The Guide for the Week September 22- 28th 2024
Bible Passage for the Week
Proverbs 26:11-20
Acts 1
1 Samuel 29
Psalm 144
Verse to Memorize
Acts 17:30-31
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
Who to pray for
Church: Colgate Baptist Church
Pastor Hunter McDavid
Ministry: Sweetwater Research
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville Mayor
Mike Moore
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 26:11-20
Verse 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The first 11 verses of this chapter rebuke the fool with sharp clarity. He is not fit for honor; rather, he deserves a rod on his back to punish him. You don’t give a fool an answer unless answering will expose his foolishness. Trusting a fool with responsibility is like handing a grenade to a child. It’s reckless. A wise saying in the mouth of a fool is as useless as legs on a paralyzed man. The fool stumbles through life, repeating his mistakes like a dog that returns to eat its own vomit. The point is simple: you don’t want to be a fool. Who is a fool? His mind is warped, his thinking is broken. He is stupid and senseless. He lacks wisdom, repeatedly engages in destructive behavior, speaks without understanding, and is resistant to correction.
As bad as a fool is there is someone worse than a fool. Scripture tells us that there is more hope for the fool than for the man who’s wise in his own eyes. Let that sink in. The fool, the one who can’t even handle a simple proverb, still has hope. Why? Because a fool can learn. He can change. But a man who is wise in his own eyes? He’s already arrived—at least in his mind. There’s no room for growth. No space for correction. He’s untouchable, unteachable, unreachable. His pride has locked him in a cage, and he threw away the key.
Why is there no hope for him? Because he thinks he doesn’t need anything. He’s healthy. He’s got it all figured out. He doesn’t need correction, counsel, or rebuke. He’s full—his cup is overflowing with self-satisfaction. And that’s the problem. You can’t fill a cup that’s already full.
Let me tell you a story, often credited to the false religion of Buddhism. But even unbelievers sometimes stumble onto truth, and the story makes a point:
A young man came to a sage seeking wisdom. He rattled on about everything he already knew. The sage listened, then started pouring tea into the young man’s cup. He kept pouring until the cup overflowed. “Stop!” the young man cried. “No more will go in!” The sage replied, “Exactly. Like this cup, you’re too full. You need to empty yourself before I can teach you anything.”
This story is true in a sense. No, we don’t empty ourselves of knowledge, but we must empty ourselves of pride. A man wise in his own eyes is worse than a fool because he’s full of himself. He’s so convinced of his own wisdom that no one—no pastor, no counselor, no scripture—can reach him. He’s untouchable, and that makes him more dangerous than any fool.
The humble fool, on the other hand, knows he’s a fool. He’s willing to learn, to cry out for help. He has hope because he’s teachable. Remember, Jesus came for the sick and the needy. He didn’t come for the self-righteous, the self-made, or the self-sufficient. The proud don’t need Him—or so they think.
Don’t be a fool, but worse, don’t be a proud fool. Pride destroys, blinds, and hardens the heart. The man wise in his own eyes is on a fast track to ruin. Humble yourself. Realize you don’t have it all together. You don’t know it all. You need wisdom, and that starts with the fear of the Lord.
Acts 1
Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses... to the remotest part of the earth."
In Acts 1, the disciples ask Jesus if He will now restore the kingdom to Israel. They expect a political kingdom, but Jesus redirects them. His resurrection wasn’t to take a throne in Jerusalem and reign over one small nation. No, Christ reigns over all nations, over the entire earth. His kingdom is not limited by borders or earthly politics. He is King of kings, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
Jesus ascended to heaven, not to leave His work behind, but to continue His reign from the throne of heaven. Our mission as His disciples is to proclaim that reign—to announce to the world that Jesus is Lord. We are to call all people everywhere to repent and believe in His death, burial, and resurrection. Our task is to make disciples of every nation, teaching them to obey everything King Jesus has commanded.
