The Word For Today

By David Jeremiah

6/4/2026

How Faith Comes…

Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17 The book of Acts illustrates the truths expressed by the apostles in their letters to the churches. One example is how Acts 14:8-10 illustrates the truth taught in Romans 10:17. In Romans 10, Paul says Israel needs someone to preach the Gospel to them. He then says that “faith comes from hearing … the word of Christ.” “Word of Christ” can mean either the word(s) spoken by Christ as repeated by a preacher or words spoken about Christ by a preacher. The effect is the same—anyone preaching about Christ will no doubt quote some of Christ’s words. And those words produce faith. That’s what happened when Paul was in Lystra. A man who was crippled from birth, who had never walked, was listening to Paul preach. Paul looked at the man and saw “that he had faith to be healed” and told him to stand up—and he did (Acts 14:8-10)! The words of/about Jesus created faith in this man. Do you need faith or know someone else who needs faith? Meditate on “the word of Christ” and trust God that faith will come.

6/3/2026

Birthed by God…

Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3 When describing the birth of a newborn, we never say, “The baby birthed himself at 3:00 p.m.” Likewise, when describing spiritual rebirth, Jesus said, “Unless you are born.” That is, both human birth and spiritual rebirth are passive events for the infant. Mothers give birth to physical babies; the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual babies (John 3:5-8). This idea is behind Paul’s words in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Our spiritual rebirth is not something we do by ourselves, by our own efforts. If it was, we would be right to boast. Since it is of God rather than ourselves, we can only boast about God and His grace (1 Corinthians 1:27-31; 2 Timothy 1:9). If you have been born again through faith in Christ, give thanks to God that He has birthed you for a purpose. As the Spirit brought you into God’s Kingdom, so He will lead you and transform you.

6/2/2026

Hiding the Word…

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 It is estimated that around three hundred direct quotations from the Old Testament appear in the New Testament. References and allusions bring that number closer to one thousand. We often take for granted how often the New Testament writers incorporate a quotation or reference from the Old Testament—especially in their conversations where they appear to be quoting from memory. And we have to remember that they had no computers or complete copies of the Old Testament to work with when writing the New Testament. Jesus appears to quote the Old Testament around 75 times in His teachings and verbal exchanges with others. Take, for example, His exchange with the devil during His 40-day sojourn in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Three times He refuted the devil’s temptations by quoting verses from Deuteronomy. Paul quotes or alludes to the Old Testament around 75 times just in the book of Romans. How did they do this? Memorization and in-depth familiarity with Scripture. Consider setting a goal of memorizing one verse or passage of Scripture each week. After all, the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and the foundation of faith (Romans 10:17).

6/1/2026

Spiritual Infusions…

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. Ephesians 3:16 Infusions have become a popular way to replenish fluids or nutrients in your body. At your home or at an infusion clinic, you’re hooked to an IV that delivers vitamins, minerals, and fluids directly into your bloodstream. Are infusions available for us spiritually? If so, where can we find an infusion of strength for our souls? For that we turn to the clinic of God’s Word. In Ephesians 3:16, we learn a vital prayer to offer for ourselves: Lord, I ask You to grant me, according to the riches of Your glory, to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in my inner being. The Holy Spirit was sent to us as a Helper. He comes to strengthen us. When you feel weak, ask the Lord to impart His strength. If you’d like another prayer along these lines, use these words from hymnist Edwin Hatch: “Breathe on me, breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do.”

5/31/2026

Inner Guidance…

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts. Colossians 3:15 Nicky Cruz, saved from a New York gang, attended Bible college and struggled with his future. Each night he would pray, “Please show me what to do next.” One night while lying on the floor and praying, Nicky sensed a calm come into his heart. He felt the Lord’s presence, as though Christ was saying, “Nicky, my son, don’t worry. I haven’t forgotten you…. I have plans for you.” From that moment, Nicky knew the Lord wanted him to become an evangelist, a role he has been fulfilling for nearly sixty years. When we come to Christ, we have peace with God. Then when we make difficult decisions, we have peace from God to help us. Whenever there are two or more options, when all other things are equal and we don’t know what to do, we can pray! As we pray, we often sense an inner conviction in our heart. The Lord whispers to us saying, “This is the way, walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21). If you’re facing a dilemma or decision today, ask God to whisper His wisdom to your heart as part of His matchless guidance.

5/30/2026

May Mothers: The Submission of Mary…

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38 Perhaps the most important thing we know about Mary, the mother of Jesus, comes from her own words to the angel Gabriel when she was told of God’s plan for her. First, she referred to herself as a “maidservant of the Lord.” This word could be translated as “servant,” “bondservant,” or “slave.” It carried with it the idea of compulsion or obligation—that is, a role that Mary wasn’t free to reject. How did Mary come to view herself as a young woman obligated to serve God with her life? We don’t know. But we do know that her commitment to God resulted in Gabriel referring to her as “highly favored” in God’s sight (Luke 1:28). Second was her response to Gabriel’s announcement: “Let it be to me according to your word.” Once she received the amazing explanation of how she, a virgin, could give birth to a baby (Luke 1:35), there was no hesitation, questioning, or debate. Mary simply said “Yes” to God. When it comes to submitting to God, the fewer words the better. Only one word is truly necessary: Yes.

5/29/2026

Be a Friend…

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 Far too many churches and denominations have been founded for reasons that were less than loving. Yet Jesus told His disciples that love among Christians would be the hallmark of those who follow Him. He gave His disciples a new name—He called them friends rather than servants. And a new command: As friends, they were to love one another. If all followers of Jesus are His friends, that makes all followers of Jesus friends with one another. As mutual friends, love for one another is to be what separates Christians from the world. So serious was Jesus about love for one other that He said it would require laying down one’s life for one’s friends—which is what He did for His friends (John 15:13). Do you have a friend who would lay down his or her life for you. Are you the kind of friend who would lay down your life? “Friend” is a covenant term in Scripture (James 2:23). Under the old covenant, a true friend was closer than a blood brother (Proverbs 18:24). Be the kind of friend you would like to have and show the world that you are a friend of Jesus.

5/28/2026

Christ in You…

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7 Jesus’ preparation of His disciples for His return to the Father in heaven was disconcerting for them. For three years they had witnessed His teaching and His merciful healings—not to mention His companionship and counsel. What would they do without Him? The solution He revealed to them was new. He would send to them a Helper who they came to understand was the Holy Spirit—given to them a few weeks later at the Feast of Pentecost (Acts 2). In fact, Jesus said it would be to their advantage for Him to go away and for the Spirit to come in His place, enabling them to do even greater works than He had done (John 14:12). So the Holy Spirit was given to all believers to empower the life of Christ in each one who believes (Romans 8:11; Galatians 2:20; 5:22-23). Never forget during difficult moments: If you belong to Christ by faith in Him, He dwells in you by His Spirit.

5/27/2026

Another Place…

Peter said, “Go, tell these things to James and to the brethren.” And he departed and went to another place. Acts 12:17 The first twelve chapters of Acts concern Peter. In Acts 12, an angel freed him from prison, and he went to the home of John Mark and spoke to the disciples. Then he left for “another place.” Starting with chapter 13, the remainder of the book of Acts concerns the apostle Paul. Where did Peter go? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but ancient traditions say John Mark led him from Jerusalem to a section of Egypt known as “Babylon” or “Old Cairo.” It was possibly the same place Joseph and Mary fled with the baby Jesus, beyond the reach of Herod. It was a place of refuge. We all need a place of refuge. Deuteronomy 33:27 says, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” When we face trouble, we can retreat to our Refuge. He is always there, easily accessible. We have only to turn to Him. When everything else fails, there is still another place—His everlasting arms.

5/26/2026

Praise the Lord…

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! Psalm 150:6 J. Sidlow Baxter wrote, “Our Lord is not a fair-weather companion only. When the dark hour comes, when the storm beats about us, when the grievous blow falls, He is the Friend that sticks closer than a brother…. Our Lord is not merely a distant spectator of our concerns, far removed from us in a far-off sky. He is a present help.” When we truly grasp the nearness of God and His involvement in even the smallest concerns in life, we’re empowered to lift up our hearts and lungs in praise. We often rely on God during difficult times, but do we also remember that He’s there during the good times as well? He’s with us in the ups and downs, and we should take time during both to praise Him for that. Are things going well for you? Praise the Lord; He is a God who sends our blessings! Are things difficult right now? Praise the Lord; He is a God who bears our burdens. Let everything on earth praise the Lord!

5/25/2026

Grace for a Lifetime…

Sing praise to the Lord, you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 In the New Testament era, the most prominent theme is the grace of God—encompassing love, mercy, and forgiveness. But it is important to remember that God is our Father who is willing to discipline His children when the need arises (Hebrews 12:5-13). There are two aspects of discipline which need to be viewed differently. One is in the form of correction for sin as seen in 1 Corinthians 11:27-32—discipline in the form of punishment. The other is discipline for the purpose of training during times of hardship: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children” (Hebrews 12:7, NIV). For His children, God’s discipline—regardless of the reason—is temporary. But His grace is never-ending: “His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life.” As the prophet Jeremiah wrote, God’s compassions never fail—“they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). If God has you in training, remember: It is only temporary. His grace and compassions fail not.

5/24/2026

God With Us…

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 The name Immanuel (“God with us”) occurs in Isaiah (7:14; 8:8) and in Matthew 1:23. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet declared that a virgin would give birth to a son as a sign. The child’s name would be Immanuel. The child was to be a sign that God would be with King Ahaz of Judah in defense of the invading Assyrians. God had promised to be with Israelites in the Old Testament on numerous occasions. For example, He was with Joshua as Israel entered the Promised Land: “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). But when it came time for Jesus to enter the world, “God with us” took on a new reality. Matthew showed how the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14 had a more far-reaching meaning. The Son born to the virgin, Mary, would be God incarnate—God in the flesh, God in human form (Philippians 2:6-8). The implications of the Incarnation are life changing. By the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is with you at this moment—and for all your days.

5/23/2026

May Mothers: The Loyalty of Elizabeth…

So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.” Luke 1:59-60 It was not uncommon in Israel for firstborn sons to be named after their father—for example, “Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus” (Mark 10:46—bar in Hebrew meant “son”). Therefore, when it came time to name the firstborn son of the priest Zacharias and his wife, Elizabeth, their relatives assumed the child’s name would be the same as his father. But Elizabeth said his name would be John—a decision Zacharias confirmed. The angel Gabriel, when revealing to Zacharias that his barren wife would conceive a son, said the boy’s name would be John. For being skeptical of Gabriel’s announcement, Zacharias was made mute until John was born. But apparently during Elizabeth’s pregnancy, Zacharias had somehow communicated to her what the angel had said. Out of loyalty to God’s will through Gabriel, and loyalty to her husband, Elizabeth confirmed the baby’s name would be John—who became John the Baptist. Loyalty means choosing a priority that might be different than your personal preference. Loyalty to God always comes first.

5/22/2026

Still Smiling…

I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Acts 27:25 Scott Smiley is an American soldier who was blinded while fighting in Mosul, Iraq. In his book, Hope Unseen, he describes how he and his wife Tiffany learned to trust God with tragedy. Tiffany said, “The words that I read in the Bible prior to all of this became real. It was like oh, this is the peace that surpasses all understanding, you know, this is the hope that carries you through. So it all came to life for me. There’s still times where we’re like ‘Yeah, we wish Scotty could see.’ But God what has taught us through His word…. And going through this trial and this valley with the Lord, I wouldn’t trade that for anything.” When we go through trouble, we struggle, but out of the struggle comes strength. And out of the strength comes a shout of praise. Express your faith when you are experiencing a time of trouble. The action of expressing your faith aloud is often the first step toward courage and victory.

5/21/2026

The Opposite Occurred…

On the day that the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the opposite occurred. Esther 9:1 The book of Esther describes a plot to annihilate the Jewish people. It fails because of two brave people—Mordecai and Esther. The name of God is not mentioned in the book, but that’s the point. When God seemed absent and danger was near, the invisible hand of our Lord was working behind the scenes to save and deliver His people. Sometimes we face danger or sorrow, and we wonder if God is near. Yes, He is! His eye is watching, His hand is moving, and His grace is available. That’s why we can be thankful even in tense times. The devil may threaten to undo us, but in the providence of God’s grace the opposite will occur. That’s why we’re called to be thankful. In coming days, we’ll look back and see all the times and places where God has been faithful to us. Be sure each day to think of all God has done for you and ask Him to give you a spirit of gratitude regardless of the circumstances.

5/20/2026

Confession and Consequences…

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and a contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise. Psalm 51:17 The darkest blot on the life of David was his double sin of adultery and accomplice to murder (2 Samuel 11). David took another man’s wife and then tried to hide his sin by having the woman’s husband killed in battle. And he remained quiet about his actions for almost a year. After the baby that was conceived was born, a prophet confronted David, and he confessed his sin. Psalm 51 contains the record of his sorrowful confession to God. David’s words in his psalm reflect “a broken spirit … and a contrite heart.” So we know that God heard his confession and forgave him for his horrendous sins. But what about the consequences of his sins? Confession does not remove consequences. The child that was born died, and several other tragic events happened in the lives of David’s adult children. God promises to forgive our sins, but He does not promise to erase the consequences of our sins. It takes contrition and humility to confess our sins, but it takes the same attitudes to live with the consequences. Thankfully, God gives restoring grace to heal and repair.

5/19/2026

Freed From Guilt…

Day and night your hand of discipline was heavy on me. My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat. Psalm 32:4 Aerial photos are used to reveal the effects of a prolonged drought. One photo will show a lake during times of plentiful rainfall, followed by a photo taken during the drought. The change in the shoreline reveals the effects of evaporation. The psalmist David used just such an image to describe the effects of unconfessed sin in his life: “My strength evaporated like water in the summer heat.” Psalm 32 is one of the most graphic portrayals of the movement from hidden sin to open confession found in Scripture. We don’t know exactly what sin David was guilty of hiding—perhaps it was his sin with Bathsheba, detailed in Psalm 51—perhaps some other sin. Whatever the sin, David was only freed from his torment of guilt when he confessed to God: “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and You forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5). New Testament Christians are provided the same relief: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

5/18/2026

Good Question, God’s Answer…

Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches. Psalm 73:12 A timeless question has plagued mankind: Why do the good suffer and the wicked prosper? That question surfaces in the Bible in two extended passages: Job 21 and Psalm 73. Job raised the question because he thought he was a righteous man who had been made to suffer. And the psalmist raised the question because it represented an apparent contradiction. Both writers resolved the question by encountering God and His purposes. In the latter chapters of his book, Job encountered God and gained understanding about His sovereign ways (Job 42:1-6). The psalmist declared that the contradiction in God’s ways “was too painful for [him]—until [he] went into the sanctuary of God; then [he] understood their end” (Psalm 73:16-17). The “sanctuary” represents Job considering his questions in light of the sovereign purposes of God and the fact that God will balance the scales of justice in the end. For him, it was enough to put his trust in God and “draw near” to Him (verse 28). Don’t let the carefree lives of those who don’t serve God be a source of frustration. Let Him be your only desire on earth (verse 25).

5/17/2026

The Four Loves: Eros—Our Love for Our Spouse…

Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—for your love is more delightful than wine. Song of Solomon 1:2 In our weekend devotions this month, we’ve looked at the four Greek words often translated into English as love: agape, philia, storge, and now eros. This word conveys the physical dimension of the love between a husband and wife. In the Bible, we find the most vivid description of this kind of love in Song of Solomon. That little book is placed in Scripture to describe the joyous intimacy God intends for the marriage partnership. Of course, intimacy isn’t just confined to the bedroom. Marriage isn’t an easy relationship, and we have to work on it. There’s a lot of benefit that comes from simple things like holding hands on a walk, hugging over the kitchen sink, greeting each other with a warm and spontaneous smile at the end of the workday, and letting the other choose the restaurant or television program. This weekend, remember that marriage needs constant effort and humility. Like the old quote says: “Marriage requires falling in love many times, and always with the same person.”

5/16/2026

May Mothers: The Devotion of Hannah…

Hannah said, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord.” 1 Samuel 1:27-28 A woman in Israel had been childless for years but had faithfully prayed for a son. She even “made a vow” to God that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to God’s service (1 Samuel 1:11). After years of worship and prayer, Hannah conceived and bore a son. After the boy was weaned, she took him to Eli the priest and fulfilled her vow. She gave her longed-for son to the Lord. The boy, named Samuel, “grew in stature, and in favor both with the Lord and men” (1 Samuel 2:26) and ultimately became God’s chief prophet in Israel (1 Samuel 3:19-21)—all because a mother was devoted to the Lord and kept her promise to Him. Years later, King Solomon would write, “When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it …. Better not to vow than to vow and not pay” (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). Being devoted to God is not without sacrifice. But with such sacrifice comes blessing.

5/15/2026

The Holy Family…

From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures. 2 Timothy 3:15 In his book about holiness, J. I. Packer wrote, “Holiness is actually the true health of the person. Anything else is ugliness and deformity at character level; a malfunctioning of the individual; a crippled state of the soul…. Holiness effectively thwarts Satan in his designs on our lives.” We’re always concerned about the health of our children. We want them to get the right nutrition and exercise, to have the right medical care, and to be in a sound educational environment. But the most important way of keeping children healthy is to show them what holiness looks like. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy of “the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). It’s important to protect our families from destructive influences. What they need to see in us is warm, true, Christlike holiness. Prayer then becomes a great force. Spend some time today praying for your family. And then share a Bible verse with someone in your family circle.

5/14/2026

Your Home…

Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Psalm 127:1 John MacArthur wrote, “It is no mere accident of history that family relationships have always been the very nucleus of all human civilization. According to Scripture, that is precisely the way God designed it to be. And therefore, if the family crumbles as an institution, all of civilization will ultimately crumble along with it.” When the Lord created humans, He immediately placed them in a marriage/family environment. The devil attacked that marriage, and he has been doing so ever since. But God is stronger than Satan, love is stronger than discord, and the Lord Jesus loves to be included in our homes. In fact, He expects to be first—the ever-near Savior whose presence fills our homes and hearts. If you’re going to build your family successfully, you need to place God at the head of your home. If not, all your work will be in vain. To have Him at the head of your home, therefore, you need to install Him as the head of your life. Ask God to take charge of your life and of your family today.

5/13/2026

Your Problems, His Presence…

And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you.” Genesis 26:24 In Genesis 26, the patriarch Isaac faced multiple pressures. A terrible famine was threatening his livelihood (verses 1-5). He was in hostile territory, and he was worried he’d be killed by someone wanting his beautiful wife, Rebekah (verses 6-7). He also angered Abimelech, king of the Philistines, and was driven from his territory (verses 8-16). Local tribesmen constantly harassed and argued with him and his servants (verses 17-22). Have you ever experienced a time when multiplied pressures and problems bore down on you? We all have! But that’s exactly when God appeared to Isaac and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you” (verse 24, NIV). When you’re fearful or discouraged, learn to draw near to God. If you’ve admitted your fears to Him and called out to Him, He will deliver you. God doesn’t always remove you from your circumstances, but He will be with you through all of them, protecting you.

5/12/2026

Afraid…

For they all were trying to make us afraid. Nehemiah 6:9 In his autobiography, missionary John G. Paton wrote of being surrounded by hostile warriors, their weapons raised. “I expected next instant to die. But God moved me to talk to them firmly and kindly; I warned them of their sin and its punishment; I showed them … that my only desire to live was to make them all as happy, by teaching them to love and serve my Lord Jesus. I then lifted up my hands and eyes to the Heavens, and prayed aloud for Jesus to bless [them], and either to protect me or to take me home to Glory…. One after another they slipped away from me, and Jesus restrained them once again.” The world wants to make us afraid. When fearful, we need to acknowledge the reliability of our God. He is in charge! When you feel fear, lift up your hands and eyes to heaven and pray aloud for Jesus to bless those around you and protect you—or to take you on to Glory!

5/11/2026

Light of the Word…

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 The first automobiles were equipped with gas lanterns to provide light when driving at night. Fast forward to today—modern LED headlights can illuminate the road hundreds of feet ahead. Regardless of advances in technology, there is no headlight that can provide total illumination. The psalmist seemed to understand this when he wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The lamp of which he spoke was a small, handheld clay lamp, fueled by olive oil, that created a flame only an inch or two high. Such a lamp only provided enough light to illuminate the next few steps. The psalmist refers to God’s Word as such a lamp. And for the one who trusts in God, that is illumination enough. We don’t need to know exactly what the future holds as long as we know who holds the future. The Bible doesn’t tell us everything about the future, but it does tell us how to trust in God for the steps immediately ahead of us. The more we read and meditate on God’s Word, the more our path will be illuminated.

5/10/2026

Sweet Peace…

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 One day, a family went to a church that sang an old hymn, and at lunch the little girl ordered peas. She had never liked peas, so her dad asked her why she ordered them. “It was the song at church,” she replied, “the one about sweet peas, the gift of God’s love.” The little girl was thinking of “Sweet Peace, the Gift of God’s Love.” The song says, “Through Christ on the cross peace was made.” That’s so true. We’re born at war with God and are self-centered, but through Christ we can establish terms of peace. Jesus was the original peacemaker, going to the Cross for us. Can you say with assurance that you are at peace with God? One of the ways we can be peacemakers is by introducing others to the One whose death gives us peace with God—and the peace of God. Can you think of someone else who needs that experience? Pray for that person just now, for justification through faith in our Lord Jesus.

5/9/2026

May Mothers: The Courage of Abigail…

Now when Abigail saw David, she dismounted quickly from the donkey, fell on her face before David, and bowed down to the ground. 1 Samuel 25:23 Women of wisdom and courage are noted often in the Old Testament—see the stories of Deborah and Jael (Judges 4) and the woman of Abel Beth Maachah (2 Samuel 20:14-22). Abigail belongs on that list for the way she prevented David from committing a massacre. Before King Saul died and David became king, David and his army were a paramilitary force in the land. After David protected the servants of a wealthy man named Nabal (“fool”), David asked Nabal for provisions for his men (1 Samuel 25). When Nabal refused, David gathered his army and went to attack Nabal. When Nabal’s wife, Abigail, heard of David’s plan, she gathered provisions and intercepted David and his army—without telling Nabal. She apologized for Nabal’s behavior and begged David to avoid needless bloodshed. David accepted her gifts and her courageous counsel and called off the attack. David was so impressed with Abigail’s wisdom and courage that after Nabal’s death he took Abigail as his wife. Sometimes life calls for bold moves like Abigail’s. Wisdom plus courage will often bring godly results.

5/8/2026

The Refreshing Morsel…

And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. Genesis 18:5 The patriarch Abraham was sitting in the doorway of his tent when three strangers approached. Jumping up, he offered them water and a “morsel of bread” to refresh their hearts. The Lord does the same for us. In the heat of every day’s pressures, He provides fresh nourishment from His Word—daily morsels to refresh our hearts. Psalm 19:7 says, “The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul” (NIV). When we immerse ourselves in the Word of God, it can be more restorative than an afternoon nap, a strong broth, or a hot cup of tea. It will delight us. Digging into Scripture will help us understand who we are as children of God, and, even more, we will better know the God who restores our souls. Do you need a daily refreshment? Restoration? Come to His Word and seek Him out. Open it today and find a morsel of bread to refresh your heart.

5/7/2026

Your Delight…

I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom. Deuteronomy 4:5-6 We may think of Bible study as a chore or obligation, but the psalms use the word “delight” to describe our relationship with Scripture. Psalm 1:2 says our delight should be in the Word day and night. Psalm 94:19 says His Word will delight us even in the multitude of our anxieties. Psalm 112:1 tells us to delight greatly in God’s commands. And Psalm 119 contains nine exclamations about delighting in the Lord’s Word. Christians should delight in the Bible. If your desire is to please God, reading His Word is a key part of learning how to please the Father. Each time you come to Scripture ask God to show you something that will help you please Him. As He shows you His wonderful truths, be careful to observe them, for this is your wisdom.

5/6/2026

Resisting the Downward Pull…

Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Hebrews 2:1 It’s thrilling to see a shooting star. But it’s no fun for the meteoroid. When a space rock flies too close to our planet, it’s pulled into our atmosphere by gravity. The heat generated by friction causes intense heat, and the meteoroid is usually burned up. Don’t become a shooting star! The world—along with the flesh and the devil—project a gravitational field. We’re drawn to them. We easily veer into sin, which burns us. We must be constantly on guard. Henry B. Carrington, a nineteenth-century Civil War soldier and writer, said, “There is a subtle pull also in the drift of fashion and usage which carries away everyone who is not established on a Bible conscience.” Take attending church, for example. Losing the habit can start with a small, seemingly innocent decision to skip one week, then continue as you gradually miss more and more until the pattern is virtually burned up by the world’s atmosphere. Take care each day to avoid being drawn into the gravitational pull of the world.

5/5/2026

God With Us…

Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 Greg Livingstone, the missionary giant who died last year, never knew his dad. Nor was his stepfather in his life. Greg was raised in foster homes. But when he found Christ as Savior, he said Jesus took up residence in him. “I had finally been adopted by a Father who would stick with me.” There are times you might feel alone, but always know God is with you. He’s immediately accessible to you wherever you go. Jesus was called Immanuel, meaning “God with us.” He has adopted you into His family. He loves you constantly. We certainly need human companionship, but when we don’t have as much fellowship as we need, let’s look to Him. If you’re feeling alone today, you can talk to God and give Him thanks for never leaving your side.

5/4/2026

God Knows…

O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. Psalm 139:1-2 Perhaps the greatest yearning of the human heart is to be known. When someone takes the time to know us deeply, it is a sign of worthiness and respect. And who doesn’t want to be respected and made to feel worthy? God knows us. He created us in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27)—and a creator always knows the intimate details of what he has created. In one of his most beautiful psalms (Psalm 139), David expressed the profound ways in which God knew him. Beginning with his formation in his mother’s womb, David was known by God in every detail. The reason David praised God for His knowledge was that he knew only God could search his heart and show him what was truly in it (Psalm 139:23-24). David wanted to please God, so he asked God to look at his life and see if there was anything that might not be pleasing to God. When you need direction, comfort, instruction—when you need anything—ask the One who knows you better than you know yourself.

5/3/2026

Armed Against Impurity…

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11 Consider all the things you know by heart: your birth date, telephone number, social security number, home address, and more. How is it that we have memorized those items without really trying? By repetition and by reciting them when we need to. We are protected from the dangers of confusion by being armed with this data. Memorization is a powerful tool, a defensive tool. We can think of memorizing Scripture in the same way—as a defense against impurity and sin. The psalmist said that he hid God’s Word in his heart so that he might not sin (Psalm 119:11). Think of how Jesus was protected against the temptation to sin in the wilderness when He quoted three verses from the book of Deuteronomy in response to the devil’s impure offers (Matthew 4:1-11). There is no indication that Jesus had a scroll of Deuteronomy with Him; indications are that He had memorized the verses that He quoted. Memorizing Scripture is a sure defense against sin. The easiest way to begin Bible memorization is to start with a verse you are already familiar with. Review it daily until you know it as well as your own phone number!

5/2/2026

May Mothers: The Patience of Sarah…

Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Genesis 18:11 In the Old Testament, children were considered “a heritage from the Lord … a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior …. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them” (Psalm 127:3-5). Hannah, the eventual mother of Samuel, is an example of an Israelite woman anxious because of her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:1–2:11). Abraham and Sarah are another example of a barren couple. But at ages near-one hundred and ninety respectively, God appeared to them and promised them a son (Genesis 17:15-17). Sarah doubted God’s promise at first but eventually came to believe that her womb would bear the fruit she had longed for: “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised” (Hebrews 11:11). Abraham and Sarah were learning to trust the God who called them from Mesopotamia to Canaan to walk with Him. Sarah learned that patient faith would see the promises of God fulfilled. If you are waiting on God to answer your prayer, combine your faith with patience. Like Sarah, “judge Him faithful.”

5/1/2026

Beautiful Places…

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 If you could go anywhere in the world to see something spectacular, it probably wouldn’t be a palace or temple, which humans built. It would be a beautiful spot God has made in nature. Condé Nast Traveler frequently posts articles on the most beautiful places on earth, and the pictures are stunning: Zhangye National Geopark in China, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, and Angel Falls in Venezuela. Most of us can’t visit those spots, but we can look out our windows and see the marshalling of the clouds, the formation of a flock of birds, and the green variations in the grass and trees. We need to understand ourselves in the context of the vast universe God has made. We can’t truly know who we are and why we’re here until we know God. He has made everything beautiful in its time, and He wants us to appreciate His artistry. We can know God better through His majestic creation. Try to spend some of your prayer time in nature or with a view of it, giving thanks to God for the beauty around you.

4/30/2026

Remain Fixed in Place…

And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:12-13 When Jesus and His parents went up to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, His parents left the city at the conclusion—but Jesus “lingered behind in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:43). On his second missionary journey Paul left Berea, but Silas and Timothy “remained there” (Acts 17:14). Both these phrases—“lingered behind” and “remained there”—are translations of the Greek word that is elsewhere translated “endure.” In other words, “endure” means “to remain fixed when others are leaving.” When Jesus taught about the troubling times that will come in the future, He said that the love of many will grow cold—their faith will fail, and they will fall away. But He said, “the one who endures”—the one who remains fixed in place when others are leaving the faith— “will be saved.” That’s what it means to endure—to remain in place, in the faith, in the face of persecution and tribulation. The time to be committed to enduring is before the trouble begins, whether now or in the future. Make firm today your commitment to endure to the end for the sake of Christ.

4/29/2026

Stay Strong…

And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4 The story is told of a young, aspiring musician visiting New York City who wanted to see Carnegie Hall. She stopped a stranger on the street and asked, “How do I get to Carnegie Hall?” The stranger, also a musician, replied, “Practice, practice, practice!” While that wasn’t the answer the young musician was looking for, it was probably the answer she needed. Enduring thousands of hours of painful practice is the only path. The apostle Paul said something similar about suffering: “We also glory in tribulations.” Why? Because just as the toil of practice leads to Carnegie Hall, so the “toil” of hard times leads to perseverance, which leads to character, which leads to hope. And hope “does not disappoint” because it leads to the realization of God’s love for us (Romans 5:5). As the writer of Hebrews wrote, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus” (Hebrews 12:1-2). We keep our eyes on the One who endured as our example. Remain strong in your troubles, knowing that they have a purpose: perseverance, character, and hope.

4/28/2026

Just the Facts…

The man Jesus healed of blindness answered and said, “A Man called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ So I went and washed, and I received sight.” John 9:11 “All we want are the facts, ma’am.” Those were the words of Sergeant Joe Friday in the popular 1950s television series, Dragnet. If we had to describe what it means to give a testimony of faith in Christ, Sergeant Friday’s words would apply. New Testament writers used that framework when bearing witness to Christ—they talked about what they had “seen and heard” (Acts 4:20; 22:15; 1 John 1:1-3). One of the clearest examples of a testimony came from a blind man whom Jesus healed. When he was interrogated about his healing, he recounted the simple facts about what Jesus had said and done (John 9:10-41). The apostle Paul twice delivered a longer testimony of how he came to faith (Acts 22:6-21; 26:12-18). Every believer should be ready to testify to how they came to believe (1 Peter 3:15). If you have never done so, write out your personal testimony of faith in Christ. And ask God to provide opportunities for you to share it.

4/27/2026

Glory…

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 Rev. James Fleetwood, a beloved nineteenth-century Baptist preacher, died on December 20, 1862. His biographer put it vividly: “On the evening of his departure, at about nine o’clock … he commenced to praise God … and bidding goodbye to his wife and others, with the light of heaven beaming from his emaciated countenance, he made a convulsive and strenuous effort to exclaim ‘Glory,’ And then…the weary wheels of life stood still, and his glorified spirit took its place before the throne.” A friend of Fleetwood’s said of him, “He lived the Gospel which he preached.” Could there be a better testimony than that! Oh, that we might all live the Gospel we preach so that when the “weary wheels of life” stand still, we will be able to shout “Glory!” and be with our Lord. One of the best ways to spread the Gospel is by living it. Do you show others the love of Christ in your daily life? Ask God to show you opportunities to exhibit His love by helping others each day.

4/26/2026

Blessed Purity…

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 In the Old Testament, the closest one could get to “seeing” God was to go up to the temple on Mount Zion in Jerusalem—referred to as God’s “holy hill” (Psalm 2:6). Psalm 24:3 asks who can ascend that hill and “stand in His holy place?” The answer: “He who has clean hands and a pure heart” (verse 4). That person “shall receive blessing from the Lord” (verse 5). Jesus summarized these verses in the Sermon on the Mount by saying, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” “Seeing God” is not to be taken literally but is a metaphor for beholding Him in His glory. It is not easy to maintain a pure heart; it requires a conscious choice. Job made a covenant with his eyes (Job 31:1). And the father in Proverbs warned his son to guard his heart and his tongue, not to have wandering eyes, and to keep his feet on a straight path (Proverbs 4:23-27). A pure heart is synonymous with consecration to God which leads to continual blessings by God. Choose today to guard your heart, your hands, and your path as you walk in this world.

4/25/2026

Illustrating Mercy…

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 The book of Proverbs is filled with comparisons using like or as (a simile). For example, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28, NIV). A lack of self-control is compared to a city with broken-down walls. Instead of saying, “Practice self-control,” the image of the city illustrates the danger of the lack of self-control. The apostle Paul used a simile to illustrate how we are to forgive and show mercy toward others: We are to forgive others “even as” God has forgiven us through Christ. God’s forgiveness of us is an example of His mercy. We were deserving of judgment for our sins, but God withheld our judgment and judged Christ instead by His death on the Cross. That is what mercy does—it withholds judgment, punishment, or retaliation even when it is deserved. To show mercy is also to forgive. And we are to forgive others the way God has forgiven us in Christ. The next time someone hurts or offends you, consider the mercy God has shown you and extend that same mercy and forgiveness.

4/24/2026

Light and Love…

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 Perhaps you have been blessed enough to know a person who embodies love. Not only do they say loving things and perform loving deeds, but even when they are not speaking or acting, they still manifest a spirit of love that is undeniable. When you are around such a person, you wonder what the explanation is for their consistent, loving personality. It is telling that Jesus cited agape love (unconditional, selfless love) as being the primary characteristic of His followers. He didn’t say that His followers would be known for their teaching, preaching, evangelism, churches, missionary efforts, or any other worthy traits. Instead He said that one trait would mark them as His followers: unconditional, selfless love. He said “love for one another”—meaning love among those who are His disciples. But He also said that the “light” of His loving life in them should shine so brightly that the whole world would see it (Matthew 5:14-16). The fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5:22). Ask God to help you become a person who embodies the light and love of Christ—so that the world will recognize Christ as the source.

4/23/2026

Forgive Like God…

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 We occasionally hear expressions like, “It takes one to know one,” and, “You can’t give away what you don’t already have.” Those words certainly apply when it comes to extending forgiveness to others—especially to our enemies. Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:32 is an example. The first half of the verse is not unexpected—an exhortation to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving toward others. But it is the second half of the verse that is arresting in its implication: We are to forgive others just as God in Christ has forgiven us. We might be inclined to be kind and forgiving toward others without taking the standard of God’s forgiveness into account. And how did God forgive? Totally and unconditionally—for past, present, and future sins. In fact, God forgave us “when we were enemies” (Romans 5:10). So that is our standard when it comes to forgiving those who have hurt us—past, present, and future—unconditional forgiveness. Take a moment to do an inventory of your forgiveness toward others. If there is someone you have not forgiven totally and unconditionally, purpose to forgive them as God has forgiven you.

4/22/2026

Coals of Love…

If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, and the Lord will reward you. Proverbs 25:21-22 A strange, ancient practice used as a metaphor occurs in Proverbs 25:22 and in Romans 12:20. The metaphor is based on an apparent practice of a guilty party being forced to carry a container of burning coals on his head. Some scholars think the practice was common in Egypt; the intent seems to be to motivate a guilty party to repent of his actions. The writer of Proverbs and the apostle Paul both cite the practice (as a metaphor) when encouraging charitable actions toward one’s enemy. In other words, charitable actions toward an enemy may motivate him to repent of his evil deeds. There are examples in Scripture of feeding and clothing enemy captives in times of war (2 Kings 6:22; 2 Chronicles 28:15), and exhortations against seeking vengeance against those who have hurt you (Romans 12:14, 17-21). Jesus corrected a Jewish tradition that allowed for hating one’s enemies: “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you” (Matthew 5:43-44). If you have been hurt, follow Jesus’ example and be kind.

4/21/2026

Your Truest Friend…

For it is not an enemy who reproaches me; then I could bear it. Nor is it one who hates me who has exalted himself against me; then I could hide from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my companion and my acquaintance. Psalm 55:12-13 We wonder what Jesus must have felt when He was betrayed by Judas and then denied by Peter. In His teaching on the End Times Jesus said that many will turn away from the faith and will betray their friends who choose to remain faithful (Matthew 24:10-11). There are many examples of betrayal by friends in the Bible. Cain betrayed his brother Abel; Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers; Jacob betrayed his brother Esau. And David recounted numerous instances of his friends turning against him (Psalm 31:11; 38:11; 41:9; 55:12-13). It pays to choose friends wisely, though even a wise choice doesn’t guarantee loyalty. True friends are made for adversity (Proverbs 17:17), and there are friends who can be more loyal than family (Proverbs 18:24). One way to cultivate true friendships is by being the kind of friend you desire to have (Proverbs 18:24). Give thanks today that Jesus is your truest friend (John 15:14-15).

4/20/2026

Twins…

But your sorrow will be turned into joy. John 16:20 Some Bible verses are twins—they say exactly the same thing in slightly different words. Compare, for example, these two verses about looking at our suffering in life from the perspective of eternity: I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us—Romans 8:18 (NIV). For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all—2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV). When we go through suffering, it’s important to look ahead to the wonder and joy we’ll experience in heaven with our Lord. When we learn to look at life from the perspective of eternity, we gain a unique perspective that lightens any load. Just before His crucifixion Jesus promised the disciples that their sorrow would be turned to joy. The same is true for us. The Bible says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5). Ask God to help you put your suffering into perspective, understanding that difficulties now pale in comparison to the wonders of heaven.

4/19/2026

Mercy Given, Mercy Received…

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Matthew 5:7 The phrase “an eye for an eye” is often heard in cultural conversation where retaliation is being justified. The phrase is biblical, being found in Exodus 21:22-25—but its purpose was not to justify retaliation but to limit it. In other words, punishment was to be limited to what was appropriate in light of the damages incurred. But in Jesus’ day, the Exodus standard was being used to justify retaliation instead of forgiveness. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus raised the standard when it comes to responding to those who have injured us. Instead of retaliating with vengeance, Jesus said we should forgive those who have harmed us. Yes, wrongdoing deserves a response. But Scripture teaches that we are to leave judgment to God and our response should be one of mercy and forgiveness (Romans 12:19-20). The best way to think about mercy is the withholding of punishment that is deserved. Jesus said the merciful will be blessed by receiving mercy themselves. Look for an opportunity to show mercy toward someone who may not deserve it—the same mercy that God has shown toward us by forgiving our sins.

4/18/2026

April Showers of Blessings: Requested…

Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 1 John 5:14 Guess how long it takes a raindrop to reach the ground? The height at which the drops fall from clouds varies, but the drops fall at an average speed of 14 miles per hour. So if the cloud is hovering at 2,500 feet above earth, it would take a raindrop about 2 minutes to hit you on the nose. How long does it take for God to send down the answers to our prayers? He hears us instantly, and sometimes He answers even before we’ve asked (Isaiah 65:24). Sometimes He answers instantly (2 Kings 20:1-6), and on other occasions we wait for His timing to coordinate all that is necessary to send down His showers of blessings (Psalm 27:14). Enoch Edwin Byrum wrote, “There are many who occasionally receive blessings, and whose faith is honored by God, but they are living so far below the standard of truth that their showers of blessings are not very frequent.”2 Let’s pray consistently, continuously, and confidently. Ask God to meet your need today, and He will send His answers to you like rain from the sky.

4/17/2026

Hated…

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. Matthew 5:11-12 Paul Schneider wouldn’t stop preaching. Hitler took it personally and sent him to Buchenwald concentration camp where on three occasions he was whipped with 25 lashes. When asked what he would do if released, Schneider said he would go on preaching. For that he was suspended by his wrists for hours, feet off the floor. He kept preaching the cross, and he died in Buchenwald at age 41. That was decades ago, yet persecution against Christians is greater now than ever. In His sermon on the Last Days, Jesus warned: “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9). Even if we aren’t tortured, we’ll find ourselves hated by the world. Jesus told us to expect that. So if someone dislikes you for your faith and biblical worldview, rejoice!

4/16/2026

When Waters Rise…

There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. Matthew 24:7 Like many residents of western North Carolina, Benny and Keva Messer lost everything in the floods spawned by Hurricane Helene in 2024. Samaritan’s Purse sent more than fifty thousand volunteers to the area. One crew built a new house for the Messers in Waynesville and gave them the keys and a deed that was stamped, “Paid in Full.” “I am so overwhelmed,” said Keva. “So blessed!” Benny said, “They prayed with [us] when they came. They let their light shine. I appreciate every one of them.”1 Samaritan’s Purse isn’t alone. Thousands of Christian organizations of all sizes go about their work every day around the world. Natural disasters are horrific events, but it’s important to look past the tragedies to see what God is doing. During such times, many draw closer to each other and to the Lord. Volunteers band together, and Christians demonstrate God’s love and help others through troubled times. What can you do to be an example and help to others in difficult times?

4/15/2026

Always Protected…

Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, “Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.” Exodus 13:17 It is easy to be irritated when we encounter unexpected circumstances. But God might use such events for our protection. That’s what happened to the Israelites when they came out of captivity in Egypt. The shortest route from Egypt to Canaan was along “the way of the land of the Philistines”—a trade route that hugged the southeast shore of the Mediterranean Sea. That road led directly to the land of the Philistines. Through Moses, God directed the people to turn south into the Sinai wilderness to avoid encountering the war-like Philistines and be destroyed or driven back into Egypt. Though the Sinai wilderness was inhospitable, the change in direction at least kept the Hebrews alive. There is no record in Scripture that the Israelites were ever told that what they considered an inconvenience likely saved their lives. Use unexpected events as a way to thank God that every event works together for your good (Romans 8:28).

4/14/2026

God With Us…

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name, Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 The allegorical poem “Footprints in the Sand” is well known. The narrator describes a dream of walking along a beach with Jesus, reflecting on scenes from his life. During particularly troubling memories their two sets of footprints were reduced to one. The narrator wondered why Jesus abandoned him during life’s difficult moments. But Jesus explained that during those troubling times the single set of footprints reveals that He was carrying the narrator through those hard times. This fictional poem represents a biblical truth: God is always with us, even during the hard times when we might doubt His presence. When an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, he said that Mary would give birth to a Son who would fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14 and would be called Immanuel—Hebrew for “God with us.” When we are walking through life’s challenging moments, we can rely on the promise that Jesus—Immanuel—is with us. Though we can’t see Jesus physically, we believe He is there as we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

4/13/2026

An Incomplete Verse…

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Revelation 21:4 Have you ever thought about the incompleteness of Revelation 21:4? The Lord tells us four things we’ll not have to endure in eternity—death, sorrow, crying and tears, and pain. Hallelujah for that! But that’s just a summary. There will be no more illness, no more crime, no more sin, no more separation, no more debt, no more anxiety. And there will be no more war! Right now the United States spends about a trillion dollars a year on its military, followed by China with more than 300 billion, then Russia with 150 billion. These vast sums finance arms and armies, and the weapons have never been more deadly. When we look around the world today, we see armed conflicts everywhere. But God has promised that one day there will be no more wars. That should bring hope to your heart! We need to pray for peace on earth and for the armed forces of our nations. But we must not be so worried about today’s conflicts that we forget to thank God for His promises about tomorrow.

4/12/2026

The Spice of Death…

And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. John 19:39 The Magi gave Jesus gold, signifying His kingship, frankincense, signifying His priesthood, and myrrh, signifying the death He would one day submit to (Matthew 2:11). At the time they gave their gifts to Jesus, did they know He would one day die an unusual death? Did they know the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah dying—for example, Psalm 22? We don’t know what they knew, but providentially they gave gifts to Jesus that signified whom He would become: King, Priest, and Savior. Myrrh was a bitter herb that was used when preparing the body of a deceased person for burial. The apostle John tells us that Nicodemus brought a hundred-pound mixture of myrrh and aloes with which to prepare Jesus’ body for burial after the crucifixion. Myrrh had another use—as a sedative, or pain killer. Mark tells us that Jesus was offered a mix of wine and myrrh as He hung on the cross to deaden His pain—“But He did not take it” (Mark 15:23). Give thanks today that Jesus “endured the cross” (Hebrews 12:2) for your salvation.

4/11/2026

April Showers of Blessings: Supplied…

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 Even a light rain can release thousands of gallons of water in an hour, amounting to millions of individual drops! That’s also the way God showers us with blessings. He sends countless small mercies into our lives, meeting our needs according to His riches. Philippians 4:19 is a vivid promise, but don’t forget the context. In this passage, the apostle Paul was thanking the Philippians for financially supporting his work. In return he promised God would meet all their needs. In his commentary on Philippians, Jacobus Müller wrote, “In the same way as the Philippians supplied Paul’s needs by the gifts they sent him, so God with His gifts and blessings will supply all their needs. This great assurance is given to the Church by the apostle…. God will make provision in His fatherly love and care for all needs material and spiritual, for time and eternity, according to the richness and fullness of His divine providence.” Let’s support God’s work, and you can be sure of His showers of blessings on your life.

4/10/2026

The Devil’s Native Language…

You belong to your father, the devil … He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar, and the father of lies. John 8:44 It is estimated that there are more than seven thousand languages in use today. Among all of these languages there is one named language you will not find: Liar. Yet Jesus identified Liar as the language native to Satan. Some modern English translations of Jesus’ words say that lies are consistent with Satan’s character or his nature. The New International Version says that lies are his “native language”—the language with which a person is most comfortable and conversant; perhaps the language they grew up speaking and use most often. When it comes to Satan, Jesus said that he has been a murderer and a liar “from the beginning,” probably referring to the Garden of Eden. He lied to Adam and Eve about God’s instructions because “there is no truth in him.” If you find yourself denying or doubting the Word of God, consider where those thoughts may be coming from.

4/9/2026

Embrace the Word…

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. Matthew 13:19 Most Americans know who said, “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” (President John F. Kennedy) The most important words of famous people are usually well known. But one of the most important things Jesus said is hardly known at all. It is found in Mark’s account of Jesus’ famous parable about the sower, seeds, and soils (Mark 4:1-20). Mark quotes Jesus as saying, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?” (verse 13) Jesus seemed to say that this parable was key to understanding the rest of His parables. Why? Because it has to do with hearing and receiving the Word of God. And specifically the possibility that Satan is ready to snatch the Word away when it is not readily embraced. It is important not to read or hear the Word of God carelessly. Don’t give Satan an opportunity to deny or counterfeit God’s truth by treating it lightly.

