Daily Devotion for January 31, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24.

The Psalmist writes of a relationship with God that is filled with both support and accountability. The theme of this Psalm is that God is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present. God knows us, God is with us, and his greatest gift is to allow us to know him. Sometimes we don’t let people know us completely because we are afraid, they will discover something about us that they won’t like.  But God already knows everything about us, even to the number of hairs on our heads and still he accepts and loves us. God is with us through every situation, in every trial - protecting, loving, and guiding us. He knows and loves us completely. 

 

God is also present everywhere. Because of this, you can never escape from his Spirit. This is good news to those who know and love God. No matter what we do or where we go, we can never be far from God’s comforting presence.

The psalmist also wanted a relationship with God unencumbered by sin. David asked God to search for sin and point it out, even to the level of testing his thoughts. How are we to recognize sin unless God points it out? Then when God shows us, we can repent and be forgiven and enjoy a restored relationship with God.

Personal Worship Option:

Spend some time thanking God as the Creator and Author of your life. Will you open your heart and life to God as David did?

Daily Devotion for January 30, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 3:16-17.

Have you ever had a dear friend correct you or question your conversation or decision? Even a gentle rebuke can be hard to hear, even when it is given in the spirit of love. No one likes to have their faults pointed out or their actions challenged. We don’t want to believe that our words could hurt someone else rather than help them.

Paul instructs us that as a part of Christ’s community that we should teach and admonish when necessary. We should not be shy about sharing God’s love and advice with one another. We need to care enough to confront bad behavior and be willing to receive correction ourselves.

When we correct, we need to be certain that love drives us to speak the truth. A mentor once told me that confrontation in relationships is healing, but confrontation outside of a relationship is condemnation. Speaking the truth can be difficult. Admonishment should happen in love, relationship, and prayer.

When we are corrected, we need a teachable spirit that marks a disciple of Christ. We should let the Word of God dwell in us and deeply study God’s desire for us. Are you ready to be taught or corrected?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, teach us how to correct one another in a loving way. Make us a community in which we love enough to hold one another accountable. Give us open hearts to hear correction that will draw us closer to you. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 29, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Galatians 6:1-2.

The heart of the gospel is healing and restoration, and these verses from Galatians call us to be agents of that grace within the body of Christ. In the Wesleyan tradition, this work is deeply communal. John Wesley taught that Christian life thrives in fellowship, where believers are instruments of God’s transforming love to one another. 

 

To restore someone gently is to reflect Christ’s own approach to brokenness. His ministry was marked by compassion, never harshness, toward those who had fallen. Likewise, we are called to bring hope and healing, not through judgment but through grace-filled guidance. True restoration isn’t about pointing out failures—it’s about walking alongside someone as they journey back to wholeness in Christ.  

Healing also involves bearing one another’s burdens. This act of shared love doesn’t just ease another’s pain; it fosters deep spiritual connection. When we carry another’s struggles, we embody the law of Christ—the law of love—and create spaces where God’s healing power can flow.  

In this sacred work, we must stay grounded in prayer and humility, aware of our own need for grace. By embracing this calling, we partner with God in the holy work of healing, creating a community where restoration and renewal flourish. In doing so, we not only fulfill Christ’s law but also grow closer to His heart.  

Personal Worship Option:

Today, ask yourself: Who in my life needs restoration? How can I help bear their burdens in love? Then pray for guidance in how you can walk with that person in their spiritual journey.

Daily Devotion for January 28, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 7:3-5.

Jesus gives us an important reminder here.

How quick we can be to look outward and criticize others instead of looking inward to see our own faults.

Some examples of this are what we refer to today as conscious or unconscious bias. We tend to like what we are familiar with, and we tend not to like what we find to be different. And these things have a way of shaping our judgments about others.

We also tend to think that others would be happier if they were like us. But we don’t take the time to think about what that says about us.

Jesus wants us to look inwardly and to see what our own faults are before we address the faults of others. It’s not easy to admit we have blind spots, but when we begin to see them, we have a new appreciation for others, and it is easier to show God’s grace and love.

