Team Bible Reading & Commentary Devotional Thoughts for March 2025
We are back for another Great Month of immersing ourselves in the Word of God.
Each day there will be a portion to read from the Scriptures along with a Commentary Devotional Thoughts provided by various Men and Women, Biblical Scholars who will lead through this month providing us with Wisdom from God’s Word to draw us Closer in our Walk with Jesus. These Bible Readings and Commentary’s are provided by YouVersion Bible App
Hope you will join me.
First Study Comes in Next New Window.
God Bless
From your Friend & Team Leader
Judith
Replies
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March 1, 2025
Bible Reading
Jeremiah 1:5
John 16:33
Commentary Devotional Thoughts
Be Honest...
A lot of times, we often ignore the importance of being honest, especially to God. We often say,
"We are okay," but actually we are not. When we try to be vulnerable to God, He can come in and His grace & peace will overflow in your life.
God’s grace is new each day, and God's hands are always open for you.
Maybe you are in a position where you start questioning yourself: “Am I good enough? Have I done enough? What if I’m not good?” None of those questions matters because God has created you as His masterpiece.
It is frustrating to keep up with the world these days. At one point, we will somehow hit a dead-end.
God wants you to know: "He can’t bless you if you pretend to be someone else. He can bless you for who you really are."
God knows your insecurity.
God knows your limitations.
God knows your honesty.
God knows your addiction.
God knows your anger issues.
Whatever it is, God loves you for who you really are, and He is fine with all that.
God knows you since the beginning:
Jeremiah 1:5 | “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” God’s been there the whole time with you!
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for your overflowing grace and peace in our lives. We know that we are nothing without you. Soften our hearts so that we
can be more vulnerable to you. Sharpen our
hearing towards your voice; and, Holy Spirit, please guide us. In Jesus name, Amen.1 -
March 2, 2025
Bible Reading
Matthew 8:1-4
2 Corinthians 12:9
Commentary Devotional Thoughts
Why are you so troubled, then...?
"Am I clean? Am I worthy to receive His grace & peace? It's all messed up; where are you, God"? --Are you familiar with these questions?
In Matthew 8:1-4, Jesus heals the leper.
Back then, a man with leprosy was unclean and excluded from the community. They were unworthy.
No one knows how long the man had had leprosy. It must have been difficult for him to be unseen, excluded, unclean, unworthy.
Maybe you are in a position like that man with leprosy right now. You may have been away from God, and you feel unworthy or even unclean.
Maybe you are in a situation that is too complicated for you to solve, and you isolate yourself.
But when Jesus touches the leper, the unclean becomes clean! God can touch your situation!
God can free your heart! It is clean now!
No matter how complicated it is or how insecure you are, God can make all things new!
When God steps in, everything changes! His grace is sufficient for you, and His peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your heart.
Prayer:
Father, in the midst of self-doubt, anxiety, worry, and argument, we still praise you. We believe that your grace is sufficient for us, and your peace that surpasses all understanding will guard our hearts. We surrender every brokenness in your hands and know that you are able to restore and cleanse everything according to Your will and
plans. In Jesus name, Amen.1 -
March 3
Bible Reading
Matthew 7:24-27
2 Corinthians 9:8
Isaiah 43:2
Commentary Thoughts
You Got This!
Our three-year-old son loves swimming. He goes swimming almost every day. With his floaties on, he enjoys swimming at the adult pool area. 😂
One time, our son asked me, “Want to swim with dada.” And I said to him, “not today, I’m tired. I’m just gonna sit here and watch you swim, okay?” Our son was kinda sad, but he still swam anyway.
Right at that moment, somehow God gave me a nudge, and it went like this: “Even though you can swim by yourself, I’ll go swimming too, even in deep water, I’ll go with you.” Just like in Isaiah 43:2.
A lot of times when difficult seasons come, we often forget our foundation, and we somehow lose our peace. Eventually, we find it difficult to see or feel grace in our perspectives.
Matthew 7:24-25 says: "Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock."
Maybe you are in a struggle right now. I don’t know where you are at right now or the season that you are in right now, but you are not alone!
God goes with you in deep water!
God is in your business!
God is in your job!
God is in your family!
God is in your house!
