matthew) to follow him, he was living the life of a mobster, ruthlessly extorting money out of helpless victims under the cover of the Roman government’s corrupt tax system. Jesus’ call had no conditions attached. And yet, his intention was not to let Levi languish in his destructive lifestyle. He knew that if Levi answered his call, he would be changed.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 2:13-17, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Wednesday, January 28 – “Receive Your Calling”
Read slowly and carefully Mark 3:3-19
Do you believe that God has called you specifically for a great purpose? Do you believe He has appointed you, sent you, and empowered you? Why or why not?
When Jesus chose his twelve disciples to follow him and be his team, Mark records that Jesus called “those he wanted” (Mark 3:13). This echoes Ephesians 1:4-5 which tells us that God chooses us according to His “pleasure and will.” Jesus wants us, and then appoints us, sends us, and empowers us to do mighty things in his name. The question is whether we will believe this and step into it.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 3:3-19, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Read slowly and carefully Mark 3:3-19
Do you believe that God has called you specifically for a great purpose? Do you believe He has appointed you, sent you, and empowered you? Why or why not?
When Jesus chose his twelve disciples to follow him and be his team, Mark records that Jesus called “those he wanted” (Mark 3:13). This echoes Ephesians 1:4-5 which tells us that God chooses us according to His “pleasure and will.” Jesus wants us, and then appoints us, sends us, and empowers us to do mighty things in his name. The question is whether we will believe this and step into it.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 3:3-19, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Thursday, January 29 – “Sent with Authority”
Read slowly and carefully Mark 6:6-13
Do you trust God enough to follow Him wherever He wants you to go? Do you trust that He has equipped you with everything you need to be victorious?
Jesus sent his twelve disciples in pairs to travel around the region and spread the Gospel. But more than that, he empowered them with authority over evil spirits—evil influences in the lives of other people. He told them to take nothing with them for their journey, which forced them to recognize that they could be successful only with God’s help. When we understand both the authority God has given us in Jesus’ name and His provision to empower our success, we are able to go with strength into our world and make a profound impact for God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 6:6-13, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Read slowly and carefully Mark 6:6-13
Do you trust God enough to follow Him wherever He wants you to go? Do you trust that He has equipped you with everything you need to be victorious?
Jesus sent his twelve disciples in pairs to travel around the region and spread the Gospel. But more than that, he empowered them with authority over evil spirits—evil influences in the lives of other people. He told them to take nothing with them for their journey, which forced them to recognize that they could be successful only with God’s help. When we understand both the authority God has given us in Jesus’ name and His provision to empower our success, we are able to go with strength into our world and make a profound impact for God.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Mark 6:6-13, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Friday, January 30 – “Would You Trust God?”
Read carefully Acts 9:1-19
Before you trusted Christ, how hardened was your heart? How hard is it now? Are you more ready to follow and trust the Lord than others might readily perceive?
Saul (Paul)’s encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus demonstrates that God can instantaneously get ahold of anyone whom He perceives is ready to respond. When Saul trusted Christ, God called Ananias to go minister the Word of God and healing to him—who had been murdering Christians. God asked Ananias to trust His plans and agenda for Saul. Ananias put his own safety at risk to do so, believing that wherever God leads, it is indeed trustworthy and good.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 9:1-19, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Read carefully Acts 9:1-19
Before you trusted Christ, how hardened was your heart? How hard is it now? Are you more ready to follow and trust the Lord than others might readily perceive?
Saul (Paul)’s encounter with Jesus on the Road to Damascus demonstrates that God can instantaneously get ahold of anyone whom He perceives is ready to respond. When Saul trusted Christ, God called Ananias to go minister the Word of God and healing to him—who had been murdering Christians. God asked Ananias to trust His plans and agenda for Saul. Ananias put his own safety at risk to do so, believing that wherever God leads, it is indeed trustworthy and good.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from Acts 9:1-19, which tells this story and shows us how Jesus can speak and call to us as well.
Monday, January 19 – “Pouring Out My Soul”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 1:1-20
When your longings go unfulfilled, how do you react? What are your emotions? Do you carry them to the Lord? Or do you withdraw from God in disappointment?
Under great oppression from a terrible family situation, and being barren and unable to have children, Hannah approached the Lord in bitterness of soul. But she poured out her heart in faith, and God heard her.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 9:14-29, which tells a parallel story of a father begging Jesus for help with his son, and discovering how to have more faith!
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 1:1-20
When your longings go unfulfilled, how do you react? What are your emotions? Do you carry them to the Lord? Or do you withdraw from God in disappointment?
Under great oppression from a terrible family situation, and being barren and unable to have children, Hannah approached the Lord in bitterness of soul. But she poured out her heart in faith, and God heard her.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 9:14-29, which tells a parallel story of a father begging Jesus for help with his son, and discovering how to have more faith!
Tuesday, January 20 – “Responding to the God Who Knows”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 1:21 – 2:11
Do you believe that God hears your prayers? More than just “hearing” in the sense of noting them, does He hear them deep in His heart and react to them?
As Hannah poured out to God her heartache of family bitterness and unfulfilled longings, God heard her (see 1 Samuel 1:6-19). Ultimately, her desires were fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son. Her reaction to God’s provision can be an example to us. Rather than simply being thankful and moving on with her life to enjoy this gift, she returned to God what God had given her. She committed her son to a life of unique consecration. Her heart profoundly shifted from pain to a bold recognition of the strength and direction the Lord provided to her… and us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 7:24-30, which tells a parallel story of a woman who had great faith even in the midst of disappointment and persecution. Jesus is overjoyed at her expression of bold faith.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 1:21 – 2:11
Do you believe that God hears your prayers? More than just “hearing” in the sense of noting them, does He hear them deep in His heart and react to them?
