Daily Devotion for February 28, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Luke 18:9-14.

As we reflect on this passage, we should remember that one of the things the prophet Micah says pleases God is for us to “walk humbly with God.” Jesus tells us in the first verse of this passage that he is telling this parable for the proud among us. The Pharisee was a very religious person, extremely knowledgeable in the Scriptures and very disciplined in his adherence to the law. But in his prayer, he does nothing but self-promotion, holding himself up to God as better than others, including the tax collector who stands praying some distance away.

The tax collector humbles himself before God, acknowledges being a sinner, and asks God for mercy. Jesus makes it clear that, of the two, the tax collector went home justified by God. This passage should speak volumes to those of us who are in the church. It is so easy to start feeling as if we have arrived and have it figured out. Surely we are justified by God, as we attend worship, serve on committees, and give our offerings. If we begin to think like that and to look down on those who are not believers, we should see a huge “CAUTION” sign and pray for mercy.

Personal Worship Option:

Spend some time reflecting on your attitude…is it more like that of the Pharisee or of the tax collector? We are recipients of God’s grace, and we should be most thankful for that and most humble!

Daily Devotion for February 27, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 9:9-13.

In Matthew 9:9-13, we read an unusual story of Jesus extending His call to Matthew, a tax collector. Tax collectors were often despised and seen as traitors by their own people and being very corrupt. Yet, Jesus looks beyond culture labels and sees Matthew's potential for transformation.

This passage reminds us that Jesus’ ministry was rooted in mercy. He did not come for those who considered themselves righteous but for those who recognized their need for a Savior. His dining with tax collectors and sinners was a powerful demonstration of God's love reaching out to the marginalized and outcasts. When the Pharisees questioned Jesus’ association with sinners, he said "I desire mercy, not sacrifice." This statement challenges us. Are we more focused on external rituals and sacrifices, or do we embody the mercy and compassion that Jesus showed?  True worship and obedience to God involve extending grace, kindness, and understanding to others.

Mercy means showing love and compassion to those who may not seem deserving.  Sacrifice is empty without a heart of mercy.  Let’s strive to be like Jesus, who saw the worth in every person.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear Jesus, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. Help us ­never to withhold to others the mercy you have shown to us. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 26, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 23:12.

Micah 6:8 calls us to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God”. Humility, however, is often the hardest to live out. In Matthew 23, Jesus warns against the pride of the Pharisees, who sought recognition rather than righteousness. He reminds us that true greatness is found in humility—those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but the humble will be lifted up.  

Jesus Himself is the perfect example. Though He was God, He humbled Himself to serve, suffer, and ultimately die for us (Philippians 2:5-8). His life teaches us that humility is not weakness, but strength under God’s authority.  

Walking humbly means surrendering our pride, serving others selflessly, and trusting God’s timing for exaltation. Instead of seeking recognition, we focus on faithfulness. Instead of striving for status, we serve as Christ did.  

Today, ask yourself:  

- Am I serving with humility or seeking recognition?  

- How can I put others before myself as Jesus did?  

As we choose humility, God promises to lift us up in His perfect way.  

Personal Worship Option:

Pray: Lord, help me walk in humility today. Free me from pride, teach me to serve like Jesus, and help me trust Your plan. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 25, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 5:7.

God treats us much, much better than we deserve. That fundamental, undergirding spiritual truth is the reality of grace. He has seen us in our sin and had mercy on us because of his great love for us (see Romans 5:6-11). Even though we have repeatedly proved unfaithful and undependable, both individually and as a group, God has been gracious and merciful. He has repeatedly offered forgiveness, help, redemption, and salvation when we least deserved it. Rather than dealing with us strictly as law would demand, God has dealt with us as a loving father does with his children. This conditioning reality must show up in us also. How can we claim to be his children and not be merciful? How can we call for retribution against our brothers and sisters, when fairness would demand we pay a great penalty for our sin? In the Kingdom family, mercy rules. When that mercy is forgotten by us, then God has promised to use our standard of mercilessness when he judges us (Matthew 7:1-2). Yet as long as we are merciful to others, God will show us mercy.

