Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

[email protected]

Excel Still More Journal - Amazon

New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional!

Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon

Sponsors: 
Spiritbuilding Publishers
Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Notes on a recent sermon: Romans 8 and the Holy Spirit 

5 Amazing Sources of Confidence:

- No Condmenation in Jesus (8:1-2)

- Holy Spirit within us (8:9-11; I Cor. 3:16; 6:18-20)

- Adopted by the Father (8:15-17)

- Justified and Glorified (8:18, 28-30)

- In Christ's Amazing Love (8:35-39

At the same time, we are called to be faithful:

- Walk by the Spirit, not flesh (8:4-5)

- Death to deeds of the body (8:12-13)

- Live in God without fear (8:15-16)

- Endure suffering with hope (8:18, 23-25)

- Conform to Christ's image (8:17, 29)

HOW do I stay confident in Christ when I fall so woefully short of these goals?

Here are a few things we know that help:

1) Grace creates a relationship: obedience chooses to live in it.

2) Faithfulness is about Lordship; no sinless perfection.

3) Struggle is expected in the Christian, not condemned.

4) God Gives His HOLY SPIRIT to Help Us in our Walk!

That last one is HUGE. Here are 8 things Romans 8 teaches that the Holy Spirit is doing. You do not have to explain them. But you must BELIEVE. And pray for these things. 

- He Sets Us Free (8:1-2)

- He Dwells In Us (8:11)

- He Gives Life to our Mortal Bodies (8:11)

- He Helps us Defeat Sin (8:13)

- The Spirit Leads us (8:14)

- He Testifies with us (8:16)

- He Helps our weaknesses (8:26)

- The Spirit Interceded in prayer (8:26)

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

[email protected]

Excel Still More Journal - Amazon

New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional!

Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon

Sponsors: 
Spiritbuilding Publishers
Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Intro Idea: THE MIRACLE MORNING! 

30-60 minutes each morning of prayer, reading, and planning! Start your day well if you hope to live it well. This creates consistency and growth. 

7. Holy Living: Fight Sin and Win in Christ

• Romans 6:11-14 – “Sin shall not have dominion over you.”

• Galatians 5:16-25 – “Walk in the Spirit… the fruit of the Spirit.”

• 1 John 1:5-9 – “He is faithful and just to forgive.”

Questions:

• What specific sins have been plaguing your heart and life?

• What patterns, places, or habits make this temptation overwhelming?

• How does a personal connection to Christ make a difference?

Exercises:

• Pair up a fruit of the Spirit daily that opposes your sin.

• Remove or minimize a factor that leads to your downfall.

• Share your struggle with a trusted believer who can help.

8. Living on Mission: Do the Work God Has Planned

• Ephesians 2:8-10 – “Created in Christ Jesus for good works.”

• Romans 12:4-8 – “Having gifts that differ, use them.”

• Matthew 5:14-16 – “Let your light shine before others.”

Questions:

• What do you know God wants to see more of in your service?

• Can you recall a time when such was central to your day and life?

• The work is the people. Will you start with one person this week?

Exercises:

• Write down a generic mission and three possible specific actions.

• Pray for opportunities, open doors, and wisdom to identify them.

• The work is the people, pick a person or family and get started.

9. Do Hard Things: Invite Suffering for the Sake of Growth

• James 1:2-4 – “The testing of your faith produces endurance.”

• Hebrews 12:1-11 – “He disciplines us for our good.”

• 1 Peter 4:12-13 – “Rejoice as you share Christ’s sufferings.”

Questions:

• What does God want from you that is hard to do faithfully?

• Are you willing to suffer for it, or is cost and pain off limits?

• Will you accept help, support, or accountability partnerships?

Exercises:

• Pray to register difficulty as opportunities to explore.

• Clearly note the forward-looking why for a hard thing.

• Plan something specific

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 22

John sees a river of the water of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb, clear as crystal. On either side of the river stands the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit and offering healing to the nations. There will be no more curse, and God's servants will see His face and reign with Him forever. The angel tells John that these words are trustworthy and true. Jesus declares that He is coming soon and bringing His reward and judgment with Him. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last. The book ends with a final invitation to come and freely receive the water of life in the name of the coming Lord Jesus and to enjoy His unmatched grace.

