Sunday, February 08, 2026

Daily Devotion for February 8, 2026


Devotion:

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Read Matthew 24:14-30.


A master goes on a journey and entrusts his servants with different amounts of money (called “talents”) according to their abilities. Two of the servants invest and multiply what they were given, while the third hides his talent out of fear. When the master returns, he praises the faithful servants, rewarding them with more responsibilities and joy. The unfaithful servant, however, is reprimanded and loses even what he had. The parable of the talents teaches us that we need to do the best we can with the life God has given to us.

Some of us have a better head start than others. Some of us grew up in families that can afford pre-school, vacations, and college, while others come from broken homes, are financially disadvantaged and life is an uphill struggle.  Others are born with physical difficulties or develop them later. We need to remember that our life, whatever state we are in, is a gift from God that is to be lived to its fullest. 
 
Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of life and for the unique abilities, resources, and opportunities You have entrusted to each of us. Help us to recognize that no matter our starting point, whether abundant or limited, easy or challenging, our lives are precious gifts meant to be lived fully for Your glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

Saturday, February 07, 2026

Daily Devotion for February 7, 2026


Devotion:

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Read Romans 12:6-8.


God has graciously gifted each of us with unique talents. Some of us are called to prophesy, others to serve, teach, encourage, or lead and there are many other gifts God has given to His people.  These gifts are not ours to keep; they are meant to glorify Him. Through His guidance, we develop skills often shaped by education, training, and/or life experience. These gifts not only help us provide for ourselves but also empower us to advance His Kingdom. May we faithfully use every gift He has given to us knowing that in doing so, we reflect His glory and bring His purposes to life.
 
Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, thank You for the gifts You have graciously given each of us. Help us to use them faithfully and in harmony with Your will, always reflecting Your goodness. In Jesus Name, Amen.


Friday, February 06, 2026

Daily Devotion for February 6, 2026


Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 31:16-20.


We need to make the best out of what God has given us and help those who are less fortunate. Whatever you find in your hands - God wants you to use in helping others. In this passage, verse 20 says, “She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
That sounds like hospitality. Hospitality is more than just inviting someone into your home. It is inviting someone into your life, even if it's just a brief encounter.  

It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word for they both lead to the same result: healing. When you open your door or your heart to someone you are sending this message: “you matter to me and to God.”  

Do you know people who need this message? Singles who eat alone?  Young couples who are far from home?  Coworkers who’ve been transferred, teens who feel left out, and seniors who no longer drive? Some people pass an entire day with no meaningful contact with anyone else. Your hospitality can be their hospital.

 
Personal Worship Option:

Are you willing to use what God has already given you? Ask Him to show you the need today that you can address. May your heart be ready to share and your hands ready to serve!



Thursday, February 05, 2026

Daily Devotion for February 5, 2026


Devotion:

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Read 1 Peter 4:10-11.


I love to attend and watch traditional concerts and plays observing the performance of skilled professionals. I also marvel at watching all types of sports. I have dreamed of playing the piano or French horn at the Kennedy Center. Sometimes I might be jealous, wishing I had more athleticism, musical gifts, or intellectual strength. It can be easier to see someone else’s talents than to see our own.

Instead of longing for the gifts God has given someone else, we need to see that God wants us to use the gifts He has given us. He made us, gave us gifts and expects us to use them. God has given us something, and he calls us to use it for his kingdom! Sometimes none of us feel adequate for the jobs before us, but maybe we should step up and fill in until the perfect person comes along. Along the way, we may discover gifts and talents that we never knew we had!

God has gifted us to serve others and to care for one another. God doesn’t want his gifts hoarded or ignored; he wants us to channel our talents into serving others in his name. How can you use your time, talents, and gifts to bless others? Thank the Giver of your gifts by using your gifts to serve Him each day.
 
Personal Worship Option:

 Lord, thank you for the ways you have gifted each one of us. Give us opportunities to use our gifts to bless others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Wednesday, February 04, 2026

Daily Devotion for February 4, 2026


Devotion:

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Read Colossians 3:23-24.


“Whatever your task, put yourselves into it.” Paul is offering some good advice to the Christian community at Colossae, as well as to us.  But like a lot of good advice, Paul’s words may be easier in theory than in practice. Sometimes I can struggle with getting things done and finished (including writing devotions!).  I will enthusiastically sit down to start writing, but then my attention will wander, pulled away by other work, or an email that needs to get returned, or some other distraction. With all the ways that we can communicate and keep in touch, it seems easier than ever to get distracted. Paul had a lot on his plate as well. He may not have had a cell phone or the internet to deal with, but he had plenty of other interruptions and worries (such as being imprisoned and dealing with conflict in the church, just to name a few).   

So perhaps his words of advice are offered with a sense of compassion, and with some understanding that in the midst of life it can often be hard to focus. Paul is encouraging us to keep at it and persevere.  Pretty good advice then and now! 
 
Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to focus on you in the midst of this busy world. Amen 

Tuesday, February 03, 2026

Daily Devotion for February 3, 2026


Devotion:

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Read 1 Corinthians 3:5-9.


In 1 Corinthians 3:5–9, the apostle Paul addresses a church divided by loyalty to personalities. Some claimed Paul, others Apollos, forgetting the greater truth: “Neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” Paul gently redirects their focus from human leaders to the God who works through them.

This passage reminds us that every role in God’s kingdom matters, but no role replaces God. One plants a seed of faith through a kind word or faithful teaching. Another waters that seed through encouragement, prayer, or continued instruction. Yet transformation—true spiritual growth—comes only from God. This truth frees us from pride when things go well and from discouragement when we don’t see immediate results.

Paul also emphasizes unity. “He who plants and he who waters are one.” In God’s economy, there is no competition—only cooperation. The church flourishes when believers understand they are co-laborers, not rivals. Each person contributes differently, but all serve the same Lord and share the same purpose.

Finally, Paul offers a powerful identity statement: “For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.” What a humbling and hopeful truth. God invites us into His work, entrusting us with meaningful labor, while reminding us that the results rest securely in His hands.

Today, wherever God has placed you—planting, watering, serving quietly, or leading boldly—be faithful. Do your part with humility and trust. God is at work, and He will bring the growth in His perfect time.  

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to serve faithfully without seeking credit or recognition. Teach me to trust You with the results and to rejoice in the work of others. May my life bring glory to You, the One who gives the growth. Amen.

Monday, February 02, 2026

Daily Devotion for February 2, 2026


Devotion:

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Read Luke 12:48b.


Part of learning to see the implication of Scripture for our lives is to place ourselves in the passage. There have been times in my life when I would have read this passage and thought surely it was speaking to someone else. Surely, this was intended for people who are wealthy or who have lots and lots of spiritual gifts, so I was “off the hook.” Now, however, I realize that Jesus was speaking directly to me as he stated this. What about you?

This passage tells us that we have been given material blessings and spiritual gifts so that we can bless others. The NIV has Jesus using the words “asked” and even “demanded” to express what he expects of us. This passage reminds us that we are mere stewards of our material possessions, given to us by God and, in reality, still possessed by God. It is good to reflect sometimes upon just how blessed we are, but the very next step is to ask ourselves what we are supposed to do and be as a result of having such blessings. There is a message here for the whole church, but each of us must hear Jesus speaking these words to us as individuals and as Jesus’ followers.  

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Thank you, Almighty God, for giving me so much in this life. I know that my being blessed places responsibilities on me to help others and to do more. Help me to not disappoint my Lord but to do what he expects and empowers me to do. Amen.