 

Personal Worship Option:

Holy and righteous Father, I confess that I often want justice when I am violated and mercy when I sin. Thank you for not treating me as I deserve, but instead providing Jesus to be the atoning sacrifice that extends your mercy to me and fulfills your justice on my behalf. Soften my heart that I may reflect your grace and mercy in my dealings with those who have injured me. In the precious name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 24, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 1:16-17.

In each of our devotions for this week, we will see teachings that align with what the prophet Micah says in his verse 6:8 pleases God: “to act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God.” It should not surprise us, as we read passages each day from the prophecies of the Old Testament to the Gospels of the New Testament, to see that God’s teachings are consistent.

Here in Isaiah, God is telling us to turn away from our evil ways and to do right, to act justly, and to help those who are oppressed. When we profess our Christian faith and when parents take baptism vows for their infant children, we commit to doing exactly these things. After renouncing evil in our lives, we commit to accepting the “freedom and power God gives (us) to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.” This question and our answer to it are extremely important, as this acknowledges we cannot do these things alone, but God will be there to help us. And in behaving in this way, we please God! 

 

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Holy God, help me to live in the ways that please you. Sometimes I see others being treated unfairly, and I am saddened. Help me to be emboldened to act, to speak out, and to help them. I cannot do this without your strong support. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 23, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Daniel 5:1-30.

The phrase “The handwriting on the wall” is often used by people who have no idea where it came from. As you can see by reading this passage, this Bible story is where it came from. King Belshazzar of Babylon had flaunted his power, even to the extent of showing disrespect to the God of Judah.  When Daniel interprets for him what the handwriting on the wall means, he realizes that he is going to suffer consequences for his actions.  Still to this day, when we say “the handwriting is on the wall” we mean that it is obvious something (usually bad) is about to happen. 

 

However, through Jesus Christ, there is always good news. Even when the handwriting is on the wall, if a person will humble themselves, repent of their sin and seek forgiveness, they can be assured that God does forgive them. There may still be some consequences for what they have done, but they can know that God has forgiven them and will be with them through those consequences.  

The next time you face the handwriting on the wall, or you know someone who is facing impending consequences, remember this good news and share it with whoever needs to hear it. Thanks be to God for the gospel of Jesus Christ!

 

 Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: God of justice and mercy, thank you for this reminder that there are consequences when we disrespect you. But more than anything, thank you for the good news you sent us through Jesus, always extending to us the marvelous gift of forgiveness. In his name I pray, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 22, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 25:41-46.

I am always fascinated by this story, primarily because of the reaction of both groups of people. Both of them are surprised to learn that the king was in need of food and water, clothing and care.  But that reaction also tells me a lot about both groups of people. For the group who did not minister to the needs of others, their reaction says to me that “if we had known it was you, we would have helped.” In other words, these people are only willing to help certain people, particularly in situations where they might themselves benefit from helping someone. However, for the other group, their reaction says to me “it didn’t matter who it was, we were going to help them.”  This group has a servant’s (Christ-like) heart that does not discriminate in who they help.  

Matthew has more judgment stories in his Gospel than any of the other three writers. He wanted to emphasize that there will be consequences to how we live the life God has given us. As a response to the grace God offers you, use your time and resources to gift and provide for others. According to this story, the reward and the punishment lasts forever.  

    

Personal Worship Option:

Pray this prayer or one in your own words: Holy and gracious God, thank you for the resources you have given me. Help me to live my life providing for the needs of others, so that I represent you well and can look forward to living with you forever. Through Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 21, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Acts 5:1-10.

This is a scary passage about a couple in the early church who were each struck dead in connection with their offerings to the church. I will admit having joked a few times about possibly using this passage as our theme for the three-year building fund campaigns. Just think of the money we could have raised by setting a challenging goal, reading this passage, and then saying, “Pledge and give generously so this does not happen to you!”

Obviously, that would have been a gross misuse of this passage. The church in those days expected Christ to return at any moment, so they were selling their property, pooling their assets, and sharing all they had. Ananias and Sapphira may have been frowned upon by their fellow church members if they had admitted keeping some of their sale proceeds for themselves. But instead of being honest about it, they lied and claimed they had given it all. Their deaths came as a consequence of their lying, not because they held back some of the money. This story should remind us that there are consequences for our sins and unfaithfulness.     

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, please forgive me for my sins. Sometimes I do what will be viewed well by others instead of what you would have me to do. Help me to follow your teachings, even when doing so is not the popular thing to do and help me to be truthful. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 20, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Joshua 7:13-26.

