Daily Devotion - September 23, 2025

I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.” (Dan. 9:4-5)

Flipping through a family photo album, a rebellious son called his mother to him, and pointed in sadness to a picture of himself as a small child. “Mom, in this picture I can see such hope in your eyes as you look at me. But I have dashed all your hopes. I know that’s why you can no longer love me.” 

The wayward son had so often protested his innocence or minimized his guilt that his mother doubted her son could ever turn from his destructive paths. And it was true, his selfish rebellion had hardened her heart. But, when he confessed his guilt, her hardness towards her child broke. She embraced him with the hope and the heart that was depicted in the photo taken so long ago. 

Once again, she offered her love and help to her difficult child. She had not been moved by his defense of his behavior, but by his confession of his desperation.  

The Bible tells us this is also what moves God’s heart on our behalf. His embrace is most evident not when we trumpet our goodness, but when we call out in desperation for his forgiveness. Our Heavenly Father’s love and help are always available for those who confess their need of his grace!

Prayer: Father, I know that I have sinned against you in my words and actions. I ask you now for forgiveness and help not because of my deserving but out of my desperation. Nothing I can do will make up for my sin. I trust Jesus will.

Daily Devotion - September 22, 2025

Let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves. (1 Pet. 3:4-5)

How strange – and significant – that the impulsive, quick-tempered, and pushy Apostle Peter would advise seeking to win a spouse to faith in Christ by “a gentle and quiet spirit.” 

The apostle’s words remind us that God bestowed great dignity, value, and spiritual power on women who reflect the heart of their Savior. The world teaches that those who exert the most pressure from the highest position have the most influence. The gospel teaches that hearts are most influenced by us when Christ’s character is most evident in us. 

Peter addresses women whose husbands are not believers. Such wives may think that verbal pressuring, emotional manipulation, or reasoned demands are best to convince a man to change – for his own good. The apostle, who had been such a hothead, instead urges holiness with trust in God. 

Peter knew that showing Christ to others is far more effective than shoving Jesus on them. The more we try to leverage change, the less our spouses feel loved. The more we treat a spouse with respect – providing a gentle word, a non-combative spirit, and a beauty of heart – the more the Jesus in us is attractive.  

A woman who would win her husband to Jesus is wiser in seeking to display her Savior than to control her husband. Show Jesus and let the Spirit sway the man.

Prayer: Lord, help me to show my Savior and be willing to have your Spirit sway my loved one. Work through my humility and holiness to reach my spouse.

Daily Devotion - September 19, 2025

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (John 14:2-3)

When my youngest daughter went off to college, she was determined to be brave. So, she did nothing but smile and chatter as we took her clothes and boxes to her dorm. Even as we were getting into the car to drive away, her face showed only sunshine. 

When I went to give her a final hug, I first held her at arm’s length and looked her in the eye. I told her what my father had told me many years ago, “No matter what happens here, you are my precious child, and nothing will change that. Our home is always your home.”

That did it. The smile vanished, her face flushed, and she hugged me hard, crying and saying, “Oh, Daddy, that’s not fair!” To which I replied, “Of course, it’s not ‘fair.’ It’s grace!”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child by the work of Christ – and for the promise that my performance will never lessen your love. I will always have a place in your heart and heaven prepared by Christ for me.

Daily Devotion - September 19, 2025

Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith. (Heb. 12:1-2)

When I saw my son’s energy wane during his cross-country meets, I’d shout encouragement from the crowd to revive his resolve and keep his focus on the goal. I could have voiced threats or showed my frustration, but I knew such things would eventually sap his strength – even if they might momentarily spur him on.

God, who is a better father than I am, ensures that his grace-filled encouragement rings powerfully, lovingly, and continually through the witnesses that testify to his grace throughout Scripture. There the heroes are spurred on by his faithfulness and supported by his mercy, even when they falter.

As we press toward the goal that God has laid out for us, the Bible’s cloud of witnesses surrounds us and supports us so that we constantly gain confidence of God’s grace for our race. 

The course may be steep and long, but his witnesses keep us strong with this encouragement: “He is with you, as he has been with us. He will never leave or forsake you. So, run hard and run strong.”

Prayer: My Father, thank you giving me a cloud of witnesses as I run the race of the Christian life. May their assurance of your abiding care give me strength and endurance to finish the course you have set for me.

