The 40-Day Journey For Unity And Peace!
BASICSinMKE.org
Our prayer for this interactive 40-day journey of unity, peace, and prayer is that your mind is renewed with understanding and tangible insights as you wrestle through God’s perspective on how to walk out His life in you! Gary and Laurie Hendrickson, Co-Presidents, see us at BASICSinMKE.org. Want to go deeper? So, how does a Christ-follower live out biblical unity in a world divided by issues such as politics, race, and religion? Who’s right? Who’s wrong? Thankfully the teachings from the Word of God are just as relevant today as they were centuries ago!
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
BASICS ~ 25 Years Of Brothers And Sisters In Christ Serving In Milw!
The 40-Day Prayer Plan!
Mark Mallwitz Basics Ministry
DAY 1 – UNITY: GOD’S PLAN
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion. For there, the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore. ”Psalm 133:1,3 “I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” John 17:22-23
DAY 2– UNITY TOGETHER
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. ”Ephesians 3:17b-18
DAY 3– UNITY OF CHOICE
“Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:12-14
DAY 4 – UNITY IN CHRIST
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. ”Corinthians 1:10“On that day you will know that I am in my Father, you are in me, and I am in you.” John 14:20
DAY 5 – UNITY IN LOVE
“You obeyed the truth, and your souls were made pure. Now you sincerely love each other. But you must keep on loving with all your heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 Page of 210 As you process each day’s reading, consider: What keeps you from being a person of unity and peace? What keeps you from turning the other cheek? What’s one thing you could do over the next five days to remind yourself to seek unity?
Personal Reflection Days 1-5
As you meditate on these scriptures over the next five days, select at least one or two activities to help you process more meaningfully.
Pray:
When you pray, thank God for His wisdom in calling us to be unified as He is unified. Pray for His Spirit to show you what it means to live a life that reflects the attributes of unity in these verses.
Memorize:
Commit to memorizing one of the verses in this section. Write it on a notecard. Recite it to yourself to remind you of His call to live in unity! Act: In light of building unity, find an action to show someone God’s love this week. Look for opportunities to bridge differences to build peace and love toward others God brings to mind.
Draw:
The image and insert your name. How does the reality that you are in Him and He is in you impacting your daily thought process?
BASICS:
Please pray for “Front Row Seat – Dialogs for Understanding Racism. ”Praise God for those who are learning what it means to reach out in love to others who have had a different life experience due to race.
Praise Him for those who are experiencing the love of the Lord through renewed hearts and minds! Lord, may this swell to become a movement of unity through YOUR Church! Live it Out!
-
BasicsInMKE.org
-
Pastor Mark Mallwitz
-
Bible Basics
-
GotQuestions.org
-
Do You Read The Scriptures
-
Strength And Wisdom
-
Personal Encouragement
Meet Laurie Hendrickson BASICS In Milwaukee!
DAY 6 – UNITY IN LOVE SHARED
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
DAY 7 – UNITY IN THE LIGHT
“He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness until now. He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness…”1 John 2:9-11
DAY 8 – UNITY IN HIS POWER
“For His divine power has given us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” 2 Peter 1:3 “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
DAY 9 – UNITY IN PERSEVERANCE
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4
DAY 10 – UNITY IN TRIALS
Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come,” Luke 17:1a “Now that you have obeyed the truth and have purified your souls to love your brothers sincerely, you must love one another intensely and with a pure heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 As you meditate on these scriptures over the next five days, select at least one or two activities to help process in a more meaningful way.
Pray:
Ask God to reveal the areas of your life that need to submit to unity and love. Pray that His Spirit will guide you in showing love in the hard places. List: Read back through some of these verses and list key phrases that stand out. Take a few minutes to consider what God is telling you through them. Revisit the list throughout these five days. Share: Write out your testimony.
Focus on what life was like before you knew Christ and how He’s changed your life since. Share your story with someone else by the end of these five days. Create: Make something to remind yourself that you’re in the light.
Display your creation so you can see it and remind yourself of God’s wonderfulness! Worship: Choose a praise song that exalts Jesus. Listen to that song in the margins of your life through this period to remind you of His call to love in all circumstances.
