Daily Devotion for January 06, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Philippians 3:7-8.

Paul writes these words from a life completely reshaped by grace. He once stood proud of his religious achievements, his heritage, and his reputation. But when he encountered Jesus, everything he once counted as “gain” suddenly looked small and empty. Christ became the treasure that eclipsed all other pursuits.

A New Accounting System

Paul uses accounting language—gain and loss—to show a radical reordering of values. Before Christ, he added up his accomplishments hoping they would equal righteousness. After Christ, he realized no amount of human effort could compare to the righteousness given through faith.

True transformation happens when we stop trying to prove ourselves and simply cling to Jesus, who alone is enough.

The Surpassing Worth of Knowing Christ

Paul does not say that everything else is unimportant; he says everything else is incomparable. Jesus is not just better—He is of surpassing worth. Nothing rivals the joy, security, or peace found in Him.

When Christ becomes the center, life’s treasures fall into their proper place, and our losses—even painful ones—can be endured because He is greater.

Letting Go to Gain More

Paul speaks of “losing all things,” yet he writes with no bitterness. Why? Because what he gains in Christ is infinitely better than anything he released. Letting go is rarely easy—whether it’s control, reputation, comfort, or the approval of others—but every surrender creates more room for Jesus to fill.

The world invites us to build our worth on accomplishments and possessions. Christ invites us to build it on relationship—knowing Him, loving Him, and becoming like Him. 

Personal Worship Option:

Prayer Lord, help me see the incomparable value of knowing You. Strip away anything that competes for my devotion or distracts my heart. Teach me to count all things as loss compared to the treasure of gaining Christ. May my life reflect a love that places You above everything else. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 05, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 6:19-21.

This passage is a clear call for us to place our priorities on our relationship with Jesus Christ. When Jesus uses the term, “store up,” the reference is likely to storing up grain, which would be a measure of wealth in an agricultural society.  Rats and other vermin could destroy the grain. The reference to moths destroying our wealth is a reference to the ancient practice of buying and storing fine fabric or cloth as a commodity. Clearly, Jesus is telling us that material things are perishable and subject to loss, and if that is where our hearts are, then we are likely to be hurt when those things are inevitably gone.

Perhaps this passage will mean more to us if we think of modern practices and signs of wealth in our culture today. Expensive vehicles and boats, large homes, stock portfolios, 401k’s, and the like are sometimes the things we work for and then look to for pleasure. We only have to remember the Great Recession of 2008 to be reminded how fragile our economic treasures are. If, instead of focusing on material wealth and possessions, we focus on serving Christ, we will be building up treasures that last for eternity. 

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Gracious God, you have blessed me with more than I need. Help me to hold onto what I have loosely, helping others instead of hoarding it. When I begin to think of obtaining a new possession or thing, help me instead to find someone whom I can bless. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 04, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Luke 10:25-37.

The parable of the Kind Stranger is a powerful story that has had a tremendous effect on us. It is easily understood, but it is hard to live up to. It transcends time and culture. The story teaches us to love our neighbor which means we need to love everyone. The man who was robbed, beaten and left on the side of the road did not receive love and kindness from the people you would expect. He received help from a person he would normally look down on. We do not have to know someone well or at all to show them kindness and compassion. We must learn to love and care for everyone, even those we might consider our enemies. Jesus tells us to love our enemies, bless those who curse us and do good to those who may not treat us right. This takes a tremendous amount of character, but this is the type of attitude that reflects the very heart of God.

Do we show others kindness and compassion?

Personal Worship Option:

Loving God, soften our hearts so we will not pass by in fear or indifference. Give us the courage to stop, care, and to help even when it costs us time, discomfort, or convenience. Teach us to love not in words only, but in deeds of mercy and compassion. In Jesus Name We Pray, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 03, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Mark 10:13-16.

Times were becoming more intense for Jesus. Twice, he had predicted his coming death to his apostles. The Pharisees were now questioning him in an effort to test and entrap him. In this environment, parents came with their children, asking Jesus to bless them. We can imagine how Jesus’ disciples simply wanted to protect Jesus from this seemingly trivial use of his time. When the disciples tried to intercede, Jesus became “indignant,” meaning he was angry or very annoyed at what he perceived as an injustice and insisted that the children come to him, saying that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these children.

 

How do children receive the kingdom and things relating to the kingdom of God? They receive them with curiosity and wonder and with trusting, unquestioning belief. They have not yet learned adult skills of critical thinking that sometimes rob us of our faith. Children learn early to say, “thank you” and to be grateful, and we are to be like that. 

Personal Worship Option:

Pray with me: Gracious God, help me to have childlike faith in you. Help me to put aside the things that make me doubt and question and to simply love you as you love me. Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 02, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Ephesians 4:29-5:2.

Just as children imitate parents, teachers, and others, we are to imitate God’s example in Christ. These verses encourage us to be mindful of the words we speak, reminding us that our words have the power to either build others up or tear them down. We can create a positive and uplifting environment around us by speaking words that build up, spreading kindness and encouragement to those we interact with. This also reflects the concept of imitating God’s love, which is characterized by compassion, forgiveness, and empathy.  

Living sacrificially is a call to selflessness and putting the needs of others before our own. This selfless way of living models the sacrificial love demonstrated by God, who gave His only Son for the salvation of all. These verses serve as a reminder of the profound impact our words and actions can have on those around us, calling us to embody love, kindness, and selflessness in our daily lives. We emulate God’s love and demonstrate our commitment to following His example by living sacrificially. 

Personal Worship Option:

Reflect on this passage. What are some practical ways you can speak words that build up and demonstrate sacrificial love in your relationships and community?

Daily Devotion for January 01, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Luke 2:1-7.

It’s so wonderful to hold a newborn baby in your arms. To look into the newly opened eyes, to feel the delicate skin, to hear the little squeaks. We pause here in wonder at Mary’s firstborn son, lying in a manger. But as we admire the baby in the manger, we know that he has to grow up. That sweet little newborn will grow up and overturn the power structures of the world. Though he is almighty God, he starts as a helpless infant. The baby grows and is called a variety of things such as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Ever­lasting Father, Prince of Peace.

As adults we would benefit by going back and looking at our faith through the eyes of children. Children trust their parents and observe the behavior of those around them. They are curious and ask a million questions. As adults we need to go back to observing our heavenly father and trusting that He will show us the way. We should have faith that God will lead us by the Holy Spirit. Let’s marvel that the little bundle that laid in the manger has the power to change our lives and this world forever.

Personal Worship Option:

All glory to you, great God and Lord, for the gift of your firstborn Son, Jesus Christ, whom you sent to save us. Amen and Amen!

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)