Daily Devotionals

Devotional - Devoted Fellowship

2026-07-10T04:58:00Z

“They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42

Fleming Rutledge writes: “The Bruderhof is one such Christian community with many locations around the world. Unlike most such attempts to build radical communities, the Bruderhof has not only survived, it is thriving. In 2021 they celebrated their hundredth anniversary. Its members are committed to live according to the Sermon on the Mount and, significantly, to personify the description of the earliest Christian communities in Acts 4:32-37.8

Their openness to society at large (“in” it but not “of” it) is remarkable; many of them are out in the world from time to time, serving among unaffiliated others with a surprising level of comfort; they are exceptionally affirming of those not similarly committed, with a minimum of self-righteousness—making them attractive to seekers.

Unlike monastic orders and the all-but-vanished Shakers, they are more often than not married, with families of (typically) more than two children who are lovingly raised and educated within the community. Unlike the Amish, they are at home on social media and make good use of it.

They earn enough money from their shared businesses of making beautifully crafted wooden toys and sophisticated medical equipment to have a presence in the world at large, but there is no private ownership; all is shared within the community. The Bruderhof is proof that the Sermon on the Mount can actually be lived, and far from being a rebuke to the rest of us, they are a great encouragement.

Not many are called to their radical way of life, but their effect on those who encounter them is considerable. It goes without saying that they are not perfect, and have their struggles, but their continuing existence, their influence, and their strength are a powerful witness to the rest of us that the person and teachings of Jesus Christ are not only within reach but also the source of a rich and sustainable life.

In their low-key witness, there is a quiet power. The hidden glory of the vine and the branches is manifested in a way that embraces us all with the hope that we, also, are the blessed. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied” when the Lord comes again in “the glory of his righteousness and wonders of his love.””

Are you in fellowship with Christ? Today in prayer, thank Jesus that you are in fellowship with Him and for fellowship with other Christians.

“Behind every saint stands another saint.” – Friedrich van Hugel

God’s Word: “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS †

Devotional - The Need To Repent

2026-07-09T04:58:00Z

“Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” – Acts 2:38

Annemarie S. Kidder wrote: “The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament to express repentance means “to turn,” reflecting the notion of journeying and pilgrimage and an attitude and relationship between YHWH and ancient Israel that required constant vigilance and intentionality.

The Greek word used in the New Testament is metanoia, basically denoting a “change of mind,” with only subtle nuances of regret or remorse. When we repent we “turn” and “change our mind” about who we thought we were and the acceptability of what we have done. We recognize the difference between our ways and the ways God intended for us and find that we have drifted off course and out of line with the divine current. Confession, on the other hand, comes from a Latin word meaning “to agree” and “to give consent.” It describes an oral activity, a moment in time when we “agree” to the difference observed between what should have been and was not, due to our actions, when we verbally lay bare and make public our off-course dealings and doings.”

Once we realize the gravity of our own sin, the next step in healing our relationship with God is to repent of our sins. We need to trust that Christ died for those sins and He has forgiven us. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your life to Jesus and receive His forgiveness.

“True repentance has a double aspect; it looks upon things past with a weeping eye, and upon the future with a watchful eye.” – Robert Smith

God’s Word: “‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!’” – Mark 1:15

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS †

Devotional - My Hope Is In Heaven

2026-07-08T04:58:00Z

“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'” – Acts 2:26-28

Gabe Fung wrote: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ is a “pulling back of the curtain” to reveal both the unseen realities of the present and the unseen realities of the future. It is at its core a book about discipleship as it calls hearers to stay faithful to Jesus knowing that he is ultimately in control and will one day return to put all things right.

Revelation 21-22 are the final chapters of the book. They give us a picture of the glorious future that awaits Jesus’ followers when he returns as King and Lord of all. At that time, there will be a new creation, heaven will come down to earth, God will come to be with his people, and all that plagued and pained the human race will be wiped away (21:1-8)."

