Daily Reading Week 39
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Sunday Sept. 24
Opening Scripture
Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created. -Psalm 148:1-5
When you praise God, your in some pretty amazing company. Think about this verse and spend some time honoring God through your praise and reflection.
Prayer Time
Pray for our schools, teachers, students and parents.
Next year will be an election, spend some time praying for leaders and officials who will be elected and/or continue on in positions of leadership and authority in our government. (Romans 13)
Closing scripture
For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. -Ephesians 2:10
Think about the beauty and significance of that verse:
(1) God specifically handcrafted you for his purpose;
(2) He does have good works for you to do in Jesus' name; and
(3) he devised that plan long ago and will be faithful. Take time to remember that you are God's masterpiece, and ask him to use you for his good purpose.
For additional reading, read Acts 3
Monday, Sept. 25
Opening Scripture
For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says, 'Do not fear; I will help you.' -Isaiah 41:13.
Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. -Psalms 98:1
Imagine being in a difficult situation or just being down, and then a strong right hand reaches out and takes you by the hand and pull you up...or pulls you through. Take some time to reflect and praise God for where he is faithful to pull you up or through when you really need him most.
Prayer Time
Pray for God to use you and give you specific opportunities to share Jesus to other people you meet or interact with.
The vision of the Rock Church is to help people find what matters by connecting them to Jesus and others.
Our ultimate hope is that people would realize their need for Christ and come to know him.. Take some time to pray and simply ask God to help other people find what matters through us! Read Phil.1:9-10
Closing scripture
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. -Colossians 3:1
We have been given a new identity, a new promise and a new hope in Christ. Imagine opening your hands and giving God whatever it is that keeps you from setting your mind on Him and on things above.
For additional reading, read Acts 8
Tuesday, Sept. 26
Opening Scripture
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. -Psalm 34:18.
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. -Numbers 6:24-26
Think about these two verses: God is close to those who are brokenhearted AND he wants to fill our lives with his goodness and peace. Spend some time praying for those who need God in their brokenness and praising him for his good and faithful promises.
Prayer Time
Pray for God to create a movement and stir the hearts of young people and college students throughout our community and across the country.
Unity: as the church grows and expands, it is essential we pray for unity
One of the enemy’s favorite tools is to create division and distort among God’s people. Pray that we would stay united and of one-mind as we continue to make Kingdom-impact in our community and beyond.
Closing scripture
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? -Romans 8:31
For no word from God will ever fail. -Luke 1:37
Take a moment to reflect on these words. Ask God to reveal any areas that you may doubt that he is for you or will be good for his promises. Reread these verses to yourself outloud (several times if necessary) and talk to God about what is on your heart.
For additional reading, read Acts 9
Wednesday, Sept. 27
Opening Scripture
Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. -Psalms 124:8
Let them praise your great and awesome name - he is holy. -Psalm 99:3
There is power in the holy name of Jesus. Take a moment to repeat his name out loud and sit in his presence. Then reflect and ask him into those areas of your life where you need his power today.
Prayer Time
Pray for our Re:Gen ministry as it continues to help people dealing with various challenges in their life, from trauma to addiction to abuse to mental health and more, this is a powerful ministry helping people find healing and walk in life to the full.
Personal Evangelism: God has uniquely created each and every one of us to represent him in our own special way. He calls us to be his ambassadors to those who don’t know him and a light in the dark.
Ask God to use you to point other people to him, and to make you aware of the opportunities he has for you.
Closing scripture
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. -John 15:16
Think about that: God chose YOU. He wanted YOU.Let that encourage you as you talk to him about what you need and what is on your heart today.
For additional reading, read Acts 10
Thursday, Sept. 28
Opening Scripture
I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? -Jeremiah 32:27
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. -Hebrews 12:28
Think about those verses and what they say about God. What do they tell us about his power and his promise? Take some time to reflect on these verses and then thank God for his awesome power, his faithful promises and all he has done for you.
Prayer Time
Pray for other churches and church leaders in the area and for unity as we strive to do faithful Kingdom work and share the Good News of Jesus with anyone and everyone who needs to hear it.
Every week across all of our Rock locations we see dozens of first time guests come on campus and join us for a worship service.
Pray that God would continue to lead more and more people to the Rock church and that we would be good stewards in connecting them to Jesus and others.
Closing scripture
Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up. -James 4:10.
Indeed, the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. -Luke 12:7
Where do you struggle to release control or with trying to do things your way, instead of trusting God has good plans to life you up. Do you believe how valuable you are to him? Let these verses sink in and tell God what is on your mind.
For additional reading, read Acts 11
Friday, Sept. 29
Opening Scripture
Anxiety weights down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up. -Proverbs 12:25
Do not be anxious about anythihng, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, prewsent your requests to God. -Philippians 4:6
Take a deep breath and notice what's weighing on your heart. Where do you feel anxious? Now breathe out and imagine releasing those things to God. Share you concerns with him. And as a bonus today, consider sending someone else a kind or encouraging word. It might also cheer you up!
Prayer Time
Pray for adoption and foster care. As children are abandoned or removed from their families, and as other families/care-takers step in to fill the gap, pray for all members involved. Pray for God to bring healing and health, and especially to draw them to Himself.
Revival and awakening.
Pray that in our church, throughout our community and around the country, that hearts would be stirred toward Jesus in a fresh and new way with increased intensity and frequency.
Closing scripture
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. -1 Corinthians 15:57
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire.' -Hebrews 12:28-29
Reflect on these verses: God gives us victory and his kingdom cannot be shaken. Thank God for his faithfulness and remember the good things he has done for you. Pray that he would become a consuming fire in your life.
For additional reading, read Acts 12
Saturday, Sept. 30
Opening Scripture
Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my pleas. -Psalm 55:1
Make a list of concerns or things that are weighing you down. Read that list out loud, and after each one, recite this verse. Go back through the list as many times as you need and make this psalm your prayer today.
Prayer Time
Pray for the Rock staff as they continue to build ministries and lead people. Pray for their personal walk with God, their families and health.
Missionaries and church leaders in other countries.
As the Gospel continues to spread rapidly in areas like Africa, Asia and the MIddle East, pray for the men and women who are on the front lines leading the charge and sharing the Good news of Jesus.
Closing scripture
For I am convinced that neither death not life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39
Paul reminds us that NOTHING will stand in the way of God's relentless and unshakeable love for you and I. Think about his promise that nothing will keep him from loving you, and spend some time praising him for his great love.
For additional reading, read Psalm 109