Day 1: Monday, May 5, 2025
Title: Faithfulness in Exile
Scripture Reading: Daniel 1:8 (CSB) — “Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank.”
Commentary:
Exile didn’t erase Daniel’s identity—it revealed it. Far from home, stripped of status, surrounded by pagan culture, Daniel remained devoted to the Lord. When pressured to conform, he resolved in his heart not to compromise. Babylon offered a new name, a new diet, and a new education—but Daniel clung to a greater allegiance. His courage wasn’t loud or reckless; it was firm, rooted in quiet conviction.
Like Daniel, we live in a world that constantly pulls us away from truth. Our Babylon may not look like his, but the pressure is the same. Culture wants us to blend in, but God calls us to stand out. Daniel shows us what faithfulness looks like in enemy territory—and reminds us that faithfulness to God is always worth the cost.
Reflection Questions:
- Where in your life are you tempted to conform instead of stand firm?
- What does it look like to live faithfully in “Babylon” today?
- Are there any compromises you’ve made that God is calling you to correct?
- How can you remind yourself daily of your true identity in Christ?
Thought of the Day:
Faithfulness in exile isn’t just possible—it’s powerful.
Song: “Christ Is Mine Forevermore” – CityAlight
Quote from the Sermon:
“Babylon gave Daniel a new name, new food, and new culture—but it couldn’t take his identity. He belonged to God.”
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to strengthen your resolve to stand firm in faith, even when it’s unpopular.
Day 2: Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Title: God Begins with Worship
Scripture Reading: Ezra 3:10–11 (CSB) — “When the builders had laid the foundation of the Lord’s temple… all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord…”
Commentary:
When God brought His people back from exile, the first task wasn’t rebuilding walls or cities—it was rebuilding the altar. Why? Because worship is the starting point of restoration. Before God restores your platform, He rebuilds your altar. The Israelites needed more than a home—they needed their hearts realigned to God’s presence and glory.
This truth still stands: God always starts with worship. When you’re coming out of sin, loss, or distance from God, His first call isn’t to productivity—it’s to intimacy. Rebuilding the temple was about more than stones; it was about putting God back at the center of their lives.
Reflection Questions:
- What has taken center stage in your life instead of God?
- In what ways have you prioritized platform over worship?
- How does your personal worship reflect your need for God’s presence?
- What would it look like for you to rebuild the “altar” in your life this week?
Thought of the Day:
Restoration begins at the altar.
Song: “Behold Our God” – Sovereign Grace Music
Quote from the Sermon:
“Before He rebuilds your platform, He rebuilds your altar—because until He has your worship, He doesn’t truly have you.”
Prayer Focus:
Pray for a heart that longs for God above all else. Ask Him to center your life around worship again.
Day 3: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Title: Build and Battle
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 4:17 (CSB) — “The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.”
Commentary:
Nehemiah faced fierce opposition, but he didn’t retreat—he adjusted. With a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other, he and his people pressed forward. Their mission was to rebuild a city, but the enemy wanted to destroy their progress. So Nehemiah led them to build and battle simultaneously.
That’s the Christian life. You don’t get to wait for peace to obey God. Often, obedience and opposition come together. Whether you’re rebuilding your faith, family, or purpose—you will face spiritual resistance. But like Nehemiah, you must keep building. Keep praying. Keep standing. The work is worth the war.
Reflection Questions:
- What are you building in this season?
- Where have you allowed opposition to halt your obedience?
- What “weapons” of faith are you using to fight discouragement and fear?
- Who can you enlist to pray with you as you build and battle?
Thought of the Day:
Opposition doesn’t mean you’re off course—it may mean you’re right where God wants you.
Song: “Battle Belongs” – Phil Wickham
Quote from the Sermon:
“Nehemiah tells his men: build with one hand, sword in the other. In other words—don’t stop. Stay ready. Keep building.”
Prayer Focus:
Pray for courage to stay the course in the face of spiritual resistance. Ask God to protect your work and your heart.
Day 4: Thursday, May 8, 2025
Title: God Disciplines to Restore
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:6 (CSB) — “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and punishes every son he receives.”
Commentary:
God’s discipline is not a sign of rejection—it’s proof of His love. Just like a good parent corrects their child for their good, God corrects His children to bring them back into alignment with His will. Israel’s exile was harsh, but it was never purposeless. Through loss and judgment, God was pruning His people for restoration.
Maybe you’re in a season of pruning—where things are falling apart, and you’re wondering if God is even paying attention. Don’t misinterpret discipline as distance. Sometimes the breaking is actually God’s way of building. He removes the idols, exposes the lies, and brings us back to Himself.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you viewed discipline as punishment or love?
- What might God be trying to correct in your life right now?
- How has God used brokenness to draw you back before?
- What spiritual fruit could grow from your current trials?
Thought of the Day:
God disciplines not to destroy—but to restore.
Song: “Though You Slay Me” – Shane & Shane (feat. John Piper)
Quote from the Sermon:
“He may break us down, but it’s only to build us up in Him.”
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for loving you enough to correct you. Ask Him to reveal and heal anything that keeps you from wholehearted obedience.
Day 5: Friday, May 9, 2025
Title: Trust the Promise in the Silence
Scripture Reading: Malachi 4:5 (CSB) — “Look, I am going to send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes.”
Commentary:
Malachi ends with a promise—but then comes 400 years of silence. No prophet. No vision. No fresh word. Yet behind the silence, God was still at work. While Israel waited, God was preparing the way for Jesus. The silence was not the end—it was the setup.
You might be in a silent season right now. But silence doesn’t mean absence. God’s delays are never without purpose. Like a seed planted underground, His promises often grow in unseen places. So trust Him. Even when it’s quiet. Even when nothing seems to move. He is still writing your story—and Jesus is still the Redeemer.
Reflection Questions:
- Where in your life are you experiencing silence from God?
- How are you tempted to doubt His faithfulness during quiet seasons?
- What can you do while you wait that honors Him?
- What promises are you holding onto in this season?
Thought of the Day:
Silence is not absence—it’s preparation.
Song: “He Will Hold Me Fast” – Keith & Kristyn Getty
Quote from the Sermon:
“Silence doesn’t mean you’re forgotten—it may mean you’re being prepared.”
Prayer Focus:
Pray for patience and faith to trust God in silent seasons. Ask Him to help you wait well.