Daily Devotion - September 18, 2025

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. (1 Thess. 2:7-8)

What does it mean to “do life” with God’s people?  The Apostle Paul explained when he wrote to the church in Thessalonica. He reminded them that he was ready to share not only the gospel but himself. 

When we “do life” with people, we seek to know them in deeper ways, to pray for needs, to forgive flaws, to share understanding of God’s Word, and to support in times of pain and joy. We weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. 

By sharing our lives as well as our words we help others sense the difference the Gospel has made in our hearts, and we grow in grace by seeing the same in them – especially in the sensitive situations in one another’s lives. When we become dear to one another, we are recognizing and honoring how precious each is to God. 

We put our youngest daughter to bed every night with the words, “You are precious to us.” As she got older, she thought she didn’t need to be treated as a child so she waved off the phrase one night – until we left her room. Then, she called us back in tears. “You didn’t say it,” she cried. 

So, we said it again, and say it to this day, knowing that it is as important to share our hearts as to share our words in order to share God’s heart for all his loved ones. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to share the gospel not only in the words I say, but also in the life I share with those around me.

Daily Devotion - September 18, 2025

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. (Rom. 15:4)

As Christians, we lean on God’s promise that he will work all things together for our ultimate good (Rom. 8:28). But how do we know that promise is real, and how does it reach deep into our hearts, banishing all fear and doubt?  

The Apostle Paul reminds us that everything that is in the Bible is painting a picture of God’s purpose through time, trials, and triumphs that culminates in the saving work of Jesus.

When we see how comprehensive is God’s plan, how resolute his love, and how eternal his purpose, then we are encouraged through present trials and enabled to endure them. God is working all for good; he’s proven it over and over – especially at the cross.

Scripture’s grand design helps rescue us from debilitating worry and anxiety, as we face the troubles of a fallen world. Since nothing on earth can separate us from his eternal love, we persevere in God’s grace until his purposes for us and our world are fulfilled!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that my life both now and forever is in your hands. Help that wonderful truth to banish my fears and doubts, and to build the encouragement and endurance needed for every trial!

Daily Devotion - September 17, 2025

My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone. O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 71:15-17)

Some time ago, Jim Orders, a senior board member of our school for pastors, was diagnosed with a deadly cancer. When I visited him, he smiled and spoke with a trust in God’s plan that had matured over a lifetime of faith. He said, “I always wondered how the Father would take me home. Now I know.”

In his final days, Jim had a final task he strove to complete. He wrote the history of his family and business as a way of celebrating the grace he had experienced. He longed to leave a legacy of faith for those he loved, so they might also have deep confidence in Jesus no matter what life brought.

This is always the desire of faithful parents, pastors, friends, and neighbors. Our joy increases as we see others share it. Our confidence in God grows as we witness others grow in faith. Our sense of purpose deepens as we see God deepen our faith in new generations of believers. 

Your joy also will increase as your witness spreads. You don’t need to wait until you are dying to experience such joy. The One who rose from the dead will walk with you and work through you as you tell loved ones his wondrous deeds. So, tell!

Prayer: Lord, help me to remember all the wonderful things you have done in my life. Then, please give me opportunities and a loving heart to share my joy with those who need you.

Daily Devotion - September 16, 2025

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:17-18)

We live in a spiritually deceptive world that constantly seeks to trap us in paths and patterns that keep us away from the blessings God intends.  So, God in his grace came to set us free from dead ends, to awaken us to a better life and a truer reality, where lasting love and significance are assured. 

Already we have the glorious blessing of our sin being covered by God’s grace, granting us his holiness. But that is not our final glory. As the Holy Spirit indwells our hearts, he also uses God’s Word to transform us more and more into Christ’s likeness. 

The affections, priorities, and ambitions of Jesus, our Savior, increasingly become ours. We live more for the Father, delighting more in his love. Our hearts beat in rhythm with his, and his joys become ours. 

There is wondrous glory in the life of every newborn child, but there is greater glory when that life is lived selflessly, heroically, and in full expression of God’s gifts. So the glory of our new birth is transformed into even greater glory as the Spirit matures us into Christ’s likeness. 

We are never loved more by God than when we are born again, but his love becomes even more glorious as we mature by yielding to his Spirit.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the glory of my new birth. Now groom me for greater glory by making my heart sensitive and submissive to Word of the Holy Spirit.