I wonder what our conversations might look like if we took the time to talk with one another, hear each other’s stories, learn to care for one another, and discover that we might not be so different after all. Today is a good day to try clearing our own faults out of our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, teach me to appreciate the rich diversity you have created, and help me not to judge others based only on my perception. Help me to see my own blind spots and forgive me when I have failed to offer your love and grace. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 27, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 27:17.

Here at Christ Church, our men’s ministry hosted the annual Iron Sharpens Iron conference for several years until Covid hit and the conferences were shut down. The theme of those conferences was based on this verse. If we rub two pieces of iron with edges together, they will burnish and sharpen one another. If one of the pieces has been tempered to a greater hardness, it will sharpen the other. The one being sharpened will have a brighter, keener edge, and it will be more useful and effective as a knife or other tool.

The promise and implication of this verse for us is that we are to be in relationships with others, and in those relationships of mutual trust and respect, we are made better by the other person. Throughout my life, I have had the benefit of some awesome teachers who imparted knowledge to me that made me more effective. Wonderful mentors have supported me, while holding me accountable for my actions. I have been fortunate to have friendships in which each of us could mutually sharpen the other. The best marriages provide the ideal setting for this sharpening through mutual support and accountability.   

Personal Worship Option:

Are you in relationships in which you are both supported and held accountable? Perhaps a small group in which this takes place would be good for you if you are not already in one. And in your relationships, look for the opportunity to sharpen and to be sharpened.

Daily Devotion for January 26, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 39:20-23.

Joseph could have been very bitter about what had happened to him. First, his brothers had sold him into slavery and allowed him to be carried away to a foreign land. Then, after making the best of the situation in which he found himself, he was again treated unfairly. Potiphar’s wife falsely accused him and got him thrown into prison.  He could have been not only angry with her and several other people, but also at God. But he apparently continued to trust God and give his new circumstances to the Lord. And the Lord blessed him while he was in prison.  (Later, his patience was again tested before he got out of prison.)  

I like to play various card games, my favorites being Spades and Rook. With any card games, there is an expression often used that simply acknowledges you were “dealt a bad hand.” It is an expression that we also use in everyday life, when circumstances come into our life that are unfair and present us with troubles and struggles.  

There is another expression that has developed over the years about how we deal with those situations. They can either make us “bitter or better.” If we dwell on the circumstances and the unfairness of them, they will likely make us bitter. But if we give them to God, our Lord can bring something good, even better, out of them. When you get dealt a bad hand, “play it” as best you can and let God make you better and stronger because of it.  

Personal Worship Option:

Horatio Spafford wrote the words to a song in 1873 that speaks to our focus today. Let this first verse be your prayer today.

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll;

whatever my lot, thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Daily Devotion for January 25, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 26:36-44.

Of any person who has ever walked the face of this earth, you could say that Jesus was “dealt” not only a bad hand, but the worst hand ever given to anyone. He had given up his place in heaven to come to earth, become human and experience life as we do. He was born into poverty and lived among a people whose land was ruled by another nation. He was without sin. He had done a lot of good for a lot of people in a rather short time. 

And yet, it was his mission to allow himself to be arrested and crucified, betrayed by his own people to suffer a cruel death. He stayed true to that mission and “played the hand he was dealt.” After what appeared to be the end, God resurrected him from the dead and gave him a glorious victory.  

Jesus is the One who set the greatest example for all of us in trusting God, no matter the hand we are dealt in life. And in this prayer, he showed us it is okay to offer our own desires to God, but that our overriding priority is always to do God’s will. May we all continue to learn from, and live, his example.  

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Holy and Gracious God, increase my faith in you, so that no matter what troubling circumstances may come my way in life, I will not let them decrease my trust in you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 24, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Samuel 17:32-40.

David believed God wanted him to fight Goliath. However, he couldn’t do it with Saul’s armor. He knew he could only fight in the way God had prepared him.  Though the Israelites feared losing to Goliath, they forgot who had called them to enter the promised land. Though they had seen God fight for them in many previous battles they neglected to trust him in this one. David’s focus was not on the size of the enemy, but on God.

The king tried to give David equipment: shield, sword, helmet, etc. but David had something else in mind. Five smooth stones and an ordinary leather slingshot.