God offers us the water of life, flowing from His throne, freely and without cost. The tree of life brings healing, and we will see God's face and serve Him forever. This beautiful promise calls us to live with the enduring hope of reigning forever and ever. Jesus came in judgment against Rome in the past, and He is coming again; we must be ready. Our lives should reflect the light of Christ and the truth of His word. We are called to obey, to worship, and to invite others to come and receive this life. As we wait, let us live faithfully, trusting in the One who is coming again and joyfully knowing His grace is with us.

Heavenly Father, we praise You for the promise of eternal life and the hope of seeing Your face. Thank You for the river of life and the healing that flows from Your throne. We long for the day when the last curse will be gone and everything will be made new. Help us to obey Your word and remain faithful as we wait for Christ, the Alpha and the Omega. Fill our hearts with worship, and may we invite others to receive Your gift of life. Come, Lord Jesus. Prepare us for Your final return with joy and hope.

Thought Questions:

Do you long for a life without the curse of sin or the danger of darkness? How important is heaven to you, and how are you showing it?

Jesus came in judgment against Rome many centuries ago. Do you believe He is coming again one final time, and how does that affect you?

When you read Scripture, do you hear Christ calling you? How will you come to Jesus, abandon sin, and experience His grace today? 

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 21

John sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth have passed away. The holy city, the new Jerusalem, comes down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride for her husband. A loud voice declares that God now dwells with His people. He will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain. God declares, “I am making everything new.” He promises the water of life to the thirsty and an inheritance to the faithful. The cowardly and wicked will face the second death. An angel shows John the radiant beauty of the new Jerusalem, with its gates, foundations, and streets of gold. God’s presence fills the city, and the Lamb is the lamp that illuminates all things. 

God reveals a future filled with beauty, peace, and unshakable hope. The new heaven and new earth will be free from death, sorrow, pain, and tears. God Himself will live among His people, restoring perfect fellowship. This promise is not only a future hope but a present call to live with purpose. We are to seek holiness, love truth, and walk in faithfulness. Jesus is the one who makes all things new and offers the water of life to the thirsty. Our identity, hope, and future are found in Him. While the world around us may fade, His promises remain. Let us live as people of the new creation, trusting God's word and preparing our hearts for eternity in His presence.

Exalted God, we praise You for the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where You will dwell with Your people forever. Thank You for wiping away every tear and ending pain, sorrow, and death. Help us live with hope and holiness as we look forward to that day. We thank You for Christ, the Lamb who made this future possible through His sacrifice. He is our light and our life. Keep our hearts focused on what is eternal. Teach us to live each day in joyful anticipation, faithful to Your call and free from destructive sinfulness.

Thought Questions:

Whether the New Jerusalem is the present church or the eternal heaven, what kind of people will never be allowed into it?

If you want to be the bride of the Lamb in the glorious city, what are the moral and faithful choices you need to be making today?

What do you imagine it will be like to live in a place where the illuminated Lamb replaces the sun? How can such images motivate you to faith?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 20

An angel descends from heaven, holding the key to the abyss and a great chain. He seizes the dragon, who is the devil, and binds him for a thousand years, preventing him from deceiving the nations. During this time, those who are faithful to Christ, even unto death, reign with Him. After the thousand years, Satan is released for a short time and gathers nations for battle. Fire from heaven consumes them, and the devil is cast into the lake of fire, where the beast and false prophet already are. Then the final judgment occurs. The dead are judged according to their deeds as recorded in the books. Anyone not found in the book of life is also thrown into the lake of fire. God's justice is complete and eternal.

God will bring all things to justice, and no evil will escape His judgment. Satan’s defeat shows that his power is temporary and limited. Those who gave their lives for Christ are honored and will reign with Him, proving that faithfulness has eternal value. The final judgment is both sobering and hopeful. Books are opened, and each person is judged according to their works. Only those whose names are written in the book of life will enter eternal life with God. This truth calls us to live intentionally, choosing righteousness over compromise. We are invited to trust fully in Christ and walk in obedience. His victory is certain, and our hope is secure when our lives belong to Him.