The church is not called to be silent or passive. The church is on a mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to take the Gospel to every corner of the globe. And the goal is clear: every nation should come under the rule of Christ. All nations are to be Christian nations, submitting to His lordship, living in obedience to the true King.
What is the mission? The mission is to proclaim Christ’s reign and call all people to repent and believe in the Gospel. We are to make disciples who live in obedience to King Jesus.
Where does our power come from? The Holy Spirit empowers us to carry out this mission. We don’t rely on our own strength but on the power of God working through us to spread His kingdom.
What does Jesus’ ascension mean? Jesus is now reigning over all creation. His rule isn’t limited to one nation or one place; it covers the whole world. He will return in glory, but until then, we proclaim His reign and call all people to follow Him.
Application for Families
Proclaim Christ’s reign at home: Parents, teach your children that Jesus is King. Model what it looks like to live under His authority and follow His commands. Make sure your children know the gospel, don’t assume they will know it. Teach them about Jesus life, his death, burial, resurrection, ascension, reign in heaven and his return.
Be bold in sharing the Gospel: Pray for opportunities to tell others about Jesus. Whether with friends, neighbors, or co-workers, be bold to share the good news of Jesus.
Pray for the nations and give yourself to the local church: As a family, pray for the Gospel to reach every nation. Pray that all people would come under Christ’s lordship. Pray for your church. It is in the local church that Jesus is working now. We are his witnesses.
Psalm 144
"Blessed be the Lord, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle; My lovingkindness and my fortress, My stronghold and my deliverer, My shield and He in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me."
David wasn’t born a warrior. He wasn’t groomed for the throne from birth by his family. He was a shepherd, a keeper of sheep in the quiet fields, and yet God—in His sovereignty—molded him into a warrior-king. David learned the hard way, wrestling lions and bears to defend his flock, unaware that God was training him for greater battles—against pagan giants, against armies. David was such a mighty warrior that many people sang his praises, yet David never stopped praising God. He knew the truth: his strength didn’t come from his own hands. It came from the Lord, the One who made his hands ready for war. Yes, David used tactics, he took cover in caves and behind walls, but those were tools. His real stronghold? That was always God.
And don’t forget—God is still in the business of taking nobodies and turning them into warriors. Look at what He does today. He doesn’t just make shepherd boys into kings; He takes sinners and makes them saints. If you’re in Christ, you’ve been called, you’ve been chosen, and He’s equipping you for the fight that lies ahead. Whether you’re meant to be a soldier, a leader, or something else entirely, God will sharpen you. He will forge you into what He’s called you to be.
Young men, if you’re called to be fathers. God will train you to lead, to protect, to provide for your family. Young women, if He calls you to be a wife, He will prepare you to be a godly, gentle, and wise helpmate. And if God’s calling your son to be a pastor? Rest assured, He’ll equip him for that spiritual battlefield. God doesn’t waste a single experience. Every trial, every victory, every moment of discipline is God preparing you for His purpose.
Whatever your calling, get after it. Don’t hold back. Pour every ounce of strength, focus, and determination into serving Christ. William Tyndale once said, “There is no work better than to please God; to pour water, to wash dishes, to be a cobbler, or an apostle, all are one; to wash dishes and to preach are all one, as touching the deed, to please God.” To put it simply: it doesn’t matter whether you’re washing dishes or preaching sermons—if you’re doing it to please God, every act becomes worship. That’s the kind of mindset you need. Whether you’re an engineer, a soldier, or a carpenter, serve Christ with everything you’ve got.
So, trust in God. Seek His wisdom. Pray with intensity. Serve the King of Kings with everything you are. And may “our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace. Vs 12”
Example Prayer for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Almighty God, our Father, we come before You in awe of Your greatness and holiness. You alone are worthy of all glory and honor, for You created the heavens and the earth by Your word and sustain all things by Your power. We confess our sins to You, acknowledging that we fall short of Your glory each day. We ask for Your forgiveness through the blood of Christ and for Your Spirit to help us walk in repentance and obedience.
