Daily Devotion for December 31, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 103:13-18.

The psalmist uses a father’s love for his child as an analogy for the way God loves the faithful.

One of my favorite hymns has as a first and last line “O How he loves you and me.” It’s a short yet wonderful hymn and speaks of the great overarching theme that runs through scripture of how God loves you and loves me. The Psalmist echoes that in these verses from Psalm 103. “The steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting...” (v. 13a) and in v. 18, “His mercy continues forever; let the steadfast love of the Lord be upon us, and his mercy to us forever.”  As the hymn (and the scriptures) imply, remembering God’s love is a great way to begin and to end each moment and each day. And it is a wonderful way to end this year, and to begin the coming new year. As we think about this year and ponder the next, we are quickly aware that we have no idea of what the future will hold. But we do know this - God is faithful and will keep his promises. His love and mercy and kindness go with us into this new year.

Personal Worship Option:

O how he loves you and me! O how he loves you and me! He gave his life, What more could he give? O how he loves you, O how he loves me; O how he loves you and me! (composed by Kurt Kaiser)

Daily Devotion for December 30, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

The Word on Your Heart

“These commandments… are to be on your hearts.”

God isn’t satisfied with His truth simply being in our heads or on our shelves. He wants His Word to shape our desires, our decisions, and our daily habits. When Scripture settles into the heart, it transforms the way we see ourselves, our families, and the world.

Impress Them on the Next Generation

“Impress them on your children.”

The word “impress” suggests engraving something deeply so it cannot be easily erased. Faith is not passed down through occasional comments or sporadic reminders—it is formed through intentional, consistent exposure to God’s truth, lived out authentically before those who watch us most closely.

Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, mentor, teacher, or simply an example to younger believers, you carry the privilege of passing along a living, vibrant faith.

Faith in the Flow of Everyday Life

“Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

Moses shows that discipleship is not an event; it is a rhythm. God’s Word should naturally weave its way into ordinary conversations—at the dinner table, during car rides, in morning routines, and at bedtime.

This is not about forced spiritual talk, but about living a life so shaped by God that conversations about Him flow naturally. When His Word is on our hearts, it becomes a normal part of our days.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, write Your Word on my heart and help me live it out authentically. Give me wisdom to speak Your truth in ways that shape lives around me. Let my home, my conversations, and my daily routines be filled with reminders of Your goodness and faithfulness. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 29, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 Peter 2:1-2.

Paul is writing about new Christ followers and compares them to newborn babes.  We all know how precious a newborn baby is. Tammi and I will be grandparents for the third time soon. We are excited to have a new precious granddaughter to love and to hold. 

Newborn babies want to eat every two or three hours. They come into the world with an instinctive cry, and a deep longing that refuses to be ignored. They crave what gives life, nourishment, and growth.

Peter tells us believers should share that same kind of deep longing for the pure milk of God’s Word. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen accidentally. It comes through steady nourishment. Spiritual maturity requires spiritual nourishment, and nothing feeds the soul like Scripture. Just as a newborn depends on milk for life, we depend on God’s Word for spiritual growth. The more we taste it, the more we crave it and the more we crave it, the more we grow. So, the question today is simple: Are you hungry?

   

Let us make a commitment to read through the Bible in 2026 and grow in our faith. There are many different Read Through The Bible plans you can use. One plan is through our conference. You can go to Holston.org click on Read Together and sign up for an email that will give you daily scriptures that will take you through the entire Bible in a year.  They will send you the scriptures you need by email every day.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, give me the hunger of a newborn for Your Word. Help me long for the pure milk of Scripture, and let it nourish me, steady me, and grow me into the person You desire me to be. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 28, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 18:1-5.

When the disciples came to Jesus and asked him who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, they likely were thinking of their own status and where they would rank. As he so often did in his teachings, Jesus replied in a radical way, saying that unless one changes and becomes like the little child Jesus put before them, one could not even enter into the kingdom. And the one who takes the lowly and humble position of a child will be the greatest in the kingdom. What?!