This passage tells the story of the reason of Israel’s defeat at Ai and how Joshua deals with the sin in order to restore God’s favor. God told Joshua that there is sin in the camp of Israel. He relayed to Joshua that it is this sin that is hindering his success. God had told them not to steal any of the treasures from Jericho, but Achan disobeyed. Achan's sin of stealing some things from Jericho (a Babylonish garment, some silver and a wedge of gold) and hiding them in his tent, brought the curse upon him and upon the entire nation of Israel. 

This scripture teaches us that there are consequences of sin, and it affects not just the individual but the whole community around them. There is a lesson here about accountability among us. To me this story seems very harsh, to have burned them all, without an obvious opportunity to be forgiven. However, it does demonstrate how important it is for us to live the best we can with God’s guidance so that we all benefit.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help us to lead our lives in a loving and caring way. Lead us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly as we are directed in Micah 6:8. May we realize that we exist for the good of the whole and not just for ourselves. Let us be examples of your love to others. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 19, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Numbers 14:11-23.

In today’s Scripture, the Israelites stood at the edge of the Promised Land but let fear overshadow their faith. Instead of trusting God, they doubted Him, leading to forty years of wandering and a lost opportunity to enter the land.  

Could the Israelites have responded differently? How might a different response result in a more favorable outcome?

They could have remembered God’s faithfulness—how He delivered them from Egypt, parted the Red Sea, and provided daily rations. Reflecting on His past provision would have strengthened their trust.  

They could have embraced His promise rather than fearing the obstacles. Joshua and Caleb saw the same giants but focused on God’s power, not their limitations. Faith in God’s strength would have led them forward.  

Finally, they could have obeyed. Instead of resisting God’s command, they could have stepped forward in trust, receiving His blessing instead of judgment.  

We face similar choices today. Will we allow fear to hold us back, or will we trust the God who has always been faithful? Let’s step forward in faith, believing His promises. 

Personal Worship Option:

Father, help me trust You when fear arises. Strengthen my faith and give me courage to walk in obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 14:21-30.

God had set his people free from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:31-38), and as they were traveling away, they came to a halt at the Red Sea. Then they were terrified as they saw that Pharaoh’s army was pursuing them (14:1-10). But the Lord “drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land” so that his people could cross to the other side.

Where else have we heard of a wind (Spirit) interacting with water? In Genesis 1:2, God’s Spirit/wind hovers over the chaotic waters, preparing for his creation. Then, in Genesis 8:1, God sends a wind to push back the waters of the great flood. Now here God drives the sea with a strong wind to provide a way of deliverance for his people.

And while Israel stands safe on the far bank of the Red Sea, the waters come crashing down on Pharaoh’s army. God’s rescue of his people is dramatic and momentous, and so is the symbolism of this event. Remember that Egypt is described as the great sea monster “Rahab” in other Old Testament passages (see Psalm 89:10; Isaiah 30:7; 51:9-10). Here in Exodus the sea is cut in two. And then at God’s command the sea drowns the mighty Egyptian army.

God has delivered his people, saving them from the chaotic, destructive forces of this world. Freed from slavery, they are set apart to bring blessing to the world through God’s promises.

Personal Worship Option:

Saving God, we praise you for bringing us out from our slavery in sin to have abundant life in Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 17, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 19:12-26.

 In the preceding chapter, God had revealed God’s plans to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah because of the sinfulness of the people who lived there. Knowing that his nephew Lot and his family lived there, Abraham negotiated with God to see if the cities could be saved if a few righteous people lived in them. In an almost humorous series of back and forth, God agreed to spare the cities if only ten righteous people could be found there. When God’s two angels appeared in Sodom as men, the city’s men came looking to have sex with them. Only Lot, his wife (temporarily), and their two daughters were saved, as they ran for Zoar just before Sodom and Gomorrah went up in smoke.

As Christians, we know that we are people saved by grace. But in our focus on grace, sometimes we forget there are consequences for our actions. Paul encountered this in the heresy of the libertines who thought they could live as they pleased and do anything at all and not be punished. If we try to accept God’s grace without letting it change us, we cheapen it. God warns us of our unrighteous actions and tries to reach us, calling us to repentance. If we ignore that, we will suffer the consequences. 

