July 12 - 18 -

Curated Reading for July 12 – 18

Sermon Series: Real Stories Week 3
Sermon Title: Loving God and Loving People delivered on July 12, 2026

View Sermon Notes →

Day 1 READ: Exodus 20:1-2
What do you learn about who God is in this passage? What do you learn about what God did? Why should an awareness of these two things lead to obedience to the commands God placed before His people?

Day 1 PRAY: Take time to reflect on who God has been in your life over this past year. Think about what God has done for you. Why should these two realities cause you to grow in obedience to God’s will and plans for your life?

Day 2 READ: Exodus 20:3-4
How do these two commands relate to each other and reinforce each other? What are some of the idols and “gods” we can fashion in our modern world that can take a place of supremacy in our lives above the God who made us and loves us? Why do you think God is so emphatic that we never let anything take first place in our heart, life, or schedule above Him?

Day 2 PRAY: Make a list of three to five things that can sometimes fight for supremacy in your heart, life, or schedule. Be really honest! It can be people, addictions, hobbies, and lots of good things! What place does each of these play in your life today, and what shifts do you need to make to keep God on the throne

Day 3 READ: Exodus 20:7-11
What are ways we misuse God’s Name in our world today, and how can you avoid this? What are ways we tend to break the Sabbath and not honor God by following His call to a rhythm of rest?

Day 3 PRAY: Set a goal to honor God’s Name more and remove any misuse of His name from your life. Also, set a goal to take Sabbath rest more seriously and make space once a week to really dial back and slow down.

Day 4 READ: Exodus 20:12-17
How does following each of these commands do three things at the same time: Honor God, strengthen our faith, and bring blessing to others?

Day 4 PRAY: Identify one of these that you struggle to follow (remember how Jesus expounded on these in the Sermon on the Mount). Pray for the power to walk in line with this command and identify one thing that needs to change in your life as you walk in obedience.

Day 5 READ: Exodus 20:18-21
Why do you think the people experienced such profound fear, and was this good or bad…or both? How did Moses try to put their fear in perspective?

Day 5 PRAY: Think about why a healthy fear of the Lord can strengthen your faith. Also ponder why an unhealthy fear of God can harm your faith. How can you grow your fear of the Lord in a healthy way?

Memorize and Reflect

Exodus 20:3
“You shall have no other gods before me.

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 Crossing into the Promised Land (Joshua 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.