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for all that you have done in our lives. Through today, through the pandemic, your promises are still yes and amen; your grace and peace stay with us. Holy Spirit, help us to always remember in whatever seasons that we are in right now that Jesus is our firm foundation. In Jesus name, Amen.1 -
March 4, 2025
Bible Reading
1 Samuel chapter 20
Commentary Thoughts
Jonathan and David – A Covenant of Friendship
Jonathan’s friendship with David exemplified loyalty, sacrifice, and protection.
Despite his father Saul's hostility, Jonathan risked his life to safeguard David’s.
Their bond reminds us that true friendship seeks the other’s good, even at great personal cost.Who has been a Jonathan in your life, and how can you be one to others?
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March 5
Bible Reading
Ruth chapter 1
Ruth chapter 2
Ruth chapter 3
Ruth chapter 4
Ruth and Naomi – Loyal Companionship
Ruth’s unwavering devotion to Naomi during a time of grief highlights the power of steadfast love.
Their relationship, forged through hardship, demonstrates that friendship can bridge gaps of age and culture.
Reflect on how God can use your loyalty to bring hope to someone in need.0 -
March 5, 2025
Bible Reading
exodus 4:13-17
Exodus 4:27-31
Commentary Thoughts
Moses and Aaron – Support in Leadership
God gave Moses the mission to lead Israel but provided Aaron as his spokesperson and supporter.
Their teamwork shows that God often uses friends to strengthen our weaknesses.
Who is God using to support you in your journey, and how can you be a source of encouragement to others?
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March 6, 2025
Bible Reading
Job 2:11-13Commentary Thoughts
Job’s Friends – The Challenge of Comforting
Job’s friends initially showed great compassion by simply being present in his suffering. Although their words later faltered, their intent to comfort was sincere. Sometimes, being present speaks louder than words. Consider how you can practice the ministry of presence with someone who is hurting.
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March 8
Bible Reading
Acts 9:26-28
Commentary Thoughts
Paul and Barnabas – Encouragement for the Mission
Barnabas advocated for Paul when others doubted him, giving him a chance to serve. This act of encouragement set the stage for Paul’s impactful ministry. Your belief in someone’s potential can change their life. Who needs your encouragement today?
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March 9, 2025
Bible Reading
John 15:15
Commentary Devotional Thoughts
Jesus and His Disciples – Friendship with a Purpose
Jesus called His disciples friends, sharing His mission and heart with them. This friendship was built on trust, love, and purpose. Reflect on how your friendships can serve a higher purpose, fostering faith and growth in Christ.
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March 11, 2025
Bible Reading
2 Kings 2:9
Commentary Thoughts
Elijah and Elisha – Passing the Mantle
Elijah mentored Elisha, preparing him to carry on God’s work. Their relationship reminds us of the importance of investing in others. Who can you mentor or disciple in your walk with Christ?
Thank God for the gift of friendships and ask Him to deepen your relationships, aligning them with His purposes.
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March 12
Bible Reading
James 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:8-10
Commentary Thoughts
Sometimes we mix up the roles of salvation and faith, so I want to set the record straight.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior by placing your faith in Him alone for the forgiveness of your sins, you are given eternal life.
But while you trust Christ through faith, you are now supposed to live your life by faith.
These are two very different things. Trusting Christ for salvation is akin to receiving a gift. Living by faith is doing a work.
That’s why James says faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
He isn’t talking about getting to heaven; he’s talking about getting heaven down into you.Accepting Christ as your Savior takes you to heaven; living by faith brings heaven’s power and God’s experiential presence and authority to you on earth.
It allows you to see God enter history by showing up in your circumstances.
When you live by faith, God brings the supernatural to bear in the midst of the natural situations of your existence on earth.
In your own words, what is the relationship between faith and works?
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March 12
Bible Reading
James 2:8-10
Ephesians 2:8-10
Commentary Thoughts
Sometimes we mix up the roles of salvation and faith, so I want to set the record straight.
When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Savior by placing your faith in Him alone for the forgiveness of your sins, you are given eternal life.
But while you trust Christ through faith, you are now supposed to live your life by faith.
These are two very different things. Trusting Christ for salvation is akin to receiving a gift. Living by faith is doing a work.
That’s why James says faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
He isn’t talking about getting to heaven; he’s talking about getting heaven down into you.Accepting Christ as your Savior takes you to heaven; living by faith brings heaven’s power and God’s experiential presence and authority to you on earth.
It allows you to see God enter history by showing up in your circumstances.
When you live by faith, God brings the supernatural to bear in the midst of the natural situations of your existence on earth.
In your own words, what is the relationship between faith and works?
