Daily Devotion for October 31, 2025

Devotion:

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Read John 7:37-38.

Water - it’s something we all need every day. Can you imagine how thirsty you’d feel on a hot summer day without water? Jesus is talking about a very special kind of water that only He can give.  

We use water for so many things: drinking, washing, cooking, cleaning and so much more. Water is important because it keeps us alive and helps everything grow and makes the world around us fresh and clean. Without water, plants would wither, animals couldn’t survive, and we’d feel tired and thirsty all the time. But Jesus isn’t talking about the water we drink from a glass or use every day. He’s talking about something even better - living water!  This living water is a special gift from God that refreshes our hearts and souls, giving us life that lasts forever.

Living water is like God’s love and the Holy Spirit. When we believe in Jesus, He fills us up with His love, joy, and peace, just like water fills up a glass. Here’s the best part: Jesus says this living water will flow out of us like a river! That means when we’re filled with God’s love, we can share it with others - being kind, helping people, and showing them, how much God loves them too.

If we thirst for God, we should come to Jesus and drink deeply from the living waters. He will fill us up with His love and we can share it with everyone around us.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today: Dear Jesus, thank You for being the living water that fills us with Your love. Help us to share Your love with others so they can know You too. We love You, Jesus. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 30, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 63:1.

The heart of Psalm 63 is “earnestly I seek you”.  This is what the psalmist is saying here. I think the psalmist is exposing his heart. He is not asking God for health or money. The psalmist is focusing on his relationship with God. He sees the power of God in worship, reflects on God in the dark of the night, and sings about God's protection.

I often think about whether we show this kind of desire for God as clearly as the psalmist does. It probably depends on our level of faith at a certain time and where we are in our spiritual life and journey.

I know I am less prayerful and thankful for God when all is well, when my family is doing fine, and when things in the church are moving along. However, we should always be attentive and listen and seek God’s guidance. If desiring God is a good thing, then we must nurture that desire. Our hearts really need to understand the "dry and weary land" in which we sometimes live. As our souls thirst for God, we will then also drink at the right place. That should be our prayer.

Personal Worship Option:

O God, you are our God. Help us to seek you, guide us and fill us with your water of life. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 29, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 42:1-2.

Desire is a peculiar emotion. Desire can be motivating and encourage curiosity and exploration. Yet unchecked desire can be an overwhelming passion, leading to bad decisions and outcomes in all sorts of areas. Desire has impacted human culture and history (causing rivalries and wars), and desire has played a regular role in the Biblical story as well. Jesus speaks of desire, and the Old Testament is full of challenges caused by the desire for wisdom (leaving the Garden of Eden), the desire for power, and the desire for love or sex. David, the writer of many of these psalms, was intimately familiar with the predicaments caused by his desires, and many of his psalms reflect his anguish and contrition in the aftermath of dealing with his desires.

 

Psalm 42 is titled "Longing for God and his help in distress" and the opening verses describe David's passionate search and desire for God. David is writing about his passion for God, and how his "soul thirsts for God." For David, and for us, that is a desire worth pursuing.

Personal Worship Option:

 "O God, our hearts are restless until they find their rest in thee." (Augustine of Hippo).

Daily Devotion for October 28, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 14:26-31.

In this passage, we find a moment that captures both the boldness and the weakness of human faith. The disciples are trapped in a storm, battered by waves, and terrified by what they think is a ghost. But Jesus appears in the middle of their fear and speaks the words that calm the storm inside their hearts before He calms the one outside: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter, always the one ready to step forward, dares to believe. “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” And with one word—Come—Jesus invites Peter to do the impossible. For a few miraculous steps, Peter walks on the waves. But when he takes his eyes off Jesus and focuses on the wind and the storm, fear overtakes faith, and he begins to sink.

How often do we do the same? We start with confidence, trusting Jesus to help us through life’s storms, but when the winds rise—the unexpected diagnosis, the loss, the uncertainty—we begin to look at the storm instead of the Savior. Fear replaces faith, and we start to sink.

But the good news of this passage is not that Peter sank—it’s that Jesus immediately reached out His hand. He didn’t wait for Peter to struggle or sink further. Jesus was there, ready to lift him up.

Faith doesn’t mean we never doubt. It means that when we do, we know whom to call: “Lord, save me!”

