Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 16, 2026

 August 16 -- John 4: 1-7 "Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. And he had to pass through Samaria. So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, 'Give me a drink.'"

Prayer focus for today: Our scripture passage for today seems insignificant, at best. A 'slow news' story for sure, in most people's eyes. However, if you know the back story, you see that Jesus didn't back down from an opportunity to buck cultural traditions. (More on this tomorrow.) He didn't just follow what was expected of an upright and 'proper' religious man of the time and area, He did what He was called to do. 

Pray today that, no matter where you live, what your 'cultural' rules are, or what you have done in the past, you will stand firm in the way of Jesus and faithfully serve Him. Pray against the stronghold that our cultures have on us, so that we may all seek Christ's culture (the expectation that is taught to us in the Holy Bible). Praying today that we will treasure our individual cultures, but that when we choose to follow Jesus, we will submit everything to following "Christian culture".  Pray that you and I will be able to discern what we need to shed in our lives that is just a comfortable cultural tradition / belief and truly shine for Christ in this dark and dying world. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 15, 2026

 August 15 -- John 3: 30-36 "'He must increase, but I must decrease.'  He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." 

Prayer focus for today: Unless we make a deliberate choice to "unplug", we are each bombarded throughout the day with information. Sometimes that information is true, and sometimes that information is false. Discerning the difference between the two can sometimes be quite difficult.  Pray today for TRUTH to be made known -- to rise above the lies and be clear to us all. The best way to do that is to immerse ourselves fully in God's Word, so we can discern the lies from the TRUTH!  

Jesus was simply telling the truth of Himself and what He was all about. Pray today for His truth to be seen clearly, as many of us today spend more time reading / watching social media than the Bible. Pray today that we would all be brought to a point of not being distracted by the lies and distractions and drawn to the truth! 

Please join us in praying for our fellow Zambians who are going through a period of violence and unrest after our national elections took place this past Thursday.

Pray that God's plan would be fulfilled and TRUTH be told everywhere. Finally, please pray for our children who are out of school on August holiday - that God would protect each one during this difficult time in our nation. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 14, 2026

 August 14 -- John 3: 23 - 29 "John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized (for John had not yet been put in prison).  Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. And they came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness -- look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.' John answered, 'A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. You yourselves bear me witness that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.' The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete."

Prayer focus for today:  We've all been there -- we've explained something to someone (pretty clearly, we thought), only to find out later they didn't REALLY understand  the information as we thought we had explained it. It's not until later when we hear the other person say or see them do something that it becomes clear they didn't fully understand what we had said. And so, we are able to further explain and clarify the matter so better understanding takes place.  That's what we observe in the Scriptures today with John and his disciples. 

Pray today that we would each be able to clearly explain the hope we have in Christ alone ... that others may receive and follow Him. Pray that where any misunderstandings have taken place, we would each be made aware and speak clearly to fully explain where our hope, joy, and confidence comes from in all situations. And finally, pray today that no matter what happens, we will all be found faithful to stand firm. 

We know many of you reading this are going through great trials today. Some are gut-wrenching and seem impossible to walk through. We are praying for you today and trusting Christ to be your strength. HE IS WITH YOU ... just trust in Him today!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for 13 August 2026

 August 13 -- John 3: 16-22 "'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.' After this, Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing."

Prayer focus for today: It only takes a small light to break through darkness. The more light you bring into darkness, the more you see the need for light. Pray today for each of us to see our need for the light of Christ and to BE that light for others. Sometimes, it's just that small light that can make all the difference in someone's darkness. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 12, 2026

 August 12 -- John 3: 8-15 "'The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.' Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?' Jesus answered him, 'Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.'"

Prayer focus for today: Every day we are bombarded with information - from our phones, radios, televisions, computers, tablets, people, billboard signs, product packaging, magazines, books, and the list could go on and on. Nicodemus was seeking information, and he went to the source for the true answer to his questions. Pray today for discernment to go to the source for the information you seek. If you want to know the truth concerning a rumor you heard about someone, go to that person ... don't continue to be involved in rumors or gossip. If you want to know the truth about a political candidate, go to the source ... don't get caught up in false news. If you want to know the truth about Jesus, go to the Word of God ... pray, repent, listen, learn. 