Our heavenly Commander has also given us hope and has sent us the assurance that He is coming. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that through Him we have eternal life and a hope in Heaven.

“Once a man is united with Christ, how could he not live forever?” – C.S. Lewis

God’s Word: “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.” – Psalm 16:9-10

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS †

Devotional - His Second Coming

2026-07-07T04:58:00Z

“The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.” – Acts 2:20

On 11 March 1942, during World War II, General Douglas MacArthur and members of his family and staff left the Philippine Island of Corregidor, where his forces were surrounded by the Japanese. They traveled in PT boats through stormy seas patrolled by Japanese warships and reached Mindanao two days later. From there, MacArthur and his party flew to Australia in a pair of Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses, ultimately arriving in Melbourne by train on 21 March. In Australia, he declared, "I came through and I shall return".

After 2 and ½ years of fighting, General MacArthur returned to the Philippines.

General MacArthur addressed the Filipino people by radio from a beach on the island of Leyte on October 20, 1944.

“People of the Philippines, I have returned!” he told them. “By the grace of Almighty God, our forces stand again on Philippine soil—soil consecrated in the blood of our two peoples.”

Jesus promised the same words to His disciples: “I will come back.” And He will keep his promise. Today in prayer, praise the Lord He is coming and seek to follow Him every day.

"Consider the times: look for Him who is above time." - Ignatius of Antioch

God’s Word: “The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.” – Joel 2:31

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS †

Devotional - Filled With The Spirit

2026-07-06T04:58:00Z

“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” – Acts 2:4

John Ortberg likens the transformative path of Christ to sailing. Sailors can't make the wind show up; the wind has a mind of its own. But that doesn't mean there is nothing for them to do. Sailors can choose to be alert and ready to catch the breeze or the gale. They can hoist and trim the sails so that when the wind comes, they move. They can cooperate with whatever little breath of wind comes their way. They can be ready so that when the gale

comes along, they don't sink. They hear and feel the wind and take hold of the helm and move. Jesus said, "The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit" (Jn 3:8).

We need to be filled with the Holy Spirit, listening and following Him in all that we do. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to fill you with the Holy Spirit that you may do His will.

“Savior, fill me with Thy Spirit, As I seek and wait and pray,

Bend and break me, blessed Master—Make me wholly Thine today.

Lord, I bow in full surrender, Yielding all I have to Thee:

Come and fill me with Thy Spirit—Sanctify Thyself in me.

I would tarry in Thy presence, 'Til endued with power and love:

I would know the mighty fullness, Of Thy Spirit from above.

Will He come in all His fullness, As I now obey Thy call?

Yes, oh, yes, for Thou has promised, If I come confessing all.” —Oswald J. Smith

God’s Word: “he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior” – Titus 3:5-6

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS †

Devotional - Look To Him In Prayer

2026-07-03T04:58:00Z

“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14

Mark Batterson writes: “Several years ago I was part of a small group with a friend who was working with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship at Georgetown University. As we shared prayer requests at the end of one of our meetings, my friend said their ministry needed a computer and I said I’d pray for him. I started praying that God would provide a computer, and then I felt as if God interrupted me.

It’s hard to describe the tone I heard from God. It was stern but not unkind.

It was as if the Holy Spirit whispered these words to my spirit: Why are you asking Me? You’re the one with the extra computer! So I quit praying mid-sentence and decided to do something about it. I told my friend I had a computer that I wanted to give him. And I became the answer to my own prayer. Why ask God to do something for us when it is within our power to do something about it ourselves? There are some things you don’t need to pray about.

You don’t need to pray about whether you should love your neighbor. You don’t need to pray about whether you should give generously or serve sacrificially. You don’t need to pray about whether you should bless someone when it is within your power to do so. God has already spoken. What you need to do is quit praying and start acting. Fill out the application. Make the call. Pack the U-Haul.”

The Lord takes joy anytime we come to him with our problems in prayer. Today in prayer, be persistent in your prayers and seek Jesus with your whole heart.