Today, no matter what storm you’re in, hear Jesus saying to you:

“Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Keep your eyes on Him. The waves may rise, but His hand is always within reach.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, when the storms of life rise up and fear begins to sink my heart, help me to fix my eyes on You. Strengthen my faith to trust You, even when I don’t understand. Thank You for always reaching out to lift me up. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 27, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Mark 9:21-24.

We can only imagine what this father had already done in order to help his son.  From childhood, the boy had been afflicted with terrible seizures, and some of them happened when the boy would be thrown into water or fire, which could have killed him. The father described the malady as an evil spirit. More than likely, the father had heard that this man Jesus could overcome evil spirits and make people whole again. So, he had brought his son to see Jesus.

Jesus had remarked about the unbelieving generation to which he had come. Then, when Jesus pointed out the man’s saying “if” Jesus can heal him, Jesus emphasized this evidence of the lack of faith. The man’s response of “I do believe; help me overcome my disbelief” speaks volumes! We believe and have faith, but our faith is often not complete. When my faith is tested, I often think of this father’s confession of faith and his prayer for more complete faith, all in the same sentence, and I identify with him. But I have learned not to pray for God’s help “if” God is able. God is able!   

Personal Worship Option:

Think for a few minutes about something that is bothering you and that you have not been able to work out on your own. Take it to Jesus and ask for his help. Remember how Jesus healed this boy, even when the father’s faith was not complete.

Daily Devotion for October 26, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Mark 1:9-13.

Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. When Jesus comes out of the water the Holy Spirit descended on him. Jesus, John and the crowd gathered heard the voice of God say, You are my beloved son; in You I am well pleased.  What a beautiful and powerful moment. Jesus had not begun His ministry yet, but God the Father was still pleased with Him. We want to please God as well but how can we please God? 

 

We could take the answer to this question in many different ways. A foundational answer to pleasing God would be for us to put our trust in Jesus for our salvation.  Also, to repent, believe the Gospel and accept Jesus as our personal savior are ways of giving God joy. Then, if we were not baptized as infants, be baptized. Jesus modeled baptism for us and commanded us to be baptized in Matthew 28. Baptism has been practiced in all denominations.

 

Baptism is a sacrament that symbolizes new life in Christ, cleansing from sin, and incorporation into God's family the church. We are baptized by immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. As United Methodists we accept other Christian denominations' baptisms. Have you professed your faith in Christ? Have you been baptized?

Personal Worship Option:

Most gracious God, thank you for the sacrament of baptism. I put my trust in you for salvation. Forgive me of my sin, come into my heart and give me new life through your Holy Spirit. In Jesus' holy name we pray, Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 25, 2025

 

Devotion:

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Read Zephaniah 3:17.

The prophets were Israel and Judah’s greatest critics, but they were also their greatest encouragers. The Word of the Lord came to Zephaniah during the reign of King Josiah around 640-609 BC. Josiah became king at eight years old. At eight years old he needed a lot of advice and direction. Zephaniah and other prophets were very helpful to Josiah. Like most of the prophets, Zephaniah was very critical of Judah early in the book. He is concerned about idolatry, syncretism which is the mixing the worship of other gods with the worship of Yahweh, and indifference towards God. 

 

When we get to Zephaniah 3:9 the message changes to one of hope. In verse seventeen he affirms that God is in their midst and God will rejoice over them with shouts of joy and exultation. It is a promise that God is with them and will restore them.

 

What do you think about God rejoicing over you? God takes pleasure in His people, not because of our goodness, but because of His grace and the work of Christ. 

Personal Worship Option:

Ever present God, thank you for your grace, mercy and love. Thank you for rejoicing over me with joy though I have done nothing to deserve or earn that kind of favor. Thank you for loving and accepting me. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 24, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 69:30-31.

This verse is a powerful and heartfelt declaration of devotion and gratitude that speaks volumes about our relationship with God. It invites us to reflect on the significance of praise and thanksgiving in our own lives, especially in moments of triumph and tribulation.

Praise is a vibrant expression of love, reverence, and appreciation to God. Music is a universal language, overcoming all barriers and touching the deepest parts of human emotion. Singing not only uplifts our own spirits but also serves to glorify God, allowing others to witness the joy of His presence in our lives.  

To glorify God with thanksgiving is to elevate His name about our struggles. When we give thanks, we acknowledge God's sovereignty and goodness, even when life is difficult. This isn’t just an exercise for Sundays or during worship sessions: it is a daily practice that transforms our hearts. Our circumstances do not dictate our ability to praise. Instead, praise is a choice - a response rooted in faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on this passage and take time to express your own song to God. Allow your circumstances, both good and bad, to move you toward thanksgiving and uplift the name of God.

