Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

Today’s Scripture

Philippians 2:1-4, 14-20

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Sometimes a bit of wisdom drops in when we least expect it. That happened recently as I was reading an article about American football player Travis Kelce. A frustrated coach once told him, “Everybody you meet in this world is either a fountain or a drain.” You can probably figure out which one Kelce was being!

Perhaps all of us have a bit of both elements in us. But at any given moment, we’re likely behaving one way or the other. And our call to follow Jesus means becoming more fountain, less drain.

I hear a similar idea in Philippians 2, where Paul challenges us to imitate Jesus’ humility and focus on others. Paul contrasts what drains life from others with what fills them up: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (vv. 3-4). A bit later in this chapter, he adds bluntly, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing” (v. 14).

What does it look like to be a drain? Being self-focused and arrogant; complaining and arguing. And being a fountain? Paul says of Timothy, “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare” (v. 20).

Are we being more like a fountain or a drain? That’s a question worth pondering as we seek to bless others.

Reflect & Pray

What can cause you to be more like a drain than a fountain in your relationships? How can you be more of a fountain to others?

Dear Father, please help me to be a fountain of life who pours encouragement and hope into everyone I encounter.

For further study, read A United Mindset.

Today’s Insights

Paul sets the context for his theme of humility early in this letter. Writing while imprisoned, he says, “All of you share in God’s grace with me” (Philippians 1:7). Being equal recipients of His grace ought to have motivated the Philippian church to “value others above [themselves]” (2:3). Key to this is the way they were to live before a watching world. By living blamelessly, they’d be “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation” (v. 15). As they lived lives of humble service to the world, they’d “shine among them like stars in the sky” (v. 15) and be fountains of encouragement.

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Who dares despise the day of small things, since [God’s] eyes . . . will rejoice when they see the chosen capstone in the hand of Zerubbabel? Zechariah 4:10

Today’s Scripture

Zechariah 4:1-10

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In 1848, engineer Charles Ellet Jr. puzzled over how to begin the process of constructing the first bridge over the Niagara Falls gorge. How would they get a cable across the river? Prompted by a dream, Charles decided to host a kite-flying contest. American teenager Homan Walsh won five dollars when his kite landed on the American side of the river. Homan’s kite string was secured to a tree and used to pull a light cord back across the river, then progressively heavier cords until heavy wire cable was in place. This was the small beginning of the construction of the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge.

The bridge’s challenges and inauspicious beginnings mirror those faced by those working to rebuild God’s temple after returning from captivity in Babylon. An angel awakened the prophet Zechariah with a message that nothing would thwart God’s work—it would all be accomplished “by [his] Spirit” (Zechariah 4:6). Some of those who’d seen the temple in its previous glory were fearful that the rebuilt version would pale in comparison (Ezra 3:12). The angel encouraged Zechariah that they shouldn’t “despise the day of small things” because God would “rejoice” in seeing the work begun (Zechariah 4:10).

Even though the tasks God has appointed to us may seem insignificant, we can be encouraged knowing He uses small things—like kite strings—to accomplish His great works.

Reflect & Pray

How does it encourage you to know that God’s works often start small? How might you trust His faithfulness?

Dear Father, thank You for being faithful to Your plans.

Today’s Insights

God is in the business of using small things to accomplish His purposes. He used a shepherd boy and a stone to slay a giant (1 Samuel 17:49-50). He used a boy’s five small barley loaves and two small fish to feed five thousand men (John 6:9). Jesus was born as a helpless baby into a poor man’s family to save the world from sin (Luke 2:7; John 3:16). He said to Zechariah, “[Do not] despise the day of small things” (Zechariah 4:10). God delights in using ordinary people like us to do great things for Him even when our tasks may seem insignificant.

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Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish. Hebrews 4:11

Today’s Scripture

Hebrews 4:1-4, 6-7, 9-11

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During a birthday party, five-year-old Mia enjoyed playing, singing “Happy Birthday,” eating cake, and watching her friend open gifts. When everyone went outside to play, Mia said, “Mom, I’m ready to go.” They thanked their host. Pulling out of the driveway, Mia’s mom asked her to share the best part of her day. “Leaving,” said Mia. Smiling, she fell asleep before they turned the corner.

Even if we don’t realize we’re exhausted, we all need physical, mental, and emotional rest. God also provides divine rest when we accept both the good news of salvation through Christ and daily spiritual rest as the Spirit enables us to live for Christ by faith. Those who place their trust in God can depend on His unending presence, unlimited power, and unchanging promises. Saved through Christ’s work on the cross, we can rest in the peace of His sufficiency (Hebrews 4:1-4). We can experience divine rest as a guarantee fulfilled eternally now and when Jesus comes again (vv. 5-8).

“Anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” (v. 10). So, secured in Christ, we can enjoy a hope-filled life of surrender and loving obedience as we trust and rely on Him. Only He can provide rejuvenating rest yesterday and today and forever.

Reflect & Pray

How does believing God enable you to rest in the surety of your salvation and rest physically, emotionally, and mentally each day? What has kept you from resting in God’s promises in the past?

Faithful God, thank You for being my enduring resting place.

Learn more about abiding in God’s peace by watching this video.

Today’s Insights

The book of Hebrews urges Jewish believers in Jesus not to abandon their faith in Him and revert to a form of Judaism that didn’t acknowledge Him as the Messiah. Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation (1:1-3)—greater than the angels (2:5, 9) and greater than Moses (3:3)—and that Israel’s Scriptures point to the fulfillment God brought through Him. In chapter 4, this theme of fulfillment is explained as the ultimate Sabbath rest, made possible through Christ, the great high priest (vv. 8-11, 14-16).

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We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 1 Timothy 6:7

Today’s Scripture

1 Timothy 6:6-12, 17-19

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It’s common for those who are traveling overseas for the first time to pack a lot of stuff. The fear is being so far from home and needing something. But a recent article speaks of the problems of overpacking. It advises leaving behind shampoo and hair dryers (which most hotels have) and not bringing extra shoes and books, which are bulky and heavy. The writer notes that when you wind up lugging heavy luggage over Europe’s cobblestone streets, you’ll wish you didn’t bring so much with you.

In a way, it’s an apt metaphor for the travel advice the apostle Paul provides: “We brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it” (1 Timothy 6:7). He ties this to the problem of possessing too much: “Those who want to get rich fall into temptation,” and he warns that extra baggage is “a trap” leading to “ruin and destruction” (v. 9). People of faith have a different travel destination where all that’s needed is provided by God—“everything for our enjoyment” (v. 17).

It might be good for us today to remember that what we accumulate in life is meaningless. We can’t take it with us. By being “generous and willing to share” (v. 18), Paul says we “lay up treasure . . . for the coming age.” This is the best travel tip of all, the secret to “life that is truly life” (v. 19).

Reflect & Pray

How might you “pack less” for eternity? What treasure might you store up for heaven?

Dear God, please help me to change anything unhealthy in my relationship with things and possessions. Help me to be generous with others.

Learn more about letting go of greed by reading this article.

Today’s Insights

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he instructs him in how to deal with false teachers (1:3-4) and to teach believers in Jesus the right doctrines so they can live lives that honor Him (4:6-7). The apostle urges believers to pursue contentment to overcome greed and materialism (6:6-10). He also warns the rich not to be proud or to trust in their wealth, but to trust only in God, who richly gives us all we need “for our enjoyment” (v. 17). Echoing Christ’s instructions to store our treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20), Paul says to use our wealth “to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share” (1 Timothy 6:18).

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My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear. Haggai 2:5

Today’s Scripture

Haggai 2:1-9

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At least he passed, Jess thought, holding the test paper. He’d been helping his son with math, but with house chores and extra work from his boss lately, studying together had been tough. Discouraged, Jess thought of his wife, who’d passed away: Lisa, you’d know what to do. I’m not as good a keeper of the home as you were.

