As you begin reading the Bible and praying over the next 40 days it is my heart and prayer that your life will become more like Christ and that the testimony of what God is doing in you would lead others to a personal relationship with Him.
Take each day and find a quite place alone to read the devotions and may this journal be a guide as God leads you through His Word. After you get done reading each day spend time praying about the topics provided, but allow God to lead. Many days you will discover that the topic given will merely help you dive into conversations with God where He leads you somewhere you never expected.
Jesus began his ministry by taking 40 days to pray and focus on what God had in store for him. I would challenge you to stick with this spiritual journey for the next 40 days not missing a single day. And may God prepare you for what He has in store next for your life.
Your servant in Christ,
Brent Captain - Lead Pastor
Valley Christian Church
DAY 1 - LIFE PRIORITIES
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. Mark 12:30
What gets your all? In a world where so many things are fighting for your attention can anything actually get your all?
When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was in the verse above he responded by explaining how God should get all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Literally Jesus was saying all of your emotions, all of your thoughts, and all of the spiritual and physically pieces of who you are should be dedicated fully to God. That should be our priority and focus in life.
Let’s be honest. God getting our all is something that sounds like a good idea, but how do we really make that a reality? Sorry to break the bad news to you, but in and of yourself you will never be able to achieve this. In fact, without God’s help you will always fall short of what pleases him.
This is the reason why you are being challenged to spend the next 40 days with God. It is only with God’s help will you ever begin to live a life where he gets your all. Today as you pray ask God to help you turn everything over to him. Give God all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
The priority of a Christ follower’s life must be rooted in giving all of who they are to God .
DAY 2 - NO ONE LIKES CHANGE
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. II Chronicles 7:14
The Bible is filled with beautiful promises like the verse above. Unfortunately God’s people don’t always follow this command. Are you humbling yourself, praying, and seeking God’s face?
It is only when you humble yourself and turn to God that God can forgive your sin. This concept of turning away from sin in the Bible is called repentance. In fact, the very first thing that Jesus calls his disciples to preach in Matthew 10 is, “to repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”
Is there anything in your life that you need to take to God? No one likes to change, but without turning or changing your life how can God forgive and heal? During your prayer time today write in the space below some of the areas where you need God’s forgiveness. This book is for your eyes only so don’t hold back. Turn to God allow him to forgive and heal.
The humility of a Christ follower leads them to God for healing and forgiveness.
DAY 3 - A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. Matthew 6:5
When you begin thinking about pray what picture comes to your mind? Do you see an eloquent speaker standing in front of lots of people saying all the right things? This isn’t the picture Jesus gives of prayer at all.
In the above verse Jesus reminds you that prayer is not about what others think. In fact, the very next verse tells you to go into your room, close the door and get alone with God. God wants time alone with you, time where you can begin to build a personal relationship where you pour out your thoughts and feelings to God. You see the most basic understanding of prayer is that it is merely talking to God.
Today as you talk with God begin sharing with him what is going on in your life. Yes He knows everything, but He wants to hear from you about what is going on in your life.
As you pray about what is on your mind and your heart begin listening to what is on God’s heart as well. So many times in deep conversation with God he will begin to align your heart with his. Get alone with God, pour out your heart, and allow him to do the rest.
A personal intimate relationship with God helps align our hearts with his.
DAY 4 - HOW TO PRAY
This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matt 6:9-13
Probably the most well know pray in the entire Bible, but what was Jesus’ point in using it? Was it to be recited from memory as an emotionless part of tradition? Or did he intend something else?
There is nothing wrong with reciting this prayer, but Jesus’ intention was for it help model to his followers the basics of how to pray. Jesus in just a few words teaches the importance of God getting the glory, focusing on Gods will, and the need to take your personal requests before him especially your need for forgiveness. He then finishes with a cry out to God for strength to stay away from temptation.
As you pray today follow Christ’s model for what a basic prayer looks like. In the space below write in your own words a summary of what parts there were to this prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer was Jesus’ way of teaching his followers how to pray.
DAY 5 - THE DANGER OF PRIDE
The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: they will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5
Wow!!! That was definitely direct and to the point. It seems that God cares a whole lot about humility, but why? Why would God care about your pride?
God knows how a heart filled with pride ruins so many things in life. Things that God wants for you, but that can’t be achieved without him. When your heart is filled with pride you begin to think that you can do things on your own without God. However, at some point you have to come to the realization that in and of yourself you can only get so far.