Pray today for those who are following false 'twists' of God's Word, believing they are following Jesus, that they may understand the truth and turn to Christ alone. Pray that each of us would seek truth and turn from tendencies to gossip or blindly believe things we see on social media and spread it as truth. Pray today for the elections coming up throughout the world (on our hearts today are Zambia and the United States), that truth would reign and peace be maintained. Specifically, please join us in prayers for our home -- Zambia. Elections take place tomorrow (13 August). Pray God would calm the violence and keep our nation united as "One Zambia, One Nation." 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 11, 2026

 August 11 -- John 3: 1-7 "Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?' Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'" 

Prayer focus for today: As we read today's scripture, we see Jesus explaining to Nicodemus the elemental truth of salvation through a personal relationship with Christ alone. We don't get to choose being born from our mother's womb, but each of us has to make the choice to follow Jesus ... to be born AGAIN. Pray today for someone you know who has not yet made this life-changing choice. Pray that those who THINK they are saved, but have never truly given up control over their lives and decided to follow Jesus will see their need for Him and choose to be born again today!  

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 10, 2026

 August 10 -- John 2: 18-25 "So the Jews said to him, 'What sign do you show us for doing these things?' Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.' The Jews then said, 'It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?' But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken. Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man."

Prayer focus for today:  Everyday we are each faced with opportunities to believe something ... or not. We can choose to believe the words of the people in our home ... or not. We can choose to believe a co-worker ... or not. We can choose to believe the repairman or delivery driver will be at our place when they say they will ... or not. We can choose to believe a doctor's diagnosis ... or not. The list could go on and on.

In our Scripture reading for today, we read where many people, including Jesus' disciples, believed in Him because of what they saw in Him (either signs he was doing or fulfilling a word He had said). Pray today that each of us would grow deeper in our faith and BELIEVE in Jesus. The truth of the Bible (God's Holy Word) is truth, whether we choose to believe it or not. Pray for each person around you choose to believe and follow Jesus today. The truth doesn't change just because someone CHOOSES to believe.  Believe it ... or not!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 9, 2026

 August 9 -- John 2: 9-17 "When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, 'Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.' This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, 'Take these things away; do not make my Father's house a house of trade. His disciples remembered that it was written, 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'"

Prayer focus for today: Today's scripture concludes Jesus' first miracle (sign). We are told at the end of verse eleven that his disciples believed in him. Pray today that even when you don't SEE signs or miracles occurring, you will still believe.  Our human minds are limited and cannot comprehend all He is constantly doing. Pray for time to just BE STILL before God and to grow in your faith.

As Jesus and those with him travel on to Capernaum, we see Jesus display His holiness and total devotion to keeping the things that are holy -- HOLY! Pray today that you would never settle or compromise the things of God. Pray for your understanding of God and His ways to grow more complete today that you would never accept anything less than His perfect plan. And lastly, pray for each believer to always stand firm for what you know and believe as taught in God's Holy Word, the Bible.  May Christ's holiness shine through each place of worship today!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 8, 2026

 August 8 -- John 2: 1-8 "On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, 'They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, 'Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, 'Do whatever he tells you.' Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, 'Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.' So they took it."

Prayer focus for today:  The story of the wedding at Cana in Galilee doesn't tell us who got married ... because that's not important. It doesn't tell us who all the guests were ... because that's not the focal point of the story. The focus here is Jesus and faith in Him.  Even Mary is simply referred to as, 'the mother of Jesus.' Why?  Because the focus is Jesus. 

Although Jesus seems to dismiss His mother's request to help, He does a simple act of asking the servants to fill some jars with water - something they were probably accustomed to doing many times each day. He didn't ask them to go outside of what they knew. Mary didn't ask anything supernatural of the servants. She simply said, 'Do whatever He tells you.' And in that simple mandate, we, too, see what we're supposed to do today.  Do whatever He tells you ... and trust Him with the details. Pray today for faith to simply 'do whatever He tells you'. Pray for faith to trust Him completely ... even when you don't understand.

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 7, 2026

 August 7 -- John 1: 43-51 "The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, 'Follow me.' Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, 'We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.' Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.' Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, 'Behold ,an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit.' Nathanael said to him, 'How do you know me?' Jesus answered him, 'Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.' Nathanael answered him, 'Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!' Jesus answered him, 'Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these.' And he said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Prayer focus for today: This section of scripture reveals more about Jesus -- His perfect knowledge of each one of us and His desire to draw us to Himself through a personal relationship. We are not saved from eternal death through the town we are from, our family lineage, or what we've done. We are saved by believing in Jesus, turning from our sins, and choosing daily to follow Him.

