Daily Devotion for September 30, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Corinthians 3:16.

Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of something profound: they are not ordinary people living ordinary lives. Together, as the church, they are God’s temple. The temple in the Old Testament was the sacred place where God’s presence dwelt, a holy place set apart for worship and reverence. Now, through Christ, God no longer resides in a building of stone, but within His people through the Holy Spirit.

This truth reshapes how we see ourselves and one another. Every believer is a living stone in God’s holy dwelling place (1 Peter 2:5). When we gather, we aren’t just coming to a meeting—we are hosting the presence of God Himself. This should stir us to unity, reverence, and holiness. Division, jealousy, and selfish ambition have no place in God’s temple. Instead, love, humility, and the pursuit of Christ should define us.

If the Spirit of God dwells in us, then our words, actions, and attitudes are not trivial. How we treat one another matters deeply, for in doing so, we honor—or dishonor—the very presence of God among us.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do I truly see myself and my church as God’s temple?
2. How does this truth challenge the way I treat other believers?
3. What needs to change in my life so I can honor God’s presence more fully?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank You for making us Your dwelling place. Help me to live with reverence, love, and unity, remembering that Your Spirit lives within me and among us as Your people. May my life reflect the holiness of Your temple and bring glory to Your name. Amen. 

Daily Devotion for September 29, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Ezekiel 48:35.

This week we will focus on the aspect of God which we call omnipresence, meaning that God is present everywhere and always. Today’s verse concludes Ezekiel’s prophecy. When the Babylonians took some of the people from the Southern Kingdom into exile, Ezekiel was taken with them. The first 25 chapters of his prophecy comprise what we refer to as “gloom and doom.” But then he shifts and gives us God’s promise of restoration. God was not finished with Israel, and God would defeat its enemies, restore it, and bring the captives home. Ezekiel provides God’s instruction on how the land was now to be divided among the tribes, with a portion reserved for a new temple and for worship. The city was to be named “the Lord is there.” What does this have to do with us today, you may be asking. God’s promise to be with us is eternal. The prophet Isaiah promised that a virgin would give birth to a son called Emmanuel, which we believe was fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth. Emmanuel means “God with us.” Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, coming as God in flesh among us. There is no more comforting truth than the fact that God is with us and will never, ever desert us.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Thank you, Almighty and Ever-Present God, for being with us, with me. We count on your presence in our lives. Forgive us when we take that presence for granted and help us to live in ways that reflect your presence in what we say and do. Amen.

Daily Devotion for September 28, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Leviticus 20:7-8.

Jehovah M’Kadesh, is the God who is Holy (absolute moral purity). He is as holy as He is God. God is pure, undefiled, and completely separated from sin. Holiness is that characteristic that pulls all of God’s other attributes together. All of God’s attributes are holy. His name is holy, His word is the Holy Bible, His presence is holy, His power is holy, and His Spirit is the Holy Spirit. Since God is Holy, He wants us to be holy. God has consistently called His people to be obedient to the Word of God. Here in Leviticus the Hebrews are expected to keep God’s statutes and practice them. That has not changed. Though we are not bound by Old Testament regulations we are expected to live a life that is pleasing to God. John Wesley the founder of Methodism Church emphasized holiness of heart and life. He emphasized the connection between inward holiness which is love for God and outward holiness which are actions that reflect that love. Let us strive to be holy.

Personal Worship Option:

Jehovah M’Kadesh, Holy God, I praise your holy name. Work holiness of heart and life in me. Help me love you with all my heart, soul and strength and my neighbor as myself. Work holiness into my heart and life. Amen.

 

Daily Devotion for September 27, 2025

Devotion:

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Read James 5:14-15.

Are any among you sick? The answer is obvious. Jesus had compassion for those who were hurting. The Gospels have thirty-seven different miracle stories where Jesus either healed someone or another miraculous act. The Gospels do not tell the whole story. He performed many miracles that were not recorded. We serve a God who can heal. We believe that or we would not take time to have a prayer list or be encouraged to pray for one another. Prayer makes a difference in the one praying and the circumstances we are praying about. John Wesley once said, "God does nothing but in answer to prayer." While I do not think the statement is completely true it shows us his strong belief in prayer. Let us pray to Jehovah Rapha trusting Him for healing and help. We pray in faith trusting God for healing and for intervention and leave the results up to the will and purpose of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Jehovah Rapha, I pray for healing in my body, emotions, relationships and my life. I pray for healing and God size miracles. I put my whole trust in you, your mercy, your grace, and your will to be done. Amen.