The soldiers were probably worried, and Goliath jeered. David swung and God made his point. Anyone who underestimates what God can do with the ordinary just doesn’t understand God.

Personal Worship Option:

What battle are you facing this week? Even if it's bigger than you can handle, it’s not bigger than God can handle. Talk with God about your concerns and follow His direction.

Daily Devotion for January 23, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Ruth 2:17-23.

This passage of scripture highlights the remarkable kindness and loyalty of Ruth, who had become a person of poverty. She and her mother-in-law, Naomi, had hit an all-time low. They were at rock bottom. Ruth was a foreigner in a new land and had to scrounge for enough food for the two of them.

She trusted God. Her experience of gleaning in the fields of Boaz showcased to her God's provision even in unfamiliar situations. This passage is also a reminder to actively seek opportunities to show compassion and support to those in need, just as Boaz did for Ruth. The story highlights how God works through people like Boaz to provide for those in need even if they are strangers.

The book of Ruth shows how God is at work in the day-to-day activities of average people. All of us face life's normal challenges (death, moving, lack of financial resources, family responsibilities, etc.) and find God is weaving a story of grace and redemption out of all the details. Keeping our faith strong, embracing God’s love, and remembering that God is always with us will sustain us.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for your provision and for the example of Ruth and Boaz, who demonstrated such kindness and compassion towards one another. May we be inspired to actively seek ways to show grace, generosity, and support to those around us, reflecting your love in the world. Amen. 

Daily Devotion for January 22, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Judges 7:1-15.

Gideon faced a daunting situation. With an already small army of 32,000 men against the Midianites, God reduced his forces to just 300. From a human perspective, this seemed impossible. How could Gideon make the best of such a dire situation?  

Yet God had a purpose. He told Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me” (Judges 7:2). By stripping Gideon of his resources, God ensured that the victory would point solely to His power and provision.

  

When Gideon obeyed and trusted, God gave him a sign through the enemy’s own dream, affirming that victory was already in motion. This reassurance wasn’t about Gideon’s strength but about God’s faithfulness.  

We often find ourselves in situations that seem overwhelming—financial struggles, health crises, or relational challenges. Like Gideon, we may feel underprepared and ill-equipped. However, these moments are opportunities for us to lean fully on God. When our own resources are stripped away, we are reminded that true strength and deliverance come from Him.  

Making the best of a bad situation begins with trust. When we let go of fear and focus on God’s promises, we position ourselves to witness His power. Gideon’s story reminds us that our weakness is not a barrier to God—it’s often the platform for His greatest work.  

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on this question: What situation in your life feels like an uphill battle? Pray and ask God to show you how He is working, even when things seem bleak. Trust that He is able to do more than you could ever imagine, just as He did with Gideon. Then pray: Lord, help me trust You when things seem impossible. Remind me that Your strength is made perfect in my weakness. Lead me to make the best of every challenge, knowing You are always with me. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 21, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Judges 4:1-8.

The Book of Judges has a certain rhythm. People who were close to God would fall away from him. Then trouble would enter their life, so they’d cry out to God. God would answer their cries and deliver them. Then, after a time, the cycle would begin again.

But in that cycle God provided leaders. One such leader was Deborah, a prophetess and a judge. She was an instrument of God who called for Barak to follow a plan laid out by God to give victory over the enemy.

But Barak said he would not carry out Deborah’s request unless she, as God’s spokesperson, went with him. Deborah noted that if she went with him, the honor would not be his, for God would deliver the enemy “into the hands of a woman.” Barak’s response, in effect, was “So what?”

Barak did not fuss about who got the credit or honor; he only wanted to make sure God’s prophet—and thus God—would be with him.

Maybe you have heard that a team can accomplish a great deal if its members don’t care who gets the credit.The same can be said for the church. If individual church members are looking for credit or honor, then the glory of God is not central and the result is a church that is weaker, not stronger. Heroes of faith grow by giving credit to God.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, forgive me when I seek to put myself first. Help me to point others to you in word and in deed day by day. May the name of Jesus be lifted up, I pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 20, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 30:37-43.

