Daily Devotion for January 12, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Isaiah 1:18.

In this opening chapter of the prophecy of Isaiah, we hear God’s charge against the Southern Kingdom of Judah and its center of government and worship, Jerusalem. The people had turned away from God and had lived sinful, corrupt lives. The northern tribes had also turned away from God and had been defeated and taken into exile by the Assyrians.  One would think the people of Judah would have learned from this, but they had not. Isaiah had been sent to turn the people back to God, and he worked diligently to do this during the reigns of four different kings, to no avail!

Since we are reading in the Old Testament, we might expect God to wipe these people from the face of the earth, handing out the justice they deserved. But in today’s verse, we see a promise that God wishes to settle this by cleansing Judah of its crimson sin. If we read the next verse, we see that God is offering to forgive the people if they will be willing and obedient to God. God has not changed; God still offers forgiveness to all who repent and turn to God. 

Personal Worship Option:

Give thanks today that God does not seek our harm or punishment but rather is constantly reaching out to us. Accept the love God offers to us as grace and live in gratitude as God’s obedient child.

Daily Devotion for January 11, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 13:45-46.

In this story we are the merchant and Jesus is the Pearl of Great Price.  Everything this merchant worked for over the years did not provide the satisfaction and fulfillment she/he was looking for.  Like the merchant we are looking for meaning, purpose and fulfillment in life. Things do not bring us inner peace.  We love nice things, and they make life more convenient, but they do not fill a heart in need of God. What the world has to offer is fake pearls that masquerade for life.  The commercials we watch promise joy, fulfillment and happiness if we purchase their products. They all fall short of their promise, and the excitement is short lived.  When the merchant realized the value of the Pearl of Great Price, he sold everything he had and purchased it. 

If we want true fulfillment and peace we must surrender our lives to Christ.  Like the merchant, you will discover Jesus is worth it.  He is worth more than we can imagine. 

Personal Worship Option:

Pearl of Great Price, thank You for showing us that Your kingdom is the greatest treasure we could ever find. Teach us to value eternal things and to seek You with all of our hearts, soul, and strength. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 10, 2026

Devotion:

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Read 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

We are extremely blessed.  Compared to the rest of the world we are all wealthy.  The average individual income worldwide is around $10,000 per year.  Because of modern conveniences such as air conditioning, transportation, appliances, and communication systems, we are living better lives than those who were wealthy in the nineteenth century.  

 

Paul instructed Timothy to tell his congregation in Ephesus to not set their hope in riches but be rich in good works and ready to share with those who are in need.  John Wesley once said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.”  We know good works do not save us, but they do express our love for God and others. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of God.

Personal Worship Option:

Generous God, thank You for being the source of all blessings, wisdom, and strength. Help me not to put my hope in wealth or earthly riches which fade and fail, but to trust fully in You. Teach me to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share with those in need. In Jesus name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 09, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Mark 10:21-22.

Is Jesus our top priority? Are we willing to put Him first in our life? We commit to ideals such as marriage and trust in God as long as these seem convenient. Giving up personal freedoms, wealth, and status to serve others is too great a price for many people. It wasn’t the money that hindered the rich man; it was the                self-sufficiency. It wasn’t the possession; it was the pomp. It wasn’t the big bucks; it was the big head. If we rely on our own abilities and accomplishments to please God, we will come up short every time. God is looking for a surrendered heart and a willing spirit.

Jesus urges us to discard material security to follow him. By sacrificing the treasures of this world, we gain the treasures of heaven. Don’t let money stand between you and God. you can’t buy a ticket into heaven; you only have to ask in faith.

Personal Worship Option:

Think about the rich value of faith throughout this day. Give God the thanks for His indwelling, Spirit.

Daily Devotion for January 08, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Matthew 13:44.

Do you have a hiding place for your treasures, perhaps under the bed mattress? The Israelites had a history of being conquered and having all of their valuables taken by neighboring nations. Whenever war broke out and the enemy advanced, farmers would hide their valuables in a field in case their house was raided. Often, sadly, the family was killed or taken away by the invaders and their treasure remained hidden until someone might discover it years later, probably while plowing the field. 

 

Jesus used that situation as the backdrop for this parable about the kingdom. And when the man found the treasure, Jesus said he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had then bought the field. So, what is the value of the king­dom? To the one who finds it, Jesus says it is worth more than everything he or she has. Think about this: the kingdom of heaven’s value is your life, paid for by the life of Jesus. In his joy, upon finding the lost treasure that is you, Jesus went and sold all he had so that he could have you!

Personal Worship Option:

Lord Jesus, thank you that you treasure us so much that you gave your life for ours. In your name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for February 7, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Romans 12:6-8.

God has graciously gifted each of us with unique talents. Some of us are called to prophesy, others to serve, teach, encourage, or lead and there are many other gifts God has given to His people. These gifts are not ours to keep; they are meant to glorify Him. Through His guidance, we develop skills often shaped by education, training, and/or life experience. These gifts not only help us provide for ourselves but also empower us to advance His Kingdom. May we faithfully use every gift He has given to us knowing that in doing so, we reflect His glory and bring His purposes to life.

 

Personal Worship Option:

Gracious God, thank You for the gifts You have graciously given each of us. Help us to use them faithfully and in harmony with Your will, always reflecting Your goodness. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Daily Devotion for January 07, 2026

Devotion:

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Read Colossians 3:1-2.

So how are your New Year’s resolutions working out so far? My resolutions are always unnecessarily complicated. I find myself making a few resolutions at the start of the new year and then forgetting a few days later what I had resolved to do. You could say that I have a bad memory - or perhaps just lose my focus. I have found that it doesn’t hurt to be reminded occasionally about what we need to be focusing on. And that is what Paul does here in his magnificent letter to the Christian community at Colossae. He urges his readers to stay focused and keep their “eyes on the prize.” Paul writes, “…seek the things that are above, where Christ is….” (v. 1) and reiterates that in the next verse, “Set your mind on things that are above, not on the things that are on earth." (v. 2) Paul is not trying to have us exclusively heaven focused (Paul had plenty to say about our life down here!), but Paul did want the Colossians and other Christians (including us) to not lose our focus. Who do we follow? How do we live out our Christian walk? How do you plan on following Jesus this year?

Personal Worship Option:

Lord, help me to stay focused this year on the things that are important. In Jesus’ name. Amen