4/8/2026

Stressometer…

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. Matthew 24:6 Do you have a device that monitors your heart rhythm, sleep patterns, daily steps, oxygen levels, and body temperature? What if you had a stressometer that could measure your anxiety levels right now? Are you calm, nervous, frightened, worried, or afraid of the future? Most of our fears have to do with the future, and we find ourselves afraid of what might happen to our loved ones or to us. In His sermon about the Last Days, Jesus made two seemingly contradictory statements: The world will be filled with war; we are to be filled with peace. See that you are not troubled. How do we do that? By trusting Him with the future. We may not know all that is to come, but we do know that whatever happens Jesus is on His throne and in control. The throne of heaven governs the affairs of earth and the pathway of God’s children. So don’t be troubled. Ask Him today to give you the courage to trust Him.

4/7/2026

Supercharged…

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise. 2 Peter 3:9 President George H. W. Bush famously said, “Read my lips: no new taxes.” People later felt he broke that promise, and it hurt him politically. Lance Armstrong denied using performance-enhancing drugs, but he later confessed he did. Bill Clinton promised Americans he didn’t have an inappropriate relationship with an intern, but he was found out. When anyone in public life breaks a promise, it erodes our faith in the trustworthiness of our leaders. We don’t have to worry about that with Jesus. He said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away” (Matthew 24:35). He spoke those words on the Mount of Olives during His message about the Last Days in Matthew 24. And He gave us a staggering example. He said about Herod’s temple in Jerusalem: “Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another” (verse 2). In A.D. 70, Jerusalem was destroyed, and the temple demolished. The rubble is still visible today. Jesus speaks with integrity. He loves you and will keep all His promises to you—including His precious promise to return and call you up to be with Him. Rest in that today!

4/6/2026

Prophetic Hope…

Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Matthew 24:35 One of the ways Corrie ten Boom survived the horror of a Nazi death camp was by focusing on the prophetic promises of Scripture. She loved the books of Daniel and Revelation, and she frequently reminded people, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” She viewed biblical prophecy not as speculation but as solid hope that could never fail us. When Jesus prophesied about the world of the end, He did it to give us hope and confidence to face difficult times. Prophecy is practical because it allows us to learn about what will happen so that we can know how to live today. Jesus told us in His sermon about the End Times in Matthew 24 that the earth and universe will one day perish. But His Word is eternal—and eternally hopeful. Take time to study biblical prophecy and as you do so, ask the Lord to give you a growing sense of anchoring hope.

4/5/2026

The Four Loves: Storge—Our Love for Family…

Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. Romans 12:10 The Barna Group found that 73% of all U.S. parents are concerned about their children’s spiritual well-being. This wasn’t just a survey of Christian parents. Nearly three-fourths of all American parents harbor concern about the spiritual health of their youngsters. The Lord invented the family unit in the Garden of Eden, and even nonbelievers long for their children to have healthy souls. That’s why we need the kind of family love conveyed by the Greek word storge, which describes the love family members have for each other. The Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon defines it as “cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children; the mutual love of parents and children and wives and husbands; love, affection.” This word is found as part of a compound term in Romans 12:10, translated “kindly affectionate.” What can you do to enhance the well-being of members of your family? Sometimes we treat total strangers more politely than we deal with those in our own home. Love begins under our roof. Let’s find a fresh way of practicing it today.

4/4/2026

April Showers of Blessings: Raindrops…

I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessings. Ezekiel 34:26 Ezekiel’s “showers of blessings” concern the coming thousand-year reign of Christ, but the imagery is appropriate for those of us who have the reign of Christ established now in our hearts. Let’s start with rain itself. If water fell from the sky in sheets or one-gallon units, life would be impossible. In the clouds above us are tiny cloud droplets. It takes millions of these tiny particles to collide and form a single raindrop. As the drops fall to earth, they cleanse the air by capturing dust, pollen, and pollutants. Almighty God sends our blessings one drop at a time—literally in the form of rain and metaphorically in the form of other blessings. Each is timed perfectly, shaped appropriately, and results in the blessings of a refreshed and cleansed life. One of the greatest ways of adjusting our attitudes is to try counting our blessings. We can’t really do that any more than we can count the drops of rain outside our windows. But for each one we identify and turn into praise, our hearts are encouraged. Thank God for some drops today!

4/3/2026

Seek Life From the Living…

Then, as the women were afraid and bowed their faces to the earth, the angels said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen!” Luke 24:5-6 When we seek wisdom about some area of life, we go to a person who is an expert in that field. Likewise, we ought not to expect guidance about the Kingdom of God from someone who is not a Kingdom citizen. The angels who spoke to the women who discovered Jesus’ empty tomb expressed a similar perspective: “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” The angels were referring to Jesus, who was alive, as they stood among the tombs. Their words to the women expressed a general truth: Spiritual life is not to be found among the spiritually dead. Applying their words to our life means that we, as citizens of heaven, should not see the world as a source of inspiration for our lives. If Jesus was still entombed among the dead, we would have nowhere to turn except to the world. But since He was resurrected and is alive, let us turn to Him for wisdom and guidance—not to the world.

4/2/2026

Our Defender…

For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 One of the great themes of the book of Job is Job’s longing for someone to defend him before God. Outwardly Job was a righteous man, and he couldn’t understand why God had visited suffering on him (Job 1:1-7). He found no one on earth who would defend him and thought he would find an advocate only in heaven (Job 16:19-21). He lamented, “If only there were someone to arbitrate between [God and me], to lay his hand upon us both” (Job 9:33, NIV1984). Job wasn’t wishing prophetically about the Christ who was to come because he didn’t think he needed forgiveness. He only thought he needed an advocate, a mediator, an intercessor—someone to plead his case for him. But as it turned out, Christ became all that Job, and every sinner since, needed. First, by His death and resurrection, Christ paid for sins. Then, He ascended back to the Father where He occupies the role of Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), Advocate (1 John 2:1), and Intercessor (Romans 8:34). Give God thanks today that Christ defends you against any condemnation—based on His righteousness, not yours.

4/1/2026

Many Infallible Proofs…

He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs. Acts 1:3 What do all these people have in common—Dr. Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, history professor at Australian Catholic University in Australia; British journalist Frank Morison; homicide detective J. Warner Wallace; and Sir Lionel Luckhoo, the Guinness-recognized “world’s most successful attorney with 245 consecutive murder acquittals”? They all became followers of Christ after studying the historical evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Since Jesus Christ returned to life in the darkened tomb and appeared to us with “many infallible proofs,” our faith isn’t a blind leap. It’s a sensible step, one that brings life change and gladness to our hearts and minds. Many people believe they may go to heaven because they have tried to live an upright life. But only faith in the death and resurrection of Christ can save us. Ephesians 2:8 says we are saved by grace through faith. Have you definitively and consciously received Christ’s forgiveness and eternal life by trusting His grace? It’s not too late for you to do that now!

3/31/2026

Koinonia…

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 The Chicago Tribune recently reported, “Despite being more digitally connected than ever, many people are struggling to forge the kind of deep, meaningful relationships that give life purpose. We have thousands of online ‘friends’ but fewer real confidants. We work longer hours, move more frequently, and engage in fewer communal activities…. A 2015 meta-analysis … found that prolonged social isolation carries the same health risks as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.” Does any of that relate to you? God made us with a need for fellowship with Himself and others. Our word fellowship is a translation of the New Testament Greek word koinonia, which meant “something held in common, a shared state, being partners in a relationship.” This word occurs twenty times in the New Testament, beginning with Acts 2:42 and the Church created by the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Do you have a church to attend? Ask God to guide you to a circle of fellowship in a church or Bible study. Make the effort, and you will be blessed.

3/30/2026

Nailed…

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Colossians 3:12 Did you hear about the man who stormed through the hardware store, fuming because he couldn’t find the right nails. He finally slammed a box onto the counter. The shopkeeper looked at the man, then read the slogan on his t-shirt. It said, “He Took the Nails for Me.” The shopkeeper said, “If He took those nails with love, surely I can give you these for free.” He bagged the box and handed it to the man, who walked out of the store speechless, nailed by his own shirt. Those who share the Gospel most be clothed in love and carry in their hearts a genuine burden for others. What’s displayed in our attitude is more important than what’s printed on our clothing or bumper sticker. D. L. Moody said, “Of all the people in the world, those who follow Christ should be the most gentle, patient, loving, and hopeful.” Ask yourself today if you can relay the Good News of the Gospel to others, showing the love of God to all you meet.

3/29/2026

Healthiest Food on Earth…

Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. Jeremiah 15:16 Researchers at William Paterson University in New Jersey examined 41 types of healthy fruits and vegetables and came up with what they called “the healthiest food in the world.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention agreed. It’s watercress. Who would have thought? There’s no question about the healthiest food for the mind. It’s the manna of God’s Word. For the prophet Jeremiah, it was survival food. He said, “When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies” (Jeremiah 15:16, NLT). Spiritual hunger is a requirement for growth. That hunger spurs us on to discipleship and walking with God. We need the constant intake of Scripture for our inner nutrition. Ask the Lord today to ignite that hunger within you; then find God’s words and devour them. They will strengthen you with joy and rejoicing.

3/28/2026

Seeing More Clearly: Who Will See the Lord…

Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14 It is said that modern governments run on paper—records of statutes, decisions, orders, personal appointments, and more. But ancient governments ran the same way, using clay tablets and scrolls instead of paper and computers. Even God is portrayed as having a book in which the names of His people and their acts are recorded—and sometimes blotted out (Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 51:1). The “Book of Life” is mentioned eight times in the New Testament. The Book of Life contains the names of those who will enter God’s eternal Kingdom. None who would defile the eternal Kingdom by their unholy acts will enter in (Revelation 21:27; 22:14-15). Thus the writer to the Hebrews exhorted his readers to “pursue … holiness, without which no one will see the Lord”—“see the Lord” being a reference to entering eternal life. Thankfully, our inheriting eternal life doesn’t depend on our human holiness but on the righteousness of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). If you want to see the Lord for all eternity, receive the gift of righteousness through faith in Christ.

3/27/2026

The Gift of Gifts…

But one and the same Spirit works all these [spiritual gifts], distributing to each one individually as He wills. 1 Corinthians 12:11 Each human organ and limb has a role to play. No wonder the apostle Paul used the human body to illustrate how every member of the Body of Christ has a role to play in the Church. Instead of limbs and organs, God has equipped the Body of Christ with spiritual gifts to accomplish its purpose in the world. And what is the purpose of the Church in the world? It is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ and see people become His followers (Matthew 28:19-20). Christians have different spiritual gifts based on the grace given to them by God (Romans 12:6). Just as all the parts of the human body have a role to play, so every member of the Body of Christ has a role to play in spreading the Gospel and making disciples. It is every Christian’s responsibility to understand their gift and employ it in fulfilling the Great Commission. Do you know what role God has gifted you to play in the Body of Christ? If not, ask God to show you and help you to put your gift to work!

3/26/2026

Exterior Versus Interior…

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. Matthew 23:27-28 In the Old Testament and in Jesus’ day contact with a dead body rendered a person ceremonially unclean (Numbers 19:16). For that reason, graves and tombs were often whitewashed to keep people from accidentally coming in contact with them. Bright and white on the outside but unclean on the inside. Jesus used this well-known custom to illustrate that what is on the outside of a person may be very different from what is on the inside. Religiously lifelike on the outside but spiritually dead on the inside. The same can be true today: Being religious on the outside is no guarantee of being spiritually alive on the inside. Jesus said that it is necessary to be born again to enter the Kingdom of God (John 3:3). We must become a “new creation” through faith in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Have you become a new person in Christ? Don’t confuse religious life with true spiritual life.

3/25/2026

Sure and Certain…

Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Faith is only required when we do not see the fulfillment of a promise or the answer to a prayer. That is why the writer to the Hebrews said that faith is “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV1984). If we are not “sure and certain,” we do not have faith. The Classic Amplified Version of the Bible expands on Hebrews 11:1: Faith is “perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses.” We most often think of faith in terms of trusting God for our short or long-term needs. But what about faith when it comes to trusting God for His prophetic plans for planet Earth? When this world pressures us to conform our lives to its values and standards, are our eyes of faith fixed—are we “sure and certain”—on the fact that God will ultimately reward our faithfulness? Faithfulness, Paul wrote, is the main trait required of those who follow Christ. As cultures around the world grow dark in these latter days, let us remain “sure and certain” that God’s prophetic plans will be fulfilled.

3/24/2026

Burdened…

This is the burden which came in the year that King Ahaz died. Isaiah 14:28 Mary Jones, a poor Welsh farm girl, had only one burning desire: to own a Bible in her own language. No Bible existed in her home, and the nearest one was a couple of miles away. For years she saved money by doing small jobs. Finally, at the age of sixteen, she walked more than twenty miles across the Welsh countryside to buy a Bible from the Rev. Thomas Charles. He later helped start the British and Foreign Bible Society in 1804—an organization that went on to distribute millions of Bibles around the world. Mary’s passion for a Bible helped ignite Charles’ passion for a ministry distributing Bibles. The prophet Isaiah sometimes referred to his messages as “burdens.” The Hebrew word means something that is heavy and must be carried and delivered. We should have a burden for the world, especially for the distribution and scattering of the message of the Gospel. Ask God to give you a renewed burden for the world. Ask Him to show you people who need your prayers for their salvation, and let Him show you what you can do today.

3/23/2026

Dailiness…

They received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11 Every year the American Bible Society releases its State of the Bible report. The most recent study finds that overall Bible use in the U.S. has increased for the first time since 2021, rising from 38 percent to 41 percent of adults reading the Bible outside church at least three times a year—about 10 million more adults in 2025 than in 2024. Digital formats are very popular (about two-thirds of users), especially apps and websites. The U.S. stands out in comparison to other secular, Western nations for how many find the Bible personally relevant. But three times a year! While we praise God for the renewed interest we’re seeing in Bible reading, let’s aim for 365 days a year—daily Bible reading and study. To grow as a Christian, be diligent in your study of the Word so you can daily spread the knowledge of God to others. Search the Scriptures daily, starting today!

3/22/2026

Seeing More Clearly: Seeing Him Face to Face…

For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Corinthians 13:12 The Greek myth about Narcissus illustrates what was probably the earliest kind of a mirror: a reflection in a pool of water. The first physical mirrors were likely polished stones like obsidian, gradually evolving into polished plates of copper or bronze. Metal mirrors were, at best, poor reflectors—they illustrate the words of Paul about seeing “in a mirror, dimly.” Paul was contrasting our spiritual perception in this life—dim and cloudy—with what our perception will be when “that which is perfect has come” (1 Corinthians 13:10). Paul describes that future time as seeing Christ “face to face.” No longer will we see dimly, but when Christ, the “perfect,” comes, we will know Him the same way He now knows us. The gaps in our spiritual vision will be filled in by His glorious presence when “that which is in part will be done away.” Do not despair at seeing dimly at the present time. Rejoice that the day is coming when you will behold the Lord face to face.

3/21/2026

How to Be Filled…

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6 It is not necessary to remind newborns that it is time to eat. Newborns don’t know much, but they know when they’re hungry! And adults know the same thing. Yes, at times we may be so busy that we forget to eat when we should, but our body soon reminds us. When we are physically hungry, we know only one solution: food. But the same is not true with spiritual hunger. We may think we can satisfy spiritual hunger with materialism, advancement, entertainment, or other worldly intake. But spiritual hunger—lack of purpose, identity, meaning, or fulfillment—can only be satisfied by taking in more of God. It was Blaise Pascal who said, in essence, that there is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every person that can only be filled by God. Just as there is a “food-shaped vacuum” in the human stomach that can only be filled by food, so God is the only Bread of Life that can satisfy our spiritual hunger. Jesus said that those who hunger for the righteousness of God will be blessed by the fullness of His presence. Satisfy your spiritual hunger for Him today.

3/20/2025

Freely Give…

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32 When Jesus sent His twelve disciples out to minister to the needy in His Name, He gave them power to heal the sick and drive out demons—even raise the dead (Matthew 10:1-15). And He spoke a principle that infuses all the Christian life: “Freely you have received, freely give” (verse 8). In other words, the disciples had no power of their own to restore the afflicted; Jesus gave them power. Since they had freely received power and authority, they were to freely use that power to help others. They were to do what Jesus would have done if He had been there. The principle of freely receiving and freely giving applies to a challenging part of life—the challenge of forgiveness. The apostle Paul wrote about forgiveness: We are to forgive others in the same way God has forgiven us. Freely we have received forgiveness, so freely we are to give forgiveness. Not to give forgiveness is to imprison ourselves behind the bars of resentment, anger, and vengeance. Why would anyone want to do that? The only way to live free is to receive God’s forgiveness and then freely give it to others.

3/19/2025

Wisdom for Living…

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 When we think of the need for wisdom, it is usually in the context of a decision we need to make. But when James wrote his epistle, he discussed wisdom in a deeper context. He wrote to the Jews who had been scattered among the nations and were experiencing trials and persecution (James 1:1-2). They needed wisdom for living as followers of Christ in a spiritually unfriendly world. And he told them where to start when needing wisdom: ask God (verse 5). James wrote that whenever we need wisdom in life, we can ask God and He will supply it generously. And we need wisdom in many practical areas of life! But what about wisdom for navigating carefully through the challenges of an increasingly dark world? Those challenges appear all the time—spiritually, morally, physically, financially—and require great wisdom. Besides praying for wisdom in the specific areas that arise in life, we should also pray daily for wisdom to walk wisely through this world. Get in the habit of asking God daily for wisdom to walk in ways pleasing to Him (Ephesians 4:1).

3/18/2025

Darkness and Deception…

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 One party game involves blindfolding a guest and having them identify, by touch alone, certain pieces of food or other common items. Two words characterize this game: darkness and deception. It is very easy to be deceived when we find ourselves in darkness. The only way to avoid deception is to live in the light. We live in a world that is shrouded in spiritual darkness. Jesus came into this world as the Light of the World, pushing back the darkness—yet not without resistance (John 1:4-11). Because those who do not know Christ are still living in spiritual darkness, they live “deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). Because Christians have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of light (Colossians 1:13), we are able to avoid being deceived. As the world grows increasingly dark toward the end of this age, we must be the light of the world (Matthew 5:14-16), helping others to see God’s truth. Meditate on Paul’s words concerning living as children of light in Ephesians 4:17–5:21. And look for ways today to be the light of the world.

3/17/2025

The Grace We’ve Received…

Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:24 In his mid-teens John Stott was aware of two things about himself. “First, if there was a God, I was estranged from Him…. Secondly, I was defeated…. I fell far short of the person I wanted to be.” A friend invited him to a Bible study taught by Eric Nash, who explained the Gospel to him. That evening in his dormitory, John knelt and prayed, opening his heart to the Lord. Years later John Stott wrote a book on the message of Romans, in which he said, “Faith is the eye that looks to Him, the hand that reaches out to receive His gift, the mouth that drinks the living water. Faith is nothing but the means by which we receive Christ.” In order to walk in the light, we must remember the grace we’ve received. It’s truly amazing! Keep your salvation experience in mind, and remember that but for the grace of God you would be in darkness. Give thanks each day for God’s saving grace.

3/16/2025

Simply Trusting…

He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah. 2 Kings 18:5 King Hezekiah faced two crises in a short period of time. His kingdom was invaded by the Assyrian army, and he contracted a terminal disease (see 2 Kings 19–20). Navigating one crisis is hard enough, but how often we’re hit by multiple calamities! Has this happened to you? Are several pressures bearing down on you? Hezekiah trusted in the Lord God. His problems were humanly unsolvable. But God can do more than we can. In times of discouragement, we must turn to His promises and seek them out in His presence. It’s easy to get discouraged in this world, and that can lead to doubt. But when we feel we have nowhere left to turn, we can encourage ourselves in the Lord through Bible study and prayer. When our faith is faltering, we need to turn to Christ and allow Him to strengthen us in our faith. Psalm 112:7 says of the child of God, “He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” You can do that today!

3/15/2025

Being Teachable…

Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21 Prior to his encounter with Jesus Christ, no one would have mistaken Saul of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul, for a meek or humble person. His focus in life was his personal advancement as a Pharisee in Judaism (Philippians 3:4-6). He was not teachable; his heart and mind were closed to the Gospel. Nicodemus was also a Pharisee, a “ruler of the Jews” (John 3:1), but he had a teachable heart. He met with Jesus at night to try to understand who Jesus was. He was not too proud to ask questions and consider that perhaps his understanding was limited. In fact, he accompanied Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus after the crucifixion (John 19:38-42). One of the marks of humility (meekness) is a teachable spirit, a willingness to learn from God and from others who know Him well. The psalmist prayed, “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18). A good way to practice meekness before the Lord is to pray that prayer when you open God’s Word. Ask Him to show you more of Himself and how to conform your life to His will.

3/14/2026

Seeing More Clearly: Seeing by Faith…

For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in caves near the Dead Sea between 1947 and 1956. The scrolls had been stored in clay jars, calling to mind Paul’s illustration in 2 Corinthians 4:7: “But we have this treasure [the Gospel] in earthen vessels.” We are the fragile “earthen vessels,” subject to weakness and breakage. But Paul’s point is that in spite of our weakness, “we do not lose heart” (verse 16) because we have an eternal dwelling in heaven (5:1). Therefore, “We walk by faith, not by sight” (5:7). “We do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen” (4:18). Abraham saw the same way when God told him he would be the father of a multitude even though he and Sarah were beyond childbearing age. “In hope against hope Abraham believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken” (Romans 4:18, NASB). Eyes of faith are needed when our physical eyes cannot yet see what has been promised (Hebrews 11:1). Like Abraham, trust by faith in God’s promise regardless of what your senses say.

3/13/2026

Test Yourself…

Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. 2 Corinthians 13:5 We are tested in school and sometimes in the workplace. God even tested Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4; 20:20; Deuteronomy 8:2). In general, we have a negative attitude toward being tested—and tend to avoid tests when we can. The idea of testing ourselves is a unique idea found in Scripture. The apostle Paul exhorted the Corinthian Christians to test themselves, to examine whether they were genuine Christians or not. Why is that important? Because a day is coming when many who profess to be Christians will fall away from the faith when their faith is tested (Matthew 24:10-12; 1 Timothy 4:1). Jesus even said that not all who profess faith in Him will enter the Kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21-23). The time to examine the genuineness of one’s faith is before the test comes. Don’t let this day pass without knowing for sure that you are in Christ and that He is in you. If you haven’t already, embrace Him as your Lord and Savior today.

3/12/2026

Rich and Happy…

Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 Television celebrity Simon Cowell doesn’t like most rich people. In The U.S. Sun, he said, “I think a lot of those people thought they were better than other people because they had money, which is ridiculous when you think about it.” He recalls asking his fiancée, “Do we actually know anyone who’s rich … and happy?” She said, “No,” and he replied, “Nor me.” Yes, we need enough to meet our needs along with enough to give back to the Lord. But our real comfort and cheerfulness are based on the sheer presence of God with us through thick and thin, through rain and sunshine. Because He will never leave or forsake us, we can be content with what we have. As the worship of wealth and materialism accelerates, the Bible can keep us from yielding to these pressures. Nothing is sadder than someone whose pockets are full but whose heart is empty. Ask the Lord to make you content with His loving provision and spend time thanking Him for all His daily provisions.

3/11/2026

Counting the Cost…

Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. Philippians 3:8 He had a bright smile, tussled dark hair, and passion in his youthful eyes. The world saw him on the pages of their news sites when he was killed by a group of indigenous people on a remote island near India. John Allen Chau, 26, simply wanted to share the Gospel with them. In his last letter home, he told his loved ones, “I pray you will never love anything in this world more than you love Christ.” Following Christ comes with a cost. J. Oswald Sanders said, “Jesus never failed to emphasize the cost of following Him.”2 Throughout the years, people have paid the cost with their lives, their reputations, their freedom, their health, and their wealth. But if you count the cost, wouldn’t you rather have Jesus than anything this world affords? More than silver or gold? More than houses or land? More than worldly applause and worldwide fame? In her hymn about this, Rhea Miller said, “I’d rather have Jesus than anything the world affords today.” Do you feel that way too? Aren’t you thankful for that!

3/10/2026

Sufficient…

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance of every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8 William Gurnall wrote, “God is sufficient to bear us up under every burden, though all the world should press upon us.” Is He sufficient for your needs today? The builders of the tabernacle in Exodus 36:7 found that the “material they had was sufficient for the work to be done—indeed too much.” The apostle Paul said, “Our sufficiency is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5). He trusted God for “sufficient courage” to face his trials (Philippians 1:20, NIV), and the Lord told him, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Your Savior is sufficient for you today. Whatever the struggle, whatever the burden, His grace is enough. His power is sufficient for your weakness, His provision is sufficient for your need, and His joy is sufficient for your soul. Jesus comes to us in the midst of our struggles. He speaks to us of peace and bestows encouragement and strength. He gives a promise for every problem. Take a moment right now to thank Him for giving you all you need—and for being all you need.

3/9/2026

Everyday Blessings…

Are the consolations of God too small for you…? Job 15:11 A British newspaper told about a man who was struck and nearly killed by a car. When he recovered, he found his entire perspective changed. He no longer put off enjoying life, but he began to savor the simple blessings that come every day—drinking a warm cup of tea, having a conversation with a loved one, walking without pain, and enjoying a piece of chocolate. It shouldn’t take a life-threatening accident for us to embrace the simple attitude of joyful thanksgiving. The Puritan Thomas Watson wrote, “Our thanks are due for little blessings as well as for great. The hand of God is to be acknowledged in the smallest gift.” Hannah Whitall Smith wrote, “The little things of life, though small in themselves, are often of the greatest importance in revealing God’s love.” The consolations of God are not too small for us! We don’t know when Christ will return, and we have no guarantee of tomorrow. Because of this, we should view each day as special, precious, and sacred. Take time today to thank God for today and for today’s blessings!

3/8/2026

Meekness Is Not Weakness…

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5 Caspar Milquetoast was a cartoon character created in 1924 by the comic strip writer H. T. Webster. The character was named after a bland food called milk toast which was eaten by people with weak stomachs. Caspar was portrayed as timid and ineffectual in his dealings with others. Since then, milquetoast has described a timid, insipid, bland, or feeble person. Sadly, but understandably, the word meek came to be associated with weakness and timidity. This wasn’t helped by the King James Version’s translation of Numbers 12:3: “Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Moses was anything but weak and timid, and all modern translations of that verse use the word “humble” instead of “meek” to describe Moses. Humility is a positive trait of strength, not weakness. Humility means fearing the Lord and accepting His will for one’s life. Thus, Jesus praised the meek in the true sense of the word—those who live in submission to God and are blessed. Meekness is not weakness; it takes spiritual strength to obey and serve God. And the blessing is to inherit His coming Kingdom on earth and for eternity.

3/7/2026

Seeing More Clearly: Seeing God Clearly…

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 Polishing the mirror on a giant telescope is a complex process. Removing imperfections from the surface is necessary to achieve a clear image. If one of these telescope mirrors was the size of the United States, the tallest “mountain” on the surface would be less than one inch tall. The more imperfections removed, the purer the reflection of the heavens will be. There is also a connection between purity and “seeing” God. Since no one has “seen” God (John 1:18; 1 John 4:12), what did Jesus mean when He said that “the pure in heart . . . shall see God”? Ultimately, believers will see the Lord in His presence (Revelation 22:4), but for now Jesus’ words must be interpreted spiritually. The apostle John wrote that “he who does evil has not seen God” (3 John 11). Meaning the evildoer has not recognized God in His worthiness and righteousness. Just as the imperfections in a telescopic mirror can blur the vision of the heavens, so the imperfections of the heart can blur a true vision of God. Purpose daily to live with “clean hands and a pure heart” in order to see God and enjoy His presence (Psalm 24:4).

3/6/2026

One Job…

But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 A phrase is often heard in comedic movies and TV shows when someone fails to accomplish a given task: “You had one job!” In the right setting that expression makes us laugh. But it also suggests an important lesson: the importance of focus. Jesus communicated to His apostles a similar message before He ascended to heaven: Your one job is to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8). Yes, that job has many dimensions just as Jesus’ earthly ministry was multifaceted: teaching, preaching, caring for the needy, influencing society, and more. But the focus—the umbrella that covers all those exercises—is spreading the Gospel to all the world. Why? Because the whole world is under the influence of Satan (1 John 5:19) and because a day is coming when the Antichrist will seek to dominate the world (Revelation 13:3). Be reminded today of your “one job” as a follower of Christ: to spread the Gospel to all the world.

3/5/2026

Be Exuberant…

Give to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness! 1 Chronicles 16:29 After David became king of Israel, he made Jerusalem the spiritual center of the nation. The ark of the covenant was in the house of Obed-Edom, outside of Jerusalem. With great joy, unending music, and colorful worship, the ark entered Jerusalem. David gave his musicians a song to sing—the one recorded in 1 Chronicles 16. It’s full of exuberance, with sentences like, “Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, ‘The Lord reigns’” (verse 31). The Lord does reign, and one day He will return, and His return will be far more praiseworthy than the moving of the ark. But we don’t have to wait until then to worship the Lord in the beauty of His holiness. We can worship Him now. When we praise the Lord, it keeps us focused on eternal realities amid the chaos around us. Why don’t you say among the nations (or the neighbors) today: “The Lord reigns!”

3/4/2026

Small Groups, Big Blessings…

To Philemon our beloved friend and fellow laborer, to the beloved Apphia, Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. Philemon 1:1-2 According to the World Happiness Report, 19 percent of young adults across the world have no one they can count on for support. That’s a 39 percent increase from 2006. At the same time, loneliness has risen with half of all U.S. college undergraduates facing significant loneliness. While this report targeted young adults, the same trends are true for all population groups. When Jesus left for heaven, He left behind His Church. In those earliest day before church buildings, the Church met in homes. In Colossae, one of those groups met in the home of Philemon. Paul told him, “The hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother” (Philemon 7). During difficult times, small groups are vital to fellowship as we lift up each other. If you aren’t part of a small group, look for one you can join. Pray for each other and strengthen each other during the good times and the bad.

3/3/2026

The Eye of the Storm…

When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked is no more, but the righteous has an everlasting foundation. Proverbs 10:25 In October 2025, meteorologist Matthew Cappucci and NOAA Hurricane Hunters flew into the eye of Hurricane Melissa. After describing the violent turbulence and 50,000-foot wall of thunderclouds, he recorded the moment they entered the eye of the storm. “Then it happened. We emerged from the mist… My jaw dropped. I was sitting in the middle of a 10-mile-wide stadium of the gods. On all sides, hulking thunderstorms towered high above me—yet, directly overhead the stars twinkled. With the faint glow offered by the moon, I could see brushstroke-like striations as the clouds in the eyewall swung around the eye at breakneck speeds. But for a moment, I was in an oasis of calm.” That’s where we, as God’s children, find ourselves. Although we see frightening things happening in the world today, when we open our Bibles, it’s like being in a quiet room. We can be still and know that He is God. The calmness we gain will encourage those around us. Use this visual of the eye of the storm today. Sit down in a quiet spot, read a meaningful passage of Scripture, and enjoy the presence of the Lord.

3/2/2026

The Bible Habit…

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31-32 Ovid said, “Nothing is stronger than habit.” Habits are those patterns of daily behavior that make us who we are. For the believer the habit of daily Bible reading and prayer is the reservoir of our spiritual vitality. George Müller said, “The vigor of our spiritual life will be in exact proportion to the place held by the Bible in our life and thoughts.” Have the pressures of life disrupted this habit in your life? Sometimes Christians get out of the habit of reading and studying the Scriptures. They miss a day, then another. Eventually Satan uses this to silently steal away their desire for the Word. Don’t allow that to happen. What we do occasionally may inspire us, but what we do every day shapes us. We must abide in His Word! If you’ve missed your Bible time recently, start back. Today!

3/1/2026

Promise of Comfort…

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 On March 30, 1863, when the United States was being torn by the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln called on Americans to “confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon.” Lincoln assured the people that the “cry of the nation will be heard on high and answered with blessings.” The President didn’t quote Matthew 5:4 in his proclamation, but his words were consistent with Jesus’ teaching in the Beatitudes that those who mourn will be comforted. Mourning over what? Jesus no doubt had Israel’s national sins in mind as well as those who mourn over their personal sins. And the comfort of which He spoke surely included forgiveness and restoration. The Old Testament promised forgiveness and comfort at both levels—nationally (2 Chronicles 7:14) and personally (Isaiah 1:18). And the apostle Paul wrote about the results of godly sorrow over sin (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). If you are mourning today over sin at any level, take heart. God promises to comfort all who mourn with godly sorrow.

2/28/2026

The Greatest of These Is Love: Infinite Love…

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 How do humans like us express the nature of God’s infinite love? Charles Wesley, the Methodist hymnwriter, pondered this as he studied John 1:14. From that meditation, he wrote a hymn that described God’s love as “divine” and “excelling” over every form of love imaginable. He spoke of “Joy of Heaven to Earth come down.” In other words, this great love of God has a name—Jesus! Wesley said, “Jesus, thou art all compassion, pure, unbounded love thou art.” Divine! Excelling! Joy! All compassion! Pure! Unbounded! That’s Jesus! Whenever you are down and out, think of how much God loves you. Let your mind be comforted by the Bible verses that speak of His love. Use your lips to thank Him. And you might even look up Wesley’s old hymn and sing it for yourself: “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling.”

2/27/2026

In Conclusion…

Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments. Ecclesiastes 12:13 Sylvia Plath was an American poet and author who often described the emptiness of life from her perspective as a non-Christian. On one occasion, she wrote, “I felt very still and very empty, the way the eye of a tornado must feel.” God created you with a place in your heart only He can fill. Meaning in life is found in a relationship with our Creator—the Almighty God—through Jesus Christ who died to save us and to restore our relationship with the Father. God wants us to live our lives joyously, and part of doing that is fearing (revering) Him and keeping His commands. Our joy, peace, and enthusiasm in life is directly proportional to our obedience to God and our reverence for who He is. If you haven’t already, give Him total control over your life. Let Him be your Lord and Savior today. You will find the missing joy and peace you’ve been searching for.

2/26/2026

Who Is Listening…

Do not curse the king, even in your thought; do not curse the rich, even in your bedroom; for a bird of the air may carry your voice, and a bird in flight may tell the matter. Ecclesiastes 10:20 One of the unexpected surprises of the digital age is that our devices are sometimes “listening” to us. Our phones and household digital assistants have microphones that often respond to key words in our conversations—until we turn on privacy settings that prevent their unwanted participation. Long before the digital age, Solomon warned against unguarded speech that you think is private but might be overheard. A good rule of thumb when it comes to speech is the less speech the better. “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise” (Proverbs 10:19). If we are not talking, we can’t say things that we might come to regret. The apostle James wrote at length about the dangers of the tongue (human speech) in James 3:1-12. As a tiny spark can set a forest on fire, so the tiny tongue can set a life on fire with ill-spoken words. Pray daily for wisdom, restraint, and edification when it comes to your words. You never know who (or what) will hear.

2/25/2026

God Sees All…

So I reflected on all this, attempting to clear it all up. I concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their works, are in the hand of God; whether a person will be loved or hated—no one knows what lies ahead. Ecclesiastes 9:1 One of Jesus’ most comforting parables is that of the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The sheep are those who inherit the Kingdom of God based on their faith that was manifested in humble acts of service: providing a meal, a drink, hospitality, clothing, medicine, or visitation. Think how many millions of such acts have been performed by Christians through the centuries that have gone unnoticed and unheralded by the world. The righteous are not always rewarded, nor are the wicked always punished—but God sees them all. Solomon illustrated this irony: It is not always the fastest or strongest who win, nor the wisest or most skilled who get rewarded (Ecclesiastes 9:11). There is a seeming element of “chance” in life when it comes to victory and recognition at the human level. But God sees and records everything and will reward appropriately. Solomon’s words remind us that we do not serve or strive to be rewarded but to one day hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

2/24/2026

Be Glad…

So I commend the enjoyment of life, because there is nothing better for a person under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany them in their toil all the days of the life God has given them under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:15 One of the biggest surprises in studying Ecclesiastes is noticing how many times this book tells us to enjoy life. The Lord has given us so many blessings during our lifespan! It’s a shame to miss them. He hasn’t called us to a morbid existence. We may never have a perfect day, and world events will always be chaotic. But God wants us to eat and drink and be glad in Him. John Calvin said, “There is not one blade of grass, there is no color in this world that is not intended to make men rejoice.” If you’re perplexed about difficult issues, take a moment to transfer them to the Lord’s stewardship and look around for a blessing. Even a blade of grass or a blue patch of sky is a cause for thanksgiving. Be glad!

2/23/2026

Bad Days…

For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery. Ecclesiastes 8:6 Do you ever ask yourself, “How much more can I take?” We may think others don’t have hardships, but actor Drew Carey said, “Just because you’re a celebrity and you have money doesn’t mean bad things don’t happen to you or you don’t have bad days. Everybody’s a person.” Yes, but not everybody learns the procedure for leaning on Jesus during hard times. We’ll always have to do things we don’t want to do; we all experience things we’d like to avoid. But this is part of what teaches us humility. It causes us to realize we’re not in control, nor are we above the circumstances of life. We aren’t in heaven yet, but God has His proper times and procedures that allow us to trust Him. Notice the relationship between humility and faith in 1 Peter 5:6-7: “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” When faced with difficult situations that you can’t avoid, obey God in humility and rely on Him to guide you.

2/22/2026

An Anointed High Priest…

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 Modern Yemen occupies the southwest coastal corner of the Arabian Peninsula. Many scholars identify this region as the ancient kingdom of Sheba described in the Bible. And the prophet Jeremiah notes that Sheba was the source of the valuable resin known as frankincense: “For what purpose to Me comes frankincense from Sheba” (Jeremiah 6:20). Frankincense has been harvested and traded in Africa and the Middle East for thousands of years. Gleaned from a certain tree as liquid sap that hardens into a resin, frankincense releases a fragrant aroma when burned. It was highly valued in religious and ceremonial services, including in the Old Testament. It was associated with the priestly services in the tabernacle and temple. When the Magi presented frankincense to the baby Jesus, it signified His future role as High Priest for the saints of God (Hebrews 2:17; 4:15). As High Priest, Jesus is the “one Mediator between God and men” (1 Timothy 2:5) as foreseen by the gift of the Magi.

2/21/2026

The Greatest of These Is Love: Love the Unlovely…

If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen? 1 John 4:20 Do you know a “difficult” person? Perhaps in your family, church, or workplace. Do they get on your nerves? There were difficult people in the Bible too. Take Nabal, for example. He was “surly and mean in his dealings” (1 Samuel 25:3, NIV). Even his wife, Abigail, called him a “wicked man” and said, “He is just like his name—his name means Fool, and folly goes with him” (1 Samuel 25:25, NIV). Yet Abigail persuaded David to be forbearing, and the Lord took care of Nabal at the right time. It is extremely hard to love “Nabals,” but God can give you a patient, forbearing spirit. Dale Carnegie said, “Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain—and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.” When we meet Christ, we experience His love for us—the unlovely. And we can ask for that same love to flow through us. Why not take a moment now to pray for that difficult person in your life?

2/20/2026

When Perplexed…

Wisdom makes one wise person more powerful than ten rulers in a city. Ecclesiastes 7:19 If you know Jesus as Savior, you may not have all the answers. But you already have more wisdom than someone who doesn’t know Christ. We cannot know how to navigate this chaotic world without the wisdom that comes from Christ. When we don’t know what to do, we can ask for His guidance (Proverbs 3:5-6), we can search His Word (Proverbs 8:8), and we can claim His wisdom (James 1:5). In the hymn, “Now Thank We All Our God,” Martin Rinkart wrote, “O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us, with ever joyful hearts and blessed peace to cheer us, to keep us in his grace and guide us when perplexed, and free us from all ills of this world in the next.” Though we face problems, perplexity, and pressure all the time, we find answers in God. We can face all these things with confidence because we know our God. Give thanks that He allows us to have an abiding relationship with Him.

2/19/2026

Better Than Money…

Wisdom is good with an inheritance…. For wisdom is a defense as money is a defense, but the excellence of knowledge is that wisdom [preserves the life of] those who have it. Ecclesiastes 7:11-12 The late primatologist Jane Goodall was the first to provide evidence that some primates made and used tools. Her discovery reversed the long-standing belief that only humans were capable of making and using tools. Almost everything humans do is accomplished with tools, all of which are inanimate objects. Tools have no life or mind of their own; they are employed by a human facilitator. Whether tools are used for positive or negative ends depends entirely on the wisdom of the owner. Take money, for example. It can serve good ends and bring positive benefits to the owner. But compared to wisdom, tools like money are limited. Money can be used for many things, but it cannot ultimately preserve, protect, or provide life to those who have it. Solomon, who made this observation, knew what money could and couldn’t do—he had more than anyone in his day. Whatever amount of money God has entrusted to you, pray for even more wisdom. Whoever finds wisdom finds life (Proverbs 8:35).

2/18/2026

Be Correctable…

It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. Ecclesiastes 7:5 The main theme of Proverbs is comparing the life of a wise person with the life of a fool. A wise person is one who through instruction and correction has developed the skills needed to live successfully. A fool has, by rejecting instruction and correction, not learned to live a skillful life. A fool is a person who refuses to accept correction and rebuke when needed. Solomon, the writer of most of Proverbs, knew well the results of correction versus the flattery of “the song of fools.” As king, he asked God for wisdom to rule (1 Kings 3:4-15) and no doubt endured the flattery of those in his court seeking favor from him. So nearing the end of his reign, it is no surprise that he wrote that rebuke was far better than flattery. Solomon wrote that correction can come from the words of the wise and that the wise person will receive it willingly (Proverbs 9:8-9). Ask God to make you correctable and immune to flattery so that you may develop a heart of wisdom.

2/17/2026

The House of Mourning…

The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. Ecclesiastes 7:4 Randy Alcorn is well-known for his writing on heaven and eternity. However, after his wife died of cancer, the knowledge that she is in heaven waiting for him hasn’t minimized the fact that he misses her deeply. Of this time of grief, he says, “The Lord has—through the process of grief—restored me to a place of being able to…write again, to be able to do things again.” The lessons “in the house of mourning” are always the deepest. When Jesus faced death, He said, “Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). Everyone who has suffered, especially in the “house of mourning,” knows that lessons are learned in that “house” that cannot be learned elsewhere—especially not in a party house. It is only in difficult days that the reality of Romans 8:28 hits home—that God is able to cause all things to work together for good. Embrace the hard times God allows you to experience. Embrace them as wise teachers that will take you deeper into God’s sufficiency.

2/16/2026

Blessing of Contentment…

It is better to be content with what the eyes can see than for one’s heart always to crave more. This continual longing is futile—like chasing the wind. Ecclesiastes 6:9 The English naturalist and cleric John Ray published a Collection of English Proverbs in 1670. One of the proverbs he recorded—“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”—has its origins as far back as the seventh century B.C.: “Better is a sparrow held tight in the hand than a thousand birds flying about in the air.” King Solomon understood this principle: Being content with what one has today is better than being anxious about what one wishes he had. Living in a state of “continual longing,” Solomon wrote, “is futile—like chasing the wind.” Sometimes we forget the lessons of Eden, that God created a world for us to enjoy on a daily basis. Yes, that world has been marred by sin and sin’s ill effects, but that does not mean we should be dissatisfied with the joys we can experience each day. The apostle Paul affirmed the benefits of contentment in 1 Timothy 6:6-10. Ask God for wisdom in finding the balance between what you have and what you desire.

2/15/2026

The Four Loves: Philia—Our Love for Others…

All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Titus 3:15 In the early 1680s, William Penn made a treaty of friendship with a Native American chieftain named Tamanend. Penn built a port city on the Delaware River to serve as a governmental center. He knew the word philia meant “friendship,” so he named his city Philadelphia—City of Brotherly Love. Penn had experienced persecution, and he wanted to build a city where people loved and respected each other. Every city, town, church, marriage, and home should have the spirit of philia. In Christ, your husband is also your brother; your wife is also your sister. The Bible says that within the faith we should be “gentle, not quarrelsome” with each other (1 Timothy 3:3). The apostle Paul said, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all” (2 Timothy 2:24). In Titus 3:15, Paul spoke of those who loved (philia) him in the faith. Ask God to give you philia, and let’s love each other as friends in the faith of our Heavenly Father.

2/14/2026

The Greatest of These Is Love: Love Never Fails….

Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:8 The Washington Post carried an article about a paralegal named Mark Turner from Charlottesville, Virginia. He had a grinding daily commute—three hours each way—and it was hurting his marriage. He had little time or energy left for his wife. But he had a sudden moment of awakening, and he realized his family was more important than his job. He quit his high-paying job, took a lower-paying job nearby, and rediscovered the simple joys of unhurried mornings and family dinners. “The commute had beaten me,” he said, “but now I’m driving a new road.” When we love others, we make sacrifices for them. It sometimes takes a sudden moment of awakening, and such moments are usually prompted by the Lord and by circumstances. Can you think of one way you can improve the way you love a family member? Love never fails. “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

2/13/2026

Dead Center…

Jesus in the center. John 19:18 Where was Jesus on the day He died? He was in the center between two thieves. He was in the center of humanity, in the center of history, and especially in the center of the story of redemption. Where is He in your life? Are you Christ-centered? Paul Tripp wrote, “A Christ-centered life begins with realizing that the source of everything we are is the Lord. He created us, he owns us, he gifted us.” Our Lord doesn’t simply want to be included in our lives; He want to be the axis, the nucleus, the hub around which our entire life revolves. When we keep Him at the center, He takes everything we have and makes it meaningful. But when we push Him to the side, we are unable to enjoy His gifts. The Living Bible says in 1 Corinthians 1:24, “God has opened the eyes of those called to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, to see that Christ is the mighty power of God to save them; Christ himself is the center of God’s wise plan for their salvation.” Is He at the dead center of your heart?

2/12/2026

No Need to Promise…

It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. Ecclesiastes 5:5 Parents sometimes hear their young children negotiating: “When will it be my turn?” “Just five more minutes—I promise!” Where do young children learn the technique of “promising”? Possibly from other children, but possibly from their parents. “I promise” is a modern version of the ancient practice of making a vow. A vow in the Old Testament was a voluntary promise to God to perform a service that would be pleasing to Him in return for some desired benefit. For example, Jacob made a vow to serve God and pay Him a tithe if God delivered him safely back to his home (Genesis 28:20-22). Vows were taken seriously; there were strict protocols directing their use (Numbers 30). Solomon warned about the dangers of making a hasty vow to God: “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it” (Ecclesiastes 5:5, NIV). By Jesus’ day, the Pharisees had added layers of complication to vow-making which Jesus unwound. He made it simple: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:33-37). Let your word be your bond. Keeping your “Yes” or “No” eliminates the need to promise.