Today, if you have not had a personal encounter with the One True God through Jesus Christ, His Son, pray you will know Him today and surrender your life fully to Him alone. If you have made that choice to follow Jesus, pray your faith will grow and you will more deeply cling to Christ ... no matter what the day brings. We love you and are praying for you!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 6, 2026

 August 6 -- John 1: 35 - 42 "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God!' The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, 'What are you seeking?' And they said to him, 'Rabbi' (which means Teacher), 'where are you staying?' He said to them, 'Come and you will see.' So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, 'We have found the Messiah' (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas' (which means Peter)."

Prayer focus for today:  As this chapter continues, we can see and hear the interactions between John and his disciples (followers) and Jesus. The story unfolds as a story before our mind's eye as we picture and can 'see' and 'hear' what is happening. They sought, they found, the followed. That personal interaction with Christ Jesus made the difference. The same is true today.

This is our prayer today -- that those who do not know Jesus will be drawn to understand their great need for Him. That they will find Him - right where they are. That they will choose to faithfully follow Him all the days of their lives because of their own personal interaction with Jesus. Pray that YOU will be used by God to tell others of Jesus so that personal interactions will happen!  How is your personal interaction with Jesus? Praying for each of us today to grow in our walk with Him.

Scripture and Prayer focus for August 5, 2026

 August 5 -- John 1: 29 - 34 "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel. And John bore witness: 'I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God.'"

Prayer focus for today: John told what he knew and was confident in every word being truth. Today, pray that God would give you and I bold confidence in what we know and believe - that we would speak the truth of Christ to all we meet. Pray that if any of us have any misunderstandings or twistings of God's word, that we would be humble and wise to let God reveal this to us and change. Pray that we would each keep our focus on proclaiming Christ - not ourselves - today. May He be recognized as the difference maker worldwide today - that all may be saved!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 4, 2026

 August 4 -- John 1: 22 - 28 "So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord.' as the prophet Isaiah said."  (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing."

Prayer focus for today: John (traditionally known as John the Baptist) was under pressure from the priests and Levites from Jerusalem. They wanted to know exactly who he was....he answered giving an account of WHOSE he was. Today, may we all focus our prayers inwardly doing some deep soul searching. Pray today that you (we all) would be confident in Christ alone. Make sure you know the truth of Christ, not some watered down teaching that proclaims man, and not Christ. Pray that God would make clear the task(s) He has created you for that you may speak confidently in Christ alone. We're joining you in prayer!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 3, 2026

 August 3 -- John 1: 15 - 21 "(John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.' ") For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.  And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"  He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No."

Prayer focus for today:  In a world of imposters, pray for each Christian to be authentic today.  Pray that you would stand firm in knowing the ONLY God -- and salvation through His one and only son, Jesus Christ. Pray that believers everywhere would know WHO they serve and be able to stand firm in their faith. Pray that when others see us, they know without a doubt that it is Christ whom we serve. Pray that those who are falling prey to an imposter will have their eyes opened to the truth of Jesus, and choose Him today.

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 2, 2026

 August 2 -- John 1: 8-14 "He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.  He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."

Prayer focus for today: Jesus Christ, the true light of the world, came so that all who receive him and believe in His name will be able to be called His children. We will all spend eternity somewhere........pray that all will choose eternal life over eternal death and punishment before it's too late. Please join us today praying for those in Zambia who are choosing to follow a mixture of "cultural" religions and calling it Christianity. Pray that eyes, hearts, and minds will be opened to understanding of their need for Christ alone that they might live forever with Him.

Scripture and Prayer Focus for August 1, 2026

August 1 -- John 1: 1-7 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him."

Prayer focus for today:  As we begin a new month, we are shifting to a larger book of the Bible - the Gospel of John. The journey through the book of John will take us four months. Remember, the goal is not to read the Bible quickly and set it aside -- the goal is to read it, absorb it, learn it, and live it!

