Daily Devotion for July 31, 2025

Devotion:

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Read James 4:8a.

Living close to God is a precious invitation that is extended to each one of us. Our relationship with God doesn’t need to be faraway but can be in close communion with the Creator of the universe, who desires to give his love and presence to us.

To experience a tight relationship with God, we must put our relationship with him first. We need to set aside dedicated time in prayer, time for studying his Word, and for worship. We should surrender our hearts, seeking God’s will above our own desires.

Intimacy with God is a give and take relationship. As we draw near to him, God comes near to us. In his presence we find comfort, guidance, direction, and peace. God speaks to our hearts, changes our lives, and gives us capability to do his work here on earth.

Let’s passionately pursue God, so we can get to know him deeply and to be known by him. Let’s put God in every aspect of our lives and open our hearts to his presence. In God’s embrace we find rest, joy, comfort, and a love that is so vast.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, draw us near. Help us to prioritize our relationship, creating space for closeness. Thank you for the privilege of knowing you so well. May our hearts be receptive to your presence and voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 30, 2025

 

Devotion:

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Read John 15:4-5.

Recently, I went with our Granddaughter to a vineyard which grows grapes, blackberries, muscadines, scuppernongs, AND blueberries! She’s only three and we picked the blueberries, but we walked through all the vineyards!!! I was reminded of how much care it takes by the vine-grower for this vineyard to bear fruit!

Verse 1 says, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. Here now in today’s verses, Jesus is calling us to “abide in him as he abides in us.” And Jesus speaks of this metaphor, “Just as the branch cannot bear fruit unless it abides in the vine,”… neither can we unless we abide in Jesus.

The word “abide” holds a deeper meaning than simply answering the questions of “Where do you live?” Or “How long have you lived there?” Jesus is calling us to live 24/7 in his ways and even greater than that to live 24/7 in his love and following in his commandments to love others!

Jesus calls us to this life of abiding in Him, his love and his commandments so that we will experience great joy and bear much fruit!

Abiding in Jesus by prayer, devotion, scripture studies, worship, acts of service and mission; allows the Holy Spirit to bear much fruit in this world through us.

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, Vine-Grower, thank you for the 27/7 care which you give to us; and for your Son, Jesus who calls us to abide in him. By your Holy Spirit let your gifts of life, love and joy be shared through us with the world. Amen. 

Daily Devotion for July 29, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 26:8.

I Love Being in God’s House

There’s something special about walking into a church—a place set apart for worship, prayer, and hearing from God. David, the writer of this psalm, expresses a deep love for the house of the Lord because it is where God’s presence dwelled. His heart was drawn to that holy space, not out of duty, but out of desire.

Listening to God

In the church, we quiet our hearts to listen. Through Scripture, preaching, music, and prayer, God speaks. His truth meets us right where we are. When we gather with other believers, we are reminded that we’re not alone on this journey of faith. We are strengthened, encouraged, and corrected as we hear His Word together.

In God’s Holy Presence

What makes the church more than just a building is the presence of God. He is there in our praises, in our prayers, and in our fellowship. Being in church is a chance to step away from the noise of the world and enter a space where God’s glory is welcomed and honored. It is holy ground where hearts are changed.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank You for the gift of Your house, where I can listen for Your voice and be near Your holy presence. Give me a heart like David’s that longs to be where You are. Help me not to take these moments for granted, but to cherish every opportunity to worship You with Your people. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 28, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Habakkuk 2:20.

This week, we will be looking at passages that call us to draw near to God, listening and silent. The Book of Habakkuk is a dialogue between the prophet and God at a time when Judah is being threatened with punishment for its disobedience to God. In verse 1:5, God tells him, “For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” It is almost unbelievable to Habakkuk that God is going to raise up the evil Babylonians to conquer the Southern Kingdom and take the people into exile. So, a back and forth conversation takes place between Habakkuk and God. Then we come to our verse for today, when we and all the earth are told to be silent before God.

This is such a good and fitting message for us today. News networks blare at us with their slant on current events from around the world. Social media posts often paint overly glamorous images of our friends and make us feel less than and perhaps even envious. The world teaches us to take sides on every issue. But this passage tells us to just be quiet, silent before God. Just what we really need!

Personal Worship Option:

Perhaps now during your devotional time is your best opportunity today to realize that God is in his holy temple and join the earth in being silent before him. Listen for God’s voice of calm, of love, of guidance. Soak that in and give him your praise and thanks. 

Daily Devotion for July 27, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Genesis 32:22-30.

Jacob was about to meet his brother Esau. It had been 20 years since the brothers saw each other. The last time Jacob saw Esau, Esau wanted to kill him, and he was coming to meet Jacob with 400 men. Jacob had no way of knowing if Esau was still holding a grudge or if he had forgiven him. Jacob crosses the Jabbok River which is probably today’s Wadi Zerqa to pray. There he wrestled with God all night. It was such a life changing moment for Jacob that God changed his name from Jacob to Israel. The Bible says Israel prevailed. I do not think that means he defeated God. The word for prevail in Hebrew means to be able, to have power, to prevail, and endure. Crossing the Jabbok and then wrestling with God all night gave him the opportunity to deal with his past, sin, fears, failures and shortcomings. He refused to let go of God until he was blessed. We to need to come to God in prayer until we surrender completely to God and trust God to bless us.