We lift up the expectant mothers in our congregation: Gabby, Emily, Christina, Vivian, and Danyelle. We pray that You would grant them strength and good health as they carry the precious lives You have given. May their hearts be filled with peace and joy, trusting in Your perfect timing and care. Protect the little ones in their wombs and guide each family as they prepare to welcome these children into their homes.
We also bring before You Pastor Hunter McDavid and the congregation at Colgate Baptist Church. Lord, we ask that You would fill Pastor McDavid with wisdom and zeal, that he would lead his flock faithfully and with joy. Strengthen him against the temptations of discouragement or discontentment, and may his heart remain steadfast in Your Word. We pray for revival within their church, that the hearts of the members would be stirred to seek You earnestly. Use that large facility not as a place of emptiness but as a house where Your name is lifted high and the gospel is proclaimed boldly.
Father, we thank You for the ministry of Sweetwater Research and their efforts to provide clean water and the gospel to those in need. We ask for wisdom and endurance for their team as they work in Uganda, Malawi, and Ethiopia. As they bring physical water to quench the thirst of these communities, we pray that You would also open hearts to receive the Living Water, Jesus Christ. May many come to saving faith through their witness, and may these communities be transformed by the power of Your gospel.
We lift up Mayor Mike Moore of Jeffersonville and all those in authority over us. Your Word commands us to pray for our leaders, and so we ask that You would grant Mayor Moore wisdom and discernment as he governs. Convict him of sin, Lord, and lead him to repentance and faith in Christ. May he seek justice and righteousness in his leadership, submitting to Your authority in all that he does. Let his decisions be for the welfare of the people and for the advancement of Your kingdom.
Lastly, we bring before You our brother Seth Puryear, who is facing surgery for thyroid cancer. We thank You for the good prognosis, and we ask that You would guide the hands of the surgeons and medical team as they work. Grant Seth peace and strength as he undergoes this procedure, and may his recovery be swift and complete. Let this time be a testimony to Your faithfulness and healing power.
Lord, we also lift up the families of our church. Strengthen each family in faith and unity. May parents lead their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and may Christ be the center of every home. Use us to proclaim Your gospel in Jeffersonville and beyond, that many would come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We pray all these things in the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Church History Spotlight:
The Calling and Life of St. Matthew
Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:9-13 (NASB1995)
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector's booth; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up and followed Him.
Matthew was a tax collector, despised by his fellow Jews for his role working with the Roman occupiers. Tax collectors were often dishonest, but when Jesus called Matthew, he left his old life behind and followed Christ. Matthew became one of the twelve apostles, and wrote the Gospel of Matthew. After the resurrection of Christ, Matthew preached the gospel, possibly in regions like Ethiopia, Persia, and Parthia. Some accounts suggest that he was martyred for his faith, while others claim he died a natural death.
Matthew’s story shows us that God’s grace extends to the most unlikely people. God doesn’t just call sinners—He changes their hearts. When Jesus calls a sinner, He also leads them to repentance. Matthew left behind a life of dishonesty, repented, and followed Christ, using his new life to spread the gospel.
Key Themes to Teach Children:
Study Questions:
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Matthew, a sinner who was called by Your grace, repented, and followed Jesus. Thank You for showing us that no one is beyond Your reach. Help us to follow Christ with a heart of repentance, turning from our sins and trusting in Your mercy. Transform us, just as You did Matthew, to live lives that honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Proverbs 26:11-20
Acts 1
1 Samuel 29
Psalm 144
Verse to Memorize
Acts 17:30-31
Westminster Shorter Catechism
Q. 30. How doth the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A. The Spirit applieth to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.