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Almighty God, for your love we know as grace…love that you pour out on us in abundance although we are not worthy. Help us to let that gift change us, making us to be more like Christ. Remind us that we may suffer consequences when we do not act accordingly. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 16, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Ezekiel 37:1-10.

Jesus often told stories that caused the hearer to create a picture in their mind. “A sower went out to sow” and you can picture that. “A shepherd found a lost sheep,” “a woman found a lost coin” and “a prodigal son came back home” all create images in our mind.  

That also happened in the Old Testament. This scene in our reading today is one of the most prominent examples. The prophet is bringing a message of hope to people who are in exile in a foreign land. And God gives him an image that will easily convey that message: a valley of dry bones. That describes how they were feeling; how they saw themselves. But then comes word that those bones will once again be connected, with tendons and skin and breath allowing those bones to form a body and live again. And once all the bones had been revived, there was “a vast army.” This is not just a message for one or a few people; it is good news for all of them!  

When you face those times in life that appear lifeless, or when you know someone who is going through such a time, remember this image from God through the prophet Ezekiel. Never forget that God is in the life-giving business! 

Personal Worship Option:

Pray this prayer or one in your own words: Life-giving God, thank you for the life you gave me and for the new life you give us through Jesus Christ. And thank you for this reminder from Ezekiel. Help me to be one of your life-giving agents! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 15, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 43:16-21.

In any organization or group, when things become stagnant, it is energizing when a new plan is put in place. When what we have been doing is not working, it’s good to try something new. When life has become “lifeless” what a difference it makes when we discover a new purpose or way to help others.  

The people of Judah had been defeated by the Babylonians and carried off to exile in that foreign land. It had to be tempting to think that there was little hope for their future.  But God speaks through this prophet to let the people know that God is doing “a new thing.”  God had not forgotten them. Even while they were experiencing this distressing time, God was working to bring about change.  

That message is still a great reminder to God’s people today. Any of us may find ourselves in times of struggle and distress that cause us to question our future. Be assured that even in those times, God is at work, always preparing “a new thing!” 

Personal Worship Option:

Brian Wren wrote a beautiful hymn that shares this same message. Here are three verses of it.

This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that’s gone.

Then let us, with the Spirit’s daring, step from the past and leave behind our disappointment, guilt and grieving, seeking new paths, and sure to find.

Christ is alive, and goes before us to show and share what love can do. This is a day of new beginnings; our God is making all things new.

Daily Devotion for February 14, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Ruth 4:13-16.

Through the birth of her grandson, God gave Naomi a sense of new life. Naomi had suffered greatly. She lost her support system and home when the family moved to Moab in search of food and making a living. When she had lost her husband, she was no longer a wife but a widow. Then she lost both sons - no longer their mother.  Yet, God was working. He brought together two women who had vastly different religious backgrounds and they forged a friendship far deeper than one could imagine. They had suffered together. Heartbroken from losing their husbands, the two widows shared a common grief. In the midst of hardship and heartbreak God was working and a bigger plan was in the works.

This story is a reminder that God’s power redeems desperate situations. His grace unites disparate things. He forged an unlikely friendship between two very different women. He brought about an unexpected marriage. Then a baby boy was born that brought joy and love to Naomi. This little boy became the grandad of David, the king of Israel and a descendant of Jesus. Ultimately it is Jesus who gives us life. He gladly rescues broken and hurting, lost and hopeless people.  

Personal Worship Option:

Are you in a season where God seems distant? Don’t give up! Pray that he will give you the patience to see the situation through and thank him in advance for what he is going to do.

Daily Devotion for February 13, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Acts 16:25-34.

One of the most important ways to being an effective witness for Christ is to be constantly on the lookout for open doors and open hearts. We need to ask God for opportunities to share our faith, and we need to keep an eye on God as he puts people in our path that are scared, fearful, or need help.

For the apostle Paul, every place he went was a potential mission field. Even behind the closed doors of a prison Paul and Silas found ways to share their faith. First, they sang hymns to God at midnight, and later they shared the story of Jesus with the jailer.

Jails can have a way of hardening hearts, leaving folks giving up hope and becoming impenetrable. The earthquake brought the jailer to his knees both physically and spiritually. He was open and receptive to listening to Paul. Paul saw the opportunity for a spiritual transformation.