2/11/2026

Perspective…

Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few. Ecclesiastes 5:2 In art, perspective is defined as drawing objects on a flat, two-dimensional surface (height, width) so as to give an accurate representation of their relationship to one another from a particular point of view. Perspective also represents importance, proportion, and size. While perspective in art didn’t become a formal technique until the early fifteenth century, King Solomon wrote about perspective in life. For example, he wrote that “God is in heaven, and you [are] on earth.” That clearly defines the position of two “objects” in order to understand how to interpret their relationship. Solomon’s point was to warn man against rash words or behavior when it comes to interpreting what happens in our life. With God being in heaven, He clearly sees and knows more than we do from our limited perspective on earth. Therefore, we should not be “rash” or “hasty” when it comes to blaming God or making promises to God in the midst of our circumstances. Follow the words of James 1:19, “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath,” and maintain a godly perspective in your situation.

2/10/2026

The Value of Godly Friendships…

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 King Solomon wrote insightful words about the power and value of friendship (Proverbs 18:24; 27:10; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). We have to wonder if his words were inspired by the youthful experiences of his father, David—especially the idea that “there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Apparently, David was not particularly close to his older brothers (1 Samuel 17:28-29). He was, however, very close to King Saul’s son, Jonathan, with whom he seemed to have formed a covenant (protective) bond (1 Samuel 20). Their relationship is reflected by Jonathan’s words to David: “Whatever you yourself desire, I will do it for you” (1 Samuel 20:4). In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, Solomon describes the ways that “two are better than one”: teamwork (verse 9), help (verse 10), provision (verse 11), and strength (verse 12). But Solomon also notes the prerequisite for having such a close friend: “A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” That is, it takes one to know one. Close friendships develop over time. Begin today by being the kind of friend you would like to have in your life.

2/9/2026

The Judge of All…

I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” Ecclesiastes 3:17 Two stories appear occasionally in the news. One story will reveal the apprehension of someone who committed a crime years ago but escaped capture and is finally brought to justice. The other story will tell of an individual who was incarcerated for many years for a crime he or she did not commit—and finally is freed. In both cases, justice was delayed but finally done. When we observe our world, we see examples of both things. The wicked often escape judgment and appear to live a life of ease. And “the righteous”—seemingly innocent or good people—often endure bad things which they don’t deserve. And we wonder, where is the justice? Why do good things happen to bad people and bad things happen to good people? But justice is coming through the Lord Jesus Christ who will “judge the living and the dead at His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:1), judging “the secrets of men” (Romans 2:16). Nothing escapes the knowledge of God the Judge (Psalm 82:8). Thank Him today that the scales of justice will be balanced in due time.

2/8/2026

Missing the Mark…

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4 Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest soccer players in the world. Last year at Euro 2024, he missed a penalty shot. He felt he’d let his team and fans down. The great athlete’s face twisted into pain, and he couldn’t keep from weeping. His tears dominated the headlines the next day. If an athlete can weep over a missed shot, shouldn’t we be able to weep over our sins? There are a few occasions in life when we can’t help but cry when we see the mistake we made, the sin we committed, or the harm we did. Matthew 5:4 says, in the Amplified Bible, “Blessed [forgiven, refreshed by God’s grace] are those who mourn [over their sins and repent], for they will be comforted [when the burden of sin is lifted].” The closer we come to the Lord, the more sensitive we become to sin in our life. We know we are bankrupt without the Lord, and we mourn our sin. The Lord not only forgives us; He also comforts us.

2/7/2026

The Greatest of These Is Love: Love Your Neighbor…

And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 During the week prior to His crucifixion, Jesus engaged in debates with religious leaders in the temple in Jerusalem. One of His critics, a lawyer, asked Him, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus quoted Deuteronomy 6:5 about loving God with all there is within us. Then He went on to say the next greatest command was to love our neighbors, and He quoted from Leviticus 19:18. “On these two commands hang all the Law and the Prophets,” Jesus said (Matthew 22:40). In other words, one single syllable—love—when biblically understood, fulfills every single law of the Bible. A few days later Jesus demonstrated these two laws by dying on the cross. He loved the Father and submitted to the Father’s will. He loved us as neighbors and laid down His life for us. He was perfect in every way because He loved perfectly. He can love your neighbor through you. If there is someone you don’t particularly like, ask the Lord Jesus to love that person through you today.

2/6/2026

Fear or Favor…

His heart is established; he will not be afraid. Psalm 112:8 Charlie Brown, the famous character in Charles M. Schultz’s Peanuts comic strip, is quoted as saying, “I think I’m afraid of being happy because whenever I get too happy something bad always happens.” Don’t we all feel that way—at least sometimes? Our happiness is often diminished because we’re so afraid of what might happen to ourselves or to our loved ones. We live in a dangerous world, and there’s no escaping that fact. Yes, fear is an awful emotion to endure. But remember—we don’t have to endure it. The Bible says, “Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments…. He will not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord” (Psalm 112:1, 7). The Bible tells us to fear God. Don’t fear life (see Ecclesiastes 3:14-15). The Lord has determined your path. Come before Him today and tell Him you are choosing to fear Him with godly reverence, to follow His plan, and to trust Him to care for you, come what may.

2/5/2026

Carousel of Happiness…

I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. Ecclesiastes 3:12 As a young U.S. Marine in Vietnam, Scott Harrison found solace in a small music box he held to his ear to distract him from the horrors of war. He would close his eyes and think of a carousel. When he returned home, he learned that a famous carousel had lost all its animals. He spent 26 years carving more than fifty, one-of-a-kind animals, creating what is now called the Carousel of Happiness. The whole world is wanting to find a “carousel of happiness,” a way of distracting themselves from the rigors of life. Some people don’t like where they live. Others are unhappy with the clothes or food they have. We’re all apt to become discontent. But when you truly find Christ, you stop going around in circles. You learn that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Even with the imperfections around you, you can see His hand, feel His heart, know His touch, and enjoy His grace. Remind yourself today that the Lord wants you to be happy and to do good while you live.

2/4/2026

Grasping for the Wind…

Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done and on the labor in which I had toiled; and indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. Ecclesiastes 2:11 Playwright and actor Woody Allen, 89, gave an interview last fall to The Wall Street Journal. He said, “The older I get, the more horrible I think everything is. I mean, the more life experience you have, you start to see what a foolish, meaningless, tragic experience it is.” What a bleak way to view the world! Yet without Christ, life really is foolish, meaningless, and tragic. The writer of Ecclesiastes grappled with just that issue. Jesus said, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). When people can’t seem to find happiness and meaning in life, they sometimes want to give up. But God gives joy to those who follow Him and center their lives on Him. He gives joy in abundance. Praise God today! When we have the joy He brings, we learn to enjoy what life has to offer.

2/3/2026

Whatever You Do…

Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Think of the greatest building projects in the history of the world: the Egyptian pyramids, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower, the Golden Gate Bridge, and others. Now think about these massive buildings: St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Hagia Sophia, La Sagrada Família, and the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. The difference between the first list and the second list is obvious. The projects in the first list were undertaken for the glory of man while the projects in the second list were built for the glory of God. King Solomon built the wealthiest kingdom on earth during his reign only to realize near the end of his life that labor for labor’s sake was not satisfying. Work of any kind can bring satisfaction when it is done to honor God: “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). Whatever you do today, do it in such a way that it honors God—with truth, integrity, beauty, and benefit.

2/2/2026

Filling the Vacuum…

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 While there are a number of countries that have practiced atheism as the official position of the state, there are only three countries that currently practice state atheism: the People’s Republic of China, North Korea, and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Yet even within these officially atheistic countries, religions flourish. Wherever humans exist, the longing for God is ongoing. This reality reflects the words of King Solomon near the end of his life. He recognized that God “has put eternity in [men’s] hearts”—that is, a longing to connect with man’s Creator. Solomon also observed that “no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end” by simply recognizing His existence. General revelation—for example, nature (Romans 1:19-20)—can show us God exists, but it takes special revelation—through the written Word and living Word, Jesus Christ (John 1:14)—to show us how to fill the God-shaped vacuum in our heart. If you long to know God, begin by putting your faith in Christ as your Lord and Savior.

2/1/2026

Humble Service…

Serving the Lord with all humility. Acts 20:19 Billy Graham said, “In Heaven there will be many believers who never received any acknowledgement while on earth, yet they faithfully prayed and humbly served Christ. I believe their crowns may sparkle with more jewels than the philanthropist who endowed the church and whose name is engraved on the plaque in the narthex.” When we realize we are spiritually poor, we’re able to come to Christ in a spirit of humility and receive the riches of His grace. That disposition of heart leads to effective service. Some people serve Christ to impress others, and they “preach Christ even from envy and strife” (Philippians 1:15). But those who are humble of heart are able to serve the Lord in a way He truly blesses. Peter said, “Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). Are you poor in spirit? One of the ways you can tell is by evaluating your daily service for Christ. Let’s all rededicate ourselves to serving the Lord with all humility.

1/31/2026

Wisdom for the Year: Be Patient…

But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8 There will be situations in the year ahead when your patience is tested. You may be waiting on a child to complete a task. You may be waiting for a boss to respond to your request in your workplace. Or you may be waiting on a spouse to make a change that would make your relationship better. In each case you will focus on time—and find yourself growing impatient. Peter’s words will help us manage our feelings about time. Peter wrote that with God a day (or a minute) is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like one day (or any other measure of time). In other words, time to God is not the same as time is to us. God is outside of time—the past, present, and future are one to Him. Time to us is temporal and relative; time to God is eternal. When time doesn’t move according to your preferences, ask God for His perspective. He is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9). So let us be patient with others.

1/30/2026

Living by Faith…

By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household. Hebrews 11:7 In the late 1800s, George Müller was sailing from England to Quebec. The ship entered a fog bank, and the captain stopped the ship. Müller and the captain went below decks to pray for the lifting of the fog. After finishing his prayer, Müller advised the captain to resume progress since the fog was gone. Returning topside, the men found that the fog was indeed gone—and Müller kept his appointment in Quebec. Müller’s prayer is an example of faith: “[Being] certain of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1, NIV 1984). It doesn’t take faith to believe what we can see, but it does take faith to believe what we can’t see. Another example is Noah: By faith he obeyed God and built a huge boat on dry land in anticipation of a coming flood. Noah saw no evidence of a flood, but he obeyed God anyway—being certain of what he could not see. We are called to live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). When God calls you, say “Yes” by faith.

1/29/2026

Certainty…Certainly…

That you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed. Luke 1:4 True faith does not ignore the evidence; it responds to it. Dr. John C. Lennox, the famous Irish mathematician and scientist, said, “Faith is not a leap in the dark; it’s the exact opposite. It’s a commitment based on evidence.” Take the story of Simon Greenleaf, for example. He was a Harvard law professor who spent many hours studying the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He wanted to determine if the evidence could stand up in a courtroom. The result? He ended up giving his life to Christ. Believing in spite of the evidence isn’t faith. Faith is believing because we have evidence. Some of that evidence is personal to us. As we see God keeping His promises to us, our faith grows. The One who was with us yesterday will be with us tomorrow. He has been our help in ages past, and He is our hope for years to come. Take a look at God’s care for you, and trust Him with your cares today.

1/28/2026

A Well-Watered Garden…

If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. The Lord will guide you always. Isaiah 58:10-11 Isaiah 58 is a remarkable chapter that promises God’s blessings on those who help the oppressed and correct injustice (verses 6, 10) and who share their bread with the hungry and clothe the naked (verse 7). The Lord’s righteousness will go before them and His glory behind them (verse 8). The Lord will answer their prayers (verse 9). The Lord will guide them always and satisfy their needs in a sun-scorched land. It’s easy to take biblical promises out of context. For example, verse 11 says, “The Lord … will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” (NIV). But within the context of Isaiah 58, this is a promise specifically for those who care for the poor and oppressed. Let’s be generous to those in need, allowing others to see the love of God through us. As we care for others, the Lord will care for us—like a well-watered garden. Whom can you help today?

1/27/2026

Cycle of Sufficiency…

Lord our God, all this abundance that we have provided for building you a temple for your Holy Name comes from your hand, and all of it belongs to you. 1 Chronicles 29:16 A couple enrolled in a financial stewardship course, and it changed their perspective. They said, “We wish we had done this 15 years ago! It’s been so helpful to realize that ‘our money’ is really ‘God’s money.’… The most significant lesson we learned was that giving to God’s Kingdom is a form of worship.” The apostle Paul said about giving: “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others” (2 Corinthians 9:8, NLT). In stewardship, we’re giving what the Lord has provided for us. Then He provides some more, which allows us to give more. What a wonderful cycle of sufficiency! King David said, “Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14, NIV). Don’t wait fifteen years to discover this. Start where you are today!

1/26/2026

Shrewd Stewards…

You cannot serve both God and money. Luke 16:13 John Wesley, the eighteenth-century revival preacher, said in his sermon on the shrewd steward (Luke 16:1-13) that we should use every penny God gives us in a way that will most profit our souls. That doesn’t necessarily mean we put all our money in the offering plate. It means we are shrewd stewards of all we have, and we should use our money wisely in a way that keeps us spiritually strong. Some people don’t give because they don’t trust God to take care of them. But do you trust Him to take care of you in eternity? If so, then you can certainly trust Him to take care of you until then. The Lord has promised to look after us, both now and forever. It’s not just our offerings but our very lives that are in His hands. Choose to trust Him, knowing He is the best first step in getting right financially.

1/25/2026

Our Spiritual Need…

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3 In 2023 a Florida deputy was accused of street racing because, as it turned out, he wanted to impress his girlfriend. People get into a lot of trouble trying to impress others. We’re all guilty to some extent, aren’t we? It’s our pride! Jesus had a better idea. He blessed those who were poor in spirit. He said, “Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need. God’s kingdom belongs to them” (Matthew 5:3, ERV). When the Lord spoke of being poor in spirit, He meant the opposite of everything that’s summed up in the word pride. Those who are poor in spirit have a proper assessment of who they are without Christ. As the International Children’s Bible puts it: “Those people who know they have great spiritual needs are happy.” When we recognize we are spiritually bankrupt, we’ll understand the wonder of God’s love for us through Christ. We cannot impress anyone, not even ourselves. But Jesus loves us nonetheless, and through Him alone we find the Kingdom of heaven.

1/24/2026

Wisdom for the Year: Don’t Dwell on the Past…

Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19 If you are entering the new year with a sense of regret over things that happened in the previous twelve months, remember this: God is the God of the future. God does not want us to dwell on the past but to trust Him for the future. Isaiah exhorted the captives in Babylon not to dwell on the past, including the sins that resulted in their captivity in Babylon. Instead, God told them that He was going to do a “new thing,” referring to their deliverance from Babylon. He would make a “road in the wilderness” to bring them home. The same principle applies to us. We do not live in the past; we live in the present and look to the future for what God is going to do. As you prepare for the year ahead, don’t dwell on the past. Believe that God has for you “a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

1/23/2026

Dependence on God…

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me. Romans 15:30 One of Paul’s biggest ministry projects was collecting funds for the persecuted church in Jerusalem. Second Corinthians 8–9 recount Paul’s encouragement to the churches in Achaia and Macedonia to give toward the Jerusalem fund and his coordination of his fellow workers who would be in charge of collecting the funds before meeting up with Paul. On his way to Jerusalem Paul met with church leaders from Ephesus. He expressed concern about the dangers of visiting Jerusalem, but his only concern was finishing the work God had given him to do (Acts 20:22-24). Prior to stopping to meet with them, Paul wrote to the church at Rome with a promise to visit them as soon as possible. In his letter is evidence of the magnitude of the work he was doing—work that needed prayers to God (Romans 15:23-30). There it is—the blending of work for God and being dependent on God for the work to succeed. Whatever work you are doing for God, never lose your dependence on God for success.

1/22/2026

The Boy’s Dollar…

Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the Lord: gold, silver, and bronze. Exodus 35:5 During the offering a boy pulled a dollar from his pocket for the offering plate. The man behind him tapped his shoulder and handed him a twenty-dollar bill. The boy was perplexed, but he dropped the twenty into the plate too. Afterward, the boy asked the man about it. The man said, “That was your twenty. It fell out of your pocket when you pulled out the dollar.” The boy had put $21 into the collection plate, but he only got credit in heaven for one! We can often do better when it comes to our tithes and offerings. Some people see them as a necessary evil so the church can pay its bills. But tithing is a spiritual reality, just like reading the Bible, praying, and witnessing. It enhances our spiritual growth, maturity, and poise. It curbs our bent toward materialism. It helps express our worship, and it funds the work of God around the world. Don’t be afraid to be generous with the Lord. Give with a willing heart.

1/21/2026

Our Faces and Our Finances…

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Are you cheerful today? Joseph Addison said, “Cheerfulness keeps up a kind of daylight in the mind, and fills it with a steady and perpetual serenity.” Perhaps Addison was inspired by Proverbs 15:15: “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast” (NIV). We should ask the Lord to help us obey the words of Jesus in Matthew 9:2: “Be of good cheer.” A cheerful heart brings a brightness to our faces—and to our finances. When we’re cheerful, our world is happier, and that includes the world of our giving. Oh, thank God that He gives to us so that we, in turn, can give to others! What a joy! What a privilege! What an opportunity to lay up treasure in heaven. All we have is from Him, and we give Him simply that which is His own. The famous Bible commentator John Gill said that a cheerful giver is one who gives freely and with a pleasant countenance. Our gifts to God should all be given with smiles!

1/20/2026

For Self or for God…

For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. Galatians 6:8 Think about all the gifts and abilities found in the human race: creativity, industriousness, entrepreneurship, managerial ability, leadership, generosity, and many more. Some invest their gifts in the Kingdom of God, while others invest in the kingdom of this world. The difference in using one’s gifts for oneself rather than for God is what the New Testament refers to as sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit. “Flesh” doesn’t necessarily mean “evil”; it basically refers to the priority of self above all—whether for good or evil. Choosing self over God is called sowing to the flesh. The New Testament is also clear about the outcomes of sowing to the flesh versus sowing to the Spirit. The former leads to “corruption”—meaning eternal separation from God—while the latter leads to eternal life with God. “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). Ask yourself daily: Am I living today for myself or for Christ?

1/19/2026

Sowing and Reaping…

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7 Jesus identified one of His parables as the key to understanding all the parables (Mark 4:13). The parable was the one dealing with soils, seeds, and sowing. The seed is “the word of the kingdom” (Matthew 13:19), and the soil is the heart into which the seed is sown. If the heart is receptive, the seed can bear fruit thirtyfold, sixtyfold, or a hundredfold (verse 23). Jesus’ focus in the parable was on the soil (the heart). The better the condition of the heart, the more abundant will be the spiritual harvest. The apostle Paul wrote that our harvest will be commensurate with our sowing (Galatians 6:7). Sow sparingly, and you will reap sparingly. Sow bountifully, and you will reap bountifully (2 Corinthians 9:6). When we sow the Word of God into our heart, the spiritual fruit in our life will depend on the amount of seed sown and the condition of our heart. Jesus identified this parable as important for a reason: that we might keep our heart prepared to receive as much of the Word as possible.

1/18/2026

Pursuing Happiness…

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11 “All men…are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” These famous words from the American Declaration of Independence have been criticized by some who say that Americans believe it is their right to be happy. In modern terms, happiness usually refers to laughter—an emotional response to life’s circumstances. It is worth noting that there is no reference in the four Gospels to Jesus laughing (though He undoubtedly did when appropriate). Far more prevalent in Scripture is the notion of joy and the idea of contentment. Contentment is the idea of finding joy in the will of God whatever the circumstance. Jesus didn’t laugh in the Garden of Gethsemane as He contemplated His future death, but He was content with God’s will for Him at that moment. True joy and contentment are found in the Person of Christ. Our pursuit of happiness must lead us to joy and contentment in Him.

1/17/2026

God Wants You Happy…

O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You! Psalm 84:12 A cynic once defined Christians as people who live in fear of someone, somewhere, being happy. That is, the cynic had the impression that God wants to make life burdensome and difficult. A person who believes that has never read the Bible. Thirteen times in the Old Testament we find the phrase, “Blessed is the man who.” What does blessed mean in Scripture? In modern English translations it is often translated as “happy” or “joyful.” In other words, God wants us to be happy and joyful in life and gives us instructions on how to achieve that goal. We are blessed when we walk in God’s ways (Psalm 1:1), when we trust in God (Psalm 84:12), when our sins are forgiven (Psalm 32:2), when we dwell in God’s presence (Psalm 65:4), when we rely on God’s strength (Psalm 84:5), and more. God would not have provided ways for us to be happy and joyful if He did not intend for us to be so. Meditate on these and other verses which promise blessedness. It is there for the receiving for all who seek it God’s way.

1/16/2026

The Safest Investment…

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19-20 In 2013, a hard drive belonging to a man in Wales was accidentally thrown away and ended up in a landfill. The man quickly realized the mistake. But he has been unable to retrieve the hard drive, which contained the digital keys necessary to access his investment in cryptocurrency which, as of today, is worth almost $800 million! Sadly, this is irredeemable by him without the digital keys on the discarded hard drive, and so far, the courts have refused to allow him to dig up the landfill or buy it outright. His treasure remains lost. Jesus warned His followers about accumulating treasures on earth where moths, rust, and thieves—and lost hard drives—can result in those treasures being destroyed. Instead, He advised accumulating a different kind of treasure—treasures in heaven that will last forever. Since we are citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20), we should accumulate our treasures there. Only two things on earth will last forever: souls and the Word of God. Investments made in those will become treasures in heaven.

1/15/2026

When Little Is Much…

Arise, go to Zarephath…. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you. 1 Kings 17:9 Last year, Deputy Ignacio Diaz died in a crash in Palm Beach County, Florida. A nearby boy Charlie Allsup wanted to do something, so he set up a lemonade stand to raise money for Diaz’s family. When Fox News asked Charlie why he had done this, he replied, “I just saw a need and I just thought that is what Jesus would do. I thought I could help.” Our giving to the Lord is just about as simple as that! Have you noticed that many of the biblical characters who did the most are the ones who had the least? The classic example is the widow who gave her two mites in Mark 12:41-44. But think also of people like the widow of Zarephath who gave her bit of bread to Elijah (1 Kings 17:8-16), and Dorcas, the woman of Joppa, who was “full of good works and charitable deeds” (Acts 9:36). You don’t have to be rich to richly bless others. The Bible tells us to “be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18). How can you practice that principle today?

1/14/2026

Three Dining Tables…

And He said to them, “Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses.” Luke 12:15 Actress Shannen Doherty who passed away from stage 4 breast cancer once said that her battle with cancer had changed her perspective on her physical possessions. She told People magazine she accumulated a lot of antiques, but they were sitting in storage. “I’m not enjoying it and others aren’t enjoying it, and do I really need any of it? Do I need to have three dining room tables? The answer is no, none of us really need all the stuff that we have.” We’re living at a time ancient kings couldn’t conceive. A time when inventions, devices, technologies, and new products are coming at us on a daily basis. How do we keep our perspective? When we give the first ten percent or more of our income to the Lord, it helps us find balance. The best way to deal with materialism is by tithing. Giving God the first ten percent of our income is a way of showing Him that He is our priority, not the things we possess.

1/13/2026

True Security…

He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10 In 2010, Microsoft cofounder, Bill Gates, and his (then) wife, partnered with investor Warren Buffett to create the Giving Pledge. So far, more than 250 individuals or families from 30 countries—nearly all billionaires—have signed the pledge to give away at least half their wealth to charitable causes by the end of their life. We don’t know the amount of wealth possessed by King Solomon at the end of his life, but while he was king of Israel, he may have been the world’s wealthiest individual. But near the end of his life he admitted that the accumulation of wealth does not satisfy. Indeed, he called such a pursuit “vanity.” The apostle Paul warned against the love of money, calling it the “root of all kinds of evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). Not money, but the love of money. Instead, he recommended pursuing “godliness with contentment,” calling it “great gain” (verse 6). Instead of seeking security and personal affirmation in the size of your wealth, find contentment in your eternal relationship with the Lord.

1/12/2026

The Preeminent Head…

And Christ is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Colossians 1:18 Modern medicine has succeeded in transplanting many critical parts of the human body: liver, kidney, lung, heart, and others. But there has never been a successful transplant of the head, either in humans or animals. For both medical and ethical reasons, replacing one head with another has proved too challenging. The head is the seat of the brain—the control center which directs the movement of the body. Another head-body union which will never be altered is that between Jesus Christ and the Church. The New Testament uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate the relationship between Christ, the Head, and Christians, the members of the Body (the Church) (1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 5:23-24). Just as the human body responds to directions which flow from the head, so the Church should respond to directions which flow from its Head. As Paul notes in Colossians 1:18, Christ as “the head of the body, the church” should “have the preeminence.” When you need wisdom, guidance, or strength, turn first to the Head of the Church—and allow Him to have preeminence in your life.

1/11/2026

The Power of Praise…

Then the shepherds went back again to their fields and flocks, praising God for the visit of the angels, and because they had seen the child, just as the angel had told them. Luke 2:20, TLB We awaken weary to face the pressures and problems, and we feel our spirits collapsing. What do we do? Try shouting the words of Psalm 106:1: “Praise the Lord! Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” The simple act of making the decision to lift one’s voice aloud and tell the air around you that you are praising God—well, that will help. A shout of praise can turn the tide of our day. That’s what the shepherds did, though they weren’t depressed when they did it. They were full of joy! They went back to their lowly assignments among the sheep, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen that night—the angels, the manger, the Christ Child. Whatever your condition or disposition—praise the Lord right now!

1/10/2026

Wisdom for the Year: Wait on the Lord…

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 A music trivia question: Which number one hit song has the distinction of containing the oldest lyrics? The answer is “Turn! Turn! Turn!” released by the folk-rock group The Byrds in 1962. The song was originally written by Pete Seeger in 1959 using—almost exclusively—the words of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 which were written by King Solomon in the tenth century B.C. While Seeger originally wrote the song as a protest anthem—“A time of war, and a time of peace” (Ecclesiastes 3:8)—Solomon’s motivation in writing his words was different. Solomon’s words were like those in Psalm 31:14-15: “I trust in You, O Lord…. My times are in Your hand.” Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes while looking back on his life filled with momentous challenges and events. His perspective was one of patience, of trust in God’s plan and timetable. There is a time for everything that God has ordained. Our challenge is to wait on the Lord and His timing to be revealed (Isaiah 40:31). You no doubt have plans for the coming year. Solomon would say, “Wait on the Lord; submit your plans to God. There is a time for everything.”

1/9/2026

Lord of All…

For by Christ all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. Colossians 1:16 Any attempt to take away a favorite food or toy from a toddler may be met with a stern look and a firm, “Mine!” Even at a young age, the rights of ownership seem to be built in. The fallacy of the two-year-old’s thinking is that nothing is “Mine!” Everything is part of creation and, therefore, the property of the Creator, Jesus Christ. He created everything in heaven and on earth; every earthly ruler is subject to the Ruler of all. “All things were created through Him and for Him.” With these words the apostle Paul echoed the words of Psalm 2 where the Davidic Messiah-King would be given the nations and all the earth as His possession. Kings and rulers are warned to be wise and submit to Him in fear and trembling. But not just kings—the same warning applies to us. As part of creation, we are bound to recognize Christ as Lord of our lives. Recommit yourself today to His lordship in your life.

1/8/2026

A Gift God Wants Us to Have…

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 Glenn Morison, a Canadian Christian, wrote in his church-related paper, “I’ve never met a person who tithes who is unhappy doing so!” We have a God who has promised to meet our needs as we cooperate with Him in our finances, worshiping Him with the first part of our income. We’re told that as we honor God with our possessions and the first part of our income, our “barns will be filled with plenty, and our vats will overflow with new wine” (Proverbs 3:9-10). We’re told our Lord will open to us the windows of heaven and pour out abundant blessings on us (Malachi 3:10). When we don’t put God first in our giving, we are admitting that we don’t believe He will do what He says He will do—supply all our needs. Today rest in the assurance that God will provide.

1/7/2026

Standing on Home Plate…

And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God. 2 Corinthians 8:5 One day when twelve-year-old David Grant went with his father to a church service, a missionary named Charles Greenaway made an appeal for Christ. When the ushers later passed the offering plate, young David put it on the floor and stepped in it. The Lord seemed to say to him, “David, you will go to India.” In the decades that followed, David Grant had a powerful missionary career. We all need to step into the offering plate, at least in a figurative sense. Paul commended the churches of Macedonia for more than just giving to the offering he was collecting for the poverty-stricken Jews of Judea. The Macedonians first gave themselves to the Lord. Before we give our resources to God, we must first give ourselves, recognizing that we belong to God and that all we have is already His. Why don’t you take a stand for Christ by offering to Him all you are and have. Each day ask God to navigate your path.

1/6/2026

A Tiny Little Check…

And this stone which I have set as a pillar shall be God’s house, and of all that You give me I will surely give a tenth to you. Genesis 28:22 Samantha Dobbins wrote in the newsletter of her South Carolina church how she and her husband had a new baby but very little income. They were discouraged searching for a job. One Sunday as she sat in church, Samantha felt the Lord whisper to her, “If you tithe, I will provide.” On a whim, she wrote a “tiny little tithe check.” The very next day a friend called her husband and offered him a job that grew into a successful career. In the book of Genesis, Jacob had been a despicable scoundrel until he encountered God at Bethel in Genesis 28. That’s when his life began to change. He had a long way to go, and his story had ups and downs. But from the beginning he committed to giving God a tenth of his income, just as his grandfather Abraham had done in Genesis 14:20. When we put God first and tithe, we can trust Him to lead us, provide for us, and bless us in unexpected ways.

1/5/2026

Firstfruits = First Place…

You shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground … and put it in a basket and go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to make His name abide. Deuteronomy 26:2 If you’ve ever grown a vegetable garden, you know the joy of picking the first ripe tomatoes from the vine or boiling the first young potatoes. In biblical times farmers would take some of their earliest harvests and present it as an offering to the Lord. They knew He was the one who made the soil and seed, who sent the sunshine and rain, and who gave them the ability to farm the land. In the same way, we need to become aware that all we are and all we have comes from the Lord. We should give Him of our best. When we put Him first in terms of our money and time, He blesses all the rest. When we cease to put Him first, things don’t prosper in our lives as they should. Colossians 1:18 says, “In all things He may have the preeminence.” Are you putting the Lord first in all things?

1/4/2026

The Four Loves: Agape—Our Love for God…

We love Him because He first loved us. 1 John 4:19 The New Testament was originally penned in Greek, and there are four different Greek words translated love. The word agape represents the essence of divine love—God’s own special love. It’s the love God has for us and the kind of love He gives us for Himself and others. Osborne Gordon, a nineteenth-century British pastor, said, “There is no soul so pure and heavenly that it can throw back upon God all that love which He lavishes upon us. God loves us infinitely more than it is possible for us to love Him; but whatever feeble flame of love is kindled in our hearts and goes up as a sacrifice to Him, we are only giving Him of His own.” That’s a good description of agape. The greatest command within Scripture is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, and soul (Matthew 22:37). It’s the Lord Himself who gives us the agape that allows us to do that. Let His love set your heart on fire, and return it like sparks flying upward to Him.

1/3/2026

Wisdom for the Year: Ask God…

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 At the beginning of King Solomon’s reign over Israel, God appeared to him in a dream and told him to ask for whatever he wanted. Solomon asked God for a discerning heart in order to govern the multitudes of people over whom he now reigned. So God responded, “I have given you a wise and understanding heart” (1 Kings 3:12). Solomon’s wisdom became his defining characteristic. One wonders if the apostle James had Solomon’s request in mind when he encouraged his readers to ask God for wisdom when needed (James 1:5). As you begin a new year, it’s easy to imagine areas in which wisdom might be needed: personal issues, family matters, financial decisions, job prospects, and more. James likely had in mind the Hebrew notion of wisdom which was “skill” (Hebrew chokmah). When we ask God for wisdom, we are asking Him for skill to navigate a challenging situation. Thankfully, He will give generously and without criticizing. Whether wisdom (skill) for a day or a year, ask God—He will give “liberally and without reproach.”

1/2/2026

Living in Freedom…

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:1 While we celebrate the uniqueness of every individual created in the image of God, there is one way in which all humans are alike. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). That means we have all experienced what happens when we do things we know we shouldn’t. We all experience the guilt, shame, and remorse that comes with disappointing ourselves, others, and especially disappointing God. What would our lives be like if there was no way to remove the consequences of our failures? Guilt and shame would multiply and lead us to a life of despair. The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that our sins can be forgiven and we can have a clear conscience. “The Lord has laid on [Christ] the iniquity of us all” (Isaiah 53:6). “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Those who have received God’s gift of forgiveness through faith in Christ can live a life of freedom from guilt and shame.

1/1/2026

Resolve to Exercise…

Exercise yourself toward godliness. For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 You might think losing weight would be our top New Year’s resolution. But according to a 2024 YouGov survey, “saving more money” topped the list, followed by improving physical health, being happy, exercising more, eating healthier, and in sixth place, losing weight. The survey listed 23 top New Year’s resolutions, but one item wasn’t mentioned at all—exercising toward godliness. It was at the top of Paul’s list, but exactly how do we do it? Well, let’s try increasing the repetitions of lifting our Bibles, flexing our faith muscles, and pressing forward in conditioning our souls to run the race before us with perseverance. Perhaps the first step is finding a place for your daily time of personal Bible study. A small table or desk in a quiet corner, a workplace by the window, or a chair with a lap tray or swing-away tray. When you have a dedicated place for your quiet time, you can leave your Bible open there all day. That’s a good first step toward exercising yourself in godliness.

12/31/2025

Faith While Waiting…

He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 Our journey through life is like children who anticipate Christmas morning. They know something exciting awaits them, but they don’t know what it is until they unwrap it. Likewise, God has put in the human heart a longing, anticipation, and expectation that eternal joy is coming, yet for now we can’t know the totality of God’s plans and purposes until they are revealed. So we live in a state of expectation and trust in the present: expectation based on God’s promises and trust based on His faithfulness. The nation of Israel lived with that same tension. After Moses led them in renewing their covenant with God before entering the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 29), he warned them about the consequences of being unfaithful and how those consequences would unfold. Some things are revealed, but the “secret things” belong to the Lord alone until they are revealed (verse 29). Rejoice today in the eternal longing God has put in your heart and renew your faith in Him for the “secret things”—His plans and purposes—yet to be revealed.

12/30/2025

Perfection in Imperfection…

I know that nothing is better for [mankind] than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor—it is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:12-13 We can see from Genesis that it was God’s purpose for mankind to enjoy the world He created. Sadly, that purpose has been made more difficult by the intrusion of sin. Until creation is restored in eternity, it behooves us to remember and enjoy the gift of life we have from God. The Westminster Shorter Catechism reminds us that “the chief end of man” is to “glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” And Psalm 16:11 teaches us that “in [God’s] presence is fullness of joy; at [His] right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Forever doesn’t begin when we die a physical death. Eternal life—and eternal pleasure and joy—begins when we are born again through faith in Christ. As we see creation suffering the birth pangs of redemption and restoration (Romans 8:20-23), let us glory in the life our Creator God has given us. Thank God today for His perfection revealed in the midst of an imperfect world—and for the joy and pleasure you find in knowing Him.

12/29/2025

Fill Thou My Life…

The multitude of your sacrifices—what are they to me?” says the Lord…. When you come to appear before me, who has asked this of you, this trampling of my courts? Isaiah 1:11-12 A strange danger lies along the paths of Christians, the temptation to start going through the motions. It seems incredible that we would become desensitized to the sacred, but that’s what happened to the people of Israel. Isaiah accused them of going through certain rituals without mindfulness of their meaning or holiness. We, too, can become so familiar with the “typical” things we do as Christians (like carrying a Bible, going to church regularly, or saying grace at meals) that their significance and meaning fades in our hearts. How easy to sing a song or share in a prayer while our minds wander! To change all this, we need to cultivate a sense of God’s presence and remember the personal nature of our relationship with Him. We need to worship Him with our study of the Scriptures. During the coming year, make time every day to go to God’s Word, allowing it to fill your heart and mind with His truth.

12/25/2025

Power of Hope…

Therefore remember…that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. Ephesians 2:11-12 Medical science and psychology advocate strongly for the power of hope—the positive belief and expectation that a remedy or solution is going to manifest in a season of despair. Losing hope has been shown to eventually have negative consequences on health and well-being. It may come as a surprise that in the Bible, a book about faith and positive expectations, the phrase “no hope” appears. When writing to the Ephesians, Paul says they had “no hope” in the world. Not some hope, not a little hope, but no hope. He was describing to them their condition before coming to faith in Christ. Without Christ, they (and we) were hopeless. But with Christ, we have hope. Not a lucky charm kind of hope but hope that is an “anchor of the soul” (Hebrews 6:19). If Christ had not entered the world, the world would have no hope of knowing God and being reconciled to Him. As you celebrate Christ’s coming into the world, remember that you have hope because of Him.

12/24/2025

Named on Purpose…

And Mary will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 Abraham means “father of many nations” which reflected God’s purpose for him (Genesis 17:5). Similarly, Jesus’ name reflects God’s purpose for Him. Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua (Hebrew Yeshua) which means “the Lord [Yahweh] saves.” So Jesus was given a name which meant “the Lord saves” because it reflected His purpose: “He would save His people from their sins.” This purpose of Jesus was pictured beautifully in Isaiah 53 where the Servant of the Lord (the Messiah) would take upon Himself the sins of Israel and by extension the sins of the Gentile world as well. Jesus took upon Himself the terrible burden of bearing the sins of mankind, being judged in our place so we would not be judged. At the right time God sent forth His Son to redeem those who deserved the judgment the law demanded (Galatians 3:13; 4:4). He came to seek and save all who were lost (Luke 19:10). God’s purpose for you is to make you like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Thank God today that Christ fulfilled His purpose so you may fulfill yours.

12/23/2025

Don’t Lose Heart…

Then Jesus spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1 When Jesus described the events preceding the end of the age, His language likely invoked fear in the disciples (Luke 17:20-37). But then He spoke a parable designed to encourage the disciples to pray always and not give up (Luke 18:1-8). He concluded the parable by exhorting them to be faithful (to pray) as they await the Son of Man’s coming. We often pray when we face difficulty, whether on a universal or personal scale. That was the situation faced by a first-century priest in Jerusalem, Zacharias, and his wife, Elizabeth (Luke 1:5-23). They were advanced in years and had prayed for a long time for a child. An angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias and announced that their prayers would be answered. They would have a son, to be named John, who would be the forerunner of the Messiah. God answered their prayers in His own time and for His own purpose. It was good that Zacharias and Elizabeth did not give up praying. If you are asking God for something, do not lose heart. God has heard your prayer and will answer in His time.

12/22/2025

Foresight…

This Good News was promised long ago by God’s prophets in the Old Testament. Romans 1:2 Can anyone accurately describe what life on earth will be like seven hundred years from now, should Christ tarry? We can’t imagine it. We can’t even keep up with the technological challenges of our own time. Yet every aspect of the birth, life, and ministry of Jesus was predicted centuries before He was born. We’re told He would be born to a virgin (Isaiah 7:14) in the town of Bethlehem (Micah 5:2) and that innocent children would be killed (Jeremiah 31:15). He would be a descendant of Abraham and David (Isaiah 11:1-3). His parents would flee to Egypt to save Him (Hosea 11:1), and He would return to grow up and begin His ministry in Galilee (Isaiah 9:1-2). That’s only the beginning! On the road to Emmaus with His two disciples, “Jesus quoted them passage after passage from the writings of the prophets, beginning with the book of Genesis and going right on through the Scriptures, explaining what the passages mean and what they said about himself” (Luke 24:27, TLB). We have a Savior the skeptics cannot explain away! You have a Lord you can trust today!

12/21/2025

Diligently…

And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 “Let me show you this Bible verse I found today!” That simple statement—or one like it—may be the single most effective tool for training our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. It’s personal, conversational, Scripture-based, and meaningful. We’re to be personally committed to reading God’s Word, and as we uncover its great truths, we should share them with our children, at home or on the road, when getting up or going to bed. This doesn’t require a Bible college education or a seminary degree. It’s not just for ministers and missionaries. It’s the great privilege of every parent and grandparent to share from the overflow of our hearts and minds. To return to the Scriptures, we must all take responsibility for our family’s spiritual and emotional health and well-being. Decide today to strengthen your family through the study of God’s Word.

12/20/2025

A Life Evergreen: The Christmas Tree…

The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden. Genesis 2:9 Joyce Kilmer was born during the Christmas season of 1886. His father (yes, Joyce was a man) invented Johnson’s Baby Powder. As a young man, Joyce married poet Aline Murray, and they had five children. The illness of their daughter Rose brought Kilmer to faith in God. During World War I he was deployed to Europe where he was killed by a sniper at age 31. If you didn’t recognize Kilmer’s name, perhaps you will recall this little verse from one of his poems: “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.” For centuries, families have been bringing trees indoors as part of their Christmas celebrations. It enables us to see God’s handiwork up close. Every needle and pinecone are designed by the Maker. Many theologians believe the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden—the symbol of eternal life—was emblematic of Christ. As you enjoy your Christmas tree this year, think of Jesus as both Creator and Savior, and let the fragrance of joy fill your home.

12/19/2025

What Kind of Saviour…

For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 For five hundred years before the advent of Christ, the Jews had lived under the heel of foreign governments. Following the Jewish captivity in Babylon, the Persians controlled Judah, followed by the Greeks. After the death of Alexander the Great, his generals divided up the Middle East leading to rule by the (Greek) Ptolemies, then the Seleucids. Beginning in 166 B.C., a Jewish revolt against Greek rule resulted in a Jewish (Hasmonean) state which was crushed by Rome in 63 B.C. Given this history, it is no wonder the Jews were looking for a deliverer—a savior—by the time Christ began His ministry. When the angels announced to the Bethlehem shepherds that “a Savior” had been born, they could have wondered, “What kind of savior?” An angel of the Lord clarified the meaning of “Savior” to Joseph: “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Not save them from the Romans or others but from their sins. The most important salvation every human needs is salvation from sin. Make sure you have received the salvation Christ offers.

12/18/2025

How Can I…

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” Exodus 3:11 When we are given a difficult task, there is a fine line between “Glad to do it!” and “Do I really have to?” But one thing can make the difference: if the person giving the instruction says he will go with us. It is human nature for us to resist a difficult task, especially one we have never done before. That was true in several instances in Scripture when God commissioned someone with a task. For example, when God directed Moses to go to Egypt to free the Hebrew slaves from bondage, Moses resisted the task. But God said to him, “I will certainly be with you” (Exodus 3:12). The same thing happened when God chose Gideon to defend Israel from the Midianites: “O my Lord, how can I save Israel?” And God’s answer to Gideon was the same as His answer to Moses: “Surely I will be with you” (Judges 6:14-16). God asks us to do challenging things for Him every day: loving, forgiving, serving, encouraging, and more. Be assured that God is with you to make all things possible.

12/17/2025

Supremacy…

For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below. Joshua 2:11, NLT We use the word supreme to indicate someone or some group that serves as final authority. The Supreme Court, for example. Or Supreme Commander. Or Supreme Leader. But what is the ultimate supreme authority on earth? It is God and His Word. The teachings of the Bible are true and authoritative, and they’re wiser than the rules of men, the laws of congress, the opinions of politicians, or the ideologies of universities. To truly reform our world, we must return to the Word of God as the ultimate authority. If we’re going to return our families to hopefulness and our churches to revival, it will be on the basis of the authority of Scripture. If we’re going to solve societal problems, it must be through the application of the wisdom of God’s Word. Tim Chester wrote, “We accept the supremacy of Scripture because we accept the supremacy of its author.” It begins with us. Is the Word of God the supreme authority over your life, governing all your attitudes, works, actions, and habits?

12/16/2025

Gift for a King…

And when [the Wise Men] had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Matthew 2:11 The desirability of gold dates from the dawn of human history (Genesis 2:11-12). Since then, gold has maintained its status as the most desired of earthly metals. Coupled with its beauty is its rarity. Estimates are that all the gold that has ever been recovered on earth would fit into a cube measuring around 73 feet on each side. A very small portion of the world’s gold was presented to Jesus as a gift from the Magi following His birth in Bethlehem. Why did the Magi present something as valuable as gold to an infant child? Because they recognized that Jesus had been born “King of the Jews” (Matthew 2:2). And gold was the metal most associated with royalty in the ancient world. King Solomon was presented with gold by all who sought an audience with him (1 Kings 10:1-10, 24-25). Take a lesson from the Wise Men: Present to Jesus your most precious gift—your whole life as a living sacrifice to Him (Romans 12:1).

12/15/2025

Having Compassion…

Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9 In the church you attend, there are burdened souls staggering under their loads. In the nearby hospital, the sick and their loved ones are facing difficult moments. Down the street, inmates in the jail feel lost. In the nursing homes, lots of lonely people are suffering. And all around the world, there are millions of people who wonder how to deal with their overwhelming problems. God has called us to minister to a suffering world. We must make a priority of asking God to show us where people are hurting so we can serve them in whatever way we can. We don’t have to go looking for those with needs. They’re all around us. We can’t help everyone, but we can help someone. Pray today and ask God to lead you to someone you can serve in their time of need.

12/14/2025

Eager to Share…

Knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58 When a farmhand named Albert McMakin came to Christ at age 24, he invited friends to go to a revival meeting with him; and one of them, 16-year-old Billy Graham, did so and was converted. Isn’t it encouraging to know that God can use us to do great things when we simply obey His Great Commission and do our part in sharing Christ? One of our tried and true methods is friendship and relational evangelism. Using our natural networks of friendship and associations, we can often come across a moment to share the Gospel. Think about inviting someone to church, to a Christian concert, or to an evangelistic event. Invite them to attend a Bible study with you. Share a verse of Scripture. Try initiating a Gospel conversation. Say things like, “The Lord bless you today,” and, “What a beautiful day God has made!” See if the other person responds. Plant seeds. Share Christian books and magazines (like Turning Points). Remember, our labor in the Lord is not in vain!

12/13/2025

A Life Evergreen: Christmas Boughs…

Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. Deuteronomy 4:9 Surveys tell us that blue is the most popular color in the world, but green comes in at second place in Thailand, China, and the United States.1 During the holidays decorating with boughs of pine branches or garlands of evergreen can create a festive atmosphere that reminds us of Christmases past and generations now gone. Psalm 71:18 suggests a prayer for those who are approaching the golden years: “Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not forsake me, until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to everyone who is to come.” Christmas is a wonderful time to share your story of faith with your family. Nestled in your chair or at your table, surrounded by the greenery of the season, tell your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews about how you celebrated the birth of Christ when you were their age. Share what Christ has meant to you. Let your testimony be boughs of evergreen!