Incredible Father, You are the righteous Judge over all the earth. We praise You for the victory over Satan and the coming end of his deception. You have shown that evil will not prevail, and all who follow Christ will reign with Him in glory. Help us live boldly in faith, knowing that our choices matter and that judgment is real. Search our hearts and guide us to walk in holiness. May our names be found in the book of life, sealed by Your grace. We will trust Your justice, rest in Your promises, and live each day prepared for eternity.

Thought Questions:

Details in this chapter are often debated. But what is its point? Even when it looks like Satan has power, what do we know about God?

Whether we reign with Christ now, or will do so in eternity, or both, how do the assurances of victory with Him control your life?

Is your name in the book of life, assuring that you will avoid the lake of fire? How do you know, and what does this confidence do for you?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 19

A great multitude in heaven praises God, declaring that His judgments are true and just because He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth. The smoke from her destruction rises forever, and the twenty-four elders and four living creatures worship God. A voice calls on all of God’s servants to praise Him. Then heaven opens, and a white horse appears. Its rider is called Faithful and True, wearing many crowns and a robe dipped in blood. He leads the armies of heaven and strikes down the nations with a sharp sword. He rules with justice and treads the winepress of God’s wrath. The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire. The kings of the earth are defeated by the word of Christ.

God’s justice and victory are on full display. The praise of heaven reminds us that evil will not win, and God’s judgments are right and true. Christ is revealed as the Faithful and True rider, leading heaven’s armies with power and righteousness. He does not come in weakness but in glory, bringing justice to the nations. We are His bride, clothed in righteous acts in His honor. The defeat of the beast and false prophet shows that no enemy of God will stand. We are not waiting for victory; we are living in the full assurance of it. Let us worship with joy, follow Christ with loyalty, and live with courage, knowing the King of kings reigns forever.

Amazing God, we praise You for revealing Jesus as Faithful and True, the King of kings and Lord of lords. He comes in glory, riding in righteousness, bringing justice to the nations. We thank You that His victory is certain and His name is above all names. Help us to follow Him with pure hearts and bold faith. Teach us to worship with joy, to live in holiness, and to trust in His power. May we never forget that He reigns forever. Strengthen us to stand firm, knowing that the Lamb who was slain now rules in glory.

Thought Questions:

The church is the bride of Christ, adorned in righteous deeds in His honor. How can this imagery help as you excel in good works?

Do you often picture Jesus in power: on a white horse, with flaming eyes, and a sword of wrath in His mouth? How can this be helpful?

Satan and all who live in sin will be thrown into the lake of fire. How does this motivate you to flee from ungodliness passionately?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 18

An angel descends from heaven with great authority, and the earth is illuminated by his glory. He declares the fall of Babylon, calling it a dwelling for demons and a prison for every unclean spirit. Babylon is condemned for her pride, immorality, and corrupt influence over the nations. A voice from heaven urges God's people to come out of her so they will not share in her sins or plagues. Her destruction comes quickly, and kings, merchants, and sailors mourn her fall because she once brought them great wealth and power. Yet no one can save her. Babylon is thrown down with violence, never to rise again. Heaven rejoices, for God's judgment is fair, holy, and true. Her fall is a warning not to trust in earthly riches or corrupt power.

Trusting in wealth, luxury, and worldly power is a dangerous foundation for life. What appears secure and impressive can collapse in an instant. The world often values success, riches, and influence, but God sees the pride and corruption behind it. When judgment comes, those who gained from evil mourn their loss, not because of love, but because their comfort is gone. God calls His people to live differently, to separate from what is impure and temporary. We are called to live with integrity, humility, and eternal purpose. Earthly riches will fade, but God’s kingdom endures. Our hope must rest in Him alone. Let us pursue what is holy, knowing only what is built on Him will truly last.

Holy Lord, You are righteous in all Your ways and worthy of all praise. You see through every illusion of wealth and power. Help us not to be deceived by the temporary glory of the world. Teach us to value what is eternal and to walk in purity and truth. Call us out of anything that pulls our hearts away from You. Give us wisdom to live with integrity and strength to turn from sin. May we trust in Your justice and rest in Your promises. Lead us to honor You with our lives as we wait for Your everlasting kingdom.

