Posts with the category “daily-devotionals”

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6   Some questions have answers that almost feel automatic. Growing up in Sunday School, “Jesus” seemed to be the answer to everything. Who’s your hero? Jesus. What’s the greatest gift you’ve ...  Read More

"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." - James 1:6-8   Have you ever noticed how doubt drains joy? When doubts creep in, it feels like you’re tossed around by every uncertainty, just like James describes—a surging sea, unsteady and turbulent. When doubt takes root, it clouds our view of God’s promises, m...  Read More

"Simeon took him up in his arms and blessed God..." - Luke 2:28   Think back to a moment you anticipated for weeks, maybe even years; your wedding, graduation, Christmas morning as a child. That thrill and eagerness to see the day finally arrive likely kept you excited and hopeful.  Imagine then, the joy Simeon felt when he saw God’s promise fulfilled, holding the long-awaited Messiah in his arms....  Read More

"Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ." - Luke 2:25-26   When the shepherds met Jesus, their lives were transformed, and they couldn't keep the news to ...  Read More

"When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger." - Luke 2:15-16  Imagine being out in the fields at night, just minding your own business, when an angel appears out of nowher...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.'" - Luke 2:10-11   Have you ever noticed how easily we let small things shape our mood? I remember growing up in Texas and being a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. In the late ’80s and early ’90s, th...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" - Luke 2:10   Joy, real lasting joy, isn’t something you can chase or achieve through perfect circumstances. You might find fun and happiness in hobbies, family gatherings, or favorite activities, but joy is different. It was designed to come from only one source: Jesus.  When ...  Read More

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." - John 10:10   Let’s get one thing straight, it’s okay to have fun at church! In fact, it’s actually more than okay, it’s essential, because you are the Church. And a Church full of joy? That’s exactly what God intended. The life He’s given us is meant to be full, not just to survive but to thrive with joy and purpose. As John 1:4 says, “In ...  Read More

"And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.'" - Luke 2:10   In the business of this season, it’s easy to lose sight of what Christmas is all about. But Christmas is really about one beautiful thing: a God who loved you so deeply that He sent His one and only Son so that you could have real, lasting joy. On the night Jesus ...  Read More

"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." - Micah 5:2   When Isaac Watts finished writing "Joy to the World," he wrote at the top of the page: “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.” That was the heart of the song, the anticipation of Chris...  Read More

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!" - Psalm 98:4   What’s your favorite Christmas song? Take a moment to think about it. Maybe it’s “Silent Night” or “Away in a Manger.” Or perhaps it’s a classic like “Joy to the World.” Whatever it is, Christmas songs bring joy, warmth, and a sense of celebration. But have you ever stopped to think abou...  Read More

"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him." - Psalm 62:8   Waiting. It’s something we all experience, whether we’re waiting for answers, healing, or direction. Sometimes, waiting can feel like a burden. Yet, as we look to God's Word, we see that there is a purposeful way to wait. If you’re in a season of waiting today, take these three key thoughts from Scripture to heart: ...  Read More

"The LORD is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions." - Psalm 145:13    Waiting isn’t easy. It’s often filled with anticipation, sometimes anxiety, and almost always the hope that what we’re waiting for will arrive soon. The Israelites knew this feeling well. They spent generations waiting for the Messiah, expecting a leader who would deliver them a powerful judge, a warrior, a ...  Read More

"For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6   Have you ever wondered what the Israelites were expecting in a Messiah? Their waiting was filled with anticipation, shaped by prophecies and promises that painted a picture of a...  Read More

"The LORD of hosts has sworn: 'As I have planned, so shall it be, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.'" - Isaiah 14:24    God’s promises are sure, but they don’t always unfold as we’d expect. Sometimes, He works in ways that make perfect sense to us, following a path that seems logical and straightforward. Other times, God fulfills His promises in ways so unexpected, so supernatural, that w...  Read More

"Not one word of all the good promises that the LORD had made to the house of Israel had failed; all came to pass." - Joshua 21:45   God’s promises are something you can depend on, no matter how unpredictable life can be. Imagine the people of Israel, looking back over generations of promises made and fulfilled, recognizing a pattern in God’s character: He is always faithful.  Joshua 21:45 tells u...  Read More

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." - John 1:5    Faith isn’t a leap into darkness, it’s a leap into light. God has revealed Himself to us in countless ways, showing His truth and His character. With all He’s done to pave the way for us to believe, trusting in Him today is more like running toward a light that’s always been there. From the beginning, God has b...  Read More

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." - Ephesians 2:8   Have you ever wondered how people were saved before Jesus came to earth? It’s a fair question. We know the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, but what about those who lived before that? Here’s the truth: people have always been saved by grace thro...  Read More

"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   Have you ever noticed that when God makes a promise, He says, “I will”? Not “maybe,” or “possibly,” but “I will.” In Isaiah, God spoke clearly: “The virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” He promised His people that hope was coming, and that hope would arrive...  Read More

"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   We all know what it’s like to wait, don’t we? Whether it’s sitting in traffic, standing in line, or waiting for family to arrive (and maybe hoping for the moment they finally leave), waiting is something we’re very familiar with. In a way, life itse...  Read More

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people." - Titus 2:11   It really is the most wonderful time of the year, isn’t it? For many, the Christmas spirit is alive and well. Maybe you're smiling more, feeling joyful, or even sneaking tastes of holiday treats. Lights and decorations are going up, Christmas movies are playing, and everywhere you look, there’s a reminder that t...  Read More

