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Daily Devotional
January 26, 2025

Genesis 27, Matthew 26, Esther 3, Acts 26

Genesis 27: Jacob, encouraged by Rebekah, deceives his father Isaac to receive the blessing meant for Esau, leading to family conflict and Esau's vow of revenge, prompting Jacob to flee to Laban's house. Matthew 26: Jesus faces betrayal from Judas, institutes the Lord's Supper, predicts Peter's denial, prays in Gethsemane, and is arrested, leading to His trial before the Sanhedrin where He affirms His identity, resulting in charges of blasphemy. Esther 3: Haman, honored by King Ahasuerus, becomes enraged by Mordecai's refusal to bow and plots to annihilate all Jews in the kingdom, securing the king’s approval to enact a decree for their destruction. Acts 26: Paul defends his faith before King Agrippa, recounting his persecution of Christians, his conversion, and his mission, asserting his teachings align with Jewish prophecy, but Agrippa remains unconvinced of the need for conversion.

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Day 25 | Equipped to Lead Well

Mark 14:1-10 illustrates Mary’s act of extravagant worship, giving her all to honor Jesus. This devotion challenges us to value Him above everything and offer wholehearted devotion. Pray for the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home as they provide Christ-centered care for children and families in crisis, and for Danielle Schneider in Southern Africa as she equips leaders and supports families through ministry.

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Daily Devotional
January 25, 2025

Genesis 26, Matthew 25, Esther 2, Acts 25

Genesis 26: Isaac, instructed by God not to go to Egypt, stays in Gerar where he deceives Abimelech about Rebekah being his sister; after conflict over wells, Isaac makes peace with Abimelech and reaffirms God’s promise of blessings. Matthew 25: Jesus teaches about readiness and responsibility through parables of ten virgins and talents, emphasizing preparedness for His return and judgment based on acts of kindness, depicted in the parable of the sheep and goats. Esther 2: After King Ahasuerus’s decree, Esther is chosen for her beauty to replace Vashti as queen, keeping her Jewish identity secret; Mordecai, her cousin, uncovers a plot to kill the king, highlighting Esther's rising influence. Acts 25: Paul, facing accusations from Jewish leaders, appeals to Caesar for a fair trial, which Festus grants; King Agrippa arrives and expresses interest in hearing Paul, setting the stage for another defense of his actions and beliefs.

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Day 24 | Worthy of it All

Mark 14:1-10 illustrates Mary’s act of extravagant worship, giving her all to honor Jesus. This devotion challenges us to value Him above everything and offer wholehearted devotion. Pray for the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home as they provide Christ-centered care for children and families in crisis, and for Danielle Schneider in Southern Africa as she equips leaders and supports families through ministry.

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Daily Devotional
January 24, 2025

Genesis 25, Matthew 24, Esther 1, Acts 24

Genesis 25: Abraham passes away after securing his legacy through his sons Isaac and Ishmael, while the narrative shifts to focus on Isaac's twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Matthew 24: Jesus prophesies the destruction of the Temple, warns of false prophets and persecution, and describes the signs of His second coming, urging vigilance and faithfulness. Esther 1: King Ahasuerus dismisses Queen Vashti for her defiance and plans to find a new queen. Acts 24: Paul defends himself against accusations before Governor Felix, emphasizing his faith and conduct, but Felix keeps Paul in custody.

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Day 23 | He Who Promised is Faithful

Hebrews 10:23-25 reminds us of the importance of holding firm to our faith and finding encouragement in fellowship with others. This devotion calls us to be intentional in building Gospel-centered relationships and supporting one another in love and good works. Pray for Operation Andrew Group as they unite Nashville’s churches to serve their community and for Debra in Sub-Saharan Africa as she fosters healing and hope through medical missions.

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Daily Devotional
January 23, 2025

Genesis 24, Matthew 23, Nehemiah 13, Acts 23

Genesis 24: Abraham's servant finds Rebekah to be Isaac's wife through a divinely answered prayer at a well. Matthew 23: Jesus condemns the hypocrisy and legalism of the Pharisees and scribes, warning them of divine judgment while expressing a deep lament for Jerusalem's resistance to God's messengers. Nehemiah 13: Nehemiah enforces reforms to restore the integrity of worship and community life in Jerusalem, confronting issues like Sabbath breaking, intermarriage, and temple negligence. Acts 23: Paul's declaration of his faith and hope in the resurrection causes a division among the Sanhedrin, leading to a plot against his life which is thwarted by his nephew.

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The Power of Persistent Prayer: Prayer’s Role in Church Growth

In this episode of Sermon Notes, Jay Strother, senior pastor at Brentwood Baptist Church, engages in a compelling conversation with Harry Brown, the president of New Generations Ministry. Together, they delve into the transformative power of prayer and its pivotal role in disciple-making movements worldwide.

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Day 22 | Authentic Community and Fellowship

Acts 2:42-47 paints a picture of the early church’s devotion to God and one another, showing how genuine community can reflect Christ’s love and draw others to Him. This devotion calls us to live authentically in fellowship and service. Pray for Begin Anew as they empower adults through education and mentorship, and for Transformation Nepal as they bring holistic development to marginalized communities.

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Daily Devotional
January 22, 2025

Genesis 23, Matthew 22, Nehemiah 12, Acts 22

Genesis 23: Abraham buys the Cave of Machpelah from the Hethites to bury Sarah, establishing his family's burial place in Canaan. Matthew 22: Jesus teaches through parables and confronts religious leaders about the essence of God's law, emphasizing love as the greatest commandment. Nehemiah 12: The dedication of Jerusalem's walls features a large, celebratory procession, symbolizing the restoration of communal and religious life. Acts 22: Paul shares his conversion story and divine mission to the Gentiles, invoking his Roman citizenship to avoid unjust punishment from a hostile crowd.

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Day 21 | Loving Others Like Jesus

Hebrews 10:24-25 and Ephesians 5:18-20 remind us to love others as Christ loved us—personally, sacrificially, and unconditionally. This devotion challenges us to grow in community and reflect God’s love in our relationships. Pray for Real Life Ft. Campbell as they reach military families and make disciples in Clarksville, and for Kevin and Casey as they plant churches among the Deaf community in Southeast Asia, sharing the gospel with boldness.

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Daily Devotional
January 21, 2025

Genesis 22, Matthew 21, Nehemiah 11, Acts 21

Genesis 22: Abraham is tested by God to sacrifice his son Isaac but is stopped by an angel just in time, reaffirming God's promise of numerous descendants through Isaac due to Abraham's faithfulness. Matthew 21: Jesus enters Jerusalem triumphantly, cleanses the temple, curses a fig tree as a lesson in faith, and confronts the religious leaders with parables highlighting their failures and the kingdom being opened to others. Nehemiah 11: Leaders and residents are appointed to live in Jerusalem to repopulate it, emphasizing the diverse roles and families involved in restoring the city and maintaining the temple services. Acts 21: Paul faces warnings against going to Jerusalem, continues his journey, and upon arrival, attempts to pacify Jewish believers by joining in purification rites, only to be arrested after being falsely accused of defiling the temple.

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