12/12/2025

Lowliness…

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. Luke 4:18 Most of us are curious about the lifestyles of very wealthy people, and we often satisfy that curiosity by reading books. A news channel recently reviewed eight books that “expose the secret lives of the super-rich.” But when you read the Gospel accounts of the life of Christ, you find the opposite story. Though Jesus arrived as the King of the Jews, He was born in a cave, laid in a manger, raised by an impoverished couple, worshiped by ragged shepherds, and mainly ministered in rural areas populated by needy people. The Lord has a different plan for every one of us, and we all have different levels of need or of income. But Jesus said, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15, NIV). The Christmas season tends to bring financial pressure. Be cautious and be a good steward. Your love of Jesus and your simple acts of kindness in His Name are the most valuable gifts you can give.

12/11/2025

A Belief That Shares…

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. Luke 2:17 As an atheist, David Lepore ascertained that most Christians didn’t really believe what they professed. If they really believed the Gospel, he thought they should be far more excited and eager to share it with everyone and anyone. Since becoming a Christian, Lepore has done just that. He found that his faith compelled him to share the message of Jesus. He now works with the Australian Bible Society to get the Gospel into as many hands as possible. The shepherds of Bethlehem were like that. Once they received good news from the angelic messengers in Luke 2, they immediately responded by believing. Furthermore, their belief compelled them to share the news everywhere they could. Do we truly believe God became human to die for our sins, rise again, and prepare an eternal home for us? If so, we’ll be unable to stop telling the news, just as Peter said in Acts 4:20: “As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (NIV).

12/10/2025

One of Us…

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9 What did Jesus Christ look like? Did He have the appearance of royalty like Israel’s first (Saul) and second (David) kings did (1 Samuel 9:2; 16:12)? The Bible doesn’t describe Jesus’ appearance, but when the prophet Isaiah described the coming Messiah, the description was less royal and more common. Using the descriptive words of The Message paraphrase, Jesus entered the world as “a scrawny seedling, a scrubby plant in a parched field.” He was not “attractive,” a person to whom we wouldn’t give “a second look.” He was “looked down on and passed over”; indeed, people “turned away” from Him (Isaiah 53:2-3). In other words, if you had passed Jesus on a crowded first-century street, you likely would have walked right by. Paul makes it clear that Jesus left royalty behind and embraced poverty when He entered our world (Philippians 2:5-8). He became poor that we might become rich. Jesus welcomes us, the common man and woman, because He became one of us. Thank God today that Jesus gave up royalty so that you might become spiritually rich in Him.

12/9/2025

House of Bread…

Salmon fathered Boaz, Boaz fathered Obed, Obed fathered Jesse, and Jesse fathered David. Ruth 4:21-22 Bethlehem means “house [beth] of bread [lechem].” During the period of the judges it was referred to as “Bethlehem in Judah” (Judges 17:7-9) to distinguish it from another Bethlehem near the Sea of Galilee (Joshua 19:15). Though Bethlehem was “little among the thousands of Judah” (Micah 5:2), it was important. Boaz was a well-to-do farmer in Bethlehem who married a Moabite woman named Ruth. Boaz saved Ruth—and Ruth’s mother-in-law, Naomi—from poverty and established a legacy of salvation in Bethlehem. Boaz and Ruth had a son named Obed, who had a son named Jesse, who had a son named David. When it was time for God to choose a king to replace Saul, He sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to choose David as king. Because Joseph was a descendant of David, he and Mary journeyed to Bethlehem to register for the census—where Mary gave birth to Jesus. So Boaz and Ruth are mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:5-6). Bethlehem, the “house of bread,” gave the world the “bread of life” (John 6:35). God’s hand is always at work to accomplish His purposes.

12/8/2025

O Little Town…

Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Genesis 35:19 The first biblical mention of Bethlehem is a sorrowful one. Genesis 35 says that Rachel died near there. Rachel was beloved by her husband, Jacob, and he was anguished when she perished during a difficult childbirth. With her final breath, she named her child Ben-Oni, which means “Son of My Sorrow.” But Jacob changed his name to Benjamin, which means “Son of My Right Hand.” Jacob set a monument over her grave, and pious Jews visit the site to this day. Today we find delight in visualizing our Lord’s birth town. We build models of it on the stages of churches and in public parks. It’s become an evocative scene for the world’s greatest painters, and we love to sing about the “little town of Bethlehem” where “in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.” It’s the Lord Jesus who eases our sorrows and lifts our spirits. His birth became the means by which He entered the human family to “preach good tidings to the poor” and “to heal the brokenhearted” (Isaiah 61:1). Do you have a zone of sorrow in your life? Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to give you comfort, understanding, healing, and happiness today.

12/7/2025

Where Revival Begins…

Now before him there was no king like him, who turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses; nor after him did any arise like him. 2 Kings 23:25 Josiah was crowned king of Judah at age eight. When he was twenty years old, he began instituting spiritual and religious reforms in Judah. Why? Because workers in the temple found a copy of the Book of the Law which had been ignored (2 Kings 22). Josiah called the people together and read the words of the covenant of God with Israel and called on the people to renew their obedience. He set about to remove all the centers of idol worship in the land and removed the priests who had served false gods (2 Kings 23). When Josiah was 26 years old, he declared that Passover should be celebrated, a feast that had been ignored for years. No king before or after Josiah did as much to revive faithfulness to God in Judah. And it all began with the discovery and application of the Word of God. Whether a nation or an individual—revival begins with reading and applying the Word of God.

12/6/2025

A Life Evergreen: The Wreath…

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life John 3:16 Do you put a Christmas wreath on your door? So do people around the world. In Eastern Europe they are decorated with fruits and nuts. In Mexico you’ll see colorful wreaths of paper flowers. In Poland the wreaths are often made of straw with ribbons and dried flowers. The residents of Hawaii make many of their wreaths out of tropical flowers, palm leaves, and seashells. Everywhere the meaning is the same. The shape of the wreath—a circle—represents the endless and eternal life Jesus came to bring us. The Gospel of John, though it doesn’t really tell the story of Joseph and Mary, has the most to say about our limitless life in Christ. In the New King James Version, John uses the word eternal ten times and the word everlasting another eight times. In John 6:47, Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.” This season when you spot a wreath, let it remind you to thank the Lord for endless days!

12/5/2025

A Holy Nation…

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 Did you know there’s a country in the world named for Jesus? The name of this nation is: THE SAVIOR. In Spanish, it is El Salvador. Interestingly, recent reports of spiritual revival are bubbling up in this sometimes violent country. The real country where Jesus wants to reign as Savior and Lord is your heart. The Lord wants to make us into His “holy nation” (1 Peter 2:9). Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, needed Jesus to be her Savior. The first words of her song of praise in Luke 1 say, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). Have you allowed Jesus to become the King of your heart? One day every knee will bow, and every tongue confess He is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). How much better to install Him on the throne of your heart now! If Mary herself needed Jesus, whom she bore, to be her Savior, how much more do we!

12/4/2025

Full Surrender…

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38 Marty Robinson was a tattooed, bearded punk rocker in Australia who “came to the end of his tether” due to alcohol addiction. Today he’s serving Christ with the Salvation Army as a prison chaplain, and his ministry is changing lives every day. He surrenders himself to Christ each day by beginning every day saying to Jesus, “Use me however you want.” That’s essentially what Mary said when Gabriel told her she would give birth to the Messiah. The J. B. Phillips rendering of Luke 1:38 says, “I belong to the Lord, body and soul…let it happen as you say.” The world around us doesn’t grasp the idea of full surrender to the will of God, but only full surrender brings full victory. God’s wisdom is greater than ours. His plans are better. His guidance is perfect. Even when the pathway seems hard or the task uncertain, we can say, as Mary did, “I belong to the Lord, body and soul. I am willing. Let it be to me according to Your Word.”

12/3/2025

Available and Faithful…

Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make [Mary] a public example, was minded to put her away secretly. Matthew 1:19 Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, continued a tradition of God using ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Joseph was a carpenter in Nazareth and was part of the Davidic ancestral line. We also know he was a “just” (righteous) man. Though we know little of his life after the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:41), it appears he may have been alive at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry (Matthew 13:55) but died by the time of the crucifixion (John 19:26-27). Consider what Joseph went through when he discovered Mary was pregnant before they were married! His first impulse was to do what was best for Mary by saving her from public humiliation. Then when he discovered that her Child was of God, he married her and established a family in which the Child would be loved and nurtured. He taught Jesus the skill of carpentry (Mark 6:3) and apparently raised Him “in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Luke 2:41-52; Ephesians 6:4). We don’t need to be famous to be used by God. Like Joseph, we only need to be available and faithful.

12/2/2025

He Understands…

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 Most parents of teenagers have heard the following in a moment of tension: “Mom/Dad, you just don’t understand!” It’s not just adolescent hormones or immaturity that produces such frustration. Even as adults we sometimes think that no one could possibly understand what we are experiencing or feeling. Ironically, when teenagers think their parents don’t understand, they forget that their parents were teenagers once themselves and probably felt the same levels of frustration or loneliness. It is easy to forget that Jesus experienced every temptation and feeling that we experience. True, He didn’t go through the exact same circumstances that we do. But the feelings those circumstances create—frustration, confusion, anger, loneliness—are universal. In His humanity, Jesus Christ went through all the ups and downs of human experience, “yet without sin.” So regardless of what we are feeling—especially when we are tempted—He understands. Knowing that He can sympathize, take your questions and feelings to Him.

12/1/2025

A Marvel…

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 Spider-Man, the Marvel Comics superhero introduced in 1962, is about a teenager who was bitten by a radioactive spider in a laboratory. The boy became a person with two natures—he is both human and spider. He can operate in both realms. But Spider-Man is fantasy. A person can only have one nature. We are humans. Jesus Christ goes beyond our imaginations. He is God-Man. He is the only person who possesses two natures in one personality. He is Son of Man (human) and Son of God (divine). He is both God and human. It’s not a laboratory accident. It was God’s perfect plan for becoming one of us so He could atone for our sins by His suffering and death on the cross. We can never fully understand the marvel of what Jesus did for us, but we can enter each day—including this one—thanking Him for it!

11/30/2025

Eyes on the Lord…

My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. Psalm 25:15 In the New Testament, nets were used by fishermen to catch fish in the Sea of Galilee (John 21:11). But in the Old Testament, nets usually had a more sinister reference: the catching of one’s enemies. Their use as a snare for animals is mentioned, but usually such mentions illustrate how a net—a trap, a snare—can be laid for the unsuspecting adversary. Interestingly, the psalmist says that instead of keeping his eyes on the ground to avoid a net in which he might be snared by his enemy, he will keep his eyes on the Lord—who will “deliver [him] from the snare of the fowler” (Psalm 91:3). The idea is not that we don’t have to be careful, wary, or wise in life. Rather, that our first line of defense and protection in life is God. As servants looked to their masters and maids to their mistress for provision, “so our eyes look to the Lord our God” (Psalm 123:2). Begin and end your day by affirming that your eyes are on the Lord that He is your shield and protector.

11/29/2025

Living a Great-Full Life: How Great Is Each New Day…

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 In the 1993 romantic comedy movie Groundhog Day the main character gets stuck in a time loop in which he relives February 2 day after day. He wakes up every morning knowing exactly what is going to happen that day, unburdened by the things that happened the day before. Imagine waking up every morning burdened by the mistakes you made the day before. Since we make mistakes nearly every day, their accumulated burden would soon become intolerable. Thankfully, that is not the case! The Bible says that God’s mercy and compassion are new every morning. Instead of being consumed by the judgment of God, we are gifted a great new day. That doesn’t mean that our sins and mistakes are insignificant. But it does mean that God’s mercy and compassion keep us in His care in spite of our failures. Forgiven, we are free to live every day without the burden of yesterday’s sins. Let this truth be your last thought at night and your first thought in the morning. And praise God for each and every new day!

11/28/2025

Always With You…

“Look!” [King Nebuchadnezzar] answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Daniel 3:25 There is great comfort in the truth that God is with us in our troubles. What He does about the trouble is up to Him, but the promise is that He is always there. Three stories from Scripture illustrate this truth. First, Daniel’s three friends were thrown into a fiery furnace in Babylon (Daniel 3). When the king peered into the furnace, not only were the three men unharmed but also a fourth man was with them—one “like the Son of God.” Second, when Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee and a storm came up, Jesus calmed the storm (Mark 4:35-41). Third, when the disciples were struggling to cross the Sea of Galilee due to a contrary wind, Jesus came to them, walking on the water, and calmed the winds (Mark 6:45-52). The promise of God is, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). If you are in a fire or a storm today, never doubt that God is with you. Trust Him to resolve the matter according to His will.

11/27/2025

Things That Ail Us…

There is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. Daniel 2:28 Nicholas Byfield, a seventeenth-century English preacher and Puritan, opened his book on the promises of God by making two points: “[First,] that though we have gotten the assurance of God’s favor and freedom from the power and guilt of our sins, yet many things will still ail us…. [Second,] there can be no such discouragement, difficulty, or affliction, but in the Word of God we may have a sure consolation or direction for it, which is able in every way to abundantly sustain us.” When heroes of the faith like Daniel were in trouble, they would cling to the promises of God. Daniel knew there was a God in heaven who reveals secrets to His children through the promises He has given. Even today we can count on all the promises of God to come true. We can have faith He will keep His Word. Take time today to find and read a promise in Scripture that applies to your situation. Claim that promise by faith and thank God for His goodness in fulfilling it.

11/26/2025

Around in Circles…

And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Joshua 6:20 Like crossword puzzles? If the clue is “uncertain outcome,” there are several possible answers to scribble into the blocks: Cliffhanger. Tossup. Doubt. Venture. Dicey. Sounds a lot like life, doesn’t it? We don’t know what tomorrow holds. We don’t even know what the next hour will bring. That kind of uncertainty produces virtually all our anxieties and fears. Everything is different for the followers of Christ. We may not know the immediate outcome, but we know the One who works all things for our good. We also have a God who leads us, even if the path seems to be going around in circles. The Israelites obeyed God by faith as they made thirteen circles around the city of Jericho, marching quietly until the moment when they gave the shout of victory. Even then, they didn’t know exactly what would happen, but how thrilling it was when the sturdy walls of the city began crumbling! Don’t worry about uncertain outcomes. Trust in the certainty of God and His Word amid the uncertainties of life.

11/25/2025

The World’s Quietest Room…

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. Hebrews 11:30 If you want peace and quiet, you might visit the anechoic chamber at Orfield Laboratories in Minnesota. It’s designed to be silent—so silent that background noise is measured in negative decibels below the threshold of human hearing. It’s one of the quietest rooms in the world, and visitors report it’s so still they can hear the sound of blood pumping in their heads or passing through their veins. We all need a reasonable facsimile of that room in our lives. Our world is loud and noisy, and it’s difficult to find stillness. Can you imagine what it was like for Joshua and the people of Israel to march around the walls of Jericho for six days in utter silence? But God was teaching them, and being alone with God in the quiet is important. Make time today to go somewhere quiet with no distractions. Be still and know that He is God. As you do so, the Lord will enable you to encircle your problems in prayer like the Israelites did to Jericho.

11/24/2025

The Boy in the Basket…

Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here. Colossians 3:2 There is so much to worry about on this earth! Perhaps your burdens are pressing down on you like an anvil. We have to look up to heaven and remind ourselves that Jesus is on the throne. We can trust Him with our cares. Consider the anguish felt by Jochebed and Amram, the parents of a little boy born into slavery. Pharaoh commanded all baby boys be thrown into the Nile (Exodus 1:22). God led Jochebed and Amram to do that very thing, only they first placed their child in a waterproof basket and committed him to the care of the God of Israel. Hebrews 11:23 says, “It was by faith that Moses’ parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king’s command” (NLT). We need the same faith in the same God today! Ask Him today to strengthen your faith in Him. Give Him the events in your life. He is faithful.

11/23/2025

God Sees and Knows…

Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them. Psalm 139:16 Psalm 139 speaks to two of God’s most important attributes: His omniscience and His omnipresence. Omniscience means God is all-knowing; omnipresence means God is present everywhere at the same time. The comfort for me in those attributes is that God always knows my thoughts and always knows where I am. He sees me and knows what I am thinking and feeling—all the time. But that is not true just for faithful people like David, the author of Psalm 139. Psalm 146 provides a list of those to whose needs the Lord attends: the oppressed, the hungry, the prisoners, the blind, those who are weighed down by circumstances, the righteous, the strangers, the fatherless, and the widows. Do any of those categories include you? If not, into what category would you put yourself? The psalmist’s list is not comprehensive but representative of humanity—especially those whom the world may have overlooked. But God doesn’t overlook anyone! Wherever you are right now and whatever you are thinking, thank God that He sees and knows. You can put your hope in Him.

11/22/2025

Living a Great-Full Life: How Great Are His Promises…

And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Peter 1:4 A familiar mantra among politicians is, “Promises made; promises kept.” While it’s unlikely that any politician has ever kept all of his or her promises, one Person has: God (1 Kings 8:56). We are told that God has given us “great and precious promises” that allow us to share in His “divine nature.” But what are these promises? In general, they may be the promises Peter preached about on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41)—the coming of Christ and gift of the Holy Spirit. Going back further, they are the promises God made to His people through the patriarchs. Gentiles were excluded from those promises (Ephesians 2:12-13). But having been grafted spiritually into Israel (Romans 11:11-24), we have been made “heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:29). Indeed, our promises are “better” (Hebrews 8:6) because Christ is better than all who came before. Be thankful today that you are an heir of better and greater promises in Christ.

11/21/2025

Friends of God…

So the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Exodus 33:11 Abraham is the only person in the Old Testament who was called the friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). Some have suggested that “friend” is a covenant term since it was Abraham with whom God established an unconditional covenant that became a blessing for Abraham’s physical and spiritual descendants. David and Jonathan became the best of covenant friends (1 Samuel 18:1-4; 20:1-42), mirroring the words of Proverbs 18:24: “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Moses was another covenant partner with God—a man with whom God spoke “as a man speaks to his friend.” The covenant intimacy of all these friends—God and Abraham, God and Moses, David and Jonathan—was greatly expanded by Christ when He told His disciples that they were no longer servants but were His friends (John 15:13-15). This friendship is also based on a covenant of promise—the new covenant established on His blood “shed for many” (Mark 14:24). If you have faith in Christ, you are among the “many” who are counted as the friends of God. Don’t fail to enjoy that friendship today!

11/20/2025

Never Lose Sight…

By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones. Hebrews 11:22 Since the early nineteenth century, archaeology in Egypt has produced tens of thousands of mummified bodies which date back thousands of years. Due to their abundance, many mummies were used experimentally in medical research and in other experiments. But there is one high-ranking Egyptian official whose mummified body has not been and never will be discovered in Egypt—Joseph. Before Joseph died at age 110 in Egypt, he made his brothers promise to take his bones back to Canaan when God delivered them from slavery in Egypt. According to the Egyptian custom for when officials died, Joseph was embalmed and placed in a coffin (Genesis 50:24-26). But when the Exodus came, Moses took Joseph’s bones to Canaan where they were buried at Shechem (Exodus 13:18-19; Joshua 24:32). Joseph never lost sight of the promises God made to his forefathers to establish His people in the Promised Land of Canaan. Regardless of the chaos in our present world, never lose sight of God’s promises and your eternal destination.

11/19/2025

Exception or Rule…

And when [God removed Saul as king], He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, “I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.” Acts 13:22 Most of us are familiar with the saying, “The exception that proves the rule.” That is, when something out of the ordinary happens, it “proves” the ordinary (the rule) exists. We can even apply this idea to personal behavior. The biblical character David is an example of an exception proving the rule. The Bible characterizes him as a man after God’s heart who lived to do God’s will. Yet there was a dramatic exception to the rule when he was involved in adultery and murder. The question then arises whether to judge David by the exception or by the rule. And the same question applies when we judge others. Do we judge them by the exception or by the rule? We can answer that question by remembering how God looks at us—not at our sins but at our standing in Christ. If you are tempted to judge another by the exception rather than the rule of faithfulness in their life, remember how God looks at you.

11/18/2025

Commands and Promises…

By faith Sarah herself also received strength. Hebrews 11:11 Scott J. Hafemann wrote, “Every command of God is built upon a promise from God. Therefore every divine call to action (obedience) is, at the same time, a divine summons to trust in God’s promises (faith). The promises of God are commands in disguise and vice versa. God commands what he commands because he promises what he promises.” We often think of Abraham as a man of faith and Sarah as a woman who wavered and even laughed at God’s promise. But that’s not the way she is portrayed in the book of Hebrews. Though there were times she was impatient or wanted to doubt God’s promise, Sarah remained faithful to Him. She was strengthened in her faith and believed God would do as He said. Do you ever waver in your faith? Like Abraham and Sarah, we’re not perfect. We grow impatient and fretful. But when we realize that every promise of God is also a command and every command contains the seed of a promise, it helps us trust and obey and find strength. As you read the Bible today, keep your eyes focused on God’s commands and promises. He will strengthen you!

11/17/2025

Slow to Chide…

So Sarai said to Abram, “See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her.” Genesis 16:2 One of our greatest hymns, “Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” was written by a British vicar named Henry Lyte. You’ll find great encouragement from a phrase about God in the second stanza having to do with God’s grace and favor. Lyte said our Lord is “slow to chide and swift to bless.” We need a God like that because we’re so prone to sinfulness and mistaken actions. Take Sarah (Sarai), for example. She was impatient for God’s promise to be fulfilled, so she devised a plan that involved Hagar, her maid, to have a child with Abraham in her place. We, too, get impatient and do things God doesn’t want us to do. But the Lord forgave Sarah, and in the end, He still used her to fulfill His promise. When we make mistakes, the Lord is merciful, and that’s why we can sing, “Praise, my soul, the King of heaven.” Praise Him today for the daily mercy He imparts to us.

11/16/2025

Happy and Hopeful…

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Psalm 146:5 In the eighth century B.C., Assyria threatened Israel and smaller surrounding nations, some of whom went to Egypt to seek the protection of the Pharaoh. But the prophet Isaiah warned Israel against making alliances with Egypt: “Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, who trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but who do not look to the Holy One of Israel, nor seek the Lord!” (Isaiah 31:1) Egypt was known for its horses and chariots (1 Kings 10:28-29), so it was only natural to turn to Egypt for help. It might have been natural, but it wasn’t wise. The psalmist repeated this refrain: “Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” (144:15) That means people whose hope and trust are in the Lord, not in military might or alliances with non-believers. The same is as true for individuals as it is for nations—our hope is to be in God. Be one of the happy people by making the Lord your God your ally, your help, and your hope.

11/15/2025

Living a Great-Full Life: How Great Is Answered Prayer…

Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16 We have all found ourselves standing outside the door (literal or figurative) of a person from whom we need help. Our hand is raised to knock but remains frozen in the air. Why? Perhaps we don’t feel worthy or fear getting “No” for an answer. If we fear asking a fellow human for help, how much more likely are we to fear asking God? And yet we are encouraged to ask with boldness. How is it possible that we, in spite of our unworthiness, are encouraged to enter God’s presence in prayer? It is only because of Christ whose blood has cleansed us from our sin and made us worthy to stand in God’s presence. To fear asking God for help is to diminish the greatness of what Christ has done for us. Consider how an earthly parent would feel if his or her child feared asking for help. How much more does God welcome us to lay our needs before Him! Avail yourself today of the privilege of prayer. It is surely the greatest of our earthly blessings.

11/14/2025

God Will Provide…

And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” Genesis 22:14 In the biblical world it was common for personal names to reflect the character or attributes of the person. The same was true of God’s name Jehovah as He revealed Himself to His people. Compound names were ascribed to Him based on His character and attributes—like Jehovah My Shepherd, Jehovah My Healer, Jehovah My Victory, Jehovah My Righteousness, and more. Jehovah My Provision was a name given to God by Abraham as a result of God’s dramatic provision at a critical moment in Abraham’s life (Genesis 22:1-19). Because of the intense relationship God entered into with Abraham, He tested him by commanding him to sacrifice his son Isaac. When Abraham and Isaac approached the site of the sacrifice, Isaac asked his father where the lamb for the sacrifice was. Abraham told Isaac that God would provide—which He did at the last moment by providing a ram caught in a thicket. So Abraham named the place The-Lord-Will-Provide. Philippians 4:19 says that God will provide all our needs through Christ. If you have a need today, trust that God will provide.

11/13/2025

Flying High…

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 Earlier this year, a plane from Thailand was headed to London’s Heathrow, but a fire shut down the airport. London’s Gatwick airport was full. The pilot told the passengers honestly, “We don’t know where we’re going to go yet.” The aircraft finally landed in Brussels. Sometimes we feel the Lord telling us, “Fasten your seat belts. I’m in control even though you don’t know where you’re going.” That happened to Abraham. God called him, not telling him where he was going, and Abraham obeyed. We walk by faith, and the best advice for finding God’s will is still found in this simple formula: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ask the Lord for strength to trust and courage to obey. He’s a true and faithful Pilot.

11/12/2025

Hope for Your Family…

God…did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly. 2 Peter 2:4-5 John MacArthur told of visiting an elderly lady who was dying and didn’t know the Lord. On the way to her apartment, he prayed for wisdom yet felt more and more uneasy. When he entered the woman’s room, she said, “Before you say anything, I just want to tell you that yesterday my sister led me to Christ.” In God’s timing family members can become powerful tools for winning those in their homes. We assume no one paid attention when Noah spoke of his faith and God’s direction. But a few people did. Noah converted his family, and they were saved. Do you have loved ones who aren’t saved? Take time to pray for them. Turn Bible verses into prayers on their behalf, and ask God for wisdom in knowing how to bear witness to them. He is the One who will win them, but He can use your words, attitudes, deeds, and example in the process.

11/11/2025

Grace and Favor…

But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord. Genesis 6:8 In British English the phrase “grace and favour” refers to a property provided by the government rent free in recognition of one’s service to the country. Grace and favor are synonyms in English and carry a similar core idea: free. We could say that grace and favour properties are earned by their recipients, but they are free in the sense that their provision is not an obligation. English translations of Scripture use grace and favor to translate the same Hebrew and Greek terms. Both words carry the same idea of free. For instance, Noah found grace [favor] in the eyes of God in a wicked period of history. Yes, Noah was a righteous and blameless man who walked with God (Genesis 6:9). But he did not earn the favor God bestowed upon him. Rather, God looked with favor upon Noah as a man He could trust. The same was said of Mary the earthly mother of Jesus who was a “highly favored one” (Luke 1:28)—someone God could trust with a weighty commission. We are saved freely by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Let us also live as those God can call when He needs a faithful servant.

11/10/2025

Faith and Insight…

And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him. Genesis 5:24 Enoch lived 365 years during a time of increasing wickedness on earth, yet he walked with God. Not only did he live a faithful life, but also his life on earth ended in a unique way. The Message paraphrase puts it this way: “Enoch walked steadily with God. And then one day he was simply gone: God took him” (Genesis 5:24). Sometimes we feel challenged to walk “steadily” with God for a single day, much less for more than three centuries. But Enoch did. We only have two clues in Scripture as to Enoch’s life. Hebrews 11:5 refers to him as a man of faith, and Jude 14 refers to him as a man of spiritual insight. Jude quotes from the book of Enoch about the coming judgment on the wicked, a well-regarded apocryphal book of Jewish literature from the first century B.C. Jude considered the words of this book to be an accurate prophecy of the future. Though the book was compiled long after Enoch lived, his words must have carried weight in the Jewish community. Faithfulness and spiritual insight—two traits of Enoch we would do well to imitate in our lives.

11/9/2025

A Balloon or a Helmet…

But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 There’s a new Guinness World Records holder. David Rush appeared on the television show Live with Kelly and Mark and burst six-hundred balloons with his boxing gloves in the allotted time. But there’s someone even better at bursting bubbles and destroying dreams. It’s our enemy. He wants to deflate the biblical hope that sustains us. He punches us and takes the wind out of our optimistic faith. He often does it by luring us into some sin. When our fellowship with God is strained by sinfulness, we feel hopeless, not hopeful. But we have an Advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ—who can again fill us with His Spirit, with hope, and with joy. One of the most enduring lessons of faith is knowing how to come back to God in confession, repentance, realignment, and rededication. Ask God today to give you strength to act decisively in dealing with your sin so you may continue to have a heart filled with hope. Hope is not a balloon to be punctured but a helmet to be worn.

11/8/2025

Living a Great-Full Life: How Great Is His Faithfulness…

If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 Nelson Glueck was a twentieth-century rabbi, Hebrew scholar, college president, and renowned biblical archaeologist. Among his many books, he wrote an entire volume on the meaning of one Hebrew word: hesed. The last sentence in Hesed in the Bible says this: “The significance of hesed can be rendered by ‘loyalty,’ ‘mutual aid’ or ‘reciprocal love.’” Many Hebrew scholars translate hesed as “loyal love.” An even shorter translation would be “faithfulness.” If agape (unconditional love) is the most important theological word in the New Testament, then hesed (loyal love, faithfulness) is the defining theological term in the Old Testament. For example, the phrase “his steadfast love endures forever” occurs in all 26 verses of Psalm 136 in the English Standard Version. Hesed always stood for God’s faithfulness and loyalty to His chosen people Israel. Even if they sinned, God was faithful to keep His covenant of promise with them. The idea of faithfulness translates easily to the unconditional love of the New Testament: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful.” Remember today that God’s faithfulness is never-ending. Nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39).

11/7/2025

Pleasing God…

By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 Adam and Eve had two sons, Cain and Abel—and the former murdered the latter. The seventh-generation descendant from Adam in the line of Cain was named Lamech, known for his carnal ways. After Cain and Abel, Adam and Eve had another son named Seth. The seventh-generation descendant from Adam in the line of Seth was Enoch, who “pleased God.” Enoch’s great-grandson was Noah. The generations leading up to Noah were characterized by darkness—men like Enoch and Noah being exceptions. Of both these men it is recorded that they “walked with God” (Genesis 5:24; 6:9). And God singled out both of them. Noah was commissioned to build an ark and save a remnant of creation with which to restart the earth after a great flood. But Enoch was removed from the dark earth by God and taken to heaven like Elijah (2 Kings 2:11)—an apparent reward for his faith and faithfulness. Walking by faith in a dark world is not easy, but we can follow Enoch’s example and be Christ’s light for the world.

11/6/2025

In the Midst of Mystery…

By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks. Hebrews 11:4 Christian musical artist Seph Schlueter was touring and preparing for a new album release when he and his wife received bad news. The twenty-week ultrasound of the couple’s unborn baby girl no longer showed a heartbeat. That was the hardest month of his life, he said, but “I can still praise you in this pain, God, and in the midst of mystery.” When we worship the Lord, we’re offering a sacrifice to Him. We learn to praise Him, even in the middle of pain and mystery. Abel brought his worship and his sacrifice to God by faith, and God honored him for it. His example still speaks to us. When we worship, we are lifting our hearts and voices upward to One who is greater than our problems and pain, higher than our hurts and wounds, and more eternal than our burdens on earth. Worshiping transports us to the throne. It lifts us above the mirey clay. Practice saying, “Praise the Lord!” throughout the day. Let’s offer God the sacrifice of praise.

11/5/2025

Fog Bells…

The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door.” Genesis 4:6-7 Ben Fogle is a popular British personality who had something of a breakdown two years ago. “I was being overstimulated,” he said. “I was doing too much, I was expecting too much of myself and I eventually popped, burst.” The problem, he said, was that he “didn’t listen to some of the little warning signs.” Neither did Cain. He should have learned from his parents that sin doesn’t pay. He should have followed the example of his brother Abel. He should have heeded the warning God gave him in Genesis 4:6-7. But he didn’t listen, and he is remembered today as a tragic figure, the first murderer in history, the man who shed his own brother’s blood. Let’s have ears to hear. God has a lot to say to us—31,102 verses in the Bible. Let’s be still and have a quiet time every day, listening to His voice and heeding His directions.

11/4/2025

Hide-and-Seek…

And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13 If you think hide-and-seek is a game only for youngsters, think again. Nearly fifteen hundred people in China set the record for the largest game of hide-and-seek in history. Elsewhere in Asia, the Japan Hide-and-Seek Association regularly holds games in interesting locations. If we truly seek God, we will find Him, for He doesn’t hide from those who long to know Him. Deuteronomy 4:29 says, “You will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” One of the ways He makes Himself known is through His creation. When we see the majesty of God’s works all around us, it helps us grasp His grandeur. “The heavens declare the glory of God” (Psalm 19:1). Spend some time today in quiet contemplation and prayer, observing the majesty of His creation around you, and give thanks that He gives us the opportunity to seek and find Him.

11/3/2025

Bridges…

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 Many people have a mistaken view of faith, thinking that faith is believing in something or someone despite the evidence and we have to take a “leap of faith.” That is nonsense. It doesn’t work in any area of life. You don’t step onto a rickety swinging bridge with rotten ropes and missing planks, just assuming the bridge will support you. To place your faith in the bridge, it would need to be anchored on both sides, sturdy, reliable, and trustworthy. Faith is believing because of the evidence. It’s not a leap into uncertainty but a step that is reasonable, logical, and sensible. If the object of your faith isn’t worthy of your faith, your faith is inconsequential. When it comes to our eternal destiny, it’s not how much faith you have; it’s how much Jesus you know. The more you learn of Him, the more you’ll see the reasonableness of your faith in Him. Taking time to read God’s Word daily will help you learn more and grow in your faith. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” You do not need a great faith, but faith in a great God!

11/2/2025

Regaining Hope…

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope. Job 7:6 The word hope occurs sixteen times in the book of Job, but most of the references are about how Job lost hope during his multiple tragedies. He said, “What strength do I have, that I should hope?” (Job 6:11) And he said, “He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone; my hope He has uprooted like a tree” (Job 19:10). Any of us can lose hope when we’re having difficulties and not sure what God is doing in our lives. We can lose hope because others have mistreated us or even because of our own mistakes. When we’re feeling sorry for ourselves and sinking into discouragement, we’re letting the biblical quality of hope erode in our minds. If this is true for you, read in the first chapter of 1 Peter about our “living hope” that comes from God’s abundant mercy (1:3), about the importance of resting our hope fully on God’s grace (1:13), and about projecting our hope forward in anticipation of Christ’s return (1:21).

11/1/2025

Living a Great-Full Life: How Great Is Our Salvation…

How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. Hebrews 2:3 According to the dictionary, something “great” happens when an event rises above what is normal or average. Jews in the first century certainly had a context for greatness. God’s deliverance of them from slavery in Egypt ranked as the greatest example of God’s salvation in their history (Deuteronomy 26:5-9). That is why it is celebrated every year at Passover. So when the writer of the letter to the Hebrews referred to salvation as “great,” he was speaking to people who knew what that meant. And the salvation provided through Christ was even greater than deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Deliverance from Egypt was temporal while Christ’s salvation is eternal. Deliverance from slavery in Egypt was not as great as deliverance from the penalty of sin. Deliverance by means of the blood of a lamb was not as great as deliverance by the blood of the Lamb of God, God’s Son. Thank God today for His greatest gift: salvation through the gift of His Son.

10/31/2025

Getting Ready…

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God. 2 Peter 3:11-12 Your teenage daughter is scheduled to attend a weekend youth retreat, and her ride is coming at 1:00 o’clock on Friday afternoon. At 12:45, you find her relaxing on her bed scrolling her phone. You ask, “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for the retreat? You know Pastor Rick is always on time.” Living in light of an approaching deadline is not just a problem for teenagers. The New Testament mentions it in light of the return of Christ. The apostle Peter calls end-time events “the day of God,” and he asks a most important question: “What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness” in light of the imminent return of Christ? Imminent means something could happen at any moment; it is the very next thing on the calendar. Prophetically speaking, the Rapture of the Church is imminent; it could happen today. If you knew you would see Christ face-to-face later today, how would your life change? Live today as if the next person you see will be Jesus Himself.

10/30/2025

Homesick for a City…

For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Hebrews 13:14 Someone asked journalist Lee Strobel what he wants to do in heaven. He said, “I want to fall at the feet of Jesus for rescuing me from this lifetime of purposelessness and sin and depravity and showering me with this undeserved grace. That’s the first thing I want to do. Second thing I want to do is track down Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, because he was kind of a first century investigative reporter. Yeah, that’s what I want to do when I get to Heaven.” What do you want to do when you get to heaven? Whom do you want to meet? What projects would you like to tackle? What landscapes would you like to view on the new earth? We should eagerly await our Savior’s return and our eternal life in heaven. Our mindset should be focused on our future with Jesus. One way to help us stay focused is by visualizing as best we can the biblical truths about the return of Christ and the beauty of heaven. Ask God to give you rich and biblical thoughts about what’s just ahead for the children of God!

10/29/2025

Welcome, Little Children…

Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish Matthew 18:14 After their exodus from Egypt, Israel was poised to enter the Promised Land of Canaan—but fear of the inhabitants held them back. Because of their disobedience, that entire generation of Israelites was forbidden from entering Canaan—except for their children who had “no knowledge of good and evil” (Deuteronomy 1:39). God did not hold the children responsible for their parents’ sinful decision. The exemption of children from judgment because of their innocence is a pattern continued throughout redemptive history. Many a parent who has lost a child has wondered about the child’s eternal destiny. Even though children are born with a sinful nature, God’s compassion and mercy toward them will ensure their presence in heaven for eternity. God is not willing that even one of these little ones should perish in their innocence. Christians can take great comfort in knowing that babies and children who are unable to fully understand the reality of their sinfulness will be welcomed into God’s presence for eternity.

10/28/2025

Joy in Sorrow…

But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me 2 Samuel 12:23 When Jesus wept by the tomb of Lazarus, He signaled to all of us that it’s appropriate to grieve when a loved one dies (John 11:35). But Paul advises us not to “sorrow as others who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13). Our loved one has made it to heaven before us, but we’re still on earth for a little while to continue serving the Lord. When David’s child died, he got up and ate and worshiped God because he knew he would be reunited with his child in heaven. God gives us these biblical stories so we can know of His compassion and goodness. By studying the subject of heaven in the Bible, we’re filling our hearts with the land of the living, with the home of our dear ones in Christ who have gone before. Take time each day to spend in the Word so you might find comfort in sorrow and perseverance in your current labors.

10/27/2025

Accompanied by Angels…

So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. Luke 16:22 When a believer in Christ dies, there is activity that takes place that is unseen by those who may be in attendance at the time of death. According to Jesus, angels from heaven accompany the soul of the deceased to Paradise. This insight is gleaned from a story told by Jesus about the deaths of two men: an unrighteous rich man and a righteous beggar named Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). In the story, when the beggar died, he was carried by angels into the presence of God. This story is not a fictitious parable told by Jesus but an actual account of two men He had known. In all the rest of His parables, Jesus never named any of the characters—but in this case He did, meaning this was likely a true account and that the details of the story, like the activity of the angels, were also true. If you are in Christ when you die, you will be escorted to Paradise by angels from heaven. Remember that God’s care for His children extends to life after death as well.

10/26/2025

Eternal Inheritance…

You are born again to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you. 1 Peter 1:4 You Can’t Take It with You was a Pulitzer Prize–winning 1936 comedic play by George Kaufman and Moss Hart that became an Academy Award–winning movie in 1938. It is about a highly eccentric extended family whose curious members involve themselves in any number of complicated situations. On one occasion, the patriarch of the family tells a younger member to enjoy his wealth while he can since, “You can’t take it with you.” Ironically, Jesus suggested there is a way—in a manner of speaking—to “take it with you.” He said that instead of storing up wealth on earth where moth, thieves, and rust can ruin it, we should store up treasures in heaven where their value will never be diminished. (Matthew 6:20). Perhaps Peter was thinking of these words when he described the Christian’s eternal inheritance as “incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away.” Because our living hope is in Christ, our eternal inheritance will likewise live forever. It is “reserved in heaven” for us.

10/25/2025

Glimpses of Heaven: John…

Then I, John, saw the holy city. Revelation 21:2 On one occasion, the apostle Paul was “caught up to the third heaven…. caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for man to utter” (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Paul got a glimpse of heaven, the memory of which propelled him through all the remaining trials of his life. But he wasn’t allowed to describe what he had seen. Why not? Maybe it’s because that was John’s job. In the book of Revelation, John, too, was caught up into Paradise (Revelation 4:1-2). God intended for the final book of the Bible to be a glimpse of heaven for all of us through the descriptions given in the 22 chapters of Revelation. There we find brilliant worship (Revelation 4–5), a vast multitude of believers and angelic beings (Revelation 7:9-12), the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14), a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1), and a glorious capital city which serves as the seat of government for our eternal home (Revelation 21–22). When you read the book of Revelation, look for every detail you can find about heaven. God has revealed it, and it is our glorious hope!

10/24/2025

The Currency of Heaven…

The rich man also died and was buried. Luke 16:22 According to Forbes magazine, 31 billionaires died in 2024, leaving behind $207 billion in all. Isak Andic, for example, was the founder of a fashion retail empire. He plunged down a ravine while hiking with his son. He was 71.1 There’s nothing wrong with money, but it cannot buy our way into heaven. In Luke 16, Jesus told of a beggar named Lazarus who was carried into heaven when he died, while the nearby rich man died and went to Hades. The rich man had everything in life, while Lazarus had nothing. Yet Lazarus was included in the grace of Jesus, while the rich man lived only for his wealth. Our status and wealth in life won’t gain us admission into heaven. Only faith in Christ will do that. Much of our attention on earth involves finances, and money causes a lot of stress in life for those who have a lot of it and for those who have only a little. But no one has ever taken even a copper penny with them to heaven. Make sure your trust is in Jesus alone. His grace is the currency of heaven.

10/23/2025

Heavenly Anticipation…

But if we wait expectantly for things we have never seen, then we hope with true perseverance and eager anticipation. Romans 8:25 Artist Norman Rockwell created a painting called School’s Out for the 1959 Brown & Bigelow calendar. It showed children running and frolicking with joy as they left school for the summer. This was a popular theme for Rockwell as he released several paintings on this theme. It makes us wonder if he wasn’t reliving his own childhood days when the school year ended and summer fun began. We should anticipate heaven the way children look forward to summer vacation. When God created us, He placed in our hearts a longing for Him and for eternity. He gave us a hunger for heaven. The reason we love breathtaking glimpses of heaven now is because they somehow remind us of how beautiful heaven will be. We want to look ahead with “true perseverance and eager anticipation.” Ask God today to give you a focus for your eternal home and think of ways you can reach out to others who might need to know about the eternal home they can have in Christ. Let’s build up one another with heavenly anticipation.

10/22/2025

Pleasures Forevermore…

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9 An often-seen caricature of heaven involves pudgy-looking residents dressed in white robes with halos and wings floating about on clouds while playing golden harps. Imagine doing that all day for all eternity! Could anything be more boring? No wonder the world, and many Christians, imagine heaven to be a boring place. Such images have no bearing on biblical reality, of course. Is God’s creation a boring place? No—therefore, the new heavens and new earth will not be boring either. Do you think a day spent in the presence of Jesus Christ when He was on earth was boring? No—therefore, time spent in His eternal Kingdom will not be boring either. If the image of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 is any indication, eternity will consist of “pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). The apostle Paul quoted the Old Testament when he said that we can’t imagine the things God has prepared for those destined for heaven (1 Corinthians 2:9). Prepare now to use your gifts and abilities in ways never imagined as you serve and enjoy God forever.

10/21/2025

Run to Win…

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 The 34th Summer Olympic Games will be held in Los Angeles, California, in July 2028. For two weeks, the eyes of the world will be focused on the athletes who gather to compete for an Olympic medal. What the eyes of the world are not focused on at present is the athletes’ preparation and training—the behind-the-scenes work that is necessary to allow them to succeed in their event. The modern Olympics have their roots in the games held in ancient Greece. Athletic competition was known in the Mediterranean world of the first century A.D. Thus, the apostle Paul could use the metaphor of a “race” in describing the Christian life (Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 9:24). And like athletes, the hard work of the Christian life is done behind the scenes—the disciplines of prayer, Bible study, service, and spiritual obedience. Running the race requires endurance and laying aside the sin “which so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1). Just as athletes begin every day with the finish line in mind, cultivate that same perspective in your daily walk. Keep the faith! Finish the race!

10/20/2025

Evidence of New Life…

Christ gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Titus 2:14 It is wrong to assume that because we are saved by grace that works don’t matter. Works have always mattered in God’s economy. In fact, Christ died to redeem us from “lawless deeds” and create in us a zeal for “good works.” We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. Ephesians 2:8-10 is the passage that best incorporates the place of works in salvation and the Christian life. In those verses, Paul wrote that we are saved by grace through faith, “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Rather, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” In other words, God has saved us from doing “bad works” so that we might be empowered to do “good works” for His glory. In fact, a life of righteous works is partial evidence of new life in Christ. As James wrote, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Look for ways today to demonstrate your new life in Christ through good works that honor Him.

10/19/2025

Can’t Keep Quiet…

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. Luke 2:17 When Robert Annan of Scotland gave his life for Christ, he immediately felt a burden for the lost. A stonemason by trade, he devoted his spare time to witnessing on the streets, often writing Bible verses in chalk on the sidewalks. He witnessed to everyone he met. He drowned at age 32 while saving a boy who fell into the river. Thousands attended his funeral, and afterward a man was seen on his grave, sobbing and saying, “I have been a very wicked man, but the grace of God, perhaps, will do for me what it did for Robert Annan.” When the shepherds left the stable on that first Christmas, they couldn’t keep quiet. They told everyone what they had seen. The disciples did the same after the Resurrection, saying, “We cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20). Witnessing means telling others what has happened to you. Let’s pray for spiritual excitement in telling others the wonderful things God has done for us. This season say a word for the Savior.

10/18/2025

Glimpses of Heaven: Stephen…

Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God! Acts 7:56 Seldom has a sermon so inflamed a crowd that they rushed upon the preacher and killed him on the spot. It happened with Stephen in Acts 7. During the frenzy, several strange things happened: (1) Stephen was suddenly filled afresh with the Holy Spirit (Acts 7:55). (2) He gazed upward and saw heaven, glimpsing the glory of God and Jesus standing at His right hand (verse 55). (3) Stephen, overcome with excitement, shouted to his enemies what he was seeing (verse 56). (4) While being battered with rocks, he cried out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (verse 59). (5) Stephen knelt in the dust, shouting, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin” (verse 60). And with that, he “fell asleep” (verse 60). What a contrast Stephen experienced between the wrath of earth and the welcome of heaven! Stephen’s experience is unique, but according to 2 Peter 1:11, all those who live faithfully in Christ “will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (NIV). That prospect should brighten your heart today!

10/17/2025

Voices of Praise…

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” Revelation 5:13 One of Charles Wesley’s most loved hymns is “O for a Thousand Tongues.” He wrote this hymn in 1739 on the one-year anniversary of his conversion to Christ. In the opening line, Wesley wished for a thousand tongues with which to sing praises to Christ. Wesley’s hymns did much to revolutionize and energize congregational singing in churches of his era, a transition that has continued through today. One wonders if Wesley was inspired by the “congregational” singing found in the heavenly visions of the book of Revelation. Groups of living creatures, elders, and angels lift their voices to sing praises to God in heaven (Revelation 4–5). Make sure to add your voice to the voices of others—whether ten voices or a thousand—on a regular basis as you lift up praises to God in worship.