As Hannah poured out to God her heartache of family bitterness and unfulfilled longings, God heard her (see 1 Samuel 1:6-19). Ultimately, her desires were fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son. Her reaction to God’s provision can be an example to us. Rather than simply being thankful and moving on with her life to enjoy this gift, she returned to God what God had given her. She committed her son to a life of unique consecration. Her heart profoundly shifted from pain to a bold recognition of the strength and direction the Lord provided to her… and us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 7:24-30, which tells a parallel story of a woman who had great faith even in the midst of disappointment and persecution. Jesus is overjoyed at her expression of bold faith.
Wednesday, January 21 – “Contempt or Consecration?”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 2:12-26
Why do you engage in religious practices? Do you seek the Lord for what He can bring to you, or do you seek Him to discover careful surrender and obedience?
Hophni and Phineas were deeply religious men, serving in the tabernacle as priests of the Lord. And yet, their hearts were far from the surrendered consecration modeled by Samuel. For them, religion was a source of consumption where they could gain whatever they desired (in their case, choice foods and sexual pleasure). When we use worship and church life to gain what our flesh desires, we miss the surrendered and obedient life God wants for us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 7:1-8, which tells a parallel story of a Jesus addressing the insufficiency—and the deceived hearts—of the highly religious Pharisees. Focus on the practices and traditions of religion do nothing to truly cleanse our hearts.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 2:12-26
Why do you engage in religious practices? Do you seek the Lord for what He can bring to you, or do you seek Him to discover careful surrender and obedience?
Hophni and Phineas were deeply religious men, serving in the tabernacle as priests of the Lord. And yet, their hearts were far from the surrendered consecration modeled by Samuel. For them, religion was a source of consumption where they could gain whatever they desired (in their case, choice foods and sexual pleasure). When we use worship and church life to gain what our flesh desires, we miss the surrendered and obedient life God wants for us.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 7:1-8, which tells a parallel story of a Jesus addressing the insufficiency—and the deceived hearts—of the highly religious Pharisees. Focus on the practices and traditions of religion do nothing to truly cleanse our hearts.
Thursday, January 22 – “When God Changes His Promise”
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 2:27-35
Do you believe there is a consequence to your life when you hang on to hardness or are disobedient to the Lord? How does this square with the grace of God?
God had chosen Eli and his family and promised to them an everlasting blessing as they served the Lord. And yet, Eli turned a blind eye to the wickedness of his sons as they became corrupt priests in the tabernacle. While God is abundantly merciful, He cannot pour honor upon those who dishonor Him. What had been a promise of long-standing blessing, God had to take that promise away.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 7:6-13, which tells a parallel story of the Pharisees nullifying the work of God in their lives by twisting the traditions and commandments of the Lord.
Read slowly and carefully 1 Samuel 2:27-35
Do you believe there is a consequence to your life when you hang on to hardness or are disobedient to the Lord? How does this square with the grace of God?
God had chosen Eli and his family and promised to them an everlasting blessing as they served the Lord. And yet, Eli turned a blind eye to the wickedness of his sons as they became corrupt priests in the tabernacle. While God is abundantly merciful, He cannot pour honor upon those who dishonor Him. What had been a promise of long-standing blessing, God had to take that promise away.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 7:6-13, which tells a parallel story of the Pharisees nullifying the work of God in their lives by twisting the traditions and commandments of the Lord.
Friday, January 23 – “Speak, For I Am Listening”
Read carefully 1 Samuel 3:1 – 4:1
Have you ever heard the voice of God in your life? How would you know if God was speaking to you? Do you have faith to listen in your heart for God’s whisper?
Many believers are intimidated when they hear of people “hearing the voice of God.” Our impressions of what that means—and how we can gain that experience—may often be unrealistic and not indeed how God speaks. When Samuel heard God calling him, he thought it was something natural, like his mentor Eli calling his name. He quickly realized something else was going on and turned his heart to listen. God’s voice is subtle and internal for those who hunger.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 9:1-10, which tells a parallel story of Peter, James, and John seeing Jesus in all his glory—they heard from God Himself on a mountain. But how should that change our model of praying? Join us to see!
Read carefully 1 Samuel 3:1 – 4:1
Have you ever heard the voice of God in your life? How would you know if God was speaking to you? Do you have faith to listen in your heart for God’s whisper?
Many believers are intimidated when they hear of people “hearing the voice of God.” Our impressions of what that means—and how we can gain that experience—may often be unrealistic and not indeed how God speaks. When Samuel heard God calling him, he thought it was something natural, like his mentor Eli calling his name. He quickly realized something else was going on and turned his heart to listen. God’s voice is subtle and internal for those who hunger.
Click here for today’s The Daily Six from the Gospel of Mark 9:1-10, which tells a parallel story of Peter, James, and John seeing Jesus in all his glory—they heard from God Himself on a mountain. But how should that change our model of praying? Join us to see!
Monday, January 12 – “Acknowledging God”
Where do you find it hard to forgive yourself? What are the barriers to you feeling a sense of freedom to walk closely with the Lord in joy and intimacy with God?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 9:2, John 3:19-20, and 1 John 1:7, our Best of The Daily Six and “Verses of Victory” that can lead us to abundant life in Jesus. Today we discover the concept of light—that God is revealing Himself as “right” in all His ways, and that I can follow His ways to find a renewed and righteous life.
Where do you find it hard to forgive yourself? What are the barriers to you feeling a sense of freedom to walk closely with the Lord in joy and intimacy with God?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 9:2, John 3:19-20, and 1 John 1:7, our Best of The Daily Six and “Verses of Victory” that can lead us to abundant life in Jesus. Today we discover the concept of light—that God is revealing Himself as “right” in all His ways, and that I can follow His ways to find a renewed and righteous life.