Daily Devotion for September 26, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Hebrews 12:14.

Try to live in peace with everyone and live a holy life. This is a daily challenge: to be holy. Sin always blocks our vision of God; so if we want to see God, we must denounce sin and obey God. Holiness is coupled with living in peace. A right relationship with God leads to a right relationship with fellow believers. Although we will not always feel loving toward all other believers, we must pursue peace as we become more Christlike. Relationships can be challenging, and peace is not always attainable, but we still strive for peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Think of a challenging relationship in your life. Ask God for his wisdom and what He may be teaching you through this experience.

Daily Devotion for September 25, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Revelation 4:8.

The apostle John wrote this letter to the churches in Asia Minor in a time of great crisis. John was banished to the island of Patmos for refusing to worship the Roman emperor as Lord. From there he sent this letter describing a vision from God. He challenged his readers to see that what they were experiencing was a prelude to the joyful celebration that would take place when the Lord returns.

By faith we too must see what is going on in the world. By faith we must see that the kingdom of God has come because Jesus has come. By faith we can serve him with joy every day. John wants us to worship God in song, joining with the four living creatures near the throne. We are to say holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.

Whenever we worship God, we are to sing that our God is eternal and everlasting. No matter what season of life we are in, or what our circumstances may be, and no matter who the shakers and movers in our world appear to be, we too can say that our God reigns. God is in control! Because of Jesus we may joyfully approach his throne and worship him today.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, you are holy, our Lord God Almighty. We bow before you, the one who was and is and is to come. We thank you that our times are in your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for September 24, 2025

 

Devotion:

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Read 2 Corinthians 7:1.

What does it mean to live a life of holiness? We sometimes can segment the idea of holiness into a way of living, or as a kind of religious cultural expression. There’s some historical truth in that, but holiness is much bigger than just moral codes or dress styles or hair length. John and Charles Wesley and the early Methodists regarded holiness as something that impacted the whole of one’s existence, as well as our social relations. For the early Methodist movement there was an emphasis on both personal holiness (individuals) and on social holiness (society and the greater community). John Wesley was known for his statement “There is no holiness without social holiness.” For Wesley and the early Methodists, our faith was not simply to be about us and our needs, it was also to be lived out in the way we relate to the world around us. Early Methodists were concerned about individuals, but also about big social issues like slavery, temperance, working conditions during the Industrial Revolution and health (and so much more). We still are called to help bring holiness to the world around us.

Personal Worship Option:

A favorite old (from around 1882) hymn called “Take Time to be Holy” has as its first stanza “Take time to be holy, speak often with thy Lord; abide in Him always, and feed on His word. Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak, forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.”

Daily Devotion for September 23, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 6:1-3.

Isaiah’s vision begins at a time of uncertainty—King Uzziah, who had reigned for decades, had died. For the nation of Judah, it was a season of transition and anxiety. Yet in the midst of earthly change, Isaiah is given a vision of the unchanging King—the Lord, high and exalted on His throne.

What Isaiah saw reminds us of two powerful truths:

1. God is always on the throne. Earthly rulers come and go. Circumstances shift. Our lives face seasons of uncertainty. But God’s throne is never empty. His reign is eternal, unshaken, and sovereign over all.
2. God is holy, holy, holy. The seraphim declares His holiness not once, but three times, emphasizing His absolute perfection. To be holy means “set apart,” completely pure and without flaw. God’s holiness is the foundation of His glory—it fills the earth, whether we recognize it or not.

Isaiah’s encounter with God began with worship. Before he was sent on the mission (later in the chapter), he first needed a vision of who God truly is. We too must start there: lifting our eyes above the troubles of this world and beholding our holy, exalted King.

Reflection Questions:

• Where in your life do you need to be reminded that God is still on the throne?
• How does the holiness of God shape the way you approach Him in prayer and worship?
• Do you take time, like Isaiah, to pause and simply behold God’s glory?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, when the world feels uncertain and unstable, remind me that You are still on the throne. Open my eyes to see Your holiness and fill my heart with awe. May my worship be like the seraphim’s—overflowing with praise that declares, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His glory.” Amen.

Daily Devotion for September 22, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 14:12.

