Month: July 2025

Hebrews Chapter 11 Summary

Faith Defined

Hebrews 11 opens by defining faith as “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This sets the tone for the entire chapter, emphasizing trust in God’s promises even when they are not immediately visible or fulfilled.

Faith in the Ancients

The chapter recounts the stories of key figures from the Old Testament; Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, and many others—who lived by faith. Each one believed God’s word and acted on it, often at great personal cost and without seeing the final outcome in their lifetime.

Strangers and Exiles

These faithful men and women acknowledged that they were “strangers and exiles on the earth,” looking ahead to a better homeland, a heavenly one. This eternal perspective fueled their obedience and gave them courage to endure trials, suffering, and uncertainty.

Commended but Waiting

Though they were commended for their faith, they did not receive the fullness of what was promised. God had a greater plan that included future generations. Their faith points forward to Christ and calls us to live with the same hope and perseverance.

Living by Faith Today

Hebrews 11 invites believers today to trust in the unseen, to endure in hope, and to live with eyes fixed on the eternal. Just like those who came before us, we are called to walk by faith, not by sight, knowing that God is preparing something far better than what this world offers.

July 18, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Isaiah 23–27

Common Theme
God brings judgment on the pride of nations and the corruption of the world, but He also promises restoration, refuge, and resurrection for His people. The Lord is both the righteous Judge and the gracious Redeemer who reigns in glory.

Questions

  • What does Isaiah’s contrast between worldly pride and God’s refuge reveal about where we place our security?
  • How does God’s promise to swallow up death impact the way we view our present suffering?

God Shot
God is the sovereign Lord who humbles the proud and shelters the humble. He is the One who swallows up death forever and wipes away tears revealing His heart to redeem and restore, not just to judge.

July 17, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Isaiah 18-22

Common Theme

These chapters depict God’s judgment against various nations, showing His sovereignty over all peoples and His authority to humble pride and idolatry. God demonstrates that no nation, no matter how powerful or self-reliant, can escape His righteous rule and ultimate plans.

Questions

  • How do these prophecies against the nations shape your view of God’s power and global authority?
  • In what ways might we, like these nations, rely on our own strength instead of trusting in God?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as the Lord of hosts who reigns over every nation and orchestrates history according to His purposes. He is patient and deliberate, carrying out His judgments with perfect wisdom and timing, showing that He alone is truly in control.

July 16, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Isaiah 13-17

Common Theme

God sovereignly judges the nations for their pride and wickedness, demonstrating that no earthly power can stand against His purposes. Through these judgments, He reveals His ultimate authority over all kingdoms and His commitment to humble human arrogance.

Questions

  • How does seeing God judge powerful nations shape your view of His authority and justice today?
  • In what ways might pride cause individuals or societies to ignore God’s sovereignty?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as the supreme ruler who rises against all pride and self-exaltation, proving that He alone holds ultimate power over the earth. He acts with unwavering righteousness and intentionality, showing that His judgments are deliberate and just.

From Intimidating to Inviting: Reading the Bible with SPACES

Using the SPACES Bible Study Tool

Overview

Reading the Bible can feel intimidating. The SPACES acronym is a simple tool to help you engage with Scripture, understand it, and apply it to your life. You can write this acronym on a piece of paper or in your journal and use it as a guide every time you read a chapter.

What SPACES Stands For

S — Sin to Avoid

  • Look for sins mentioned directly or shown through characters’ actions.
  • Ask: What behavior or attitude should I avoid?

P — Promise to Claim

  • Identify promises God gives in the passage.
  • Ask: What can I confidently trust God for in my own life?

A — Attribute of God

  • Notice what the passage teaches about God’s character.
  • Ask: What does this reveal about who God is?

C — Command to Obey

  • Find explicit or implicit instructions to follow.
  • Ask: What is God calling me to do or change?

E — Example to Follow

  • Observe positive examples in characters’ lives.
  • Ask: Who should I imitate in this passage?