Tuesday, January 13 – “Agreeing with God”
If you were to trust God to thoroughly forgive and cleanse your sins, how would you perceive yourself differently? Would it be easier to approach Him?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 1 John 1:9. Confessing our sins is a key prerequisite to experiencing the forgiveness and cleansing that comes from the Lord. But we often misunderstand what confession means. For most of us, we think this means to “name” the sin—to make a list for God of what we have done wrong. But the Greek word used in the New Testament reveals something different. True confession is to come into “agreement with God” about the true nature of our sin. It is to release our self-justification and come into dependency for His healing. Agreement with God not only opens the door for forgiveness, but for a thorough change and cleansing.
If you were to trust God to thoroughly forgive and cleanse your sins, how would you perceive yourself differently? Would it be easier to approach Him?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 1 John 1:9. Confessing our sins is a key prerequisite to experiencing the forgiveness and cleansing that comes from the Lord. But we often misunderstand what confession means. For most of us, we think this means to “name” the sin—to make a list for God of what we have done wrong. But the Greek word used in the New Testament reveals something different. True confession is to come into “agreement with God” about the true nature of our sin. It is to release our self-justification and come into dependency for His healing. Agreement with God not only opens the door for forgiveness, but for a thorough change and cleansing.
Wednesday, January 14 – “Aligning with God”
What might you “feel” is right about your life, but it actually isn’t? Are there any thoughts and ideas that you need to surrender and accept that they are untrue?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Acts 3:19 and Romans 2:4. When we “repent,” we change our mind about a circumstance, behavior, idea, or belief. We choose to think differently—to think as God thinks. Not only do we agree with God’s view as we learned to do yesterday, but we also align ourselves with God in how we think, feel, perceive, believe, and behave. Refreshing from the Lord will be the result as we take on a new perspective about our lives!
What might you “feel” is right about your life, but it actually isn’t? Are there any thoughts and ideas that you need to surrender and accept that they are untrue?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Acts 3:19 and Romans 2:4. When we “repent,” we change our mind about a circumstance, behavior, idea, or belief. We choose to think differently—to think as God thinks. Not only do we agree with God’s view as we learned to do yesterday, but we also align ourselves with God in how we think, feel, perceive, believe, and behave. Refreshing from the Lord will be the result as we take on a new perspective about our lives!
Thursday, January 15 – “Approaching God Believing”
When you think of approaching God, what are the emotions you experience? Do you feel shame or disdain? Or do I know deeply of His love and mercy for you?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 4:16. When we “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” we approach the fullness of God believing properly. We don’t just mindlessly skip into His presence, but rather we step towards Him with a full understanding of the fair trade (our sins / His life) that He made on the cross. Believing properly, we approach with confidence in His mercy and grace, thankfully, boldly, and joyfully.
When you think of approaching God, what are the emotions you experience? Do you feel shame or disdain? Or do I know deeply of His love and mercy for you?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Hebrews 4:16. When we “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” we approach the fullness of God believing properly. We don’t just mindlessly skip into His presence, but rather we step towards Him with a full understanding of the fair trade (our sins / His life) that He made on the cross. Believing properly, we approach with confidence in His mercy and grace, thankfully, boldly, and joyfully.
Friday, January 16 – “Abiding with God”
Do you feel a responsibility to manage your behavior towards what God wants? Is this a joyful awareness, or a heavy-laden burden of guilt and shame?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Ezekiel 36:26-27, Ephesians 2:8-10, and Hebrews 4:10. When we “enter God’s rest”, we no longer try to manage or improve our behavior solely by an effort of our will. We rest from our own work and begin to depend on God for His work of craftsmanship in our lives. We abide in a relationship of trust with the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed in our hearts to move us (empower us) to live in alignment with Him. In this rest, I lean upon God’s role in my transformation; my role is to surrender, repent, and seek Him for it.
Do you feel a responsibility to manage your behavior towards what God wants? Is this a joyful awareness, or a heavy-laden burden of guilt and shame?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Ezekiel 36:26-27, Ephesians 2:8-10, and Hebrews 4:10. When we “enter God’s rest”, we no longer try to manage or improve our behavior solely by an effort of our will. We rest from our own work and begin to depend on God for His work of craftsmanship in our lives. We abide in a relationship of trust with the Holy Spirit, whom God has placed in our hearts to move us (empower us) to live in alignment with Him. In this rest, I lean upon God’s role in my transformation; my role is to surrender, repent, and seek Him for it.
Monday, January 5 – “The Path to Real Rest”
What do you need to let go of and stop working so hard for? Where might you need to stop trying to control or micromanage things? How can you find rest?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Hebrews 3:11, 3:18 and 4:1-12, continuing our Best of The Daily Six and the path to true rest. As we studied last week, God rested from His own labors, and so can we. The Word of God can help us do this as we gain new perspective. God’s point of view revealed in scripture will lead us to a new way of life.
What do you need to let go of and stop working so hard for? Where might you need to stop trying to control or micromanage things? How can you find rest?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Hebrews 3:11, 3:18 and 4:1-12, continuing our Best of The Daily Six and the path to true rest. As we studied last week, God rested from His own labors, and so can we. The Word of God can help us do this as we gain new perspective. God’s point of view revealed in scripture will lead us to a new way of life.
Tuesday, January 6 – “Can I See This Differently?”
What areas of stress or difficulty in your life are you perhaps viewing wrongly? If you could see these troubles from God’s perspective, what might look different?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 2 Corinthians 4:16 and Romans 8:28-30. Our stress points, troubles, and concerns may not be as large and overwhelming as we think when viewed from the truth revealed in scripture that they are merely “light and momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17) when compared to the fullness of God’s work and identity in our lives. We are challenged to “fix our eyes on what is unseen” versus the natural world we can see, as God operates in our lives in unseen and powerful ways. If we could see our situations from God’s perspective, they might look vastly different than they do to us today.
What areas of stress or difficulty in your life are you perhaps viewing wrongly? If you could see these troubles from God’s perspective, what might look different?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 2 Corinthians 4:16 and Romans 8:28-30. Our stress points, troubles, and concerns may not be as large and overwhelming as we think when viewed from the truth revealed in scripture that they are merely “light and momentary troubles” (2 Corinthians 4:17) when compared to the fullness of God’s work and identity in our lives. We are challenged to “fix our eyes on what is unseen” versus the natural world we can see, as God operates in our lives in unseen and powerful ways. If we could see our situations from God’s perspective, they might look vastly different than they do to us today.