Who to pray for
Church: Colgate Baptist Church
Pastor Hunter McDavid
Ministry: Sweetwater Research
Civil Magistrate: Jeffersonville Mayor
Mike Moore
Notes for Parents:
Proverbs 26:11-20
Verse 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
The first 11 verses of this chapter rebuke the fool with sharp clarity. He is not fit for honor; rather, he deserves a rod on his back to punish him. You don’t give a fool an answer unless answering will expose his foolishness. Trusting a fool with responsibility is like handing a grenade to a child. It’s reckless. A wise saying in the mouth of a fool is as useless as legs on a paralyzed man. The fool stumbles through life, repeating his mistakes like a dog that returns to eat its own vomit. The point is simple: you don’t want to be a fool. Who is a fool? His mind is warped, his thinking is broken. He is stupid and senseless. He lacks wisdom, repeatedly engages in destructive behavior, speaks without understanding, and is resistant to correction.
As bad as a fool is there is someone worse than a fool. Scripture tells us that there is more hope for the fool than for the man who’s wise in his own eyes. Let that sink in. The fool, the one who can’t even handle a simple proverb, still has hope. Why? Because a fool can learn. He can change. But a man who is wise in his own eyes? He’s already arrived—at least in his mind. There’s no room for growth. No space for correction. He’s untouchable, unteachable, unreachable. His pride has locked him in a cage, and he threw away the key.
Why is there no hope for him? Because he thinks he doesn’t need anything. He’s healthy. He’s got it all figured out. He doesn’t need correction, counsel, or rebuke. He’s full—his cup is overflowing with self-satisfaction. And that’s the problem. You can’t fill a cup that’s already full.
Let me tell you a story, often credited to the false religion of Buddhism. But even unbelievers sometimes stumble onto truth, and the story makes a point:
A young man came to a sage seeking wisdom. He rattled on about everything he already knew. The sage listened, then started pouring tea into the young man’s cup. He kept pouring until the cup overflowed. “Stop!” the young man cried. “No more will go in!” The sage replied, “Exactly. Like this cup, you’re too full. You need to empty yourself before I can teach you anything.”
This story is true in a sense. No, we don’t empty ourselves of knowledge, but we must empty ourselves of pride. A man wise in his own eyes is worse than a fool because he’s full of himself. He’s so convinced of his own wisdom that no one—no pastor, no counselor, no scripture—can reach him. He’s untouchable, and that makes him more dangerous than any fool.
The humble fool, on the other hand, knows he’s a fool. He’s willing to learn, to cry out for help. He has hope because he’s teachable. Remember, Jesus came for the sick and the needy. He didn’t come for the self-righteous, the self-made, or the self-sufficient. The proud don’t need Him—or so they think.
Don’t be a fool, but worse, don’t be a proud fool. Pride destroys, blinds, and hardens the heart. The man wise in his own eyes is on a fast track to ruin. Humble yourself. Realize you don’t have it all together. You don’t know it all. You need wisdom, and that starts with the fear of the Lord.
Acts 1
Acts 1:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses... to the remotest part of the earth."
In Acts 1, the disciples ask Jesus if He will now restore the kingdom to Israel. They expect a political kingdom, but Jesus redirects them. His resurrection wasn’t to take a throne in Jerusalem and reign over one small nation. No, Christ reigns over all nations, over the entire earth. His kingdom is not limited by borders or earthly politics. He is King of kings, and all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him.
Jesus ascended to heaven, not to leave His work behind, but to continue His reign from the throne of heaven. Our mission as His disciples is to proclaim that reign—to announce to the world that Jesus is Lord. We are to call all people everywhere to repent and believe in His death, burial, and resurrection. Our task is to make disciples of every nation, teaching them to obey everything King Jesus has commanded.
The church is not called to be silent or passive. The church is on a mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to take the Gospel to every corner of the globe. And the goal is clear: every nation should come under the rule of Christ. All nations are to be Christian nations, submitting to His lordship, living in obedience to the true King.
What is the mission? The mission is to proclaim Christ’s reign and call all people to repent and believe in the Gospel. We are to make disciples who live in obedience to King Jesus.
Where does our power come from? The Holy Spirit empowers us to carry out this mission. We don’t rely on our own strength but on the power of God working through us to spread His kingdom.