Part of being an effective witness is being able to discern when people are open to hearing the good news. Be assured that God is at work in people's hearts. The Holy Spirit is right now working on the lives of many people around us. That’s why we must always be ready to share the message of Jesus' love.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help us to look for hearts that are ready to receive your good news. Help us be ready to speak for you when the opportunity comes. Amen

Daily Devotion for February 12, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 2 Kings 4:32-37.

The story of Elisha raising the Shunammite woman’s son from the dead reminds us of God’s power over even the most hopeless situations. The boy’s death was a devastating loss, yet the Shunammite woman’s response was marked by faith. She sought Elisha, knowing that the power of God working through him was her only hope. 

 

When Elisha arrived, he didn’t immediately act but instead prayed. His reliance on God highlights an important truth: in our own strength, we are powerless; but through God, the impossible becomes possible. Elisha’s persistence in prayer and trust in God led to a miraculous outcome—the boy was brought back to life.  

In our lives, we may face circumstances that feel final, like a closed door or a dead end. But this story reminds us that God is not limited by what we see. He is the God of resurrection, restoration, and hope. Just as the Shunammite woman placed her trust in God’s power, we too can bring our impossible situations to Him, believing He can work in ways beyond our understanding.  

Are you facing a situation that feels hopeless? Lay it before the Lord in prayer. Trust His timing, His power, and His purpose. The God who brought life to a lifeless boy can breathe new life into your circumstances today.  

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, I bring my impossible situations to You. Strengthen my faith and help me to trust in Your power to bring restoration and hope. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 11, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Ephesians 2:1-10.

Sometimes we use the words kind and nice interchangeably. For many of us, the word nice simply means that something is pleasant. But in the Bible the Greek word chrestotes, translated as “kindness,” goes deeper. It refers to making ourselves useful or beneficial to ­others, and sometimes that is not pleasant.

In Ephesians 2 we read some amazing things about the grace of God. By God’s grace we receive the free gift of salvation from our sins. The gift is free, and yet we sometimes forget that it changes us. Grace gets results. Grace is useful, beneficial, kind.

Grace is useful because it changes us. It lifts us up. It seats us on a heavenly throne with Christ Jesus—we become minor rulers serving the King of kings! But don’t forget that kings have responsibilities. Our royal responsibilities include showing the grace of God to everyone, everywhere. We do that by living out the good works that the King of kings has prepared for us to do. And when we do those good works, we become useful (kind) to the world, which in turn can better understand the grace of God expressed through the kindness of Christ Jesus to us.

 

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, what you did on the cross was so kind. It wasn’t pleasant, but nothing has ever been more useful to us. Help us to do the good works we are called to do, and to be kind (useful) to the world as well. Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 10, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 31:31-34.

God had warned the people of Judah over and over again through the prophet Jeremiah that, if they did not repent and turn back to God, they would be punished. They ignored Jeremiah’s repeated warnings and continued on with their rebellious ways, and the Babylonians swept through, destroying the temple and taking the best and brightest of the people into captivity. Living as exiles in a foreign land, the people soon began to lose hope. If God allowed this horrible consequence on them because of their sin, they could see little promise in their future.

Then God gave the words to a letter that Jeremiah was to write to the exiles.  Today’s passage comes from that letter, and it is full of hope. God knew that a day was coming when the exiles would turn back to God, sorry for their sins and ready to live a righteous life. In this passage, God describes a new covenant that will be based upon relationship. This covenant will not be like the old covenant in the law, but rather it will be new. The new covenant came into being in some ways when the exiles returned home and rebuilt the temple. But it came to full fruition when God sent his Son into the world. 

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today that we serve a God who is full of hope and the promise of better days. Even when we separate ourselves from God, God is still there, reaching out to us. Live into this new covenant that is based upon faith in God through Jesus Christ.

Daily Devotion for February 09, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 17:7-8.

In the verses just before these, along with these two, the prophet offers a stark comparison of the people who trust in themselves and other humans versus those who place their trust in God. He says that those who trust in humans are “cursed.”  They “will be like a bush in the wastelands…” You can easily picture a bush in an area that has had no water, drying up and dying. On the other hand is the image he offers in the two verses of our reading. Those who trust in the Lord are “blessed.”  They are “like a tree planted by the water.” The soil near the water allows the roots of the tree to easily grow deep and strong. It is able to withstand the heat and keep bearing fruit even when the rain does not fall for a while.  

