Curated Reading for June 14 – 20
Sermon Series: Real War Week 9Sermon Title: The Battle for Your Joy delivered on June 14, 2026
View Sermon Notes →
Day 1 READ: Psalm 51. What is the main theme of this song (psalm)? In verse 10, we hear David’s plea for restoration; what was he asking for? What does that tell us about the ultimate source of joy? How have you experienced joy in seasons of spiritual healing and restoration?
Day 1 PRAY: Pause and thank God for His salvation and the joy that comes with His saving work in us. Invite Him to give you a fresh reminder and vision of the joy He longs for you to experience this week. Ask Him to show you one person you can share your joy with.
Day 2 READ: Nehemiah 8. What is the context of this chapter? Why was it important to the people to experience the joy of the celebration (Festival) as God’s Word had specified? How do you intentionally take time weekly, monthly, annually, and celebrate God’s goodness in your life?
Day 2 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for His goodness, as he is the creator and sustainer of all good things. Thank Him specifically for five blessings in your life today. Invite Him to show you how to be more grateful and joyful as you share the gifts He has given you.
Day 3 READ: John 16. As you read these passages, what are some of the themes that Jesus was communicating to His disciples in the waning hours before He would be handed over, tried, and crucified? How did Jesus connect joy with the grief and pain they would suffer? How does this give you encouragement in the waiting, grieving, and struggling this life offers?
Day 3 PRAY: Thank Jesus for His teaching and the gift of His Word to help us experience joy in the mysteries and loneliness of this life. Invite Him to show you how you can experience and express joy in greater measure today!
Day 4 READ: Acts 16. What moments of joy do you see on display throughout this chapter? How does the enemy attempt to rob the missionaries (Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke) of their joy? How did they respond to the spiritual and physical attacks? How did their rejoicing and worshiping affect the jailer? How can your life testify to the joy of Jesus in the hard and good times of life?
Day 4 PRAY: Thank the Holy Spirit for His eternal presence with you and the joy of His presence in you. Invite Him to show you areas in your life where you can display greater joy (Fruit of the Spirit). Ask Him to give you one person you can encourage today with words that are filled with joy and words that foster joy in that person.
Day 5 READ: John 15. Jesus connects the dots between love, obedience, and joy in His teaching to the disciples. How do these three areas of following Jesus foster greater spiritual growth? Is there a time when you were not walking in obedience to God’s Word and Jesus’ will? If so, how did that affect your joy in that season? What steps did you take to reconcile and restore your joy?
Day 5 PRAY: Pause and thank Jesus for His great love and amazing grace, which cover you no matter where you are or what you have done. Invite Jesus to show you any area in your life where your joy tank may be running low. Ask Him to reveal the reasons for this. Share what you discover with a trusted friend or family member and ask them to pray for you.
Memorize and Reflect
John 15:10–11
“If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”’
Real War Weekly Challenge
Real War Weekly Training Regimen
- Begin and end your day on your knees (Prayer)
- Strengthen your mind and heart (God’s Word)
- Take back the terrain of your heart and life (Confession, Repentance)
- Reconnect with a teammate (Accountability, Community)