Wednesday, January 7 – “How Can You “Get Yours?”
What are you striving towards with the majority of your life efforts? Where do you invest your best energies? What are you aiming to achieve?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Lamentations 3:23-25 and Psalm 119:57-64. Much of our efforts in life are to be sure we can secure what we need and want from the world—our “portion” of the good things in life, financial security, and social standing. But the things of this world are not as secure and life-giving as we may think. If we perceive God as our most important inheritance and consider vibrant intimacy with God as our deepest goal, we will redirect the energies and efforts of our lives to find a much deeper, more lasting joy in the Lord.
What are you striving towards with the majority of your life efforts? Where do you invest your best energies? What are you aiming to achieve?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Lamentations 3:23-25 and Psalm 119:57-64. Much of our efforts in life are to be sure we can secure what we need and want from the world—our “portion” of the good things in life, financial security, and social standing. But the things of this world are not as secure and life-giving as we may think. If we perceive God as our most important inheritance and consider vibrant intimacy with God as our deepest goal, we will redirect the energies and efforts of our lives to find a much deeper, more lasting joy in the Lord.
Thursday, January 8 – “Is “Do Not Worry” Even Possible?”
What is it that you are most worried or fretful about in your present life? If you sought God with the same intensity, how might faith change your perspective?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 6:25-33. Most of us spend an enormous amount of time and energy striving towards and monitoring our success in achieving resources for our family, status in our careers, money for retirement or material possessions we desire. But Jesus challenged us that the animal kingdom does not fret over these things in the same way we do—and yet, the Lord ensures their provision. We would do well to seek God as our first and foremost resource and trust that He will do the rest.
What is it that you are most worried or fretful about in your present life? If you sought God with the same intensity, how might faith change your perspective?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 6:25-33. Most of us spend an enormous amount of time and energy striving towards and monitoring our success in achieving resources for our family, status in our careers, money for retirement or material possessions we desire. But Jesus challenged us that the animal kingdom does not fret over these things in the same way we do—and yet, the Lord ensures their provision. We would do well to seek God as our first and foremost resource and trust that He will do the rest.
Friday, January 9 – “When God Works Counter-Intuitively”
How much effort do you regularly put into seeking God? How much joy do you find in seeking God? Are there times when prayer and worship seem dry?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 84:1-7. When we allow our minds to be renewed by God’s Word, and we no longer think the way the world does, how we view our life will be counter-intuitive to our old way of thinking. And yet, it will become a new place of great joy and abundance. God’s way is not like ours. It is better, more joy-filled, and healthier. We should seek this way of thought with everything we are by dwelling daily in His presence!
How much effort do you regularly put into seeking God? How much joy do you find in seeking God? Are there times when prayer and worship seem dry?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 6:33 and Psalm 84:1-7. When we allow our minds to be renewed by God’s Word, and we no longer think the way the world does, how we view our life will be counter-intuitive to our old way of thinking. And yet, it will become a new place of great joy and abundance. God’s way is not like ours. It is better, more joy-filled, and healthier. We should seek this way of thought with everything we are by dwelling daily in His presence!
Monday, December 29 – “Don’t Fall Short of Real Rest”
Are you tired and in need of rest? What hardness of unbelief might be holding you back from intimacy with God? Is any neglect of God blocking you from peace?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Hebrews 2:1-4; 3:12-14 and 4:1-12, continuing our Best of The Daily Six with the rest offered to us. Unbelief hardens our heart and keeps us restless. When God took the first Sabbath (see Genesis 2:2), He released control and let His work be enough. We find this same rest by softening our hearts in faith.
Are you tired and in need of rest? What hardness of unbelief might be holding you back from intimacy with God? Is any neglect of God blocking you from peace?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Hebrews 2:1-4; 3:12-14 and 4:1-12, continuing our Best of The Daily Six with the rest offered to us. Unbelief hardens our heart and keeps us restless. When God took the first Sabbath (see Genesis 2:2), He released control and let His work be enough. We find this same rest by softening our hearts in faith.
Tuesday, December 30 – “The Law That Gives Rest”
What are the benefits you gain in your life from being in God’s Word? What habits and activities draw you closest to God? Do you engage these habits daily?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Psalm 119:1-32. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119 which describes all the benefits and outcomes of dwelling closely with God in His Word. While many of us may feel like making time for personal and intimate interaction with God is another chore that adds to our hurried and stress-filled like, the scripture promises the opposite. Those who know the Word well enough to live by its instructions will find rest, abundance, and blessings that offer far more peace than anything else.
What are the benefits you gain in your life from being in God’s Word? What habits and activities draw you closest to God? Do you engage these habits daily?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Psalm 119:1-32. The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119 which describes all the benefits and outcomes of dwelling closely with God in His Word. While many of us may feel like making time for personal and intimate interaction with God is another chore that adds to our hurried and stress-filled like, the scripture promises the opposite. Those who know the Word well enough to live by its instructions will find rest, abundance, and blessings that offer far more peace than anything else.
Wednesday, December 31 – “How God Accomplishes His Plan”
What do you believe God wants to accomplish in your life? What stands in His way from fulfilling this? What promise does He make to fulfill His will in you?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 55:1-13. The scriptures reveal that God will accomplish what He intends through the power of His Word. When the Word of God is received into a soft and ready heart--which is developed by seeking God with all that we are—it will supernaturally fulfill its intention. The Word has power in and of itself; it will bring satisfaction, peace, and abundance to us. But we must turn to God and seek His Word’s influence in our lives. God will accomplish His desires when we allow Him.