Thought Questions:

What worldly influences are you tempted to trust in over the Lord, and how can you shift your hope and allegiance fully to Him?

How do you respond when God directs you to separate from things that are comfortable or convenient but are spiritually harmful?

Do you believe that God’s judgment will remove all the evil powers of this world? How should your daily choices today reflect that belief?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Excel Still More Journal - Amazon

New GENESIS Daily Bible Devotional!

Daily Bible Devotional Series - Amazon

Sponsors: 
Spiritbuilding Publishers
Website:  www.spiritbuilding.com

Tyler Cain, Senior Loan Officer, Statewide Mortgage
Websites: https://statewidemortgage.com/
https://tylercain.floify.com/
Phone: 813-380-8487

Opening Idea: Build Your Ladders!

Get clarity on where you want to go. Then draw out an immediate January plan. What set of decisions, sustained over 31 days, could really get you going? Now, just repeat 11 more times. If God stays with you and keeps the rails in place, you can build easily and access another level!

Areas of Growth (#4-6)

4. Urgency in Action: No More Procrastination

Questions:

• What right thing have you been putting off even though God wants it?

• What excuse are you using that needs to die today?

• How can your life change for the better if you stop waiting?

Exercises:

• Write down a thing or two and brainstorm a January and 2026 plan.

• “Eat that frog” – try a daily habit of hitting unfun things early.

• Delay something you enjoy until you have done the best thing first.

5. Focus on the Family: A More Spiritual Home

Questions:

• If Jesus visited, how Him-centric would He say your home is?

• What does your family see in you that reminds them of Christ?

• What one sustained change would help the most in your home?

Exercises:

• Establish one tech free period each day for conversation and connection.

• Make Bible class and worship an immovable family priority.

• Plan a family action that serves others in the likeness of Jesus.

6. Peace in the Storms: Freedom from Anxiety

Questions:

• What fears have the loudest voice in your mind right now?

• If you have faced it before, how was God with you through it?

• If it is new, what is in place to help you grow through it?

Exercises:

• Memorize one Scripture that speaks directly to faith over your fear.

• Connect with someone who is or has overcome this fear in the past.

• Start a habit that can lessen or even prevent what may be coming.

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 17

One of the seven angels shows John the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters. She symbolizes a powerful and corrupt system that has influenced kings and led people into spiritual immorality. She is dressed in purple and scarlet, decorated with gold, and holds a cup filled with abominations. She is Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots. She is drunk with the blood of the saints. John is amazed, and the angel explains that the beast she rides has seven heads and ten horns. These represent kingdoms and rulers who will turn on and destroy her. God uses their actions to fulfill His purpose. In the end, all who wage war against the Lamb will be defeated, and all who are faithful to Him will overcome.

Worldly power often appears strong, beautiful, and tempting, but its true nature is corrupt and opposed to God. Rome and other nations since then have been clothed in wealth and influence, leading nations into spiritual unfaithfulness. Although many are drawn to its promises, it is full of pride and violence, even against God's people. The beast and the kings who support her eventually turn against her, revealing how unstable and self-destructive evil truly is. God remains in control, working through even rebellious powers to fulfill His purpose. As followers of Christ, we must not be deceived by outward appearances. Our loyalty belongs to the Lamb, who will triumph. Faithfulness, purity, and devotion to Him will ultimately lead us to victory.

Heavenly Father, You are holy, just, and sovereign over all the powers of the world. We see how easily people are drawn to wealth, status, and influence, yet You reveal the true nature of evil behind these things. Help us to see clearly and not be deceived by what appears powerful or beautiful. Keep our hearts loyal to the Lamb and protect us from compromise. Strengthen us to remain faithful in a world that often opposes Your truth. Use even the brokenness of this world to fulfill Your purpose. We trust in Your victory and desire to walk in Your holiness.

Thought Questions:

Rome was alluring to many for its immorality and materialism. Does the culture you live in try to draw you in, and how do you resist?