 

The disciples, like us, were thinking that children must grow up to be like adults. Of course, that is true in many ways. But in today’s sermon, we will explore what Jesus means when he tells us to change and to grow up to be like children. What characteristics of children do you suppose Jesus wants us to demonstrate in our lives? He certainly does not want us to be “childish!” But perhaps he would like us to be curious and eager to learn, humble, trusting and assuming the best about others, and using our imaginations to discover and create new things. I hope to see you in our one worship service at 10:00!

Personal Worship Option:

Pray that God will help you to demonstrate the wonderful characteristics of a child at its best, not trying to be the most important but humbly learning and growing and loving others.

Daily Devotion for December 27, 2025

Devotion:

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Read John 3:16-17.

One of the first scriptures most of us learn as a child is John 3:16. It is the Gospel in one verse. It speaks of the love God has for the whole world. It talks about faith and having eternal life. The primary reason Jesus came was to make sure we experience deliverance from sin and have our hearts renewed and transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, we experience salvation now and for eternity. The word life in John 3:16 and one hundred thirty-five other verses in the New Testament is the Greek word, Zoe. It signifies the God kind of life, characterized by eternal existence. This is the kind of life John Wesley talked about when he said, By salvation I mean not barely according to the vulgar notion of deliverance from hell or going to heaven but a present deliverance from sin a restoration of the soul to its primitive health its original purity a recovery of the divine nature the renewal of our souls after the image of God in righteousness and true holiness in justice mercy and truth.

 

Let us be grateful for a God who loves us. God gave us His son for us and wants to renew our souls by His holy presence.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, renew my soul, restore your divine nature in me and make me more like thee. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 26, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 7:14.

In a world often filled with turmoil, uncertainty, and longing, Isaiah 7:14 delivers a profound message of hope and assurance. Just as in the time of Isaiah, God wants to reassure us that we are not alone.  

What does it mean for “God to be with us”? He is with us in moments of despair, loneliness, or confusion. We can be comforted knowing we are not abandoned. God is present with us in every situation. He offers us His peace. His wisdom. And His love. Each time we encounter struggles, whether financial, relational, or spiritual, we can lean into the promise of Immanuel. How does understanding Jesus as Immanuel change our perspective on life: trials, joys, struggles, triumphs? 

God with us through His Son and now through the Holy Spirit is a gift of love from God.

Personal Worship Option:

Celebrate the nearness of God. Ponder on the reality of Immanuel in your life. How can followers of Christ embody the presence of God to those around us?

Daily Devotion for December 25, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 John 4:9-10.

This scripture focuses on the profound nature of God’s love. God is the source of all love. John says, “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God,” and “Since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” When I read these words, I imagine God saying I love you so you need to love others. It is hard to understand the level of God’s love that he sent him to earth to redeem us from our sins.

The birth of Jesus that we cele­brate in this Christmas season is the greatest gift of love that God gives to us. God showed his love to us by sending his Son into the world to give us life. God’s love is not merely a feeling, it is an active, strong force. Now we can pass it on. We can show the love of God to other people by putting others before ourselves. The love of God is the greatest Christmas gift we can give.

Our hope for a Savior was fulfilled in Jesus. We show our gratitude for God’s love in Jesus by loving one another. Experiencing God’s love can heal brokenness and give us life at its fullest, which is a life living for Jesus. God loves you. Pass it on.

Personal Worship Option:

God of love, thank you for the great love you have shown us by sending your one and only Son into the world. Strengthen us to share that love with one another. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 24, 2025

Devotion:

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Read 1 John 4:19.

Happy Christmas Eve! Have you sent out all your Christmas cards? Attended all the worship services that you could? Have you finished your shopping? Done everything else that was on your Christmas “to-do” list?  If you have - congratulations! But if you haven’t (which is where I always find myself on Christmas Eve), maybe it’s time to slow down and reflect on what is about to happen. John does exactly that in verse 4:19, “We love because he first loved us.” That is a good reminder for this special day.

But John is not talking about ancient history. “We love” implies current action. We are especially called during this season to share Christ’s love in all aspects of our lives, and with all whom we meet. Christmas Eve is a special time for us to prepare our hearts and lives for the birth of the baby Jesus, and then to share that good news with the world around us. O Come, O Come, Emanuel. Merry Christmas.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help us to be prepared. And help us to love one another. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 23, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Song of Solomon 2:4.