Jacob, “the deceiver,” had met his match in his uncle Laban! Jacob worked seven years for Laban in order to win the hand of his beautiful young daughter, Rachel, only to be tricked into marrying the homely older daughter, Leah. Jacob had to work another seven years in order to be married to Rachel also. When Jacob agreed to continue to tend Laban’s flocks of goats, he was to be given all the spotted, speckled, and dark colored animals (less valuable than the purely white ones). Laban had all those animals separated out and removed from the flocks. Jacob would have nothing!

But Jacob came up with another trick, placing striped branches in front of the animals as they mated. This caused them to have speckled, spotted, and dark colored offspring, and Jacob received all of them as part of his deal with Laban. He even started selectively breeding the stronger animals in front of the striped branches so that his offspring would be the stronger and Laban’s the weaker ones. There is nothing in animal husbandry to explain this trick, but here we see Jacob simply making the best of the bad situation Laban had put him in. Perhaps there is a lesson in that for us!  

Personal Worship Option:

What difficult situation are you in now, or what tough time do you see coming in your life? Take a lesson here and try to make the best of it, trusting God to get you through it. Pray for your faith to be made stronger as you experience this.

Daily Devotion for January 19, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 7:12; Romans 13:8-10.

A common message throughout the Bible is that when we treat people right, life is as God intended it to be. The everyday rules that were given in the Law to God’s people were filled with fairness and justice for everyone. The prophets were constantly warning the kings and the people when they broke those rules.  God expects that everyone treats everyone right. And when we don’t, life becomes chaotic for everyone.

One of the highlights of Jesus’ “Sermon on the Mount” in Matthew’s Gospel is what we usually refer to as the “Golden Rule.” It is simple and straightforward: treat others how you want to be treated. And in our verses from Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome, he sums up that teaching by focusing on what motivates us to live this way. It is the love that Jesus showed us in both his teaching and his actions.  

As we continue our sermon series “Gear Up For Life” today in worship, we will focus on our relationships with other people. No, we cannot control how they will treat us; but we can certainly control how we treat them.  

Personal Worship Option:

If you cannot be with us in worship, be sure to join us online this morning. But if you are able to be with us in person, I encourage you to do so.  It makes a difference when you’re there!   

Daily Devotion for January 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 21:3, 15.

I love the Proverbs for their practical wisdom about living and being the people of God. The two verses on which we focus today remind us of a common message of the prophets of the Old Testament: God expects his people to practice justice and righteousness. We simply cannot be the people of God if we are not living with integrity and character and doing right by people. Whether God is judging an individual, a church or a whole nation, one key factor of assessment is whether we are focusing on our relationship with God and treating all people fairly.  

John Wesley used the language of “works of piety and works of mercy,” seeing all of them as the “means of grace,” ways of experiencing God’s grace. Individual works of piety include our devotional life of Scripture reading and prayer, as well as fasting. Corporate works of piety include our times of worship and study together. Likewise, we are encouraged to practice individual works of mercy by various acts of meeting the needs of others, including visiting the sick and those in prison. Communal acts of mercy would include working to eliminate discrimination or any other form of injustice.  

Here is how Eugene Peterson translates verse 15 of our reading today in The Message: “Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance.” Amen?  Amen!  

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Holy and Gracious God, continue to guide me in the way of justice and righteousness. May I always be about deepening my relationship with you, meeting the needs of others and helping them come to know and follow you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 17, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 9:1-8.

Jesus often encountered religious leaders who were more concerned about their rules and beliefs than doing what was right for the needs of people. Although Jesus was neither rude or arrogant, He aggravated the teachers of the law when he exercised his privilege as Son of God. When he forgave sins, mingled with sinners, raised the dead, and healed the sick, the teachers thought his actions were either inappropriate or unexplainable.  

Jesus used his power over sickness and death to show his compassion for needy humanity. As a true friend, he meets the needs we bring him. He asks us to join his mission and reach out to those around us.

Personal Worship Option:

Do you see Jesus as a close friend or far away? Jesus desires to relate to us as a friend. Talk with him. Tell him all of your needs.

Daily Devotion for January 16, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Deuteronomy 24:17-22.

This scripture is about sharing with others. During the harvest, some sheaves of grain would inevitably fall to the ground. Good business sense would dictate that the harvesters would go back and collect those sheaves so there would be no waste. Our cultural tendency is that we should be efficient and not waste any product and make the most money that we can.  We are trained to maximize our profits.