Pray today that Christ's light would shine fully in the dark places where false religions dwell; that people everywhere will see Christ's light and choose to follow Him forever. Pray that believers would be strengthened in their faith, especially when they are in hostile regions.  The truth of Jesus Christ, and eternal life through Him alone remains -- even when people choose not to believe. Just as many small candles coming together make a great light, pray that all followers of Jesus today will stand united around the world proclaiming the truth that all may be set free!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 31, 2026

 July 31 -- Colossians 4: 16 - 18 "And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. And say to Archippus, 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.' I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you." (ESV)  

Prayer focus for today: Well, we finally made it to the last day of July, and the last verses of the book of Colossians. Thanks for journeying with us through this letter that challenges, uplifts, and equips us as Christians in so many ways. We are thankful for each of you who have encouraged us by telling us how these daily scriptures and prayers have helped you. We hope to continue as long as God allows. 

Today's focus is not just for those in "professional" or full-time ministry, but for each of us who are followers of Christ. 'See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.' This was the challenge from Paul's own hand while he was in chains in prison, yet it is still a challenge to each of us today. We have each been given a ministry from the Lord, whether it's in our own home with our family, within a small group from church, co-workers at our jobsite, or the myriad of other places we are called to "minister" to God's people. Pray today that you will recognize and fulfill the ministry YOU have received in the Lord. And if you don't know what it is... pray Christ will reveal it to you that you may know it and understand how to fulfill it as God intends. Never underestimate God's calling -- find it, live it, and fulfill it!

Scripture and Prayer focus for July 30, 2026

 July 30 -- Colossians 4: 14 - 15 "Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house." (ESV)

Prayer focus for today:  Unless we purposefully live a very secluded life, we often greet people numerous times each day. Whether it's our spouse, children, or others living in our house who are greeted with, "Good morning!", those we interact with at work, or just the people we cross paths with while shopping, we all have a variety of people we greet everyday, but often we never really think about those greetings.  In Zambia, we often close conversations with, "Greet your family for me," and we move on about our day. Today's prayer challenge is that we all go a little deeper.  Pray for the Lord to show you true ways to authentically greet someone and make them feel loved. Who knows.....God may be using your greeting to start a life-changing conversation about Him!  

Scripture and Prayer focus for July 29, 2026

 July 29 -- Colossians 4: 12 - 13 "Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis." (ESV)

Prayer focus for today: As we close in on the end of the book of Colossians and praying through every verse this month, pray today for those Christians who need encouragement in being fully assured in all the will of God. We know of many (and even find ourselves in this category quite often) who struggle standing firm in the faith and God's will, because they feel completely alone in the work God has placed before them. Pray today, asking God to put people before you whom you could encourage and lift up -- whether through a phone call, email, visit, or just a prayer. God's warriors united will make a difference for His Kingdom! 

Scripture and Prayer focus for July 28, 2026

 July 28 -- Colossians 4: 10 - 11 "Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions -- if he comes to you, welcome him), and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumscision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Paul closes this letter naming a few men who are his close network of fellow workers in the Kingdom and calls them "a comfort" to himself. Pray today that every believer, especially those in full-time service, would be surrounded with a core group of fellow believers who would comfort, encourage, and strengthen one another. We all need this....praying this for you, today, as well!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 27, 2026

 July 27 -- Colossians 4: 7-9 "Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here."  (ESV)

Prayer focus for today:  Each of us needs to have faithful prayer partners in our lives and those who will be faithful ministers of God's word. Pray today that we will all recognize those people - and BE those people in the lives of those around us.  Despite the challenges of a Monday or what chaos seems to be looming in your life today, put Christ FIRST.  He is there and has already created a faithful team for each of us.....may we all recognize our team today and thrive in Christ!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 26, 2026

 July 26 -- Colossians 4: 5-6 "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (ESV)

Prayers focus for the day: Join us today in praying that each of us will seek God's wisdom (not our own) as we interact with others, especially in guiding and guarding what we say. God cares about every aspect of our lives -- even the very words we speak. May we each let HIM guide us today that He may be glorified and the body of Christ lifted up and not torn down. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 25, 2026

 July 25 -- Colossians 4: 1-4 "Masters, treat your bondservants justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak."  (ESV)

Prayer focus for today:  Today brings us to a section of scripture which we pray on an almost daily basis for our work in Zambia and for our lives as individuals. "...that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ... that I may make it clear which is how I ought to speak."  But this isn't just a prayer for those God has called to full-time ministry service, it should be the heart's cry of every Christian. Pray today that God would open a door for each of us to share Christ with someone and make it clear what we need to say. When this becomes a habit, it's not so scary.  Here's praying for all of us....may doors be opened today!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 24, 2026