Daily Devotion - September 15, 2025

Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble. (Dan. 4:37)

As a pastor, I wrestle with trying to convince people of how sure is God’s promise of grace to those who ask for forgiveness. Some have been helped by simply considering the life of Nebuchadnezzar. He was the murderous, arrogant, and idolatrous king of Babylon who enslaved God’s people. Yet, God claimed his heart.

As long as the king paraded his greatness, looking down on everyone else, he was a pathetic mess before God. But, once he looked up to God, confessing his lowliness of heart and mind, the Lord restored him.

You may wonder if God could or should forgive someone like you. But, if God would restore a person as awful as Nebuchadnezzar, then he can restore you. 

Nothing can stand between us and the grace of God. Once we confess our utter need of him, his ultimate love for us is sure. His gracious provision for the lowly is deep and wide. When we confess that our sin has brought us low, God’s lifts our hearts and restores our purpose!

Prayer: Father, I confess to you that I am weak, sinful, and lowly. Thank you for your mercy for the messes that I have made, and for lifting the load of sin from me as I look to you.

Daily Devotion - September 12, 2025

We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (Eph. 2:10 NLT)

While at a local fair, I received a call from my son. He told me he had gone to share the gospel in Ferguson, Missouri, where racial injustice had just resulted in a man’s death. My impulse was to say, “What are you thinking? Get out of there.” But my son spoke before I could voice my objection, saying, “I will not let hatred stop me from showing Christ to my neighbor.”

My son knows he’s a product of our family’s genetics, nurture, and environment, but he also believes that he has been created by God for Christ’s purposes. My child is God’s workmanship, a product of divine intention and craft, designed in eternity for God’s eternal purposes. 

Such a perspective makes me gasp to consider the responsibility I have in raising God’s child, and it makes me bow to God’s purposes for him. Of course, I am not the first parent to question whether it’s good for me if my child serves Christ on the mission filed, in charitable endeavors, or on the streets of Ferguson – or Bangladesh, or Afghanistan. Still, I need to remember Christ has dibs on his life.

I’m not talking about being cavalier or irresponsible about life choices; I am affirming that God loves my children more than I do. He fulfills their hearts’ desires by engaging them in his designs. I want my children to be happy. So does Jesus. That’s why he calls them to fulfill their creation purpose. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that I and my loved ones are your workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works that you prepared long in advance for us.

Daily Devotion - September 11, 2025

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. (John 1:16-17)

Where are you on the grace-and-truth spectrum?  Some people are all about God’s grace and ignore the truth of the Bible. Others major on the truth of God’s expectations and have little patience for strugglers. Yet, the Scriptures tell us that grace and truth can’t be separated. 

The Apostle John writes that grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. And Jesus said, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.”

So, being under the gospel of grace does not make obedience to God’s truth optional. When God removes good works as a condition for his acceptance, he does not remove righteousness as a requirement for living. That’s because the truth of Scripture reveals laws for life that glorify God while guarding his people from harm.

God warns us not to use his unconditional love as an excuse for selfish indulgence. That’s not because he is an eternal killjoy who doesn’t want us to have any fun. To the contrary, he wants us to have the delights of life his grace designed.

Grace revealed the law designed by his love to guide us, and grace releases us from the guilt of failing its standards. But grace would not be grace if it freed us from sin’s guilt and sent us into sin’s harm. 

By Moses’ law we learn the guidance of God and the guilt of our sin. By Christ’s grace we are loved beyond our sin, but never allowed to deny the truth of God’s law or sin’s consequence.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may both the grace and truth of Jesus Christ be seen in my life as I seek to serve you today.

Daily Devotion - September 10, 2025

Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Matt. 20:26-28)

When Columbia Bible College President Robertson McQuilkin told people of his decision to resign so he could care for his Alzheimer-stricken wife, he was startled by the responses he received.

It was a mystery to him why people reacted with overwhelming appreciation. His own oncologist explained: It is not rare for women to give themselves for suffering husbands; but few men do the same for their wives.

The reason McQuilkin’s decision made him a spiritual leader for people across the world is that his actions reflected the very heart of the gospel. His goal was to serve, rather than be served. 

McQuilkin willingly made himself a “slave” to the needs of a loved one, and in doing so freed himself from the grip of self-interests to promote the wellbeing of another and the witness of his Savior. 