But that’s not the way things went in ancient Israel. God instructed his people to use the harvest as an opportunity to care for vulnerable members of society: the poor, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow. The gospel changes the way we view our financial resources. God kept reminding the Israelites that they had been slaves in Egypt, but He redeemed and freed them. Because of Jesus’ work, our worth is not in how much we can acquire, but in the new life provided by our Redeemer.

As a result, we have the privilege of telling others about God’s redeeming work. We use words to tell the story of Jesus, but we express this in our actions as we care for people around us.

  

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, as your children, you have put us in a place to care for others. Show us the people who need to know Christ’s care through us. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 15, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Amos 5:12-15.

At the heart of Amos’ message is a simple but powerful truth: how we treat others reflects our relationship with God. The Israelites were outwardly religious, but their treatment of people—oppressing the innocent, taking bribes, and denying justice to the poor—revealed the true state of their hearts. God saw their actions and called them to a life of integrity and compassion.

This passage challenges us to evaluate how we treat the people around us, especially those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged. Are we fair and just in our dealings? Do we advocate for those who cannot speak for themselves? Treating people right isn’t just about being polite; it’s about seeking good and living out God’s love in every interaction.

When we love good, hate evil, and act justly, we reflect the character of God. Our faith becomes real and tangible as we embody His justice, mercy, and kindness. This isn’t always easy, especially in a world where self-interest often dominates. But God calls us to rise above, to treat people with dignity and fairness, and to seek the good of others in every circumstance.

  

Personal Worship Option:

Pray: Lord, help me to see others as You see them—with love, compassion, and value. Forgive me for times when I have treated others unfairly or ignored injustice. Teach me to seek good and hate evil in all my interactions. May my life reflect Your justice and mercy, and may I treat people in a way that honors You. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 14, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 20:12-17.

Just a few months after delivering his people Israel from slavery in Egypt, God gave them his commands from the smoking, trembling summit of Mount Sinai (see Exodus 19). And these commands are the standard for humankind: they drive us to ask for forgiveness, and they teach us how to live.

Bible teachers often point out that the Ten Commandments, written by God on two tablets of stone, can be divided into two parts: the first part concerning our relationship with God (vv. 3-11), and the second part concerning our relationships with others (vv. 12-17). Many teachers also point out that Jesus summarized the law in two parts along these lines: Love God and Love your neighbor (see Matthew 22:37-40).

Today the commands of the two tablets are still important for keeping our relationships with God and humanity healthy. We cannot expect to live a fulfilling life if we ignore God, worship money, use God’s name as a curse, work 24/7, disrespect our parents, hurt others, live promiscuously, steal, lie, or desire what rightfully belongs to others. If we don’t care about these basic guidelines for life—or even just some of them—our relationships will suffer.

Have you asked God to help you follow his way today? 

Personal Worship Option:

 Lord, we know your law is our light and our guide for life. Give us strength to live wisely and to walk in the way of Christ’s love, which you laid out so clearly for us here. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 13, 2025

Devotion:

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Read James 1:27; 2:14-16.

It was verses in James like today’s passage that kept this beautiful book of Scripture from getting into the New Testament canon for some time. Leading scholars at the time mistakenly interpreted this passage as saying that we must earn our salvation through doing good works. They pointed to Paul’s teaching as accepted Christian theology in that we are saved by grace through our faith and argued that James was disagreeing. In fact, James was not disagreeing in any way with Paul. But James was saying that if our faith is real, it changes us, and it moves us to action.

The grace that gives us salvation through the death of Jesus Christ on the cross was very costly to God. The brilliant German theologian Dietrich Bonhoffer wrote to warn us about treating grace as cheap instead of precious and free. He said “cheap grace is grace without discipleship…” In other words, when we accept the grace of salvation through our faith, we are not to be mere assenters and believers. Rather, we are to become more like Christ, learning, growing, and serving as his disciples. This is exactly what this passage in James is saying…our faith should make us want to do good things.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, help me to put my faith into action more often. I believe in Christ, but I know James is saying I am called to serve others, treating them right. So be with me, helping me to see and seize the opportunities each day to be more like my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 12, 2025

 Devotion:

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Read Genesis 2:2-3; Exodus 20:8-10b, 11.

