Posts with the category “daily-devotionals”

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? - Romans 6:1-2 God’s grace is a beautiful gift, one that offers forgiveness when we fail and mercy when we fall short. However, it’s crucial that we don’t misunderstand the purpose of grace. Just because God offers His grace does not mean we should take it as a free pa...  Read More

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people.” - Titus 2:11 As we reflect on the picture of Christ as the perfect judge, it can be easy to focus on the weight of the final judgment. The thought of standing before Jesus, knowing that all our actions, thoughts, and decisions will be examined, might feel overwhelming. But while Revelation paints a powerful image of a righteou...  Read More

“His eyes were like a flame of fire... His feet were like fine brass...” - Revelation 1:14-15  When we think of judgment, many of us imagine a cold, distant courtroom where a judge renders a decision based on evidence and facts. But the judgment that Christ will bring when He returns is different. It is personal, perfect, and absolute. In Revelation 1:13-18, we get a glimpse into Christ’s role as ...  Read More

“When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. But he laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last, and the Living One. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore.’” - Revelation 1:17-18  In Revelation 1, John has an incredible vision of Jesus. He sees Jesus in His full glory, far beyond the image we often have of Him. John describes Jesus with hair ...  Read More

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” - Revelation 1:1  If you're a servant of God, then the book of Revelation was given to you. It’s not just for the theologians or scholars, and it's not just for people who have a deep understanding of Scripture. It’s for you. The Revelation of Jesus Christ was delivered with you in mi...  Read More

“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” - Revelation 1:3  Have you ever wondered why praying can feel so hard? Your mind wanders, you get distracted, and suddenly, you’ve lost track of what you were saying. Or maybe reading the Bible feels like a challenge—your eyelids get heavy, or...  Read More

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5  A while back, I, like many of you, stood outside in my backyard, looking up at the sky, hoping to catch a glimpse of the total eclipse. While Cleveland, Tennessee, didn’t get the chance to see the full eclipse, other parts of the world did. Apparently, it's a big deal because the path of totality only passes over...  Read More

“I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” - John 10:9 Not too long ago, I had the privilege of sharing the gospel at the Bradley County Jail, and one of the most vivid memories I have is of speaking to men who were surrounded by fear and hopelessness. These men were confined by bars, but there was something far greater keeping them in bondag...  Read More

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear the words of this prophecy and keep what is written in it, because the time is near." – Revelation 1:3 Have you ever wondered what it would be like to receive a personal promise from God? In the book of Revelation, we get exactly that. A clear and direct promise of blessing. The promise is simple: if you...  Read More

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." – John 16:33 There’s something about tough times that tests our faith in ways that nothing else does. When life gets hard—when the pressures of work, family, health, or even personal struggles pile up—it's easy to wonder: Is following Jesus really worth it?  This question, though it may seem harsh, is one that man...  Read More

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." – Revelation 1:3 If you’ve ever read through Revelation and found yourself wondering, “Why is this book so full of signs and symbols?” You’re not alone. It can be difficult to understand, and it’s a valid question to ask. But the answer is actua...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place." – Revelation 1:1 When we read that the things of Revelation "must soon take place," it's easy to get caught up in the idea of time. After all, this was written 2,000 years ago. So why haven’t all these events already occurred? The answer lies in the word "soon" but not in the way we u...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place." – Revelation 1:1 The book of Revelation has a clear purpose: to show God’s servants what must soon take place. The word servant here isn’t just a casual term. It comes from the Greek word for “bond-servant,” describing someone who has willingly surrendered themselves to a master, not ...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John." – Revelation 1:1 When you think about the book of Revelation, what comes to mind? Prophecies? Signs and symbols? While those elements are part of this remarkable book, Revelation is so much more. It’s not primarily a book abou...  Read More

"The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place." – Revelation 1:1 The word Revelation comes from the Greek word Apokalypsis, which means “the removal of a veil so that something can be seen.” Imagine an artist standing before a captivated crowd, lifting the veil off a masterpiece for the very first time. That unveiling reveals the b...  Read More

"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest." – Matthew 9:37-38 The book of Revelation is a vivid reminder of the reality of eternity. It paints a picture of what’s to come, and as you read it, the weight of that reality can’t help but stir something in your heart. For those of us who know Jesus, it...  Read More

"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 The book of Revelation doesn’t just speak to those who don’t know God, it also speaks powerfully to those who do. As a believer, you might find yourself reading its pages and feeling an uncomfortable tug on your heart. That’s the Holy Spirit stirring you, calling you to...  Read More

"For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation." – 2 Corinthians 6:2 The book of Revelation has a way of cutting through the noise of life. It forces you to confront the reality of eternity and the truth that the end times are not a distant possibility but a promise. We don’t...  Read More

“Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." – Matthew 24:42 One of the most common questions people ask me is, “Do you think we’re living in the last days?” Studies show that 63% of Evangelicals and 40% of the general population believe we are. The curiosity about the end times is nothing new; even as a little boy, I remember asking my dad when Jesus would return....  Read More

"Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near." – Revelation 1:3 The book of Revelation is one that many shy away from, often labeled as too mysterious, too controversial, or too complex to tackle. Yet, within its pages lies a promise of blessing unlike any other book in the Bible. When you o...  Read More

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” - Isaiah 43:18-19   New Year’s Eve often brings with it mixed feelings. We look back at the year behind us, reflecting on memories, experiences, successes, and maybe a few regrets. And yet, as t...  Read More

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” - John 14:27   When Jesus came, He didn’t just promise peace, nor did He only embody peace. He actively GIVES us peace, an invitation to live with His assurance every single day. In John 14:27, Jesus tells His disciples, “Peace I leave with you; my...  Read More

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 5:1   While Jesus promises to bring everlasting peace to His people at His second coming, the main reason He came the first time was to bring peace between God and us. Romans 5:1 explains it beautifully: “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord J...  Read More

“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   After 700 years of waiting, God’s promise of a Savior finally came to life in the quiet fields of Bethlehem. That night, an angel appeared to shepherds, shining with the glory of the Lord, and brought the b...  Read More

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law." - Galatians 4:4   Imagine living in a time when believing in God’s promise of peace required immense faith. Picture looking around, seeing a world filled with conflict, cruelty, and chaos, and then hearing a promise: peace is coming, and it’s coming in the form of a baby. The faith it would take to...  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 life feels overwhelming, when the news is filled with injustice, and when peace seems out of reach, it’s easy to wonder if things can ever really change. Imagine hearing a pro...  Read More

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” - Luke 2:14   Christmas Day—after all the waiting, it’s finally here. For weeks, everything has led up to this day, filling it with meaning and joy. Today is the day we celebrate the best gift ever given, a gift that changed everything.  It’s the day that reminds us of God’s incredible love and the miracle of Je...  Read More

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” - Luke 2:11   On Christmas Eve, the air seems to hum with expectation. Maybe you remember that feeling as a child, trying to sleep while imagining the gifts waiting under the tree. Or maybe you feel it now, knowing that this night carries a promise of joy and hope. There’s something special about waiting for som...  Read More

"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   Imagine hearing a promise from God, spoken through Isaiah, hundreds of years before Jesus was born. To people surrounded by struggle, injustice, and longing, these words must have sounded ...  Read More

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." - John 14:27   Over the years, I've come to understand something: peace isn’t something you can buy or create on your own. Peace is a gift from God. Our world is desperate for this peace, God’s peace, because it’s drowning in conflict, restlessness...  Read More

"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