 July 24 -- Colossians 3: 23 - 25 "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Pray today that we will all focus on the "WHY". Why do we get up in the morning? To serve Christ. Why do we give our best to our job (whether others see us or not)? To glorify Christ as we serve Him. Why do we show kindness to others? To show Christ to each person God brings across our path as we serve Him, that they might be drawn to Him.  Please pray also that the children we serve in Zambia will be drawn to a more full understanding of exactly what this means and choose to serve the Lord.....in whatever (all) they do. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 23, 2026

 July 23 -- Colossians 3: 20 - 22 "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day:  Pray today that no matter what our roles are in life -- child, parent, husband, wife, employee, employer, etc., we would each be faithful to living as examples of Christ in everything we say and do. Pray not to be people-pleasers only.....but God- pleasers. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 22, 2026

 July 22 -- Colossians 3: 17 - 19 "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Today is a day to reflect inward in our prayers. As we each read the scriptures for today, take time to read them multiple times..... letting each word soak in.  As we each ask God to help us better understand Him and His ways, may He be the guide of everything we do ... and say. Prayer is life changing, not just because we see God answer, but because it changes our mind, heart, body, and soul. He already has a perfect plan for each one of us... He's just waiting on us to live and respond like Him. Here's praying each of us see the world through His eyes today. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 21, 2026

 July 21 -- Colossians 3: 14 - 16 "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (ESV)

Prayer focus for today:  If you've been with us the past three weeks as we've settled into the book of Colossians and prayed, you know that the past few days have had us focused on self-examination and truly asking God to reveal the sin in each of us that we get comfortable with and often ignore. Today, please join us in praying that we will each have come through those days of true soul-reflection and demonstrate love, peace, thankfulness, and the glory that is Christ's alone ... that can (and should) be evident in each of us who are known as His!  We love you all and are so thankful for you!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 19, 2026

 July 19 -- Colossians 3: 7-9 "In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day -- Today is a follow-up to the challenges of yesterday's prayer focus. Whether you are a follower of Jesus Christ or not, today we challenge each one of us to pray honestly -- fully honestly  -- that God would open our eyes to the sin which we allow in our lives because we are so comfortable with it. Today's scriptures specifically address items that we often do with our mouth, but they can also be "thought sins", which Jesus says are the same as committing the acts. Pray today that those who already have committed their lives to Christ will become more aware of their "comfortable sins" and those who have never given their lives to Christ would understand their need for Jesus and turn from their sins and live!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 18, 2026

 July 18 -- Colossians 3: 4-6 "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these the wrath of God is coming." (ESV)

Prayer Focus for the Day:   Today is a challenging day for prayer. It's easy to see "other people's" sins, but so easy to overlook our own. Pray today that each of us will be willing and able to see the sin in our own lives, truly repent (which means not just saying, 'I'm sorry', but turning your back on that sin), and put to death what is earthly in each of us, pressing on toward the righteousness of God!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 17, 2026

 July 17 -- Colossians 3: 1-3  "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day:  As you can see in this image, people in different places think of things differently. Too often, the Church gets caught up in this and never notices it; we let things that have nothing to do with the TRUTH of Christ and God's Word separate us, simply because we don't take time to learn about other cultures or customs.  We often tell our friends in Zambia that each person has his/her own cultural beliefs and traditions, but the only thing that matters is Christ's culture -- that is what we are to follow. 

This image is from a Zambian textbook showing the use of body parts. In Zambia, your head is used as a carrying platform, not just a pretty place to hang your hat. It's a multipurpose tool!  It's not wrong -- it's just different from what would be taught and experienced in the USA and some  other parts of the world. Pray today that the body of Christ - the CHURCH universal - would be united in the truth of God's Word and stop being divided over the things that don't matter - the things of this world.... you just might learn some fun new things while you're at it!  