10/16/2025

Give Today a Song…

Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” 1 Chronicles 16:31 Fanny Crosby wrote thousands of hymns, though only a few are sung today (such as “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory”). One of her forgotten hymns says, “Sing when the birds are waking, sing with the morning light; sing in the noontide’s golden beam, sing in the hush of night.” When we sing throughout the day, we’re reflecting the worship of heaven. When we sing with other believers in worship services, we’re joining the choirs of heaven. We need to enjoy a wide range of music in our worship services—from classic hymns to modern praise and worship. If the words glorify God and reflect biblical truth, sing them with gusto. Learn the old hymns. Sing the new music. Reflect the joy of heaven and let your heart be glad. Say and sing to the nations, “The Lord reigns!” Be filled with the Spirit and overflow with praise. Give today a song!

10/15/2025

Tree of Life…

In the middle of the New Jerusalem’s street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:2 God forbade Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, but they disobeyed. Once their eyes were opened to their sin, they were banished from the Garden so they could not eat of the tree of life and live forever (Genesis 2:9; 3:22-24). Physical death for humanity was the result but with the possibility of resurrection unto eternal life. While the image of a “tree of life” is used metaphorically in the book of Proverbs, the tree of life from the Garden of Eden does not appear in Scripture again until it is found in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 2:7; 22:2, 14). There it is described as a source of life for all who eat of its fruit. Mankind was banned from eating of the tree of life after the Fall but is welcome to eat of its fruit in the eternal city. Praise God today that He has made provision for not only the forgiveness of sin but also for eternal life in His presence.

10/14/2025

Eternal Light…

The New Jerusalem had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. Revelation 21:23 On the fourth day of Creation, God created the sun, the moon, and the stars. But when the New Jerusalem will become the abode of the saved, there will be no need for the sun or moon to provide light to the city. Indeed, there will be no night at all (Revelation 21:25). In John’s vision of the eternal city in Revelation 21:22-26, he describes light in the New Jerusalem. Supposedly, the sun and moon will still exist in the heavens, but as for light in the New Jerusalem, there will be a different source: the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. The glory of God will illuminate the entire city with Jesus Christ Himself being the source of the glory and light. He who declared Himself to be “the light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5) will fill the eternal city with His light forever. We who dwell there will reflect His glory and light for all eternity. Let His light and life shine through you today as you anticipate reflecting His light for eternity.

10/13/2025

Lifting the Curse…

Then to Adam God said…“Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.” Genesis 3:17 Coaxing food from the soil is a laborious task. Weather, pests, and crop diseases are challenges. The words of Genesis 3:19 become all too real: “In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread till you return to the ground.” The sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden resulted in the earth being cursed. Everything that troubles our world today—discord, disease, disaster—is evidence of the earth laboring under a curse. The apostle Paul wrote that “the creation was subjected to futility” (Romans 8:20). But there is good news! “The creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God” (verse 21). Though we sometimes “groan within ourselves” (verse 23), we wait “in eager expectation” (verse 19, NIV) for the redemption of all creation. Whatever toil or trouble you are experiencing today, know that it is only temporary. It will be replaced by the glory of a new heaven and new earth.

10/12/2025

Psalm 25 for 2025: Keep His Commandments…

All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, to such as keep His covenant and His testimonies. Psalm 25:10 You will no doubt experience something this year that will make you wonder, “Why?” It could be painful or disruptive, or it could be just an unexpected circumstance. In any case, unplanned events always make us wonder why God has allowed them. The psalmist David said something about God’s ways that require a second look. He said that God’s plans are mercy and truth to those who are faithful to Him—those who keep His commandments. We would assume that God’s ways are mercy and truth to everyone, not just to those who follow Him. But there is a difference between how people view God’s ways. Those who trust in Him find mercy and truth in what God allows; those who don’t trust in Him are more likely to find randomness and arbitrariness in God’s ways. Those who walk in obedience to God can affirm Romans 8:28: God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him. Even when we don’t see mercy and truth immediately, in time we will. Prepare your heart now to trust God with what this year holds.

10/11/2025

Glimpses of Heaven: Jesus…

He looked up to heaven, blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them. Mark 6:41 If anyone can tell us about heaven, it’s the One who came down from heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ. In the humanity of His ministry, Jesus had several glimpses of heaven. At His baptism the skies parted, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. At His transfiguration the glory of heaven enveloped Him and two heavenly residents—Moses and Elijah—visited with Him. At His ascension the skies opened and received Him back home. When Jesus prayed, He often looked up to heaven. Whether with physical eyes or with the eyes of His perfect imagination, He could see the throne of God, surrounded by all the majestic glories of Paradise. What names did Jesus use for heaven? He said it was Paradise (Luke 23:43), His Father’s house (John 14:2), the Kingdom (Matthew 5:10), a place where “neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal” (Matthew 6:20), everlasting life (John 6:27), and glory (Luke 24:26). Jesus was eager to return home (John 17:4-5). Let the glimpses of heaven that come from Him make you eager for the trip home too!

10/10/2025

Far Better…

Renovated and Replaced… Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1 On January 7, 2025, a wildfire broke out in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles County, California. Nearly four weeks later, the fire had burned more than 23,000 acres of the densely populated county. Twelve people were killed and nearly 7,000 structures were destroyed. Apocalyptic was the word frequently used to describe the destruction the fire left in its wake. Apocalyptic is also used to describe images in Scripture associated with the end of this age on earth. The apostle Peter wrote that “the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up” and “the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat” (2 Peter 3:10, 12). Since fire often refers to judgment in Scripture, Peter may be referring to God’s judgment. Whether literal or figurative fire, the earth as we know it will be renovated and replaced by “a new heaven and a new earth” on which the New Jerusalem (the eternal state) will be established. Give thanks to God that an Eden-like earth will be your home with Him forever.

10/9/2025

Far Better…

For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Philippians 1:23 Donald Cargill, a Scottish believer, was arrested and condemned to die for preaching the Gospel. As he put his foot on the ladder of the scaffold where he would be hanged, he blessed the Lord, lifted up his hand, and said, “The Lord knows that I go up this ladder with less fear, confusion, or perturbation of mind than ever I entered a pulpit to preach.” If we could see God’s grace and the angels hovering around us and the glories ahead of us, we would never be afraid of dying. We intrinsically have a fear of death. But if we don’t die, we can’t be resurrected! Being resurrected to then live with Jesus in eternity is better than lingering on this old planet. The apostle Paul said it is “far better” (Philippians 1:23). When you have fears about death, ask God to allay those fears. Study what the Lord says about dying in Christ and living in eternity. Then thank Him for life everlasting.

10/8/2025

Better Than Bionic…

The body is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption. 1 Corinthians 15:42 In the 1970s, Lee Majors starred in The Six Million Dollar Man about an astronaut who was seriously injured in a spaceship crash and rebuilt with bionic parts. Today the concept is no longer science fiction. Doctors can replace organs, bones, corneas, hands and arms, joints and hips, and even faces. Still, only one thing eventually takes care of the aging process—death! Our earthly bodies are far from perfect, and over time they age and decay. But as Christians we’ll receive new bodies when we get to heaven that are indestructible, incredible, and infinite. They will not get old or break down. From the instant of our resurrection, our new bodies will never wear out nor grow old. They will be totally resistant to deterioration or decay. Your new body will be designed for eternity. It will not be subject to accidents, diseases, aging, or death. It will be pain-free and disease-free. It will never wear out and never die. If you are ill or hurting today, take a moment to ask God for His healing power, and give thanks for the body to come.

10/7/2025

Citizenship…

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 3:20 An ambassador is an appointed diplomat sent by a country as an official representative to a foreign country. He or she is authorized to speak with the authority of the leader of the home country. The ambassador must be a citizen of the home country and must have been officially appointed. The apostle Paul referred to himself as an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20). As an apostolic ambassador, he spoke with the authority of heaven behind his words. He also said that every Christian is a citizen of heaven—the first requirement for being an ambassador of heaven (Philippians 3:20). In other words, heaven is the Christian’s true home—the place in which we should be investing for eternity (Matthew 6:19-21). As citizens of heaven, it is our calling to declare God’s Gospel to all who may not yet be citizens of heaven. Represent the Kingdom of heaven today as an ambassador worthy of your calling. Ask God to help you lay up treasures in heaven, especially souls for eternity.

10/6/2025

Which Heaven…

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 2 Corinthians 12:2 When you hear someone mention heaven, you could ask, “Which heaven do you mean?” The question is reasonable because the Bible mentions three different heavens. In order of proximity to earth, the three heavens are, first, the skies immediately above us—the domain of birds and clouds (Genesis 1:20). The second highest heaven is the vast universe beyond our atmosphere—the domain of the planets and solar systems (Genesis 1:14-17; Psalm 8:3-4; 19:1-6). The third heaven—the only one assigned a number—is not an atmospheric realm but is the domain of God. The first two heavens are visible to us on earth; the third heaven is not. This is the heaven visited by the apostle Paul, either in person or in a vision, where he heard “inexpressible words” that apparently informed the mission to which God had called him (2 Corinthians 12:4). Eternity in the presence of God is the destination of all who have placed their faith in Christ. Are you sure that heaven is your ultimate destination?

10/5/2025

Living Hope…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 Though the phrase “born again” does not occur in the Old Testament, the idea of rebirth does in various ways. Humanity was “reborn” after the Flood. Abraham figuratively received his son Isaac back from the dead. Jacob was given a new life after wrestling with God. But none of these many figurative examples are the same as the way Jesus used the phrase. Jesus said we must be spiritually born again in order to enter God’s Kingdom (John 3:3). Peter said that God has “begotten us [given us a new birth] again to a living hope.” Why a living hope? Because our new birth to eternal life is based in the “resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” What hope does a person have who dies outside of Christ? None. But faith in the resurrected Christ—the Christ who conquered death—gives us “living hope.” The Christian’s hope extends beyond the grave. Give thanks to God today that you have been born again to a living hope.

10/4/2025

Glimpses of Heaven: Ezekiel…

And above the firmament over their heads was the likeness of a throne, in appearance like a sapphire stone; on the likeness of the throne was a likeness with the appearance of a man high above it. Ezekiel 1:26 Some biblical heroes had momentary glimpses into heaven. Ezekiel saw God’s glorious throne, but he struggled to describe it. A whirlwind split the skies and revealed God’s throne surrounded by creatures who were later identified as cherubim (Ezekiel 10:1). Lightning ripped through the sky, and above it all was the throne of God as blue as lapis lazuli. Seated on it was a form that resembled a man, glowing with fire and radiating blinding light. The appearance of a rainbow covered the entire scene. Ezekiel said, “This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. When I saw it, I fell facedown, and I heard the voice of one speaking” (Ezekiel 1:28, NIV). Oh, to contemplate the eternal throne of our Savior. An old hymn says, “God is still on the throne, and He will remember His own.” Whatever you’re facing today, get a glimpse of this truth—God is still on His throne.

10/3/2025

A Grand Entrance…

Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:11 Each year, the Cannes Film Festival brings the world’s greatest movie stars to the French Riviera where they walk down the famous red carpet. But what happens to the carpet after the festival is over? It’s cut up and made into handbags, hats, and slippers. For a cost, you can have a hat made of material walked on by the world’s celebrities. You may never walk with the stars on a red carpet, but you will walk with the angels down golden streets. Various translations render 2 Peter 1:11 in different ways, using phrases like lavish reception, glorious welcome, triumphant admission, and grand entrance. Heaven is a place of ultimate rejoicing, a wonderful home where we will know all our brothers and sisters in the Lord. It will feel like home, and its love will fill the air. The fact that God wants us all to live in heaven with Him shows us how much He loves and cares for us. Thank Him today that you can feel calm and safe in the knowledge that He has provided an eternal, perfect future for us.

10/2/2025

One’s Ultimate Desire…

We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:8 Toddlers are small enough to fit comfortably in the lap of a grandparent to read a book, watch a movie, or just snuggle. In other words, it’s not the activity or the environment that is important to the child; it is the presence of a beloved person. The same could be said for the Christian’s anticipation of eternal life. While Revelation 21 presents a gorgeous preview of heaven, there is something more important to consider: the presence of the person of Jesus Christ. In a moment of introspection, the apostle Paul wrestled with something most Christians have thought about: Would we rather remain here or be in heaven? While he recognized his obligation to be present in service to the Church, he also had a great desire to “depart and be with Christ, which is far better” (Philippians 1:21-26). He knew that “to be absent from the body [was] to be present with the Lord”—which was his ultimate desire. Is your ultimate desire to be in the presence of Jesus? The better you know Him now, the stronger that desire will grow.

10/1/2025

Distracted by the Urgent…

Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:2 Distracted Driving Awareness now has its own month—April. During this month, police will be especially vigilant, and public service announcements will fill the airways. Too many people have been involved in wrecks because they took their eyes off the road to look at some “urgent” matter on their phone. This is a metaphor for the way a lot of us are living. Instead of focusing on our ultimate destination of heaven, which keeps us on the straight and narrow path, we become consumed with all the urgent matters around us. While we need to be about our Father’s business on earth, we must also anticipate our Father’s home in heaven. Pondering heaven will help us navigate earth. Rev. J. C. Ryle, a prominent nineteenth-century British theologian, said, “I pity the man who never thinks of heaven.” The best way to keep heaven in our mind’s eye is to read and rehearse the truths about heaven found in the Bible. If we do that, we’ll live more joyfully and productively. Spend time in Scripture today reading one of the Bible’s great passages about our heavenly home.

9/30/2025

Vengeance Is Mine…

Joseph said to his brothers, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” Genesis 50:19 Shortly before the nation of Israel entered the promised land of Canaan, Moses recited a song in praise of God (Deuteronomy 32:1-43). Speaking of those who oppose God, Moses quoted God’s perspective on them: “Vengeance is Mine, and recompense” (verse 35). In other words, the wicked will reap what they have sown (Galatians 6:7). It is not up to men to pay back the wicked for their deeds, for vengeance belongs to God alone (Romans 12:19). Once their father, Jacob, had died, Joseph might have been tempted to exact revenge on his brothers. But he didn’t. Years before Moses spoke about vengeance belonging to God, Joseph seemed to have understood that important truth: “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God?” He knew that any judgment or retribution for evil must come from God alone, not from man. To seek vengeance on another person is to put ourselves in the place of God to whom judgment belongs. Vengeance is a carnal, common response when we have been wronged. If you have been wronged, meditate on Paul’s expansion of this theme in Romans 12:17-21.

9/29/2025

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9/28/2025

Foundation of Faith…

Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Psalm 42:5 Today, most people don’t find themselves besieged by “an ungodly nation” (Psalm 43:1) or an actual “enemy” (Psalm 42:9). But that happened often in the Old Testament era and was probably the occasion for the writing of Psalms 42 and 43 (likely originally one psalm). Such an attack from one’s enemies led to the author admonishing himself to “hope in God,” instead of being downcast and disquieted over his situation. We may not face attacks from actual enemies, but we do find ourselves downcast and disquieted at times. The danger is that such emotions can move us from a foundation of faith to a feeling of fear. What we need in such moments is what the author of Hebrews called an “anchor of the soul” that keeps us moored in place. And what is that anchor? Hope: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19). When you feel God has forgotten you (Psalm 42:9), put your “hope in God.” Let hope keep you anchored in Him by faith.

9/27/2025

Spiritual Structure: Sharing the Word…

Speak to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Ephesians 5:19 When the apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, he was writing to people living in a pagan culture. Even things like speech needed to be refined in the light of Kingdom values. Thus Paul wrote that there should be no “obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4, NIV). We live in a similarly crude and coarse culture—it is easy to become immune to the spiritual effects of such language and even to participate in it. Paul suggested an alternative later in the same chapter when he exhorted the Ephesians to use spiritual language: psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. He was referring to the meeting of the church, of course, not that we should sing our conversations to each other. But his point was to let biblical values influence and motivate our conversations while living in a culture that does not appreciate the same. Be aware of your conversation. Is it edifying and reflective of biblical truths and values? Make every effort to distinguish yourself from the world, even by your speech.

9/26/2025

In a Family Way…

Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you. Genesis 31:3 A recent survey asked people around the world about the importance of their families. The strongest results were found in Egypt, Nigeria, Indonesia, Mexico, and Ethiopia. The United Kingdom was number seven, and the U.S. was number eight on the list. If you had been asked, you probably would have said your family is very, very important. There’s a popular saying that shows up on wall plaques: “Family is everything.” One of the most encouraging aspects of the story of Joseph is how his family came back into harmony at the end of Genesis. Few families had been more broken by betrayal, brutality, and bitterness. Yet God gave healing in the end. This shows how much the family unit means to God. He loves your family. Like Joseph’s family, yours isn’t perfect. There are no perfect families. We all have heartaches and challenges. But God can do what we cannot. Give all your family members to Him. Pray for each one. Keep a prayer list of your close relatives. The Lord can do more with each one than we can imagine.

9/25/2025

The Power of One…

I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one. Ezekiel 22:30 Holly LaFavers of Lexington, Kentucky, was stunned when 70,000 Dum-Dum lollipops arrived at her doorstep, along with a bill for $4,000. It turns out her second grader had ordered them on her phone when she wasn’t watching. It’s remarkable what one child can do! One person devoted to the Lord can accomplish much too. Joseph was alone in slavery and prison, yet the Lord used him to reconcile his family and to save thousands of lives. In the New Testament, Philip was alone on the road to Gaza, but the Lord used him to bring the message of Christ to Ethiopia (Acts 8:26-40). You may be the only Christian in your family or among your friends. Perhaps you’re the only one in your school or workplace. Your faith matters! God can work through you. Thank God today and ask Him to use you to impact those around you. He is looking for people who will stand in the gap before Him.

9/24/2025

Time and Effort…

Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation. Proverbs 14:9 Every single adult on earth has relationship problems requiring some degree of reconciliation. Britney Spears was recently in the news, reconciling with her youngest son, Jayden, with whom she has suffered years of estrangement. Jayden said about his problems with his mother, “I 100 percent think this can be fixed. It’s just going to take a lot of time and effort.” It took time and effort to bring about a reconciliation of Joseph with his brothers who had betrayed him. Time is an essential part of healing. It takes time to heal from wounds. It takes time to deepen perspective and to better understand the grace of God. But it also takes effort. Joseph and his brothers were able to confess, to forgive, and to put the past behind them. Do you need to reconcile with someone? Ask God to deepen your understanding of His grace and to give you the time needed to heal and mature. Find compassion in your heart. Ask for a forgiving spirit. The Lord is an expert in the vital art of reconciliation.

9/23/2025

God’s Presence…

My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. Exodus 33:14 During a period of revival, Jonathan Edwards wrote, “After retiring to rest and sleeping a little while, I awoke and had a very lively consciousness of God’s being near me…. I lay awake most of the night, with a constant delightful sense of God’s great love and infinite condescension, and with a continual view of God as near, and as my God.” How we need a revival of the sense of God’s presence! In Genesis, Joseph was conscious of God in every experience that he had and in everything that he did. He made God central to every part of his life and gave credit to God for all that happened. We may not have a constant emotional sense of God’s nearness, but He is near, nonetheless. He goes with us. God walks with us through each day and is involved in our lives too. As you navigate today, whisper prayers for wisdom, asking God to guide every step and direct every decision. Practice His presence, and even when you awaken at night, remember how near He is to you.

9/22/2025

He Already Knows…

So no one stood with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard it. Genesis 45:1-2 A “type” in the Old Testament was a person who prefigured a person revealed in the New Testament (the “antitype”). In some ways Joseph was a type of the Christ who was to come. He suffered unjustly, forgave those who harmed him, and made provision for his family—all characteristics of Christ. Another way that Joseph prefigured Christ was in his knowledge. When Joseph’s brothers returned to Egypt the second time, Judah explained to Joseph all that had happened (Genesis 44:18-34). But Joseph already knew. In the same way God knows the burdens of our heart before we approach Him in prayer (Matthew 6:8). But He invites us to unburden our hearts before Him in order to experience an intimate time with Him. We are not informing God of anything when we pray. We are responding to His invitation to receive His assurance and love through prayer. When you pray, be assured that God already knows your needs. Let your prayer time be an intimate time of sharing and fellowship with Him.

9/21/2025

Get Your Hopes Up…

The hope of the righteous will be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked will perish. Proverbs 10:28 Charles Swindoll wrote, “When we are overworked and exhausted, hope gives us fresh energy. When we are discouraged, hope lifts our spirits. When we are tempted to quit, hope keeps us going…. When we fear the worst, hope brings reminders that God is still in control.” Proverbs 10:28 says that hope brings gladness into our minds and hearts. That’s true even when the present circumstances are not what we’d wish. Hope is a solid expectation of certain future events, which include the fulfillment of all God’s promises for us in this life and in the one to come. We must hold to our biblical hope when everything else feels hopeless. Hope often becomes most precious to us when our personal resources have been exhausted and we realize that amid our problems God is present. When you’re going through difficulties, be thankful in the knowledge that you can put your trust in Him. Look to Jesus, and get your hopes up!

9/20/2025

Spiritual Structure: Under the Word…

For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Romans 15:4 An umbrella is something under which we take refuge and find protection. And the idea of the umbrella has been used to illustrate many things—like an umbrella insurance policy that covers a variety of needed protections. We could use the image of an umbrella to describe the Word of God—a shelter that covers us and provides wisdom and direction for all of life. The Bible is full of images of the Scriptures being a source of life and wisdom, both in the Old Testament and the New. Our greatest chance of happiness and success in life is to live under the Bible’s teaching. And we do that in two ways: by reading and studying the Word of God personally and by sitting under the preaching and teaching of the Word of God in our local church. If we want to grow a strong spiritual life, we must be fed by the solid food of the Word (Hebrews 5:12-14). Are you living under the umbrella of Scripture? Are you being fed personally and by faithful church attendance?

9/19/2025

Majesty…

Judah went up to him and said: “Pardon your servant, my lord, let me speak a word to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, though you are equal to Pharaoh himself.” Genesis 44:18 United States Protocol: The Guide to Official Diplomatic Etiquette is an important book for leaders in Washington—but who can remember all the rules? For example, The Honorable is a courtesy title for high-ranking officials. When addressing an envelope, The Honorable should have a line of its own over the person’s name. There are thousands of such protocols. In the Egyptian court of Joseph, Judah didn’t know all the needed protocols, but he was gracious, polite, and humble. If we humans know something about respecting earthly leaders, how much more should we be reverent toward God! He is worthy of utmost honor. When we approach Him in prayer, we should have a sense of His majesty. Your God is greater than you know, higher than you can see, wiser than you can comprehend, and more powerful than all the suns and stars combined. Let’s reverence His majesty!

9/18/2025

Tapestry of Usefulness…

So please, my lord, let me stay here as a slave instead of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. Genesis 44:33 Violet Liddle felt God calling her to missions, yet the doors didn’t open. Instead she became a maid. She worked for the likes of George Bernard Shaw and Winston Churchill, living out her Christian testimony. When she later worked for revival groups in England, she said, “It must seem as though my life has been made up of lots of bits and pieces… but I can see how all the different experiences have added up and prepared me for what was to come next.” That was true for Joseph, wasn’t it? All his experiences prepared him for his role as prime minister. But the same was also true for his brother Judah, who had sold Joseph into slavery. Years later, he was broken over his sin and offered himself as a prisoner. God used it to unite his family. Everything that happens to us—even our failures and confessed sins—will somehow work for God in His timing. Thank the Lord for all your experiences, which He weaves into a tapestry of usefulness.

9/17/2025

Undeserved Pardon…

When Joseph saw Benjamin with his brothers, he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.” Genesis 43:16 Two important theological words often get used interchangeably—grace and mercy. But they are different, as evidenced by their use in the same sentences in the New Testament (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4). Grace is receiving something good that we do not deserve, while mercy is being spared something bad that we do deserve. When Jacob prepared his sons to return to Egypt to get food for their family, he hoped that “the man”—meaning Joseph—would grant them mercy (Genesis 43:14). That is, that they would be spared the wrath of the Egyptian official for apparently stealing his silver in their previous trip to Egypt. For more than one reason, Joseph’s brothers deserved judgment. But when they returned to Egypt, instead of judgment they were shown mercy. Joseph prepared a banquet for them to celebrate their return. They were spared judgment (mercy) but were shown an undeserved welcome (grace). Thank God for the grace and mercy shown to you and look for opportunities to show them to others.

9/16/2025

How to Forget…

And Joseph gave his brothers carts, according to the command of Pharaoh, and he gave them provisions for the journey. Genesis 45:21 Why haven’t you forgotten your home address? Why haven’t you forgotten your phone number? By contrast, why have you forgotten most of the things that have happened in your life? We remember those things that we think about often and forget those things we ignore. Joseph could have been a bitter man based on all the things that had been done to him—especially by his brothers. But when he was reunited with them, he not only forgave them, but he also acted as if they had never harmed him in the first place. And that is the evidence for forgiving and forgetting—acting as if the harm had never occurred. When it came time to bring his father’s family from Canaan to Egypt, he did everything possible to meet their needs. He treated his brothers as if they had never done anything ill towards him. We may never literally forget an injury done to us, but if we have truly forgiven, we will act as if it never occurred. If there is someone you have forgiven but not forgotten, ask God for grace to act as if the injury had never happened.

9/15/2025

Real Repentance…

Moreover Joseph kissed all his brothers and wept over them, and after that his brothers talked with him. Genesis 45:15 Occasionally we will see in the news a public figure making an apology for a misdeed of words or actions. It is sometimes hard to tell whether the apology is genuine or is a response to having been found out. While it is not our place to judge the sincerity of an apology, the Bible speaks of “godly sorrow” that produces genuine repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10). Joseph’s brothers had lived for decades with guilty consciences over selling Joseph into slavery and lying to their father about his fate. They no doubt assumed that Joseph had perished in Egypt. But when they discovered he was the second-most powerful ruler in the land, they were shocked, not to mention ashamed and embarrassed in his presence. When Joseph revealed himself to them, they had a tearful reunion: “And after that his brothers talked with him.” That must have been a conversation filled with confession and repentance and the desire for forgiveness, which was no doubt granted by Joseph. If you need to seek forgiveness, make sure it is accompanied by godly sorrow that leads to repentance.

9/14/2025

Anchored on Hope…

This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. Hebrews 6:19 To keep a ship from drifting, you need an anchor. If it’s heavy enough, its weight will help keep the vessel in place. It may also dig into the sandy bottom, and often it hooks onto a rock on the seabed. In Mark 6:53, the disciples anchored their boat in the Sea of Galilee, and in Acts 27:29 the sailors threw four anchors into the sea and prayed for daylight. We also have an anchor, but ours flies upward into heaven, behind the symbolic torn veil of the temple, and into the very presence of Jesus Christ. It grips the sure and certain hope that we have in Him: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul.” When we’re anchored in eternity, we can weather the storms of time. Whatever happens to us, we know our future. The Lord is already there, and He is preparing a place for us. That makes us sanctified optimists. Today, anchor your personality on the hope Christ offers. Let that stabilize your emotions and sustain your spirits.

9/13/2025

Spiritual Structure: A Word for the Wise…

My son, pay attention to my wisdom; lend your ear to my understanding, that you may preserve discretion, and your lips may keep knowledge. Proverbs 5:1-2 The book of Proverbs can be divided into two large sections: chapters 1–9 and chapters 10–31. The first nine chapters consist of the instructions of a father to his son about living a wise, moral, and upright life. The latter chapters are collections of miscellaneous proverbs by various authors, primarily Solomon. The father’s teachings to his son in the first nine chapters are almost always introduced by an admonition to grasp and live by the father’s principles of wisdom (Proverbs 1:8; 2:1; 3:1; 4:1; 5:1; 7:1). Thankfully, we have Solomon’s admonitions to a young man to consider for our own lives. It has been said that “a chapter [of Proverbs] a day will keep foolishness at bay.” The 31 chapters of this book of wisdom fit neatly into a month’s worth of daily devotional reading. Consider that suggestion a word to the wise! Modern parents could imitate Solomon by reviewing a proverb a day at mealtimes or bedtime with their children. Proverbs—words to the wise—make sound building blocks for life.

9/12/2025

Time Will Tell…

To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven. Ecclesiastes 3:1 God is more patient than we are because He sees us from the perspective of eternity. That’s why Moses wasn’t called to his work until age eighty. That’s why Jesus began His ministry at age thirty. That’s why Abraham’s prayer for a child wasn’t answered until it seemed too late, and that’s why our Lord showed up at the home of Lazarus after the man had died. God doesn’t work on our timetable. In Genesis, Joseph was enslaved at age seventeen and spent about thirteen years in slavery and prison. Yet during that time, God was preparing him to become one of the most powerful men in the world. If you’re waiting for an answer from God, be patient and remember that God has perfect timing. An anonymous little poem puts it like this: God has perfect timing; never early, never late. It takes a little patience and it takes a lot of faith. But it’s truly, worth the wait!

9/11/2025

Sniffing the Perfume…

It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace. Genesis 41:16 Joseph and Daniel were so alike! Young men exiled from their home who ended up in the palace of pagan rulers who awoke with disturbing dreams. Both young men told the ruler, in effect, “I can do nothing, but I know God, and He can do everything.” It reminds us of the apostle Paul, who said, “Not I, but Christ” (Galatians 2:20, KJV). For Christians, receiving compliments is a bit of a challenge. We’re to be thankful and gracious to the one talking with us, and we don’t want to ignore, deflect, or devalue their kind comments. At the same time, we don’t want to harbor anything in our hearts that can lead to pride or self-sufficiency. That’s why it’s good to think through our response to applause and tributes. It’s always nice to respond with “Thank you,” “Praise the Lord,” or “You’re so kind and encouraging.” One pastor, whenever complimented for his sermon, simply smiles and says, “I hope it was helpful.” Another says, “Thank you, and thank the Lord!” A big part of being sociable is learning to accept compliments gratefully while giving God all the glory in our hearts.

9/10/2025

Held Fast…

If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:9-10 Ada R. Habershon was born in England in 1861, and her family attended the Metropolitan Tabernacle, whose pastor, Charles Spurgeon, was a family friend. At the invitation of D. L. Moody, she taught the Bible throughout America. In addition, she wrote hymns. One of them has been revived by modern hymnists: “When I fear my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast; when the tempter would prevail, He can hold me fast!… Those He saves are His delight, He will hold me fast.” A lot of times we don’t like asking for help; we try to do things on our own. But we are powerless when we are without the Lord. Leaning on God during difficult times highlights our faith in Him and His love for us. We need Him to hold us fast and to give us the wisdom to respond wisely to every situation. Today offer this prayer—Dear Lord, whatever comes today and whatever goes, hold me fast and remind me I am precious in Your sight.

9/9/2025

From Bad to Worse…

My problems go from bad to worse. Oh, save me from them all! Psalm 25:17 If you feel your problems are going from bad to worse, you have lots of company in the Bible. Joseph went from keeping his father’s sheep, to a cistern, to slavery, and on to an Egyptian prison (Genesis 37–39). In the book of Ruth, Naomi’s situation deteriorated until she called herself Mara, meaning “bitter” (Ruth 1:20). We all know how Job’s problems multiplied (Job 1–2). And the apostle Paul’s third missionary journey led to him being arrested in Jerusalem, stalled for two years in Caesarea, placed aboard a ship headed into a hurricane, shipwrecked, and bitten by a viper (Acts 26–28). Trials and suffering are the common lot of all humanity, and sometimes things seem to go from bad to worse in our lives. But don’t give up! Look again at all the examples above. Joseph ended up as prime minister of Egypt, Naomi became a beloved grandmother, Job received twice what he had lost, and Paul’s troubles led to the writing of Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians, and Philemon—the Prison Epistles. Commit your troubles to the Lord. Trust Him. He will save you from them all.

9/8/2025

A Way of Escape…

Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast longing eyes on Joseph, and she said, “Lie with me.” Genesis 39:6-7 Most Christians are familiar with the promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13 that God will provide a way of escape when we face temptation. What we don’t often consider is that sometimes the way of escape is our feet! Sometimes fleeing the temptation is the way to avoid succumbing to it (2 Timothy 2:22). In Egypt, Joseph was made the chief steward in the house of Potiphar, a royal official. Potiphar turned over to Joseph the management of his house, servants, and possessions. All Potiphar did was show up for meals, and Joseph took care of everything else (Genesis 39:6). Being “handsome in form and appearance,” Joseph soon caught the eye of Potiphar’s wife who tried to seduce him. But Joseph refused and fled, refusing to sin against God (Genesis 39:9). When Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of disloyalty to her husband, Potiphar threw Joseph in prison. Though unjustly accused and imprisoned, Joseph’s conscience before God was clear. The next time you face a temptation see if God’s way of escape involves you fleeing the scene.

9/7/2025

Proof of Hope…

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1 If anyone questions whether you are the true owner of your house, one document erases all doubt: the title deed. Likewise, faith is the title deed of our hope. If someone has hope, it is because they have faith that God is working things out—faith is “the evidence of things not seen.” When someone says they have “lost all hope,” it means they have lost their faith, their assurance. As Romans 8:24 says, “Hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?” That is, if we can see the future or see what we desire, we have no need for hope. And nothing happens when we exercise hope; we still do not suddenly see what we are hoping for. Instead, we maintain constant faith in God that He is working things out. The theme of Hebrews 11 is that the people cited were hoping for what they could not see. And they often died in faith, never having seen the thing they were hoping for (verse 13). If you have hope, you have faith. Faith is the proof that your hope is alive and well.

9/6/2025

Spiritual Structure: A Word for Prayer…

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 If you have ever watched a house or building under construction, you know it is built one day at a time. The finished structure always represents the sum total of daily progress. The same is true for building a spiritual life. What should we pray every day that will allow us to build a fruitful spiritual structure? In Psalm 19:14, the psalmist prayed for two things: what he said and what he thought about. He prayed that both his words and his thoughts would be acceptable in God’s sight. Could there be a simpler, yet more profound, prayer to pray every day? Think about how much time we spend talking and thinking each day. Our words and our thoughts are like bricks being added to a building. Over time, our life will reflect what we have thought about and talked about. Consider memorizing Psalm 19:14 and making it a personal prayer at the beginning of each day. Ask God to help you build a spiritual life that is pleasing to Him.

9/5/2025

Poorly Understood…

Awake to righteousness, and do not sin. 1 Corinthians 15:34 Why is it so hard to resist that temptation? Rutgers University recently received nearly four million dollars from the National Institute of Mental Health to study the issue. A Rutgers professor explained, “Improving the ability to resist temptations, urges and cravings is central to successfully managing many mental health disorders, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood.” The university might do better to open the pages of the Bible. There we learn we have a fallen nature, and James 1:14-15 explains it perfectly: “Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death” (NLT). When Joseph was tempted by Potiphar’s wife, he ran away from the temptation. He did it because he had awakened to the righteous life God expected of Him. As we grow in our awareness of the righteous life God intends for us, we’ll be better equipped to resist temptation. It doesn’t take a university study; it takes a strong dose of the Holy Spirit!

9/4/2025

Parade of Envy…

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy. Acts 13:45 A recent article in Psychology Today said, “Envy is our culture’s silent partner. We scroll social media and quietly compare. We see someone else’s good fortune—an award, a baby, a beach vacation—and feel a little sting, then a little shame about the sting. Nobody wants to admit it.” The Scripture presents quite a parade of envious people. Rachel envied her sister Leah (Genesis 30:1); Joseph’s brothers envied him (Genesis 37:11); the tribal leaders envied Moses (Psalm 106:16); Saul envied David (1 Samuel 18:8); the psalmist was envious of the rich and famous (Psalm 73:3); the chief priests envied Jesus (Mark 15:10); members of the Corinthian church envied each other (1 Corinthians 3:3). And behind it all, Lucifer was jealous of Almighty God (Isaiah 14:12-15). If you’re envious of someone, go to God in prayer. First, confess envy as sin. Second, thank God for all the unique blessings He has given to you. Third, pray for the person of whom you are envious. It can be a simple prayer, but God will use it to help that person and to heal your own heart as well.

9/3/2025

Be a Follower…

And Jacob said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them.” So Joseph said to him, “Here I am.” Genesis 37:13 It has been said that before one can become a good leader, he must become a good follower. Also, everybody is responsible to someone; everybody is given directions to be followed. And the family is the place where those lessons must be first learned. Joseph became a great leader in Egypt, second only to Pharaoh in authority. How did Joseph rise to such a prominent position as a leader? Obviously, it was God’s blessing above all. But it was also the fact that Joseph had learned to honor his father, Jacob, as a young man—lessons that guided his rise to prominence in Egypt. Joseph wasn’t perfect as a young man, but he did honor his father. When he was seventeen years old, Jacob sent him on a mission to find his brothers who were tending the flocks at Shechem. Joseph replied, “Here I am”—or “I’m ready”; “I will go”; “Very well.” No questions, no hesitancy, and no discussion. When his father called him, Joseph obeyed. When God calls us, our response must be the same: “Here am I! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8).

9/2/2025

His Reasons, His Timing…

So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic, the tunic of many colors that was on him. Then they took him and cast him into a pit. Genesis 37:23-24 Through no fault of his own, Job lost everything: his children, livestock, and possessions—everything except his wife and his life. When his wife told him that he should curse God for his misfortunes, Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10) Job didn’t understand what had happened, but he decided not to curse God. Joseph was another character who could have felt sorry for himself (Genesis 37–50). He endured a series of betrayals and hardships that might have embittered most people. But through it all, he kept his faith in God and saw God slowly unveil the reasons for the path his life had taken. By the latter years of his life he saw clearly that God had been working all things for good (Genesis 45:5; 50:20). When difficult things happen in your life, renew your faith in God. Trust Him to reveal His reasons in His time.

9/1/2025

The Ever-Present Lord…

The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man. Genesis 39:2 F. B. Meyer said, “There is an experience in which we do not only believe that He is near, but we perceive His presence by the instinct of the heart. He becomes a living, bright reality; sitting by our hearth, walking beside us through the crowded streets, sailing with us across the stormy lake, standing beside the graves that hold our dead, sharing our crosses and our burdens…. Then the believer leans hard on the ever-present Lord.” From the time he was seventeen until he was thirty, Joseph encountered one heartbreaking setback after another, but we read: The Lord was with Joseph…. The Lord was with him…. But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy…. The Lord was with him; and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper (Genesis 39:2-3, 21, 23). You may encounter setbacks, and sometimes you go through heartache. But those are the times to perceive Christ’s presence by an instinct of the heart. Let His nearness be a living, bright reality in your life today.

8/31/2025

Symbols of the Season: Candy Cane…

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4 Tradition records that in 1670 the choirmaster at Cologne Cathedral in Germany hit upon an idea to keep children occupied during the living manger scene in the church on Christmas Eve. He asked a local candy maker to create sugary “sticks” made from white syrup with a “hook” on one end—white for the purity of Christ and the “hook” to remind them of the shepherds’ staffs. Thus was born the tradition of peppermint-flavored candy canes that appear every Christmas. Whether that tradition is completely true or not, the colors and shape of today’s candy canes are a reminder of biblical truths at Christmas: white for Jesus’ purity, red for Jesus’ blood shed on the Cross, and the hook for His image as the Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep (John 10:11, 14). If you enjoy candy canes this Christmas, share these images with your children or grandchildren. Candy canes hanging on the Christmas tree are a timeless Christmas tradition that carries a powerful Christmas message.

8/30/2025

Rousing Send-Offs: Timothy…

We…sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Timothy was probably a teenager when Paul sent him on his very first solo mission. Paul, Silas, and Timothy had evangelized in the city of Thessalonica, planting a church there. Being run out of town, they traveled three hundred miles south to the city of Athens. But Paul was worried about the new believers, so worried that he sent the teenager to check on them. Timothy traveled three hundred miles alone, slipped into Thessalonica, sought out the new believers, encouraged them, and brought updates back to Paul. It’s amazing such a young man would be sent on such a mission. But he was successful. Whatever our age, the Lord has a way of sending us to new places, new people, new situations, and unexpected circumstances. Wherever we go, there are people we can establish and encourage in their faith. The God of Timothy is our God, and the mission endures. Let’s follow the Lamb wherever He goes (Revelation 14:4).

8/29/2025

Protected by Prayer…

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 The believer’s spiritual armor is well known to students of Scripture (Ephesians 6:10-18). Six pieces of armor are mentioned, but prayer is often overlooked (verse 18). To see why Paul included it, we must remember the theme of this section: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (verse 10). This whole section of Paul’s letter is about being strong in the Lord—and spiritual armor is definitely a part. But his concluding exhortation about prayer is also a part of the protection we need against the schemes of the devil (verse 11). This is evidenced by Paul’s own request that the Ephesian church pray for him that he would be fearless and courageous in proclaiming the Gospel while imprisoned in Rome (verses 19-20). He made the same request for prayer to the church in Rome on another occasion when he was headed for likely persecution in Jerusalem (Romans 15:30-31). Should we clothe ourselves daily in the spiritual armor of God? Absolutely! But do not fail to include the protective power of prayer.

8/28/2025

Persistent, Patient Prayer…

Then Jesus spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1 If we make a request of someone—perhaps a friend or coworker—and don’t receive an answer, we wonder why. Did they forget? Does their silence mean no? Are they still considering our request? We may be afraid to ask again and so continue in a state of confusion. Sadly, we take that human experience and apply it to God in the case of unanswered prayer. Several things are different when it comes to unanswered prayer. First, Jesus taught that God knows what we are going to pray for before we even ask (Matthew 6:8). That eliminates the possibility of God not having heard our prayers. Second, Jesus told a parable illustrating the fact that we should continue to ask and not give up (Luke 18:1-8). In the parable, a woman petitioned a judge with her request and continued to ask until she received an answer. A second parable of Jesus illustrates the similar points of boldness and persistence in prayer (Luke 11:5-8). Third, God is good and will not withhold anything from His children according to His perfect plans. Pray and be patient while awaiting God’s answer.

8/27/2025

Learning to Pray…

And when you pray…. But you, when you pray…. And when you pray. Matthew 6:5-7 When a child tells his father he wants to learn to ride a bike, what does the father do? He could explain the parts of the bike. He could show the child a video about bikes. He could talk about the dangers involved in bike riding. Or he could put the child on the bike and work with him until he could ride! In other words, the best way to learn most things is by doing and practicing them. Truth be told, most Christians don’t pray as well as they wish they did. They can identify with the disciples who asked Jesus to teach them to pray (Luke 11:1). In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus devoted extensive time to teaching about prayer (Matthew 6:5-14). He even provided a model prayer for His disciples to use, as if to say, “If you want to learn to pray, pray like this.” Prayer is a discipline, a practice, that only gets better when it is exercised. The best way to learn to pray is to pray! Consider keeping a journal or written record of your prayer life so you can track your progress with God and be reminded of His faithfulness.

8/26/2025

Praise and Thanks…

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Ephesians 1:3 If you met with a prominent person whom you highly respect in order to ask for a favor, at first you might say, “It is an honor to meet you; I’ve heard so much about your generosity to our local community.” Upon leaving, you might say, “Thank you so much for seeing me and for considering my request.” In other words, you might begin with praise and conclude with thanksgiving. You could also conduct a prayer meeting with God the same way: praise at the beginning and thanksgiving at the end. Praise and thanksgiving are found throughout Scripture in psalms and prayers. It is interesting that even some of the New Testament epistles begin with words of praise to God (2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3). Others begin with thanksgiving to God for the spiritual progress of the recipients of the letter. Regardless of the order, praise and thanksgiving are consistent themes. Remember to praise and thank God when you pray: praise for who He is, thanks for what He will do.

8/25/2025

End With Praise…

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Matthew 6:13 Reba McEntire says that singing the Lord’s Prayer is spirituality at its most profound. “It’s all God,” she said. “He’s the reason for everything.” The climactic moment in the Lord’s Prayer, whether sung or spoken, is when it all circles back to God: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Notice that word “for,” which links all our requests with God’s glory. Why do we ask for God’s will to be done on earth? Why do we request our daily bread? Why do we pray, “Deliver us from evil?” It’s all for God’s glory. We end the Lord’s Prayer by praising the great attributes of God. It would be very difficult for us to bring Him all of our needs and issues if we ended our prayer with a sense of our need rather than a sense of the One who has promised to meet our need. As you pray, remember God’s sovereignty, His power, His majesty, and His eternity. In prayer and in all of life, let’s end with praise!

8/24/2025

Psalm 25 for 2025: Show Me Your Paths…

Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4-5 Imagine going to your mailbox on January 1 and finding a large envelope. You open the envelope and discover a 2025 calendar. In the space allocated for each day you find the details of what will happen in your life that day. Sound impossible? Even though you won’t receive such a calendar from God, you have a promise from Him that can put to rest your fears and doubts about the direction your life will take this year. Psalm 139:16 says, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed” (NLT). That’s why we can pray, with the psalmist that God will show us how to walk in His ways and His paths—because He already knows what we need to do. If you want to walk in God’s ways, in God’s truth this year, then ask Him to show you the steps you should take—beginning today!

8/23/2025

Rousing Send-Offs: The First Missionaries…

The Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:2-3 In 1793, William and Dorothy Carey were commissioned as missionaries to India in a great church service in which the congregation sang Benjamin Beddome’s hymn: “And must I part with all I have, Jesus, my Lord, for Thee? This is my joy, since Thou hast done much more than this for me.” Have you ever been in a service in which missionaries are commissioned and sent off? It began in Acts 13 when the Paul and Barnabas became the first missionaries sent out by a local church. These events are too rare today. Jesus told us to “pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest” (Luke 10:2). This weekend steal away for a few moments to your “prayer closet” and ask the Lord of the harvest to send off more laborers. Let’s return to the glorious days of missionary commissioning services.

8/22/2025

Deliverance…

The Lord knows how to deliver the godly. 2 Peter 2:9 When Jesus taught us to pray, “Deliver us from evil,” He was tapping into a glorious biblical theme. Our God is One who delivers. Moses told the Israelites, “The Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you” (Deuteronomy 23:14). David said, “He delivered me because He delighted in me” (2 Samuel 22:20). Job 5:19 says, “He shall deliver you in six troubles, yes, in seven.” The psalmist said, “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer” (Psalm 18:2). Paul said, “[He] delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us” (2 Corinthians 1:10). Often we need deliverance. Do you need to be delivered from something today? Fear? Poverty? Illness? Injustice? Depression? Addiction? We’re overwhelmed by evil, yet God knows how to deliver the godly from trouble. If we only ask for His deliverance, we’ll receive what He has promised. “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:19).

8/21/2025

Aerophobia…

I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4 Do you suffer from aerophobia, the fear of flying? The recent rash of airplane and helicopter accidents has brought this back into the news. Flight attendants are prepared to give oxygen to passengers who have panic attacks. One flight attendant said, “I’ve had situations where I’d sort of sit in the aisle and hold someone’s hand.” Our lives are full of fear and riddled with anxieties and phobias. There are a lot of uncertainties in life, and without Christ we’re left in the chaos of fear. But our God is a God who delivers. You can ask Him to deliver you from all your fears. That’s what the psalmist did in Psalm 34. He said, “I sought the Lord, and He…delivered me from all my fears.” The next verse says, “They looked to Him and were radiant” (verse 5). How different would your life be today if God replaced your fears with radiance? Ask Him. He knows how to do it!