What does Jesus’ ascension mean? Jesus is now reigning over all creation. His rule isn’t limited to one nation or one place; it covers the whole world. He will return in glory, but until then, we proclaim His reign and call all people to follow Him.
Application for Families
Proclaim Christ’s reign at home: Parents, teach your children that Jesus is King. Model what it looks like to live under His authority and follow His commands. Make sure your children know the gospel, don’t assume they will know it. Teach them about Jesus life, his death, burial, resurrection, ascension, reign in heaven and his return.
Be bold in sharing the Gospel: Pray for opportunities to tell others about Jesus. Whether with friends, neighbors, or co-workers, be bold to share the good news of Jesus.
Pray for the nations and give yourself to the local church: As a family, pray for the Gospel to reach every nation. Pray that all people would come under Christ’s lordship. Pray for your church. It is in the local church that Jesus is working now. We are his witnesses.
Psalm 144
"Blessed be the Lord, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle; My lovingkindness and my fortress, My stronghold and my deliverer, My shield and He in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me."
David wasn’t born a warrior. He wasn’t groomed for the throne from birth by his family. He was a shepherd, a keeper of sheep in the quiet fields, and yet God—in His sovereignty—molded him into a warrior-king. David learned the hard way, wrestling lions and bears to defend his flock, unaware that God was training him for greater battles—against pagan giants, against armies. David was such a mighty warrior that many people sang his praises, yet David never stopped praising God. He knew the truth: his strength didn’t come from his own hands. It came from the Lord, the One who made his hands ready for war. Yes, David used tactics, he took cover in caves and behind walls, but those were tools. His real stronghold? That was always God.
And don’t forget—God is still in the business of taking nobodies and turning them into warriors. Look at what He does today. He doesn’t just make shepherd boys into kings; He takes sinners and makes them saints. If you’re in Christ, you’ve been called, you’ve been chosen, and He’s equipping you for the fight that lies ahead. Whether you’re meant to be a soldier, a leader, or something else entirely, God will sharpen you. He will forge you into what He’s called you to be.
Young men, if you’re called to be fathers. God will train you to lead, to protect, to provide for your family. Young women, if He calls you to be a wife, He will prepare you to be a godly, gentle, and wise helpmate. And if God’s calling your son to be a pastor? Rest assured, He’ll equip him for that spiritual battlefield. God doesn’t waste a single experience. Every trial, every victory, every moment of discipline is God preparing you for His purpose.
Whatever your calling, get after it. Don’t hold back. Pour every ounce of strength, focus, and determination into serving Christ. William Tyndale once said, “There is no work better than to please God; to pour water, to wash dishes, to be a cobbler, or an apostle, all are one; to wash dishes and to preach are all one, as touching the deed, to please God.” To put it simply: it doesn’t matter whether you’re washing dishes or preaching sermons—if you’re doing it to please God, every act becomes worship. That’s the kind of mindset you need. Whether you’re an engineer, a soldier, or a carpenter, serve Christ with everything you’ve got.
So, trust in God. Seek His wisdom. Pray with intensity. Serve the King of Kings with everything you are. And may “our sons in their youth be as grown-up plants, And our daughters as corner pillars fashioned as for a palace. Vs 12”
Example Prayer for Weekly Prayer Concerns
Almighty God, our Father, we come before You in awe of Your greatness and holiness. You alone are worthy of all glory and honor, for You created the heavens and the earth by Your word and sustain all things by Your power. We confess our sins to You, acknowledging that we fall short of Your glory each day. We ask for Your forgiveness through the blood of Christ and for Your Spirit to help us walk in repentance and obedience.
We lift up the expectant mothers in our congregation: Gabby, Emily, Christina, Vivian, and Danyelle. We pray that You would grant them strength and good health as they carry the precious lives You have given. May their hearts be filled with peace and joy, trusting in Your perfect timing and care. Protect the little ones in their wombs and guide each family as they prepare to welcome these children into their homes.