Where have you sunk your roots in life? In whom (or what) do you place your trust for getting you through anything that comes your way in life? Be reminded today to place your trust in God, to develop daily habits that keep you connected to God and to serve God’s mission in the world. Constantly deepen those roots so you can stand firm and continue to flourish even in the dry seasons.  

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Eternal God, thank you for this reminder to constantly deepen my relationship with you; to let the roots of my life sink ever deeper and stronger in your love and faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 08, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Timothy 6:7-10.

This week, we are focusing on the ways, attitudes, habits, thinking and beliefs in which we have our life rooted. Most of our emphases in our devotions have been on Scriptures that tell us where we are to “sink our roots.” However, today we are given a word of caution about not letting a certain root take hold in our life.  

The Apostle Paul is writing to his young apprentice Timothy and giving him guidance about being a leader and teacher in the church. At this point, he focuses on the powerful temptation that is acquiring more and more of the things of this world. It is easy to let “the love of money” take root in our mind because it can be a powerful force. You can not only buy a lot of things, you can influence people.  Having money can be an addictive draw on any of us. And like most anything in life, it can be used for good or evil. It can be a resource for ministry, helping people and serving the mission of Christ our Lord. But you can also allow yourself to learn to love money for selfish reasons, and at that point, it can “plunge people into ruin and destruction.”  

John Wesley had some excellent advice on our relationship with money.  He said “Earn all you can. Save all you can. Give all you can.” I encourage you to sink your roots into that financial stewardship plan.  

Personal Worship Option:

Offer this prayer or one in your own words: Gracious God, thank you for the financial resources with which you have entrusted me. Help me to always use them for your purposes, both in my own life and in the lives of others. Through Christ, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 07, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 13:1-9.

Our focus this week puts a spotlight on this phrase in this parable: “... and they withered because they had no root.” This parable highlights the various responses to the Word of God which in turn reflect the key of genuine discipleship is fruitfulness. In the focus verse, Jesus is demonstrating that the person who hears the Word of God and immediately responds but does not make effort to grow will wither and be weak. 

We have all experienced or witnessed the person who was “on fire for God” and 6 months later they are nowhere to be found. So how to guard against that in our own lives? Spiritual growth is not increased church attendance or involvement in spiritual activities. People don’t grow in Christ because they are busy at church.  They grow in Christ when they read and trust their Bibles. 

Desire to grow? Engage with the Bible. Meditate on it day and night. Think and rethink about God and His Word. Let it be your guide. Make it the ultimate authority in your life. Don’t chart your course according to the opinions of people or suggestions of culture. Follow God’s lead in your life. As you do you will find yourself involved at church, busy helping others. It then becomes the outflow of your life in Christ.

Personal Worship Option:

How deep are your spiritual roots? Are you looking for God’s plan and following it? Or are you following your own plan and asking God to bless it? Allow God to adjust your dreams to match his plans. Let Him cause uncommon results from your common deeds.

Daily Devotion for February 06, 2025

 

Devotion:

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Read Ephesians 3:14-19.

In these verses, Paul wants the believers to be strengthened in their inner self by the Holy Spirit. To me, this scripture is almost a prayer that the people of Ephesus will secure a deep relationship with God. He desires that Christ may live in their hearts through faith. Just as a tree’s roots are essential for its nourishment and growth, our faith and love are key to our spiritual lives. The deeper a tree’s roots go, the stronger it gets to withstand the elements. It is the same with our faith.  Living in Christ’s love, we are strengthened and can withstand life’s challenges. 

Our spiritual roots must reach deeply into God’s love and the Holy Spirit to feed our souls and grow our faith. With Christ dwelling in us, we are transformed and can show our strong faith no matter what is happening in our lives. It is impossible to know the vastness of God’s love for us, but we need to feel confident that he loves us immensely. Take time to think about how rooted and grounded you are in God’s love. Do you feel His presence in your heart?

Personal Worship Option:

God, thank you for your immeasurable love. Help us to deepen our roots in your love. Fill us with your strength through your Holy Spirit. Amen