What do you believe God wants to accomplish in your life? What stands in His way from fulfilling this? What promise does He make to fulfill His will in you?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 55:1-13. The scriptures reveal that God will accomplish what He intends through the power of His Word. When the Word of God is received into a soft and ready heart--which is developed by seeking God with all that we are—it will supernaturally fulfill its intention. The Word has power in and of itself; it will bring satisfaction, peace, and abundance to us. But we must turn to God and seek His Word’s influence in our lives. God will accomplish His desires when we allow Him.
Thursday, January 1 – “How Faith Reveals Reality”
How well do you understand the mechanics of where faith comes from and what it accomplishes in us? How can we maximize God’s good promises for us?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Hebrews 4:12 and Romans 10:12-17. When the Word of God is given full access to our hearts, it will help us discern truth from deception, the spiritual from the flesh. It will lead us to the life of abundance we truly want. This happens as our faith is developed and strengthened by hearing the Word deeply in our soul. As faith deepens, our ability to see the reality of spiritual things is awakened, giving us a new perspective—a more accurate perspective—to live our lives from.
How well do you understand the mechanics of where faith comes from and what it accomplishes in us? How can we maximize God’s good promises for us?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Hebrews 4:12 and Romans 10:12-17. When the Word of God is given full access to our hearts, it will help us discern truth from deception, the spiritual from the flesh. It will lead us to the life of abundance we truly want. This happens as our faith is developed and strengthened by hearing the Word deeply in our soul. As faith deepens, our ability to see the reality of spiritual things is awakened, giving us a new perspective—a more accurate perspective—to live our lives from.
Friday, January 2 – “Have You Found the Treasure?”
Do you recognize any of the negative traits in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 existing in your life? How might the scriptures help you overcome these traits?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 2 Timothy 3:1-17. Human nature often leads us to selfish, unloving, and ungodly attitudes and behaviors. Some of these mindsets are not readily obvious to us as they are common to all people. One of the more powerful aspects of scripture is its ability to forcefully expose the sinful aspects of our hearts so that we can turn to God, and with His help, correct our course. When we heed the correction the Word brings, it helps prevent the negative traits of humanity from rising up within us.
Do you recognize any of the negative traits in 2 Timothy 3:1-4 existing in your life? How might the scriptures help you overcome these traits?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read 2 Timothy 3:1-17. Human nature often leads us to selfish, unloving, and ungodly attitudes and behaviors. Some of these mindsets are not readily obvious to us as they are common to all people. One of the more powerful aspects of scripture is its ability to forcefully expose the sinful aspects of our hearts so that we can turn to God, and with His help, correct our course. When we heed the correction the Word brings, it helps prevent the negative traits of humanity from rising up within us.
Monday, December 22 – “How Hungry for God Am I?”
Are there desires, responsibilities, activities, or pursuits in your life that might be taking priority over your relationship with God? Are there places in your heart where God is a distant “second place”? How can you move God to “first”?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 6:1-10 and Matthew 13:1-23, returning to our very first Daily Six to explore the condition of our heart. A vibrant relationship with God calls for a listening heart that longs to know Him and seek Him with everything we are. To have this relationship, our heart must hunger to seek God. Jesus revealed that the softened heart is not natural. We must choose a soft and open heart.
Are there desires, responsibilities, activities, or pursuits in your life that might be taking priority over your relationship with God? Are there places in your heart where God is a distant “second place”? How can you move God to “first”?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 6:1-10 and Matthew 13:1-23, returning to our very first Daily Six to explore the condition of our heart. A vibrant relationship with God calls for a listening heart that longs to know Him and seek Him with everything we are. To have this relationship, our heart must hunger to seek God. Jesus revealed that the softened heart is not natural. We must choose a soft and open heart.
Tuesday, December 23 – “What is the Condition of My Heart?”
Do you have an open and ready heart for seeking the Lord? Or do you have a distracted heart? A shallow heart? A hardened heart? Can you tell the difference?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:18-25 and Psalm 139:1-24. God knows us quite intimately and already understands the condition of our heart. But to make our own choice to have a soft and open heart towards the Lord, we need Him to help us overcome hardness that is the result of evil spiritual realities arrayed against us. David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24 for God to reveal what might not be readily obvious to him. Our openness to know the Lord is dependent on His help to release our distractions, deepen our hunger for Him, and break up our hardness, apathy, and disinterest in Him.
Do you have an open and ready heart for seeking the Lord? Or do you have a distracted heart? A shallow heart? A hardened heart? Can you tell the difference?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:18-25 and Psalm 139:1-24. God knows us quite intimately and already understands the condition of our heart. But to make our own choice to have a soft and open heart towards the Lord, we need Him to help us overcome hardness that is the result of evil spiritual realities arrayed against us. David prayed in Psalm 139:23-24 for God to reveal what might not be readily obvious to him. Our openness to know the Lord is dependent on His help to release our distractions, deepen our hunger for Him, and break up our hardness, apathy, and disinterest in Him.
Wednesday, December 24 – “Good Things that Lead Us Astray”
As you look over the patterns of thought, habits, and rhythms of your life, where do you see God’s Spirit at work in you? Where do you see the works of the flesh?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:24-30 and Galatians 5:19-25. In the Middle East of Jesus’ day, there was a plant known as “darnel” that in its early stages of growth looked just like wheat. Jesus told a parable of an enemy sowing darnel seeds in a farmer’s field. In a previous parable, Jesus revealed that our hearts are the soil into which the Word of God is planted. But the enemy is also at work to sow counterfeit seeds into our hearts—things that look good but are not from the Lord. To overcome this, we must learn to walk in the Holy Spirit.