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 16, 2026

 July 16 -- Colossians 2: 21-23  "'Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch' (referring to things that all perish as they are used) -- according to human precepts and teachings?  These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Please pray that the things that seem right to our human customs and what we've been taught in the past will be made clear through the LIGHT of Christ as we all dig deep into God's word and pray for wisdom from Christ alone.   Pray that no matter which continent someone is on, we would all seek the truth and FOLLOW IT!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 15, 2026

 July 15 -- Colossians 2: 18 - 20  "Let no one disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels, going on in detail about visions, puffed up without reason by his sensuous mind, and not holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If with Christ you died on the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations --" (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: One of the most difficult parts for people in the west to understand about our work in Zambia is the strong hold that animistic belief systems hold on our friends and students in Zambia. Just as in a chemistry class where you have a "reaction" when unlike substances interact, the internal conflict of beliefs can be a challenge to overcome. Please join us in prayer today that we would always grow in our own knowledge of the truth of Christ and salvation through Him alone, but that our friends and students in Zambia would be able to discern the truth of Christ from the elemental spirits of the world that have such a strong pull on their minds and hearts.

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 14, 2026

 July 14 -- Colossians 2: 15 - 17  "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ."  (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day:  Today we ask for prayers for our grade 12 students who are working hard each day studying for the national exams they will take at the end of the year. Please pray that they will trust God alone as they prepare and will not be drawn into any "side" beliefs or customs that would distract them from the next steps God has for them. 

Scripture and Prayer focus for July 13, 2026

 July 13 -- Colossians 2: 11-14  "In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Please pray a prayer of thanksgiving for the amazing gift of Jesus, and all record of our debt cancelled by His death on the cross if we only choose to turn from our sins, believe in Jesus, and follow Him daily. Pray that all of us who are Christians will be bold to share this truth with all in our circles of life who do not know Christ and salvation through Him alone. Pray that each believer will know the truth and never live under false beliefs, but we would all follow, believe, and know the truth of Christ who has set our sin aside through the nails on the cross. All praise be to Jesus ... and Him alone!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 12, 2026

 July 12 -- Colossians 2: 8-10  "See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to to Christ. For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Please pray today that all of the children we serve in Zambia at the Tree of Life Children's Village would be able to resist the temptations to be led astray and would each one choose to follow Jesus, who is the head of all rule and authority. Pray that the children would each one be willing to learn the truth of God's word and not following just empty traditions. Pray that we can clearly convey the truth of Jesus to each one.

Scripture & Prayer Focus for July 11, 2026

 July 11 -- Colossians 2: 4-7  "I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments. For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Whether you are in the States or in Zambia (or somewhere in between), join us in prayer today that none of us would become deluded with plausible arguments, but would know and understand the TRUTH found in Christ alone, that we would all be rooted, built up, and established in the faith. Please pray that we may clearly convey these truths to all we work with in Zambia and all we will encounter on our furlough. Never let up -- press on! We're praying for you, too.

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 10, 2026

 July 10 -- Colossians 2: 1-3 "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: First, we send prayers of thanksgiving for your prayers for Jim's travel. He made it to Chicago and should be with Jeanna and her family this afternoon to enjoy a few days with them before he joins us in Oklahoma.  We are thankful to God for protecting him, but also for each of you who took the time to pray. 

Secondly, as we echo the words of Paul in these verses, may all of our hearts be encouraged and knit together in love as we grow in understanding the mystery of God, which is Jesus Christ alone. He holds all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge for everything we face in this world.....but most importantly, he holds our salvation -- free for the asking. Please pray that as we begin to meet with churches and individuals in the USA , we would not only be able to accurately convey the needs in Zambia and what God is doing there, but also be able to be used as instruments of God to convey this mystery of Christ that all may know Him and choose to believe!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 9, 2026

 July 9 -- Colossians 1: 27-29 -- "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Please join our family in prayers for safe travels for Jim, as he is leaving Zambia today to join the rest of us in the USA for our summer furlough.  As we prepare to be together as a family before taking Jaymeson to college, please pray for us, just as we pray for all of you to toil, struggling with all HIS energy that HE may powerfully work within each of us as we proclaim His truths in all we say and do. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 8, 2026

 July 8 -- Colossians 1: 24 - 26 - "Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you, to make the word of God fully known, the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day:  Pray that we will each find joy in the sufferings God might choose to bring our way for the sake of others to grow in their walks with Christ. Pray that we will ALL be willing and able to make the Word of God fully known.

