With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, more time than ever is being spent online as families are forced to stay inside. As many have experienced, not all encounters online are positive. Negativity, judgement, anger, and depression run rampant in many areas. We have a hope unlike any other and we not only want to share that hope, but let God’s word be a light in the darkness. Below is part 2 of a 15-day Bible reading plan created by president Ryan Wolfe. At the end, you may also download this in printable PDF format. We have also made available the graphics we shared on our social media accounts. We encourage you to use any and all of these to help share God’s word.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4
Question: Sometimes when you are in the midst of difficult times you need a friendly reminder that you are not alone and that you will make it! A little encouragement goes a long way. Who can you encourage today?
Prayer: God, sometimes it is hard to believe it will be okay. Thank you for your promise to always be with me. Help me to be brave. Help me to see you today.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” – Isaiah 41:10
Question: Have you ever felt like you could not possibly go on one more day? Do you know someone that feels this way? Reach out to someone today that needs to hear a friendly voice.
Prayer: God, I need your help. I cannot do this for one more day on my own. Hold me up!
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Thought: If you believe in God His Spirit lives in you. Take comfort from the fact that God is with you. He can give you strength, love, and peace today.
Prayer: God, thank you for not leaving me alone. Thank you for giving me enough strength, love, and peace for this day.
“Turn all your worries over to him. He cares about you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
Question: Are you worried about little things like toilet paper? Are you worried about big things like having a job or home to live in? Know of someone who is a worrier call or text them today to remind them that you care. If the worrier is you remember that God cares about you.
Prayer: God, thank you for caring for me. Help me to give my worries to you today.
“Worry makes the heart heavy. But a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Thought: Have you ever felt like your heart was too heavy for your chest? It is an unsettling feeling. Uncertain times like these can easily increase our worries. I love that the Bible tells us what can help us when we feel burdened by worry. Kindness can do wonders. Show kindness to someone who needs it today.
Prayer: God, my heart feels heavy today. I need you today. I need to know it is going to be okay.
“I was patient while I waited for the Lord. He turned to me and heard my cry for help.” – Psalm 40:1
Question: Have you ever asked someone for help and got no answer from them? How did that make you feel? It is encouraging to know that God always hears our prayers.
Prayer: God, thank you for hearing my prayers. Help me to be patient as I wait upon you and others.
“I was sliding down into the pit of death, and he pulled me out.
He brought me up out of the mud and dirt.
He set my feet on a rock.
He gave me a firm place to stand on.” – Psalm 40:2
Question: God cares for you. God will rescue you. Do you have a friend that feels like they are stuck in a pit? Reach out to them today.
Prayer: God, thank you for coming to my rescue. Thank you for saving me from my sins. Help me to remember that you are always there for me.
“He gave me a new song to sing.
It is a hymn of praise to our God.
Many people will see and have respect for the Lord.
They will put their trust in him.” – Psalm 40:3
Thought: God is so good to us! He meets our every need. Pick your favorite song from church and blast it today. Sing your heart out to God. Don’t worry about what your friends may think God is worth your praise!
Prayer: God, help me praise you daily for your goodness.
“Further, my brothers and sisters, be joyful because you belong to the Lord!” – Philippians 3:1
Question: What are some of the things that bring you great joy? Thank God for those things today.
Prayer: God, I thank you because I can call you Father. My joy comes from you. Help me always to remember that my joy cannot be taken from me because of my circumstances.
“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so they may have life. I want them to have it in the fullest possible way.” – John 10:10
Thought: Do you feel like being stuck at home during this virus has stolen your joy? The enemy wants you to feel like you have lost. Don’t give into him today. Remember that Jesus gives you life and joy.
Prayer: God, help me to not focus on the things I feel I have lost. Help me to remember that Jesus gives me life and joy.
“You have given me greater joy than those who have abundant harvests of grain and new wine.” – Psalm 4:7
Question: Have you ever counted the many ways that God has been good to you? If not, make a list. See how long you can make it!
Prayer: God, thank you for bringing great joy to my life. Help me to focus on the good and not the bad that I see on the news every day.
“Satisfy us with your faithful love every morning.
Then we can sing for joy and be glad all our days.” – Psalm 90:14
Question: What do you do first thing when you wake up each day? What if you started every day with bible reading and prayer? Try it! It might just change the way you look at each day.
Prayer: God, help me to be glad today. Thank you for your faithful love.
“Let us keep looking to Jesus. He is the one who started this journey of faith. And he is the one who completes the journey of faith. He paid no attention to the shame of the cross. He suffered there because of the joy he was looking forward to. Then he sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He made it through these attacks by sinners. So think about him. Then you won’t get tired. You won’t lose hope.” – Hebrews 12:2-3
Question: When you are going through a difficult time what do you tend to focus on the most? What if you purposefully focused on Jesus rather than your troubles? How would things be different if you did that?
Prayer: God, help me to focus on you. Help me to not grow tired. Help me not to lose hope.
“When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful.” – Romans 12:12
Question: Suffering seems to be a part of this life that we cannot avoid. The question is how will you handle times of suffering? Will you remain hopeful or give into distress? Will you pray to God for help or give up all hope?
Prayer: God, help me to never give up hope. Help me to be patient and to always trust in you.
“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.” – Psalm 119:1
Question: I find it interesting that our joy is tied to whether or not we are obedient to God. Have you ever seen your mood change when you don’t follow God’s instructions? I bet you have!
Prayer: God, help me to be obedient to you today. Help me to be joyful.