8/20/2025

Response Ability…

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Responsibility is “response ability.” That is, we can avoid sin if we choose the right response. The apostle Paul recounted Israel’s history in the wilderness as a warning to the church at Corinth (1 Corinthians 10:1-11). The Israelites failed to respond to God appropriately, and God judged them. And Paul says that their judgment should be an example for us (verses 6, 11). The tests they encountered in the wilderness became temptations to sin—and they did. But tests and temptations are “common to man”—we will always encounter them. So what is the remedy? With every temptation, God provides a “way of escape” so that we can avoid sin. It is our responsibility to find and take the way of escape that will allow us to bear the test successfully. It is important that we cultivate our “response ability” through prayer and meditating upon God’s Word. Our first step is obedience: “Depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7) and “flee” from temptation by pursuing “righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22).

8/19/2025

A Test Is Not a Temptation…

For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James 1:13-14 The late comedian Flip Wilson created fictional characters for his comedy sketches—one of which was famous for saying, “The devil made me do it!” While the devil can’t make anyone sin, blaming him is more accurate than saying, “God tempted me to sin.” The apostle James made it clear: God does not tempt anyone to sin. That is not to say that God doesn’t use tests in our life. For instance, when God gave the Ten Commandments to Moses and the people saw the thunder and lightning and were afraid, Moses told them, “God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before you, so that you may not sin” (Exodus 20:20). While the same Greek word for “test” can also be translated “temptation,” a test from God is not a temptation from God. As James wrote, temptation arises from within. When you are tempted, “fear the Lord and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). Ask God to help you cultivate desires from the Spirit rather than from the flesh (Romans 7:7-8).

8/18/2025

Grace in the Courtroom…

If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven. John 20:23 “I rarely see grace in this courtroom, but I saw it today,” said Judge Leticia Marques. Ronald Davis, 55, was sentenced to life in prison for killing an 85-year-old woman in Orlando. The victim’s husband, Rev. Bill Curl, forgave the man who had killed his wife. “For him, we have nothing but forgiveness, for love, for a hope that the rest of his life has a better quality, and one day he’ll come to know Jesus,” Curl said. “He obviously should be punished for what he did but that doesn’t negate forgiveness.” Forgiving someone who hurt us is very hard. It’s actually impossible unless the grace of God enters our hearts and reminds us of how our Lord has forgiven us. Jesus taught us to pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). If we’ve prayed that God will forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors we will be ready to forgive those who hurt us. If you feel you can’t forgive someone, ask the Lord to give you the forgiving Spirit of Jesus. He will help you!

8/17/2025

Letters to God…

My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1 British writer Julia McGuinness said, “Writing prayers down rather than speaking them out loud or voicing them in your head can be a powerful, patient act of worship…. The very act of writing may make you more mindful and attentive to what it is you want to pray.” If writing your prayers seems strange, remember the prayers we read in the Bible were written down, which is why we can still use them as our own. Also, many of our hymns are actually prayers, such as the lyrics, “Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to Thee.” As we take time to write out some of our prayers, we discover areas of weakness that need to be strengthened and patterns of life that need to be corrected. We have a record of our prayers. When our minds feel unfocused, a pen and paper can help us concentrate in God’s presence. Try writing out some of your prayers and think of them as letters to God. He knows how to read—and listen!

8/16/2025

Rousing Send-Offs: The Persecuted…

Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word. Acts 8:4 Everyone in Jerusalem could feel the tension rising and rising. The Gospel was spreading to every quarter of the city, and the resistance of the Jewish leadership was like a fire about to ignite. It burst into conflagration with the murder of Stephen, the first martyr, and widespread persecution erupted against the new believers. Saul of Tarsus was leading the charge. That drove the believers to flee Jerusalem, and as they did, they took the Gospel with them—to other districts in Judea, to Samaria, to Galilee, to Gaza, and into a widening circle of influence. It wasn’t the send-off they might have wanted, but God used the circumstances to send them forth. Sometimes the circumstances of our lives force us to do things and go places we might not like. Perhaps a job transfer. Perhaps a hospital stay. Maybe it’s an unwanted crisis that takes us from our home and neighborhood. But remember how carefully the Lord oversees our circumstances. Wherever He sends you, you’ll find people who need Him. Let’s make the most of every opportunity.

8/15/2025

Forgiven and Forgiving…

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12 We identify with Peter the disciple because he often said what others might have been thinking but were afraid to say (including us). For example, he once asked Jesus, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” (Matthew 18:21) Or, as we might put it, “At what point can I stop forgiving my brother who sins against me?” In rabbinical writings from Jesus’ day, discussions can be found about forgiveness. The consensus was that a brother could be forgiven three times for a repeated sin—but not more. So when Peter answered his own question by suggesting he was willing to forgive seven times, he might have been thinking he was a generous person. But Jesus took away the limits on forgiveness by saying we should forgive “seventy times seven” times (Matthew 18:22). Jesus said as much when He told the disciples to ask God to forgive them from their sins as they forgave the sins of others (Matthew 6:12). That is, if you don’t want God to limit His forgiveness of you, don’t limit your forgiveness of others (Matthew 6:14-15). Is there anyone in your life today that you need to forgive?

8/14/2025

A Day at a Time…

Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 It is important to remember that Jesus’ ministry began in the waning years of the Old Testament period. Much of His teaching came out of the context of the history of Israel. For example, when He taught His disciples to pray for “daily bread,” they no doubt would have thought of the forty years in the wilderness during which God gave the Israelites manna (bread) to eat daily (Exodus 16). The Israelites were instructed to gather manna in the morning and collect only enough to meet their needs for one day. And following His teaching on praying for daily bread (Matthew 6:9-13), Jesus reminded the disciples not to worry about what they would eat each day (Matthew 6:25). Just as God was faithful to provide for His people daily in the wilderness, so He would provide for the disciples. And so He will provide for us as we trust in Him. Walking by faith, not by sight, means taking no thought (worry) for tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). God’s commitment is to provide all our needs as we look to Him (Philippians 4:19).

8/13/2025

Where Is the Kingdom…

Therefore, when they had come together, [the apostles] asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6 The Kingdom of God was part of Jesus’ conversation and preaching throughout His three-year ministry. But in spite of all Jesus’ teachings about the Kingdom, His disciples were still not clear on what and where it was. Just before His ascension, they asked Him if He was about to restore the Kingdom to Israel. He didn’t deny their question; instead, He told them that it was not for them to know the date at which God’s Kingdom would be manifest on earth (Acts 1:7). Jesus focused more on the spiritual dimension of the Kingdom than the political. In His most pointed statement He said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). Some scholars suggest that “within you” should be translated “in your midst” or “within your grasp.” All three options point to the same understanding: The Kingdom of God now is a spiritual reality available to all who will receive it. For now, the Kingdom of God exists wherever the King is. If Christ lives within you (Galatians 2:20), then the Kingdom of God is within you.

8/12/2025

The Right to Rule…

Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 Jesus taught His disciples to pray that God’s Kingdom would come and would be realized “on earth as it is in heaven.” “Kingdom” can be understood in two different ways in Scripture. First, a kingdom can represent a geographical domain such as “the kingdom of Judah” (2 Chronicles 11:17). Christ’s Millennial Kingdom will one day cover the entire earth and will therefore be a physical Kingdom. Second, kingdom can refer to the right to rule rather than a place to rule. Psalm 22:28 says, “The kingdom is the Lord’s, and He rules over the nations.” Jesus told a parable about a noble who traveled to a distant country to receive a kingdom for himself—meaning he was given the right to rule over an area by a higher authority (Luke 19:12). And when Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, He said, “The kingdom of God is within [or among] you” (Luke 17:20-21). Yes, pray for God’s physical Kingdom to be established on earth as it is in heaven. But until that happens, also pray for His right to rule to be established in your heart.

8/11/2025

I Am Yours…

You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you. Leviticus 22:32 David Livingstone prayed, “Lord, I am yours. Do what seems good in your sight, and give me complete resignation to your will.” Watchman Nee prayed, “Lord, I am willing to let go all of this for you: not just for your work, not for your children, not for anything else at all, but altogether and only for yourself!” When we pray, “Hallowed be Your name,” we are harkening back to Leviticus 22:32, which tells us to hallow the Lord in our own lives, for He is the One who sanctifies us. One way to hallow God’s Name is by relinquishing control of our lives. When we yield fully to the Lord and allow Him to guide us, we hallow the Name of God. Make sure you’re living in obedience to the Lord so your worship will expand your vision to think of what God can do through you. Don’t be afraid to say, “Lord, I am Yours. Do what seems good in Your sight, and give me complete resignation to Your will.”

8/10/2025

Our Help in Ages Past…

Remember that the Lord your God led you all the way these forty years in the wilderness. Deuteronomy 8:2 In an old devotional book, this comment appears under Deuteronomy 8:2: “When anxieties disturb or troubles depress, do I remember God’s goodness in the past and how thus far He has brought me through every difficulty? And does the remembrance fill me with thankfulness for the past and courage for the future? When a new mercy meets me, do I see a Father’s love in it? And do I follow cheerfully where His providence leads?” While our faith may be weak and our eyes dimmed by illness or discouragement, there is no missing what God has done for us in the past. We should look back and remember that He who was our help in ages past is our hope for years to come. He has led us all the way. If you’re struggling today, take a moment to look back at a specific time when the Lord helped you. Then remind yourself that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!

8/9/2025

Rousing Send-Offs: The Ascension…

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Acts 1:9 The disciples had no idea they were about to witness the greatest send-off in history. They were enjoying a leisurely walk with Jesus along the crest of the Mount of Olives. It was early spring, and Jerusalem was awash with sunshine. Jesus told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit and to take His message to the world. Then He rose into the air and disappeared into clouds of glory. As the disciples gazed upward, two angels approached them, saying, “This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1:11). So we have our two great assignments—to take the Gospel to the world and to eagerly await the moment of His return. How are you doing when it comes to missions and evangelistic involvement? And how much have you recently thought about the upcoming Rapture? Let’s do both today!

8/8/2025

Hallowed Be Your Name…

Hallowed be Your name. Luke 11:2 When vandals painted graffiti on large stones at Gettysburg National Military Park last year, the park superintendent called them, “The heroes of this hallowed ground!” The word hallow means “holy, sacred, honored, and revered.” When we pray, “Hallowed be Your name,” we acknowledge the Lord’s sacred and holy presence. And nothing is more hallowed than the presence of the God who hears our prayers. One of the ways we can increase our appreciation for God’s hallowed name is by looking at the various names and titles given to Him in Scripture. He is the Ancient of Days, the Everlasting Father, the Great King, and the Lord Yahweh. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, our Rock of refuge, and our Hiding Place. His various names and titles tell us we need Him in different ways at different times. Make a conscious effort today to ponder some aspect of God’s person, purpose, or power.

8/7/2025

The Plural Prayer…

Our Father…. Give us…. Forgive us…. Deliver us. Matthew 6:9-13 Two of the best-known passages in the Bible are the Twenty-Third Psalm and the Lord’s Prayer. They are similar in several ways, but there is one major difference between them. Psalm 23 is personal and singular: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (verse 1). The writer didn’t say, “The Lord is our shepherd.” He was writing for himself. The Lord’s Prayer, on the other hand, is plural throughout. Jesus didn’t tell us to pray, “My Father in heaven” but “Our Father in heaven.” We’re to pray, “Give us…. Forgive us…. Deliver us” (Matthew 6:9-13). We are praying for ourselves and for others. God is our Heavenly Father; we must remember our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are part of a family, and we need to make sure to take care of those relationships. When you offer the Lord’s Prayer, think not only of yourself but also of others. You can make this a prayer that includes your children, your pastor, your fellow church members, and the family of Christ around the world. Here’s an idea to get started. Offer the Lord’s prayer now, and emphasize with your voice all the plural pronouns. It will be a blessing for you.

8/6/2025

Abba, Father…

And Jesus said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You.” Mark 14:36 One of the most obvious differences between the Old Testament and New Testament is how God is referred to. In the Old Testament, God is called the Father of the nation of Israel or of certain individuals 15 times (although father imagery is sometimes used). But in the Gospels, God is referred to as Father some 165 times! And the apostle Paul refers to God as Father some 40 different times in his epistles. It is thought by scholars that Jesus, and most of His contemporaries, spoke Aramaic, a dialect of Hebrew. The word they would have used for “father” was the Aramaic word abba, a personal and intimate word. When the New Testament was recorded in Greek, most occurrences of abba were translated with the Greek word pater—but abba is preserved in three instances: Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15-16, and Galatians 4:6. Each of these verses reflects a level of personal intimacy which abba conveys. It has been suggested that abba is the equivalent of the modern word “daddy”—the way a child addresses his father. When you address God as Father in prayer, reflect on the fact that you are His child, adopted into His forever family (Galatians 4:4-7).

8/5/2025

Preparation for Prayer…

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. Psalm 100:4 The final editors of the book of Psalms appear to have grouped Psalms 93–100 together because of their consistent theme: the greatness of God over all creation (Psalm 95:3). Psalm 100 serves as a summary of the section, instructing the reader to “enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise.” Why is praise the proper introduction to prayer? Because praise recognizes that God is greater than everything, including what is happening in our life. When we come to God with our petitions and requests, if we have first spent time in praise of Him, we are prepared to receive from Him that which is His will. Praise says, “You are sovereign, O Lord, and You are good. Therefore, I can trust You with the concerns of my life. However You answer my prayers, I know that Your answers will be best for me.” Praise is the perfect way to prepare for prayer—the perfect way to acknowledge that God’s will is our greatest desire. Practice incorporating praise into your prayer life and anticipate the peace that will result as you make your requests known to God (Philippians 4:6-7).

8/4/2025

A Penny for Your Prayers…

And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. Matthew 6:5 Visitors to the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago saw a machine that took a penny and pressed a design of the Lord’s Prayer into it. The coin would no longer be round but oval-shaped. In the mid-1900s, self-service machines like this showed up at vacation spots and amusement parks. Some machines would also press nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars into Lord’s Prayer tokens. These are collector’s items now, but we all know that a prayer on a smashed coin isn’t the same as a prayer from a sincere heart. The Lord’s Prayer shows us that we are not to pray like the heathen. While there are many ways to pray—using written prayers, singing hymns addressed to God, using memorized prayers—it’s important that we pray sincerely and thoughtfully. The Lord wants to hear our heartfelt cries of praise and petition. The Lord hears every single sigh and syllable of our heartfelt prayers, and He goes to work providing the answers we need. Trust Him, and make sure your heart and mind are working together in approaching the throne of grace.

8/3/2025

The Word Is the Sword…

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 There are two Greek words in the New Testament that are translated into English as “word.” One is logos—“word, message, speech, argument, book.” The other is rhema—“word, saying, thing, remark.” Generally speaking, we might think of logos as the Bible and rhema as a verse in the Bible. Both are the Word of God—one the whole, the other a specific part of the whole. When Paul describes the Christian’s spiritual armor and notes the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,” the Greek word he uses for “word of God” is rhema, not logos. In other words, he pictures going on the offensive in spiritual warfare by using specific parts of the Bible: promises, teachings, sayings. Think of how Jesus defended Himself against Satan’s temptations in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11). Three times Satan tempted Him, and three times Jesus rebuffed the temptation by quoting a verse from Deuteronomy. That’s the way to use the sword of the Spirit, the rhema of God. Take the sword of the Spirit everywhere you go by committing the promises and teachings of Scripture to memory.

8/2/2025

Rousing Send-Offs: The Great Commission…

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. Matthew 28:19-20 According to Nations Outreach, 31 percent of the world identifies as Christian, 23 percent as Muslim, and 16 percent as atheists, agnostics, or people who do not identify with any religion. Forty-two percent of the world’s population has heard the Gospel. But the most unreached nations are still largely in darkness: India, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Iran, and Turkey. Turning Point and many other groups are working around the clock to spread the message of Jesus. Sometimes the work is dangerous, especially in restrictive nations. Persecution is widespread. Yet God is moving, the Gospel is spreading, and we’re still taking the Great Commission of Christ seriously. The One who sent off His disciples two thousand years ago is still sending you and me in our day. Let’s take our job seriously!

8/1/2025

The Greatest Privilege…

Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” Luke 11:1 There is a general perception among Christians that prayer is a topic for the New Testament rather than the Old. But prayer was not an unknown subject among the Jews as evidenced by the fact that John the Baptist had instructed his disciples how to pray. That makes Jesus’ disciples’ request to Him a little unusual: “Lord, teach us to pray.” Perhaps they had learned from Jesus that prayer could be a very personal discipline instead of just a religious practice. Their request to Jesus suggests a newfound dimension to an ancient practice: prayer to a personal Father rather than only to the God of the nation (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). And perhaps the disciples had done what we often do—taking conversation with our Heavenly Father for granted rather than entering into it as life’s greatest privilege. If prayer for you has become more of a formality than an adventure, consider using the prayer Jesus taught His disciples as a model for your own prayers (Matthew 6:9-13).

7/31/2025

No Coasting…

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Hebrews 12:1-2 Earlier this year at the Faun-Ardèche Classic bicycle race in France, the leading group of riders went in the wrong direction near the end. Cyclists were sprinting toward victory when they took the wrong turn at a roundabout, allowing Romain Grégoire of France to claim the victory. Each of us wants to finish the race well. We don’t need any wrong turns near the finish line. Someone called this “long-distance Christianity.” Leighton Ford wrote, “God has a purpose in and for our aging. That purpose has to do with the hidden life of the Spirit so that, as the body grows older, our spirit may grow deeper and stronger. Our ongoing calling, in later years as in earlier years, is to die daily, perhaps even hourly, with our Lord, and to realize (especially in our later years) the reality and power of his death and of his resurrection.” Ask God to help you stay focused on the goal of the Christian experience rather than becoming distracted by the things of the world. Look to Him today!

7/30/2025

Rules for Aging…

Is not wisdom found among the aged? Does not long life bring understanding? Job 12:12 Dr. John Dunlop, a gerontologist, has two rules for staying mentally healthy as we age. “Rule 1: Wake up every morning knowing what you are going to do that day. Rule 2: Go to bed every night knowing that you helped someone.” Those rules work for us whatever our age, but a benefit of growing older is developing a richer appreciation for how the Lord can use us every new morning. The prophet Isaiah wrote, “The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed” (Isaiah 50:4, NIV). As we enter new chapters in life, we may feel we’re too busy, too weak, too weary, or too old to serve Him. But part of running the race of the Christian life well is serving God throughout our entire lives. Look for ways you can serve Him today, no matter what stage of life you’re in.

7/29/2025

Blest Be the Tie That Binds…

Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 1 Corinthians 12:27 Before it’s completely forgotten, we should revisit the hymn, “Blest Be the Tie That Binds,” and recover its spirit: “Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love; the fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above. Before our Father’s throne we pour our ardent prayers; our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.” It’s harder to squabble when you sing and live those lyrics. It’s often hard to live peacefully with all the other members of the Body of Christ. Even Paul and Barnabas had a falling out in Acts 15:36-41. Time and maturity seemed to heal their division, and we need to learn the art of allowing wounds to heal, divisions to dissolve, and hearts to unite. All Christians are part of the Body of Christ, and it’s healthy to reach out to those who may be in a different category—married or single, young or old, rough or polished, rich or poor. Especially those with a need about which we can pray. After all, “our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, our comforts and our cares.”

7/28/2025

Unoffendable…

Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult. Proverbs 12:16 Sometimes an ordinary statement can make a big impact. One day Brant Hansen heard someone say, “It’s a choice we can make, to just choose not to be offended.” Hansen latter quipped that he found this statement offensive! But with reflection, he concluded, “We should forfeit our right to be offended. That means forfeiting our right to hold onto anger. When we do this, we’ll be making a sacrifice that’s very pleasing to God. It strikes at our very pride. It forces us not only to think about humility, but to actually be humble.” When we accept Christ as Savior, we begin the process of sanctification. And part of that process involves learning how to get along with other believers. As followers of Christ, we have strong beliefs, and all of us have differing personalities and perspectives. As you interact with fellow Christians at home, work, or church, choose to forgive them and love them. Overlook insults. The Bible says, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18). Learn to be unoffendable.

7/27/2025

The Living Word…

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 Perhaps you have purchased a self-help book but haven’t opened it because you don’t want to receive what it will say. Some people can be hesitant when it comes to reading the Bible or praying to God for direction for the same reason. We’re not ready for the answer we might get. The Bible is not like any other book. It is not just a collection of words and pages, like a self-help book, but is a book that is “living and powerful.” When we open the Bible, the Holy Spirit uses the words of Scripture to reveal things to and about us that can change our life. It can reveal (discern) “the thoughts and intents of [our] heart.” The question is, are we ready to see and know what the Spirit may show us about our life? When you open the Bible, pray: “Lord, open the eyes of my heart that I may see and receive what Your Word will reveal to me.”

7/26/2025

The Summer Retreat: God’s Presence…

You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11 The teacher of a large women’s Bible study in a major metropolitan city decided to take the summer off: no quiet time, no Bible reading, and no prayer life for the entire summer. When September rolled around, she found herself more miserable than she had ever been in her life. Summer can be a great time for restoring strength and energy. But what is the best way to do that? When the psalmists were burdened and busy, they found rejuvenation by spending time in the presence of God, not by avoiding His presence: “My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God” (Psalm 84:2). “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand [elsewhere]” (Psalm 84:10). If you have lost your joy and the pleasures of the Christian life, consider David’s words: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Consider this summer as an opportunity to accept Jesus’ invitation: “Come to Me…and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

7/25/2025

Be an Example…

Therefore I urge you, imitate me. 1 Corinthians 4:16 History is filled with examples of examples—relationships in which one person influenced another by their example. Steve Jobs was an example for Mark Zuckerberg; Warren Buffett was an example for Bill Gates. Socrates was an example for Plato, and Plato was an example for Aristotle. Mahatma Gandhi was an example for Nelson Mandela, and the list is almost endless. Everyone is an example to someone whether for good or for ill. One of the most striking things the apostle Paul wrote was his encouragement for others to imitate his example. This was not a prideful or egotistical exhortation by Paul as he clarified in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” His ultimate purpose was for believers to be like Jesus Christ, not like Paul. And because the four Gospel accounts of Christ were not available to be read, the only way to be like Christ was to be like others who were imitating Him. Consider this: When others witness our words and actions, if they imitate us, will they be imitating Christ or just imitating us?

7/24/2025

Duplications…

Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. Philippians 3:17 Have you heard of mimeograph machines? They preceded photocopiers, scanners, and 3-D printers. For many churches, the first opportunity to print their own materials came with mimeograph machines. A waxed-paper stencil was inserted into the typewriter, which cut letters onto the film. The film was rolled around an ink drum which was turned with a crank. The church has always been in the duplication business. Our main object of duplication is people. The Lord Jesus stamps His image on us, and as others pattern their lives after ours, we help them grow to be duplicates of Christ. God’s Word must be passed on to those who aren’t as far along as we are in our Christian walks. Through formal discipleship programs or informal times of sharing God’s Word, giving counsel, and praying together, let your life guide someone closer to Jesus. Ask God to duplicate Christ’s likeness in you, then through you!

7/23/2025

Comforting Thoughts…

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort. 2 Corinthians 1:3 The nineteenth-century Irish pastor Philip Bennett Power had a tender way of comforting those who were suffering from pain or the various trials of life. He suggested three axioms for strength and perseverance in difficult times: “(1) Get firmly convinced that God, God Himself, God the Father, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father, is a God of comfort. (2) Do not look anywhere else for your prime and first comfort. I do not deny that there is much comfort in friends, in happy feelings, in books… but I want you to gather in your thoughts and feel that the only sure comfort is with God. (3) Expect comfort from God.” Paul considered suffering for Christ a privilege, and he kept serving and obeying God in spite of persecution and difficulties. He persevered. The same God who helped Paul persevere through tough times will help you. Ask Him to give you the strength to keep going in any area of life in which you feel weariness and pain.

7/22/2025

Like Corinth or Like Christ…

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love. 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Two of Paul’s longest letters were written to the church at Corinth. The length of these letters reflects the complex problems presented to Christians by the city of Corinth itself. It was a huge city of more than half a million inhabitants, a crossroads of trade and cultures, overflowing with pagan religious activity. One of the dozen temples in the city honored Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. It should come as no surprise that Paul dedicated an extensive treatise to true love in 1 Corinthians 13 in order to counter pagan perceptions of love. In his concluding words to the Corinthians, he summarized all that he had written in his letter: “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.” And then he summarized that summary by saying, “Let all that you do be done with love.” That statement reflects his lengthy teaching in chapter 13 about the nature of true love where he said that nothing in the spiritual life has value unless it is accompanied by selfless, others-centered, Godlike love (verses 1-3). Be aware of your actions today—are they Corinth-like or Christlike?

7/21/2025

Words of Love…

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. Colossians 4:6 The apostle Paul created lists in his letters. He listed the spiritual gifts (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:7-10), the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the acts of the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-21), and others. But he never ordered his lists in terms of importance—except in one instance. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, he listed the three most important virtues in the Christian life: faith, hope, and love. And of these three, he said love is the greatest. Nowhere is love more important than in the words we speak to others. The Bible speaks clearly about the power of speech. Proverbs 18:21 says that our words have the power of life and death. The apostle James warned his readers about the power of speech and how easy it is to be double-minded when it comes to our words: “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:10). If love is the greatest virtue, surely our words should be spoken with love at all times. Look for ways today to speak words that reflect God’s love, words that convey grace to others.

7/20/2025

A Training Manual for Life…

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 When a soldier is in training, field manuals explain how to carry out assigned duties. The same could be true for a person training to enter another profession. Books and manuals represent the learned experience and knowledge of those who have come before; they save us time and mistakes in our own endeavors. From a practical point of view, we can think of the Bible as a field manual for the Christian life—and even for life in general in terms of relationships, finances, morals, family, and more. Paul summarized for his young pastoral protégé Timothy the benefits of the Bible and the results. The benefits are that the Bible contains doctrine, guidance, correction, and instructions in righteousness. The results are that we become “complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” The goal of any training manual is to equip one to do the work—whatever the profession. Are you becoming better at good works? Read your Bible daily with a view toward becoming more mature as a follower of Christ.

7/19/2025

The Summer Retreat: God’s Word…

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season. Psalm 1:2-3 Productivity consultants advise breaking down a large task into a series of smaller tasks. For example, instead of trying to lose twenty pounds, try losing one pound per week for the next twenty weeks. And instead of having an hour-long quiet time each day, begin with a ten-minute devotional and add five minutes each week. The same can be true for reading God’s Word—setting a goal for reading specific portions. Try reading a chapter of Proverbs and five psalms each day for a month. Or you might spend the summer reading the five major prophets or the twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament. Or purchase a harmony of the Gospels—the four Gospels blended into one book—and spend the summer meditating on the life of Christ. Perhaps you can spend the summer investigating scriptural teaching on a subject that is important to you like finances or parenting. Set a goal for reading God’s Word during the summer months. You will be a deeper and wiser person come September.

7/18/2025

Unity and Diversity…

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:12 Most authorities on human anatomy recognize 78 organs in the human body. The apostle Paul used the human body to illustrate the diversity and unity of all Christians in the Body of Christ. Organs are diverse, yet the human body is a unit. Paul used the human body and its parts to illustrate his teaching on spiritual gifts which God “[distributes] to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11). Just as God arranged the human body and its parts “just as He pleased” (1 Corinthians 12:18), so He has distributed spiritual gifts in the Body of Christ the same way. And just as every organ in the human body has a part to play in function and in health, so every Christian has a part to play in the function and health of the Body of Christ. Paul identifies the spiritual gifts God has given to the Church in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12–14. What spiritual gift(s) has God given you? How are you using it to build up the Body of Christ?

7/17/2025

Gifted…

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another. 1 Peter 4:10 Earlier this year, an Ohio woman bought a painting for $2.99 at a thrift store and sold it for nearly $3,000 when she discovered it was the work of a gifted artist. Most of God’s children are like that. We underestimate our value and the value of the spiritual gifts God has given us. Maybe we worry too much about finding our gifts and spend too little time exercising them. As we serve the Lord, our gifts will emerge. But anxiety over finding our own distinctive set of spiritual gifts may keep us from today’s tasks. The apostle Peter simply said, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies” (1 Peter 4:9-11). That’s something you can do today!

7/16/2025

Biblically Bold…

I have proclaimed the good news of righteousness in the great assembly; indeed, I do not restrain my lips, O Lord, You Yourself know. Psalm 40:9 Voices of deception are ringing around us, and that’s why the voice of the Church must be heard. This is no time to be intimidated, ashamed, or embarrassed. When we share the Gospel or defend a biblical worldview, others may not like it. The Bible’s message about issues such as sexual ethics is for everyone’s good. The best possible life is one that adheres to Scripture. When with a gentle but unapologetic voice we speak truth to culture, we are being, well, countercultural. When we speak truth to power, we are being salt and light. While the world screams out its views in anger, we have the opportunity of sharing a better way in love. There will be times when we’ll be marginalized, mistreated, and, in some places, even martyred. Don’t let this defeat you. Every generation of Christian believers has experienced rejection, discrimination, and persecution. Our focus is on serving Jesus and those to whom He sends us. We’ll have all the time we need for comfort in heaven. Don’t restrain your lips.

7/15/2025

Neither Ashamed nor a Shame…

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8 It’s not unusual for teenagers to be embarrassed when their parents witness for Christ to strangers in public settings. It even happens to adults when one of their friends stops to witness to someone. It’s understandable for children to be embarrassed; it is less understandable when adults have the same reaction. The apostle Paul reminded Timothy not to be embarrassed (“ashamed”) of two things: Jesus Christ Himself or of his imprisoned friend and mentor. Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy in the final season of his life when he was imprisoned in Rome. Just as Peter had once denied knowing Christ, it would be easy for Timothy to deny knowing the imprisoned apostle. It is worth remembering that Christ told His followers that those who denied Him “before men” He would deny before the Father in heaven (Matthew 10:33). Take every opportunity to stand for Christ and to stand with those who speak boldly for Him.

7/14/2025

Much or Little…

I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. Philippians 4:12 Ancient teachers and philosophers who traveled around speaking were paid for their services. In fact, their payment was supposed to be in proportion to the perceived value of their teachings. Since the apostle Paul did not charge for his teaching ministry, his opponents said his teachings had no value (2 Corinthians 11:7-12). Paul sometimes received financial support from churches where he ministered (2 Corinthians 11:8; Philippians 4:14-16), but he also worked as a tentmaker so as not to be a financial burden to anyone (Acts 18:3). Why did Paul conduct his ministry on a by-faith basis when it came to material needs? Because he had learned that in every circumstance, God was faithful to meet his needs. Whether he had plenty or little did not matter since he had learned to be content “in all things.” He had learned that the strength of Christ was sufficient in every situation (Philippians 4:13). We also are called to live by faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). Let every moment of need be an opportunity to trust God.

7/13/2025

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing…

But made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:7 Charles Wesley, the “Sweet Psalmist of Methodism,” wrote a Christmas carol in 1739, which he titled, “Hark, How All the Welkin Rings.” The word welkin was an old term for the “vault of heaven,” but it didn’t connect with people. Thankfully, in 1753, Charles’ friend, George Whitefield published a hymnal and changed the title of the song to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” Multiple other changes to the lyrics have occurred since Charles first penned the carol, but it is still credited to him, one of thousands of hymns that he wrote during his lifetime. It’s especially thrilling every time we get to verse 2 of the song because of that inspiring line saying, “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; hail th’ incarnate Deity.” That’s a powerful affirmation the Jesus Christ, the Babe in the manger, was the Eternal God Himself. He was “born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth.” Christ’s absence from His heavenly home and presence in a stable in Bethlehem is history’s greatest mystery—the cause of the first and all subsequent Christmases. All we know is what the apostle Paul tells us: that Christ came to earth “in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7). What a glorious condescension was His leaving His home to come to earth! The fact that He would leave the glory of His heavenly home and make His home on earth for our sakes … that is the heart of the Gospel. And that is what makes it possible for us to look forward to our own heavenly home with Him in the future. What a glorious reason to rejoice! With Christmas just a week away, pause today to rejoice in Christ’s birth as the angels did. Together thank God for the birth of Christ that first Christmas. Praise Him for the salvation He freely gives us and for the joy we have because of Him. Write a poem expressing the joy you have because of Christ’s coming to earth as a baby. Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace! Hail, the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings. Mild He lays His glory by, Born that we no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King.”

7/12/2025

The Summer Retreat: God’s People…

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24-25 The intricacies of the human body are complex, but this we know: The parts are all interconnected—they “talk” to one another so as to maintain balance and health. And since the Bible uses the human body to illustrate the Body of Christ, there is a lesson for us: The more we “talk” with other members of the Body, the healthier the Body will be. It’s natural for Christians to gather in familiar groups based on relationships made in church. But the summer months provide an excellent opportunity to expand our relationships with fellow Christians we may not normally interact with. Opportunities abound for cookouts, picnics, recreational gatherings, day trips, and the like. Gathering together with others, especially those we may not know well, is an opportunity for God to broaden our perspectives and deepen our relationships. When getting together with familiar friends this summer, broaden your plans to include some new acquaintances in anticipation of God building up your life and theirs.

7/11/2025

Learning to Learn…

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. Philippians 4:11 A four-year-old can play “Chopsticks” on the piano, but a fourteen-year-old can play Brahms’ “Lullaby.” A four-year-old can read short words, but a fourteen-year-old can read novels. A four-year-old can ride a bike without training wheels, but a fourteen-year-old can fly down a trail on a mountain bike. What is the key element in all these progressions of skill? It is learning. But it is not just physical or mental skills that can be learned; spiritual skills can be learned as well. The Greek word for learn is the verb form of the word for disciple—a learner or pupil. Both words mean to learn by practice, instruction, and experience. Learning presupposes a lack of knowledge or skill that is later gained through practice, instruction, and experience. So when the apostle Paul said, “I have learned…to be content,” he was saying he hadn’t always been content—that he had been dissatisfied, impatient, or discontent. When you feel discontent, ask God to teach you contentment in whatever way He chooses. Learning takes time, patience, and humility.

7/10/2025

I Don’t Mean to Brag…

Do not boast…. Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth. Proverbs 27:1-2 Two men were talking, and one said, “I don’t mean to brag about my financial skills, but the bank calls every week to tell me my debt is outstanding.” The other said, “Well, I don’t want to brag either, but my psychologist says I have the biggest ego he’s ever seen.” There’s something about bragging that displays immaturity. Paul had plenty to brag about—his heritage, his pedigree, his zeal, and his accomplishments. But he chose to live in humility and not allow pride to overtake him. Bragging comes to us more naturally than humility, just like weeds grow in a garden easier than vegetables. A garden needs to be cultivated, and God wants to cultivate our hearts so we brag less and worship more. The Bible says, “‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’ For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends” (2 Corinthians 10:17-18, NIV). The next time you feel like bragging about something, try this. Instead of speaking to someone else in pride, speak to God in thanksgiving. After all, He and He alone is the One who blessed you.

7/9/2025

Truth or Torture…

Till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. Job 27:5 Haralan Popov was imprisoned and tortured by Communists in Bulgaria during Soviet times. On one occasion, prison authorities called him to the office and said, “Comrade Popov, we have decided to free you from the pit, since we feel you’ll be more sensible and obliging in the future.” The pit was a hot, stifling hole where countless prisoners suffered and died. In return, the official wanted information about other believers. After a moment of silent prayer, Popov said, “No.” It was a decision that cost him dearly, but Popov would not violate his integrity. One of the marks of a leader is integrity. Few of us will have to pay such a high price as Haralan Popov, but that’s all the more reason we should be painstakingly honest in little things. Choose today to live according to godly principles in all areas and situations in life.

7/8/2025

From the Inside Out…

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. Psalm 19:14 We often hear of institutions that need to be reformed “from the inside out.” The same is sometimes true of the human body when an external problem is corrected by a change in diet. What is visible on the outside is often a reflection of what’s happening on the inside. The psalmist connected our words and our heart. But Jesus refined the connection by saying that “from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders” (Mark 7:21). That’s why the writer of Psalm 119 said that in order not to sin externally, he hid God’s Word in his heart (Psalm 119:11). It’s also why the apostle Paul said the key to living the will of God is renewing the mind (Romans 12:2). The more we fill our mind and heart with God’s truth, the less room there will be for the ways of this world to ultimately manifest themselves in our external life. Are you filling your heart and mind with God’s Word on a daily basis? It is the only way your life can be transformed.

7/7/2025

Be Not Conformed…

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 The Anglican (English) Bible translator, J. B. Philips, is well known for his rendering of Romans 12:2: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within, so that you may prove in practice that the plan of God for you is good, meets all his demands and moves toward the goal of true maturity.” “Conform” can be translated passively (“conformed”) or actively (“conform”)—most modern translations choose “conformed.” “Conformed” suggests that the world is constantly putting pressure on Christians to conform them into the values of the world. The latter suggests that we are not to choose conformity to the world. “Be transformed” (passive) parallels “do not be conformed.” Instead of allowing the world to conform us, we are to be transformed by the renewing of our mind through constant study and meditation on the Word of God. Live defensively, guarding against the pressure of this world. And live actively, filling your mind with God’s truth.

7/6/2025

Psalm 25 for 2025: Trust in Him…

O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Psalm 25:2 January is the month of new beginnings. Instead of (or in addition to) making resolutions for the new year, consider the challenges, obstacles, or opportunities you foresee that could arise in the next twelve months. It might be a financial challenge, a job relocation, a family situation, addressing a health issue, or some other “opportunity.” January is a good time to make this resolution: I am going to begin today to lay these challenges before the Lord and resolve to trust Him to help me meet them. We could adjust David’s words in Psalm 25 to read, “Let not my challenges triumph over me.” Our challenges may not be enemy soldiers coming at us with swords and spears, but they can seem life-threatening, nonetheless. We can also echo David’s words, “Let me not be ashamed.” What would cause us to be ashamed? Being overcome and consumed by our “enemies.” Think about the months ahead—what do you see on the horizon? Bring those matters before the Lord and resolve to trust in Him.

7/5/2025

The Summer Retreat: God’s Creation…

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1 It’s only natural that we spend more time outdoors during the summer months than any other time of the year. School is out, the weather is warm, and we discover new places while vacationing. The collectors among us delight in our finds: seashells, beautiful stones, unique wildflowers and leaves, and photos of amazing sites in nature. Regardless of where we spend our summer months, there is one thing we can collect wherever we go: evidence of God in creation. Wherever we go and wherever we look, we see evidence of God’s power, grace, creativity, and life. The apostle Paul wrote that “since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead” (Romans 1:20). The psalmist David observed that “the heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.” Nature is the ultimate classroom in which we observe the creative acts and the sustaining power of God Himself. Use your time in nature as motivation for declaring the praises of God for the privilege of living in His creation.

7/4/2025

Not a Suggestion…

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Philippians 4:4 Individuals write out their last will and testament as an expression of their will. As a matter of law, their will must be executed exactly as written. Three times in the New Testament epistles, the phrase, “This is the will of God,” occurs (1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:18; 1 Peter 2:15). These are not suggestions but expressions of God’s will. But there are other ways of discovering God’s will through His inspired Word—specifically, when commands are given. For example, we discover it is God’s will for us to rejoice by virtue of the Greek grammar in Philippians 4:4. Twice in that verse Paul says to “rejoice,” even saying we are to rejoice “always.” When writing “rejoice” twice in that verse, Paul used the imperative form of the Greek verb. In other words, Paul was commanding the Philippians to rejoice in all things—similar to the same Greek form in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 where Paul said to “give thanks” in everything. These aren’t suggestions; they are the will of God for His people. If you find it hard to rejoice in a certain situation, you can always rejoice in knowing that God is in control of everything.

7/3/2025

The Happiness Paradox…

Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:15 Science Daily released a report stating what many people already knew: Trying to be happy makes us unhappy. The phenomenon is called the “happiness paradox.”1 Chasing happiness leads to exhaustion and disappointment. The Bible indicates that happiness, joy, and cheerfulness are byproducts of spiritual living. Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome. He may have composed his letter under house arrest in his own rented home (Acts 28:30-31), or perhaps he had been moved to a cell closer to the courtroom where his case was heard. In any event, Paul seemed upbeat, cheerful, productive, and undisturbed by his circumstances. He mentioned joy and rejoicing over and over in Philippians. Paul heard the joyful call to worship and was walking in the light of God’s presence. Today, worship our Savior, and rejoice in the Lord always (Philippians 3:1).

7/2/2025

The Park Bench…

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Colossians 4:5 At the age of 39, Wales Goebel felt God calling him to leave his construction business and begin working with young people. Over the years he led thousands to Christ. He helped establish a series of pregnancy centers and an adoption agency. At age 92, he felt God calling him to a new ministry. He told his wife that he believed there was a ministry God had for him at the lake. He would go each day, sit on a park bench, and pray for the Lord to send him someone to whom he could talk and witness. That bench became his pulpit where he led many people to Christ and enrolled them in a Bible study. He’s still doing that at the age of 97. When we live an openhearted life, we will exhibit hospitality, meet the needs of others, and show empathy to them. We’ll look for opportunities unique to our situation. Take some time to evaluate how open your heart is to serving others in these ways and pray for God to give you opportunities to demonstrate His love through your actions. Pray for ideas, and then go forth to serve the Lord.

7/1/2025

Clinging…

Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Romans 12:9 A diver in Korea was found earlier this year clinging to a broken surfboard. The man had become lost from his friends and disoriented in the water. All he could do was cling to the board despite suffering from hypothermia. He recovered from the ordeal, but imagine how tightly he must have gripped the board that saved him! That’s how we should grip the things of the Lord! The psalmist said, “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalm 63:8, NIV). Deuteronomy 30:20 says, “Cling to Him, for He is your life.” Psalm 119:31 says, “I cling to Your testimonies,” referring to God’s Word. And Romans 12:9 tells us to “cling to what is good.” Clinging to what is good is more than just avoiding what is evil. It involves actively looking for the good things God is doing and finding hope and joy in these things. The world around us is filled with evil. We must avoid it with all our hearts and make sure we are clinging to the Lord Himself, gripping Him tightly, along with His Word and His good works for us. Today, strengthen your grip!

6/30/2025

The Final Battle…

For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty…. And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon. Revelation 16:14 Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military general and political leader, reportedly stood in the Valley of Megiddo, southwest of the Sea of Galilee, and said, “All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this vast plain.” The plains of Megiddo were the site of numerous military conflicts in the Old Testament. Egyptian pharaohs and Canaanite kings did battle on the plains, as well as Jewish judges and kings. And in the modern era, the British army defeated the Ottoman Turks there in 1918. So it is no surprise that “the battle of that great day of God Almighty” will take place there at a time in the future. It is also no surprise that this final battle wraps up the Tribulation judgments in Revelation 16 prior to the Second Coming of Christ. Take heart—and thank God that the world’s rebellion will one day be quelled and a reign of peace and justice will follow.

6/29/2025

The Word of Grace…

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 One day the late actor Walter Matthau read a book entitled The Secret in the Daisy. It had a profound impact on him, turning him “from a miserable, unhappy wretch to a joy-full, glad-to-be-alive human.” He searched out the author, Carol Grace, fell in love with her, and married her! There’s a better book, and it can change anyone’s life when they fall in love with its Author, the God of grace. When we take God’s Word seriously and let it become part of every stage in life, we become complete and mature as God’s people. We’ll not be perfect until heaven, but we can grow proficient and productive in our walk with Him. As we read His Word, we fall in love with Him who gave it to us, and as our personal relationship grows, we grow. Allow God’s Word to be your guide so your walk with Him will be complete. Fall in love with the Bible and its divine Author, and you’ll live in abundant daily grace this year.

6/28/2025

Bible Dads: Paul…

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 When we meet Timothy in Acts 16:1, he’s a teenager, the “son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek.” The word “but” seems to imply that Timothy didn’t have a believing father. Perhaps he had little fatherly influence in his life. The life-shaping influences for Timothy were his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15). The apostle Paul informally adopted Timothy and made him part of his traveling team. Imagine the conversations they had as they hiked the Roman roads, camped under the stars, and sailed the blue sea. Soon Paul was sending Timothy on missions of his own. Eventually the young man became overseer of the church in Ephesus. Paul wrote two letters to him in Ephesus—1 and 2 Timothy, the latter being the final known words of the apostle. You can influence some young person for the Lord. Keep your eyes open. Through your prayers, encouragement, hospitality, and words of wisdom, you can shape the next generation.

6/27/2025

An Oath or a Place…

Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20:14 The word hell is showing up in a lot of political speeches and even children’s shows. It’s being so widely used that its real meaning is diluted to everyday people. But the Bible never uses hell as anything other than an eternal reality. Jesus said, “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The book of Revelation warns us of the realities of hell, and we should take heed. God wants us in heaven with Him, but our sinfulness is a terrible barrier. That’s why He sent His perfect Son to earth. Jesus came to suffer for our sins and to open the door for us to have a relationship with God and the eternal life that goes with it. You can have a part in reducing the number of people who may experience the judgment of God. Don’t use the word hell in a casual way, but do say a word for the Lord that may prevent someone from going there.

6/26/2025

Praise for Deliverance…

They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!” Revelation 15:3 After the Hebrew slaves passed safely through the Red Sea, Moses and Miriam led them in a song of praise to God on the far shore of the sea. It is referred to as the song of Moses (Exodus 15:1-18). John, in his vision of the saints saved during the Tribulation (Revelation 12:11), saw those saints also standing beside a sea—“like a sea of glass mingled with fire” (Revelation 15:2, ESV). They were singing “the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb” (Revelation 15:3-4) in praise to God for His deliverance of them through His judgments on the earth. Jews today still sing the song of Moses, their great deliverer who rescued them from destruction in Egypt. Just as Tribulation saints will sing praise to God for His deliverance of them, so it is incumbent upon Christians today to sing praises to God for His deliverance of them from the destructive power and penalty of sin. Consider incorporating Revelation 15:3-4 into your own personal times of devotion.

6/25/2025

Forever and Ever…

Then a third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, he himself shall also drink of the wine of the wrath of God…. He shall be tormented with fire and brimstone.” Revelation 14:9-10 Depending on which survey one reads, a significant portion of evangelical Christians do not believe in hell. Those beliefs are held in spite of the clear biblical references to eternal separation from God, especially by Jesus Himself. Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46) is set in the context of the final judgment associated with His Second Coming. The righteous sheep are ushered into the Kingdom of God while the unrighteous goats are consigned to “the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels…. And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (verses 41, 46). The words “everlasting fire” and “everlasting punishment,” taken at face value, support what John saw in his vision of eternal judgment: “The smoke of their torment ascends forever and ever” (Revelation 14:11). Eternity awaits everyone. Make sure your destiny is eternal life through faith in Christ.