In this short but deeply rich verse, we are invited into a picture of God’s delight in His people. The “banqueting house” is not just a place to eat—it’s a place of celebration, joy, and fellowship. It is where honored guests are welcomed, where needs are met, and where love is expressed freely.

When the bride in the Song says, “He brought me…” she acknowledges that it is the Beloved who initiates the invitation. In the same way, God draws us into His presence—not because we earned a seat, but because He desires for us to be near Him. His heart is not distant or reluctant; He brings us close.

And over us, He places a banner, a visible declaration of identity and belonging. In ancient times, a banner marked protection, loyalty, and victory. God’s banner over you is not judgment, not performance, not disappointment—but love. His covering is love. His claim over your life is love. His leading is love. His discipline is love. His redemption is love.

When life feels chaotic or when you feel unworthy, remember: you are not approaching a throne of condemnation—you are being welcomed into a feast of fellowship. You live under the banner of a God who delights in you.

Reflection

• What “banners” do you sometimes believe are over your life—fear, shame, failure—and how does God’s true banner of love replace them?
• Have you allowed yourself to be “brought” into God’s presence recently—not out of duty, but because you are loved?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank You for inviting me into Your presence and covering me with Your love. Help me to rest in Your delight, to live under Your banner, and to remember that Your love defines and directs my life. Draw me close again today. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 22, 2025

Devotion:

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Read John 13:34-35.

The setting for these two verses is Jesus’ last supper with his apostles. He had washed their feet as they gathered and before the meal, showing them and us that we are to serve in humility. He had predicted that one of the apostles would betray him, leading to his arrest and crucifixion; and he was about to announce that Peter would deny him that very evening. Sandwiched in among those proclamations comes today’s verses in which Jesus gives us “a new command.”  It is a simple one, but it is not an easy one…to love one another as Jesus had loved his apostles.

Then he makes a powerful statement about our personal witness, that others will know we are disciples of Christ by the love we show one another (that is, not by the crosses we wear around our necks, our catchy bumper stickers, or any other outward symbols). People will know we are Christian when we lift up the marginalized, open our hearts and checkbooks to help those who are in need, and do other acts of service and kindness in a spirit of love for one another. 

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me, please: Gracious God, help me to love others. I most need your help in loving those who are not lovable, those who upset me, or even push back on my attempts to love them. Help my heart to be more like the heart of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen!

Daily Devotion for December 21, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 9:1-7.

Advent invites us to wait with excited expectation for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. It is about celebrating God’s gift of love to all of us. The prophet Isaiah prophesies in Isaiah 9:6 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

The prophet Isaiah promised hundreds of years before Jesus came that a son would be given. John 3:16 tells us for God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son. Every day is a day to celebrate Jesus, God’s gift of love to us. I am so grateful the church established the season of Advent and Christmas so we could focus on God’s indescribable gift.

Christmas Eve services have always been very special to me and my family.  Let us worship together today and Christmas Eve to celebrate God’s gift of love.

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, In this season of Advent, we seek you and thank you for your steadfast love. Fill our hearts, our homes, and our families with your love. Teach us to love you above all else, to love our family, friends, and neighbors, and to extend that love to all people, even those who are difficult to love. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 20, 2025

Devotion:

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Read John 1:1-3.

Jesus, the Word/Logos, the creator of the universe, left eternity and entered time and space in the womb of a virgin named Mary.  The fact that God would take up residence in the womb of Mary is beautiful and amazing.  Some may ask, how can Jesus be God and man at the same time, and how could there be a virgin birth?  There are some who struggle with this and I do not completely understand it myself, but I do believe it.

 

I was leading a Bible Study in Galax, Virginia during Advent and we were talking about the Virgin Birth.  I had a couple who were very nice, loved God and were at church almost every Sunday.  I doubt he or his wife graduated from High School.  From time to time, he would have some interesting insight into the scriptures.  One night as we were talking about the Virgin Birth, he said something I had never thought of and have not forgotten.  He said, science has the ability to cause a virgin birth through artificial insemination.  If we can do it, why doubt Almighty God’s ability, Isn’t God greater than we are?

