Daily Devotion for March 2, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read John 20:24-29.

I think Thomas gets a bum rap! Because of this one incident, we give him the name “Doubting Thomas,” and even refer sometimes to a person who wavers as a “doubting Thomas.” I much prefer to call him “Analytical Thomas!” Perhaps that is because if I had been in Thomas’ situation, having not seen the risen Christ, I too may have asked for some physical evidence of his having risen. We so easily forget that, when Jesus was summoned to cross back over the Jordan to save Lazarus, a move that likely would cost him his life, this same Thomas had said to the other apostles, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” 

The key lesson for us in this passage is that we are to believe and have faith without requiring physical proof. While it is great to enjoy reading about archaeological finds that support stories in the Bible, exploring all the images and stories of the Shroud of Turin, and the like, we cannot base our faith on such things. Instead, we are to remember the blessing Jesus gave for those of us who will never see the physical evidence and yet will believe.

Personal Worship Option:

Almighty God, when I seek proof, give me faith instead. When I ask for evidence, give me confidence in your holy truth. And when I doubt, forgive me. Amen.

Daily Devotion for March 1, 2026

Devotion:

For an audio version of this devotion, click here.

Read Matthew 25:1-13.

Jesus often used the cultural norms of his day to teach spiritual truths. He talked about the wind, seeds, trees, grass, and mountains. Here in Matthew twenty-five Jesus is talking about a wedding.

 

At the time of Christ, when a young man wanted to marry a young lady, he and his father would go to the young lady’s home and present her with a gift. If she accepted the gift, and her father gave his blessing, they were engaged. While the bride is waiting for her groom to come and get her, she would make sure she was always ready to go because she did not know when her groom was coming for her. She had a veil next to her bed, her bags were packed, and she kept a lamp trimmed and burning in the house. Normally, the groom came at night to get his bride. If the groom came to get his bride and there was no light, that was her way of telling him the wedding was off.

 

This parable teaches us to make sure our relationship with God is solid.  We do not know when Jesus will return. Our responsibility is to be ready when He does return.

Personal Worship Option:

Our soon coming King, thank You for reminding us through Your word that we are called to be ready for Your coming. Like the wise virgins who kept their lamps filled with oil, help me to keep my heart filled with Your Spirit, my faith burning brightly. In Jesus name. Amen