Daily Bible Plan

Bible. Pray. One Another

At City Lights, we believe that renewal starts from within and expands into every area of our lives. The three daily habits of BIBLE, PRAYER and ONE ANOTHER are vital to establishing a close, connected and organic relationship with God. Our daily devotion is designed to help, by including a short passage from the Bible, a framework for prayer and an invitation to “one another” someone. We also add short videos to help you learn how to understand, interpret and apply the Bible. Don't forget to grab a free prayer journal on Sunday too!

Day 116 2024

BIBLE 

1 Peter 1 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:

Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Praise to God for a Living Hope
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
 
10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.
 
Be Holy
13 Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
 
17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.
 
22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. 23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For,
 
“All people are like grass,
    and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
25     but the word of the Lord endures forever.”
 

And this is the word that was preached to you.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER

Don’t be haughty: be of the same mind (Ro 12:16)
What do you need to let go of in order to be unified with someone? Let it go and reach out to that person by giving them a call or sending them a message.

Previous days

Day 115 2024

BIBLE 

James 5 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

Warning to Rich Oppressors
1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.
 
Patience in Suffering
7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
 
10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
 
12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
 
The Prayer of Faith
13 Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
 
17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
 
19 My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER

Love one another (Jn 13:34, 15:12, 17; Ro 13:8; 1 Th 3:12, 4:9; 1 Pe 1:22; 1 Jn 3:11, 4:7, 11; 2 Jn 5)
Write down one way you can show unconditional love towards your family, friends or collegues today and do it.

Day 114 2024

BIBLE 

James 4 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
 
4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
 
“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”
 
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
 
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
 
Boasting About Tomorrow
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER

Accept one another (Ro 15:7)
Who is one person you need to graciously accept and love as Jesus would? Reach out to them today to let them know you love and value them.

Day 113 2024

BIBLE 

James 3 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

Taming the Tongue
1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
 
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
 
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
 
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
 
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
 
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER

Be of the same mind with one another (Ro 12:16, 15:5)
Jesus calls us to be unified together. Is there a someone - a family member or collegue etc. who you can take positive steps to be unified with them today?

Day 112 2024

BIBLE 

Today can be used to reflect on or memorize this key verse from this week’s readings. The day can also be used to catch-up if you missed a day in the readings. 

Psalms 5:11 (NIV) Read or listen.

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER 

Regard one another as more important than yourselves (Php 2:3)
What can you do today to place their needs above your own?

Day 111 2024

BIBLE 

James 2 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

Favoritism Forbidden
1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
 
5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?
 
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
 
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
 
Faith and Deeds
14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
 
18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”
 
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
 
20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
 
25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER

Don’t grumble among one another (Jn 6:43)
Our words are powerful. Take notice of your words today and think of one way you can improve how you speak to others.

Day 110 2024

BIBLE 

James 1 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
 
To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:
 
Greetings.
 
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
 
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. 10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
 
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.
 
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
 
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
 
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
 
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
 

26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER

Give preference to one another in honour (Ro 12:10)
Who is someone you can honour with your words this week? Write their name down and send them a message or give them a call.

Day 109 2024

BIBLE 

Psalms 6 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. According to sheminith. A psalm of David.
1 Lord, do not rebuke me in your anger
    or discipline me in your wrath.
2 Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint;
    heal me, Lord, for my bones are in agony.
3 My soul is in deep anguish.
    How long, Lord, how long?
 
4 Turn, Lord, and deliver me;
    save me because of your unfailing love.
5 Among the dead no one proclaims your name.
    Who praises you from the grave?
 
6 I am worn out from my groaning.
 
All night long I flood my bed with weeping
    and drench my couch with tears.
7 My eyes grow weak with sorrow;
    they fail because of all my foes.
 
8 Away from me, all you who do evil,
    for the Lord has heard my weeping.
9 The Lord has heard my cry for mercy;
    the Lord accepts my prayer.
10 All my enemies will be overwhelmed with shame and anguish;
    they will turn back and suddenly be put to shame.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER 

Be at peace with one another (Mk 9:50)
Think about how you can bring peace to your environments - work, family, marriage. Do this intentionally this week.

Day 108 2024

BIBLE 

Psalms 5 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David.
1 Listen to my words, Lord,
    consider my lament.
2 Hear my cry for help,
    my King and my God,
    for to you I pray.
 
3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice;
    in the morning I lay my requests before you
    and wait expectantly.
4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness;
    with you, evil people are not welcome.
5 The arrogant cannot stand
    in your presence.
You hate all who do wrong;
6     you destroy those who tell lies.
The bloodthirsty and deceitful
    you, Lord, detest.
7 But I, by your great love,
    can come into your house;
in reverence I bow down
    toward your holy temple.
 
8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness
    because of my enemies—
    make your way straight before me.
9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted;
    their heart is filled with malice.
Their throat is an open grave;
    with their tongues they tell lies.
10 Declare them guilty, O God!
    Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
    for they have rebelled against you.
11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
    let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
    that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
 
12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous;

    you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER 

Be hospitable to one another (1 Pe 4:9)
Who is one person or family who you can invite over to your house for a meal (or out for a meal). Organise to have them over.

Day 107 2024

BIBLE 

Psalms 4 (NIV) Read or listen.
If you haven't already, take a few minutes to watch the Bible Project video on this book of the Bible above. It will help you understand the background and context of the reading and how it fits into the bigger story of the Bible. 

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
1 Answer me when I call to you,
    my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
    have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
 
2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame?
    How long will you love delusions and seek false gods?
3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself;
    the Lord hears when I call to him.
 
4 Tremble and do not sin;
    when you are on your beds,
    search your hearts and be silent.
5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous
    and trust in the Lord.
 
6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?”
    Let the light of your face shine on us.
7 Fill my heart with joy
    when their grain and new wine abound.
 
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
    for you alone, Lord,

    make me dwell in safety.

Based on today's reading, what is one thing that God is saying to you? 

PRAY

Take a few moments to pray with focus, passion and purpose using P.R.A.Y:

  • Praise and Thanksgiving
  • Repent and Receive
  • Ask
  • Yes

Todays Prayer: God, help me to put you first in every area of my life.

ONE ANOTHER 

Pray for one another (Jas 5:16)
Who can you pray for today? Write their name down and pray for them. Send them a message saying that you are praying for them.