Personal Worship Option:

Holy God, I ask you that you forgive me for those things in my life that have held me back and hindered my spiritual, mental, and emotional health. Like Jacob, bring forth a change in my life so I am able to deal with my past and forgive myself and others. Amen

Daily Devotion for July 26, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 4:6-7.

Paul writes, “do not be anxious about anything.” That is easier said than done. With our recent move, buying a house, selling a house, and moving to a new church was stressful. It is only natural to be anxious. I would like to say I was not anxious about anything but that would not be true. There was some worry and concern but taking Paul’s advice, we continued to pray, worship, give God praise and let our requests be known to God. Faith is not just about believing God, it is about trusting God. When we have prayed and done our best, we then trust God for the outcome. As our trust in God grows stronger peace will gradually replace the anxiety.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, I give all my anxious thoughts and feelings to you. The fears, uncertainties, and troubles I am facing I turn over to you and know that you are with me. I know that you will strengthen me and help me grow in my faith as I out my trust in you. Amen

Daily Devotion for July 25, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 3:5-6.

This was one of the first verses that I committed to memory as a child. God has referred me to this verse many times. Sometimes I followed God’s lead and other times not. But we must always trust God to strengthen us and trust God to change us. As we involve God in our decision-making, we can count on Him to guide us and give us understanding and wisdom.

Consult God in everything. Always. Immediately. Quickly. Keep the line of communication open to God. Are you asking: “Is this opportunity from you God?” or “Are you in this venture?” or maybe “Should I take this road, God?” At every decision and crossroad, acknowledge Him. Wait until God speaks before you act. Be patient. Monitor your impulse to act. If you feel a check in your heart, listen to it and ask God again.

Personal Worship Option:

Make a list of some decisions you need to make - big or small. Set aside time to ask the LORD what you should do and write down what he reveals. Thank Him for his guidance.

Daily Devotion for July 24, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.

No matter what pain we are going through, God is there to comfort and help us. People who have been in similar situations understand what others are experiencing. This includes war veterans, chemotherapy patients, abuse survivors, and recovering addicts. Empathy bonds us together.

The apostle Paul explains that there can be a higher purpose in our suffering as we can pass along to others the comfort we have received from God. In a world where the focus is increasingly on our individual needs, God’s plan is that we would have compassion for one another. God wants us to look beyond ourselves to the needs of the people around us, being like Jesus to them.

The Christian faith does not give us an escape from the tough stuff of life. Paul explains that where suffering flows, there also the comfort of Christ overflows! This encouraging consolation comes from the Father, and once we’ve received it, we’re empowered to share it with others! The amazing thing about the Christian life is that the more you share the comfort of God with others, the more it will bubble forth from your own heart.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, you have been so good to us. In times of trouble, your Spirit comes near and comforts us. May we give generously of your comfort as we meet others who are hurting. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 23, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 41:10.

God is with us and will hold us up during difficult times. This is God’s promise to all people throughout all of scripture. Over 140 times in scripture we are told to “not be afraid” because God is with us.

Verses 11-20 give more specifics on what it means for God to be with the people. For example, vs. 17 declares, “The poor and the needy search for water, but there is none…. But I the Lord will answer them; I, the God of Israel will not forsake them.”

Later in this chapter, Isaiah writes to challenge the people to compare God’s living presence and care to the non-existent care of “idols”. Verse 29 says, “See, they are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing; their images are but wind and confusion.”

God is faithful. God will give courage in the midst of our fears. We don’t have to rely on our strength alone. We can rely on God to be with us every step of the way.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for always being faithful. Help me to live each day with the assurance that You are with me. Help me to face today’s fears with strength, courage and renewal which comes only from You. Amen. 

Daily Devotion for July 22, 2025

Devotion:

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Read James 1:2-4 .

Our Faith Will Be Tested

Trials are not optional in the Christian life—they are expected. James doesn’t say if you face trials but when. Every believer will go through challenges, hardships, and seasons of struggle. These moments stretch us, refine us, and reveal what’s really in our hearts. And though they can be painful, they serve a holy purpose.

Learning from Trials

James challenges us to take a surprising approach: consider trials pure joy. Not because the pain feels good, but because of what God is doing through it. Trials test our faith, revealing whether we really trust God when things aren’t going our way. Each test is an opportunity to depend on Him more deeply and to grow in spiritual maturity.