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March 13, 2025
Bible ReadingGenesis 1:26-31
Psalm 139:13-18
Community Thoughts
God's Beautiful Design
As we begin this journey, let's reflect on God's beautiful design for humanity. Today's reading reminds us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in God's image with purpose and intention. Take a moment to consider how God has uniquely designed you. What gifts, talents, or experiences has He given you? How might these reflect His image? Remember, you are not an accident or afterthought, but a masterpiece crafted by the Divine Artist. Today, thank God for His intentional design in your life and ask Him to help you live fully into that design.
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March 14, 2024
Bible Reading
1 Corinthians 3:11-14
Hebrews 11:39-40
Commentary Thoughts
Sometimes living by faith will make you come across as different. You may even appear weird to other people, just as Noah did.
But as Hebrews 11:38 says, those who live by faith are the men and women of whom “the world was not worthy.”
What makes the world not worthy of certain people?
It’s when they live so high in the spiritual realm that those around them in the earthly realm often can’t understand what they’re doing or why.
The world thinks they’re odd. They think they’ve lost their minds. They call them fanatics. Freaks. Or any other name people can come up with.
But the author of Hebrews reminds us the world, consisting of those who live according to the precepts of worldliness, is not worthy of those who truly live by faith.
It’s not worthy of those who know how to function from a higher vantage point.
Those who live with an eternal perspective outwit, outplay and outlast those who don’t.
That doesn’t mean they will always get their rewards while on earth, but in eternity, they will be richly rewarded.Faith gives us a future to look forward to.
What’s the best way to respond to people who don’t understand how your faith affects your life?
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Today the Bible Reading and Commentary comes from YouVerse:
Entitled The Father Knows Best:
March 15
Bible Reading
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalms 3:5-6
Commentary Thoughts
How could I remain hopeful after God did not answer one of the biggest prayers of my life—to heal my wife?
How can I possibly continue to encourage others to hold on to hope? This is the challenge I had to face.
Hope is our expectation for the future. I had hope that my wife, Lois, would be completely healed and restored.
We had goals, dreams of the future, great things we wanted to do together for the Lord and with each other.
God chose not to answer my prayer in the way I had hoped.
So, I had to hold on to a hope that God, in His wisdom, had a greater purpose and plan that could only be fulfilled in this way.
Hope for strength, for courage, for help in finding a way to move forward.
Hope that God would take all the pain and confusion and reveal a deeper experience of His love than ever before.
In the face of loss, we must let go and trust in His sovereignty and kindness. “Lord, it’s not my will,” I told Him, “But your will be done.”
That was an act of surrender, and I won’t pretend it was an easy thing to do.
Every believer will face a moment when they have to yield to His final decision and say “yes” to God about a “no” He has said to them.
What experiences have you had with God saying “no”? What was the result?
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March 16
Bible Reading
Proverbs 19:21
Psalm 37:5
Commentary Thoughts
Saying “yes” in the face of God’s “no” is a breaking process, and it is very painful. But it is also the place where God begins a new thing. Rarely do we understand it at the time.
The Lord does not ask that we be okay with being broken. He only asks that we submit to the breaking and trust Him with it. The apex of obedience to God is to faithfully say, “Lord, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not my will, but your will be done,” to release what is behind and press on to what lies ahead, to surrender, to let God close the door, regardless of how much it hurts.
Let Abraham testify. He was commanded to surrender his will and lay his son, Isaac, on the altar of sacrifice. Isaac was Abraham’s miracle baby, born when his father was one hundred years old.
And yet God called Abraham to lay his miracle on the altar at Mount Moriah. Facing the biggest loss in his life also led to Abraham’s biggest miracle, becoming not just Isaac’s father but the father of many nations.
How is obedience related to the discovery of God’s will for your life?
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March 17
Bible Reading
Matthew 6:33
Romans 8:27-28
Commentary Thoughts
One of the reasons we study theology is to learn about the nature of God so we can have a deeply rooted trust in Him.
My biological father gave me a great example of this type of trusting relationship.
I knew that he cared for me and would provide for our family’s needs.
I did not worry about food or clothes because I was confident my father would take care of those things.
He was a longshoreman, unloading freight from cargo ships to the docks on the Chesapeake Bay in Baltimore.
Some days there was no work to be had, but Dad was determined to do whatever he could to feed his family.
One advantage to being on the waterfront is there were always fish available.