“Wherever we seek the Lord with true hearts he is found of us; whenever we cry unto him he heareth us. Every place is hallowed ground to a hallowed heart, and every day is a holy day to a holy man. From January to December the calendar has not one date in which prayer is forbidden.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “pray continually” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS

Devotional - His Witness

2026-07-02T04:57:00Z

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

Bob Goff wrote the following: “If you’ve ever run a business or led a team of people, you know what it’s like to send someone in your place. You know they’re going to interact with a person who might not know you, and that person will base their opinion about you on the someone you sent. Parents feel this too.

We often feel like our kids are little representations of us. If they’re kind and respectful, people say we raised them well. If they toilet paper the neighbor’s house, we worry others will judge us for our kids’ behavior. God works in much the same way. When people interact with difficult, judgmental people who say they follow Jesus, it’s hard to imagine how the God they say they’re speaking for is gracious and kind.

We can say all the right words, but if we don’t model love the way Jesus did, people won’t just think we’re mean—they’ll think God is. I get that. The best way to give people a glimpse of God is for us to be exactly who He says we are: love. He says people will know we follow Him when they see how we love one another. He put His confidence in us to represent Him because He knows what we’re capable of if we’ll put down our pride. He wouldn’t have put us on the job if He didn’t think we were ready.”

The Lord desires us to reach others for Him. Today in prayer, ask the Lord how you can love others and be His witness in the world.

“It is always right that a man should be able to render a reason for the faith that is within him.” – Sydney Smith

God’s Word: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS †

Devotional - Our Hope

2026-07-01T04:58:00Z

“After his suffering, he showed himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.” – Acts 1:3

Russ Ramsey wrote the following: “Jesus’s resurrection opened a door between the fallen, groaning world into which he was born and the renewal of all things. That door was a stone rolled back by the very finger of God from the mouth of a grave outside of Jerusalem. Jesus Christ, God’s eternal Son, present at creation, came in the flesh to be the mediator between God and man.

He lived the life of perfect righteousness that all men have failed to live. He died as a lamb led to the slaughter, offering himself up as the perfect sacrifice to atone for the sins of the world, once and for all. He rose from the grave defeating death itself. Bearing all authority in heaven and on earth, he lives as the appointed heir of all things.7 He rules over every corner of creation, putting every enemy under his feet while making alive by grace through faith those who were dead in their sins.

…Jesus’s resurrection is the guarantee of the coming renewal of all things. On that day, the world into which he was born will become like an old, old tale.”

Our Hope is in Jesus Christ who did rise from the grave and gives eternal life to all who trust in Him. Today in prayer, praise Christ for His resurrection.

“Our old history ends with the Cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” – Watchman Nee

God’s Word: “While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’” – Luke 24:36

DEVOTIONS IN ACTS †

Devotional - Reaping What You Sow

2026-06-30T04:58:00Z

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king's fury subsided.” – Esther 7:10

Justin Sedgewick wrote the following: “Martin has just received his brand new driver’s license. The family trots out to the driveway and climbs in the car, where he is going to take them for a ride for the first time. Dad immediately heads for the back seat, directly behind the newly minted driver. “I’ll bet you’re back there to get a change of scenery after all those months of sitting in the front passenger seat teaching me how to drive,” says the beaming boy to his father. “Nope,” comes Dad’s reply, “I’m gonna sit here and kick the back of your seat as you drive, just like you’ve been doing to me all these years.””

The actions we sow, we shall also will reap. Today in prayer, confess to the Lord any sin in your life and seek to be Christlike in all that you do.

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.” – George Washington Carver

God’s Word: “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - To Be Used By God

2026-06-29T04:57:00Z

“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14

Ben Lansing and D. J. Marotta wrote: “God loves to use those that the world deems too small, too weak, too insignificant to make a difference. As Francis Schaeffer wrote:

Consider the mighty ways in which God used a dead stick of wood. . . . Though we are limited and weak in talent, physical energy and psychological strength, we are not less than a stick of wood. But as the rod of Moses had to become the rod of God, so that which is me must become the me of God.