6/24/2025

Don’t Delay…

Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him.” Revelation 14:6-7 Imminence refers to something that could happen at any moment. In the Bible, it refers to the fact that the Rapture could occur at any moment. This doctrine is illustrated in Romans 13:11 where Paul says, “Now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed.” The Rapture of the Church—the next event on God’s end-times calendar—is closer today than yesterday and will be even closer tomorrow. Throughout biblical history, God has urged people not to put off believing in Him and conforming their lives to His will. And He will continue to do so until Christ returns. The apostle John saw in his vision an angel declaring “the everlasting gospel” to those on earth during the Tribulation. As you anticipate Christ’s return, share the Good News with others so that they have an opportunity to accept Christ and are able to anticipate His return as well.

6/23/2025

A Choir of Billions…

The hundred and forty-four thousand sang as it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn that song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. Revelation 14:3 The largest football stadium in the United States is at the University of Michigan: capacity 107,601. Imagine a crowd 10 times that size. That would be the size of the largest crowd Billy Graham ever preached to—1.1 million people in Seoul, South Korea, in 1973. Now imagine the sound of those voices singing a hymn like “How Great Thou Art” in unison. In his vision of heaven, the apostle John heard a choir of 144,000 voices singing. He said it sounded “like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder” (Revelation 14:2). Those voices will be nothing compared to the sound of billions of voices of the redeemed who will gather before the throne of God and praise Him one day in heaven. If you are in Christ today, you will be in that choir one day in the future. Prepare now by lifting your voice in praise as you worship in your church, with your family, or by yourself.

6/22/2025

The Book That Works…

For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 When we welcome the Word into our lives, it goes to work. It effectively works inside of us—inside our brains and bodies, inside our souls and spirits, inside our personalities and homes. It’s a living book, and when we receive it, it rolls up its sleeves. The Bible works on our attitudes, giving us less bitterness and impatience, more love and happiness. It works on our conversation, helping us speak more wisely and confidently. It works on our minds, removing the filth and focusing our thoughts on what is true and noble. It works on our habits, forming us increasingly into the image of Christ. The Bible does a supernatural work in our hearts. That’s why in addition to reading it daily, we want to memorize its verses, meditate on its truths, and share its message with others. Let the Bible go to work within you!

6/21/2025

Bible Dads: Job…

Job…. was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters. Job 1:1-2 A wise man said, “The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children.” Job felt that way, and he was always concerned when they gathered for parties. Commentator Duane Garrett wrote, “Besides showing that Job’s family led a blessed, joyful life, the parties that Job’s children held on their birthdays served to illustrate Job’s extreme piety.” Job never failed to offer sacrifices to atone for any sins his children may have committed. We don’t offer sacrifices for our children now, but we can and must intercede for them. James 5:16 says, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (NIV). Jesus taught us to always pray and not give up (Luke 18:1). The Lord told Simon Peter, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you” (Luke 22:31-32). If you have a youngster of any age, pray for them today. If you don’t, pray for someone else’s children. You can be sure they need it!

6/20/2025

Uniqueness…

I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. Revelation 14:1 Fred Rogers of children’s television said, “One of the most important gifts a parent can give a child is the gift of accepting that child’s uniqueness.” Our Heavenly Father not only accepts our uniqueness; He made us that way! We’re not all to be poured into the same mold so that we’re all alike. God made us as individuals and unique servants of His. Each of us has a responsibility, a purpose, a reason to live for Christ each day. In Revelation, the 144,000 witnesses had a specific task. They were to evangelize the world, and they were uniquely gifted for that. Perhaps the greatest thing said about them was “these are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes” (Revelation 14:4). God made you different from everyone else who has ever lived. You don’t have to be like anyone else. Comparing yourself to another is a useless exercise. Our job is to be who the Lord made us to be and to follow the Lamb wherever He goes.

6/19/2025

Deepfakes…

As for you, the anointing you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in him. 1 John 2:27 Nearly everything we buy and use can be counterfeited. Designer handbags. Cosmetics. Drugs and medications. Dollar bills. Websites. Sporting and theater tickets. Jewelry. And deepfake videos. It’s all from Satan. In Revelation, we see him attempting to counterfeit what the Lord has done. He tries to create a false trinity with himself, the Antichrist, and the False Prophet (Revelation 12–13). He promotes idolatry and offers counterfeit gods. But while Satan can copy, his creations are only designed to trick us. The Holy Spirit lives within us, and we are anointed with Him. One of His assignments is to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). It’s important to walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) and to be filled “with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives” (Colossians 1:9, NIV). Ask God right now to keep you filled with His Spirit of wisdom and discernment.

6/18/2025

Truth Be Known…

The serpent deceived me. Genesis 3:13 Some drivers in Kansas received text messages last fall telling them they had not paid a Kansas Turnpike toll. The official logo of the Kansas Turnpike Authority was included on the text, and the message said it was a final reminder regarding an unpaid toll. But it was all a scam, a deception. The devil has been a deceiver from the very beginning. And he has more ways of deceiving us now than ever. Every day thousands of scammers contact people by text, email, phone, or letter. During the Tribulation, the deception will be even greater. The False Prophet will deceive “those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do” (Revelation 13:14). One of the best ways to defend ourselves against deception involves daily Bible study. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17), and the more truth we pack into our minds the less vulnerable we’ll be to Satan’s schemes. Wisdom comes from the pages of Scripture. We all need to diligently protect ourselves from deception, but remember—one of the best ways is spending time each day in God’s Truth.

6/17/2025

The Number of a Man…

Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666. Revelation 13:18 The most famous number in the Bible is in Revelation 13:18: 666—a number associated with the Beast (the Antichrist). Revelation 13:18 suggests that determining the meaning of 666 will require wisdom and understanding. Interpretations through the centuries have fallen into two main categories: One, 666 refers to an individual, or two, 666 refers to fallen humanity as opposed to the perfection of Jesus Christ. Students of Scripture for the last two thousand years have tried to identify who will be the Antichrist. Suggestions have ranged from individual Roman emperors to the whole Roman Catholic Church and from individual popes to individual national rulers through the centuries. Even a few American political leaders have been nominated as the Antichrist. No one knows who the Antichrist will be, but we do know what kind of ruler he will be: powerful, charismatic, persuasive, deceptive, and diabolical. Christians should have no fear of the Antichrist and his reign of terror. Be thankful that you belong to Christ and will avoid the coming Tribulation (Revelation 3:10).

6/16/2025

Beast on a Leash…

And God changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Daniel 2:21 When it is time to vote for the leader of a nation, massive amounts of time, money, and strategy are invested for months prior to the election. When the race is close, the nation waits nervously to see who the new leader will be. But the Bible simplifies matters: It is God who removes leaders and establishes leaders according to His purposes. A day is coming in the future when a world leader will rise with greater and more brutal power than any leader in history (Revelation 13:1-10). He will be the Antichrist—“the beast” (Revelation 13:2)—and will terrorize the world for three-and-a-half years, the second half of the seven-year Tribulation. He will be given power by “the great dragon” (Satan—Revelation 12:9) under whose influence the world currently exists (1 John 5:19). But Satan is like a dog on a leash—firmly controlled by God at all times. Though the rule of the Antichrist will be terrible, Christians will have been removed from the earth at the Rapture before the Tribulation begins. Make sure your future is in Christ!

6/15/2025

The Guiding Light…

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 We have a heavy-duty flashlight to light up each day of the coming year. It’s God’s Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. When our way is especially dark, it’s a floodlight. When we need God’s comforting presence, it’s a lamp on the table. When we have a dreary day, it’s our sunshine. When we need guidance, it’s a beacon. When we need courage, it’s a torch. When we share it with others, it’s a lighthouse. When we spend time with it, we ourselves become radiant. Proverbs 6:23 says, “For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light.” Just as the Israelites gathered manna each day, we need the nourishment of the daily bread of the soul. What a privilege to have the very words of God Himself spread out before us in a book small enough to hold in our hands. From its 31,102 verses, you’ll find illumination for every moment of the new year. Don’t miss a day—and start today by thanking God for the joy of walking in the light of His Word.

6/14/2025

Bible Dads: Jairus…

And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, Jairus by name. And when he saw Him, he fell at His feet and begged Him earnestly. Mark 5:22-23 Jairus was the ruler of a synagogue on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. When his daughter became deathly ill, he turned to Jesus who had just arrived from across the lake. He begged Jesus to come, and they headed toward Jairus’ house. But the crowds and an ill woman caused a catastrophic delay. The ruler’s daughter died. The words Jesus spoke are for us just as much as for Jairus: “Do not be afraid; only believe” (Mark 5:36). When it comes to our children and to all the other issues of life, this is what Christ asks of us. Commentator William Lane wrote, “[Jairus] was now asked to believe that his child would live even as he stood in the presence of death. Such faith is radical trust in the ability of Jesus to confront a crisis situation with the power of God.” Think of your area of greatest need today. Listen to Jesus telling you: “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

6/13/2025

Speak of the Devil…

And the dragon was enraged. Revelation 12:17 The devil is popular in Hollywood. Over the years, his name has appeared in the titles of many movies: The Devil Wears Prada, The Devil in a Blue Dress, The Devil and Daniel Webster, and others. But Satan is no movie star. He’s a malignant fallen archangel whose goal is to damage and destroy God’s creation. In Revelation 12, we see his anger and rage during the last half of the Tribulation. Throughout the book of Revelation, he’s seen as opposing the Lord’s people in every way possible. How thankful we feel as we also see God’s care for His people during this time. Remember, the devil is a created being. God is infinite and eternal; Satan isn’t. God is everywhere present at once; Satan isn’t. God possesses unlimited power and authority; Satan doesn’t. God will be eternally victorious; Satan will be cast into hell. Satan is alive and well on earth today, so cloak yourself in the armor of the believer (Ephesians 6:10-18) and resist him. He will flee from you (James 4:7).

6/12/2025

We Have a Defender…

My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1 When job hunters prepare a résumé to send to prospective employers, they will often include this phrase: “References available upon request.” Instead of the word references, the word advocates could be used. An advocate is someone who speaks on another person’s behalf. The apostle John wrote that Christians, if they sin, have an advocate who will speak on their behalf before the Father: “Jesus Christ the righteous.” The NIV1984 translation says, “We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense,” and the NLT translation says, “We have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.” Why would we need such an advocate? Because Satan stands ready to accuse us of being unworthy of salvation because of our sin. The defense Christ brings before the Father is that “He Himself is the propitiation [the payment] for our sins” (1 John 2:2). If you sin, confess it to God and know that Jesus Christ pleads your case before the Father—assuring that you are forgiven (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:31-34).

6/11/2025

Hedge of Protection…

And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail. Revelation 12:7-8 Because we do not see the warfare that takes place in spiritual realms, it is easy to forget that it even exists. In his vision of the End Times, John saw the war between God’s angelic agents and Satan (Revelation 12:7-9). The oldest example we have of this warfare occurred in Job’s life. Satan wanted to prove to God that Job was only faithful because God had put a “hedge” of protection around his life (Job 1:10). That is, God had prevented Satan from having access to Job and his family. But God removed the hedge and allowed Satan access to Job in order to prove that his faithfulness was not based purely on blessing but on love for God—which Job ultimately proved. Daniel discovered that a war in heaven for three weeks had delayed an answer to his prayers (Daniel 10). And Paul taught that we are in a struggle with principalities and powers in heavenly places (Ephesians 6:12). Do not let your guard down. Pray that God would keep a hedge of protection around you and your family as you pursue a righteous life.

6/10/2025

Wooly Devil…

The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10 Last year, a new plant species and genus was discovered in a U.S. national park for the first time in decades. It was a little fluffy, fuzzy flower that was given the name “wooly devil” because of its two striking red petals that reminded researchers of the devil’s horns. In Revelation 12, the devil is pictured as a red dragon with ten horns, but that’s symbolic. In truth, he is a fallen archangel who moves through the earth “seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Satan was defeated at Calvary, but his final doom will only occur after the thousand-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:10). In the meantime, we must determine to live in consistent victory over his schemes (Ephesians 6:11). That requires prayer. Our greatest leverage over the devil doesn’t come by shaking our fists but by bending our knees. Ask God for victory today regarding any situation in which you feel the devil is active.

6/9/2025

Tribulation…

For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again. Matthew 24:21 The English word tribulation comes from the Latin term tribulum, which was a threshing sledge—boards with spikes pulled by an animal over sheaves of wheat to release the grain. It’s a vivid image of how we feel in times of trouble. Jesus spoke of two different kinds of tribulation. In His sermon about the signs of the times, Jesus warned of “great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). He was describing the coming Tribulation that will precede His Second Coming. But Jesus also spoke of the kind of tribulation everyone faces here and now. He said, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Even in our darkest moments, God is still with us. His promises give us strength as we walk through overwhelming circumstances. What a blessing to know that His words hold firm even when we feel harrowed!

6/8/2025

Deep Roots…

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3 According to researchers at Rutgers University, the tree with the deepest documented roots is the shepherd’s tree native to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. When drilling a water well, workers discovered the tree’s roots went 230 feet deep into the ground. In arid regions, roots go deep in search of water to stay alive. Whether growing in deserts or by the side of a river, trees use their root systems to bring up water and minerals from the soil that sustain life. The psalmist used an image of a healthy, fruitful tree to picture a man who walks in God’s ways (Psalm 1:3) and meditates on God’s Word (Psalm 1:2). The image of the tree in verse 3 is one of strength, health, stability, and fruitfulness. Transfer those characteristics to a person, and you get a picture of a blessed man or woman (Psalm 1:1). What is your source of spiritual nutrients with which you nourish your heart, soul, and mind? Sink your roots deep into God’s Word for a blessed life.

6/7/2025

Bible Dads: Elkanah…

Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest. 1 Samuel 2:11 Elkanah and Hannah were blessed with a son in answer to Hannah’s prayers. When we read the story in the first two chapters of 1 Samuel, we usually focus on Hannah. But Elkanah is described as a man who faithfully traveled to the tabernacle in Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:3). He loved Hannah (1:5) and sought to comfort and encourage her (1:8). And the day came when Elkanah and Hannah took their son, Samuel, and dedicated him to God’s service in Shiloh. Samuel became a champion for his people and a hero in the Bible. It’s important to dedicate our children to the Lord. Some people do that in a public worship service. It’s done in various ways in different churches and denominations. But the central truth is that God blesses a child whose dad is devoted to the Lord and gives Him all he has, including his children. Elkanah’s home wasn’t perfect (1 Samuel 1:1-6), but Elkanah served a perfect God. When we ask the Lord to have His way with our youngsters, they will be blessed.

6/6/2025

A Revelation of Grace…

Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come. Revelation 1:4 The book of Revelation may seem ominous and overwhelming, but it opens and closes with grace. In his prologue in Revelation 1:4, John said, “Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come.” And at the end of the book, Revelation 22:21 says, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” Scripture’s last book opens and closes with God’s grace. The whole message of Revelation is that God has a plan for this world that will deal with evil and lead His children to eternal glory. Our future is assured by Him who was, and who is, and who is to come. The wickedness of the world isn’t going to last forever. The terror of warfare will run its course. Jesus will overcome His enemies and usher His children into the place He has prepared for them. God’s grace and mercy are on full display in Revelation. Take a moment and rejoice in that today. Your future in Christ is coming, and it will be wonderful! Praise His Name!

6/5/2025

No Second Chances…

In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. In the earthquake seven thousand people were killed, and the rest were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. Revelation 11:13 The apostle Peter observed a way of thinking common among most people. When confronted with the truth about the end of the age, people would say, “All things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4). In other words, because life continues uninterrupted, we tend to think it will go on that way forever. But such is not the case. When describing the two witnesses who will testify during the Tribulation period, the apostle John saw a severe earthquake that would happen in Jerusalem and kill seven thousand people. He saw them as terrified and giving “glory to the God of heaven.” But their fear was not a reverential fear of the Lord, rather it was a fear of death. He gave no indication that the disruption in their lives prompted them to turn to God and secure their salvation. Instead, their fear of death only hardened their hearts further. After death comes the judgment (Hebrews 9:27). Don’t miss the chance to secure your eternal destiny through faith in Christ.

6/4/2025

Seen and Heard…

These two witnesses have power to shut heaven, so that no rain falls in the days of their prophecy; and they have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they desire. Revelation 11:6 Anyone who has ever been called as a witness in court knows what is expected: testify truthfully to what you have seen or heard. The role of witness will be given to two men in a dramatic way during the first half of the coming seven-year Tribulation (Revelation 11:3). The Antichrist will have emerged on the scene, and the two godly witnesses—thought by many to be Elijah and Moses—will challenge his power and authority through amazing signs and wonders. They will testify to the power and glory of the true God for three-and-a-half years after which the Antichrist will kill them. But after three-and-a-half days, God will restore them to life, and they will ascend to heaven. We are to testify about God now. So whatever your calling from God, be a bold witness for Him. Speak what you have seen and heard about what Christ has done for you.

6/3/2025

Sweet and Sour…

Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. Revelation 10:10 It has happened in most families’ experience—a toddler consumes way more candy than a parent would have allowed. And the aftermath results in a sour stomach or worse. In the apostle John’s vision in Revelation, the angel that held a scroll told John to consume the scroll—but with a warning: It would be sweet to the taste but sour to the stomach. While the Word of God is always sweet to the taste (Psalm 119:103), its contents can sometimes be troubling. Such would be the contents of the scroll John would consume, for it foretold trouble and suffering that would come upon the earth. But whether the subject is blessing or trouble, all of the Word of God must be consumed and applied. We are to preach not only the parts of the Bible that are sweet to the taste but also the parts that trouble the soul. Let us imitate the Berean Christians—they searched the Scriptures daily to glean their truths and apply them to their lives (Acts 17:11).

6/2/2025

When Evil Is Removed…

But in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to His servants the prophets. Revelation 10:7 Some Bible readers are surprised when they encounter 1 John 5:19: “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one.” They wonder how, if God is sovereign, the whole world can lie under the influence of Satan. The same person who wrote about Satan’s influence in the world also recorded a vision of the End Times in the book of Revelation—the apostle John. In that vision, John saw a time when “the mystery of God would be finished, as He declared to his servants the prophets.” While John doesn’t specifically describe the nature of the mystery, it surely has to do with the culmination of evil and catastrophe on the earth in the End Times and the coming of God’s Kingdom on earth—a day foreseen by the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:24). Do not be anxious about the pervasiveness of evil in the world. The day is coming when it will be removed and righteousness will reign.

6/1/2025

Food for Thought…

Blessed is the man…whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Psalm 1:1-2 An American seminary professor spent a summer studying Hebrew in Jerusalem. On one occasion, he followed along in his Hebrew text as a Jewish rabbi recited from memory, word for word, the entire book of Psalms in Hebrew. That commitment reflects the priority in the Old Testament of storing up the Word of God—of continually meditating on it and integrating it into one’s life (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). The longest psalm in the book of Psalms—all 176 verses of Psalm 119—is given over to extolling the value and importance of God’s Word. For example, verse 11 says, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 1 says the man is blessed who meditates on God’s Word “day and night”—a figure of speech that means “all the time.” Not every second of every hour, but as a way of life—not just for fifteen minutes in the morning or an hour on Sunday but as a continual source of reflection, memorization, and meditation. Consider committing portions of Scripture to memory so they become food for thought throughout your day.

5/31/2025

Lessons From May Flowers: Myrtle…

Instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree; and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 55:13 Myrtle is a flowering tree common to the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions. The variety known as “common myrtle” is possibly the one mentioned a half-dozen times in the Old Testament. Its infrequent mention can be contrasted with the significance of its message in the contexts where it appears. When the prophet Isaiah first began to speak against the sins of Israel, he said that God would turn the bountiful land into a land of briers and thorns (Isaiah 5:6; 32:13)—an obvious image of judgment. But then, as Isaiah’s message shifted to one of restoration after the Babylonian captivity, he said that the briars and thorns would be replaced by the cypress tree and the myrtle tree (Isaiah 55:13). So the myrtle became an image of peace and prosperity as God restored the land. Let the myrtle tree remind you that God’s peace and blessing are always on the other side of restoration from sin.

5/30/2025

Be the Light…

You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14 The English Puritan leader John Winthrop delivered a message to the colonists embarking from England to establish the Massachusetts Bay Colony in Boston in 1630. Drawing on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14—“A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden”—Winthrop exhorted the colonists to let their light shine in the New World. The “city” was to be a city of light, based on Jesus’s preceding words, “You are the light of the world.” It is a powerful image. And the citizens of the “city” are to be the followers of Jesus Christ who are to be the light of the world. A “light of the world” implies that the world is in darkness, in need of the light of truth and salvation. Our mission as followers of Jesus is to take that light into the world and illuminate every dark corner. Consider the part of the world you live in—your extended family, your friendship circle, your workplace—and how you can illuminate your part of the world with the presence of Christ. Ask God today to show you how to be His light.

5/29/2025

The Power of Salt…

You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Matthew 5:13 A certain farmer fertilized part of his pasture with minerals gathered from an ancient, dried seabed. When he let his cows into the pasture, they immediately gravitated toward the section that had been fertilized with the sea minerals. They relished the taste of the grass that had absorbed the salty minerals from the seabed. For thousands of years, salt has played a pivotal role in human civilizations. Not only does it provide flavor to food, but it preserves food as well. In the right balance, salt is a necessary nutrient for human life. It also creates thirst in those who consume it, prompting hydration for good health. Jesus said that His followers are “the salt of the earth.” We can only assume that He was referencing the ancient uses of salt: adding flavor, preventing decay, and creating thirst. Those are the effects His followers are to have on the world around them. As you read and apply the Word of God, let it make you a person who impacts your world for Christ.

5/28/2025

Honor and Obey…

The Bereans were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11 Many churches have a tradition of standing as a congregation when the Word of God is read during the Sunday worship service. This practice may be based on Nehemiah 8 when Ezra the priest read God’s Word to the assembled crowd of Israelites in Jerusalem: “And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up” (verse 5). The people standing for the Word of God signified two things. First, it was an act of honor. The people had returned to Jerusalem after seventy years of exile in Babylon, and they honored God by honoring His Word (verse 6). Second, it signified their willingness and readiness to shape their lives and practices around God’s will for them. Their actions foreshadowed the actions of Paul’s Jewish audience in the Berean synagogue as they searched the Scriptures to verify what Paul was teaching them. When you read the Word of God, do so with honor and a readiness to obey.

5/27/2025

O Worship the King…

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom…in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16 The concepts and phrases of the classic hymn “O Worship the King” are taken from various passages of Scripture about the majesty of God. We “gratefully sing his power and his love,” for He is “our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days.” We “tell of his might and sing of his grace, whose robe is the light, whose canopy space.” When it comes to the Bible, studying should lead to singing. As we discover God’s “bountiful care,” we should lift our hearts in thanksgiving. As we realize how our King provides for us, though we are “frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,” we should glorify His matchless love that “streams from the hills…descends to the plain, and sweetly distills in the dew and the rain.” Whatever your preference in music, let your study of God’s Word inspire your worship. Let your Bible be the tuning fork for your soul, the melody for your day, and the source of your songs.

5/26/2025

Will It Make a Difference…

The living and enduring word of God…. And this is the word that was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:23-25 We don’t know our beginnings without Genesis, and we can’t understand the future without the book of Revelation. We learn how to worship in Psalms and how to live honestly in a dishonest world in Proverbs. Job shows us how God will bear us through suffering, and Ephesians helps us calculate our current and future blessings. Ruth shows us how to fall in love, Song of Solomon tells us how to love our spouse, and 1 John teaches us that we shouldn’t love the world or the things in it. Esther tells us God rules over the world even when He seems absent. In Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John we meet the greatest Person in history, and we learn He is living still and loving us despite our mistakes and missteps. Jonah reminds us we shouldn’t run away from Him, and James tells us to draw near to Him. In fact, as we become better acquainted with our Bibles, we seem to find Jesus loving us afresh on every page. Today, think of one way the Bible has made a difference in your life.

5/25/2025

Good Power…

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 In 1985, Christian theologian Richard Foster published a book titled Money, Sex and Power: The Challenge of a Disciplined Life. The subtitle reveals the theme of the book: using money, sex, and power wisely is a challenge. Not everyone has access to power in a broad sense, so we think it to be less of a concern. But the godly use of power was a focus in Jesus’ life and ministry. He used His power to glorify God and to do good in the world—especially when it came to undoing the effects of Satan’s power and influence in the world. Acts 10:38 says that God “anointed” Jesus with power to deliver those who were oppressed by the devil. And 1 John 3:8 says Jesus was sent “that He might destroy the works of the devil.” “Destroy” in this verse doesn’t mean to annihilate but to neutralize, undo, or render ineffective “the works of the devil”—to deconstruct before rebuilding. Jesus exercised power over nature, sickness, and demonic forces. Perhaps most importantly, His power can undo the effects of sin so that our lives can be rebuilt in His image.

5/24/2025

Lessons From May Flowers: Olive…

You were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree. Romans 11:24 Jesus was well known for using agricultural metaphors in His teaching. But the apostle Paul occasionally did the same. The most sophisticated example is his use of olive trees to illustrate the union of Jews and Gentiles into the redemptive plan of God (Romans 11:11-24). Olive trees—wood, fruit, and oil—are mentioned nearly forty times in Scripture. Olive trees were so well known in the Mediterranean region that Paul could talk about the practice of grafting cultivated and wild trees knowing his readers would understand. Normally a branch of a cultivated olive tree would be grafted into a wild olive trunk to produce a new, fruit-bearing tree. In his example, a cultivated olive tree represented the Jews and the wild olive tree represented the Gentiles. “Contrary to nature,” Paul wrote, God has grafted a wild branch (Gentiles) into a cultivated tree (Jews) to extend the blessings of Abraham to all the world. When you enjoy olive oil, remember how God has grafted Jew and Gentile together into a new “tree” of faith.

5/23/2025

Living and Powerful…

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 We occasionally will hear someone say about a book they have read, “It totally changed my life!” The author of such a book may have hoped for a life-changing response from a reader, but there is no guarantee that life change will be the result. Books are not alive; the same book may change one person’s life while having no impact on another person. There is one book, however, that is different from all the rest. Because the Bible is the Word of God, it is “living and powerful” and is able to impact us at the deepest levels. God’s Word stands in judgment over our most secret “thoughts and intents.” God’s Word always accomplishes the purpose for which God sends it (Isaiah 55:10-11). For example, Psalm 107:20 says, “[God] sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” God speaks with purpose, and His purpose is always accomplished. Read the Bible with the expectation that God is using His words to accomplish His purposes in your life.

5/22/2025

Scepter, Lamp, Mirror, and Breeze…

Lord, keep my lamp burning…Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 18:28; 119:105 John Blanchard read this intriguing quote from Reformer John Calvin: “The Bible is the scepter by which the heavenly King rules His people.” Blanchard agreed, but he added: “This does not mean that we are to look upon it as a rod of iron. Nor, on the other hand, is it to be treated trivially as some kind of religious toy, to be used for our spiritual entertainment. Instead, it is meant to be a constant means of enlightenment, enrichment, and encouragement, its dynamic influence bringing a deepening joy into our daily lives.” How odd that the practice of Bible reading sometimes feels dull or dutiful. Let’s shake ourselves free from the legalism of monotonous Bible reading and learn the life-giving fascination of abiding in its words. Make up your mind to read the Bible with fresh prayers for insight and with fresh perspective. Make it a joyful experience. Try some new methods. Use your pencil or pen. Ask God to make His Word to you as a golden scepter, a living book, a blazing fire, a heavenly breeze, a revealing mirror, a nourishing meal, and a shining lamp.

5/21/2025

Living by the Sword…

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11 An earlier generation of Christians was raised on “sword drills” in Sunday school. Youngsters would line up and “draw swords,” which meant they held up their Bibles. Then a reference was given—perhaps Ephesians 6:17—and they raced to see who could turn there soonest. Scripture was their sword. The Bible is not only a sword; it is also an entire armory of swords. Sometimes we use it defensively to withstand an attack on our faith or well-being (Ephesians 6:17). But sometimes the swords are aimed at us. We read a verse, hear a sermon, or talk with a friend, and immediately we feel the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). Let the sword drill into you for your good and for God’s glory.

5/20/2025

“All” Means All…

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 Certain parts of the Bible tend to be avoided by casual Bible readers—sections like “the begats” (the Old Testament genealogies), the “pots and pans” sections of Leviticus dealing with religious rituals in the tabernacle, certain of the minor prophets (when was the last time you read Nahum?), and apocalyptic literature like the book of Revelation. But one three-letter word invalidates all excuses for avoiding certain parts of the Bible. And that word is “all” in 2 Timothy 3:16. There Paul says that “all” Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction. That includes the genealogies, Leviticus, the minor prophets, and the book of Revelation—along with other portions of Scripture that tend to be among the least read. When reading unfamiliar or challenging portions of the Bible, begin by praying with the psalmist: “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18). Consider using a year-long Bible-reading plan that takes you through the entirety of the Bible. Ask God to show you new truth from the passages with which you are most unfamiliar.

5/19/2025

Sword of the Spirit…

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:17 In the New Testament, there are two primary Greek words behind the English word for “word”: logos and rhema. While both can be translated “word,” there are underlying differences in the two. In general terms, think of logos as a book or concept and rhema as a sentence or saying. Biblically, think of logos as the Bible and rhema as a saying or verse within the Bible. When the apostle Paul referred to “the word of God” as “the sword of the Spirit,” he used the word rhema for “word of God.” He seems to be saying that we should take up a portion, a verse, or a promise in Scripture when defending ourselves in spiritual warfare. That’s what Jesus did when He defended Himself against the temptations of Satan in the wilderness. Three times He quoted verses from Deuteronomy to refute Satan’s carnal attempts (Matthew 4:1-11). Just as Jesus quoted the Old Testament from memory in the wilderness, so must we commit Scripture to memory so it is always at hand when Satan attacks. Satan has no defense against the power of the truth of God. Take a few moments today to begin memorizing Ephesians 6:17.

5/18/2025

Out With the Old…

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19, NIV The turning of the year reminds us time is fleeting, the past is unalterable, the future is uncertain, and our God is unchanging! We can say, “Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness during all this dying year. There were good days and bad ones, but there were no days without Your constant grace and care. My mistakes and sins are covered with the blood. My victories are committed to You. Now, help me to anticipate the new graces before me—the blessings, the guidance, the opportunities, the promises. May I perceive Your ways. May I foresee by faith Your path forward and the springs You will give me in the desert.” You can record that prayer as your own, or you can write out a prayer in your own words. There’s not a better plan than recording your thoughts in the form of a prayer as the old goes out and the new comes in.

5/17/2025

Hyssop…

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:7 Some of the flowers mentioned in the Bible are unknown to us in the West. Hyssop is an example of a flowering plant known in the Middle East and southern Europe but unfamiliar to us. It is a shrub-like plant up to two feet tall with woody stems which grow upright, producing leaves and small fragrant flowers in the summer. Cutting and bundling the stems with their leaves intact produces a brush-like tool for dipping and “painting” liquids. In Egypt, on the night of the first Passover, the Hebrew slaves were instructed to take “a bunch of hyssop,” dip it in a basin of blood from a sacrificial lamb, and spread the blood on the doorposts of their house (Exodus 12:22). The blood would be a sign to “the destroyer” to pass over that house (verse 23). David recalled that imagery when his own sins were found out and he needed to be cleansed: “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean.” Thank God today that Jesus is the sacrificial Lamb of God whose blood takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29).

5/16/2025

Skill for Living…

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 1 Corinthians 2:6 In the Old Testament, what did the weavers of priestly garments, the builders of the tabernacle, a person regarded as shrewd, a diviner who could cast spells, tiny insects, a craftsman who built idols, and the pilots of ships have in common? They were all said to have hokmah, the Hebrew word for skill. This same Hebrew word is translated “wisdom” in the Old Testament. In other words, wisdom is skill for living that comes from God. Wisdom is also the theme of 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 where Paul contrasts God’s wisdom with worldly wisdom. If we look around in our world, we see a definite lack of the skill of living. People are trying to figure out how to live successfully apart from relying on God’s wisdom. Everyone needs wisdom, and James 1:5 encourages us to ask God for wisdom when we lack the skills to navigate life’s challenges. If you lack the skill to solve a challenge you are facing, seek out God’s wisdom in His Word and through prayer.

5/15/2025

The Quiet Time…

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet. Matthew 6:6 Karol Ladd said when her mother was growing up, she took Matthew 6:6 literally. “Mom grew up in Texas, and everything in Texas is big, including the closets. When Mom wanted to be alone with God, she went into her prayer closet. Her parents knew that if they hadn’t seen her in a while, they could always find her there.” Newer translations render the word differently: your inner room… your private room… your inner chamber…a quiet, secluded space. The idea is finding privacy to spend time with the Lord. If we only meet Him when we have time or happen to think about it, our relationship with Him will be haphazard. In order for God’s Word to be effective in changing our lives, we must make it a daily habit and an enriching appointment. We engage in talking to Him (prayer) and listening to Him (Bible reading). Remember, your connection with God is a relationship, and good relationships require time and tending. Tend to your relationship today.

5/14/2025

Lose No Time…

But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 According to Guinness World Records, In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust is the world’s longest book, with more than 1.2 million words. Depending on the edition, it can span more than 4,000 pages. To read it, you need a sturdy lap, a strong pair of glasses, and rare determination. Why not study God’s Word instead? It’s small enough to hold in your hand, yet we never tire of its ever-fresh words. The reason the Bible constantly renews us is simple—it was inspired by the Holy Spirit who also indwells us and enables us to understand its message. It’s possible to devote your life to studying the Bible without its transforming effect on your heart. To some, it’s just an ancient book. But to the Spirit-filled believer, the Holy Spirit tutors us. The apostle Paul wrote, “For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets…. We have received God’s Spirit…so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:10-12, NLT). As you read the Bible, ask the Spirit to shine His flashlight on the truths He wants you to see today.

5/13/2025

His 66 Books…

I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep Your word. Psalm 119:101 Izaak Walton (1593-1683) wrote a poem about the power of the Bible to strengthen his moral life: Every hour I read you, kills a sin Or lets a virtue in To fight against it. Reading and listening to God’s Word is the first step to understanding it, and understanding it leads to self-examination, self-correction, growth, maturity and to a wiser, stronger life. When God’s Word takes root in our minds, it produces fruit, resulting in a change in our conduct and our conversation. Allow the words of Scripture to penetrate your heart and mind and lead to lasting change in your words and actions. Read the Bible actively, asking yourself, “In this passage, is there a change to make, a sin to confess, a habit to strengthen, or a weakness to correct?” Let God shape your mind and clarify your life by an active daily engagement with His 66 books! Begin today!

5/12/2025

Fingers in the Dust…

The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. Acts 16:14 Leading someone to Jesus is the most wonderful thing in the world, but we do less than one-half of one percent of the work. Others have almost certainly come before us, planting the seed. That’s the other one-half percent. Ninety-nine percent belongs to the Lord, who opens the heart of the one who responds. Obviously, of course, He does the whole work; though, thankfully, He uses us along the way. As Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase” (1 Corinthians 3:6). As we share God’s Word with others, we need to remember that God is the One who will work in their hearts. Our responsibility is to make sure that we are actively sharing. We want to present the Gospel as best we can, but it doesn’t depend on our knowledge or powers of persuasion. People can find Christ from as little as a verse written by a truck driver’s finger on the dust of his or her eighteen-wheeler if that’s the means God chooses to use. Simply say a word to someone today on behalf of our Lord!

5/11/2025

And We Know…

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 In his 1618 book about the promises of God, Puritan Nicholas Byfield said, “The promises are called the unsearchable riches of Christ to assure us Christians we are very rich people when our hearts are stored with the promises of God, well applied…. God’s promises will drive away grief, discouragement, or fears that may at any time seize us. They will sweeten all our afflictions.” Perhaps the most all-encompassing promise in the Bible is Romans 8:28. We know God works in all things. He is working behind the scenes on our behalf and for our good. Not everything that happens to us is good, but God can use everything that happens to us for good in His long-term plan and by His overruling grace. He knows how to manufacture treasure out of various and sundry components, and we must trust Him with that. Today, remind yourself of this great promise. Apply its truth to what is troubling you. Take courage! God will work it all for good!

5/10/2025

Lessons From May Flowers: Rose…

The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. Isaiah 35:1 Corporate style consultants often advise men to include a red “power tie” in their wardrobe, and a red suit or dress for women. Why red? Because it projects power, or said another way, passion. It’s why red roses are the most popular flower ordered on Valentine’s Day. When Isaiah prophesied the ultimate renewal of Israel, he said, “The desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose”—a reflection of God’s faithfulness and love for His people in spite of their sins. The most powerful example of red demonstrating God’s love was when Christ came into the “wasteland” of the world and shed His blood on the cross for our sins. Isaiah wrote that our sins are as scarlet but that God could make them as white as snow (Isaiah 1:18). The only thing that could cleanse our scarlet sins is the shed, red blood of Jesus. Red is the color of love. The next time you see a red rose, thank God for the shed blood of Jesus that cleanses you from all sin.

5/9/2025

The Results Are God’s…

I [Paul] planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 1 Corinthians 3:6 The late William R. Bright, cofounder of Campus Crusade for Christ (now Cru), offered a biblical definition of witnessing: Witnessing is sharing Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God. Many Christians worry about being rejected when they share God’s Word. But when we leave the results to God, it takes the focus off of our performance and results. The apostle Paul shared this perspective when he wrote to the Corinthian church. He said that he planted the seed of the Gospel, Apollos nurtured the seed, but it was God who brought forth the fruit of salvation. When Jesus told His parable of the sower, seed, and soils, He illustrated how seeds do not always fall on fertile ground. Likewise, when we share the seed of God’s truth, we are not responsible for the condition of the heart in those who hear the Word. In Jesus’s parable, only one in four soils was prepared to receive the Word and bring forth fruit (Matthew 13:3-23). Don’t let fear of rejection keep you from sharing God’s truth with others, whether it’s the Gospel of salvation or just a word of encouragement, today. Leave the results to God.

5/8/2025

Warning Signs…

These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 1 Corinthians 10:11 Everywhere we go, we’re surrounded by warning signs, and some of them are a bit much! One said: “Caution! Heavy Pedestrian Traffic,” with a drawing of a rather large man. Another said: “Free Range Chickens Drive Slowly.” One sign in a rural town said: “Touching Wires Causes Instant Death. $200 Fine.” Most caution signs are well-intended and clearly marked, and that’s the way the Lord cautions us in Scripture. The Bible includes warnings, cautions, rebukes, and dangers to avoid. Sometimes we’re headed down the wrong path without even knowing it. But God’s Word warns us of the dangers ahead. In 1 Corinthians 10, for example, Paul reminds us of how the Israelites set their hearts on evil things, engaged in sexual immorality, grumbled, and indulged in too much revelry. The Lord judged them, and they are a warning to us. As you study the Bible each day, don’t just underline the promises and sing the psalms. Highlight the warnings too, and grow in daily holiness before the Lord.

5/7/2025

Your Exalted King…

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Psalm 96:1 Five psalms—from Psalm 96 to Psalm 100—explicitly affirm God’s rule over all the earth. Allen Ross, in his commentary on Psalms, calls Psalm 96: “The Exalted King.” We’re to sing a new song to Him (verse 1) and “declare His glory among the nations” (verse 3). Why? “For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised” (verse 4). He “made the heavens” (verse 5), so we should give Him glory (verse 7), bring Him an offering (verse 8), and worship Him “in the beauty of [His] holiness” (verse 9). The joy of worshiping Him is not our privilege alone. The heavens, the earth, the seas, fields, and trees rejoice too (verses 11-12). We praise Him for He is coming to judge the world with righteousness and truth (verse 13). The difficulties and stresses of life can discourage our souls. But God’s Word brings joy to our hearts often through studying the book of Psalms. If you’re discouraged or anxious today, take time to read Psalm 96 and praise God for who He is.

5/6/2025

Wise for Salvation…

From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 “At the age of twelve,” wrote Pastor Paul Enns, “I was visiting my older cousin, Ernie, when he explained John 3:16 to me. I remember kneeling at the couch and praying, telling the Lord I was trusting in Jesus for salvation. And a new birth occurred!” No matter our age or stage in life, God’s Word has the power to change us! It’s wonderful when, like Timothy and Pastor Enns, we find the Gospel early in life. Imagine the power of a book that can forever change a four-year-old, a fourteen-year-old, or a forty-year-old! It’s not too late to tell your children about the Holy Scriptures, which can make them wise for salvation—and it’s not too late to receive the same Gospel into your own life. It’s as simple as John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” Share this Good News with someone today!

5/5/2025

Smooth Is Slow…

But Abraham still stood before the Lord. Genesis 18:22 The Navy SEALs have a saying: “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” We need to remember that in our frantic world. It’s especially true with the habit of daily Bible reading. Mature believers have learned that it’s better to spend five unhurried minutes reading the Bible than to read for ten minutes feeling rushed. Similarly, another author said, “Hurry is the death of prayer.” We may not always have as much time as we’d like when we sit down to fellowship with God although we should build the necessary time into our schedules. Some days are more hectic than others. But Psalm 46:10 doesn’t say, “Be rushed, and know that I am God.” It says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Even if your time is limited, take a deep breath, and enjoy the five, ten, fifteen, or thirty minutes you have when you open your Bible. Read it aloud. Take a moment to copy down some of the verses. Turn them into prayers. Find a way of taking the truth you’ve found into the day with you. Better are a few moments of stillness than an hour feeling rushed. Find a few moments for stillness today.

5/4/2025

The Right Time…

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law. Galatians 4:4 “I’m not sure exactly what time I’ll be there; but I will be there—promise,” a father tells his teenage daughter. The daughter’s faith is dependent on one thing: the father’s character. She has grown up knowing that her father keeps his word. She doesn’t need to know exactly what time he will arrive, but she knows he will show up. God spoke through the Old Testament prophets about the coming of the Messiah without ever saying exactly when He would appear. But there is no record of the prophets doubting God’s promises. They didn’t need to know the exact time because they had learned to trust in God’s words. So when Christ did appear, the apostle Paul said it happened in “the fullness of the time.” That is, it happened at the “right time” according to God’s plans and purposes (Galatians 4:4, NLT). God has given us promises without telling us, for the most part, how or when they will be kept. But the fulfilled promise of Christmas reminds us that God always keeps His promises at the “right time.”

5/3/2025

Lessons From May Flowers: Lily…

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Song of Solomon 2:1-2 During the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries in Europe, an unusual representation of the crucifixion of Christ arose in Christian art. The artwork, such as used in stained-glass windows, depicted Christ being crucified not on a cross but on a lily—or Christ holding a lily. This art has come to be known as the “lily crucifix,” appearing in paintings, statues, carvings, and church windows. Lilies have also been associated with the virgin Mary, representing her purity. The lily is mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Several psalms (45; 60; 69; 80) were to be sung to a tune called “Lily of the Testimony (or Covenant)”—possibly a reference to the beauty of God’s covenant. And lilies appear eight times in the nature-rich love poem Song of Solomon, representing the beauty and purity of true love. Even today, lilies are the traditional Easter flower. No wonder Christ used “the lilies of the field” (Matthew 6:28) to illustrate the richness and beauty of God’s provision. Take a moment to thank God for the beauty of the lily and the beauty and purity of His Son, Jesus Christ.

5/2/2025

All the Time…

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Joshua 1:8 If you are a young person in love, you probably think about your beloved “day and night.” If you are facing a challenging situation at work, your focus is on finding a solution “day and night.” In Hebrew culture, phrases like “day and night” and “east to west” serve as all-inclusive indicators. That is, “day and night” means “all the time.” It is natural for certain situations to consume our thoughts all the time. But Scripture admonishes us to focus on one thing in particular: God’s Word. When Joshua prepared to enter the Promised Land, God encouraged him to meditate on His Word continually (Joshua 1:8). Moses said that Israel’s kings should focus on God’s Word (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). And the psalmist promised blessedness to the one who meditates on God’s Word “day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). Consider how you can incorporate God’s Word into your thoughts “all the time” through reading, memorization, music, and other means.

5/1/2025

The Verse on the Wall…

Thou God seest me. Genesis 16:13 Violet Liddle was a remarkable Christian maid who served the likes of Churchill, Eisenhower, Lady Astor, and George Bernard Shaw. Growing up, she came downstairs every day beneath a framed Bible verse on the wall, which read: “Thou God seest me.” As a result, some of her first memories involved knowing that God watched her wherever she was. “Still,” she wrote, “I don’t really regret this introduction to God because it did instill in me an understanding that God is always around us, and I’m glad that over the years I’ve come to recognise that the verse is a promise of God’s loving care.” God’s Word was an important part of life for the people of Israel. God gave leaders, kings, and everyone else specific instructions for the ways to remember His words by placing them in places they would see each day. Deuteronomy 6 tells us to write God’s Word “on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (verse 9). Look around you today for places to post Scripture so it stays at the forefront of your mind. A verse on the wall may reside in your children’s minds for decades to come!

4/30/2025

By Invitation Only…

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. Revelation 3:20 A well-known piece of Christian art is a painting titled The Light of the World by nineteenth-century artist William Hunt. The painting is based on Revelation 3:20 and shows Christ standing at the door of a house which appears not to have been opened in a long time. In one hand He holds a lantern while the other hand is raised, knocking on the door. Often unnoticed in the painting is the fact that the door has no handle on the outside, meaning it can only be opened from the inside by the occupant. In his letter to the church at Laodicea, Christ rebuked the church for their lukewarmness—their lack of passion for the things of God (Revelation 3:15-17). And He pictured Himself standing at the door of their church, knocking, hoping to be invited in to enjoy fellowship with them. He does not force His way in but waits to be invited in. To avoid losing your passion for Christ, welcome Him into your heart moment by moment to sustain constant fellowship with Him throughout your day.

4/29/2025

Spiritual Eyes…

Because you say, “I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing”—and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. Revelation 3:17 Perhaps the saddest of the seven letters to the churches in Asia Minor was delivered to the church in Laodicea. This city was wealthy due to it being on one of the major trade routes of the region; it was a major banking center. Apparently, the Christians in the city had participated in the prosperity and saw themselves as being self-sufficient due to their wealth. While they may have been materially well-off, Christ saw them as being in great need spiritually: They were “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” Their condition illustrates a principle in Scripture contrasting physical and spiritual eyes. This contrast was illustrated in the life of the nation of Israel. Because of their sin, they could see physically but could not perceive spiritually (Isaiah 6:9). Christ reaffirmed their spiritual blindness when He taught them using parables (Matthew 13:14-15). Just because we can see physically does not mean we always perceive spiritually and therefore truthfully. Pray with the psalmist: “Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law” (Psalm 119:18).