Many days I came home from school to the smell of herring cooking in Mom’s kitchen.
Herring is basically a big sardine with lots of those nasty little bones in it and to this day I cannot stand to eat fish of any kind. At the time I hated it.
I’ve since learned that fresh herring is actually one of the most nutritious things a person can eat, full of antioxidants and those omega-3 fatty acids that doctors say are so important.
We may have grumbled about all that fish, but my siblings and I were a hearty bunch. God had a plan after all.
When has God given you something better than what you asked for?
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March 18
Theme: Meeting God on Holy Ground
Bible Reading
Psalm 59:10
Exodus 3:4-6
Commentary Thoughts
In Exodus 3:4-6, Moses found himself in front of a burning bush from which God was speaking. This wasn’t a normal situation!
God told Moses to take off his shoes, because the place he was standing was “holy ground.” It was a place for an encounter with the Living God. So, Moses slipped off his shoes in obedience to God’s command.
Removing his shoes demonstrated Moses’ humility in God’s presence. Please notice what God used in order to speak to Moses.
He used an ordinary object. The bush was already there. It was simply an ordinary bush that had been invaded by God’s supernatural presence.
But it resulted in an extraordinary encounter.
I don’t know how God is going to meet you, but I do know that any old bush will do. He’s prepared to meet you if you seek His face.
Are you prepared to meet Him at your own burning bush?
What burning bushes has God used to speak to you?
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March 19
Theme: Meeting God on Holy Ground
Bible Reading
Hebrews 12:29
Amos 4;12
Commentary Thoughts
God, who spoke through the burning bush, can use even the most ordinary thing and set fire to it as a greater manifestation of His power and glory. He wants to meet you where you are. But, let me remind you, if this is going to happen to you, you cannot be an asbestos Christian.
People put on asbestos suits when they work in close proximity to flames so that they won’t catch fire.
Some of us as believers will never burn with the brilliance of the Holy Spirit’s power made manifest in and through us because we wear evangelical asbestos suits.
We really don’t want to get close to the fire of God’s presence.
So, to protect ourselves from that which we cannot explain or rationalize, we put on our intellectual or emotional asbestos attire and we come to church, leaving on our asbestos shoes.
All the while we wonder why we don’t catch fire for the Lord.
God’s miraculous manifestations are for those who have the faith it requires to enter into His presence and the humility to surrender to His instructions.
As Amos 4:12 says, “Prepare to meet your God…”
We prepare through humble obedience.
Are you ready to enter God’s presence, or are you keeping a “safe” distance from Him?
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MARCH 20, 2025
Bible Reading
Daniel 3
Isaiah 43:2
1 Peter 2:20
Commentary Thoughts
Sometimes God will deliver you from whatever it is that seeks to do you harm. But there are other times when, because He wants to give you a special encounter with Himself, He will not deliver you from it, but instead He will join you in it.
Sometimes He wants you to see that even when you are in the fire, just like the bush Moses encountered, you will not be burned up.
Sometimes heaven wants to join you in a bad situation instead of taking you out of it.
But whether He takes you from it or joins you in it, you can have an encounter with the Living God because He has a perfect plan for you.
1 Peter 2:20 tells us why God sometimes allows the fire in our lives. It says, “For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God.”
When you do the right thing in the face of persecution, threat, pain, or any number of potential fears, this will bring you favor with God. Not only that, but it will also bring you His blessing.
Are you prepared, if necessary, to go through the fire so that you can find God in the midst of it?
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March 21
Bible Reading
Hebrews 10:23
Commentary Thoughts
Without Wavering.
“Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)” Hebrews 10:23 KJV
Hold fast to the profession of your faith. Hold fast to what God has declared over your life. Hold fast to God’s Word. What is your profession? What is your confession? What are you declaring over your life daily? What promises are you holding on to? Choose to profess and confess His Word daily.
According to Strong’s Concordance, the Greek word for profession is, ‘homologia’ (G3671) which means: “Subjectively: whom we profess to be ours. Objectively: profession [confession] i.e. what one professes [confesses].”
When you profess the Word of God, you are declaring that the principles, promises and precepts in the Word of God belong to you. When you profess the Word of God, you are personalizing it and making the Word your own. Choose to own and declare the promises of God that He has outlined His Word.
Hebrews 10:23 AMPC declares, “So let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgement of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His word.” God is faithful. God is reliable. God is able to fulfill His promises. Choose to believe His Word. Choose to hold on to His Word. Choose to confess and profess His Word over your life frequently.
