One of the best devotional yet @DBStoots!
The name “Judah” literally translates “Praise.” Praise put Worship on hold while they went about their daily lives, so God put blessings on hold until they got their priorities right…good stuff!!
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September 14
Stirring Up Gentleness (read Proverbs 15:1-4)
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Proverbs 15:1
Think about a time when someone made you angry. Maybe they cut you off in traffic. Perhaps they made a rude comment on social media. Or maybe someone made you feel stupid, and you were embarrassed in front of your peers. In any of these situations, it’s easy to fire back a defensive response.
But if we act out in anger, we will only make the situation worse. Our sinful nature wants to get back at the person who has offended us, but that is not the peaceful approach Scripture calls us to.
Our proverb for today points us to the way of Jesus, who told his disciples, “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29). This is one of the few times Jesus actually listed attributes of himself. He is gentle and humble in heart.
As Jesus also showed, there is a place for anger in situations where God is being mocked or injustice is being allowed (see Mark 11:15-17), but those moments are few and far between. And as Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin” (see also Psalm 4:4). That’s the way Jesus operates.
The next time someone makes you angry, how might you respond with a gentle spirit?
Lord, grant me humility and a gentle spirit so that I can show your love and wisdom to the people around me. Purge anger from me so that I can be like you. Amen.
Jenna Fabiano
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September 15
Weep at the Weight of the Cross, But Rejoice at the Power of the Resurrection
If we are this broken over Charlie, imagine how the disciples felt watching Jesus be crucified.
While many knew of him, most of us did not know Charlie Kirk. Some did not even recognize his name, yet we are absolutely crushed, mourning deeply at his tragic death and cannot stop crying.
Now imagine the disciples. They had walked with Jesus closely for three years–listened to His teaching, witnessed His miracles, leaned on Him as Teacher, Friend, and Lord. They left everything to follow Him (read Matthew 4:20; Luke 5:11). And then, in a single day, they watched the One they loved be betrayed, beaten, mocked, and nailed to a cross.
His death was not painless. It was not quick. They pierced My hands and My feet…they divide My garments among them (Psalm 22:16, 18). He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:5).
The disciples, those closest to Him, didn’t understand. They didn’t have the end of the story that we hold onto. All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night (Matthew 26:31).
In fear and despair, they scattered.
But then on the flip side…imagine the overwhelming joy when their sorrow gave way to sight–when they saw Jesus alive again.
When He had said this, He show them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord (John 20:20). The grief of Friday gave way to the glory of Sunday.
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
This is the weight we feel in the tension–unspeakable grief and then unshakeable joy. Because if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile (1 Corinthians 15:17).
But, HE IS RISEN, and the same hope that carried the disciples is the hope that carries us now. Hallelujah! AMEN.
If you don’t know Jesus…the same Savior who conquered death and rose again is offering you life today. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).
Please don’t wait. Behold, how is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Repent, believe, and call on His name–for whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).
Women of the Way
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September 16
The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
Holy Groove
Pslam In Blues
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September 17
God Is In Control (read Romans 8:28-39)
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
Life can be hard, even brutal. Wars rage; diseases kill; disasters strike; accidents maim and take lives; loved ones betray. The list goes on, and questions arise. Where is God? Does he know? Does he care?
Sufferings and struggles are often described in terms of what we call the problem of evil. “And if God is all powerful and all loving,” people ask, “why do suffering and evil exist? An all-powerful and all-loving God should be able to prevent suffering and evil, right?”
Well, we need to recognize that sin, evil, and suffering entered the human experience through human disobedience. And suffering and evil are often connected to the choices people make. But God, who is all powerful and loving, has provided a way for us through Jesus to have eternal life with him—where suffering, sorrow, and evil will be no more. In the meantime, though, there is still trouble in the world, and that can make life hard.
Why does God allow this? Because he is patient with us, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). All good things in life come to us from God (James 1:17). And, thankfully, God limits the extent to which evil can harm us. If he didn’t, things would be far worse. In addition, God can use suffering and evil—for which he is not to blame—to bring about good. And this can lead people to find comfort and salvation in his loving arms.
Father God, in this broken, suffering world, we thank you for your love and mercy. Amen.
George Koopmans
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Thanks for this.
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September 18
Shining In Our Hearts (read 2 Corinthians 4:1-6)
God, who said, ‘Let light shine our of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts…
2 Corinthians 4:6
Today’s Bible passage calls us back to the creation story, reminding us that the God who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” is the same God who is working in us today. And God’s work here is about creating the light of faith within our hearts.
The text tells us that “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers.” They are unable to recognize Jesus Christ for who he really is. They might see him as an interesting historical figure or someone who lived a moral life worth imitating. Some might say that Jesus challenged political and religious structures to the point that people in power had him killed. While these things may be true, they are merely shadows in comparison to the light of who Jesus really is.
