At our church, we’re passionate about sparking a disciple-making movement in Middle Tennessee and beyond. This year, we’ve had the joy of partnering with families to include their children in this mission. We firmly believe that the gospel is central to our lives, and that “Gospel First and Always” has no age limit (1 Timothy 4:12).
Genesis 8: God remembers Noah, causing the floodwaters to recede; Noah sends a dove, which returns with an olive leaf, signaling dry land. Matthew 8: Jesus heals a leper and a paralytic, showcases his authority over nature, and emphasizes the cost of discipleship. Ezra 8: Ezra leads Israelites back to Jerusalem, secures royal support and donations for temple services, and ensures religious practices are re-established. Acts 8: Early church faces persecution; Philip evangelizes in Samaria and converts an Ethiopian official who is baptized.
II Corinthians 9:10-15 reminds us that all we have comes from God, and true joy is found in using our resources to bless others. This devotion challenges us to reflect on how our giving reflects our obedience and impacts lives for Christ. Pray for South Haven Arabic Baptist Church as they serve Nashville's Arabic-speaking community and for Mac and Grace at The Point Church in Vancouver as they share the gospel with students from around the world.
Genesis 7: Noah and his family enter the ark with pairs of all living creatures as God begins the flood, which lasts for forty days and nights, destroying all life except for those in the ark. Matthew 7: Jesus teaches about the importance of non-judgment, prayer, and discernment, emphasizing the need for genuine faith and actions that reflect a true relationship with God, concluding with the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Ezra 7: Ezra arrives in Jerusalem with a royal decree from King Artaxerxes, authorizing him to ensure the observance of the Law of Moses and providing resources for temple worship and offerings. Acts 7: Stephen, filled with the Holy Spirit, defends his faith before the Sanhedrin, recounting Israel’s history and accusing them of resisting God; he becomes the first Christian martyr after seeing a vision of Jesus at the right hand of God.
Acts 8:4 inspires us to share the gospel wherever life takes us, just as the early church did during persecution. This devotion encourages believers to live missionally, seeing every situation as an opportunity to proclaim Christ. Join us in praying for Tennessee Alliance for Kids as they support children in foster care and for Matthew and Rebekah Caye as they disciple young adults in Nairobi, equipping them with the gospel.
Genesis 6: As humanity's wickedness escalates, God decides to cleanse the earth with a flood, sparing only Noah, a righteous man, who is commanded to build an ark for his family and pairs of every living creature. Matthew 6: Jesus teaches on sincere practices of giving, praying, and fasting, emphasizing privacy in devotion and trust in God over material anxieties, culminating in the principle to seek God’s kingdom above all else. Ezra 6: Darius confirms Cyrus's decree to rebuild the temple; the construction is completed with Persian support and culminates in a joyful dedication and the Passover celebration by the returned exiles. Acts 6: The early church addresses internal disputes by appointing seven men to serve, ensuring the apostles can focus on teaching; Stephen, full of grace and power, performs wonders but faces accusations of blasphemy.
2 Timothy 4:2 and 1 Peter 3:15 remind us to be ready to share the gospel at all times. This devotion encourages believers to proclaim Christ’s message boldly in everyday moments. Pray for Brentwood Baptist’s Disaster Response Team as they bring hope to those in crisis and for Forrest Smith in Paris, using creative outreach to engage hearts with the gospel.
Genesis 5: This chapter lists the genealogy from Adam to Noah, emphasizing the longevity of the pre-flood generations and highlighting Enoch's unique relationship with God, who "took him" rather than him experiencing death. Matthew 5: Jesus delivers the Sermon on the Mount, introducing the Beatitudes, teaching on the fulfillment of the Law, and providing new interpretations on issues like anger, lust, divorce, oaths, retaliation, and love for enemies, calling His followers to a higher standard of righteousness. Ezra 5: The rebuilding of the temple resumes under the prophetic encouragement of Haggai and Zechariah, despite inquiries and challenges from local governors, leading to an official investigation by King Darius about the legitimacy of the Jewish claims to rebuild. Acts 5: Ananias and Sapphira face divine judgment for lying to the Holy Spirit, the apostles perform many signs and wonders, face imprisonment and a council trial, but are miraculously freed and advised by Gamaliel to continue their ministry despite opposition, rejoicing in their suffering for Christ.
Acts 1:8 challenges us to carry the gospel "anywhere"—from our homes to the ends of the earth. This devotion unpacks how to share Christ’s love in your daily life and beyond. Join us in praying for The Rising Church as they equip disciple-makers in Middle Tennessee and for Deaf Pathway’s mission to provide Bible translations for Deaf communities worldwide.
Genesis 4: Cain, out of jealousy and anger, murders his brother Abel and is subsequently cursed by God to be a restless wanderer, leading to the beginnings of his lineage and the progression of human civilization through his descendants. Matthew 4: Jesus withstands Satan's temptations in the wilderness, begins His public ministry in Galilee by calling His first disciples and performing various miracles, drawing large crowds from across the region. Ezra 4: The rebuilding efforts of the Jewish exiles face opposition from local inhabitants and political intrigue, resulting in a halt to the construction of the temple until the reign of King Darius of Persia. Acts 4: Peter and John are arrested for healing a lame man and preaching about Jesus but stand firm before the Sanhedrin, leading to a prayer for boldness among the believers and a united community that shares everything in common.
What does it mean to say Jesus is Lord? This devotion explores the gospel's central truth of Jesus' lordship, challenging us to live lives that reflect His position as Lord over all. Pray with us for Real Life Church Sango in their mission to catalyze disciple-making across Middle Tennessee and for Living Hope Community Centre in South Africa as they bring holistic care and the hope of Christ to thousands.
Genesis 3: The serpent deceives Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, leading to the fall of man, resulting in curses for the serpent, Eve, and Adam, and their eventual expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Matthew 3: John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus by preaching repentance, baptizing in the Jordan River, and ultimately baptizing Jesus, marking the commencement of Jesus' ministry with divine affirmation. Ezra 3: The returned exiles rebuild the altar and begin sacrifices despite their fears, celebrate the Festival of Booths, and lay the foundation of the temple amid mixed reactions of joy and weeping from the community. Acts 3: Peter heals a lame man at the temple gate, which astonishes the onlookers and provides Peter an opportunity to preach about Jesus' power and the necessity of repentance and faith in Him.