"I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice." - Jonah 2:2   In the depths of despair, Jonah found himself inside a fish, a place most would consider a nightmare. Yet, it was in this dark and desperate situation that Jonah turned his heart back to God. From the belly of that fish, he prayed a powerful prayer of repenta...  Read More

“But the Lord threw a great wind onto the sea, and such a great storm arose on the sea that the ship threatened to break apart.” - Jonah 1:4    As we have discussed the last couple of days, when God called him, Jonah thought he could run. He boarded a ship bound for Tarshish, determined to distance himself from God's call. With Tarshish being over 2,000 miles away, he likely believed he was headin...  Read More

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." - 1 Thessalonians 5:18   In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the countless blessings surrounding us. Whether you find yourself on a mountaintop or in a valley, there is always something to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is a beautiful reminder of this truth—a time to pause, reflect, and e...  Read More

“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.” - Jonah 1:3    Jonah was a devoted servant of God, yet when faced with a divine calling that took him out of his comfort zone, he made a choice that many of us can relate...  Read More

“Now the word of the LORD came to Jonah the son of Amittai, saying, ‘Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.’ But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.” - Jonah 1:1-3   Jonah was a prophet of God, a man who loved the Lord and understood His power. Yet, when God called him out of his comfort zone, Jonah hesitated....  Read More

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”- John 14:15   “Impossible situations are where God’s glory shines the brightest.” This powerful insight from Sarah Walton encapsulates an important truth we see throughout the Bible.  Think of Daniel in the lion’s den, Peter in prison, Jonah in the belly of a whale, and David facing the giant Goliath. The stories of the disciples battling storms, le...  Read More

“Do not be afraid of anyone, for I will be with you to rescue you.”- Jeremiah 1:8    As followers of Christ, you face a critical decision: who will you fear more, God or people? This choice may seem straightforward, yet many of us find ourselves wrestling with the fear of others, often placing them on a pedestal above God. If you’re honest, you might recognize moments when the opinions and judgmen...  Read More

“So we do not focus on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”- 2 Corinthians 4:18    You might be wondering how to embrace a life of courage and overcome the challenges that hold you back. The answer lies in an important choice to prioritize the eternal over the temporal.  In our fast-paced world, it’s all too easy to become consumed by ...  Read More

“So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.”- Daniel 6:16    Living a life of radical obedience often comes with challenges and consequences, yet Daniel embraced this truth wholeheartedly. He knew that the safest choice he could make was to follow God, regardless of the risks involved. In doing so, he modeled what it means to live by faith, fully convinc...  Read More

“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house and prayed.” - Daniel 6:10   Living a life of faith often calls for radical obedience, and that kind of obedience can be daunting. In Daniel's story, we see this vividly illustrated during his time under King Darius. Despite serving in a new administration that could have easily led to his dismissal, Daniel remained steadfas...  Read More

“The fear of mankind lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is safe.” - Proverbs 29:25   Fear can be a powerful force. It often holds us back from stepping into our true calling. When faced with intimidating situations, like the ones Daniel encountered, it’s easy to let the fear of people overshadow our faith in God.  In both Daniel chapters 2 and 5, he found himself in precarious positions,...  Read More

“But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank.”- Daniel 1:8    When we think about courage, one of the most striking examples comes from the life of Daniel. His journey begins with an unsettling change when the chief eunuch renames him, calling him Belteshazzar instead of Daniel, which means "God is my judge."  This name change wasn't ju...  Read More

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”- Joshua 1:9   What’s the most courageous thing you’ve ever done? Take a moment to reflect on that today. Courage comes in many forms—whether it’s standing up for someone, facing a difficult situation head-on, or stepping out in faith when everything feels uncertain.  Maybe y...  Read More

“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”- 1 Peter 5:4    Jesus, our Chief Shepherd, is coming soon, and He’s bringing more than just His presence, He’s bringing eternal rewards. Imagine a day when all your enemies are defeated, your sicknesses are healed, and your problems are solved.  That day is coming when Jesus returns, and He’s bringing with Him the...  Read More

“And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.”- 1 Peter 5:4   Jesus is called our Good Shepherd, our Great Shepherd, and our Chief Shepherd. Each of these titles reveals something powerful about Him. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep. His death brought redemption and forgiveness. He’s the Great Shepherd who lives for His sheep, gu...  Read More

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” - Isaiah 26:3-4   Here’s the thing about trust: when it moves in, worry moves out. But when worry moves in, trust leaves. Worry is like a big flashing sign that says trust has taken a backseat. So, what is trust, really?  In the Bible, trust car...  Read More

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will.”- Hebrews 13:20-21   Worry has a way of creeping into your life, doesn’t it? Maybe it’s your health, your finances, your children, or even your future. What are you worried about today? It’s easy to...  Read More

“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.’”- Isaiah 48:17    One of the most incredible things about Jesus as the Good Shepherd is how He guides you. God isn’t distant or uncaring. He’s actively involved in leading you through life. Isaiah 48:17 reminds us that God teaches you for your ben...  Read More

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.”- John 10:28    One of the most comforting truths about Jesus is that He is fiercely protective of His flock. As the Good Shepherd, He doesn’t just lead you, He guards you. Imagine Him standing at the entrance of a cave, placing Himself in harm’s way to protect you from wandering off or from danger c...  Read More