Curated Reading for August 2 – 8
Sermon Series: Real Stories Week 6Sermon Title: A God With Us in the Fire delivered on August 2, 2026
View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: 2 Chronicles 34. What were some of the reforms that Josiah led during his 31-year reign as King of Judah? What kind of an impact did he have at such a young age? How did God set him apart from his father and grandfathers? How did God use him to equip the people of Judah for what was to come?
Day 1 PRAY: Take some time today to reflect on your life and the legacy you would like to leave behind. What is one area that you are passionate about that God could use to reach more people for Jesus and make a bigger impact in your family and friend circles? Commit to taking one step this week to move forward in that reform in your life.
Day 2 READ: Daniel 1. Why do you think the King chose to bring the young men from royal families into his “training program”? What was his goal? Why did they change their names from the God-given Hebrew names? What did their names mean? What about their diet? How did God prove His faithfulness to them in this first challenge?
Day 2 PRAY: How does our current culture reflect some of the same attributes of King Nebuchadnezzar and his leaders? How does culture today challenge our core identity and our beliefs? How and where are you being challenged in your faith?
Day 3 READ: Daniel 2. How did Daniel respond to the news of certain death for him and his friends? What did the interpretation of the king’s dream showcase to others? How did God use this to promote Daniel and his friends to new positions and influence? How did the others support Daniel?
Day 3 PRAY: Spend some time with Jesus today. Thank Him for the responsibilities and roles you have been given. Ask Him to show you an area where your life could have a greater influence and impact for Him. Invite Him to show you an area where you might be susceptible to compromise. Commit to bolstering this area and ask the Holy Spirit to give you the wisdom and discernment to recognize your next steps.
Day 4 READ: Daniel 3. What would you do in this situation? Where do you think they gained the spiritual strength and integrity to stand firm in the face of this pressure to compromise their faith? (2 Chronicles 34- there is a high probability the three men were youngsters during the time Josiah was making reforms and the nation of Judah was experiencing revival and reform). How important do you think it was to have each other during that tense time? Who do you think the mysterious fourth man in the fire was? Why? How is this a picture of Jesus’ saving work on the cross and His victory over death for us?
Day 4 PRAY: Do an inventory of the people closest to you in your life. Ask yourself which ones help strengthen and encourage you in your faith and which ones might be pulling you away from your faith? Make it a point to pray and ask God for the wisdom and discernment to see how each relationship might be strengthening or compromising your Christian faith and walk with Jesus.
Day 5 READ: Daniel 4. What would you do in this situation if you were Daniel? This is yet another example of God’s expectation for us to speak truth, even if it ruffles feathers. How did Daniel share the dream’s interpretation with the king? What did the king do with the news? How did he fail? How do these story points to the spiritual truths of sharing the gospel? How might some people respond to the free gift of Jesus?
Day 5 PRAY: Thank God for revealing Himself to you and your salvation through Jesus. Ask Him to show you one person in your sphere of influence who doesn’t yet know Jesus. Commit to sharing the Gospel with that person over the next 30 days. Write down your plan of action and tell your accountability partner about it. Ask them to pray for you as you prepare and eventually share.
Memorize and Reflect
Daniel 3:17-18
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Real Stories Weekly Challenge
Real Stories Challenge:
- There is more to the Story: There is more to the Story: Take time this week to read the full story of these courageous young men and Daniel (Daniel 1-5)
- Love your neighbor: Connect, reconnect, or make a friend with a neighbor.
- Take a next step: Begin Prayer walking in your neighborhood and beyond.