BASICS:
Pray for our 15 BASICS Ministers to Milwaukee, who serve as local missionaries, raising their funds to help at-risk men, women, and youth on the streets, schools, prisons, and alongside law enforcement.
Live it Out! Personal Reflection Days 6-10 What does it mean to live a life of love according to God’s standard? In what areas of your life do you need to remember that God’s divine power is already in you?
DAY 11 – UNITY OF OUR MINDS
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is– his good, pleasing and perfect will. ”Romans 12:2
DAY 12 – UNITY ON SIN!
“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Genesis 4:7
DAY 13 – UNITY ON GRACE
“If you cannot control your anger, you are as helpless as a city without walls, open to attack.” Proverbs 25:28 “For sin shall no longer be your master because you are not under the law but grace.” Romans 6:14
DAY 14 – UNITY TO LISTEN
“This, you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20
DAY 15 – UNITY TO MOVE FORWARD
A person’s wisdom makes him slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
DAY 16 – UNITY IN AVOIDANCE
“We don’t allow people to find fault with how we serve” 2 Corinthians 6:3“It is to one’s honor to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.” Proverbs 20:3 As you meditate on these scriptures over the next six days, select at least one or two activities to help process in a more meaningful way.
Pray:
Pray for His understanding of what it means to renew your minds, and what transformation looks like.
List:
Read back through some of these verses and list or highlight key phrases that stood out. Take a few minutes to reflect on what God tells you through them. Revisit the list throughout the six days. Create a handy reminder to renew your mind whenever guilt, shame, or condemnation comes your way.
Example Reminder:
Hold your palm up in front of you, and make a fist with the thumb outside (thumb up gesture). Wiggle your thumb. This symbolizes you doing your own thing outside God’s power and love. Whenever you need to renew your mind quickly, make a fist with your thumb inside (represents you in God). Look at it and tell God what’s happening (He already knows).
Listen for His Spirit of truth – He loves you! Study: Take time to deepen your understanding of how you can be transformed by renewing your mind. In context, read (Romans 11:33–12:21). Write out your thoughts. Live it Out!
Meet Jane Turner From BASICS In Milwaukee!
Personal Reflection Days 11-16
We continue to wrestle with sin (falling short of God’s best for us). Knowing God has already given us everything necessary for an active spiritual life, what earthly patterns do you need a renewed mindset for?
DAY 17 – UNITY IN RELATIONSHIPS
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First, be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
DAY 18 – UNITY RESTORATION
“If your brother or sister sins, point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. ”Galatians 6:1
DAY 19 – UNITY IN RECONCILIATION
”All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors,” 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
DAY 20 – UNITY IN APPRECIATION
“Brothers and sisters, we ask you to show appreciation for those leaders who work among you and instruct you. We ask you to love them and think highly of them because of their work. Live in peace with each other.“ 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
DAY 21 – UNITY WITH HUMILITY
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another because God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 1 Peter 5:5 Page of 510
Personal Reflection Days 17-21
As you meditate on these scriptures over the next five days, select at least one or two activities to help you process in a more meaningful way.
Pray:
Ask God to reveal those who need “care-fronting” toward reconciliation. Then pray for His courage and love to be His ambassador. List: Make two columns on a sheet of paper. On one side, write key outcomes of care-fronting for you. On the other side, write the benefits for the other person.
Reflect on God’s desire for us to confront. Revisit your list throughout the five days. Encourage: Find someone who is under-appreciated or hurting and encourage them.
Focus on caring and listening. Share some of the renewed thoughts that you are experiencing!
Reflect:
What does it mean to be “others-focused?” What role does humility play? How do you humble yourself?
BASICS:
Pray for our BASICS staff and Wednesday Morning Prayer Team. Praise God for the many ways they serve powerfully in their giftedness behind the scenes.
Live it Out! When you think of needing to confront someone, what feeling comes to mind? What do you observe about the majority of the words you thought of? What’s the difference between your view and God’s view on facing confrontation? What practical steps could you take to be an ambassador of reconciliation?