You see you have a tendency of working on things from the outside in, but God works from the inside out. God does this work through the Holy Spirit that he promised to send to live in those who follow him. The Spirit is at work compelling hearts from the inside leading a person toward a life that glorifies God.
As you pray today ask God to strip away any and all pride from your heart. Acknowledge your need for the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and direct from the inside out. Let God know that you can’t do this thing called life on your own.
A humble heart in the hands of a living God can bring about the impossible.
DAY 6 - ARE YOU TEACHABLE
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have know the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. II Timothy 3:14-15
Are you a lifelong learner? So often rather than continuing to learn new truths each day from the Bible we draw on things that we have learned from the past.
In today’s verses Paul is encouraging Timothy to continue to learn and grow. He reminds Timothy that these new truths that he should continue to learn should be from the Bible. Paul recognized that allowing God to teach through the Bible was the only way in which a young Christ follower like Timothy could grow in his spiritual wisdom and faith.
So are you teachable? Where do you turn for answers? Do you turn to God or google for answers? It is so important that you turn to the Bible for answers and allow God to teach you. Read the Bible daily allowing God to build you into the man or woman that he wants you to be.
Today when you pray ask God to fill your heart with a passion to study the Bible and consider making a commitment beyond these 40 days to study the Bible daily.
Wisdom isn’t built in a day but it is built daily.
DAY 7 - LORD CHANGE ME
Create in me a pure heart, O, God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Psalm 51:10
Is your life filled with joy? Is your spirit steadfast in times of uncertainty of trouble? What is the sustaining driving force in your life?
These verses are from the beautiful writings of David whom God called a man after his own heart. Wouldn’t you love for God to say that to you! David’s heart in this pray is revealed and it only came through God changing him. Did you catch the words he used: create, renew, restore, and sustain. Each of those action words he used to describe the changes that he wanted God to make in his life.
Today as you pray, ask what you want God to create, renew, restore, or sustain in your life. Begin making four lists below or on another piece of paper of what you would love to see God create in you, renew within you, restore to you, or sustain for you.
Relying on God to sustain your life is the best way to ever live.
DAY 8 - RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8
Did you know that God actually wants a relationship with you? The creator of the universe wants you to take the time to get to know him. Yet so many times life gets so busy that this relationship doesn’t get much time or emphasis.
In today’s verses a follower of Christ is called to ask, to seek, and to knock and perhaps if you have read these verses before you’ve jumped right into asking of God with anxious expectation of the promise for doors to be opened. Asking however is only one of the three things Jesus points out. He also tells us to seek and to knock. In fact, it is rather hard to ask of God without seeking what God wants. And you can’t seek out what God wants until you knock on the door of relationship and discover who God is and what he desires.
Revelation 3:20 tells us that Christ is, “standing at the door and knocking.” Are you willing to open up the door and allow God into your life? God wants you to share all of who and what you are with him. Today as you pray ask God to help you never close the door on him.
A Christ follower opens the door for God to come into their lives and get to know everything about them.
DAY 9 - WHAT INSPIRES YOU
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:12-13
Constantly our society is crying out for inspiration. Athletes, artists, actors, and even politicians stir up emotional frenzies, draw crowds, and make lots of money, but where is God in all of this? Does God inspire you?
Unfortunately Christ followers often times find more inspiration in the things of this world than the things of God. In the verses today a beautiful truth about God is revealed. Truth about how God wants mercy to triumph over judgment. When you mess up you deserve judgment and yet God showed you mercy. In fact, the story of what God does each day in our lives should inspire like nothing else in this world.
You see God’s love for us should inspire us and it is through inspiration that individuals are led to action. In the space below make a list of the things that have inspired you this week. Maybe it was that play you saw last night on sportscenter or how one of your kids learned something new. As this list forms pray for God to give you the same kind of excitement and passion for him as you had for these things. Then ask God what he wants you to do about it.
True inspiration leads the heart to action.
DAY 10 - ENJOYING TIME WITH GOD
God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. I Corinthians 1:9
If time or money were no issue what would you do for fun? Daydreaming like this can be enjoyable and many times we’ll share these thoughts and dreams with others that we love. What do you share with God?
The above verse literally tells you that God called you into fellowship with Jesus. To begin to understand fellowship you have to understand that its definition is rooted in a relationship being based on sharing something in common. In fact, the verb form of this word fellowship can be translated as communication, which leads us to an awesome truth about God.