Then, I can become useful in God’s hands. The Scripture emphasizes that much can come from little if the little is truly consecrated to God. There are no little people and no big people in the true spiritual sense, but only consecrated and unconsecrated people. The problem for each of us is applying this truth to ourselves.”

Our time on earth is all to short. We should desire to do the will of our Heavenly Father. Today in prayer, consider what the Lord is a task calling you to do, and then enthusiastically follow Christ in all of your work.

“God accomplishes His purposes through people.” – Warren Wiersbe

God’s Word: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Resolving To Do Right

2026-06-26T04:58:00Z

“When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.” – Esther 3:5

Pastor Craig Groeschel writes the following: “I spent a considerable amount of time with a guy I’ll call Martin. As a brand-new follower of Christ, Martin felt guilty for having previously embezzled a lot of money from his employer. After discussing the situation with trusted advisors, Martin decided that the right thing to do was to confess his crime and hope for the best. Unfortunately, the outcome fell closer to the worst. Martin’s company pressed charges.

Even though he admitted to the crime and agreed to repay the money, Martin was sentenced to seven years in prison. Seven years. For confessing and doing what was right. Some people might have gotten mad at God. But Martin told me he’d never been closer to God than when he was in prison. During that time, his spiritual roots grew deep. And his spiritual fruit multiplied. Every time I received a letter from Martin during his prison stay, it was always signed, “His grace is enough, Martin.””

Doing right means listening and obeying our Heavenly Father. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom, courage, and resolve to do what is right.

“To cling always to God and to the things of God--this must be our major effort, this must be the road that the heart follows.” – John Cassian.

God’s Word: “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” – Romans 8:37

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - God's Perspective

2026-06-25T04:58:00Z

“because they had not met the Israelites with food and water but had hired Balaam to call a curse down on them. (Our God, however, turned the curse into a blessing.)” – Nehemiah 13:2

Have you ever heard of a Stradivarius violin? It’s the gold standard of violins—instantly recognizable and famously expensive. These aren’t $29.95 instruments. One sold for $1 million, another for $4 million, and two went for $10 million each. Recently, one sold for an astonishing $16 million and is currently being played by a musician. Now, I doubt the musician bought it—most can’t afford a $16 million anything—but the question remains: why is it worth so much?

There are a few reasons. First, Stradivarius violins are rare. Many haven’t survived, so basic supply and demand drives the price up. But the real reason lies in the craftsmanship. Antonio Stradivarius, the 17th-century master luthier, used a special type of dense wood and applied precise techniques to shape and brace it. The result is an unparalleled acoustic quality—a resonance so exquisite it’s unmatched even centuries later. That’s what makes a Stradivarius worth millions.

But there’s more to the story. Antonio Stradivarius believed that every violin he made needed to be as perfect as humanly possible because, as he put it, “God needs violins to send His music into the world. If it’s defective, God’s music will be spoiled.” That belief fueled his extraordinary dedication to excellence.

What a perspective! Imagine the difference between someone casually churning out violins for $29.95 and someone crafting each instrument as an offering to God. Stradivarius wasn’t just making violins; he was fulfilling a calling.

It’s a reminder for us in our work, too. Whether you’re pushing papers, seeing patients, running a business, or crafting something, you’re not just doing it for yourself—you’re doing it for God. When you approach your work with that mindset, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the work of your hands becomes an offering of worship.

We often do not have the full perspective of life. What might seem to be a negative can become a blessing from the Lord. Today in prayer, thank Jesus that life brings, knowing that He can turnaround any curse into a blessing.