Daily Devotion for October 23, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 104:34.

Like the thoughts of the psalmist, each person’s thoughts are secret and personal.  We can’t truly know the inner contemplations of another's mind, the meditation of another's heart, or the deepest desires of another's inner being. When we think of God’s faithfulness, contemplate His wonderful grace, and reflect upon His Word, we can be sure to have peace and hope.

We can keep our thoughts hidden from other people, for nobody can truly know the inner reflections of our mind. However, God looks at the heart, and he knows the thoughts that pass through our minds, both good and evil. The Lord understands our deep inner being, and He knows when our hearts are looking to Him. When we are turned towards God, we can feel the relief of knowing and doing the right things and know we are in God’s arms. When the thoughts of our mind and the beat of our heart have the direction of Jesus Christ as the focal point, they will indeed be pleasing to the Lord. Remember we are instructed to keep the eyes of our hearts on Jesus Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for searching my heart and mind and not giving up on me. I want to please you and live the life that you want me to live. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 22, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Hebrews 11:5-6.

Hebrews 11 is all about faith. But not just faith as solely a theological concept, but faith as a living and active part of a believer’s life. Hebrews 11 is a record of faith being put into practice. The “roll call” of those who lived “by faith” begins with Abel and continues through major and minor names of the Hebrew scriptures: Abraham, Moses, David, Gideon, Jeptha and many more. All of these names are mentioned not only to educate us, but also to encourage us - and also to remind us that we too are part of that great faith story (just as the writer of Hebrews will remind us in the next chapter that we are “surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses.”). In our particular verses, Enoch is mentioned as having faith that “pleased God.” The writer goes on to say that without faith it is impossible to please God.  On first reading, those words can seem a little harsh, but the writer of Hebrews is trying to say that it is tough to engage in a relationship with God if we don’t have faith in the possibilities of the relationship.  It’s clear from Hebrews and every other book in the Bible that God will work with almost any amount of faith - and help us as we try to grow in that faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to grow in my faith each day. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 21, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 149:4.

What a beautiful truth this verse reveals: God delights in His people. He doesn’t just tolerate us, or watch us from afar with disinterest—He delights in us! Imagine that—the Creator of the universe finds joy in those who belong to Him.

So often, we struggle to believe that God could actually take pleasure in us. We remember our failures, our weaknesses, and our inconsistencies. But God looks deeper—He sees hearts that love Him, even imperfectly. He delights not because we are flawless, but because we are His.

The second part of the verse says that He “crowns the humble with victory.” God’s blessings are not given to the proud or self-reliant, but to those who humbly depend on Him. When we lay down our pride and choose to trust God, He lifts us up. The victories He gives may not always look like worldly success, but they are victories of the soul—peace instead of anxiety, hope instead of despair, faith instead of fear.

In every season, remember this: God rejoices over you. He is not disappointed that you need His help—He delights in giving it. He finds joy in your worship, your prayers, and even in your small steps of faith.

Let that truth shape your heart today. Walk humbly, knowing that you are deeply loved by a God who takes delight in you and crowns you with His victory.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank You for delighting in me even when I feel unworthy. Teach me to walk humbly with You, trusting that Your joy and victory surround me. Help me to live today in the confidence that I am loved and celebrated by my Creator. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 20, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Hebrews 13:6.

The New Testament Book of Hebrews intends to convince us that Jesus Christ is superior to anything or anyone that we might look to as our way to God the Father. This book also provides beautiful scripture to tell us what faith is and to show us that the heroes of the Hebrew Scriptures, the Old Testament, were able to do the great things they accomplished because of their faith in God. We are exhorted to put our faith into action as we live daily. In Chapter 13, the writer gives us some very practical instructions on how we are to do this.

In today’s verse, we are reminded that God is our protector, and we need not be afraid. We should never think that God’s love for us and God’s protecting and caring for us is anything we must earn. Human analogies always fail in describing God, but I find this helpful…I earnestly tried to obey my dad and mother, not so they would love me, but because I knew they loved me. That made me want to please and honor them in my behavior. I want to please God because God loves me. 

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, thank you for loving me. I know I don’t deserve your love but knowing you love me makes it easier for me to confess when I do the wrong things and to try my best not to repeat my mistakes. Because of your love, I will not be afraid. Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 19, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Samuel 17:17-24.