Through Jesus Christ, God wants to have fellowship with you developed through communication about things that God and we share in common. What do God and you share in common?
Today as you pray thank God for his willingness to have fellowship with you, but also ask him about the dreams and passions you have. Talk to God about what the two of you share in common. Ask God to build into your life more things that you can share in common with him.
Sharing common goals, dreams, and passions often times help begin beautiful friendships.
DAY 11 - LOVE GOD
If you carefully observe all these commands I am giving you to follow—to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him—then the LORD will drive out all these nations before you, and you will dispossess nations larger and stronger than you. Deuteronomy 11:21-22
How often to do you find yourself taking on more than you can handle? Then when deadlines aren’t met or when goals aren’t reached life seems to spin out of control pushing you even further behind. When it comes to the challenges of life are you relying on yourself or God?
In today’s verses Moses is calling God’s people to rely on God. You see the nation of Israel faced the impossible. God brought them out of slavery and told them of the land that was theirs. The Promised Land! And all they had to do was focus on loving God, walking with him, and holding fast to him. Yet instead of taking that land they wandered around in the desert for 40 years.
Filled with uncertainty and a lack of trust in God the people of Israel had to wait 40 years to discover that all along God would take care of them. Today as you pray talk to God about the things of uncertainty that you face in life. Ask God to give you the strength to rely on him no matter what the circumstances life brings.
Loving God means that we fully rely on him through every circumstance in life.
DAY 12 - LOVE OTHERS
We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother. I John 4:19-21
Have you ever found yourself saying one thing but then doing something else? Big things, little things, it really doesn’t matter because that moment when someone says: “but didn’t you say…” causes that sick feeling down deep in your stomach. And you feel like the word liar is written in big red letters across your forehead.
The verses here in 1 John should bring up that sort of feeling every time we treat another person poorly. You see these verses literally say that when we love God we must love other people. In fact when we treat other people with anything other than love it is like we don’t love God.
Ouch! This is a really tough teaching. The way that others hurt us causes us to want to respond in the same way. Yet this is not God’s way for you. In the space below list some of the people that have caused you major hurts in life and ask God to give you strength to love them as God loves you.
We love people because God loves people.
DAY 13 - KNOWING GOD’S WILL
He went away a second time and prayed, "My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done." Matthew 26:42
Have you ever not been sure what God wanted? Life is filled with choices and decisions. How then do you discern what God’s will for your life is?
In today’s verse Jesus was facing the toughest decision of his life on earth. Obey God and go to the cross or choose not to endure the pain ahead. Fortunately for us Jesus chose the cross and that decision was based on the key to following God’s will.
Knowing God’s will has more to do with your commitment to do what God says no matter what than it has to do with knowing all of the details God has planned for your life. Really no one knows what tomorrow is going to hold. Yes this is scary at times, but choosing to obey God’s Word no matter if we think it is socially popular, financially smart, or even physical safe is what knowing God’s will is all about.
As you pray today ask God to fill you with a commitment to follow him. Take each decision you make before God and if God is calling you to do something you are uncomfortable with ask him for strength to obey like Jesus did.
The journey of faith isn’t about knowing what’s next but is about trusting God to get you through it.
DAY 14 - WHAT’S ON GOD’S HEART
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." Luke 19:10
When was the last time you lost something? Do you remember the feelings of frustration and the frantic searching around the house? And then if you found what you lost, do you remember the joy when it was found?
In todays verse Jesus tells us directly that his heart is focused on those who are lost. Individuals that have strayed from God and are in desperate need of him. In fact, grab a Bible right now and read all of Luke chapter 15.
God’s heart breaks for those that are far from him. Today as you pray, write down the names of those that you know who need God in their lives. Don’t be satisfied with only writing down one or two names spend time in the space below listing the people that you know who are lost. Pray for them and may your heart break as God’s heart breaks for each of these individuals who desperately need a Savior.
God’s heart is breaking for those who are far from him.
DAY 15 - BOLDNESS
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Acts 4:29
Are you willing to speak up boldly for the name of Christ? The disciples were literally willing to risk their lives for their faith. How serious are you about your relationship with God?
In today’s verse Peter and John are praying that God would enable them to do what Jesus had commanded them to do. The problem was that they were told by the local government that they could no longer tell others about the good news of Jesus Christ. This was directly in opposition of what Jesus had taught them to do and when faced with the ultimate test of their faith, the disciples decided to go to the Lord in prayer. And what did they pray? They prayed not for the threats to stop, but that they would be obedient to Christ by “speaking your word with great boldness.”