The first of the two Creation stories in Genesis ends with this emphasis on rest. Included in the story is that even God rested after doing the work of Creation. As verse three is stated, the day is made holy because of the “act” of rest. So built into the Creation we are part of is rest.

When God gives the Ten Commandments to his people, the emphasis on rest is one of those commandments. Again, we see that it is rest that makes the Sabbath holy. All of the commandments are given to guide the people in how to live life at its best and rest is a key part of that life.

This rest is not just for our body. We also need to have times where we are resting our mind and spirit. You may have a heart for helping people and that is great. You certainly represent God as you do that. But even in that, you need a break sometimes. You can wear yourself out helping others because there are always needs to be met.

Think about what rest does for you. It refreshes you. It replenishes you. It revives you. After resting, you are ready to go and do again. So, get some rest!

Personal Worship Option:

Come away from your work and routines of the week and let’s worship God together this morning. It’s another way to get replenished and revived for the week ahead. I hope to see you at Christ Church today. And bring a carload!

Daily Devotion for January 11, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 23.

Yes, we read this Psalm just last week. But today, I invite you to read it again (maybe in a different translation if you can) with our focus this week in mind. In our worship time tomorrow, particularly in the sermon, we will be focused on God’s commandment to rest.

Here is how Eugene Peterson translated verses two and three in The Message: “You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction.” What a great way to describe a scene of rest!

This is one of many Psalms attributed to King David, who was a shepherd early in his life. He knew that to properly care for his sheep, he had to find places and times for them to rest. And he experienced God seeking the same for us.

Your Heavenly Shepherd wants you to rest. Will you cooperate?

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Lord, thank you so much for shepherding me through life. And thank you for this reminder that a key part of my journey is taking time to rest. Thank you that I can do so because of your love and care. In Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 10, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Mark 6:30-32.

Several years ago a few friends and I decided to go on an extended road trip. All was finally packed and we jumped in the vehicle ready to begin our adventure. After several hours of driving, we started looking for the rest stop. We had entered a portion of road that was long and fairly desolated, so the rest area sign was a welcomed sight. We pulled in and appreciated the opportunity to stop, stretch our legs, walk around and renew our strength for the miles of driving ahead. Rest areas are necessary for our overall well-being and the ability to continue on our route. Rest stops are needed along life’s pathway too.

In the passage today, Jesus invited his disciples to get away from the work of ministry and get some rest. However, it is sometimes a challenge to find the time with the demands of life. It is necessary to be creative in how we find rest. If today starts to get hectic, take five minutes to be alone with God. If your work gets interrupted, ask God for patience to deal with the interruption and for endurance to finish the task. If exhaustion has overtaken you, stop for an extended period of rest. Sometimes the most holy thing you can do is take a nap.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus experienced stressful, chaotic days like ours. Spend time with Jesus and let Him renew your spirit.

Daily Devotion for January 09, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 4:6-7.

Daily we are overwhelmed with bad news on the global, national, and local level: economic crises, disasters, terrorism, corruption, crime, poverty. We also have personal stressors: family problems, health situations, ­and unpaid bills. The list goes on and on. We get upset with bad news. We are worried by potential outcomes. We can become anxious to the point of being physically ill. It’s no wonder anxiety is considered one of the most common nervous disorders of our time.

In Philippians Paul gives plain instructions not to be anxious about anything. How can we do that? Paul gives God-inspired advice while he is imprisoned! For Paul, inner peace doesn’t come because of some relaxation technique, denial, or the power of positive thinking. The apostle fully trusts the power of God to protect him and give him peace. Uncertainty fuels anxiety, but if you are certain about your standing with God, you don’t have to be anxious. Paul is clear that prayer to God is the answer of relieving fear and anxiety. In heartfelt prayer to God, share all your problems and anxieties. He hears and provides strength.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, in this world filled with disturbing news, we are so thankful to find the good news of the Bible. Fill us with your peace and deliver us from anxiety. In Jesus’ name, Amen.