Daily Devotion for February 3, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

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.

Daily Devotion for February 2, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

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.

Daily Devotion for February 1, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 13:24-30.

A landowner had a large piece of property that was big enough for him to have people till the land, prepare it for seeds, plant the seeds and harvest the wheat. In time it became evident that someone planted tares or weeds in his field. Jesus explains this parable when He tells the disciples the Field represents the World. The landowner is Jesus, the good seeds are the children of the kingdom, and the weeds are the children of the evil one.

The workers asked him if they should gather up the tares/weeds. But the landowner replied, If you tear out the weeds you will end up getting some of the wheat as well. Let them grow together and we will sort everything when we harvest the wheat.  We need to understand that the rooting out and sorting out is the work of angels and not the work of the church. Jesus warned us about trying to get rid of the weeds. By doing so we might get rid of some of the wheat as well. J Ellsworth Kalas once wrote, What looks today like a weed may in truth be nothing other than an immature blade of wheat.

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of the harvest. You see both the good and the evil that grow in this world. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your justice when we are tempted to judge too quickly or pull up what we do not understand. Give us grace to live faithfully among the weeds, by showing love and truth. In Jesus name. Amen

Daily Devotion for January 31, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Revelation 20:11-15.

John’s vision of the great white throne is both sobering and awe-inspiring. He describes a moment when heaven and earth flee from the presence of God’s glory, and every person who has ever been born stands before Him. The books are opened, and all are judged according to what they have done. Another book is opened called the Book of Life. The Book of Life contains the names of those who belong to Jesus. Our names are not written there because of what we’ve done, but because of what He has done for us on the cross.

For believers, this passage is not meant to create fear but to inspire gratitude and faithfulness. It reminds us that eternity is real, and God’s justice is perfect. Every wrong will be made right, and every tear wiped away. Until that day, we live with hearts surrendered to Jesus knowing our names are written in His book of grace.

Personal Worship Option:

Righteous Judge and Merciful Savior, thank You for the assurance that my name is written in the Book of Life. Help me live each day mindful of eternity and when I stand before You one day, may I hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” In Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 30, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 25:31-33.

When Jesus returns, he will separate the sheep from the goats. That is His job, not ours. Jesus used sheep and goats to picture the division between believers and unbelievers. The sheep and goats often grazed together but were separated when it came time to shear the sheep.  

God is the one to make that determination. He will separate his obedient followers from pretenders and unbelievers. The real evidence of our belief is the way we act.  To treat all people, we encounter as if they were Jesus, is no easy task. What we do for others demonstrates what we really think about Jesus’ words to us. “Whatever you do unto the least of these, you do for me.”

Personal Worship Option:

Look for ways to demonstrate grace to each person you encounter today.

Daily Devotion for January 29, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 24:29-31.

This scripture describes a vivid image of the second coming of Christ. This passage is part of Jesus’ proclaiming, where He describes the events that will take place at the end of times. After a period of great tribulation, signs will appear such as the sun will be darkened, the moon will no longer give its light, and stars will fall from the sky. These announced images were not only terrifying but also familiar to Jesus’ Jewish audience, echoing Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Joel. In these verses, Jesus reassures His followers that, despite the impending chaos, His return will be a moment of glory and fulfillment, marked by the gathering of the elect from the four corners of the earth.

For modern readers, these passages remind us of the ultimate hope in Christ’s victorious return, even in the face of worldly trials. This passage encourages believers to remain vigilant, faithful, and prepared for the day when Christ will gather His people to Himself. It invites us to reflect on our own spiritual readiness and the hope we have in God’s ultimate plan for humanity.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, Help me live each day as if you are coming back to us. Let my faith grow and my love show to all that I meet along the way. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 28, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read John 5:25-29.

One of the roads that I frequently travel is Highway 58 between Chattanooga and Decatur. On that road are a couple of 70 plus year old roadside crosses that ask if “I’m ready” or if “I’m prepared” to meet Jesus, because “He is coming soon.”  I appreciate both the history and urgency behind those crosses. It’s a good reminder for us to be aware of how we spend our time. Jesus was pretty clear that no one knew the time of his return, and that his followers were not to waste time on speculating about when or where this would happen (although that hasn’t stopped 2000 years of speculation ever since). But he was equally clear that we were to be actively living out our faith while awaiting his return. “In the meantime,” we are to be serving others (Matthew 25) and sharing the good news (Matthew 28).  It is also clear in today’s scripture reading in John that we will be held accountable for how we spent our time for the kingdom of God. Will we be prepared?  Are we ready?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, I want to be ready. Help me to lovingly serve you in my daily life. Amen.