There are times when you will be tempted to do what is easy rather than what is right. Today as you pray ask the Lord for boldness to obey regardless of the circumstances. Also, ask him for great boldness to share the truth of Jesus with others that you may know.
A Christ follower is empowered by God to speak for him with great boldness in spite of any and every opposition.
DAY 16 - MY FAMILY
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. I Timothy 5:8
Too many times things in life get busy and family gets pushed down further than it ought on our priority list. How do we keep life in perspective then? How do we minister to our family in a way that glorifies God?
In the verse today Paul is talking to Timothy about the importance of providing for your immediate family. At first glance one might think that the provision that he is talking about merely pertains to physical or financial things. And although these things are important and are a part of provision, spiritual direction is also important within the family. So then are you leading your family spiritually?
Today as you pray ask God to help you become a better spiritual example to your family. If your family does not know Christ ask God for opportunities to share him with them. If those in your family are followers of Christ, pray for opportunities for your family to demonstrate your faith as a family to other families that may not have Christ at the center of their lives.
The church today truly needs families who are willing to demonstrate Christ-likeness as a family.
DAY 17 - SALVATION
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12
Is Jesus really the only way that people are saved? Could there be another way into heaven? How do I know and can I truly be confident of this?
These questions often times haunt both those inside and outside of the church. Unfortunately the belief today that absolute truth doesn’t exist is the root of these kinds of questions. The author of Hebrews in chapter 11 gives an awesome description of assurance of what we believe. He says, “now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Now how do you get to the point where that is what you think and say?
It should begin with a simple question. Do I believe that the Bible is absolutely true? You see the Bible either contains the greatest truth or the greatest lie in history.
Today as you pray talk to God about what you believe. Ask him to give you confidence in His Word the Bible. And may your faith and confidence in the person and work of Jesus Christ grow far beyond your wildest imagination.
The only way to experience eternal life with God in heaven in through Jesus Christ.
DAY 18 - MULTIPLYING DISCIPLES
And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. II Timothy 2:2
Are you qualified to teach others? The very thought of getting up in front of other people and having to speak terrifies most people. In fact, public speaking is usually listed at the top of the list when people are asked what they are afraid of. So then does every disciple have to teach to truly be an obedient follower of Christ?
To answer this question, let’s first ask another question. Was everyone in the early church a teacher? No. In fact, Paul teaches the early church to function as a body with many different parts. Therefore although the church does need teachers it also needs people with many other gifts as well. Now look back at today’s verse. The thing that should jump out at you should be the concept of multiplication.
Today as you pray ask God to help the church multiply. Pray for workers within the church who will train up more workers who will train up more workers. Pray for new churches that will be birthed out of servant leaders that are called by God to further the work of reproducing multiplying disciples both locally and globally.
The future growth of the church is based on how well it can reproduce itself.
DAY 19 - UNITY
There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called—one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:4-6
Can you believe that people actually fight with each other in church? And not only do churches fight internally, often times they fight with others churches in town like they are in competition with each other. As followers of Christ we are not in competition with each other. We are told in Ephesians 6:12 that our battle is against “the spiritual forces of darkness.”
The verses here in Ephesians remind us of the unity that we should share with other followers of Christ. We don’t serve multiple gods, but one God. And our one true God sent his one Son Jesus Christ who calls each of us to one hope through the sacrifice that he paid on the cross.
Today as you pray ask God to bring about unity within the church. Ask God to lead and guide in this community to bring about a spirit of cooperation and support between churches. And pray that God would grant his churches favor in bringing the hope of Jesus Christ to this community.
God desires unity in the body of Christ.
DAY 20 - REVIVAL
Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your unfailing love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. Psalm 85:6-7
Have you ever taken CPR training? Ultimately the purpose of CPR is to revive someone who is no longer breathing. And just like CPR physically revives a person, many people are in need of spiritual revival today. How then is a spiritual revival brought about?
In today’s verses the Psalmist reminds us how true spiritual revival is brought about. He points out that God is the one that brings about revival and it is something that happens on the inside of a person. The Holy Spirit brings this kind of restoration that causes God’s people to be filled with joy that comes from God’s unfailing love. Therefore, anytime you or someone you know is in need of a spiritual revival, point them to God who brings about change from the inside out.
In the space below begin to list people in your life that may be in need of spiritual revival. Before you pray for others however ask God if he needs to revive anything in your own life. Then lastly pray for God’s revival in the life of others.