"I have a point of view. You have a point of view. God has view." - Madeleine L'Engle

God’s Word: “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Giving To The Lord's Work

2026-06-24T04:58:00Z

“Moreover, we will bring to the storerooms of the house of our God, to the priests, the first of our ground meal, of our grain offerings, of the fruit of all our trees and of our new wine and oil. And we will bring a tithe of our crops to the Levites, for it is the Levites who collect the tithes in all the towns where we work.” – Nehemiah 10:37

Alexander the Great, was king of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedon. He succeeded his father Philip II to the throne in 336 BC at the age of 20, and spent most of his reign conducting a lengthy military campaign throughout Asia and Egypt. By the age of 30, he had created one of the largest empires in history, stretching from Greece to northwestern India. He was undefeated in battle and is widely considered to be one of history's greatest and most successful military commanders.

The story is told that one day a beggar by the roadside asked for alms from Alexander the Great as he passed by. The man was poor and wretched and had no claim upon the ruler, no right even to lift a solicitous hand. Yet the Emperor threw him several gold coins. A courtier was astonished at his generosity and commented, "Sir, copper coins would adequately meet a beggar's need. Why give him gold?" Alexander responded in royal fashion, “Cooper coins would suit the beggar's need, but gold coins suit Alexander's giving.”

No matter how much you have, consider how to give to the Lord’s work. Today in prayer, ask the Lord to give you wisdom on how to best give to His work.

“For it is in giving that we receive.” - Francis of Assisi

God’s Word: “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.” – Proverbs 3:9-10

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Man's Stubbornness

2026-06-23T04:57:00Z

“They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them” – Nehemiah 9:17

In 1937 architect Frank Lloyd Wright built a house for industrialist Hibbard Johnson. One rainy evening Johnson was entertaining distinguished guests for dinner when the roof began to leak. The water seeped through directly above Johnson himself, dripping steadily onto his bald head. Irate, he called Wright in Phoenix, Arizona. "Frank," he said, "you built this beautiful house for me and we enjoy it very much. But I have told you the roof leaks, and right now I am with some friends and distinguished guests and it is leaking right on top of my head." Wright's reply was heard by all of the guests. "Well, Hib, why don't you move your chair?"

God’s love is stronger than our stubbornness. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that He loves us despite our stubbornness and is gracious and compassionate, desiring all people to come to Jesus for forgiveness.

“There are few people so stubborn in their atheism who when danger is pressing in will not acknowledge the divine power.” - Plato

God’s Word: “But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.” – Romans 2:5

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Studying The Word

2026-06-22T04:58:00Z

“So on the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.” – Nehemiah 8:2-3

R.C. Sproul wrote: “Martin Luther said that every Christian ought to read the Bible from cover to cover every year. But, likening the Bible to a forest, he also said that reading the Bible doesn’t become really enjoyable until you see not only the forest but examine each tree, each branch, and, finally, each leaf. Every little leaf of sacred Scripture must be turned over and studied in order to see the intricate truths that are revealed in God’s Word.

To study the Bible is to look at every branch and leaf of Scripture so that we can find those intricate truths and know how they relate to one another. And just as there is a science to studying plants so that we can draw the correct conclusions (botany), there’s a science to studying the Bible so that we can make the right deductions from God’s revelation. It’s called hermeneutics, and it’s what this little book that you’re holding in your hands is all about.”

Do you desire to study God’s Word? Today in prayer, thank Jesus for the Bible and take some extra time today to study God’s Word.

"We have done almost everything that is possible with these Hebrew and Greek writings. We have overlaid them, clause by clause, with exhaustive commentaries; we have translated them, revised the translations, and quarreled over the revisions...There is yet one thing left to do with the Bible: simply read it" - Richard Moulton

God’s Word: “I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.” – Psalm 119:14-16

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Strength From Our Father

2026-06-19T04:58:00Z

“They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, ‘Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.’ But I prayed, ‘Now strengthen my hands.’” – Nehemiah 6:9

Alisha Illian wrote: “I was listening to a show on the National Geographic channel. Two deep-sea diving experts were discussing the physics of a submarine. I found it fascinating that every square inch of a submarine’s hull can withstand 580 pounds of pressure. The deeper the vessel submerges, the more pressure is exerted on the structure. As I sat there wondering how a submarine isn’t completely destroyed by the extreme environment it must function in, it hit me:

What’s on the inside has to be stronger than what’s on the outside.