The WHY behind what we do

 Alright, Facebook friends - for the past week, we've been sharing a daily section of scripture and prayer requests. We purposefully did not share the reasons or an explanation of what we planned beforehand, as we wanted to see who would notice. God has laid on our hearts, that so often social media is filled with nothing that matters, and we want to change that for God's glory. 

Sure, it's fun to see photos of our vacations and family activities, but it also often turns into a pit of false-self-representation, judgment, or relationship destruction, as comments become a battlefield. This is not how God's people should live. So, if you've always wanted to read through the Bible, buckle up, subscribe, share, or whatever you have to do to stay on this journey with us.  

We are not going to have large sections of scripture, but just a few verses each day to assure everyone has time to make it through, even if you only have five minutes. Whether you join us here on Facebook, or our blog ( OurZambiaJourney.blogspot.com ) , please share with your friends that they can read through the book of Colossians this month of July. Each month will be a different book of the Bible, so this will be a long journey, but that's ok. The goal is to keep God's Word before us each day and guide our prayers to follow that Word. 

Please feel free to leave comments of how God led you to pray through the daily scriptures, or something you learned from the verses that day. Or....feel free to leave your prayer requests for others to join you in prayer. The goal is for all of us to realize that no matter what our sphere of influence, we can all make God's Word the focus each day and encourage others to choose to follow Christ -- the only TRUE source of hope. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 7, 2026

 July 7 -- Colossians 1: 21-23 "And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, if indeed you continue in the faith, stable and steadfast, not shifting from the hope of the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed in all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister."

Prayer focus for the day: Pray these scriptures for our children at the Tree of Life Children's Village in Zambia; that those who have not chosen to follow Christ will choose Him alone and those who have will be stable and steadfast in their faith, no matter what has happened in their lives so far. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 6, 2026

 July 6 -- Colossians 1: 17-20 "And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross."

Prayer focus for the day: Pray for Jesus Christ to be preeminent in EVERYTHING!  This is the day - why wait?!

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 5, 2026

 July 5 --  Colossians 1: 13-16 "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities -- all things were created through him and for him." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Praise the Lord for salvation; for Jesus Christ who is our only hope and the way for our redemption - forgiveness of our sins. Praise the Lord that through Him we were all created. Pray that we can each clearly share Christ with all we come in contact with that more and more will come to salvation through Jesus Christ alone. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 4, 2026

 July 4 --  Colossians 1: 10-12 "so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: 

* Pray for the United States of America as we celebrate our 250 years of independence!!!  (Happy Birthday USA!) 

* In praying, the verses above should guide us all... pray that all Christians would walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him. 

* Pray that each of us would bear fruit in every good work and that we would all increase in the knowledge of God. 

* Pray for all who have not chosen to follow Christ to know, believe, and choose Christ alone!  

* Pray we would all be strengthened with God's power, according to His glorious might for the endurance to run the race we were created to run for Him. 

* Pray that we would each find our joy today, not just in fireworks, outings, and celebrations, but in Christ alone. That we would be patient before the Lord to know what He has for us and that we would give thanks to God alone for our nation and all our blessings.

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 3, 2026

 uly 3 --  Colossians 1: 7-9 "just as you learned it from Epaphras our beloved fellow servant. He is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf and has made known to us your love in the Spirit. And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Pray today   that as we work with the children in Zambia, we would be filled with the knowledge of God's will to guide them to know and understand truth. 

Scripture & Prayer Focus for July 2, 2026

 Our Zambia Journey Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 2, 2026 -- Colossians 1: 4-6 "since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing -- as it also does among you, since the day you heard it and understood the grace of God in truth," (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: Pray that the one and only TRUE gospel of Jesus Christ would be made known around the world; that whether each of us is making a comment on social media, replying to a "post", or chatting with someone, the grace of God in TRUTH would be procalimed.  Pray for each follower of Jesus to truly understand and share the truth of God's word, and for those who have never believed to believe, choose Jesus, and follow Him today. 

Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 1, 2026

 Our Zambia Journey Scripture and Prayer Focus for July 1, 2026 -- Colossians 1: 1-3 "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you" (ESV)

Prayer focus for the day: As we offer prayers of thanksgiving for our ministry partners over the years who have given their time, talent, and treasure on behalf of our family and God's work in Zambia, we pray for the body of Christ to work together and encourage one another in their faith.