Living in the Midst of Apostasy for God
Day 1: Strengthen Your Faith
Scripture Reading: Jude 20 (CSB)
“But you, dear friends, as you build yourselves up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Commentary:
Strengthening your faith is an active, ongoing process. Jude urges believers to build their lives on Christ, likening it to constructing a solid foundation that will stand against the storms of life. This isn’t a one-time effort but a daily commitment to growing in knowledge, fellowship, and love for God. When believers gather to worship, study the Word, and serve one another, their faith is fortified, much like a boxer continually trains to stay ready for a fight.
This preparation ensures believers can stand firm when faced with challenges, including the deceit of apostasy. By maintaining a consistent spiritual rhythm—through worship, prayer, and mutual accountability—we remain vigilant and spiritually prepared to thrive in our faith.
Reflection Questions:
How are you actively building your faith each day?
In what ways do worship and fellowship strengthen your walk with God?
What obstacles can weaken your faith if left unchecked?
How can you encourage others in your church to remain strong in their faith?
Thought of the Day:
A strong faith doesn’t happen by chance; it’s built by daily trust and devotion.
Song: “Firm Foundation (He Won’t)” by Cody Carnes
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to show you areas where your faith needs strengthening and for the discipline to build a firm spiritual foundation.
Day 2: Pray in the Spirit
Scripture Reading: Jude 20 (CSB)
“Praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Commentary:
Praying in the Spirit means aligning your prayers with God’s will, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your words and intercede on your behalf. This isn’t about speaking in tongues but about a heart posture of submission and connection with God. When we approach God in humility, seeking His desires above our own, we pray in the Spirit.
This practice deepens our relationship with God and helps us navigate life’s complexities with divine wisdom. By spending time in silence, meditating on His Word, and inviting the Spirit to guide us, we position ourselves to hear God’s voice clearly and respond in obedience.
Reflection Questions:
What does praying in the Spirit look like in your life?
How can you cultivate a habit of Spirit-led prayer?
Are there prayers you’ve prayed that didn’t align with God’s will? How did He redirect you?
What role does silence and listening play in your prayer life?
Thought of the Day:
Spirit-led prayers align our hearts with God’s will and invite His power into our lives.
Song: “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” by Matt Maher
Prayer Focus:
Pray for discernment and sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading in your prayers and decisions.
Day 3: Keep Yourself in Love with God
Scripture Reading: Jude 21 (CSB)
“Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.”
Commentary:
God’s love for us is constant and unchanging, but our love for Him can waver if we aren’t intentional. Jude reminds believers to guard their hearts and stay rooted in God’s love. Like the Israelites who turned to false gods, we are tempted to pursue things that pull us away from God.
Staying in love with God requires daily focus on Him through worship, obedience, and gratitude. When we fix our gaze on Jesus, recognizing Him as our sustainer and redeemer, we find no reason to look elsewhere. He is our all-in-all, and His love is sufficient to satisfy every longing.
Reflection Questions:
What does it mean to “keep yourself in the love of God”?
Are there things in your life pulling you away from God’s love?
How can gratitude deepen your relationship with God?
What steps can you take to rekindle your love for God if it has grown cold?
Thought of the Day:
God’s love never changes, but we must actively choose to stay close to Him.
Song: “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury
Prayer Focus:
Ask God to help you keep your heart focused on Him and to resist distractions that pull you away.
Day 4: Anticipate Eternal Life
Scripture Reading: Jude 21 (CSB)
“Waiting expectantly for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ for eternal life.”
Commentary:
The promise of eternal life with God is the believer’s ultimate hope. Jude encourages us to live with an expectant heart, keeping our eyes fixed on the mercy of Jesus and the eternity He has secured for us. This hope shapes our priorities, guiding how we treat others, use our resources, and face challenges.
Anticipating eternal life doesn’t mean ignoring our earthly responsibilities but living with the assurance that our struggles are temporary and our future is secure. Let this hope inspire you to live boldly for Christ, knowing that every act of faithfulness will be rewarded in His presence.
Reflection Questions:
How does the promise of eternal life influence your daily decisions?
Are you living in a way that reflects an eternal perspective?
What challenges make it difficult to live with hope?
How can you encourage others to trust in the promise of eternal life?
Thought of the Day:
Eternal life is not a distant dream; it’s a promise secured by Christ’s mercy.
Song: “Living Hope” by Phil Wickham
Prayer Focus:
Thank God for the gift of eternal life and ask for a heart that longs for His presence.
Day 5: Show Mercy to the Doubting
Scripture Reading: Jude 22-23 (CSB)
“Have mercy on those who waver; save others by snatching them from the fire; have mercy on others but with fear, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.”
Commentary:
Jude calls believers to extend mercy to those who struggle with doubt. These individuals aren’t hardened apostates but those wrestling with their faith. Showing mercy means patiently walking alongside them, offering encouragement and truth without judgment.
At the same time, we’re warned to guard our hearts and maintain a healthy respect for sin’s danger. Helping others doesn’t mean compromising our convictions or putting ourselves at risk. With discernment and love, we can guide the doubting back to Christ while staying anchored in truth.
Reflection Questions:
How do you respond to others who struggle with doubt?
Are you quick to judge or slow to show mercy?
How can you guard your heart while helping others?
Who in your life needs encouragement in their faith?
Thought of the Day:
Mercy can be the bridge that brings the doubting back to Christ.
Song: “His Mercy Is More” by Matt Papa & Matt Boswell
Prayer Focus:
Pray for a heart that reflects God’s mercy and the wisdom to help others without compromising your faith.