The same can be said about our lives. And our souls. It’s not the endless laundry to fold, bottoms to wipe, and toys to pick up. It’s not the aging parents or wrinkling skin. It’s not the sagging jeans or the muffin top. These are all external factors, and even if we learn how to prioritize better, find the best yes, or do the next right thing, we are still going to feel thousands of pounds of pressure every day. We have to strengthen what’s on the inside if we want to deal with what’s on the outside.”

The Lord will strengthen us to do His good work. Today in prayer, thank the Lord that He can carry and strengthen you to do His work.

“You become stronger only when you become weaker. When you surrender your will to God, you discover the resources to do what God requires.” – Erwin Lutzer

God’s Word: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Fearing God

2026-06-18T04:58:00Z

“So I continued, "What you are doing is not right. Shouldn't you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our Gentile enemies?” – Nehemiah 5:9

Timothy Keller wrote: “What, then, should a Christian be afraid of regarding God? Think of it like this. Imagine that you suddenly are introduced to some person you have always admired enormously—perhaps someone you have hero-worshipped. You reach out to shake her hand and suddenly it hits you. You can’t believe you are actually meeting her.

You discover to your embarrassment that you are trembling and sweating, and when you try to speak, you are out of breath. What is going on? You are not afraid of being hurt, or punished. Rather, you are genuinely afraid of doing something stupid or saying something that is inappropriate to the person and the occasion. Your joyful admiration has a fearful aspect to it. You are in awe, and therefore you don’t want to mess up. That is something we experience even in the presence of an admirable human being. How much more is this a proper response to God.”

We need to love the Lord and to follow Him in all that we do. Today in prayer, fear the Lord by loving and honoring Him in all that you do.

“The fear of God kills all other fears.” – Thomas Browne

God’s Word: “He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.’” – Revelation 14:7

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - With All Of Your Heart

2026-06-17T04:58:00Z

“So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.” – Nehemiah 4:6

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart,” said the apostle Paul, “as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” (Colossians 3:23) ...[H]ow you do anything is how you’ll do everything. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said it this way:

If it falls your lot to sweep streets in life, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures. Sweep streets like Beethoven composed music. Sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will have to pause and say, “Here lived a great street sweeper, who swept his job well.”

Before the release of the feature film “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”, I saw a behind-the-scenes interview with Joanne Rogers, Fred Rogers’s wife of fifty years. Mr. Rogers modeled kindness and compassion to many generations of children, including mine.

Over thirty-one seasons, he filmed 895 episodes and wrote more than 289 songs. His way with children was unprecedented, unparalleled. How did Mr. Rogers have such a profound impact on so many? According to Joanne, Fred believed to the depth of his soul that the space between the television and the children watching it was holy ground.

The Lord continually listens to your heart. Today in prayer, praise Jesus for the work He has given you and do it with all of your heart.

“Work as if you were to live 100 years. Pray as if you were to die tomorrow.” – Ben Franklin

God’s Word: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” – Colossians 3:23

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - The Secret Of Success

2026-06-16T04:58:00Z

“I answered them by saying, ‘The God of heaven will give us success. We his servants will start rebuilding, but as for you, you have no share in Jerusalem or any claim or historic right to it.’” – Nehemiah 2:20

In his landmark work, “Habits of the Heart”, the sociologist Robert Bellah describes thee distinct orientations people take with respect to their work. The first orientation is to see your work as a job, a paycheck that takes care of the bills. The second orientation is to see your work as a career. Here, climbing the proverbial ladder in search of status and wealth are central. In the second orientation, the way you feel towards your work is primarily based on how successful you are in it.

If your career is waning, it may feel as though your entire self-worth is on the chopping block. The third orientation is seeing work as a calling. This sense of calling is firmly established in the life of faith. If you have received a call-then someone must have made the call in the first place. That person is God, and because God is sovereign, our work isn’t simply what we want to do.