S — Something to Pray About

  • Turn what you read into a personal prayer.
  • Ask: How should I respond to God in prayer based on this passage?

How to Use It

  1. Write “SPACES” at the top of your notes when you start a chapter.
  2. As you read, jot down insights under each letter.
  3. Use your notes to guide prayer and application.
  4. Share it with a friend or in a small group study to help others engage with Scripture.

Why Use SPACES?

  • Reduces intimidation when reading the Bible.
  • Encourages deeper understanding and reflection.
  • Makes it easier to discuss and share Scripture with others.

Start using SPACES today and enjoy a more meaningful time in God’s Word!

Adapted from content by Jeremy Vuolo, shared in an Instagram video post.

July 15, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

2 Chronicles 28; 2 Kings 16-17

Common Theme

These chapters describe the deepening unfaithfulness of Judah and Israel, leading to Judah’s defeat under Ahaz and Israel’s ultimate exile by Assyria. They show how persistent idolatry and rejection of God’s covenant result in judgment and loss.

Questions

  • What small compromises in worship or allegiance might lead us away from wholehearted devotion to God?
  • How does God’s patience with Israel and Judah challenge our understanding of His justice and mercy?

God Shot

God is shown as a holy and jealous God who cannot overlook persistent rebellion and idolatry. Yet even in judgment, His actions reveal a deep desire for His people to return to Him and acknowledge His rightful rule.

July 14, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Micah 1-7

Common Theme

God confronts His people’s sin and injustice with righteous judgment, yet promises future restoration and deliverance through a Shepherd-King. His faithfulness shines as He shows compassion and offers hope beyond their failures.

Questions

  • How does God’s combination of justice and mercy challenge your understanding of His character?
  • What areas of your life need to be brought into alignment with God’s call for justice and humility?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as both the righteous Judge who cannot overlook sin and the compassionate Redeemer who delights in showing steadfast love. He pardons iniquity and casts sins into the depths of the sea, demonstrating His unmatched commitment to mercy and faithfulness.

July 13, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

2 Chronicles 27; Isaiah 9-12

Common Theme

God is sovereign over both righteous and unrighteous rulers, and He promises a future reign of perfect justice and peace through the coming Messiah. Despite present corruption and judgment, God’s ultimate plan is to establish His righteous kingdom through a faithful King from David’s line.

Questions

  • How does seeing God’s promise of a perfect future King shape the way you view current leaders and earthly kingdoms?
  • In what ways does God’s commitment to justice and righteousness encourage you today?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as the faithful King who ensures His purposes prevail regardless of human failures. He delights in establishing justice and peace, showing that His heart is set on restoring creation through His own righteous rule.

July 12, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Amos 6-9

Common Theme

God warns of judgment against Israel’s complacency, pride, and injustice, but also promises ultimate restoration for His people. Despite severe discipline, God’s covenant faithfulness leads to a future hope of renewal and blessing.

Questions

  • In what ways can comfort and prosperity make us blind to spiritual decay and injustice?
  • How does God’s promise of restoration shape our understanding of His judgment?

God Shot

God is both the righteous judge who cannot ignore sin and the merciful restorer who rebuilds and blesses His people. His unwavering commitment to justice and His gracious determination to restore show His steadfast love and faithfulness.

July 11, 2025 – Bible Recap Journal

Amos 1-5

Common Theme

God pronounces judgment on the surrounding nations and Israel for their injustice, oppression, and empty religious rituals. He demands true righteousness and justice rather than outward religious performances.

Questions

  • In what ways might we be offering God empty worship while neglecting justice and righteousness?
  • How does God’s hatred of injustice shape how we should view our own treatment of others?

God Shot

God reveals Himself as a righteous judge who cannot tolerate hypocrisy or oppression. He desires justice to “roll on like a river” and righteousness like a never-failing stream, showing His deep love for moral integrity and compassion.