God, not us, is the only one who brings about revival.
DAY 21 - FORGIVENESS
The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming—not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. Hebrews 10:1-2
How often do you need God’s forgiveness? Daily? Weekly? Yearly? In the Old Testament the nation of Israel would take their sacrifices yearly to the temple and the priest would offer them as a sin offering to the Lord. Year after year, lifetime after lifetime, the Jews lived according to this law established by God during the time of Moses. However, as the text above explains, these sacrifices fell short of taking care of the sin problem because the people still would “feel guilty for their sins.”
Fortunately the law was “only a shadow of the good things that were coming.” In other words, the sacrifice that Christ paid on the cross would replace the imperfect sacrifices at the temple year after year. In fact, the sacrifice of Christ was perfect and in Hebrews 10:10 it is described as a sacrifice that Christ made “once and for all.”
Today finish reading Hebrews chapter 10 and thank God for his perfect forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ.
God’s work of forgiveness of sin through Jesus Christ was perfect.
DAY 22 - INTERCESSION
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28
Have you ever not know what to say? Maybe it was a time when a friend was hurting and you didn’t know what to say. Or perhaps someone asked you a tough question that caught you off guard. Have you been there?
Paul here in Romans has just spent the last eight chapters describing man’s relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Then in today’s verse begins to explain to the Christ follower how we need the Holy Spirit to help us out when we are praying. Why do we need his help though?
Ultimately answering this question comes down to the simple truth that none of us knows what is going to happen next in our life. It is then that the Spirit gets involved to help us out when we gets stuck on knowing God’s will for us.
Today as you pray thank God for sending the Holy Spirit. Pray for a heart that will be sensitive to letting him lead even when you don’t know what’s next.
The Holy Spirit is actively at work inside of a Christ follower helping them discern the will of God.
DAY 23 - LEADERSHIP
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18
Spiritual leaders are constantly under attack from Satan who wants them to turn away from God at any cost? Are you encouraging, supporting, and praying for your spiritual leaders?
In the verses today we are reminded to make sure we are supporting and praying for our leaders. As these individuals stand accountable before God are you making their job easy? The Bible here says that “their work will be a joy.” When the church is focused together – working together with all of who they are to further God’s kingdom there is no time or energy even for complaining or arguing.
As you pray today ask God to give you a heart for your leaders. Pray for them by name. Ask God for forgiveness if you have not followed His commands in this in every way. Commit to the Lord today in prayer to do everything within your power to promote unity in the church and further the kingdom of God.
Spiritual leaders stand accountable before God. Pray for them!
DAY 24 - FAMILIES
It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. II John 1:4
Have you prayed for your family today? If you are a parent have you prayed for your kids today? We must be praying daily for our families.
One of the greatest joys in life is when we and our spouse and kids are following God. On the other hand parents whose children have turned from God cause a kind of grief that these words here cannot fully explain. In today’s verse John mentions the joy that is found when your kids are following God.
The attitude in this text is very similar to that of Jesus when his disciples wanted to ignore the children in Matthew 19 Jesus took the time to pray for them. Do your spouse and kids get your priority or are you tempted to brush them off like the disciples tried to do that day? Investing into the spiritual future of your family is well worth the time!
If your time and energy need to be redirected for the spiritual benefit of your family, ask God for direction. Pray for family whether they live with you or are far away. Also, pray for families that you know that need God’s help and guidance in raising their kids.
Children were very important to Jesus and should be very important to us.
DAY 25 - THOSE IN NEED
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:12-13
Are you helping those who are less fortunate than you? So many times we spend so much time thinking about the things that we don’t have and forget about those that have far less than we do. No matter what your financial situation, there are people that have less. Help them!
The passage here in Romans uses the phrase “share with God’s people who are in need.” We find that the early church at the end of Acts 2 is doing this very thing. They are sharing what they have with one another and it says that “no one was in need.” Imagine what an amazing community that must have been to be a part of. This wasn’t merely something that was unique to that church in Jerusalem though. Today this is what God desires for your church.
When you go to God today ask God to align your heart with his when it comes to others in need. Ask God what he wants you to do. Help God’s people who are in need. Begin praying for opportunities to share your heart for those in need and when God provides those opportunities don’t forget to act.
God intended for the church to take care of those in need.