 

While I do not completely understand the virgin birth and the incarnation of Christ, it brings me great joy as I embrace this truth by faith.

Personal Worship Option:

All powerful God, Jesus took on flesh and dwelt among us. Lift our hearts and minds in joy this Advent and Christmas as we worship you and celebrate your gift to us. In the name of the virgin born incarnate Son of the Living God. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 19, 2025

Devotion:

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Read John 3:16.

We have joy because God loved us and gave us the gift of His son.  The Good News comes into focus in this verse. God’s love is not static or self-centered. It reaches out and draws others in. It is not shrouded in rules, codes, or rituals. The joy comes in the understanding that everyone who believes can have eternal life. Here God sets the pattern of true love. The basis for all love relationships. When you love someone deeply you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. When we share the Good News with others our love must be like Jesus’ - willing to give up our comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God’s love.

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on the joy of God’s love. Is anything hindering this experience? Talk to God - rejoice in Him.

Daily Devotion for December 18, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Titus 3:5-7.

This scripture is a key reminder about salvation, emphasizing that it is a gift of God's mercy, not earned by our own good deeds. There is great joy in this passage.  The passage highlights the work of the Holy Spirit in giving believers a "new birth" or "new life," leading to a new identity in Christ as heirs of eternal life. Knowing that we do not have to pay or buy our love of God is such a joy. We can enjoy our lives if we are trying to follow Jesus and be guided by him to love and help others. God’s mercy is abundant, and these verses are stated very clearly.

This shows that good deeds are not the way to be saved, but the natural result of being saved. Our salvation is not a reward for good deeds, but God has prepared good deeds for us to do as a demonstration of His work in us. Because of this grace, we have been declared righteous and are confident that we will inherit eternal life. This knowledge brings confidence, peace, joy, and a new identity that sets us apart from the world.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, thank you for the joy you bring to us as we try to live out our Christian life. We ask your continued help in accepting your grace and mercy so that we can pass it on.

 

Daily Devotion for December 17, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Psalm 71:14-15a.

We are people of hope. Today’s scripture underscores that: “But I will hope continually and will praise you yet more and more.”  (v. 14) You and I are shaped by hope for today and hope for the future. Hope is not mere optimism but is grounded in the reality of our faith. Because of what God has already done, and the promises that God has made, we hope for what God will be doing both in our lives and in our world. David, the writer of this psalm, lived by this belief. He constantly called out to God for help and often repeated his belief that his hope was in God alone. The older David got, the more life experiences that he had - the more he talked about hope. 

Perhaps growing older gives one a more experienced perspective. We learn more, see more, experience more (both positive and negative), and make our share of mistakes. And yet we can also attest to the many places over a lifetime where we have seen and experienced God’s grace, and sometimes in surprising or unexpected ways. No matter how dark it may be in our lives and society, we too have reason to hope. What are you hoping for this Advent season?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to help others to hope. In Jesus name. Amen.

Daily Devotion for December 16, 2025

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 23:5-6.

Jeremiah spoke these words in a time of spiritual collapse, corrupt leadership, and national despair. The shepherds of Israel had failed, and the people were scattered. Into that darkness, God gave a promise—not of merely better circumstances, but of a better King. A righteous Branch. A true Shepherd. A Savior whose very name declares His nature: The Lord Our Righteousness.

This promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the King who reigns with wisdom when human wisdom fails. He is the One who does what is just and right when earthly justice feels uncertain. And He is the Savior who brings true safety—not merely the absence of danger, but the presence of His peace, His protection, His righteousness covering us like a garment we could never earn.

Jeremiah’s prophecy reminds us that our hope is not in political systems, leaders, or human solutions. Our hope is in a King who has already come and who will come again. In a world still full of confusion and corruption, Christ stands as the unshakeable anchor of righteousness.

Today, rest in this truth: Your righteousness is not found in your performance but in your King. He reigns wisely. He saves completely. He holds you safely. And His righteousness is your covering, your assurance, and your peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being our righteous Savior. In a world filled with uncertainty, help us rest in Your perfect leadership, trust in Your justice, and walk in the righteousness You provide. Reign in our hearts today. Amen.