OCTOBER 29 – DEVOTIONAL
JOY & PEACE IN BELIEVING—THE MORE WE DELIGHT, THE DEEPER OUR PEACE!
“Great peace have they which love thy law: And nothing shall offend them.”
— Psalm 119:165 (KJV)
This scripture connects great peace with a heart that loves God’s Word. It does not promise that nothing will ever hurt us, but that hurt does not have to control us. The more we delight in His Word, the less power our circumstances have to steal our peace.
Beloved, God’s Word is a loving guide, drawing us closer to His heart. As we read, understand and live it, we discover how trustworthy He is. Our confidence grows because Jesus—the living Word—is the One in whom all things hold together (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 1:17). When life feels as though it is falling apart, we can trust the One who holds it together.
Have you noticed that some things no longer upset you the way they once did? A comment that would have ruined your day now becomes something you can release. You are learning to pause, respond gently and leave some matters in God’s hands. That is growth! As the Holy Spirit works through His Word, kindness begins to shape our responses, patience gives others room to grow, and peace settles where frustration once lived.
This is why Paul entrusted believers to God and to the word of His grace, “which is able to build you up” (Acts 20:32). His Word does more than fill our minds with information; it builds strength within us. Other books can inform and inspire, but Scripture draws us into knowing the One who transforms us from within.
Let us be thoughtful about what we continually give our attention to. If we constantly feed on fear, arguments and discouragement, our hearts can become restless. Give His promises more room than your worries. Read a little, reflect on it, carry it into your day and let it shape your choices. Peace deepens as truth takes root.
As we conclude our studies on Joy and Peace in Believing and draw this month to a close, let us extend our prayers beyond our own homes to families affected by war and unrest—in Israel and across the Middle East, in Ukraine, and in nations across Africa. May the Lord protect them, comfort grieving hearts, provide shelter and practical help, and restore hope. May the peace we cherish become the peace we prayerfully seek for others. 🕊️
May you and your family be encouraged to keep thriving in joy and peace in believing. May His Word steady your heart, soften your responses and help you rise above offenses. Whatever remains unresolved, may you rest in the love of the One who holds you together. Shalom! 🙏🏾
Bible Reading Summary
LAMENTATIONS 1:1–2:22
Jerusalem is filled with sorrow after its destruction. The people suffer because of their sins and disobedience to God. Their enemies have taken over, and even children suffer from hunger. The prophet mourns deeply and calls the people to cry out to God, acknowledging their sins and seeking His mercy. Key Themes: Consequences of Sin, God’s Judgment, Repentance, Sorrow, Seeking God’s Mercy.
PHILEMON 1:1–25
Paul writes to Philemon, asking him to forgive and welcome back Onesimus, his former servant who has become a believer. Paul encourages Philemon to treat Onesimus as a beloved brother in Christ rather than merely a servant. This letter teaches us about forgiveness, love, reconciliation, and treating others with kindness. Key Themes: Forgiveness, Christian Love, Reconciliation, Brotherhood in Christ, Kindness.
PSALM 101:1–8
David promises to live a life of integrity and faithfulness before God. He chooses to reject evil, dishonesty, pride, and wickedness. He desires to surround himself with trustworthy people and lead with righteousness. This Psalm reminds us that pleasing God requires holiness, honesty, and good character, both privately and publicly. Key Themes: Integrity, Holiness, Righteous Leadership, Faithfulness, Godly Character.
PROVERBS 26:20
This verse teaches that gossip and unnecessary arguments create conflict among people. Just as fire goes out when there is no wood to keep it burning, quarrels end when people stop spreading gossip. We must be careful with our words, avoid spreading rumors, and become peacemakers rather than troublemakers. Key Themes: Avoiding Gossip, Peaceful Relationships, Wisdom in Speech, Conflict Resolution, Self-Control.
FINAL REFLECTION
Today’s Bible passages remind us that God desires repentance, forgiveness, integrity, and peace in our lives. Sin and disobedience bring sorrow, but turning to God opens the door to His mercy. We are called to forgive others, live honestly, and avoid words or actions that create division.
True spiritual maturity is reflected in how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond to conflict. May we choose forgiveness over bitterness, integrity over dishonesty, and peace over unnecessary arguments, allowing God’s love to guide our daily lives.
BOA’S FINAL QUARTERLY & YEAR-END OUTREACH
Sharing His Love • Bringing Hope • Meeting Needs
Beloved, join us in ending this year with grateful hearts and open hands! We invite you to participate in or support our December 19th outreach, blessing orphans in Ghana and people experiencing homelessness in our U.S. communities.
Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40 that what we do for “the least of these,” we do for Him. Together, we can turn compassion into practical care and remind those who are hurting that they are loved and remembered. ❤️
📅 Outreach Date: December 19, 2026
🎁 Deadline for Donations & Attendance Confirmation: December 5, 2026
Please save the date, prayerfully consider giving, and let us know by December 5th if you plan to participate so we can prepare accordingly.
If BOA has encouraged or blessed you this year, please consider helping us extend that blessing to others. Every gift, helping hand and prayer matters.
May the love and peace we cherish become the love and care we share! 🙏🏾💜
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