Hebrews 10:23 NLT declares, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Trust God. Trust that He will keep His promise. Put your faith in God — without wavering. Stagger not at the promises of God. Keep moving forward in faith. Step forward without wavering. Choose to believe God’s Word. Choose to believe that He is faithful to complete and fulfill His promises. Choose to believe.
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March 22, 2025
Bible Reading
Romans 4:19-20
Ephesians 3:20
Hebrews 4:12
2 Corinthians 12:10
Commentary Thoughts
Stagger Not.
“And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;” Romans 4:19-20 KJV
And being not weak in faith, Abraham staggered not at the promises of God.
What has God promised you?
Choose not to stagger.
Choose to keep confessing God’s Word over your life.
Choose to keep believing God’s Word.
Keep moving forward.
Do not let fear creep in.
Do not allow doubt to choke your destiny.
Choose to put your trust in God.
Choose to rely upon His Word.
Choose to believe that God is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that you can ask or think.
Whatever you’re hoping for, whatever you’re believing God for, choose to put your faith and hope in the God who cannot fail.
Strengthen your faith by holding fast to His Word. Study His Word. Meditate on His Word.
Let His Word take deep root in your heart. Digest His Word daily. Exalt His Word in every area of your life. Make His Word a priority. Let His Word conquer your fears. Let His Word crush your flesh. Let His Word breathe new life into your situation.
For the Word of God is active and alive. “For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and [the immortal] spirit, and of joints and marrow [of the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 AMPC.
God’s Word will resurrect your dead situation.
God’s Word is life itself.
Choose to let God’s Word destroy bondages and break strongholds. Choose to let His Word sift and shift your heart.
The Word of God is operative. His Word will heal your heart and strengthen every area where you are weak. Let God’s Word strengthen you. Let His Word become your strong tower. Choose to run to Him. Don’t focus on the problem — choose to focus on the God who delivers. He is a way maker. He is a miracle worker. There is nothing too hard for God.
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March 23
Bible Reading
Isaiah 43:19
Commentary Thoughts
Way In The Wilderness.
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 KJV
God specializes in making new things. He likes to make new paths. He likes to create new ways of doing things. Trust in the God who creates. God creates. Since the beginning of time, God loves to create.
According to Strong’s Concordance, the Hebrew word for create is, ‘Bara’ (H1254) which means, “To create, shape or to form.”
God created everything in Heaven and in Earth.
Surely, He can create a new way for you.
Surely, God can do a new thing in your life.Surely, He can make a way when there is no way. Interestingly enough, the Hebrew word, “Bara” also means: “To fashion, to create (always with God as subject) of heaven and earth, create individual man, create new conditions and circumstances, create transformations, to birth, create something new, create miracles.”
Let God fashion something new in your life.
Let God tailor a solution to meet your specific need.
Let God do something new.
Let God birth something new.
Let God create something new.
Let God do it! Take your hands off it and let God do something brand new.
Let God create new conditions for your circumstance.
Let God create a platform of favor.
Let God transform your environment.
God loves to transform things and people.
God loves to make a new path in the wilderness. A wilderness is an unexplored terrain that has no identifiable pathway. A wilderness is a place of confusion and is cluttered by various obstacles and rugged terrain and wildlife.
When you’re in a wilderness you cannot see what’s ahead of you. The wilderness was meant to confuse you.
But God is not the author of confusion.
He is the author of peace. He is the author of clarity. He is the author of your destiny. He is the author of purpose. He is the author of your future. Choose to trust in Him.
Let God do a new thing. Let God lead you. Let God lead you through the wilderness. Let God carve out a new way. Let God do something that eyes have not seen nor have ears heard. Let God do a new and an innovative thing.
Choose to surrender to God. Choose to surrender to His way of doing things. Stagger not at the promises of God. Defeat doubt and waver not at His promises. Trust God — He’s got you.
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March 24
Bible Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22
Commentary Thoughts
Here is Paul the preacher again. Though it almost seems as if he is nearing the end of his sermon, he has a lot more to say. He peppers the Thessalonians with short command, trusting the Holy Spirit to put meat on those bones and help them apply the commands more specially.
Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything… Don’t stifle the Spirit...Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.
The commands are simple, but following them certainly isn’t! The only way we can constantly give thanks and rejoice is by knowing that God is working something out in our lives.