DAY 26 - PHYSICAL HEALING
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:14-16
Can the sick truly be healed? And if you pray for healing and it does not happen should one walk away from God? Unfortunately this type of thinking has led to many people following the way of Atheism. (Belief that there is no God)
These are tough questions that most people don’t know how to answer. In fact, they may bring up mental images of some guy on TV yelling at people knocking them over claiming that they are healed. Yet if today’s verses are true it appears that physical healing is truly possible today? But how?
The answer to the how is the same today as it was when James was written. Physical healing can occur because God has the power to do it. This is no different than the awesome miraculous work that God does when someone who is spiritual sick turns to God for spiritual healing.
Today as you pray ask for God’s healing in the lives of people you know who need physical or spiritual healing.
God is able to do more than you could ever ask for or imagine.
DAY 27 - TRAPPED
For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. The evil deeds of a wicked man ensnare him; the cords of his sin hold him fast. He will die for lack of discipline, led astray by his own great folly. Proverbs 5:21-23
Is there any area in your life that you feel trapped? The Bible calls these things that trap us sin and ultimately as Romans 6 tells us because of that sin we deserve death. Does a lack of discipline lead you to sin?
In the book of Romans in chapter 3 Paul calls all of us sinners. And as you look at today’s verses Solomon reminds us how our every action is laid bare in “full view” before God. Because of our lack of discipline we need Jesus who paid the penalty for our sin when he died on the cross. This beautiful truth is what the Bible is all about. Simply the Bible calls this concept of Jesus dying in our place GRACE.
Have you experienced God’s grace? If not take some time and talk with someone about what the Bible says. If you do understand grace thank God for what He has done. Also, begin crying out to God for other people that you know that are trapped in sin. Some of them may be stuck in the pattern of addiction, imprisoned by their mistakes, or worse still merely failing to see their need for a Savior.
Grace is the kindness of God that we do not deserve.
DAY 28 - MY COMMUNITY
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8
Do you love your neighbor as yourself? Most of us barely even know the names of the people up and down our streets. What did Jesus really mean when he said love your neighbor as yourself? And who truly is our neighbor?
Jesus in Luke chapter 10 says that the second greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself. That day when Jesus was teaching his follower’s one guy asked the question. “Who is my neighbor?” Interestingly Jesus answered this man by telling the story of the Good Samaritan which was about this guy who cares for a stranger from a neighboring land that was culturally hated.
Now take a look at today’s verse. Jesus tells his followers to be a witness for the good news of Jesus in Judea (their immediate neighborhood) Samaria (the hated neighbors) and to the ends of the earth. Are you willing to love the people from those closest to you to those halfway around the world?
Today as you pray ask God for courage to share the good news of Jesus with anyone who needs to hear the message.
We love others by sharing the good news about Jesus Christ with them.
DAY 29 - DOES PRAYER WORK
From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the LORD his God. He said: "In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Jonah 2:1-2
Many people just like Jonah are calling out to God in their darkest hour? The question on their mind is does this thing called prayer really work? What do you believe? Do you believe in the power of prayer?
In today’s verses Jonah finds himself in the belly of the whale and he calls out to God for help. The verses say that God answered Jonah and “listened to his cry.” When you pray God is listening to your prayers. And ultimately God can choose to answer you with a clear cut yes or no just like he answered Jonah. But what about those times when God says wait or not yet? Will you allow those times when God doesn’t immediately say yes or no clearly to challenge your belief in the power of prayer?
Today as you pray ask God for wisdom to discern how God is answering the questions that you are taking before him. Ask also for patience and strength for those times that he hasn’t given a clear-cut yes or no. Lastly, ask God to always allow you to choose to obey and trust in him no matter how he chooses to answer your prayers.
A Christ follower chooses to follow God no matter how he chooses to answer their prayers.
DAY 30 - DISCOVERING LIFE
"Anyone who loves his father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves his son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and anyone who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Matthew 10:37-39
These verses clearly outline what it means to fully surrender your life 100% to God. Have you turned everything over to him? Are you willing to lose your life in order to truly find it?
Often time’s people look at followers of Christ and merely see all of the things that they can’t do. They view life as this long list of do’s and don’ts and fear that if they choose to live like this, they will lose who they truly are. This is a lie though. God tells us that we will truly discover what life is all about when we turn everything over to him. You see true purpose and contentment in life comes only through letting go of everything and handing it over to God.
Today as you pray ask God to help you better understand today’s verses. Pray that he would reveal to you today how to take up your cross and follow him. Pray for strength in losing your life so that you can truly find it.