As you look over the patterns of thought, habits, and rhythms of your life, where do you see God’s Spirit at work in you? Where do you see the works of the flesh?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:24-30 and Galatians 5:19-25. In the Middle East of Jesus’ day, there was a plant known as “darnel” that in its early stages of growth looked just like wheat. Jesus told a parable of an enemy sowing darnel seeds in a farmer’s field. In a previous parable, Jesus revealed that our hearts are the soil into which the Word of God is planted. But the enemy is also at work to sow counterfeit seeds into our hearts—things that look good but are not from the Lord. To overcome this, we must learn to walk in the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, December 25 – “Jesus Quietly Working in Us”
Where do you feel insufficient in your spiritual life? Where do you feel weak, incapable, insufficient or even sinful? Can you trust God to help you overcome?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:31-33 and Isaiah 55:6-13. This Christmas Day, can you turn to the Lord for His wisdom, help, power, and leadership to bring you victory over every unhealthy place in your life? This is why He came to us as a baby in the manger—not to just be a warm story of love, but to be a God of transformation for us. His Word will accomplish this if we let it penetrate us. Even the tiniest input of His Word will be powerfully at work even when we don’t see it or perceive it. All we must do is open up and seek Him.
Where do you feel insufficient in your spiritual life? Where do you feel weak, incapable, insufficient or even sinful? Can you trust God to help you overcome?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:31-33 and Isaiah 55:6-13. This Christmas Day, can you turn to the Lord for His wisdom, help, power, and leadership to bring you victory over every unhealthy place in your life? This is why He came to us as a baby in the manger—not to just be a warm story of love, but to be a God of transformation for us. His Word will accomplish this if we let it penetrate us. Even the tiniest input of His Word will be powerfully at work even when we don’t see it or perceive it. All we must do is open up and seek Him.
Friday, December 26 – “Have You Found the Treasure?”
How much is the Kingdom of God worth to you? Have you discovered great value of Jesus in your life? What would be willing to give up to know Him more?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:44-46. If you were to discover a huge box of gold coins in a field, wouldn’t you want to own that property so those coins could be yours? Jesus told a parable of just this—that when a man found a great treasure, he sold all that he had to buy it. The Kingdom of God thriving in our life is just such a treasure. But to have it fully, we must give surrender our priorities, ideas, thoughts, and rhythms of life to Him.
How much is the Kingdom of God worth to you? Have you discovered great value of Jesus in your life? What would be willing to give up to know Him more?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Matthew 13:44-46. If you were to discover a huge box of gold coins in a field, wouldn’t you want to own that property so those coins could be yours? Jesus told a parable of just this—that when a man found a great treasure, he sold all that he had to buy it. The Kingdom of God thriving in our life is just such a treasure. But to have it fully, we must give surrender our priorities, ideas, thoughts, and rhythms of life to Him.
Monday, December 15 – “Life from a Cut Down Stump”
What stands in your way from believing in God’s restoration in your life? Are there insecurities, insufficiencies, failures, fears, hurts, or disappointments that you need to exercise faith in God’s restorative work? What are those barriers?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 11:1-11 and Isaiah 43:18-19. We often have damaged beliefs that keep us from realizing our fullest potential in God: I’ve sinned too much; I have too much junk in my past; there isn’t enough good in me for God to work with. But God has created a powerful life in Jesus that grows victory in every broken place.
What stands in your way from believing in God’s restoration in your life? Are there insecurities, insufficiencies, failures, fears, hurts, or disappointments that you need to exercise faith in God’s restorative work? What are those barriers?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 11:1-11 and Isaiah 43:18-19. We often have damaged beliefs that keep us from realizing our fullest potential in God: I’ve sinned too much; I have too much junk in my past; there isn’t enough good in me for God to work with. But God has created a powerful life in Jesus that grows victory in every broken place.
Tuesday, December 16 – “God Will Not Break You Off”
Do you have a faulty image of God where you feel He is harsh? Where do you need to believe that God is filled with restorative mercy and grace for healing?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 42:1-4, Isaiah 30:18 and Joel 2:25. We can often feel like we don’t have enough faith, or that we don’t believe well enough for God to work within us. Some of us may feel like we are “too far gone” for God to use us or do much with our lives. Some feel week. Some feel too deeply wounded. But these are damaged beliefs. They are not what the scriptures reveal about the heart, character, and nature of God towards us. Where we experience depression, discouragement, apathy or dismay, God sees the person He can restore us to be. He is always tender and encouraging to us.
Do you have a faulty image of God where you feel He is harsh? Where do you need to believe that God is filled with restorative mercy and grace for healing?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 42:1-4, Isaiah 30:18 and Joel 2:25. We can often feel like we don’t have enough faith, or that we don’t believe well enough for God to work within us. Some of us may feel like we are “too far gone” for God to use us or do much with our lives. Some feel week. Some feel too deeply wounded. But these are damaged beliefs. They are not what the scriptures reveal about the heart, character, and nature of God towards us. Where we experience depression, discouragement, apathy or dismay, God sees the person He can restore us to be. He is always tender and encouraging to us.
Wednesday, December 17 – “Changing Our Source of Strength”
What are you trusting as your primary source of strength? Is it your competency, education, wisdom, intellect, wealth, or political ideology? Or does your strength uniquely come from God? How do you practically experience this?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 31:1 and Isaiah 50:10-11. While none of the sources listed above are bad things to have in our lives or to feed into and grow, they cannot replace God as the first and foremost “go-to” for help, growth, and healing. In Isaiah 50, God warns the people of Israel to not depend on their own strength for victory and guidance in their lives--a very common impulse of most humans. Instead of trusting our own capabilities or the protection and help of others, we should first look to God for His support.
What are you trusting as your primary source of strength? Is it your competency, education, wisdom, intellect, wealth, or political ideology? Or does your strength uniquely come from God? How do you practically experience this?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 31:1 and Isaiah 50:10-11. While none of the sources listed above are bad things to have in our lives or to feed into and grow, they cannot replace God as the first and foremost “go-to” for help, growth, and healing. In Isaiah 50, God warns the people of Israel to not depend on their own strength for victory and guidance in their lives--a very common impulse of most humans. Instead of trusting our own capabilities or the protection and help of others, we should first look to God for His support.