By the light of God’s creative mercy, we see that Jesus, who was born in Bethlehem, is “the image of God” in human form. In Jesus, the light of God’s glory has entered our world, living, dying, and rising among us so that we might see the full extent of God’s love. In joyful response to this merciful work in our hearts, we join the apostles in renouncing “secret and shameful ways” in order that we might proclaim Christ as the light of the world.
God, we confess that we need your light to shine in the darkness of our hearts. By your mercy, we renounce our sinful ways so that the joy of your love may overflow through us. Amen.
Chris Schoon
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September 19
Power Verse
I was sitting with my mentor one day. We had the Bible open and he asked me, “James…do you know what a verse of power is?”. I said “no”.
He leaned forward. His eyes sharp, like a man who had carried fire through the valley of death.
“A verse of power,” he said, “is what soldiers carry with the into battle. It’s the verse you whisper when your body is failing. It’s the verse you shout when your enemies surround you. It’s the verse that makes hell itself shake. A verse of power isn’t soft, it isn’t casual. It’s the sword in your hand when the world goes dark. It awakens something. It opens a spiritual door…to immense power for a limited time.”
He told me, “in Iraq, I found mine. And it carried me through when men around me fell.” Then he said, “Most people never find it. They memorize scripture. They quote it. But they never discover the one verse that sets their souls on fire.”
“But before you go forward in our training…Before you can lead others…Before you can face the day of testing…you MUST find yours.”
I sat there silent. The weight of his words hung like a sword over my head. A verse of power…Not just words. A lifeline.
Think about it. David had one when he faced Goliath. Gideon had one when he stood against an army. Jesus Himself spoke His into the wilderness.
A verse of power is not chosen. Your spirit tells you. It pierces though the noise. It makes you weep. And it makes you rise. It is oil on your spirit. Fire in your veins. Steel in your bones. Calm in your mind. All at once.
When you find it…You can walk through a storm. You can stare down betrayal. You can endure heartbreak. You can face death. And not flinch.
Charlie Kirk had his. His verse was: “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Then I said, 'Here I am. Send me.” (Isaiah 6:8).
And when you look at his life, you can see that verse carried him.
And until you find yours…The Word will be letters on a page. But when it finds you, it will become the roar in your chest. The power that carries you through the fire. The moment it comes: tears; anger; peace; all of it at once.
You’ll know. This is not just ink on paper. This is power.
So, I’ll ask you now: Do you know your verse of power? Because the hour is coming when you will need it. Without it, your knees will buckle. Without it, you will break.
But with it? You will not only stand…you will advance. Through fire. Through hate. Through walls men said could never fall.
I know because I found mine. And it changed everything.
James Owen
I love you, Lord, You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.. (Psalm 18:2)
Have you not heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary, no one can measure the depth of His understanding. He give power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired and your men will fall down in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They all soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
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“verse of power” example? Lord give me the courage to get through this?
The two above (and in my signature) are the ones I found over the years–or rather, the ones that God sent me. I had the verses from Isaiah (40:28-31) printed and laminated. They carried me through numerous marathons (including Boston twice, Chicago, Philadelphia, The Marine Corp Marathon, many others), tucked into the waistband of my running shorts.
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These?
I love you, Lord, You are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.. (Psalm 18:2)
Have you not heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary, no one can measure the depth of His understanding. He give power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired and your men will fall down in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They all soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31)
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My power verse is found in Deuteronomy 20:3-4
The Priest will approach the armies
“He will say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, you are drawing near today to the battle against your enemies. Don’t be fainthearted! Don’t fear or panic or tremble because of them. For Adonai your God is the One who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.'”
The Priest for me is my Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. “Hear O Isreal” refers to the new Israel, the Church, of which I am a part. I am part of the Armies of God. I will not fear, I will not panic, I will not run or tremble, because GOD HIMSELF goes before me to fight my enemy to give me the victory!
Also 2 words in Ephesians 2:4 “But God” Whatever my circumstances,
“But God” is always in my mind.
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Thanks for sharing that!
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September 20
Imitating Christ’s Humility (read Philippians 2:1-5)
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Philippians 2:3-4
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace a servant attitude, putting the needs of others before our own.
This humility echoes the very heart of Jesus, who came not “to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
In a world that often exalts self-promotion and personal gain, we stand apart by valuing others above ourselves. We seek to meet the needs of people around us, extending kindness, empathy, and compassion.
A servant attitude begins with a heart transformed by God’s love.
As we live in God’s presence, we learn to lay down our ambitions and egos, making room for selflessness and sacrificial love. We act with grace and love toward others, just as God has done for us.
In every interaction, let’s consider the interests of others, seeking opportunities to serve in both big and small ways.
May we be known not by our accomplishments but by our love and by our servant hearts that follow the example of Jesus.
Spirit of God, mold my heart in humility and love to imitate the Lord Jesus. Help me to value others above myself and to serve selflessly. May I reflect Christ’s love for the benefit of others in this world each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Darrell Delaney
I do my best to seek humility in all my affairs when I don’t it’s usually because of my e.g.o. which I’m sure you’re aware, easing God out!
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Thank you my friend.