On a bigger scale, such discouragement may well have been what Zerubbabel felt. The governor of Judah had been called by God to lead the Israelites in rebuilding the temple after captivity in Babylon. When they’d laid the foundation, “many . . . who had seen the former temple, wept aloud” (Ezra 3:12). The memory of Solomon’s glorious temple lingered again now, as construction of a smaller structure resumed. Ours isn’t as good, everyone, including Zerubbabel, must’ve thought.

“But now be strong, Zerubbabel,” God said, as He did to all involved: “I am with you . . . my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear” (Haggai 2:4-5). Zerubbabel could take heart in God’s guiding presence, bound by His covenant with them (v. 5). Also, “The glory of this present house will be greater,” God said (v. 9), pointing to when Jesus Himself would visit the temple (John 2:13-25).

We may feel discouraged in a task God calls us to do, comparing our results with those of another season. Let’s focus on His plan for this season, because the work and its purpose are His, not our own.

Reflect & Pray

What task has God given you? How can You focus on Him while carrying it out?

Dear God, please help me as I embrace the task You’ve called me to do.

For further study, read Don’t Let Your Failure Stop You from Following Jesus.

Today’s Insights

Centuries before Joshua the son of Jehozadak heard the command to “be strong” (Haggai 2:4), Joshua the son of Nun heard similar words when tasked with taking God’s people into the promised land (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9, 18). Though Moses was dead (vv. 1-2), God was alive and present. He declared, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (v. 9). People change and assignments change. But God’s plan and purpose for us doesn’t. When we’re discouraged, focusing on this truth can strengthen and embolden us for the tasks at hand.

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Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3

Today’s Scripture

Matthew 18:1-4

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Near our home is a famous garden where we often take walks with a young boy our family cares for. His favorite area is the Children’s Garden, which has a small door large enough for him to run through but small enough to force me to crouch. He laughs as I drop to my knees and wiggle through the small opening to chase him.

The small garden gate reminds me of Jesus’ object lesson in Matthew 18, where He calls a little child to His side to explain the type of person who will enter the kingdom of heaven (v. 2). It was a bold example, for in Christ’s day to be a child was to be inconsequential and overlooked. Unlike today, their opinions and desires didn’t matter. Jesus uses this description to highlight our human tendency to be noticed and seek power and influence.

Of course, Jesus wasn’t asking His disciples to become children again but rather pointing to the traits that mark those who serve him. The biggest marker is humility—the person who “takes the lowly position” (v. 4) and serves others.

The small garden door is a reminder that humility doesn’t come naturally to us. Believers in Jesus, however, are to be this way. We’re to follow our Savior, who modeled this way of living by making “himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).

Reflect & Pray

In what areas of your life do you thrust yourself to the forefront and seek to be noticed? How can you learn to live more like Jesus?

Dear Father, please forgive me for my pride and self-interest. Help me to be a little child who runs to You.

Learn more about living like Christ by reading Going the Extra Mile.

Today’s Insights

Companion passages in Mark 9:33-37 and Luke 9:46-48 shed light on today’s Bible reading from Matthew 18:1-4. Jesus and His disciples had been traveling to Capernaum on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee. When they arrived, Christ asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” (Mark 9:33). His question was merely rhetorical. He knew full well what they’d been discussing. Mark tells us that “they had argued about who was the greatest” (v. 34). In so doing, the disciples showed how badly they misunderstood what Jesus’ kingdom was about. Hence, they asked an unhelpful question: “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). It was then that Christ “called a little child to him” (v. 2). Children wielded neither the power nor the influence the disciples valued and sought. Jesus’ mission inverts our natural understanding of what’s important. He calls and helps believers in Him to be humble, like little children (vv. 3-5).

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He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6

Today’s Scripture

Philippians 1:3-11

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At the last night of summer camp, my teenage self felt conspicuous as I stood alone in a group of campers. When one of them mocked me, I felt hurt. I ran back to my tent, pretending to sleep when the group leader checked on me. The next morning I avoided her attempt to talk about it.

She later wrote to me, helping me understand that God truly cared for me. She quoted from the apostle Paul: We can be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). I felt like the apostle’s words were directed right to me.

Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, which he’d planted over a decade earlier, to encourage them to root their love for God and each other “in knowledge and depth of insight” (v. 9). God would carry on His work in and through them as He filled them “with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” (v. 11). At the time I didn’t understand the original context, but I started to comprehend that my identity as one loved by God came from knowing and accepting the love of Jesus.

God desires that we receive His love and that it would abound in us more and more. As He fills us with His joy and peace, we’ll grow in the knowledge not only of Him but of His good work in us.

Reflect & Pray

How does knowing that God will complete His work in you shape you? How can you root your identity in Christ more deeply?

Creator God, You made me and love me. Please help me look to You always for love, joy, and help.

For further study, read Remade in the Image of Jesus.

Today’s Insights

Paul writes to encourage his spiritual children whom he lovingly describes as “God’s holy people . . . who belong to Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:1 nlt). He’s praying they’ll mature in their faith and become more like Christ (vv. 9-11; see 1 Thessalonians 3:12). The apostle doesn’t simply want them to love each other; he wants them to overflow with God’s love (Philippians 1:9 nlt). Because God is love and He’s demonstrated His love by sending His Son to die for our sins, the apostle John commands us to love one another just as God loved us (1 John 4:7-12): “We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect” (vv. 16-17 nlt). Our identity as believers is rooted in knowing that God made us and loves us.

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You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Isaiah 26:3

Today’s Scripture

Isaiah 26:1-5

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My coworker made a quick call to discuss an issue. She asked how I was doing, and I admitted that I had a really painful sinus infection, and the medicine wasn’t working. My coworker simply asked, “May I pray for you?” After I agreed, she offered a thirty-second prayer to God for my healing. I admitted, “Sometimes I forget to pray. I was so focused on the pain I didn’t turn to God.”

My confession made me think about where I place my focus—on my struggles and problems or on God. On this day, my thoughts centered on the pain because of its intensity. But Isaiah 26:3 reminds us that when we keep our minds focused on God, our healer and sustainer, we can find peace: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” While the pain may not go away instantly, or perhaps ever in this life, the prophet reminds us to place our “trust in” the one who is faithful and able to provide what we need (v. 4).

This passage from Isaiah pointed the Israelites to God’s promises during and after their exile. They would sing songs of praise to Him again as they clung to their faith and hope in what He would provide (vv. 1-2). And the prophet’s words also remind us that whatever pain we may endure, we too can find comfort as we focus on trusting in God and calling out to Him.

Reflect & Pray

Where are your thoughts focused? How can you turn your concerns into praise and prayers to God?

Dear God, please remind me to keep my mind focused on You, regardless of what situations I face.

Learn more about praising God by watching this video.

Today’s Insights

Isaiah 26 begins, “In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah” (v. 1). What does “that day” refer to? By looking back at chapter 25, we find that Israel will be singing this song upon the ultimate arrival of her Messiah, declaring, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation” (v. 9). The Messiah will then deal with those who oppressed Israel and brought her great suffering (pictured by Moab). This will be fulfilled when Jesus comes to earth the second time and establishes His kingdom. As we await His return, we can also be comforted in the abiding presence of the one who promised, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

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Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! Proverbs 6:6

Today’s Scripture

Proverbs 6:6-11

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In 1692, Brother Lawrence’s work The Practice of the Presence of God was first published. In it, he described how he invited God into his mundane daily activities. Brother Lawrence’s words still challenge us to prayerfully seek God in everything we do, like mowing the yard, getting groceries, or walking the dog.

Each day, I take our dog, Winston, for a walk. My goal for him is to exercise. Winston’s goal? Sniffing everything. Calling this time “a walk” is a generous fiction. More often, we’re going for a . . . stop. Lately, instead of getting frustrated by a lack of forward progress, I’ve been asking God to help me see these moments as a reminder that life is a lot like walking a dog. We experience God’s presence as we faithfully obey Him in life’s everyday activities, including their unexpected interruptions.