4/28/2025

Strong When Weak…

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6 Paradox derives from an ancient Greek word, paradoxon, that meant “contrary opinion.” The Bible contains many paradoxes: The last shall be first, we receive by giving, we live by dying, and more. One of the most practical paradoxes in Scripture is that when we are weak, we are strong. The apostle Paul stated as much in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 when he found himself in a situation of weakness. He discovered that his own weakness allowed the strength of Christ to be manifested in his life more clearly. It is almost paradoxical that the church in Asia Minor that Christ commended for its faithfulness was also a church that had “little strength”—the church in Philadelphia. The church was being persecuted by the Jewish community and was in a place of human weakness as a result. And yet Christ commended them for keeping His Word and not denying His Name. They demonstrated that it is possible, when humanly weak, to be spiritually strong. If you find yourself in a place of weakness today, meditate on Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12 and ask God to manifest His strength in your weakness.

4/27/2025

Blanket Coverage…

But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Genesis 50:20 In short, insurance in all its forms is protection against the possibility of loss or damage. It involves the transfer of risk from one party to another based on compensation from the insured to the insurer. For thousands of years, various forms of insurance have been used—an acknowledgement of the human desire to avoid the impact of negative events in life. Insurance can be taken out for a limited time (travel insurance) or for a lifetime (life insurance). With a new year approaching, it is natural to wonder what events will transpire. The Bible says we have an insurance policy of sorts with God that says, regardless of what happens, it will result in a good outcome in our life. That is the message of Romans 8:28: All things in the new year (and every year) will work together for the good of those who belong to God’s family. No insurance company offers a policy with that kind of blanket coverage! If you belong to God through faith in Christ, you are “insured.” Regardless of what the new year brings, it will be for your good.

4/26/2025

Spring Into Life: The Renewed Spirit…

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10 Have you failed? Psalm 51 is the prayer King David offered after his moral failure with Bathsheba. He humbly confessed his sin and pled for God’s forgiveness. Then he asked God to create a clean heart within him and to give him a renewed, steadfast spirit. The Lord granted his request. This is an important chapter in the Bible for all of us because we all fail in various ways and we’re not always victorious over temptation. When we sin, we should admit our guilt, but God doesn’t want us to wallow in that guilt. In Christ, we are under His blood. We should seek a cleaner, purer heart. And we must ask God for personal renewal, revival, and spiritual rejuvenation. In another psalm, David said, “He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:3). Whatever you’ve done or however you’ve failed, come to your Savior in confession and repentance today. You’ll find Him ready to create in you a clean heart and to renew a steadfast spirit within you.

4/25/2025

Open Door Policy…

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Revelation 3:8 Wilcox’s Pier Restaurant in West Haven, Connecticut, prepared great seafood for its patrons. But many people came just to watch waiters with arms full of trays walk right through a door that magically opened for them. The first automatic door was installed in 1931 at this restaurant so servers wouldn’t have to use their arms to push the door open. The Lord has been in the open-door business from the beginning. The church in the New Testament city of Philadelphia had great opportunities to serve Him. Their location was strategic. Their presence was timely. The Lord blessed their efforts, and He does the same for us. Pray for God to open doors for you to spread His Word. Look for the opportunities He sends, and take advantage of them. Sometimes the door opens just enough for us to say a few words or to exercise a moment of kindness. The Lord constantly sets before us open doors that no one can shut.

4/24/2025

Change Your Mind…

Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you. Revelation 3:3 Before the days of GPS, driving could be tricky. If we found ourselves lost, a reliable strategy was to retrace our steps until we discovered where we made a wrong turn. We would change our mind and go a different way. Changing our mind is at the heart of one of the Bible’s most serious spiritual actions: repentance. The original Greek word for repentance is metanoeo, a compound verb meaning “to change one’s mind or to think again.” We think of repentance as being a serious change in behavior, and it is. But behavior begins with how we think and what decisions we make. So when we find ourselves acting in an ungodly way, we should retrace our steps and see how our thinking led us down a path of improper behavior. That was the message Christ gave the church at Sardis: “Hold fast and repent” or hold fast and change your thinking. If your behavior is not what it should be, examine your thinking. Ask God to show you how to think God’s thoughts after Him.

4/23/2025

Alive, Not Dead…

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. Revelation 3:2 Christians will one day stand before the Lord to have their works examined (Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). How would you feel if He had not one good thing to say about your works? In the fifth letter, written to the church at Sardis, Christ had nothing to commend them for. They had a reputation for being an “alive” church, but Christ said they were “dead” (Revelation 3:1). If they would not “wake up,” He would come in judgment “like a thief” at a time they would not suspect (verses 2-3, NIV). The church at Sardis could have benefitted from the words of Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

4/22/2025

Be an Overcomer…

And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations. Revelation 2:26 The theme of overcoming is consistent in the letters to the seven churches in Asia minor. Christ promised blessings of various sorts to the churches whose members would overcome the resistance they experienced in the world: Ephesus (Revelation 2:7), Smyrna (Revelation 2:11), Pergamos (Revelation 2:17), Thyatira (Revelation 2:26), Sardis (Revelation 3:5), Philadelphia (Revelation 3:12), and Laodicea (Revelation 3:21). To the church at Thyatira, Christ promised two things: They would rule with Him over the nations, and they would be united with Him when He returned (Revelation 2:26-28). Jesus promised His disciples that they would rule with Him in His Kingdom (Matthew 19:28), a promise later affirmed by Paul (2 Timothy 2:12). Christ also said He would give them “the morning star” (Revelation 2:28)—apparently a reference to Himself: “the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16). We should take these two promises as our own and see them as motivation for overcoming the world. We who are faithful with little in this world will be given much in the world to come (Matthew 25:21). Whatever is before you today, remember that you can overcome through the power of Christ.

4/21/2025

Growing in Maturity…

I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Revelation 2:19 The natural order in all creation is growth: Seeds become plants, infants become adults, calves become cows, acorns become oaks, and minnows become fish. When something doesn’t grow, it is a cause for concern; something abnormal is happening. Growth is also the expected progression in the spiritual life: Babes in Christ grow into mature followers of Christ. When the apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the church at Corinth, he addressed their lack of spiritual growth (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Instead of acting like mature spiritual adults, they were acting like carnal infants. He could not address them as mature adults because they had not grown in their faith. Such was not the case with the church in the city of Thyatira. When Christ addressed this church, He commended them for their spiritual growth. They were displaying greater spiritual works in the present than they had in the past—a sure sign of increasing maturity (Revelation 2:19). Take a moment to assess your spiritual growth. Is it increasing? Declining? Has it plateaued? Ask God to show you areas in which you can focus your growth in the future.

4/20/2025

Holiday Peace…

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 A 2023 survey reported by the American Heart Association noted that out of 1,000 respondents 63 percent said the Christmas and Easter holidays are more stressful than the April tax season. And 51 percent reported that it takes weeks to recover from the holidays—especially for mothers. The very first Christmas was simpler than our modern, commercialized version—and, therefore, less stressful, we would think. But there was fear and stress associated with the first Christmas as well. Zechariah was fearful about the announcement of his son John the Baptist’s birth (Luke 1:13). Mary was fearful about becoming the unwed mother of Jesus (Luke 1:30). And the shepherds outside Bethlehem were fearful when a host of angels announced Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:10). In each case, it was the fear of the unknown that resulted in their unrest. If you have concerns or fears this Christmas or Easter season, commit them to God in prayer. Be anxious for nothing by receiving His peace (Philippians 4:7).

4/19/2025

Spring Into Life: Renewed Knowledge…

Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Colossians 3:9-10, NIV Because of our Lord’s resurrection, every person can be made new. The Bible says, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4, NIV). Paul wrote, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV) This involves growth, maturity, and transformation. For example, we stop lying. We no longer want to deceive those we love. We want to live with integrity because we’ve taken off the old self with its practices. This involves the practice of being renewed day by day as we grow in our knowledge and understanding of our risen Lord. The message of the Bible is centered on the resurrection of Jesus. Study His Book today and every day. Let’s be constantly renewed in our knowledge of Him!

4/18/2025

A Risen Savior…

When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. John 20:20 The Easter Bunny is a very old rabbit. We can date his birth to 1682, when a German Lutheran named Georg Franck von Franckenau wrote a story about an Easter hare bringing eggs to children. It’s fun to have traditions our children enjoy, but let’s help everyone around us truly appreciate the historical reality of the bodily resurrection of Christ. Most of all, let’s each come to the empty tomb for a fresh transfusion of joy. John 20:20 contains a great understatement—Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Imagine the emotion packed into the word “glad”! They were thrilled, overwhelmed, lighthearted, exhilarated, and rejoicing. We should share their attitude! The Resurrection prepares us, not just for our future in heaven but for now. We may have seasons of trouble in our lives, but never a moment when our risen Lord has forgotten or forsaken us. Determine to rejoice today. Shout: Praise the Lord! I serve a risen Savior!

4/17/2025

The Danger of Downgrade…

I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel. Revelation 2:14 In recent years, some churches have reinterpreted their teachings to align with contemporary social trends. They yield to the pressure to conform to the culture in vital areas of doctrine and morality. This is tragic. We need separation from the world—not in our love for people but in our commitment to biblical integrity and personal holiness. When churches diminish their doctrine and devalue their convictions, their ministries lose their power. This is what happened to the church in Pergamos in Revelation 2. It also happened in Charles Spurgeon’s day, and he called it a Down-Grade. He said, “We have had enough of The Down-Grade…. What havoc false doctrine is making, no tongue can tell.” We need an updraft of the Spirit, not a downgrade of the truth. So keep a high view of Scripture, starting today with a personal rededication to its wonderful teachings.

4/16/2025

Victory in Jesus…

As the old saying goes, “From evildoers come evil deeds.” 1 Samuel 24:13, NIV We’re living in a world of evildoers and evil deeds, and it’s very difficult to navigate the times. Though we live in a fallen world, we must keep ourselves both holy and happy in the Lord. That’s not a new challenge. In Revelation 2, the church of Pergamos was surrounded by evil, for Pergamos was a place where Satan dwelled. Yet the church held fast to the Name of Christ. According to 1 John 5:19, we are children of God living in a world controlled by the evil one. We need to remember that Jesus has overcome the world. He will help us maintain purity and poise in times like these. Sometimes we think no one notices our efforts and trials, but God does. He makes us “more than conquerors” (Romans 8:37), always leading us in triumph (2 Corinthians 2:14) and giving us the victory (1 Corinthians 15:57). Pray today for God’s guidance in navigating the sinful culture of the world around us. And claim the victory today. God will strengthen you for victory over an evil world.

4/15/2025

Wealthy in Christ…

I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich). Revelation 2:9 The Christians in the ancient city of Smyrna were materially poor. Generally speaking, that meant not having food for the day at the beginning of the day. When Christ said to them, “I know your…poverty,” the word for “poverty” was one that meant “near destitution.” But in spite of their severe poverty, Christ said they were rich. Smyrna was a rich city in the Roman empire. But the Christians in Smyrna were marginalized by the Romans for their unwillingness to worship the emperor and by the Jews for their newfound faith in Christ. Thus, the Christians existed at the bottom of the economic ladder. But Christ encouraged them in His letter to the church, reminding them that they were spiritually rich even if materially poor. This was consistent with what Paul would later write concerning God’s provision “according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). Make sure the riches you focus on are heavenly riches, not earthly ones. As you go about your day, focus first on His Kingdom, remembering that all else will be added to you (Matthew 6:19-21, 33-34).

4/14/2025

Expect Testing…

Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Revelation 2:10 The city of Smyrna was on the west coast of Asia minor. It was a beautiful and sophisticated city, loyal to Rome and the emperor. The leaders of Smyrna petitioned Rome for permission to build a temple to honor the deity-status of Emperor Tiberius—permission which was granted. Smyrna had a “crown of porticos,” a collection of beautiful public buildings encircling Mount Pagos like a crown. The emperor-worshiping Roman population, along with a hostile Jewish community, made life as a Christian difficult in Smyrna. But Christ told the church in Smyrna they would receive a “crown of life” if they would persevere through their persecution—in contrast to the pagan “crown of porticos” of Smyrna. Paul had reminded the churches in Asia Minor that entrance to the Kingdom would only be through tribulations (Acts 14:22). Entrust the troubles you are currently experiencing to Jesus, the One who knows what you are going through for His sake.

4/13/2025

Seeking and Saving…

For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 Countless paintings show Jesus holding a lamb in His arms. Other paintings show Him approaching an individual sheep that He, the Good Shepherd, sought out after it became separated from the flock. This latter image comes from the parable Jesus told about a man who owned 100 sheep but discovered one was missing. He left the 99 and searched until he found the lost sheep (Matthew 18:12-14). In His words to Zacchaeus, the tax collector, Jesus summarized His mission: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” The premise behind seeking is an acknowledgement that something is lost. In Romans 3:10-18, Paul cites a litany of Old Testament verses showing that man is lost and in need of being found. The problem is that man is not inclined to seek after God: “There is none who seeks after God” (verse 11). And no one can be found who does not first acknowledge he is lost. The first step in being saved is admitting one is lost—separated from God. The good news is that Jesus came to seek and save all who need to be found.

4/12/2025

Spring Into Life: A Renewed Mind…

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 Practical, personal holiness is mental in nature; it’s primarily a matter of our thoughts. Before we sin with our body, we’ve failed in our minds. When we engage in righteousness, it’s because our minds are controlled by the Spirit. The Bible says, “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5). That’s why Paul tells us to reject the “old man” with its deceitful lusts and to “be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (Ephesians 4:22-23). The key to victory involves our mental diet. If we feed our thoughts with rotten images and rancid concepts, they’ll be spiritually sick. But if we feed our minds with what is true, noble, just pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, they will be constantly revived and renewed (Philippians 4:8). What are you feeding your mind today? Make the choice to not fill your mind with worldly things but to be mentally renewed by the Word.

4/11/2025

Weariness…

I know your works, your labor…. You have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. Revelation 2:2-3 Have you ever served God to the point of exhaustion? The Lord Jesus did. In John 4, Jesus was “wearied from His journey” (verse 6). In Mark 4, Jesus was so tired He slept during a storm at sea. In Mark 6:31, He suggested that He and His disciples find a quiet place away from the crowds to rest. Even Jesus grew weary in the work. But He never grew weary of the work—and there’s a big difference between the two. Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (NIV). The church at Ephesus spread the Word of God throughout Asia so that people everywhere heard about Christ because of this dynamic congregation. They persevered in their works and in their labor. Don’t be afraid of encountering some fatigue in whatever work God assigns you. But if you have become weary of the work, ask God to renew your vision and your strength today.

4/10/2025

Remind and Return…

Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Revelation 2:4 Reminders are a part of daily life. We enter reminders into our phone or computer calendar, we stick notes on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror and ask others, “Please remind me to…” Re means “again,” so remind means “to call to mind again.” Just as we are in danger of forgetting practical things in our life, so we are likely, if we are not careful, to forget our spiritual commitments. Christ admonished the church at Ephesus about that very thing—letting their love for Christ fade over time. They had forgotten the love they had for Christ when they first came to Him in faith. He exhorted them to “repent and do the first works” (Revelation 2:5)—the good works, motivated by love for Him, that characterized the early days of their faith. They needed to remind themselves of their love for Christ and return to it. The same thing can happen to us if we are not careful. We can grow complacent, and our faith can grow cold. We must encourage ourselves and others to continue in the faith until Christ returns (Hebrews 10:23-25). Begin today by meditating on God’s love for you.

4/9/2025

Light of the World…

The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches. Revelation 1:20 The first few verses of the Gospel of John mirror the beginning of Genesis 1—the entrance of light into a dark world (Genesis 1:3; John 1:4-5). Jesus identified Himself as the Light of the World (John 8:12) but only while He was in the world (John 9:5). Preparing His followers, Jesus said that they would be the light of the world in His absence (Matthew 5:14-16). This was reaffirmed in the vision John saw on the isle of Patmos. Part of that vision was Christ standing in the midst of seven lampstands—sources of light (Revelation 1:12-13). In His words to John, Christ identified the lampstands as seven churches in Asia Minor, representing all the churches that were and that were to come. The implication of picturing the Church as a lampstand is obvious: The Church is to be the light of the world until Christ returns. Reflect Christ’s light today by saying a kind word to a stranger or meeting the need of a neighbor.

4/8/2025

In the Midst…

I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the seven lampstands One like the Son of Man. Revelation 1:12-13 People think the book of Revelation is hard to interpret because of all the symbols. But the writer, John, interprets many of them for us. For example, the seven golden lampstands in chapter 1 represent the seven churches to whom this letter was originally addressed (Revelation 1:20). Jesus is walking among His churches on earth; He is in the midst of them. Let’s consider two implications of this. First, the Lord is present—through His Spirit—whenever His people meet. He said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). Remind yourself of this as you prepare for church this weekend! Second, this also pictures the desired fellowship Jesus longs to have with us. He wants to be in the center of His Church and the center of our lives. Imagine how hard it would be to ride a bicycle if the tires were off center, if some of the spokes were shorter and some of them were longer! As you go about your day, let Jesus be central and supreme in all that you do.

4/7/2025

What a Difference…

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. 2 Peter 3:10 Maria Grever, a Mexican-born composer, wrote more than one thousand songs, starting when she was four years old! Her career began at age eighteen when she composed “A Una Ola,” which sold three million copies. Her best-known song, “What a Difference a Day Makes,” was recorded by the likes of Dinah Washington, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin, Natalie Cole, Barry Manilow, and Tony Bennett. Think about what a difference it will make when the day dawns for Christ’s return! It could be tomorrow. The Bible says His coming will be unexpected by multitudes of people. Those of us who love Him will be amazed but not totally surprised. When our hours are weary and our hearts are low, we should think about the difference that day will make. When we’re sick and suffering, we should visualize His return. When the arrow of disappointment cuts through us, we should console ourselves with contemplations on our everlasting life in heaven. Jesus is coming again, and He will be victorious. When you feel discouraged today, meditate on His soon and sudden return.

4/6/2025

Our Methodical Enemy…

Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11 British innovators have developed a new type of body armor that’s lightweight and comfortable yet can stop a bullet traveling at the speed of sound. If the apostle Paul saw today’s military protective wear, he’d say much the same as he did in Ephesians 6:10-17 about the armor of the believer. The technology has advanced, yet the concept is still the same. We need to protect ourselves. Ephesians warns us against the “wiles” of the devil. The Greek word Paul used there was methodeia, from which we get our English word method. Satan has his tried and true methods for damaging our lives. He plots and schemes, so we must constantly wear the body armor of the soul. If we’re living in the armor of God, we’ll be able to stand against the wily methods of the devil. Make sure you’re protected today against all the craftiness of Satan. From head to toe be covered with the blood of Christ and clad in His armor.

4/5/2025

Spring Into Life: Renewed Patience…

Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. Isaiah 40:31 To renew means to replenish. Almost everything in our human and material realm needs ongoing replenishment. That’s why the word renew is frequently found in Scripture. Psalm 103:5 says, “[God] satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” Isaiah said that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength and mount up with wings like eagles. Notice how the two verses go together. We need to wait on the Lord, trusting His timing to work out our problems. He’s more patient than we are, and He knows how long it will take for circumstances to turn around. As we trust and wait, He satisfies us in other ways; He renews our strength. Puritan writer William Gurnall wrote, “Hope assures the soul that while God waits to perform one promise, he supplies another. This comfort is enough to quiet the heart of anyone who understands the sweetness of God’s methods.” If you’re weary and worried today, wait on the Lord. He will replenish your strength and inward youthfulness.

4/4/2025

Divine Government…

Thus says the Lord: “Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool.” Isaiah 66:1 On the first anniversary of the Battle of Lexington—the beginning of the American Revolution—local pastor Jonas Clarke preached a sermon. He spoke eloquently about God’s overruling providence. He said, “Next to the acknowledgement of the existence of a Deity, there is no one principle of greater importance…than…belief of the divine government and…providence…. That God is Governor among the nations, that his government is wise and just, and that all our times and changes are in his hands.” We are not waiting for God to take control. He’s already in control. When we see the chaos of our world today, we may be tempted to despair. But things are not what they seem. The same God who governs the galaxies is overseeing the times—and He ordains all our steps too. His throne is in heaven, and earth is His footstool. Give thanks today that Jesus Christ is now and forever the Lord of all.

3/29/2025

The B-I-B-L-E: “This Little Light of Mine”…

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8 “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…. Won’t let Satan blow it out, I’m gonna let it shine…. Hide it under a bushel, NO! I’m gonna let it shine…. Let it shine ’til Jesus comes, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.” The repetitive lyrics of this song make it a favorite with children. Though the origin of the song is unknown, it is universally thought to be based on Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said that His followers are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We are the light of the world because we have living in us the One who is the ultimate “light of the world” (John 8:12). In the children’s song the words “I’m gonna let it shine” reflect Jesus’ admonition not to allow our light to be hidden. Instead, we are to let our light shine via good works so the world can see Him in us and glorify God. Let us put into practice the words of the song to let our light shine until Jesus comes again!

3/28/2025

You’re Welcome to Ask…

Only fear the Lord, and serve Him in truth with all your heart; for consider what great things He has done for you. 1 Samuel 12:24 We understand “Thank you,” but what does “You’re welcome” mean? Some have suggested that “You’re welcome” is a form of invitation, as in “You are welcome to ask me again.” If that is true, we can imagine God saying, “You are welcome to ask Me again and again for what you need.” Scripture certainly encourages us to ask God for what we need. In the Old Testament, Israel was often reminded to thank God for all the “great things” He had done for them. It was one of the reasons for the recitation of the oral history of God’s favor toward Israel throughout their existence so they would never forget His blessings and benefits. We would be well advised to do the same. Keeping a journal or diary is one way to record what God has done for you. Reviewing it often creates faith and trust that God will be as faithful in the present and future as He has been in the past. Cultivate the practice of giving God thanks daily for what He has done for you. Never take God’s generosity for granted.

3/27/2025

Reasons to Be Thankful…

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Some Christian denominations refer to the Lord’s Supper (Communion) as the Eucharist. Eucharist is translated as “give thanks,” being derived from a compound Greek word meaning “freely given”—a reference to Christ symbolically giving His disciples His body and blood (bread and wine) at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-29). The memorial celebration of His sacrificial offering of Himself became known as the Eucharist—a giving of thanks for Christ’s gift of Himself to us. Later, the apostle Paul would write, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32) We have the greatest reason possible to be thankful to God for His gift of salvation in Christ. Since He has already given us the most important thing in life, we can surely thank Him for everything else He has provided as well: life, health, safety, provisions, family, and so much more. We can even thank Him for the difficulties of life since He has already given us life. Look around today and be reminded of all the reasons you have to be thankful to God—and give Him thanks!

3/26/2025

A Teacher Called Grace…

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us [to deny] ungodliness and worldly lusts. Titus 2:11-12 One of the clearest examples of the awakening of faith leading to a changed life is when the Jewish leader Nicodemus approached Jesus with questions (John 3:1-21). That encounter illustrates what Paul wrote about in Titus 2:11-12 when he described the grace of God “teaching” us about a changed life. It raises the question, how does the grace of God teach us? The grace of God appeared when Jesus came to earth and began to reveal God to man. Prior to Jesus’ appearing, mankind was the enemy of God in terms of behavior (Romans 3:10-18). But when Jesus began to teach, eyes and ears began to open. So the grace of God was manifested in the Person of Christ—His righteous life and anointing from God. Ephesians 2:8-10 says we are saved by grace “for good works.” That is, we were saved by grace, which has the power to change our lives. Did your life change after you met Christ? Is it continuing to change? Ask God to open your eyes ever wider to see who you can become in Christ.

3/25/2025

Getting Along…

A friend loves at all times…. The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Proverbs 17:17, 27 It’s not always easy being with other Christians. Yes, we’re brothers and sisters in Christ, and the Bible stresses love and unity among children of God. But some Christians simply rub us the wrong way. They can hurt us, and we can disagree with them. Sometimes the problem is our own impatience, intolerance, stubbornness, and pride. Remember, in any church there are people with varying levels of maturity. Some are new believers, and some who have begun attending may not yet know Christ at all. All this can cause misunderstandings among us. Remember, too, that it’s hard to know what’s going on in the life of another. Sometimes we’re the object of misplaced anger. Someone who snaps at you might be struggling with overwhelming problems that have created frustration in the soul. The Bible gives timeless advice: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18, NIV). What can you do to be more even-tempered in your relationships?

3/24/2025

It’ll Turn Out…

What has happened to me will turn out. Philippians 1:19 Are you having a hard day? All around us, we feel the problems and pressures of life are increasing. When multiple things go wrong at once, we can lose our fortitude and optimism. That’s when we need to remember what Paul told the Philippians about all his dangers and difficulties: “I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out” (Philippians 1:18-19). God gives us a clear promise that all things work together for good. God is a great God, and His design for our life is a good one. He knows the complete picture, while we can only see what’s in front of us. But because we know He wants what is best for us, we need to learn to trust in Him. When you can’t see the road ahead, trust in God who knows the way. Ask someone to pray for you, and then trust God for His provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ to sustain you. And then, like Paul, continue to rejoice because what has happened will turn out for your deliverance.

3/23/2025

NOEL—Ways to Celebrate the Season: Love and Laughter…

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” Psalm 126:2 Comedian Milton Berle said, “Laughter is an instant vacation.” As we come to the last letter of our NOEL acronym, let’s use love and laughter for L. In his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul bragged on the people for their “labor of love” (1:3). He said their love was good news to him (3:6). Then he prayed for their love to “increase and abound” (3:12). He said God had taught them to love one another (4:9) and that they should do so more and more (4:10). We love our friends and families, despite all the ups and downs that come with close and sometimes complicated relationships. The Lord teaches us how to love one another. Let’s do so more and more. Let’s display our love with laughter. Not hurtful, sarcastic laughter, but the laughter of fun and fellowship. Especially at Christmas. The people in Psalm 126:2 said, “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy. And the other nations said, ‘What amazing things the Lord has done for them’” (NLT). Let your love and laughter be contagious this season.

3/22/2025

The B-I-B-L-E: “Fairest Lord Jesus”…

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. John 1:3 “Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature, O Thou of God and man the Son, Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor, Thou my soul’s glory, joy, and crown.” Compared to other Sunday school songs, “Fairest Lord Jesus” is more complicated when it comes to childlike lyrics. The only thing we know about this hymn is that it is old—from as far back as the seventeenth century—and it has gone through many revisions. But the contemporary version’s four stanzas are filled with images from nature children can easily identify with. And the theme is clear: Jesus is Lord over all creation—nature and man alike. The lordship of Christ is a fundamental doctrine of the Christian faith. Paul wrote in Romans 10:9, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (NIV). That is a tenet of faith for children and adults alike. The implications of Christ’s lordship are never-ending. If Jesus is Lord, we are called to serve Him in all things—from childhood until He comes again.

3/21/2025

Everything for Good…

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 Imagine you are baking a cake and you haphazardly add ingredients that you pull from your pantry shelf. When a friend inquires, you answer, “No problem; the cake will turn out fine in the end.” No culinary school would teach such a process; good outcomes depend on good ingredients when it comes to cooking. But Romans 8:28 makes a promise that, regardless of the events we experience, whether good or bad, God causes all things to work for good in the end. That doesn’t mean we are given license to live our life haphazardly without caution for consequences and effects. Instead, it means that while we are pursuing a wise and obedient life, we will still experience difficulties, but God will use those difficulties to accomplish His good purpose in our life. Whether good or bad, God will use “all things” for His purposes. When you are going through difficult times, trust in God’s promise. He will use those difficulties to make you more like Christ.

3/20/2025

Sufficient Grace…

And the Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 When we go through times of trouble, we can wonder why God is allowing it. We can even wonder whether God is aware of our circumstances. The apostle Paul’s situation gives us insight into those questions (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). He experienced something he called “a thorn in the flesh,” “a messenger of Satan” (verse 7). We don’t know exactly what this “thorn” was, but it was enough of a discomfort that he prayed three times that God would remove it. So we know God was aware of his situation, and we know God refused to remove the “thorn.” Instead, God reminded Paul that His grace would be sufficient for the trouble he was experiencing. We don’t know how long Paul’s trouble lasted, but we do know that God’s grace is inexhaustible. So as long as Paul was suffering, God’s grace was sufficient for him to endure. The experience changed Paul’s perspective; with his suffering came a fresh realization of the power of God’s grace in his life. Take your troubles to God in prayer just as Paul did. And know that whatever God’s answer, His grace will be sufficient.

3/19/2025

Sustained by a Vision…

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 We often hear the phrase “no pain, no gain” associated with athletic training. Too often, the emphasis is put on the pain because that is what we are experiencing in the moment. But in reality, the gain is more important. The gain, or end result, has to have enough value to justify the pain of the moment. Therefore, casting a vision for the future is a prerequisite for being willing to go through the troubles of the present moment. The apostle Paul illustrated this principle in Romans 8:18 when he said that our present troubles cannot be compared to the future glory we will experience in Christ. We endure present troubles for a future glory in which all troubles will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4). Without a biblical vision of the future, we can be tempted to rebel against trouble in the present, wondering what purpose it serves. The purpose of everything in this life is to conform us ultimately to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:28-29). Prepare for today’s troubles by filling your heart and mind with a vision of future glory in eternity.

3/18/2025

Too Bad…

Enter through the narrow gate. Matthew 7:13 Is the gate of salvation too narrow for some sinners who truly repent? Perhaps they’ve committed unspeakable crimes and hideous sins. Or perhaps you yourself have thought, “I’m too bad to be saved.” J. C. Ryle wrote: “No sinner was ever turned back, and told he was too bad to be admitted, if he came really sick of his sins. Thousands of all sorts have been received, cleansed, washed, pardoned, clothed, and made heirs of eternal life. Some of them seemed very unlikely to be admitted. You and I might have thought they were too bad to be saved. But He that built the gate did not refuse them. As soon as they knocked, He gave orders that they should be let in.” Paul said, “‘Jesus came into the world to save sinners’—and I am the worst of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:15-16, NLT).

3/17/2025

Say So…

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy. Psalm 107:2 Many people don’t like change, and some change is harmful. But as the American inventor Charles Kettering put it, “The world hates change, yet it’s the only thing that has brought progress.” There’s one kind of change the world desperately needs—the individual change that occurs in the human personality when Jesus Christ touches us with grace. Part of the change occurs instantly—we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light, from Satan’s dominion to God’s family. It often makes a sudden difference, as it did when Saul of Tarsus met Jesus on the Damascus Road. Other changes occur over time as we mature in grace. Christian growth is the process of the transformation of our mouths from cursing to witnessing, of our hearts from bitterness to patience, of our habits from self-destructive patterns to Christ-affirming routines. How has the Holy Spirit changed your life? The essence of our testimony is telling others how the Lord has changed us. Have you a testimony to share?

3/16/2025

Deep Roots…

He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper. Psalm 1:3 According to researchers at Rutgers University, the tree with the deepest documented roots is the shepherd’s tree native to the Kalahari Desert in Southern Africa. When drilling a water well, workers discovered the tree’s roots went 230 feet deep into the ground. In arid regions, roots go deep in search of water to stay alive. Whether growing in deserts or by the side of a river, trees use their root systems to bring up water and minerals from the soil that sustain life. The psalmist used an image of a healthy, fruitful tree to picture a man who walks in God’s ways (Psalm 1:3) and meditates on God’s Word (Psalm 1:2). The image of the tree in verse 3 is one of strength, health, stability, and fruitfulness. Transfer those characteristics to a person, and you get a picture of a blessed man or woman (Psalm 1:1). What is your source of spiritual nutrients with which you nourish your heart, soul, and mind? Sink your roots deep into God’s Word for a blessed life.

3/15/2025

The B-I-B-L-E: “I’ve Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy”…

Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:18 “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart. Where? Down in my heart! Where? Down in my heart! I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart, down in my heart to stay.” This energetic call-and-response song (Where? . . . Where?) is well-known to Sunday school students! Kids especially love the third verse: “If the devil doesn’t like it, he can sit on a tack! Ouch!” This song’s theme is thoroughly biblical: the pairing of joy with salvation. The last phrase of the first verse is especially important: Joy is “down in my heart to stay.” Nowhere is this better illustrated than in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, written while he was in jail. In his letter, Paul references joy no fewer than a dozen times. It’s important to note, however, that we can lose our joy temporarily due to sin. After he sinned, King David prayed that God would restore to him the joy of His salvation (Psalm 51:12). The waters of joy from the never-ending well of salvation are ours to draw from at every moment (Isaiah 12:3).

3/14/2025

Never-Ending Grace…

But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:20-21 Those who have stood in the face of the mighty Niagara Falls have been in awe of the sheer volume of water that flows over it. Yet Niagara is only the seventh largest waterfall in the world by volume of flow. Right now, as you read these words, water is pouring over the world’s mightiest waterfalls—seemingly without end. The never-ending water over waterfalls, like the constant light from the sun, pales in comparison to the never-ending supply of the grace of God. Just as we stand in the light of the sun on a summer day, so we stand in the grace of God. That means our life is the gift of God, as is our salvation by faith. We stand forgiven and justified because of the grace of God. And that grace is never-ending. Grace is not something we work for or earn. Rather, it is the gift of God that surrounds us and empowers us every moment of our life. Thank God today for His grace that allows you to stand before Him.

3/13/2025

Victory Through Surrender…

So Gideon built an altar there to the Lord, and called it The-Lord-Is-Peace. Judges 6:24 It’s hard to watch the images of war, captured by photojournalists, broadcast daily on the news. George Washington said, “My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.” Sadly, it has yet to be banished. There is one war, however, that we can win by surrendering—the rebellion of the human heart against God. Prior to our salvation, we were enemies of God. But when we realize He is just and good—a God of righteousness and yet of mercy—and when we surrender our lives to Him, we’re filled with a peace that transcends understanding. We have peace with God. The Lord Himself is our peace. If you are fighting against God and His marvelous grace, surrender to Him today. The Bible says, “Since then it is by faith that we are justified, let us grasp the fact that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have confidently entered into this new relationship of grace, and here we take our stand” (Romans 5:1, PHILLIPS). The Lord is peace!

3/12/2025

Out on a Ledge…

Should you not have obeyed the words which the Lord proclaimed through the former prophets when Jerusalem and the cities around it were inhabited and prosperous, and the South and the Lowland were inhabited? Zechariah 7:7 Last October a national park ranger at the Grand Canyon saw a group of girls maneuvering over a sign that said, “DO NOT ENTER.” The girls crept onto a dangerous ledge to practice their yoga postures as the sun went down. The exasperated ranger felt the same sort of concern the Lord feels when we maneuver over His warnings, rules, and commands. In the book of Zechariah, some of the remnant who returned to Babylon asked Zechariah if they needed to continue to fast for the restoration of Jerusalem. Zechariah told them it was better to obey than to fast. He told them God expected them to show mercy and compassion to their brothers. It’s one thing to study the Bible and another to obey what it says. It’s not a religious routine that pleases God but heartfelt obedience. Is there an area in your life akin to maneuvering around one of God’s warning signs?

3/11/2025

Smudges and Grudges…

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. James 1:23-24 One day a man cleaned out his garage. He didn’t realize that in wiping his hand across his mouth, he had given himself a smudge that looked like a crooked mustache. When he went to the hardware store that afternoon, everyone smiled when they saw him. He didn’t realize the reason until that night when he looked in the mirror. Then he washed his face. The next morning the man opened his Bible, a little frustrated that his reading for the day was in Leviticus. But he came to Leviticus 19:18: “You shall not…bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” He realized at that moment he was still angry at someone. Bowing his head, he asked God for forgiveness, and he released the anger, putting the man into God’s hands. Take time each day to look into the mirror of God’s Word to help you with smudges and grudges.

3/10/2025

Rescue the Perishing…

The Lord Jesus Christ…gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age. Galatians 1:3-4 Dalton Grose of Waterville, Minnesota, was sitting in his boat one day when he saw a truck fly into the lake and sink in the water. Grose jumped into the lake, reached the vehicle, positioned his legs against the side of the truck, and, with adrenaline-fueled strength, managed to open the door and pull out the elderly driver. The two sank to the bottom of the lake, but Grose pushed off and managed to get the man’s face above the water and swim with him to the dock where another bystander helped pull both men to safety. Grose was awarded the Carnegie Medal for heroism because he risked his life to save another. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He jumped into this world to pull us to safety. He rescued us, and He also commissioned us to help with the effort. We may not see a vehicle sink into a lake, but every day we’re surrounded by sinking sinners. Let’s be aware of it. Let’s do our part to rescue the perishing.

3/9/2025

Savior…

We know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world. John 4:42 Jesus, Immanuel, Messiah, King of Righteousness, Prince of Peace, Son of David, Cornerstone, Lion of Judah, Morning Star, Redeemer, Lamb of God, Counselor, God, Lord, Word, Advocate, Shepherd, Master, Servant, Holy One, Rabbi, Carpenter! You can find hundreds of names and titles for Jesus in the Bible. One was given by the angels: “For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior” (Luke 2:11). The Greek word soter means “someone who can make safe, deliver from a threat and bring safe and sound out of a difficult situation.” Whenever you need a savior, you need one badly—to save you from drowning, from a fire, from a medical emergency. Jesus does all that and more. When we were sinking deep in sin, He saved us. When we were in danger of hell, He saved us. When we were dying inwardly and eternally, He rescued us. It takes all the names in the Bible to describe Him. But aren’t you glad Savior is among them! Ponder His saving power today and rejoice!

3/8/2025

The B-I-B-L-E: “Jesus Loves Me”…

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16 “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; they are weak, but He is strong.” Of all of Anna Bartlett Warner’s many hymns “Jesus Loves Me” is undoubtedly the most well-known. In its simple first verse are found all the key elements of the Christian story: Jesus, love, Bible, and faithfulness. How fitting that young children should learn a song that tells the Gospel message. Just as “Jesus Loves Me” simplifies the Gospel message in a song beloved by children, John 3:16 does so in a single Bible verse: God, His love for mankind, Jesus Christ, faith, and eternal life. It is no wonder that in the millions of Bibles distributed by Gideons International John 3:16 is printed in a variety of the world’s languages. Regardless of who sees one of their Bibles, they will most likely be able to read John 3:16 in a familiar language. May “Jesus Loves You” remind you of the simplicity of the Gospel message: Jesus loves you, this you can know, for the Bible tells you so.

3/7/2025

Back on the Right Path…

And the son arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. Luke 15:20 When hiking on a trail in the woods or a wilderness area, you may gradually realize that you are lost. At such a time there is only one thing to do: turn around and go back to the last place you were sure of. It is better to go back to the starting point and make a new, better path. That is what the young man did in Jesus’ parable of the lost son (Luke 15:11-32). The son left the security of his father’s home to create his own life—an adventure that ended in disaster. Destitute and broken, he came to his senses and realized he was on the wrong path. So he returned home and found his father waiting to receive him. There was no judgment or criticism, only compassion and love. Jesus told this parable to illustrate God’s readiness to forgive. If we ever find ourselves off of God’s path, our only solution is to return to Him. He waits for every child of His to return to His open arms of love.

3/6/2025

The Double Transaction…

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand. Romans 5:1-2 Dr. J. I. Packer wrote a book, God’s Words, about key biblical terms, one of which was justification. As a noun, this word occurs three times in the New Testament. As a verb, it’s found 39 times, mostly in the writings of Paul. “It is his way of formulating the essential Gospel message,” Packer wrote, “that through Christ’s death guilty sinners, once justly under wrath, come into a new relationship with God as His beloved children, under grace.” When we’re justified, God takes our sins and places them on Christ, and then He takes the righteousness of Christ and places it on us. It’s a double transaction. Our sins are imputed to Christ, and His sinlessness is imputed to us. That doesn’t mean we are presently incapable of sinning. Instead, it means when God looks at us, He sees us wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Knowing this word makes us want to live up to our position and bring every habit under our Lord’s control. Where do you need to start?

3/5/2025

Bat Habits…

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Colossians 3:8 A zoo in Germany has a bat cave through which visitors can walk, which is what Elina Öfele did with her son. When she returned home, Elina found a bat in her clothing. Thankfully, zoo officials were able to return the creature to its cave… while Elina calmed her nerves. As we walk through this dark world, the sins lurking around us try to stow away in our hearts and minds. We develop bad habits without realizing it at first. Fatigue can increase our irritability. A few clicks on the computer can poison our minds. A busy schedule can disrupt church habits. A slip of the tongue can damage your testimony. Recognizing sin is the prelude to grace. Are any “bat habits” stowing away in your life? Confess them and ask for God’s help in forsaking them. He specializes in helping us overcome temptations. If you need to make changes in your life, start today.

3/4/2025

A Sunny Dog Story…

So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy. Romans 9:16 Several years ago, a sad-eyed, mixed-breed dog named Sunny was in a Houston pound only hours away from being put to sleep. A man in New York named William Berloni somehow saw her picture and rescued her from afar. Berloni is an animal trainer, and within months Sunny was a Broadway star in the stage production of Annie. Does Sunny remind you of anyone? When we were destined for destruction, the Lord somehow saw us and rescued us from afar, and He has given us starring roles in His Kingdom. Grace and mercy are two sides of the same coin. When we experience mercy, we’re kept from receiving what we deserve—punishment for our sins. When we experience grace, we’re freely given what we don’t deserve—abundant blessings and eternal life. We often think we want justice, but what we really want is mercy and grace. Those are the gifts of God that truly do make us—sunny!

3/3/2025

Marvelous, Infinite, Matchless…

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace. Ephesians 1:7 The word grace occurs more than 150 times in the Bible, and most of them come from the pen of the apostle Paul. He’s the apostle of grace, and grace is the keynote of his teachings. In Ephesians 2:7, he talked about “the exceeding riches of His grace.” In 1 Timothy 1:14, he said, “The grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant.” In Romans 5:20, he said, “Grace abounded.” It’s this exceedingly rich, exceedingly abundant, abounding grace that meets every need in your life, that sends every blessing, that hears every prayer, that heals every hurt, that calms every fear, that forgives every sin, and that makes goodness and mercy follow you every day of your life. John 1:16 says, “Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another” (GNT). The hymnist called it “marvelous, infinite, matchless grace.” Grace is God’s gift to us. And Jesus is the embodiment of grace. He is God’s gift to us—our Savior. If you want to draw a picture of grace, simply draw Jesus. Give thanks today for God’s abundant grace.

3/2/2025

Tempted and Tested…

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 Empathize and sympathize are two English words that are sometimes confused. While the Greek word for sympathy occurs in the Greek New Testament twice (Hebrews 4:15; 10:34), the Greek word for empathy does not. In modern terms, sympathize means “to have pity or sorrow towards another,” while empathize means “to understand and share in the feelings of another.” The meaning of Greek sympathize is more like the meaning of our modern empathize: to suffer with. One of the benefits of Immanuel—“God with us” as a fellow human—is Christ’s ability to identify with our sufferings, to sympathize with us. “Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested” (Hebrews 2:18, NLT). He had to “be made in every respect like us…so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God” (Hebrews 2:17, NLT). Jesus experienced every pain we experience, “yet without sin.” When you are tempted or tested, you are not alone. God is with you; He has felt what you are feeling.

3/1/2025

The B-I-B-L-E: “The B-I-B-L-E”…

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 “The B-I-B-L-E, yes that’s the book for me; I stand alone on the Word of God, the B-I-B-L-E.” Most Christians who attended Sunday school or Vacation Bible School as a child sang that song. It is such a simple song, yet the words are so profound. Someone has described the Bible as God’s love letter to mankind telling us all we need to know. If the Bible doesn’t have the answer to our specific question, it tells us how to seek help and direction from God Himself. “I stand alone” can have two meanings. First, it can mean that we are willing to stand alone, by ourselves if necessary, to defend the Word of God against all detractors. Second, it can mean that the Bible alone is our most trustworthy source of truth and life. It tells us what no other book can: how to be forgiven, how to be saved for eternity, and how to live a life pleasing to God. Is the Bible the book for you? Do you stand alone on the Word of God? Let it light your path as you walk through this life.

2/28/2025

Many Happinesses…

Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. Psalm 86:4 The founder of a large chain of Chinese supermarkets has introduced “unhappy leave” days for employees. Workers were told, “Everyone has times when they’re not happy, so if you’re not happy, do not come to work.” We all have days like that, but the Christian’s life should be characterized by as much happiness as possible. Randy Alcorn wrote, “Until Christ completely cures us and this world, our happiness will be punctuated by times of great sorrow. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be predominately happy in Christ.” Thomas Brooks said, “God is the author of all true happiness; he is the donor of all true happiness; he is the maintainer of all true happiness; and he is the center of all true happiness.” Through cultivating our relationship with Jesus, we will know real, personal joy and happiness in our lives. Ask God, “Give me happiness, for I give myself to You.” May He remind you that you can achieve happiness through Him.

2/27/2025

Don’t Worry, Be Blessed…

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. Psalm 1:1 At the 1989 Grammy Awards, the song of the year, record of the year, and best male pop vocal performance awards went to a catchy a cappella song called “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” In spite of its many awards, the song was panned by a number of critics. If only being happy was as simple as choosing to be happy! From a biblical perspective, the song misses a critical point: Happiness is a by-product of other choices in life. We don’t obtain happiness by seeking it. Rather, we find happiness by seeking God and conforming our lives to His plan, purposes, and will. As Psalm 1 says, we are blessed (happy) when we avoid the counsel of a world that rejects God. And we find happiness when we delight ourselves in His Word and meditate on it day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). “Don’t worry” is good advice, to be followed by committing everything to God in prayer (Philippians 4:6).

2/26/2025

Kingdom Blessings…

We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God. Acts 14:22 On his first missionary journey, the apostle Paul visited towns like Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. In those towns, he and Barnabas were attacked for preaching the Gospel and barely escaped with their lives (Acts 14). They later returned through those towns in order to strengthen the new converts in Christ, telling them, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). These words are an example of Paul incorporating the teachings of Jesus into his own missionary preaching. For Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The connection between persecution for Christ’s sake and the Kingdom involves persevering through persecution—not falling away from the faith. Only those who are willing to take up their cross for Jesus will inherit the Kingdom of God (Luke 14:25-27). Suffering persecution is not a blessing, but inheriting the Kingdom of God is. If you experience persecution for your faith in Jesus, take heart! The blessing of entering into God’s eternal Kingdom is your reward.

2/25/2025

A Million New Believers…

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 Last year, pastor Farshid Fathi spoke about the growth of the church in Iran. Fathi spent years in Iranian prisons for his faith. Now he serves in Turkey among the hundreds of thousands of Iranians living there. He estimates there are more than a million new believers in Iran despite severe restrictions on them. “Persecution is not the end of the story, but part of it,” said Fathi. “The greatest demonstration of love we can make is to be willing to go through suffering.” The Christians in Jesus’ day were persecuted because of the difference in their lives. When we live for Christ, we will sometimes be reviled and persecuted. Even in the West, increasing pressures are falling on those holding a biblical worldview. But we must never be intimidated. Should persecution come, God will give us the grace to uphold the cross of Jesus Christ with joy. It’s time to speak up for Christ and for our Gospel story. Abide in Him, knowing you will be blessed, even if opposed.