DAY 22 – UNITY IN THE FRUIT
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit Galatians 5:22-23a,24
DAY 23 – UNITY IN HEART
”Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. “Colossians 3:15 “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:18 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9
DAY 24 – UNITY IN LIVING WORTHILY
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3
DAY 25– UNITY IN LOVE
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 “By this, we know that we love the children of God when we love God and obey his commandments.” 1 John 5:2
DAY 26 – UNITY IN CHRIST
“Therefore, if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose.” Philippians 2:1-2 Page of 610 As you meditate on these scriptures over the next five days, select at least one or two activities to help you process in a more meaningful way.
Pray:
Ask God to reveal the person of peace He wants you to be recognized by. List: Read back through some of these verses and list key phrases that stand out. Take a few minutes to consider what God is telling you through them. Revisit your list throughout the five days. Confess: If God is convicting you, your love for others is not where it needs to be. Find a trusted friend to share your needs and pray for one another.
Connect:
Set aside time over these five days to connect with Jesus. Fill your time with prayer, scripture reading, and reflection.
Memorize:
The Fruit of the Spirit attributes from Day 22 – Galatians 5:22-23a. BASICS: Pray for the Spirit to continue leading BASICS and bring additional partners whose gifts continue God’s impact uniting the city and suburban resources for His Kingdom’s work.
Personal Reflection Days 22-26
Live it Out! Consider what it means to be a person of peace. Who might God want you to be a peacemaker for?
Mark Mallwitz BASICS in Milwaukee!
DAY 27 – UNITY IN A WORTHY LIFE
“In the same way, let your light shine before people so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven. ”Matthew 5:16“so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,” Colossians 1:10
DAY 28 – UNITY IN PERSEVERANCE
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers. ”Galatians 6:9-10 “By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing.” 2 Timothy 3:17
DAY 29 – UNITY IN ENCOURAGEMENT
“But encourage each other daily, while it is still called today so that none of you is hardened by sin’s deception.” Hebrews 3:13” And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24
DAY 30 – UNITY IN GENEROSITY
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” 1 Timothy 6:18“Thus, by their fruit, you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:20
DAY 31 – UNITY THROUGH US
“For we are his workmanship, having been created in Christ Jesus for good works that God prepared beforehand so we may do them.” Ephesians 2:10 “In him, you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:22 Page of 710As you meditate on these scriptures over the next five days, select at least one or two activities to help you process in a more meaningful way. Pray: Pray Ask God to reveal the fruit He wants you to be recognized by those around you.
List:
Read back through some of these verses and list key phrases that stood out. Take a few minutes to reflect on what God tells you through them. Revisit the list throughout the five days.
Reflect:
Set aside time over these five days to connect with Jesus. Believe in what He has already said, not how you feel. Let Romans 8:1 wash over you: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” You are already redeemed and set free! Worship: Choose a praise song that exalts Jesus.
Listen to that song over these five days to remind you how much God loves you and His calling for you to do the same. Study: Reflect on what it means to be God’s workmanship. DAY 31. Go deeper and see the high value He puts on us in John 3:16-23. Live it Out!
Personal Reflection Days 27-31
What does it mean to be in the light? How do others see your light shining? In which ways (if any) do biblical good deeds differ from the world?
DAY 32 – UNITY IN A FIRM FOUNDATION
“He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. ”Romans 2:7 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19
DAY 33 – UNITY IS DOING GOOD
“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else.” 1 Thessalonians 5:15 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21“So suppose someone knows the good deeds they should do. But suppose they don’t do them. By not doing these good deeds, they sin.” James 4:17
DAY 34 – UNITY IN WALKING
“We encouraged you and comforted you as we urged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into His kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:12 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,” Philippians 1:27
DAY 35 – UNITY AS A PRISONER
I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,” Ephesians 4:1 “…so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” Colossians 1:10 Page of 810. As you meditate on these scriptures over the next four days, select at least one or two activities to help you process in a more meaningful way.