No one truly discovers what life is all about until they surrender everything to God.
DAY 31 - WISDOM
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Proverbs 9:10
Is there a fear of the Lord in your life? Why would fear be the beginning of anything? In fact fear usually only leads us to two responses. Fight or flight.
When one looks at these two responses to fear the reason Solomon talks about the fear of the Lord leading to wisdom begins to come into focus. You see it is only with a healthy “fear” or respect of God that we are challenged to fight for the things of God. Or when there are times when Satan tries to tempt us with things that are very enticing to us, it is the fear of the Lord that leads us to run away from these traps of the evil one. God naturally created us to respond to fear in such a way that when we fear him it leads us to respond in ways that get us through the toughest moments in life.
Today as you pray ask God what he wants you to stand up and fight for? Ask him where he would have you turn around and run. Go to www.biblegateway.com and type in “fear of the Lord” in the keyword search. Study further what it means to fear the Lord. And may the fear of the Lord lead you respond to God in ways that honor and glorify him.
The fear the Lord leads a Christ follower to obey even in the toughest situation.
DAY 32 - GUIDANCE
The LORD will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11
Are you allowing God to guide you? Because God never forces himself on you. In fact, he waits patiently for each of us to turn to him. So are you turning to God or are you turning somewhere else?
This verse paints this amazing visual of what it looks like when an individual turns things over to God. It says, “he will satisfy your needs.” He will “strengthen your frame.” Your life will be like, “a well watered garden.” This sounds pretty amazing, but don’t miss out on the truth of this verse by being blinded by the beautiful promises. You see these promises come when God is the guide. It is when we choose to allow anything other than God to guide us that we mess things up. In fact, we have no guarantee then of any of these beautiful promises that the prophet Isaiah here is describing.
Today as you pray ask God for the wisdom to always turn to him as your guide. Pray through some of the things you are facing in life. Ask God to guide you through these decisions. Then lastly thank God for his promises as you follow him.
God provides for those he guides so let God lead your life.
DAY 33 - UNDERSTANDING
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
Do you really think you can understand everything that is going on in the mind of God? Most people quickly say no to this question yet in the way they go through life challenge God whenever they don’t get what he is doing. Or when they don’t agree with an answer God gives they question him and get angry at him.
The verses here in Isaiah are looking forward to the coming of the Christ the Messiah the Promised One who would save. The prophet here however points out that this plan God was slowly unveiling throughout history still was a mystery to many. Today as followers of Christ we have the full story though. As we read the Bible we can see the full plan of God throughout history unfold in the life and work of Jesus Christ. You see you can understand this plan God had by reading the Bible. It helps you understand Gods thoughts.
Today as you pray talk to God and ask him what kind of commitment he wants you to have to studying the Bible beyond these 40 days. Then consider beginning your own daily journal where you write down and capture what God is saying as you study His Word.
Understanding God’s thoughts comes through a commitment to studying His Word.
DAY 34 - AM I TEACHABLE
No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:3-5
How can you possibly know if someone that you don’t have a relationship with is teachable? This has been a great question as the church continues to look for future leaders who will multiply God’s kingdom here. And the answer primarily is found in how an individual responds to the Word of God. When you read something challenging in the Bible, do you obey it or ignore it?
Ultimately in today’s verses the Psalmist is asking God for a teachable heart. He points out that God is the one in whom he finds his hope. And this turning to God for guidance is the only choice that makes sense. To whom do you turn for guidance? Like the psalmist are you crying out to God to “teach me your paths?” Or are you more concerned about where you want to go through life?
Today as you pray ask God to lead you where he wants to take you on this journey called life. Pray for a teachable spirit. That you would have the guts to obey the Word of God regardless of what it says.
Determining if someone is teachable begins with looking at how they respond to what God says in the Bible.
DAY 35 - WHAT’S MY PLACE
Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Matthew 20:25-28
How backwards does this passage seem to you? Here is the king of the universe telling his followers that his role is that of a servant. Jesus doesn’t just say this about himself though. He teaches his followers that it is only by serving that they will be great in the kingdom of God. Are you serving or expecting others to serve you?
Learning to serve begins with a heart for others. When you look at other people what goes through your mind? So often we are far too busy with the things of life that we miss out on the amazing opportunities that God brings our way to serve someone else. The next time when you are talking to someone and a need in their life is right before you don’t walk away without doing something about it. Now perhaps you don’t have much to offer the person, but it is amazing what God can do with something rather than nothing.