This week, we will explore Scriptures that point to the holiness of God and some which show us that God calls us to be holy as well. Every day, we are faced with choices about how we are to live. We look around us and see people who have chosen certain ways and appear to be happy and prosperous. Marketing ads are so good at making their products seem like the secret to happiness and contentment. Our social media “friends” seem to have it all together, and we wonder whether our choices should mimic theirs. We must remember that we are to build our lives on foundations of rock, not on sand; and some of the most appealing choices are sand. Today’s verse reminds us that we must seek God’s will in making our choices. One of the very best ways to do this is to read and study the teachings and actions of Christ, who came to show us God’s nature and will. The word “holy” simply means set apart and different. When we are choosing between ways of living, living a holy life may mean taking the harder path.

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Gracious God, help me to know the way you would have me go. Guide me daily in my choices and help me to be brave enough to be holy, even if that prevents me from being popular or cool. Amen! 

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Daily Devotion for September 21, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 15:26.

Israel crossed the Red Sea, and the people of God are elated, and I suspect a little shocked. It had to be a traumatic moment for them. Rather than this moment creating confidence they were experiencing fear. Within three days they are complaining about not having water to drink. They are full of fear and insecurity in spite of all the miracles they saw. Questions like, what will we eat, what will we drink, how will we survive, and will the plagues that came on Egypt come on us. Moses calms them by saying they need to listen to the commandments of God, obey them and none of the diseases or judgments will fall on them because “I the Lord, am your healer” (Jehovah Rapha). I will take care of you. Sometimes like the Hebrews, we doubt, grumble and experience fear when things are not going well. We need to remember we serve Jehovah Rapha, and put our trust in God. God can heal our bodies, our relationships, our emotions and fears. Let us trust God for every area of our lives.

Personal Worship Option:

Jehovah Rapha, thank you for watching over me and my family. We trust you for our physical, mental, and spiritual health. Cover me and my family with your grace and healing power. Amen.

Daily Devotion for September 20, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Micah 7:18.

The prophet Micah was a herdsman or a vinedresser by trade from the small town of Moresheth Gath. Micah lived during a very tumultuous time. Israel was on the brink of destruction and was destroyed four years after Micah was written. Though he had negative things to say about Israel and Judah he was primarily a prophet of hope. He is in awe of God. We see this when he writes, “who is a God like you?” He proclaims a God who does retain His anger but delights in showing mercy. Thank God for that! We often talk about grace and mercy and seldom define them or know the difference between the two. A simple definition I like to use is, grace is getting what you do not deserve while mercy is not getting what we do deserve. Thank God for a God of grace and mercy. The forgiveness and love of God is incredible. Since God is no respecter of persons, He extends His grace and mercy to all of us. Like Micah, let us be in awe of the God who delights in mercy.

Personal Worship Option:

Jehovah Tsidkunu (Tseed-keh-noo), The Lord our Righteousness, thank you for your grace and mercy in my life. I am so grateful for your love and acceptance of me.  Forgive me and continually pour out your grace and mercy in my life as I do my best to follow you. Amen. 

Daily Devotion for September 19, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 53:5.

The cross brings healing of hearts, souls and bodies. So, if you are sick, cry out to Jesus! He will heal you - instantly or gradually or ultimately. He may heal you instantly. One word was enough for him to banish demons, heal epilepsy, and raise the dead. He may do this for you. Or He may heal you gradually in the case of a blind man from Bethsaida. Jesus healed him in stages (Mark 8:22-26). And don’t forget the story of Lazarus. He had been in the tomb for four days. But Jesus called him out. He will heal you. I pray he heals you instantly. He may choose to heal you gradually. But this much is sure: Jesus will heal us all ultimately. Wheelchairs, ointments, treatment, and bandages are confiscated at the gateway to heaven. God’s children will once again be whole. Because ultimately Jesus heals us all. (excerpts from Max Lucado: God is With You Everyday)

Personal Worship Option:

Spend some time sharing your heart with God.  Thank him for His presence and comfort.  

Daily Devotion for September 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 107:20.

Psalm 107 is a song of thanksgiving to God, who is merciful to His people. When the Israelites cried out to the Lord, He delivered them out of their stress. The original Hebrew words in verse 20 are interesting. The word for healed is “rapa” which means heal, repair, cure, and make whole. The word for deliver is “malat” which means deliver, rescue, preserve, and save. This scripture leads to the thought that Jesus came not only to save us from our sins but to heal us from our brokenness. When God gave us His word, it was to provide for all our needs as we live our lives.