A call is made and we are there to answer it. The worth of your work therefore, is not dependent on your success, but rather your faithfulness to the call that God has made. Sometimes, that even means that a failure in the world’s eyes can be the greatest success in God’s.

God expects us to use what we have to the best of our abilities. Today in prayer, praise the Lord that by faith in Him we have success.

“A man is not far from the gates of heaven when he is fully submissive to the Lord’s will.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

God’s Word: “He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.” – 2 Chronicles 26:5

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - God Is Awesome

2026-06-15T04:57:00Z

“Then I said: ‘O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands’” – Nehemiah 1:5

Paul David Trip wrote: “God’s promises are meant to move and motivate us. They are meant to instill hope. They are meant to give us courage. They are meant to defeat feelings of loneliness, inability, and fear.They are meant to give us peace when things around us are chaotic and confusing. God’s promises are meant to blow your mind and settle your heart. They are his gifts of grace to you.

In your heart of hearts, you know you could never have earned the riches that he pours down on you. His promises are meant to leave you in awe of him and in wonder at the glory of his grace. His promises are designed to be the way that you interpret and make sense of your life.

I am amazed at the numbers of believers I meet who are in some state of spiritual paralysis because they no longer believe the promises of God. Because they don’t believe the promises of God, they don’t have much reason to continue doing the radical things that God calls every one of his children to do. When doubt replaces awe, you will soon give up on all the gospel disciplines of the Christian life.

Your problem isn’t that life is hard. Your problem is that you’ve lost your awe of the God who made the promises that once motivated the way you dealt with life. Do you stand with hope and courage on the awesome promises of God? Or do you walk through the quicksand of questioning their reliability?”

Our Lord is awesome! Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He is awesome in all of His ways.

“Raise your hands, all you nations

Shout to God all creation

How awesome is the Lord most high.” – Jon Abel

God’s Word: “You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” – Psalm 68:35

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Take Courage

2026-06-12T04:57:00Z

“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it.” – Ezra 10:4

In his book “The Catalyst Leader”, Brad Lomenick writes: “Many, many great things have begun with a single act of courage, throughout history and today. A person steps out and makes one courageous decision and that one domino starts many other dominoes falling. We have to step out and take that first step, and we may never know the ripple effect of that one courageous decision. Catalyst leaders—your decision to do something courageous may result in something greater than you ever imagined.

Step out. . . . Fear in leadership usually is connected to the uncertainty about the future. But uncertainty about the future is never going to go away. I tell leaders all the time—uncertainty is why there are leaders. Uncertainty gives you job security. Wherever there is uncertainty, there will always be a need for leaders, which means always stepping out into the unknown, always requiring courage.”

Be of good courage and do not be afraid, the Lord is with you! Today in prayer, praise Jesus that in His strength you can have courage in any situation.

“God, grant me the courage not to give up what I think is right, even though I think it is hopeless.” – Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

God’s Word: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Admiting Our Guilt

2026-06-11T04:57:00Z

“and prayed: "O my God, I am too ashamed and disgraced to lift up my face to you, my God, because our sins are higher than our heads and our guilt has reached to the heavens.” – Ezra 9:6

In Guilt and Grace, Swiss physician and Christian, Paul Tournier, writes…

I cannot study this very serious problem of guilt with you without raising the very obvious and tragic fact that religion—my own as well as that of all believers—can crush instead of liberate.” Speaking about some of his patients, Tournier describes “a man harboring guilt over an old sin, a woman who cannot put out of her mind an abortion that took place ten years before.

What each of these patients needs, more than anything, is grace. But in many churches they experience the opposite, legalism, the threat of punishment & exclusion.

When we realize our guilt, let it be an opportunity to grow closer to Christ. Today in prayer, confess any sin in your life to Jesus and know He died for those sins.