We lead most clearly and most effectively when we follow Christ in the selflessness he modeled for us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to follow your example each day by a willingness to serve others for their wellbeing, for your witness, and for my own growth in understanding your grace.

Daily Devotion - September 9, 2025

Stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved — and that by God. (Phil. 1:27-28 NIV)

In the book of Philippians, the Apostle Paul shares his deep affection for the believers in Philippi. They must wonder what good is his love for them, or theirs for him, as he languishes in prison. 

Paul answers by assuring them that they further his witness as they stand firm against opposition without fear of those who oppose them. The absence of fear does not remove the dangers but testifies to faith in a greater God. In this way the far-separated Philippians join Paul in his witness of God’s care.

How comforting to know that the Spirit uses our unity as believers to transcend time, geography, and circumstances – releasing us from the physical limitations of life for spiritual testimony. In God’s plan, Paul ministers across nations and ages from an ancient prison cell, and we join in his ministry when we do not fear opposition to our witness.

Our fearlessness shows confidences in God’s eternal care to people across town and across generations. In this way the solidarity of believers in Christ makes Jesus known to the world!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to live beyond fear so that I may join with fellow believers in sharing Christ’s message by my evident confidence in your eternal care.

Daily Devotion - September 8, 2025

God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Cor. 1:27-29)

We marvel at world-class musicians, actors, and athletes. These superstar achievers receive constant media attention and high-paying salaries that are not available to ordinary humans of lesser talent and ability.

We understand the acclaim and reward such high achievers receive, but the reverberations of our society’s performance worship can deeply affect our own hearts. 

If we begin to estimate our worth based on how well we (or others) think we perform in our jobs, classrooms, or relationships, then we will begin to believe that we are loved well only if we do well. This is simply not the message of the gospel.

Yes, God honors and treasures our obedience, but it’s not the reason he cares for us. God cares for us because of what Jesus did for us, and Jesus’ claim upon us. We are precious to him regardless of our performance. That’s why we desire to serve him with devotion that is deaf to any other evaluation.

So, serve God with peace of mind and strength of heart, knowing that Jesus’ performance, not yours, has already determined the treasure you are to God!

Prayer: Father, I know that you do not accept me because of my performance but rather because of what Jesus has done on the cross to claim me. Help me always to treasure his provision as he always treasures me! 

Daily Devotion - September 5, 2025

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. (Rom. 2:1)

A Christian businessman tells of a personal experience that transformed his understanding of the gospel. He had an employee who was stealing from the company. Though the boss gave the employee opportunity to change, the man just kept on stealing.

At his wit’s end, the businessman sought out his pastor for guidance. But the more the boss described the man who kept sinning despite the grace offered him, the more the boss recognized he was describing his own habitual sin.

Through the experience, the businessman experienced the gospel at a level beyond Sunday school courtesies. He realized how much he desperately needed God’s grace, and how generous was the heart that offered it. 

Of course, stealing has to stop, but we are best equipped to deal with it when we understand how God has dealt with our sin. He disciplines when he must, but never without the goal of reaching the heart and redeeming the person.

Prayer: Lord, I know that I am more ready to judge others, than to face my own sin. Help me not to forget the grace that is your goal as I deal properly with the sin of others by remembering how you have dealt with similar in me.

Daily Devotion - September 4, 2025

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord.  For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands. (Eph. 5:22-24)

The apostle Paul tells us that wives should submit to their husbands in “everything.” But that does not mean a wife should do whatever a husband wants regardless of whether it is moral, kind, or good?

The biblical answer is – No! Each wife should submit to her own husband as to the Lord. The Lord never commands evil and never approves submitting to it. That means a wife is never obligated to do anything contrary to God’s Word. 

A wife submits to her husband as the church submits to Christ. That means wives remain spiritually responsible to order their lives for Christ’s witness and worship. Being married does not negate a wife’s primary obligation to honor God – in everything.

Honoring God may actually require resisting a husband’s desire to do what is evil, damaging to a family, or harmful to himself. That’s because submitting one’s desires and talents to the good of another does not require abandoning gifts but applying them selflessly for God’s purposes. 

So, we don’t use God’s gifts to bless others because they deserve it but because God does!

Prayer: Lord, I know that submission to the spiritual needs of others is ultimately an act of worship. Even when it’s hard, help me to honor you by conscientiously and selflessly using the gifts you have given to bless another for Jesus’ sake.

