Daily Devotional
February 2, 2025

Genesis 34, Mark 5, Job 1, Romans 5

Genesis 34: Shechem defiles Dinah and seeks to marry her, but her brothers Simeon and Levi deceive and slaughter the men of the city, bringing conflict to Jacob’s household. Mark 5: Jesus casts demons out of a possessed man, heals a woman suffering for twelve years, and raises Jairus’s daughter from the dead, demonstrating His power over spiritual and physical affliction. Job 1: Job, a righteous man, is tested as Satan takes away his wealth, children, and servants, yet he remains faithful, worshiping God despite his great loss. Romans 5: Paul explains that justification by faith brings peace with God, and through Jesus, grace abounds even more than sin, offering eternal life to all who believe.

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Daily Devotional
February 1, 2025

Genesis 33, Mark 4, Esther 9‐10, Romans 4

Genesis 33: Jacob humbly approaches Esau, but Esau embraces him with love and forgiveness; after refusing Esau’s offer to travel together, Jacob settles in Shechem and builds an altar to God. Mark 4: Jesus teaches in parables, explaining the sower, the growing seed, and the mustard seed, emphasizing faith and spiritual growth; He calms a storm, demonstrating His authority over creation. Esther 9-10: The Jews defeat their enemies and establish the festival of Purim to commemorate their deliverance; Mordecai rises to power and continues to seek the prosperity of his people. Romans 4: Paul explains that Abraham was justified by faith, not works or circumcision, making him the father of all who believe in God's promise, which is fulfilled through Jesus Christ.

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Day 32 | You’re in the Race

The Great Commission invites us to actively share the gospel, carrying the baton of discipleship in our daily lives. Pray for Parker’s Creek Baptist Church as they proclaim Christ’s truth in Middle Tennessee, and for Carla and Keegan in Southeast Asia as they create gospel resources and support missionaries. Ask God for boldness and opportunities to make disciples wherever He has placed you.

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Day 31 | Reaching the Nations in our Neighborhood

God has divinely positioned people from every nation and culture in your community so they might seek Him. Pray for Next Wave as they equip young missionaries to share the gospel globally and for the diverse people groups in Middle Tennessee to encounter Christ’s love through His church. Celebrate the opportunity to reach the nations, wherever you are.

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Daily Devotional
January 31, 2025

Genesis 32, Mark 3, Esther 8, Romans 3

Genesis 32: Jacob prepares for a potentially hostile reunion with Esau by sending gifts ahead and splitting his camp for safety; he wrestles with a divine figure, earning the name Israel for prevailing in the struggle. Mark 3: Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath, leading to Pharisaic plots against Him; He appoints the Twelve Apostles and teaches about the unforgivable sin against the Holy Spirit, emphasizing true familial bonds as those who do God's will. Esther 8: Esther and Mordecai write an edict allowing Jews to defend themselves against impending attacks, reversing Haman's orders; the Jews rejoice and many locals declare themselves Jews out of fear and respect. Romans 3: Paul argues that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty of sin under God’s law, but all can be justified by faith in Jesus Christ, establishing that righteousness comes not from the law but through faith for all who believe.

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Day 30 | Bringing the Gospel to Hard Places

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 30, 2025

Genesis 31, Mark 2, Esther 7, Romans 2

Genesis 31: Jacob flees from Laban after God instructs him to return to his homeland; despite Laban's pursuit and confrontation, they establish a covenant at Galeed, marking a peaceful separation. Mark 2: Jesus heals a paralytic to demonstrate His authority to forgive sins, calls Levi the tax collector, and teaches about the appropriate time for fasting, also asserting His lordship over the Sabbath. Esther 7: Queen Esther reveals Haman's plot against her people at a banquet, leading to Haman's execution on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai, thereby saving the Jewish people from annihilation. Romans 2: Paul discusses God's righteous judgment, emphasizing that both Jews and Gentiles are accountable to God's law, and true circumcision is a matter of the heart, not merely external compliance.

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Day 29 | Uniquely Called Part Two

Before the foundation of the world, God chose you, not out of obligation but out of delight in His love. Pray for Path United as they empower children in mobile home communities to thrive, and for Steve and Joy as they train young adults to share the gospel in Korea and beyond. Lift up their ministries and the lives they are impacting for Christ.

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Daily Devotional
January 29, 2025

Genesis 30, Mark 1, Esther 6, Romans 1

Genesis 30: Rachel, unable to bear children, gives her maid Bilhah to Jacob to conceive sons, leading Leah to do the same with her maid Zilpah; Rachel eventually bears Joseph. Mark 1: John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus, who then begins His ministry in Galilee, calling His first disciples and performing various miracles, including healing and exorcism. Esther 6: King Ahasuerus, unable to sleep, learns of Mordecai's earlier loyalty and orders Haman to honor him publicly, ironically thwarting Haman's plan to have Mordecai executed. Romans 1: Paul expresses his eagerness to visit Rome to strengthen the church, outlines the gospel's power for salvation to all who believe, and discusses the unrighteousness and idolatry prevalent among the Gentiles.

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Transformative Prayer: Lessons from Jonah and Psalm 40

In this episode of the Sermon Notes podcast, host Jay Strother sits down with Corey Howes, the pastor of Connection Hill Church in Thompson Station and a ministry resident at Brentwood Baptist Church. They explore impactful stories of answered prayers, share insights on leading a church in prayer, and discuss the enriching experience of Brentwood's residency program.

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Day 28 | Uniquely Called Part One

God knows and loves you intimately, having fearfully and wonderfully made you for His purpose. Pray for Hope Clinic for Women as they provide compassionate care and gospel hope to individuals in crisis, and for Andre with Free Burma Rangers as he brings aid and Christ’s love to conflict areas. Lift up their work and the lives they touch.

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Daily Devotional
January 28, 2025

Genesis 29, Matthew 28, Esther 5, Acts 28

Genesis 29: Jacob meets Rachel at a well and agrees to work seven years for her hand in marriage, only to be deceived by Laban who marries him to Leah first, requiring another seven years of work for Rachel. Matthew 28: The angel announces Jesus' resurrection to the women at the tomb, instructing them to inform the disciples; Jesus commissions the disciples to make disciples of all nations, promising His perpetual presence. Esther 5: Queen Esther, risking her life, approaches King Ahasuerus without being summoned, secures his favor, and invites him and Haman to a banquet where she plans to request their aid. Acts 28: Paul, shipwrecked on Malta, is unharmed by a viper bite and heals many, including Publius's father; he eventually arrives in Rome, preaches the kingdom of God, and lives freely while under house arrest.

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