God turned one evil power upon another. How can this help you trust in God’s sovereignty even when all governments seem corrupt?

Why was the Lamb able to overcome all who stood against Him? How is your daily life shaped by His absolute victory and incredible power?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 16

A loud voice from the temple commands the seven angels to pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath on the earth. The first bowl causes painful sores on those who worship the beast. The second turns the sea into blood, killing all sea life. The third affects rivers and springs, also turning them into blood. The fourth bowl scorches people with fire from the sun, yet they do not repent. The fifth brings darkness to the beast’s kingdom. The sixth dries up the Euphrates River and prepares the way for kings from the east. Unclean spirits gather the kings of the earth for battle at Armageddon. The seventh bowl brings lightning, earthquakes, and hail. Babylon is remembered before God and receives the full measure of His wrath.

This chapter emphasizes the severity of God’s judgment and the danger of hardened hearts. Even as the bowls of wrath are poured out, many still refuse to repent or give God glory. We must pay attention to the warnings in these events. God is patient, but He is also just, and He will not allow evil to go unpunished forever. We are called to live with humility and repentance, recognizing that now is the time to turn to God. His justice is perfect, and His timing is certain. As believers, we must remain alert, be prepared, and live in a manner that honors Him, trusting that His ultimate victory will be complete. All who blaspheme His name will be destroyed. 

Avenging God, You are righteous in all Your judgments, and Your justice is holy and true. You see every act of rebellion, and You will not let evil go unpunished. Though many refuse to repent, we humble ourselves before You, seeking mercy and strength to remain faithful. Help us live with clean hearts and a spirit of reverence. Keep us from pride, unbelief, and compromise. Teach us to trust Your timing and repent of our sins. You alone are worthy of our faithfulness. May our lives reflect Your light in a dark world as we await Your final judgment day. 

Thought Questions:

Why did some people still refuse to repent even as God’s judgments became more severe and unmistakable? What do you learn from that?

God ultimately dismantled the evil empire and relieved His people. Is God still active in that way, and how does that impact your faith?

How do you stay spiritually awake and active when the world around you seems to grow darker and more resistant to the light of Christ?

Reach Out: Please include your email and I will get back to you. Thanks!

Revelation 15

John sees another great and marvelous sign in heaven: seven angels with the seven last plagues, which complete God's wrath. Standing beside a sea of glass mixed with fire are those who were victorious over the beast and its image. They hold harps given by God and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb, praising God's mighty works and justice. All nations will come to worship Him, for His righteous acts have been revealed. After this, the sanctuary in heaven is opened, and the seven angels come out dressed in pure, shining linen. One of the four living creatures gives them seven golden bowls filled with God's wrath. The sanctuary is filled with smoke from God's glory and power, and no one can enter until the plagues are finished.

This worshipful chapter demonstrates that God's judgment is not random or cruel, but rather holy, complete, and characterized by justice and righteousness. Those who overcome the beast stand victorious, worshiping God with songs of praise. Their faithfulness reminds us that suffering is not the end, and that victory belongs to those who remain faithful to the Lord. The song of Moses and the Lamb celebrates God's power, His works, and His justice. We are called to worship Him with the same awe and devotion. Even when the world rejects His truth, we are to stand firm. God is preparing to complete His plan, and we must live in reverence, trusting His timing and walking in purity, hope, and faithfulness.

Worthy Lord, You are great and marvelous in all Your works; all Your ways are just and true. As Moses sang, You are our strength, our song, and our salvation. Who among the nations will not fear You and glorify Your name? All Your judgments are righteous, and all creation will worship before You. Help us stand firm like those who overcame, singing with joy and trust in Your power. Fill our hearts with awe at Your holiness and prepare us to live in purity. May our lives reflect Your glory as we wait for the completion of Your perfect plan.

Thought Questions:

How does it bring you comfort to know that the faithful who have died are in a place of pure joy, singing songs of praise to God?

What is the original context of the Song of Moses? How is a faithful life in Christ like the Israelites crossing the parted Red Sea in Exodus?

Revelation often mentions “the wrath of God.” Who has that wrath always been poured out on, and how far will you go to avoid that fate?