April 26 – May 2

Curated Reading for April 26 – May 2

Sermon Series: Real War Week 3
Sermon Title: Victory in Jesus delivered on April 26, 2026

View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: Matthew 12:43–45.
What stands out to you about the “empty house”? Why does Jesus say the final condition becomes worse? What does this reveal about the danger of simply combating the darkness in spiritual warfare without an emphasis on the light?
Day 1 PRAY: Pause and ask God to show you any “empty spaces” in your life—places where something has been driven out, but not yet filled with His presence. Invite Jesus not just to cleanse your life, but to dwell in it. Ask Him to fill what is empty with His Spirit, truth, and love.
Day 2 READ: 1 John 4:1–3. What does it mean to “test the spirits”? Why is discernment necessary in the spiritual life? What are some “voices” or influences in your life that need to be tested?
Day 2 PRAY: Pause and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment. Write down one belief, voice, or influence you’ve recently encountered—ask: Does this align with Jesus? Ask God to guard your mind and help you recognize truth from deception.
Day 3 READ: 1 John 4:4.
What does it mean that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”? How does this reshape your understanding of spiritual battle?
Day 3 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus that you are not fighting for victory, but from victory. Speak this truth over your life: “Greater is He who is in me.” Ask God to replace fear with confidence rooted in His presence within you.
Day 4 READ: Luke 11:24–26.
What patterns do you notice about how evil returns? Why is passivity dangerous in the spiritual life?
Day 4 PRAY: Ask God to show you where you may be spiritually passive rather than actively pursuing Him. Invite Him to awaken desire in you—not just to resist evil, but to pursue Him. Pray for a deeper hunger for God’s presence.
Day 5 READ: 1 John 4:15–17.
What does it mean to “abide” in God? How does God’s love “in us” begin to shape us to become like Jesus?
Day 5 PRAY: Thank God that His goal is not just to forgive you, but to transform you. Ask: Where is God inviting me to become more like Jesus? Invite His love not just to comfort you, but to form you.

Memorize and Reflect

1 John 4:4
The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

Real War Weekly Challenge

Real War Weekly Training Regimen (Let in the Lion Edition)

  • Don’t just drive out—invite in (Fill your life with God’s presence daily in Prayer)
  • Test the voices you trust (Discern truth from deception by time in God’s Word)
  • Abide, don’t strive (Stay connected to Jesus, not just behavior-focused, in Worship)
  • Let love form you (God’s goal isn’t just freedom—it’s transformation through practice)

 

Final Reflection
You don’t overcome darkness just by pushing it out.
You overcome it by letting Someone greater move in.
So this week—don’t just fight the darkness.
Let in the Lion.