Daily Devotion - September 3, 2025

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son . . . to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” (Gal. 4:4-6)

Friends recently sent us a video of their daughter barreling down a hall and shouting as her father came through the door, “Daddy, you’re home!”

The inexpressible joy of this child was so evident, but the back story on this family is not. Feeling called to adopt a child, the parents found themselves in a nation where girls were not wanted, particularly those with physical disfigurement.

When the little girl’s orphanage allowed an outing so these prospective parents could get to know her, glares and snide comments came from many passersby. The cruelties made the couple even more conscious of the needs of the child and more convinced they wanted her. 

Such love for the unloved expressed by these sweet parents was the gospel of grace written on their hearts. God has so loved us. When our souls were disfigured by sin that would seem to disqualify us from God’s affection, he came to save us and to make us part of his family. Such grace should make us run to our Heavenly Father and delight in pleasing him.

Prayer: Father, you adopted me as your child even though there was nothing beautiful in me. May your love for the unlovely cause me to delight in you, and make evident to all the beauty of your grace by how I love others.

Daily Devotion - September 2, 2025

I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. (Phil. 1:12-13)

Kenneth Bae experienced God’s faithfulness while imprisoned in North Korea. Kenneth was traveling in that country when authorities uncovered an email message on his computer that spoke of helping Koreans to pray for Jesus work in their land. 

Prayer with others was against the law, and Kenneth was sentenced to a hard labor camp. He became North Korea’s longest-held American prisoner. His health was not good and his deprivations were great. But he maintained his testimony which became a curiosity to his guards. One asked, “If your God is so good, why are you here?”

Drawing encouragement from the Apostle Paul’s testimony to Roman guards, Kenneth replied, “If my God were not good, I would not be here to tell you about him.” 

Through the many hardships, Kenneth never lost sight of God’s grace and faithfulness. His imprisonment and his eventual release put his faith and prayers before the world. His prayers for more people to know of Jesus were magnified through his trials more than he could have ever imagined. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust that my trials can be used to advance the gospel for my neighbors, loved ones, and persecutors. You will never waste my trials. Help me to trust you through them for Jesus’s sake. 

Daily Devotion - September 1, 2025

Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. (Psalm 119:18-20 NIV)

I left for a long trip early one morning, driving east into a bright sun. I did not know the danger until I heard a truck, but never saw it pass me. I had literally been blinded by the light. Overexposure to the sun had temporarily taken my vision. 

Unfortunately, this can parallel the experience of some Christians as they read Scripture, attend worship services, and practice daily Christian disciplines. We get so much exposure to God’s truth that we stop seeing or appreciating it.

What’s the solution to being blinded by the light? The answer is not to start avoiding God’s truth. It’s imperative that we know God’s good and safe path.

The answer lies in keeping our hearts sensitive to the wonders of God’s heart evident among the truths to which we are being exposed. 

If all we see are glaring commands, then we will ultimately look away from words that condemn us. But, if we learn to see those commands as God’s provision of a path of safety and blessing being extended to all who long for his help, then we begin to sense again the grace of God that first warmed our hearts to seek him. 

So, when you consider Scripture today, allow God to show you if you are starting to go blind to his heart. Then read his Word again with an eye to seeing his care.

Prayer: Father, I ask you to open my eyes so that I may always see your heart in your Word and live in light of the truth your care makes bright. 

Daily Devotion - August 29, 2025

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you. (Psalm 32:8-9)

The Bible encourages us to set goals, but if we attempt to better ourselves without seeking God’s instruction, we forfeit the peace he intends and the accomplishments he enables.  

When I was soon to graduate college, I had my eye on goals whose sole purpose was my wealth and others’ approval – my glory. I was a believer, and knew these could not be God’s only goals, but I wasn’t sure of my alternatives. 

Only when a spiritual father counseled me to deepen my study of Scripture did I re-discover the beauty and fulfillment of seeking God’s glory above my own. The path was long, but in its steps I found the career, the family, and the purpose God had in his sight long before I saw the blessings. 

God’s eye of blessing and protection is on us whenever we seek his counsel rather than stubbornly holding to wayward paths of worldly priorities. The path of a gracious God is always best. When we are questioning our course, it’s always better to be God-led than mule-headed.

Prayer: Lord, keep me trusting your path to goals that you have graciously prepared. On your path are blessings long apparent to your eye. When your eye is on me and I am on your path, then only your best can unfold for me.