We also bring before You Pastor Hunter McDavid and the congregation at Colgate Baptist Church. Lord, we ask that You would fill Pastor McDavid with wisdom and zeal, that he would lead his flock faithfully and with joy. Strengthen him against the temptations of discouragement or discontentment, and may his heart remain steadfast in Your Word. We pray for revival within their church, that the hearts of the members would be stirred to seek You earnestly. Use that large facility not as a place of emptiness but as a house where Your name is lifted high and the gospel is proclaimed boldly.
Father, we thank You for the ministry of Sweetwater Research and their efforts to provide clean water and the gospel to those in need. We ask for wisdom and endurance for their team as they work in Uganda, Malawi, and Ethiopia. As they bring physical water to quench the thirst of these communities, we pray that You would also open hearts to receive the Living Water, Jesus Christ. May many come to saving faith through their witness, and may these communities be transformed by the power of Your gospel.
We lift up Mayor Mike Moore of Jeffersonville and all those in authority over us. Your Word commands us to pray for our leaders, and so we ask that You would grant Mayor Moore wisdom and discernment as he governs. Convict him of sin, Lord, and lead him to repentance and faith in Christ. May he seek justice and righteousness in his leadership, submitting to Your authority in all that he does. Let his decisions be for the welfare of the people and for the advancement of Your kingdom.
Lastly, we bring before You our brother Seth Puryear, who is facing surgery for thyroid cancer. We thank You for the good prognosis, and we ask that You would guide the hands of the surgeons and medical team as they work. Grant Seth peace and strength as he undergoes this procedure, and may his recovery be swift and complete. Let this time be a testimony to Your faithfulness and healing power.
Lord, we also lift up the families of our church. Strengthen each family in faith and unity. May parents lead their children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and may Christ be the center of every home. Use us to proclaim Your gospel in Jeffersonville and beyond, that many would come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We pray all these things in the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.
Church History Spotlight:
The Calling and Life of St. Matthew
Scripture Reading: Matthew 9:9-13 (NASB1995)
As Jesus went on from there, He saw a man called Matthew, sitting in the tax collector's booth; and He said to him, "Follow Me!" And he got up and followed Him.
Matthew was a tax collector, despised by his fellow Jews for his role working with the Roman occupiers. Tax collectors were often dishonest, but when Jesus called Matthew, he left his old life behind and followed Christ. Matthew became one of the twelve apostles, and wrote the Gospel of Matthew. After the resurrection of Christ, Matthew preached the gospel, possibly in regions like Ethiopia, Persia, and Parthia. Some accounts suggest that he was martyred for his faith, while others claim he died a natural death.
Matthew’s story shows us that God’s grace extends to the most unlikely people. God doesn’t just call sinners—He changes their hearts. When Jesus calls a sinner, He also leads them to repentance. Matthew left behind a life of dishonesty, repented, and followed Christ, using his new life to spread the gospel.
Key Themes to Teach Children:
- Jesus Calls and Changes Sinners: Matthew was despised as a tax collector, yet Jesus called him. This shows that God’s grace can reach even the worst of sinners. But His grace doesn’t leave us the same—it leads to repentance and a new life.
- Repentance and Obedience: When Jesus said, "Follow Me," Matthew immediately obeyed, leaving his old life behind. True repentance means turning away from sin and following Jesus in faith and obedience.
- The Power of God's Grace: God can take a sinner like Matthew and transform him into an apostle. No one is beyond the reach of God's grace if they repent and believe.
Study Questions:
- Who was Matthew before he met Jesus?
- Why did people dislike tax collectors like Matthew?
- What did Matthew do when Jesus called him?
- How does Matthew’s story show that God changes hearts?
- What is repentance, and why is it important?
Prayer of Thanksgiving: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of Matthew, a sinner who was called by Your grace, repented, and followed Jesus. Thank You for showing us that no one is beyond Your reach. Help us to follow Christ with a heart of repentance, turning from our sins and trusting in Your mercy. Transform us, just as You did Matthew, to live lives that honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.