“You cannot repent too soon because you do not know how soon it may be too late.” – Thomas Fuller

God’s Word: “Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord"--and you forgave the guilt of my sin.” – Psalm 32:5

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Fasting And Praying

2026-06-10T04:58:00Z

“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23

Philip Yancy wrote: “On a walking pilgrimage to Assisi in Italy, the writer Patricia Hampl began to make a list in answer to the question, What is prayer? She wrote down a few words. Praise. Gratitude. Begging/pleading/cutting deals. Fruitless whining and pulling. Focus. And then the list broke off, for she discovered that prayer only seems like an act of language: “Fundamentally it is a position, a placement of oneself.”

She went on to discover that “prayer as focus is not a way of limiting what can be seen; it is a habit of attention brought to bear on all that is.” Ah, a habit of attention. Be still. In that focus, all else comes into focus. In that rift in my routine, the universe falls into alignment.”

We become more attentive to the Lord’s will when we fast and pray. Today in prayer, praise Jesus that He desires to answer your prayers, and seek His will through fasting and prayer.

“Prayer is reaching out after the unseen; fasting is letting go of all that is seen and temporal. Fasting helps express, deepen, confirm the resolution that we are ready to sacrifice anything, even ourselves to attain what we seek for the kingdom of God.” – Andrew Murray

God’s Word: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” – Matthew 4:1-2

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - Studying His Word

2026-06-09T04:53:00Z

“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.” – Ezra 7:10

Brian Dembowczyk wrote: “Imagine you were cast to play the role of legendary baseball player Babe Ruth in a biography of his life. You could simply follow the script, reading out what is written. How much better, though, to study Babe Ruth himself—to learn his speech pattern, mannerisms, and so forth.

The result would surely be a more compelling performance! Now, suppose you were cast to play the role of Babe Ruth not in a biography, but a fictional account of him living and playing today. This would surely require you to learn as much about Babe Ruth as possible, because you would be forced to improvise.

If you didn’t know Ruth started out as a pitcher—and was quite successful at that position—you would almost surely miss his likely fascination and rivalry with two-way Major League Baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani. Failing to study Ruth would hinder your faithful performance. The same is true of our role in playing the part of Jesus. We won’t be faithful in our performance if we fail to study who Jesus is, and not just what he did.”

We only become more like Jesus as we spend time with Him in His Word. Today in prayer, thank the Lord for His Word and spend some extra moments today studying it.

“Believe me, sir, never a night goes by, be I ever so tired, but I read the Word of God before I go to bed.” – General Douglas MacArthur

God’s Word: “Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:17-18

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †

Devotional - There Is Joy

2026-06-08T04:57:00Z

“For seven days they celebrated with joy the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel.” – Ezra 6:22

Bradley Long writes: “The first thing the group of American church leaders noticed about the Central Asian pastor they were meeting was his smile.

It was huge. It was so big that anyone who looked at it had to smile too!

Then the pastor spoke and smiled even bigger, “The last time I was in prison they beat me every day for 2 weeks and I have to tell you how GOOD God is!”

The Americans were stunned. The pastor went on ahead as his joy increased even more. “Right before I arrived, there was a Muslim Imam imprisoned who had been telling all the prisoners how horrible they were and that God was going to punish them for eternity.”

The pastor’s excitement continued growing, so much so that the others were feeling excited and joyful themselves even though they couldn’t tell why. “And then I got there, and told them about Jesus and how much God loves them! Isn’t God so good?!”

For most of the Americans, this was the first time they’d met a believer who had been persecuted for the sake of the Gospel. But what they had to come away with was not the suffering, but the goodness of God and the joy of following him.”

There is joy when we know Jesus. Today in prayer, give your heart to Jesus and receive His joy.

“You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace,

The mountains and the hills will break forth before you.

There’ll be shouts of joy and all the trees of the field

Will clap, will clap their hands.” – Steffi Karen Rubin

God’s Word: “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” – Acts 2:46-47

DEVOTIONS IN EZRA, NEHEMIAH, AND ESTHER †