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March 25
Bible Reading
Psalm 107:1-9
Commentary Thoughts
The psalmist recalls how God cared for his people in the Wilderness
when they cried out to him (107:4-6). He
rescued them and led them
(107:6-7). Thus, the psalmist calls the people of God to thank him for his faithful love
–the love he expresses toward those in covenant with him (107:8). Such knowledge should cause God’s people today to praise him and look to him for deliverance in their own times of trouble.
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March 26
Bible Reading
Philippians 4:4-7
Commentary Reading
Prayer can often feel frustrating–like when you go to a soda machine, put in your money, punch the button, and nothing comes out.
But thinking of it in those terms causes us to miss how prayer works. God wants us to make requests “with thanksgiving.”
Of course, when you have a problem and it isn’t going away, giving thanks is not at the top of your priorities list.
But Paul’s telling us to give thanks, not for the problem itself but for the God we are inviting into our specific problem.
Offering thanks is a demonstration of faith in God’s goodness and provision despite what we see.
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March 28, 2025
Bible Reading
Psalm 100-1-4
Commentary Thoughts
The people in the psalmist’s day were commanded to
enter his gates
and
courts
. Though we do not go to a temple today, we are similarly commanded to enter into his presence. What is the password for entrance?
Thanksgiving
and
praise.
No matter what your circumstances,
give thanks to him and bless his name
because there’s always a reason to thank God. And doing so will transform you.
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March 29, 2025
Bible Reading
Psalm 95:1-5
Commentary Thoughts
Because God is
the rock of our salvation,
believers ought to
shout joyfully
to him corporately (95:1). Our praise is rooted in God’s power to save us. He alone is a
great King above all gods
because he is the Creator of all things–
the mountain peaks...the sea...the dry land
(95:3-5). When people in the ancient world came into the presence of kings to whom they were subjected, they would bring gifts. When we
enter
our King’s
presence
, the gift we bring is
thanksgiving
(95:2) for who he is, what he has done, and what we are trusting him to do.
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March 30th
Bible Reading
Philippians’s 3:10-11
Commentary Thoughts
Day 1:
Scripture:
“I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection of the dead.” Philippians 3:10-11 NIVA Call To: Draw Near
Ahhh, here’s the point of Christian life—“I want to know Christ.” To know Christ in every way! Earlier in this scripture passage, it talks about “not having a righteousness of my own,” but one based on Jesus and faith in Him only, not my own attempts to be good.Knowing Jesus is more than knowing about Jesus. Knowing Jesus means trusting Jesus.
Trusting He loves you and me. Leaning on His sinless life and death on a cross to save us because we can’t …absolutely cannot save ourselves!
Relying on His resurrection for new life inside our own souls now, and eventually a new life physically, just like Jesus, when we too, are raised from the dead.
What a massive relief to know that I cannot save myself, but Jesus can and Jesus does.
Now good days, hard days, all days become about abiding in Jesus.
Reflection:
In what area of your life do you want to know Jesus and abide in Him more fully?
Praise + Prayer:
I want to know You more, Jesus! I don’t want to keep You out of any area of my life.Instead, I want to know You in every single part of my life…good days and days where I am suffering.
Help me trust and abide in You, knowing that Your death and resurrection life both save and sustain me. Thank you. Amen!
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March 31
Bible Reading
Jeremiah 29:12
Commentary Thoughts
Day 2:
Scripture: “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” Jeremiah 29:12 NIVA Call To: Draw Near
Have you ever been in a place in your life where you have thought, “I never thought I would ever be here.” Maybe your health declined. Maybe a tragedy happened and you felt alone. Maybe God moved you to the other side of the country or world, away from all that was familiar. You felt alone and by yourself.
Jeremiah reassures you that you’re never alone. God is with you. He has a plan for you even in the unfamiliar. He’s with you to give you peace, a future, and a hope. He wants you to call on Him and pray. Tell Him all that is on your mind. Every hurt. Every fear. Every disappointment. He wants to hear it all. He’s the ultimate listener. He actually yearns to listen to all that’s on your mind.
In this moment, right where you are, lay it all out to Him. He’s listening.
Reflection:
When was a time you felt alone? How did you handle the situation? Did you call on God?
Praise + Prayer:
Lord, You know this isn’t what I had planned for my life. I never saw this coming. I’m thankful You’re here with me, though. You’re my friend and I can talk to You anytime of day or night. You’re always listening and answering my prayers. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen0