Daily Devotion for May 6, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Exodus 20:12.

“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12) There are a number of scriptures in the Bible that look good on the page but sometimes are hard to put into practice. At first glance, you wouldn’t think this is one of the tough ones. Honoring one’s parents is important in almost every culture and faith tradition. But families and family relationships can sometimes be problematic. Even Jesus had family issues from time to time. And the families in Genesis and Exodus and elsewhere in the Old Testament often had notorious issues and conflicts that went on across generations. Much of the time, there seemed to be more fighting than honoring!

But in this scripture, like the rest of the Bible, it seems that God is looking at things from a long view. And maybe we should as well. We are called to honor our parents, but it is also clear that none of us have perfect parents. It’s also clear that our parents didn’t have perfect children (despite the claims I make to my siblings). The older I get, the more I appreciate my parents, and the more I understand how hard it can be at times to be a parent. Perhaps we can honor the love that our parents tried to share with us on both the good and not so good days.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help us to honor our parents. Amen.

Daily Devotion for May 5, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 22:6.

There is both a promise and a responsibility woven into this verse. It reminds us that the shaping of a child’s life does not happen by accident—it happens through intentional guidance, consistent example, and loving instruction. “Training” is more than teaching words; it is modeling a way of life.

Children are always watching. They notice how we respond to stress, how we treat others, how we prioritize our time, and how we live out our faith. The greatest lessons are often not spoken but demonstrated. When a child sees genuine prayer, consistent kindness, forgiveness, and trust in God, those impressions take root deeply in their heart.

The phrase “the way he should go” also suggests understanding each child’s unique design. God has created every child with distinct gifts, personalities, and callings. Training them well means guiding them toward God’s truth while also nurturing who God made them to be—not forcing them into a mold, but helping them grow into His purpose.

This verse is not a guarantee of a perfect outcome, but it is a principle of lasting influence. Seeds planted early—through Scripture, prayer, love, and discipline—have a way of remaining, even if a child wanders for a time. God often brings those truths back to remembrance in powerful ways later in life.

For parents, grandparents, teachers, and mentors, this is both an encouragement and a calling. Your investment matters more than you may ever see in the moment. Every bedtime prayer, every conversation about right and wrong, every act of grace is shaping a foundation that can last a lifetime.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help us to faithfully train the children You have placed in our lives. Give us wisdom, patience, and consistency. Let our lives reflect Your truth so clearly that others—especially the next generation—are drawn to follow You. May the seeds we plant grow strong and bear fruit for years to come. Amen.

Daily Devotion for May 4, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Proverbs 31:30.

This verse comes as part of a beautiful passage about a noble woman of character. The woman who is featured in the passage is a wife and mother. Today’s verse makes the point that physical beauty is fleeting, as age advances and once beautiful features change. But the woman and mother who loves God is to be praised, cherished, and respected. In this week leading up to Mother’s Day, we will look at a number of passages about mothers. Those of us who have or had loving mothers who loved God are truly blessed. My mother was one of the hardest working people I have ever known. She cooked and cleaned for us, worked as a cook in our school cafeteria, and did sewing for other women to make extra money. But she always had time to give out spelling words, listen to our stories about the day, and give us the love we cherished. And because she loved God so much, her children grew up knowing that God loved them and loving God right back. I do not remember her beauty being fleeting at all.

Personal Worship Option:

Thank you, Gracious God, for the love you have given us through good mothers and other women who have cared for us, taught us, and lived as good examples before us. Help us to live out the good lessons they taught and continue to teach us. Amen.

Daily Devotion for May 3, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 10:25-27.

After a conversation with the greedy, arrogant, Rich Young Ruler.  Jesus told his disciples "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”  Some have suggested the needle's eye was a historical gate in Jerusalem, where a camel could only enter if it was unloaded and kneeling. I can’t find any historical evidence that this existed, but that isn’t the point of the story.  The point Jesus is making is that we cannot trust in our abilities, our wealth or our works to be saved. The disciples ask Jesus, Then who can be saved?  … With people it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.

 

We know that God is Omniscient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent which means God is all knowing, everywhere present at once and all powerful.  But can God do anything?  Our first reactive response may be yes but that is not the correct answer.  When Jesus said all things are possible with God, it did not mean God can do anything and everything.

Personal Worship Option:

Heavenly Father, I confess that at times I rely too much on my own strength, my resources, or my plans, rather than on You. I acknowledge that there are things impossible for me to accomplish on my own, but I thank You that it is not impossible with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for May 2, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Romans 10:9-10.

Paul tells us if we confess with our mouth and believe in our heart that Jesus has been resurrected, we will be saved. The word believe means to trust or believe in.  Our faith is more than an intellectual assent where we acknowledge the resurrection of Jesus in our mind, but it does not necessarily affect our heart, emotions, or actions.

True faith transforms both the inside and the outside. God wants a faith that works inwardly in our character and outwardly in our words and actions.  True faith is trust. For example, a small child is told to jump from a low wall into her parent’s waiting arms. The child hesitates, looking at the distance, and imagining the fall. When she finally leaps, she is trusting her parents, and she lands safely. Trusting God is like that leap. Sometimes we can’t see exactly how God will catch us, but when we believe His promises, He never lets us fall. True faith requires total reliance and trust.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank You for the gift of salvation. Help me to believe fully in my heart that Jesus died and rose again for me. Give me the courage to confess to Him with my mouth, not only in words but in how I live every day. Amen.

Daily Devotion for May 1, 2026

Devotion:

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Read 1 John 1:5.

It is impossible for God to sin. God is light and in him there is no darkness or sin.  This verse emphasizes that no matter how dark the world may seem, the light of Christ cannot be extinguished. Darkness can never over take light. The very definition of darkness is the absence of light. This is true in the physical world as well as the spiritual realm. This week the Artemis 2 astronauts were reflecting on their mission and one of them was struck by how dark the universe is and how much light comes from Earth. No matter how dark our world may be, Christ is the light that shines through. Christ’s presence illuminates our path and guides us through the darkness. 

To embrace the light of Christ, we must remain connected to Him through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. In this way, we allow His truth to shape our lives. This means choosing to act with kindness, hope, and faith, even when circumstances seem bleak. As we walk in His light, we reflect His light to those around us helping others find their way in the darkness, too.

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer for today: “Dear LORD, thank You for being the light that shines in the darkness. Help me to trust in Your truth and to reflect Your light in my life. May I be a course of hope and encouragement to those around me, shining brightly in a world that often feels dark. Amen.”

Daily Devotion for April 30, 2026

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Read James 1:13.

While God may test our faith to produce growth, He never entices us to evil. Temptation is a personal issue, and we must take on responsibility.  When trials become overwhelming, we are tempted to blame God thinking that He has let us down. James corrects this by saying "no one says when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God'". God is holy and cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt any of us. Temptation is inside us being controlled by our own evil desires or lust. It is the lure of our own bad cravings that pulls us toward sin.

Temptations are like fishing lures to a hungry fish. The desires of our human nature prompt us to do what we want, which often means rebelling against our God’s guidance. Both trials and temptations can erode our trust in the Lord and undermine our witness. But God triumphs over the impact of trials and gives us victory over temptations. We praise our God for giving us resistance in times of temptation. God can satisfy all our needs through his great provision.

Personal Worship Option:

Dear God, lead me according to your will today. Help me trust you with all my being and find strength to resist temptations. I want to glorify you in all my ways. Amen.

Daily Devotion for April 29, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Acts 10:34.

When I was growing up, I loved to visit my grandparents who lived in western North Carolina. I loved to hear their stories, eat dinner with them (my grandaddy could cook a mean breakfast and my grandmother made wonderful desserts), and spend time at their house and on the family farm. We were so close that a few of my cousins would comment in disgust that I was “the favorite grandchild.”  I of course have reminded my cousins of that remark ever since.  But the reality was that my grandparents loved all ten of us grandkids in different ways. They didn’t have a favorite. We are prone as humans to constantly be ranking who is “the favorite.”  The disciples argued about status, and the early church constantly was divided about who was in and who was out, and who was on top. Peter struggled with this as well.  But Peter also spent enough time with Jesus to realize the radical nature of God’s love. Peter came to believe by Jesus’ lived example, that “truly God shows no partiality.”  How would our lives be different if we believed as Peter believed?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to love and to value others as Jesus did and does. Amen.

Daily Devotion for April 28, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Hebrews 6:18.

There are few things in life that feel completely certain. Circumstances change, people fail us, and even our own emotions can shift from one moment to the next. Yet this verse anchors us in something unshakable: God cannot lie. His character is perfectly true, and every promise He has spoken is utterly reliable.

Because of that truth, we are invited to “take hold of the hope set before us.” This isn’t a passive hope or wishful thinking—it’s something we cling to with intention. Like someone running for shelter in a storm, we flee to God’s promises and hold on tightly, knowing they will not give way.

What is this hope? It is the assurance that God keeps His word—about forgiveness, about new life, about His presence, and about eternity with Him. When doubts creep in or life feels uncertain, this verse reminds us that our hope is not built on circumstances, but on the unchanging nature of God Himself.

Today, whatever you are facing, take hold of that hope again. Let it steady your heart and strengthen your spirit. You are not holding onto something fragile—you are anchored in the truth of a God who never lies.

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, thank You that Your Word is always true and Your promises never fail. Help me to hold firmly to the hope You have given me. When I feel uncertain, remind me that You are unchanging and faithful. Strengthen my heart today with the confidence that You will do all You have promised. Amen.

Daily Devotion for April 27, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 19:18.