Today pray that God would give you a heart for others and the courage to act rather than walk away from their needs.
Serving the needs of others is the greatest testimony for Christ anyone can possibly give.
DAY 36 - PRAISING GOD
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29
Have you ever really thought about what God is offering you? When it comes to His eternal kingdom or the eternal life that God wants to offer, what is your response to His generosity? Are you filled with reverence and awe?
In today’s verses the proper response to God’s generosity is expressed. It is one of thankfulness being expressed through praise and worship of God. If a close friend were to come and visit you spending several days with you would they observe you taking time out of your busy life to personally worship God? Or would they even know that you are a follower of Christ? One of the greatest opportunities that we have to be a testimony for Christ is when those who don’t know Him observe our relationship with Him.
In the days and months ahead don’t hide your faith. Allow your family and friends to see how God has changed your life and invite them to join you as you worship God. Today as you pray ask God for courage to worship Him even if others around you don’t understand what you are doing.
A Christ follower appropriately responds to God by worshipping Him for what He has done.
DAY 37 - CELEBRATE GOD’S WORK
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7]
These two verses clearly outline the process of becoming mature in Christ. First an individual receives Jesus as Lord, then they discover what it means to live in him and begin to grow, then finally as their faith is strengthened they overflow with thankfulness. Have you gotten to the place where you are overflowing with thankfulness? Are you still growing? Do you need to receive Christ as your Lord and Savior?
Spiritual maturity is marked by how an individual responds to what God has done for them. This word picture that Paul uses here to describe this in these verses is to overflow. What is overflowing out of your life? Is it anger, bitterness, resentment, or fear? Or is your life bubbling over with joy that comes from being thankful for what God has done.
Today as you pray try to only celebrate God’s goodness rather than ask for a bunch of things. Talk to God about where you are spiritually. If you are struggling ask someone who is overflowing with thankfulness how they have gotten there and learn from what they tell you.
A mature Christ follower can’t keep quiet about what God has done for them.
DAY 38 - LIFE CHANGE
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Romans 6:17-18
Is there anything that has changed in your life as you have spent the last 40 days in prayer? What are these things? And how has God brought them about?
In today’s verses Paul describes the cause and effect relationship of what happens when an individual obeys God. Paul says that they “wholeheartedly obeyed” which led to them being “set free from sin.” This cause and effect relationship is merely how simple the gospel truth is. You see Christ’s death paid the penalty for your sin, but your response to that free gift is how you turn to God. As you wholeheartedly obey God how has he responded?
In the space below, write down some of the areas where you have chosen to wholeheartedly obey God. Then next to those items describe what God has done in light of your obedience. Today as you pray thank God for the changes that you have seen? Pray also for other people that you know that may need to experience some of the same changes in their lives.
Freedom only comes after wholehearted obedience to God.
DAY 39 - ANSWERED PRAYER
I call on the LORD in my distress, and he answers me. Psalm 120:1
How many times in the last few weeks have you called out to God? Has He answered you? Do you have a record of some of the things that God has done?
Imagine for a moment what life would be like if we didn’t have the Bible. All of the stories about who God is and what He has done lost into history. Perhaps one of the greatest things God has ever done throughout history, besides sending Jesus, was when He prompted men and women to write down what God had done for them. So many people have gone before you in capturing the beauty of how God was working. At times He chooses to work quietly in our lives and yet in other circumstances He works quite boldly.
On blank sheets of paper, spend time capturing some of the stories of how God has answered your prayers. Take the time to record what God has done and place this somewhere to look at in the future. Maybe seal it in an envelope and write a note to look at it in a year, five years, or maybe even ten. Then as you pray today praise God for how He has answered your prayers.
As you look back throughout history it is amazing to observe how God has worked.
DAY 40 - THANKFULNESS
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:4-5
What have the last 40 days been like for you? Have you earnestly gone before the throne of God seeking his will and praising his name? Can you testify that the Lord is good in your life? Have you experienced his love that endures forever?
God loves you. In fact, this text is a reminder that God’s love “continues through all generations.” God’s love isn’t something that is here today and gone tomorrow. And even though there are times in life when we don’t feel like God loves us, we have to remember that sometimes our feelings deceive us. For this reason we must find confidence in the Word of God in every season of life remembering that God’s love endures forever.
Today spend some time meditating on and remembering what God has done over the last 40 days. Thank him for the specific ways that he has been faithful and thank him for how he will continue to be faithful until the end of time!