Goliath was an intimidating man but David knew someone needed to face him.  He saw a need and responded.  He was a young, slender, handsome teenager. He was very accurate with a sling shot but his skills with a sling shot is not what got him the victory.  He did not depend on his physical ability, but on God’s ability.  This giant from Philistia tipped the balance of power in this war.  It looked as though there was no hope. There are many giants today.  Giants of poverty, child abuse, substance abuse and the giant of indifference.  When his brothers questioned his motives he says, is there not a cause.  We can be intimidated by the needs we see in the world or we can choose to be a witness for Jesus and reach out in faith to serve God and others.  Let us rise-up in the name of Jesus and make a difference!  There is much work that needs to be done. 

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, teach me to serve. There are many needs and many hurting people in the world. I make myself available for you to use me.

Daily Devotion for October 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Acts 20:35.

When Paul was at Ephesus, he worked to financially sustain himself and the men that were with him. He probably worked as a tent maker. He also assisted others with this provision by giving to those who were in need. Paul not only preached but shared what he had with others. He quotes Jesus when he says, it is more blessed to give than to receive. This is not only true when it comes to money but equally true when it comes to our service for God. I went on a mission Trip to Costa Rica when I was in college. I went there to serve. I spent most of my days painting.  When I came home, I felt a little selfish because I felt like I got more out of the mission trip than I gave. Christ Church goes on a mission trip to Costa Rica every year that you may want to participate in. What I hear repeatedly from people who work in missions and go on mission trips is that they feel as though they got more out of it than they gave. Serving God is not always easy, but we always get a blessing out of it.

Personal Worship Option:

Think today about your blessings, the ways in which God has provided for you. Be thankful for those and reflect on new ways you might bless others, knowing that when we bless others, we receive an even greater blessing.

Daily Devotion for October 17, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 19:17.

We serve God by being gracious to the poor. There are many reasons to help people in need. But for the Christian, none is higher than this: when we love those in need, we are loving Jesus. God created each of us and loves us regardless of our finances or standing in the community.  

However, Jesus demonstrated God’s desire for His followers to have compassion for those less fortunate than ourselves. Every deed done to improve the lot of another person is serving Jesus. The works of mercy are simple deeds. And yet in these simple deeds, we serve Jesus. Astounding, this truth: we serve Christ by serving needy people. (excerpted from God is With You, Max Lucado)

Personal Worship Option:

As you go about your day - look for opportunities to demonstrate compassion for someone. This is the way to worship with your life.

Daily Devotion for October 16, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Peter 4:10-11.

Discovering our gifts, talents, and skills is a journey of self-awareness and purpose. Each of us has gifts and abilities meant to be used to benefit others and to honor God. Reflecting back, I wish I had understood the value of identifying and using my gifts when I was younger. Contributing positively to the world and fulfilling God’s plan for our lives is important.

God has given you skills, and he calls you to use it for his kingdom. None of us feels adequate for the jobs before us, but maybe we should step up and fill in until the perfect person comes along. Along the way, we may discover gifts and talents that we never knew we had! God has gifted us to serve others and to care for one another. God doesn’t want his gifts hoarded or ignored; he wants us to channel our talents into serving others in his name. How can you use your time and talents to bless others? Thank the giver of your gifts by using your gifts to serve him each day!

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank you for the ways you have gifted each one of us. Grant us opportunities to use our gifts to bless others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for October 15, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Peter 3:15-16.

The writer of 1 Peter calls his readers to be “ ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15 NRSV) We are called to be witnesses to our faith. To always be ready to be a witness for Jesus. Much of the time that seems like an easy enough thing to do. But there are a number of days, especially in this polarized society of ours, when taking a stand seems fraught with uncertainty. I am reminded of an old joke the comedian Flip Wilson told when asked if he was a Jehovah’s Witness. Wilson replied that he was actually a Jehovah’s Bystander, as he didn’t have enough courage to be a witness.

Perhaps that is why verse 15 is followed by the admonition in verse 16 to make one’s witness with “gentleness and reverence.” 1 Peter was also written in a difficult time not unlike ours, and the early Christians were anxious about how to share their faith. They soon became known for the way they shared their witness in sacrificial service, outreach to the poor and sick, and love for one another. Not bad advice for us 2000 years later.  

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, give me the courage to share my faith, and the wisdom to do so with gentleness and reverence.” Amen.