God loves his children. It does not mean that we will not have trials and that everything we want goes well. It means that God wants us to serve him and love and help our neighbors and others. It also means that God wants us to pray, even yell and cry out to him if necessary. He hears all of our pleas. Thank you, God, for the guidance and comfort you provide.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, God, for your love and for sending us your son so that we have the model of Jesus to follow.  Amen.

Daily Devotion for September 17, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 103:3.

The psalmist begins Psalm 103 with words of praise, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” And then follows a litany of verses reminding us (and perhaps the Lord) of all the things that the Lord has done and can do. Just a few verses in we are reminded that the Lord “forgives all your iniquity” and “heals all your diseases.” Not may, or possibly, or theoretically, but actually “forgives” and “heals.” That is an incredible promise, but also a verse that I personally struggle with. Perhaps you do as well. I’ve witnessed healing that seems miraculous, but I also daily see broken places and people who are waiting for healing. And throughout the Bible, there are not only great healings that take place, but also cries in almost every chapter (including the Psalms) of “O Lord, how long?” The psalmist and the prophets struggled with this issue, and the New Testament churches did as well. Even Jesus wrestled with this question. Perhaps the Psalmist wanted us not only to know what God can do, but to consider what we need to be healed? What iniquities do you struggle with? What needs healing in our hearts and lives? What does it look like to be healed?

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, help me to open my heart to you, that you might heal me even in surprising ways.  Amen

Daily Devotion for September 16, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 2 Kings 5:8-14.

Naaman was a powerful commander, but he faced a problem he could not fix—leprosy. When Elisha’s instructions came, they seemed too simple and beneath him: “Go, wash in the Jordan.” Naaman wanted something dramatic, but God offered something humble.

How often do we expect God to work in big, impressive ways, yet overlook His power in the simple steps of obedience? Forgiving someone who wronged us, praying in faith, opening the Bible each morning—these may feel small, but they carry God’s power to heal and transform.

Naaman was healed the moment he humbled himself and obeyed. In the same way, Jesus calls us to lay down pride, trust His Word, and walk in simple faith. Healing, cleansing, and new life come not through what we do, but through surrendering to what God says.

Reflection Questions:

1. Are there areas in my life where pride keeps me from simple obedience to God?
2. What “small” step of faith might God be asking me to take today?
3. Do I believe that God’s power can be revealed through ordinary acts of obedience?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, forgive me when I want Your work to look big and dramatic. Teach me to walk in humility and trust, obeying even in the simple things. Help me to believe that Your ways bring true healing and life. Amen. 

Daily Devotion for September 15, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 147:3.

Since today’s passage is only one verse, I looked it up and read it in many different translations and paraphrases. All but one of them says that God heals the “brokenhearted.” Images of real people I have known with broken hearts came to mind. There was our little three-year old daughter, standing at the window of her preschool and crying as I headed to work. There were countless persons who had lost a loved one and whose world was now shattered. I thought of more than a few people who had lost their jobs and were wondering how they and their families would get by. Being “brokenhearted” is a terribly sad condition! Over the years, I have observed how God heals broken hearts and binds up wounds. When families lose a loved one or a person loses their job or some other tragedy hits someone, my first thought is about what their relationship with God is like. God does not cause our broken hearts; and if we turn to God, God is there to walk with us and, as time passes, to heal our hearts.

Personal Worship Option:

Is your heart breaking at this time? Tell God how much you are hurting and be open to his healing love. Do you know someone who is brokenhearted? Share your faith in the God who heals our broken hearts and binds up our wounds.  

Daily Devotion for September 14, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 23:5-6.

The prophet Jeremiah lived during a very difficult time in Judah’s history. He witnessed the downfall and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and the deportation of an estimated 62,000 -70,000 to Babylon. This text gave the people of God great hope. He prophesies about a day when God is going to raise up a righteous branch (Jesus). He will be called Jehovah Tsidkenu, The Lord Our Righteousness. The word righteous means Purity of heart and rectitude of life; being and doing right. God is a righteous and just God who will always treat us fairly. God is no respecter of persons. I am reminded of a text a few chapters over when Jermiah proclaims “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11). Babylon ruled Jerusalem and many of their best and brightest were held captive. Despite the situation, Jeremiah declares better days are coming, and God has a hopeful plan for their lives. I believe the same is true for us today. God has a plan for our lives and our church. That plan includes a future filled with hope.

Personal Worship Option:

Jehovah Tsidkunu (Tseed-keh-noo), The Lord our Righteousness, thank you for always loving me and for having a plan for my life. I trust you and your plan for my life. Amen.