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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Day 27 | Gospel First & Always

The gospel of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—is central to our faith and the hope of new life. Pray for College Grove Baptist Church as they revitalize their ministry under Interim Pastor Gerald Cook, and for Warren and Alexandra as they bring the gospel to the Yemeni community amidst significant challenges. Lift up their efforts and ask God to prepare hearts for His message.

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Daily Devotional
January 27, 2025

Genesis 28, Matthew 27, Esther 4, Acts 27

Genesis 28: Jacob leaves for Paddan-aram on Isaac's advice to avoid marrying Canaanite women and at Bethel, he dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven, receiving God's promise of land and blessing. Matthew 27: Jesus, handed over to Pilate, is rejected in favor of Barabbas and crucified. Esther 4: Mordecai urges Esther to intervene for the Jews against Haman's decree; Esther, risking death, agrees to approach the king unsummoned to save her people. Acts 27: Paul, en route to Rome for trial, sails into a storm, leading to a shipwreck from which all aboard safely reach shore.

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Day 26 | You are Loved, You are Sent

"You are loved, and you are sent." This weekly reminder fuels our mission to share the gospel. Pray for Williamson County Young Life as they introduce students to Christ and equip future leaders, and for the Jat people of India, that God would send workers and ignite a church-planting movement among them. Seek opportunities to share the good news and be part of God’s mission.

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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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