August 6, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Zephaniah 1-3

Common Theme

  • God warns of an impending day of judgment for all nations because of idolatry and rebellion, yet promises restoration and joy for a humble remnant who seek refuge in Him. His justice and mercy converge as He purifies His people and dwells among them as their victorious King.

Questions

  • How does Zephaniah’s vision of judgment and restoration reveal God’s heart toward sin and redemption?
  • What does it mean for God to “rejoice over you with gladness” (3:17), and how should that shape our view of Him?

God Shot

God is a righteous Judge who cannot overlook wickedness, yet He is also a redeeming King who delights in saving and restoring His people. He is mighty to save, rejoicing over His redeemed with singing and dwelling in their midst as their protector and joy.

    August 5, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

    2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35

    Common Theme
    Josiah’s reign is marked by a rediscovery of God’s Law, leading to national repentance and covenant renewal. God’s Word exposes sin, and true reform comes only through wholehearted obedience to Him.

    Questions

    • How does Josiah’s response to God’s Law challenge our own posture toward Scripture and repentance?
    • What does this passage teach about the relationship between God’s Word and spiritual revival?

    God Shot
    God reveals Himself as the covenant-keeping Lord who calls His people back to holiness through His Word. He delights in repentance and faithfully responds to those who humble themselves before Him.

    Freedom Starts Today – Week 4 Study Guide

    Study Guide: Days 22–28

    Day 22 – Witness Relocation

    In Christ, believers are spiritually placed in a ‘witness relocation program.’ Satan once sought to destroy us through sin, but when we trusted Jesus, our old identity died and we were given a completely new life hidden with Christ in God. The enemy may still look for the person we used to be, but that person no longer exists. We were crucified with Christ and raised with Him. This transformation grants true freedom from sin’s power and Satan’s accusations, as our identity is now fully secured in Christ’s victory.

    Scripture: Colossians 3:3

    Discussion Questions

    • How does understanding your old self as ‘dead’ change the way you face temptation?
    • What does it mean to have your life ‘hidden with Christ in God’?

    Day 23 – The Pain of Poisonous Pleasures

    Like a small lead BB embedded in flesh causing infection and pain, even ‘little sins’ can poison and cripple our spiritual health. Sin often appears harmless or pleasurable for a moment but ultimately leads to destruction and death. Galatians 5:17 reminds us that the flesh and Spirit are in constant conflict; tolerating sin is like nurturing a toxin that seeks to kill us. Through the Spirit’s power, believers must actively destroy sin’s hold, extinguishing the enemy’s fiery arrows and turning their affections back to God, who alone brings life.

    Scripture: Romans 5; Galatians 5:17; Ephesians 6:16

    Discussion Questions

    • What are some ‘small sins’ that can poison spiritual growth?
    • How does the Spirit help you fight against sin’s destructive power?

    Day 24 – Lighting a Twelve-Year Fuse

    Sin’s consequences are not always immediate. Like a slow burning fuse, it may take years before its full destructive force detonates, causing relational, physical, mental, and spiritual death. A 12 year descent into hopelessness and addiction ended only after crying out to Jesus. Setting the mind on the flesh leads only to death, but setting it on the Spirit brings life and peace. God’s promise is that regardless of circumstances, turning to Him daily results in transformation, freedom, and restored joy even when external problems persist.

    Scripture: Romans 8:6

    Discussion Questions

    • Why is sin sometimes described as having a ‘long fuse’?
    • What does it mean to ‘set the mind on the Spirit’ in daily life?

    Day 25 – Your Pain Is Never in Vain

    God never wastes pain. Through suffering, He deepens our hearts, builds compassion, and equips us to minister to others. The story of Ramsey Stone illustrates how God redeems even devastating tragedy, turning severe burns into a calling to heal and comfort others. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 assures that God comforts us in every affliction so we can extend His comfort to others. Scars may remain, but through God’s redemption, they become testimonies of His mercy and instruments for blessing future generations. Suffering, when surrendered to Him, produces eternal impact.

    Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3–4

    Discussion Questions

    • How has God used pain in your life to grow or change you?
    • In what ways can you comfort others because of what God has brought you through?

    Day 26 – Raining Prayer

    Prayer mirrors the water cycle. Our petitions rise to heaven like evaporation, God sovereignly gathers and purifies them, and in His timing, He pours out blessings like rain. A drought in Haiti highlighted the desperate need for water, and when God answered with torrential rain, it sparked praise and faith. Similarly, our prayers never go unheard; they return as pure, life giving provision from God’s hand. Believers are called to trust this divine cycle, continually praying, believing, and then worshiping when God pours out His answers, knowing His timing and gifts are perfect.

    Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:11

    Discussion Questions

    • How does the rain cycle help you better understand prayer?
    • Why is thanksgiving an important part of the prayer process?

    Day 27 – My Kids Own Everything

    Just as children legally inherit everything their parents own, believers inherit every spiritual blessing through Christ. All New Testament promises find their ‘Yes’ in Jesus, meaning they belong to every child of God by faith. This inheritance is not earthly prosperity but the riches of a relationship with Christ: grace, strength, comfort, and eternal hope. Christians are called to live as true heirs, personally embracing God’s promises, saying ‘Amen’ to His Word, and giving thanks for His generous gifts that secure spiritual abundance now and forever.

    Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:20; Ephesians 1:3

    Discussion Questions

    • What does it mean to be an heir of every spiritual blessing?
    • How can you live as though these promises truly belong to you?

    Day 28 – First Be Reconciled

    Unresolved past wrongs often weigh heavily on our present struggles. True freedom sometimes requires humbly making amends with those we’ve harmed, regardless of the outcome. A personal story of confession and restitution to a former landlord demonstrates obedience to Jesus’ command in Matthew 5:23–24. Reconciliation lifted a burden and even opened doors for ministry. God calls believers to seek forgiveness and restore relationships as an act of worship, trusting Him to handle responses and outcomes. This step of obedience reflects Christ’s reconciling love and leads to deeper peace and freedom.

    Scripture: Matthew 5:23–24; Ephesians 4

    Discussion Questions

    • Is there someone you need to seek forgiveness from?
    • How does reconciliation reflect Christ’s love in your life?

    Keep Circling in Prayer

    “On the seventh day, march around the city seven times.”
    Joshua 6:4

    To pray or not to pray—those are the only options. Whether you’ve been circling your prayers for the past seventeen days or seventeen years, if the answer is not yet, then you’ve got to keep circling. It’s always too early to give up! Because it’s never over until God says it’s over. If your cause is ordained by God, then the battle belongs to the Lord. It’s His victory to win, not yours. God’s timing is perfect. And as you wait, you’ve got to keep praying.

    Today, examine the request you want to bring to God. No matter if it’s an old request or a new one, if it’s ordained by God, then write it down, keep praying, keep asking, keep circling.

    Excerpt from The Circle Maker: 40 Day Prayer Challenge by Mark Batterson

    August 4, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

    Nahum 1–3

    Common Theme
    God’s justice is certain and inescapable as He pronounces judgment on Nineveh for its cruelty and oppression. Yet, in His sovereign power, He also brings comfort and deliverance to His people, proving Himself both just and a stronghold in times of trouble.

    Questions

    • How does God’s judgment on Nineveh reveal His commitment to justice for the oppressed?
    • In what ways does this passage show that God’s power brings both destruction to evil and protection for His people?

    God Shot
    God is a jealous and avenging protector who will not let wickedness go unpunished. At the same time, He is a refuge for those who trust in Him, demonstrating His unmatched power to both judge and save.

    August 3, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

    2 Chronicles 32-33

    Common Theme
    God delivers and strengthens His people when they rely on Him, but rebellion and pride lead to judgment and exile. Yet, even in the depth of sin, God shows mercy to the repentant, restoring those who humble themselves before Him.

