Daily Archives: September 27, 2026

Today in the Word

Today in the Word – Moody Bible Institute – Covenant Unfaithfulness

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Read Ezra 9:1–5

From time to time my wife and I leave our three young sons with a babysitter. On the way home I always feel the same anxiety—did our children torment this sweet girl who watched them for a few hours? I’ve never gotten a bad report, but I still worry. Ezra, unfortunately, received a bad report about the behavior of the people living in Israel.

Chapter 9 begins, “After these things had been done.” This was after the delivery of valuables and the sacrifices mentioned in yesterday’s passage—the leaders delivered their report to Ezra. “The people of Israel, including the priests and the Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the neighboring peoples with their detestable practices” (v. 1). In fact, they’ve gone so far as to take “some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons” (v. 2). What’s even worse, “the leaders and officials have led the way in this unfaithfulness” (v. 2).

Remember—God had long ago commanded the Israelites not to intermarry with the surrounding peoples. Why? Because “they will turn your children away from following me to serve other gods, and the LORD’s anger will burn against you and will quickly destroy you” (Deut. 7:4). This is how God’s people ended up in exile in the first place! Now they had disobeyed again, returning to the practices that had caused God to judge them nearly a century ago.

When he heard this report, Ezra was “appalled.” He says, “I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard” (v. 3). Then Ezra did what we’ve come to expect: “I…fell on my knees with my hands spread out to the LORD my God” (v. 5). God’s people had sinned, but Ezra remained faithful and turned to the Lord in his devastation.

Go Deeper

Why do we so quickly turn away from the Lord, even after He shows us mercy? Is there anything in your life you need to repent of today?

Pray with Us

We repent of our forgetfulness and stubbornness, Lord. We grieve that we are so quick to turn from You, even when You show Your faithfulness again and again. Please forgive us.

We have sinned, even as our ancestors did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.Psalm 106:6

 

 

 

https://www.moodybible.org/

Our Daily Bread

Our Daily Bread – Pray for Them

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Will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills 
and go to look for the one that wandered off? Matthew 18:12

Today’s Scripture

Matthew 18:10-14

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Today’s Devotion

The movie Sully depicts the heroic landing of a stalled passenger plane on New York’s Hudson River. As Captain “Sully” strode off the rescue ferry, he told an official, “I need to know who’s hurt and how badly and I need a count. One hundred fifty-five. That’s my number. That’s passengers and crew.” The man said, “Okay. How about you?” Sully replied, “I’ll answer that question when we’ve counted to one hundred fifty-five.”

Jesus is interested in a count too. He’s the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to search for the one lost sheep. When He finds it, He “is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off” (Matthew 18:13). This doesn’t mean the one lost sheep counts more than the others. But there is the joy of relief when it’s found. As Sully’s passengers rejoiced to escape almost certain death, so heaven celebrates when someone receives salvation.

Do you know any lost sheep? Anyone who seems particularly unreachable? Pray for them. Seek to share the love of Jesus with them. Don’t give up until they’re in the fold.

Sully badgered anyone who would listen, “I need a count. We’ve got to have a count.” At long last, an official entered the hospital room where Sully was being examined. He smiled. “Got a count. One hundred fifty-five.”

Reflect & Pray

Who are three people who need Jesus you could pray for on a regular basis? How might you share the love of Jesus with them?

Dear Jesus, please help me to see Your “sheep” like You see them.

Today’s Insights

Jesus’ words in Matthew 18 are a direct reflection of God’s concern for those in need of Him. The example of a shepherd searching for his lost sheep (vv. 12-14) shows the seeking nature of God. The essence of verse 14—“your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish”—is seen in 2 Peter 3:9, where Simon Peter says, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” This was Christ’s own mission in coming to this world—to seek with the heart of the Father. He said, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). As we pray for those who need Jesus, we’re joining God in His great work of rescue.

For further study, read: The Power of Prayer in Sharing the Gospel

 

 

http://www.odb.org

Days of Praise

Days of Praise – The New Creation

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by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D.

“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” (Galatians 6:15)

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, the word translated “creature” is the same as “creation.” So Paul, in our text, is stressing the vital importance of being a “new creation” in Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ is nothing less than the mighty Creator of heaven and Earth (Colossians 1:16). The very same creative power that called the universe into existence must be exerted on each lost sinner to create in him a new nature, capable of having the eternal fellowship with God for which man and woman were created in the beginning.

This new creation is not only for the purpose of saving their souls but also for transforming their lives. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Although good works can never bring salvation, salvation must inevitably bring good works, for we are thereby “created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). Paul exhorts us to continually “put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).

Adam and Eve were originally created “in the image of God” (Genesis 1:27). Although still resident in man—in fact, distinguishing him from the animals—this divine image must be renewed through saving faith in our Creator/Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Scripture reminds all true believers that they “have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Colossians 3:9–10). HMM

 

 

 

https://www.icr.org/articles/type/6

Joyce Meyer

Joyce Meyer – Never Too Late to Heal

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The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)

When you are on a journey of healing in your soul, there are times when you feel good about it because you are making progress, and there are times when you encounter setbacks and you wonder if you will ever be made whole. Sometimes the enemy tempts you to wonder if God gets frustrated or exasperated with you because you stumble on your way to healing and wholeness. Sometimes he simply plants in your mind that you have gone too far to be healed, that so much has happened that it is too late. Nothing could be farther from the truth. God is unendingly patient with you. He always loves you, always fights for you, and is always on your side, moving you forward into the very best He has for you. It is never too late to ask Him to help you. And when you ask, He answers.

God’s love never runs out, no matter what you do. It is possible to frustrate a human being to the point that he or she may back away from you for a while, but God is not like that. He always stays close. Lamentations 3:22 says His steadfast love “never ceases.” Plenty of people in Scripture struggled for long periods of time and could have lost hope, but God was always there for them. He always redeemed them and used them in spite of their past mistakes. For example:

  • Abraham and Sarah were close to 100 years old when God fulfilled a promise to them and gave them a child. After a lifetime of barrenness for Sarah, I am sure they thought it was too late for them to become parents (Gen. 21:1–7).
  • A woman suffered with a bleeding disorder for 12 years, but when she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment, she was instantly healed (Matt. 9:20).
  • A man unable to walk sat beside a pool for 38 years hoping for a miracle to restore the use of his legs. Jesus spoke a word of healing to him and he bent over, picked up his bed, and walked—immediately (John 5:1–9).
  • Jesus’ friend Lazarus was dead in a tomb for four days—not just very sick, but actually dead. Jesus went to his tomb, prayed, and called his name—and he walked out (John 11:38–44).

New beginnings and fresh starts are never in short supply with God. It is never too late for Him to heal a broken heart or restore a life that seems damaged beyond repair. No matter how long you have struggled, it is not too late to hope again. You can dust off your dreams and begin to move forward today. New mercies are waiting for you!

Prayer of the Day: Lord, I refuse to stay stuck any longer. Renew my mind, heal my soul, and help me move forward into the good plans and hopeful future You have prepared for me. You are so good to me and I love You, amen.

 

 

http://www.joycemeyer.org