Growing in Our Faith

When we let perseverance do its full work, we begin to grow stronger, more complete in our faith. God uses trials to shape us into people who are steady, patient, and spiritually wise—people who reflect the character of Christ. Growth doesn’t come by avoiding trouble, but by walking faithfully through it, hand-in-hand with God.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to trust You in every trial. Teach me to see hardship not as a sign of Your absence but as an opportunity to grow in faith. Shape me into someone who reflects Your strength, wisdom, and love—even in the middle of life’s tests. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 21, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

In the preceding verses, Paul described how he had become a slave to other persons, repressing his own individuality in order to share more in common with others. Why? So he could relate effectively to them and win them to Christ in love. In today’s passage, he lets us know that service in Christ demands discipline on our part. Paul uses the analogy of athletes, preparing themselves and competing well. The winning athlete does not run aimlessly, nor does the winning boxer go about beating the air. Instead, Paul says he is like the athlete who disciplines his body and prepares for the event in such a way as to win it.

What does this mean for us? We must learn to prepare for our lives of faith by training in the Word, in prayer, in corporate worship, in service to others, and in all the disciplines we know as means of grace. This means choosing to invest our time and talents for Christ, even when we are tempted by the world to invest them in less spiritual things. Paul reminds us that we do this for a crown (think of a victor’s crown) that does not perish but rather is eternal.

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today for a church home in which to learn and grow and rehearse for ministry in the world. Then pray for the discipline to turn away from those things of the world that would waste our time and gifts and instead use them to serve God. 

Daily Devotion for July 20, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Hebrews 12:1-2.

We are to run the race that is set before us with patience and perseverance. The writer is talking about our life and our calling from God. To run this race the way God expects us to, we need to make Jesus the central focus of our life. This is what the giants of the faith listed in Hebrews 11 did. Their faith and life was focused on God. As an individual or as a Church, Jesus should be our central focus. Everything we say and do should lift-up Jesus. Every ministry, every Sunday school class, support group, mission, worship service, Bible study, ministry event and meeting should be Christ centered. Let us not allow ourselves to get side-tracked, distracted or discouraged. Let us make sure Jesus is a priority in our life and run the race God has set before us.

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God help me to keep you as the center of my life. Empower me to run this race you have set before me with perseverance and character. Help me be a witness of your love and grace to others. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 19, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 6:1-8.

In this text we see the dramatic calling of Isaiah to be a prophet. He has a vision of the throne of God, and angels called Seraphim flying around the throne crying out “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of armies the whole earth is full of His glory.” The vision was overwhelming. Coming into the presence of God and getting a glimpse of God’s glory and majesty humbled him greatly. I can only imagine how terrifying this must have been. He hears the voice of God saying, “who will go for Us?” God was looking for someone who was willing to serve and be a prophetic voice during a difficult time in Israel’s history. Isaiah responds, “Here am I, Send me!” As followers of Jesus, we need to be available for God to use us and call us into service.

Personal Worship Option:

 Gracious God, I make myself available for your service. Help me hear your voice and have the courage to follow you wherever you lead me. Amen.

Daily Devotion for July 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 6:33.

There are things that need to come first. For example, I wouldn’t try to brush my teeth and afterwards put on the toothpaste! It’s important that we do things in the right order. This verse says that we should seek God first. Jesus is the King of the universe, and we need to put His Kingdom first. We wouldn’t put butter and jam on our bread and then put it in the toaster! It would make a mess. Likewise, we might make a mess of our lives if we don’t make God first in our life. We can put God first by filling our thoughts with His desires. Taking his character for our own. Serving and obeying Him in everything.

We must not lose focus on Jesus. What is really important to you? People, objects, goals, and other desires all compete for priority. Any of these can quickly become most important if we don’t actively choose to give God first place in every area of our life. When we do that, we can trust that he will look after us and provide what we need.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for the day: Dear God, help us to always put you and your kingdom first in life. Help us to entrust our lives to you, knowing that you will be with us. You will guide us and look after our needs. In Jesus’ name - Amen!

Daily Devotion for July 17, 2025

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Read Acts 4:12.

Peter's declaration about the name of Jesus was highly offensive to the Jewish leaders of that day. It would also have been offensive to Roman leaders. A single route to salvation may sound strange if not arrogant to many in our world today. We must recognize that we can do nothing to save ourselves. How can we, sinful human beings, have access to the throne of God? We depend ­totally on Christ for salvation.

We are told in 2 Corinthians 5:19, In Christ, God reconciled the world to himself. 1 Timothy 2:5 states there is only one mediator between God and humankind, and that mediator is Jesus Christ. You might be familiar with verse John 14:6, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can go to the Father except through him. Jesus is the path that leads us to God.

Jesus is the way to salvation, to abundant life, and to liberation. He is the bridge that connects us to God. He is the ultimate high priest who mediates between us and God. No church, no religion, no sacred rite, aside from Jesus Christ, can reconcile you with God.

Personal Worship Option:

God, we know that Jesus is the only way to live a full life with you. By your Spirit, guide us to receive him as the one Savior from sin and death. In his name we pray. Amen.