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September 21
The Peace of Christ (read Colossians 3:12-17)
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts . . . as members of one body. . . . And be thankful.
Colossians 3:15
My grandmother Natalia was one of the most peaceful persons I have ever met. I recall that as a young boy I often took her kind personality for granted. Looking back on her life now, I cannot help wondering how she managed to escape bitterness and resentment throughout her life.
Her younger years on a collective farm in Russia were tough. In her teens she endured the war, Nazi occupation, hunger, hard labor, and suffering. Later, after moving to a city, she was injured in a work-related accident and lost the use of her right hand. Even so, she remained cheerful and thankful to the end. How can this be?
There’s an answer in today’s Bible reading. The apostle Paul talks about the Christian calling to peace and thanksgiving. For him, these attitudes do not depend on happy life experiences or special training. Peace and thanksgiving come through Christ alone.
When Christ’s peace rules in our hearts, it changes us and our view of the world. It gives us strength to meet our challenges with grace and humility. And no matter what—we are called to be thankful.
I’m convinced that my grandmother had the peace of Christ in her heart. Each of us can experience this peace too, if we humble ourselves before God. Do you have this peace?
Heavenly Father, help us to humble ourselves and receive the peace of Christ. Teach us how to reflect your peace in this world with grace and thanksgiving. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.
Sergei Sosedkin
September 22
With God’s Spirit In Us (read Ezekiel 37:1-14)
Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live…
Ezekiel 37:13-14
By the Spirit of the Lord, Ezekiel had an unforgettable vision. The grisly scene of bones scattered across a valley might seem a terrifying nightmare, with the evidence of death all around. But God turned that valley of the shadow of death into a place of life. The dry, scattered bones began rattling and joining together, and soon they were covered by muscles and skin. And when the breath of life entered the people’s remade bodies, they sprang to life again.
God said this was a sign for his people, who thought they were dead, dried up, cut off, and without hope in the world. They were exiled from their land as punishment for generations of sinning against God. But he promised to restore them to himself by putting his Spirit in them and giving them new life.
God accomplished this in surprising ways through his Son, Jesus Christ. He came to pay for human sin by giving up his own life and then rising from the dead. Then God’s Spirit came to breathe new life in us, guiding us to know the Lord and trust in him for forgiveness and salvation. As Paul put it, though we were “without hope and without God in the world,” he “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead” in our “transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, 12). And one day, when Jesus returns, we will also rise from our graves to live with him! (See 1 Thessalonians 4-5; Revelation 21-22.)
Lord of life, fill us with your Spirit and guide us in truth to live with your goodness and love forever. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.
George Young
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September 23
Our Glorious God (read Ezekiel 36:16-38 and 37)
“Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it.”
(Ezekiel 36:36)
Believers everywhere know we worship a great and glorious God. But many find it difficult to describe what God’s glory is and why it matters. God’s glory is the total of all His attributes.. He reveals His glory whenever He makes His person, power, or purposes evident. He unveils His glory through creation’s order and beauty. He displays it in hearts and lives transformed by Christ. However, as earthbound people, we evaluate history and interpret our lives from a limited
perspective. We readily focus on how God’s actions impact us. But we learn much more by considering what God’s actions reveal about Him. God graciously and generously enriches His people’s lives, but ultimately, God’s glory matters more than the blessings we enjoy. God’s name and fame stand behind His declarations and actions. Everything God does displays His glory.
God receives glory when He saves sinners and when He judges sin. The rebellious Israelites’ exile demonstrated God’s power to carry out His warnings. However, God had more to say when their painful discipline caused the surrounding nations to question His character. Ezekiel’s prophecy foretold a coming day when God would uphold His great name by fulfilling His promises. Israel’s past and future showcase God’s infinite character. Though dead in sin and
dispersed among the nations, God would restore His people through His power. God delivers His people from death—by His Spirit and for His glory. A deliberate focus on God’s greatness properly humbles us before Him.
Bible Study Fellowship, Lesson 2 Notes
Bible Study Fellowship is an international Christian interdenominational or parachurch fellowship of lay people offering a system of structured Bible study. BSF was founded in Texas with a group of 5 women over 60 years ago. Today, Bible Study Fellowship – through Men’s, Women’s, Student, Children’s and Newborn groups, BSF Online and BSF’s WordGo app — serves more than 400,000 class members on six continents in more than 120 nations.
Each year, BSF groups focus on a different book or section of the Bible over 30 weekly sessions (from September through May). Going chapter by chapter, verse by verse, allows members to better understand the text and gain a more thorough knowledge of, and relationship with, its Author — Almighty God.
BSF offers several “mini studies” each year as an opportunity for people to “dip their toes” in the BSF water and see what it’s all about. Our first mini-study is a three-week look at Daniel 1–6: Build with Integrity. The lesson questions for that study will begin on September 24. Following is a link where you can find access to the mini-study PDF and audio lectures.
Give it a try! You’ll be glad you did!
God’s peace to all,
Dave
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BSF is fantastic…did it for 15 years.
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