This young man was apparently living his life in obedience to the commandments.  There is no indication that he was asking this question in order to trick Jesus, but instead it appears that he sincerely wanted to know how to receive eternal life. Interestingly, he asked what “good” thing he must do in order to get that. Jesus corrected him, saying that God alone is good. When Jesus reminded the young man that he must obey the moral laws, he responded that he had kept them and now wondered what else he lacked. Jesus saw that his shortcoming was in putting too much stock in his wealth, with which he sadly could not bring himself to part.

In our daily devotions this week, we are looking at things God cannot do, and today, we are reminded that God cannot steal. Stealing is taking something we desire from its rightful owner. Everything already belongs to God, so it is not possible for God to steal.  

Personal Worship Option:

Does this lesson remind you that, since everything belongs to God, we are merely stewards and caretakers of what God has given to us? Remembering this helps me to hold onto my possessions and my money a bit less tightly and to be more generous with them.

Daily Devotion for April 26, 2026

Devotion:

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Read John 5:1-9.

Near the Sheep gate in Jerusalem was a pool called Bethesda. When we think of a pool today, we think in terms of recreation. That is not what this pool was used for. They used the water from the Pool of Bethesda for their livelihood. One purpose for the pool could have been to give water to the sheep who were scheduled to be sacrificed.

The word Bethesda means House of Mercy or House of Grace. At this pool lay people who were blind, lame, and paralyzed. Day after day they waited for an angel to come and stir the water so the first one in would be healed.  Among them was a man who had been sick for thirty-eight years. Jesus did not ask, “How long have you been here?” or “Why haven’t you tried harder?” He simply asked, “Do you want to be made well?” We can hear the weakness and disappointment in his voice when he says: “I have no one to help me…”  We all have places in our lives where we feel stuck. We have wounds we can’t heal, hurts we can’t forget, burdens we feel we must carry alone. But Jesus steps into those places and turns them into our own Bethesda, our own House of Mercy. 

Personal Worship Option:

God of mercy and grace, thank You for being my House of Mercy and my source of grace. You see the places where I feel weak, discouraged, or stuck. Speak Your word over my life today. Lift me, heal me, and renew me by Your power. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Daily Devotion for April 25, 2026

Devotion:

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Read James 5:14-15.

James gives us a beautiful picture of how God cares for His people through the ministry of the church. The suffering believer does not have to struggle alone. He says, “Call.” Call for support. Call for prayer. Call for the community of faith to come alongside you in your time of difficulty.

It is not a sign of weakness to ask for prayer. It is an act of faith. When we reach out to others, we acknowledge our dependence on God and our need for the body of Christ. James tells us to pray over the sick person anointing them with oil. The oil is a sign of God’s presence with us. When we pray, “The prayer of faith will save the sick.” This does not mean that God always heals in the way we expect, but it boldly declares that prayer matters. God hears. God moves. God raises us up whether through physical healing, renewed strength, or restored peace.

Personal Worship Option:

Jesus, our healer, when I am weak, teach me to reach out for prayer. Remind me that You work powerfully through the faith and support of Your people. Pour out Your healing on those who are sick today. Restore bodies, renew spirits, and strengthen hearts. Help us trust that Your presence is near and that Your power is at work. In Jesus' holy name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for April 24, 2026

Devotion:

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Read John 10:10.

One way the thief tries to steal and destroy is by leading us astray, so we have a misplaced faith.  We need to focus on Jesus, the one who gives us life. In contrast to the thief who takes life, Jesus gives life. The life he gives right now is abundantly rich and full; it is eternal, yet it begins immediately. The avenue to experience this abundant life is obedience. Obey God’s commands.  

Obedience leads to goodness, not just for you but for your children, children’s children, great-grandchildren, and the children of a thousand generations in the future. God promises to show “love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:6) As we obey God’s commands, we open the door for abundant life.  

Personal Worship Option:

Thank God for His goodness. Meditate on His guidance and gifts He provides. Open your heart to hear His voice today.

Daily Devotion for April 23, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Jeremiah 30:17.

At the time in history of this verse, God’s people were in exile for rebelling against God. They had followed other gods and had refused to honor the Lord, who had made them into a great nation. God had disciplined them by sending them into exile.

Their conquerors had brutally enslaved them and carried them away after destroying their land. And when God’s people cried out in their distress, the Lord heard them. God is powerful enough to overwhelm all evil. The people needed God to save them from this enemy that had exploited them. God promised to bring them honor again, saying, “So you will be my people, and I will be your God.”

This verse was spoken to people described as "outcasts" whom no one cared for. The Message translation suggests God is "curing the incurable". No matter how hopeless a situation seems—a broken relationship, a physical illness, or emotional trauma—it is not beyond God's power to redeem.

Personal Worship Option:

God, your ­power is greater than any other. Thank you for being merciful and just. Help us to honor you above all and to serve you faithfully. Amen