    Questions

    • How does Hezekiah’s reliance on God during Assyrian threats contrast with Manasseh’s rebellion?
    • What does Manasseh’s restoration teach us about God’s willingness to forgive even the gravest sins?

    God Shot
    God is both a mighty defender of His people and a merciful redeemer of the repentant. His power humbles kings, and His grace reaches into the darkest prisons to bring restoration to those who turn back to Him.

    August 2, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

    2 Kings 20–21

    Common Theme
    God responds to prayer and extends mercy to the repentant, yet He also brings judgment when leaders lead His people into deep sin and idolatry. The faithfulness of God contrasts sharply with human unfaithfulness and rebellion.

    Questions

    • How does God’s response to Hezekiah’s prayer demonstrate His mercy and sovereignty over life and death?
    • What does Manasseh’s reign reveal about the consequences of turning a nation toward idolatry?

    God Shot
    God shows Himself as both merciful and just—merciful in granting Hezekiah more years of life and delivering Jerusalem, yet just in declaring judgment against Judah for Manasseh’s wickedness. He is a God who listens to prayer but will not overlook persistent rebellion against His covenant.

    August 1, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

    Isaiah 64-66

    Common Theme
    God answers the cry of His people for mercy, promising both judgment on persistent rebellion and the creation of a new heavens and new earth where His faithful servants will rejoice. He reveals Himself as the sovereign Lord who listens, restores, and establishes eternal peace for those who humble themselves before Him.

    Questions

    • How does God’s response to Israel’s repentance shape our understanding of His justice and mercy?
    • What does the promise of a new heavens and new earth reveal about God’s ultimate plan for His people?

    God Shot
    God is the compassionate yet holy Redeemer who does not ignore sin but draws near to the humble and contrite. He is the sovereign Creator who will bring forth a glorious, everlasting kingdom where righteousness dwells.

    July 31, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

    Isaiah 59-63

    Common Theme
    God intervenes as a divine warrior to bring justice and salvation when human righteousness fails. He promises redemption for His people, establishing His covenant and bringing glory to Zion through His power.

    Questions

    • How does God’s role as a warrior and redeemer shape our understanding of His justice and mercy?
    • What do these chapters reveal about God’s commitment to fulfill His covenant despite human sinfulness?

    God Shot
    God is the righteous Redeemer who personally steps in to save His people when no one else can. His zeal for justice and love for Zion display His unstoppable commitment to restore and glorify His people.

    The Second Exodus – Lesson 26

    Title: Lesson 26

    Summary:

    Jesus Christ, the promised light, fulfills the covenants and brings salvation by dwelling with His people. He is the ultimate covenant mediator who gives life, dispels darkness, and establishes God’s eternal kingdom through His sacrifice and victory.

    Scripture References:

    Genesis 3:15 – ESV
    15. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

    Galatians 3:16 – ESV
    16. Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.

    John 1:1-14 – ESV

    1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
    2. He was in the beginning with God.
    3. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.
    4. In him was life, and the life was the light of men.
    5. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
    6. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
    7. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him.
    8. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
    9. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
    10. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.
    11. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.
    12. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
    13. who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
    14. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

    John 8:12 – ESV
    12. Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

    1 John 1:5-7 – ESV
    5. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
    6. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.
    7. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

    Matthew 5:17 – ESV
    17. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

    Luke 22:20 – ESV
    20. And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

    Hebrews 8:13 – ESV
    13. In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

    John 3:18 – ESV
    18. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

    John 3:36 – ESV
    36. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

    John 5:24 – ESV
    24. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

    Deuteronomy 6:4-9 – ESV
    4. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.
    5. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
    6. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.
    7. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.
    8. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
    9. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

    Ephesians 1:1-14 – ESV

    1. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
    2. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
    3. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,
    4. even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
    5. he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will,
    6. to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
    7. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
    8. which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
    9. making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ
    10. as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
    11. In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
    12. so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
    13. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
    14. who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.