Thursday, December 18 – “What Am I Building?”
What do you think might be the 21st century version of idolatry? Are their idols in your life? What are they? How do you recognize them? How do they replace God?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 44:12-20. The Israelites repeatedly created idols to worship. It seems odd to us to bow down and pray to something built by human hands. But our natural tendency to look to anything but God to supply our needs is not uncommon. In modern times this might be our relationships, status, wealth, reason, or accomplishments. If we trust these and lean of them rather than God, it can mislead us away from Him.
What do you think might be the 21st century version of idolatry? Are their idols in your life? What are they? How do you recognize them? How do they replace God?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 44:12-20. The Israelites repeatedly created idols to worship. It seems odd to us to bow down and pray to something built by human hands. But our natural tendency to look to anything but God to supply our needs is not uncommon. In modern times this might be our relationships, status, wealth, reason, or accomplishments. If we trust these and lean of them rather than God, it can mislead us away from Him.
Friday, December 19 – “Am I Out of Alignment?”
What might God want to reveal to you in terms of where you are out of alignment with Him? Does your life stay in line with His ways, or do you stray from Him?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 1:18-20 and Romans 1:16-18. There is a tension revealed in scripture between the radical, merciful, gracious love of God and His call to repent of the places where we live contrary to His ways. We would do well to consider what aspect of our lives need to be more aligned with God so that we can experience His grace while also living with and experiencing the goodness of His power working in us!
What might God want to reveal to you in terms of where you are out of alignment with Him? Does your life stay in line with His ways, or do you stray from Him?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Isaiah 1:18-20 and Romans 1:16-18. There is a tension revealed in scripture between the radical, merciful, gracious love of God and His call to repent of the places where we live contrary to His ways. We would do well to consider what aspect of our lives need to be more aligned with God so that we can experience His grace while also living with and experiencing the goodness of His power working in us!
Monday, December 8 – “Five Ways to Use the Bible”
How hungry are you for God’s revelation of truth? Are you open to being corrected by Him? Do you want your life to be directed by Him or by yourself?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Timothy 3:1-17. We need to learn how to be “in” God’s revelation of truth every single day. But for many of us, the Bible can be daunting and perhaps even intimidating. Others may become complacent with the Word, feeling we have all we need to know.
How hungry are you for God’s revelation of truth? Are you open to being corrected by Him? Do you want your life to be directed by Him or by yourself?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Romans 12:1-2 and 2 Timothy 3:1-17. We need to learn how to be “in” God’s revelation of truth every single day. But for many of us, the Bible can be daunting and perhaps even intimidating. Others may become complacent with the Word, feeling we have all we need to know.
Tuesday, December 9 – “Slow Down and See Something”
Can hope and hardship coexist at the same time? How would your perspective change if you chose to express hope even while struggling with something?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Lamentations 3:19-33. Jeremiah was a prophet who chose a posture of hope in the Lord even while watching the greatest horror unfold. His beloved city of Jerusalem was smoldering in ruins after a vicious attack from a foreign enemy. His friends and family were carried away into exile to a land hundreds of miles away. And yet, while Jeremiah sat on a hillside watching the city burn, he expressed hope in God’s mercy that was “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). The pain he openly confessed included this bold declaration of hope. We should look to the Word of God for nuggets of hope in the specific situations where we struggle.
Can hope and hardship coexist at the same time? How would your perspective change if you chose to express hope even while struggling with something?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Lamentations 3:19-33. Jeremiah was a prophet who chose a posture of hope in the Lord even while watching the greatest horror unfold. His beloved city of Jerusalem was smoldering in ruins after a vicious attack from a foreign enemy. His friends and family were carried away into exile to a land hundreds of miles away. And yet, while Jeremiah sat on a hillside watching the city burn, he expressed hope in God’s mercy that was “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:23). The pain he openly confessed included this bold declaration of hope. We should look to the Word of God for nuggets of hope in the specific situations where we struggle.
Wednesday, December 10 – “Get This Hidden in our Hearts”
How do you memorize things that are important to you? Are there Bible verses important enough that you have memorized them? Why or why not?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Psalm 119:1-16. David knew that God’s Word could not guide his day-to-day decisions unless it was embedded deeply in his heart. The Word will not be our source of life and strength if its truths and specific directives are not committed to our memory. We cannot depend only on the encouragement that comes from hearing someone else speak of God’s Word. We must know it ourselves and use it.
How do you memorize things that are important to you? Are there Bible verses important enough that you have memorized them? Why or why not?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Psalm 119:1-16. David knew that God’s Word could not guide his day-to-day decisions unless it was embedded deeply in his heart. The Word will not be our source of life and strength if its truths and specific directives are not committed to our memory. We cannot depend only on the encouragement that comes from hearing someone else speak of God’s Word. We must know it ourselves and use it.
Thursday, December 11 – “Don’t Be Defeated… Be Victorious”
Are you presently standing firm and strong against the attacks of Satan in your life? What is your source of strength—or weakness? How does God help you?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Ephesians 6:10-18 and Matthew 4:1-11. We are instructed in Ephesians 6 to be strong in the Lord and to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. But this strength is not our own and it is not of ourselves. To be strong in the Lord’s power requires that we stand firm in the way He instructs us to—wearing confidently our salvation, God’s revealed truth, a righteous and sincere heart, and leveraging the Word of God as our weapon.
Are you presently standing firm and strong against the attacks of Satan in your life? What is your source of strength—or weakness? How does God help you?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Ephesians 6:10-18 and Matthew 4:1-11. We are instructed in Ephesians 6 to be strong in the Lord and to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. But this strength is not our own and it is not of ourselves. To be strong in the Lord’s power requires that we stand firm in the way He instructs us to—wearing confidently our salvation, God’s revealed truth, a righteous and sincere heart, and leveraging the Word of God as our weapon.
Friday, December 12 – “Pray with Power”
When you pray, what do you say? Do you simply make requests to God, or do you leverage the Word of God as a weapon to defeat doubt and the devil?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. The Bible tells us that we have been seated with Jesus in a position of authority in the spiritual realms (Ephesians 2:6). Since our life battles are mostly from the spiritual realm (see Ephesians 6:12), we should learn how to leverage the authority given to us in spiritual battle, tearing down ideas and strongholds the enemy has placed in our minds. We do this by using the scripture as our source of authority and praying the Word of God into our circumstances. Try it!!
When you pray, what do you say? Do you simply make requests to God, or do you leverage the Word of God as a weapon to defeat doubt and the devil?
Click here for today’s The Daily Six as we read Ephesians 2:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 10:3-5. The Bible tells us that we have been seated with Jesus in a position of authority in the spiritual realms (Ephesians 2:6). Since our life battles are mostly from the spiritual realm (see Ephesians 6:12), we should learn how to leverage the authority given to us in spiritual battle, tearing down ideas and strongholds the enemy has placed in our minds. We do this by using the scripture as our source of authority and praying the Word of God into our circumstances. Try it!!
Monday, December 1 – “Our Next Five Weeks”
How is the Word of God useful to you? How do you use it? What results have you seen in your life as you spend time in the Bible?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The Word of God is useful to making us wise; let’s engage the Word with purpose and passion!
How is the Word of God useful to you? How do you use it? What results have you seen in your life as you spend time in the Bible?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The Word of God is useful to making us wise; let’s engage the Word with purpose and passion!
Tuesday, December 2 – “Repent and Believe”
What does it look like to distinctly follow Jesus? More than intellectual agreement with doctrine, what does it mean to follow him with your life? Are you following?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:14-20. When Jesus called his first disciples to follow him, he promised them an abundant life in a brand-new kingdom—the Kingdom of God. But he told them that the path to that new way of living began with repentance and faith. The call to follow Jesus starts with a pivot. It is recognizing that life as it is presently lived is inadequate. It is putting our faith down upon the new way that Jesus models and that we follow.
What does it look like to distinctly follow Jesus? More than intellectual agreement with doctrine, what does it mean to follow him with your life? Are you following?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:14-20. When Jesus called his first disciples to follow him, he promised them an abundant life in a brand-new kingdom—the Kingdom of God. But he told them that the path to that new way of living began with repentance and faith. The call to follow Jesus starts with a pivot. It is recognizing that life as it is presently lived is inadequate. It is putting our faith down upon the new way that Jesus models and that we follow.
Wednesday, December 3 – “Use His Authority”
What is the pathway to spiritual victory and abundance in your life? What is your part? What is God’s part? Do you have these roles properly distinguished?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:21-28. Very early in his ministry, Jesus demonstrated that his goal was not just getting folks into intellectual alignment with theological truth. He kicked off his earliest ministry efforts by squarely addressing the spiritual affliction and bondage that even some religious people had with evil spirits. A man in Jesus’ synagogue likely didn’t even know he was spiritually oppressed; but the evil spirit that held him in bondage immediately recognized Jesus’ authority. As he delivered this man from his spiritual bondage, Jesus demonstrated that the pathway to freedom is not in our own muscled up efforts of self-actualization or religious activity. Freedom comes exclusively from the power of Jesus.
What is the pathway to spiritual victory and abundance in your life? What is your part? What is God’s part? Do you have these roles properly distinguished?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:21-28. Very early in his ministry, Jesus demonstrated that his goal was not just getting folks into intellectual alignment with theological truth. He kicked off his earliest ministry efforts by squarely addressing the spiritual affliction and bondage that even some religious people had with evil spirits. A man in Jesus’ synagogue likely didn’t even know he was spiritually oppressed; but the evil spirit that held him in bondage immediately recognized Jesus’ authority. As he delivered this man from his spiritual bondage, Jesus demonstrated that the pathway to freedom is not in our own muscled up efforts of self-actualization or religious activity. Freedom comes exclusively from the power of Jesus.
Thursday, December 4 – “Heal the Sick”
Is Jesus truly willing to heal you? Does he want to help you? Or is he too busy with bigger problems? Or are you not righteous enough for him to want to help you?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:29-34 and Mark 1:40-45. Jesus provides healing for what we truly need. Our real need may be different than we first think. Jesus’ healing of the man with leprosy focused both on his willingness to heal and his relational presence with the man, touching him first—which was a deep emotional need for this isolated and outcast brother.
Is Jesus truly willing to heal you? Does he want to help you? Or is he too busy with bigger problems? Or are you not righteous enough for him to want to help you?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:29-34 and Mark 1:40-45. Jesus provides healing for what we truly need. Our real need may be different than we first think. Jesus’ healing of the man with leprosy focused both on his willingness to heal and his relational presence with the man, touching him first—which was a deep emotional need for this isolated and outcast brother.
Friday, December 5 – “Pray”
How do you spend your mornings? What are your daily routines around hygiene, meals, commuting, etc.? Does God fit into those habits anywhere?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:35-39. If we want our lives to be powered by Jesus, we need to do what he did. Sandwiched in between powerful movements of the supernatural in his life, Jesus’ rhythm was to engage focused prayer at a key moment each day. Power in anything we do in life comes from our rhythms—the habits of what we do on a regular basis. Can you make a commitment to lock in a daily rhythm of prayer and time in God’s Word?
How do you spend your mornings? What are your daily routines around hygiene, meals, commuting, etc.? Does God fit into those habits anywhere?
Click here for today’s Daily Six as we read Mark 1:35-39. If we want our lives to be powered by Jesus, we need to do what he did. Sandwiched in between powerful movements of the supernatural in his life, Jesus’ rhythm was to engage focused prayer at a key moment each day. Power in anything we do in life comes from our rhythms—the habits of what we do on a regular basis. Can you make a commitment to lock in a daily rhythm of prayer and time in God’s Word?
Jesus said, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, & with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” - Matt. 22:37-39
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