Pray:
Pray through the characteristics of an “Eternity-Destined Doer” of God’s Word on Day 32. Ask God to grow you in these ways! Rejoice: Paul says in Phil 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say: Rejoice!” Read back through some of these verses and rejoice in those areas where you’re doing well now. Read again, and rejoice in areas where you recognize growth opportunities!
Create:
Make something to remind yourself of the importance of walking out “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1:27). Display your creation so you can see it and remind yourself how wonderful God is to represent Him to our world!
Memorize:
Commit to memorizing one of the verses in this section. It will help you remember God’s calling for you and the practical way He wants you to live it out!
BASICS:
Pray for BASICS as we move toward racial and relational reconciliation. As we know, the evil one doesn’t want unity in the Body of Christ. Help us in our dialogs that no matter the topic or issue, that love is always present. Live it Out!
Personal Reflection Days 32-35
Consider what “worthy” means. Why is the Apostle Paul fixated on warning four different churches to walk worthwhile? What is one way you could walk more worthily?
DAY 36 – UNITY IN LOVING
He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and Love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 10:27, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35
DAY 37 – UNITY IN ONE ANOTHER
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another– and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25
DAY 38 – UNITY OF FAMILY
“Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function… Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.” Romans 12:4,10,16
DAY 39 – UNITY RESTORED
“Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.” 2 Corinthians 13:11
DAY 40– UNITY’S REWARD
“His master replied, ’Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Enter into the joy of your master!” Matthew 25:23
Meet Frank Woods BASICS In Milwaukee!
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the importance your Word places on biblical unity and peace! We thank you for the Spirit of truth to show us how to live out all your commands. Continue to guide us as doers of your Word spiritually and practically. He (Christ) is the one we proclaim, admonishing, and teaching everyone with all wisdom so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28
First 10 Days
DAY 1 – Psalm 133:1-3 John 17:22-23
2– Ephesians 3:17-18
3– Colossians 3:12-14
4 – 1 Corinthians 1:10, John 14:20
5 – 1 Peter 1:22
6 – John 13:34-35
7 –1 John 2:9-11
8 – 2 Peter 1:3, Romans 8:37
9 – James 1:2-4
10 – Luke 17:1, 1 Peter 1:22
Next 10 Days
DAY 11 –Romans 12:2
12 – Genesis 4:7
13 – Proverbs 25:28, Romans 6:14
14 – James 1:19-20
15 – Proverbs 19:11, Romans 8:1
16 – 2 Corinthians 6:3 Proverbs 20:3
17 – Matthew 5:23-24
18 – Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1
19 – 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
20 – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13
Next 10 Days
DAY 21 –Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Peter 5:5
22 –Galatians 5:22-24
23 – Colossians 3:15, James 3:18, Matthew 5:9
24 – Ephesians 4:1-3
25 – John 13:34-35, 1 John 5:2
26 – Philippians 2:1-2
27 – Matthew 5:16, Colossians 1:10
28 – Galatians 6:9-10, 2 Timothy 3:17
29 – Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 10:24
30 – Matthew 7:20
Next 10 Days
DAY 31 – Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 2:22
32 – Romans 2:7, 1 Timothy 6:18-19
33 – 1 Thessalonians 5:15 Romans 12:21 James 4:17
34 – 1 Thessalonians 2:12, Philippians 1:27
35 – Ephesians 4:1, Colossians 1:10
36 – Luke 10:27, John 13:35
37 – Hebrews 10:24-25
38 – Romans 12:4-16
39 – 2 Corinthians 13:11
40 – Matthew 25:23
END Colossians 1:28
Find Hope And Encouragement From Our Links!
- If you just started believing in God, we have a page specifically for you.
- If you are dealing with anger, stress, or depression, we have information to help you.
- We have phone helplines, website links, and YouTube videos.
- Learn more about us, our goals, and our purpose.
- If you have a drug/alcohol problem or want to get right with God, you are at the right place!
- If you need to talk to someone right away, you can call 800-633-3446 or click here.
- Finally, if you have any questions or get on our email list, just let us know.
For Encouragement, Call 800-633-3446 or Chat