January 4 – 10

Curated Reading for January 4 – 10

Sermon Series: Get Real Week 1
Sermon Title: Real Faith in Trials and Testing delivered on January 4, 2026

View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: James 1. What are some of the key themes from this first chapter in James? What is one of these themes that you particularly resonate with in your life today? How does God’s Word challenge you in this area? Encourage you?
Day 1 PRAY: Take a moment to pause and write down the key themes you identified in this first chapter. Invite God to show you how you can apply the truths from this chapter to your life situations above. Thank Him for His Word and the work of His Spirit to both illuminate these truths to you and to inspire you to change. Invite Him to show you an area in your life where you need to better align your priorities and your choices with Him. Ask Him for the faith to make whatever changes are necessary.
Day 2 READ: James 1 again. What action words stand out to you or are repeated? How do these words demonstrate faith in action? What practical faith steps do you think best apply to your life?
Day 2 PRAY: Thank God for His unlimited wisdom and sovereignty. Thank Jesus for the unlimited access He enabled through His sacrificial death on the cross. Ask God to show you an area in your life where you need His wisdom (i.e., relationships, decisions, finances, etc.). As He reveals this to you, write it down and share it with someone you trust. Invite them to pray for you and with you as you seek to take steps of faith in this area.
Day 3 READ: James 1:1-12. As you read this passage, what images come to your mind? How should Christians perceive trials? How can doubt both hinder our spiritual growth and stifle our prayer life?
Day 3 PRAY: Find some time to be alone with God today. Ask Jesus to show you any areas in your life where you might be facing doubt. Write this down and read James 1:5-6. Ask Jesus to give you the strength to overcome your doubt by seeking Him in prayer, trusting His faithfulness, and asking other wise counselors for their insights and for their prayers for you.
Day 4 READ: James 1:2-4. What do you think James means by “pure joy”? How could trials and tests lead us to experience joy at a whole new level? Have you ever experienced something like this?
Day 4 PRAY: Thank God for HIs faithfulness and His never-ending presence with you during the trials in your life. Thank Him for carrying you and sustaining you. Invite Him to show you one person in your life who is facing a major trial and who could use a word of encouragement and personal prayer. As He leads you, respond by reaching out to the person and offering to pray for them.
Day 5 READ: James 1:12. How do trials and tough times help to shape our perseverance and strengthen our faith? Has your faith grown during challenging times? What is one area in which you saw spiritual growth during those times? How might this encourage others in your group/life?
Day 5 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for the growth you have experienced in your lifetime. Invite Him to show you one specific area this week that you can seek greater growth. Write it down and share it with another group member/follower of Jesus.

Memorize and Reflect

James 1:12
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Get Real Weekly Challenge

Get Real Challenge:

  • Commit to serving somewhere in the church.
  • Step out of your comfort zone into a consistent community.
  • Grow in greater Bible engagement.
  • Take a risk and offer to pray for others and ask for prayer for yourself.