In Proverbs 6, Solomon offers a similar lesson, using the everyday, humble example of the ant to call us to work faithfully: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise” (v. 6). Solomon used ants as an example of everyday, patient labor (vv. 7-8).

Our relationship with God needn’t be compartmentalized into designated “spiritual” times alone, like church or a quiet time. Instead, as we faithfully obey Him, God invites us to see His divine fingerprints throughout each day.

Reflect & Pray

When has God used something mundane to help you see Him better? In what everyday task is He calling you to be faithful?

Dear Father, thank You for reminders everywhere that You’re a part of every moment.

For further study, read Relationship or Religion? What It Means to Follow Jesus.

Today’s Insights

In Proverbs 6, the reader is warned against folly and receives a call to action: “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!” (v. 6). God calls us to be active, engaged, and industrious. An ant is all of that. Most of us have seen a line of ants scurrying about their business of searching for food and building their nest. The only other biblical reference to ants also tells us to follow the ant’s example: “Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer” (30:25). Like an ant, God desires for us to be faithful in our everyday activities. In Colossians 3:23, Paul tells us: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” In all we do, we can strive to be faithful and look for His presence throughout the day—even in our mundane tasks.

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Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesians 6:11

Today’s Scripture

Ephesians 6:10-20

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Today’s Devotional

Recently, my mom gave me a play-by-play of a surprising confrontation she saw on a live webcam feed from a watering hole in Africa. The Gemsbok, a large antelope, has horns that can be more than two feet long, making it a formidable animal that doesn’t seem to scare easily. That is, unless it comes across a group of brave and rowdy ostriches.

The lead ostrich, which was taller than its foes, shook its large feathers, roared, and stomped toward three Gemsbok, causing them to flee.

“I guess they didn’t realize how powerful their horns are,” I said to my mom.

Believers in Jesus can forget the power we have when faced with attacks from our spiritual enemy, Satan. We have the Holy Spirit who lives inside us (Romans 8:11) and the armor of God to help us: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:11). Satan wants to challenge our belief in God’s Word, question our identity in Christ, and tempt us to sin.

But we can stand strong because God’s armor includes “the belt of truth, . . . the breastplate of righteousness, . . . the shield of faith, . . . the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (vv. 14-17).

When the enemy attacks us with feelings of fear, condemnation, or despair, let’s remember we’re God’s children and are well equipped to stand strong.

Reflect & Pray

Why do you sometimes forget to use the armor of God? How can you stand firm in your battles?

Dear God, thank You for giving me Your divine protection.

Learn more about the armor of God by watching this video.

Today’s Insights

Speaking to gentile (non-Jewish) believers in Jesus (Ephesians 2:11-12), Paul uses the metaphor of a Roman soldier’s armor—compelling imagery for that audience. Although drawing on militaristic imagery to highlight a struggle against “the powers of this dark world” (6:12), the apostle also emphasizes that this isn’t a fight against human beings—“against flesh and blood”—but against “spiritual forces of evil” (v. 12). It’s a conflict in which believers follow our suffering Savior, who died out of love to reveal “the gospel of peace” (v. 15). He’s equipped us with spiritual armor (vv. 10-17) so we can stand strong when we face spiritual battles.

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When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13

Today’s Scripture

2 Timothy 4:9-13

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I recently learned that the name “CARE” package came from the acronym for “Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe,” a group that sent boxes of food to help Europeans displaced during World War II. While the care packages I send my kids at college are mostly filled with homemade treats and candy, they usually include a few practical items—a favorite shirt forgotten at home or extra school supplies.

While the name “care package” may be modern, the practice of sending helpful items is far older. It’s even tucked away at the end of 2 Timothy. Writing while imprisoned in Rome, Paul concluded his letter to his trusted disciple with some personal requests. He asked that Timothy come and bring Mark to help him (4:11). Then he requested some personal items: his cloak and his “scrolls, especially the parchments” (v. 13). Perhaps the cloak was needed because winter was coming, and maybe the scrolls contained copies of the Old Testament. Whatever the reason, Paul longed for companionship and practical items to refresh and encourage him.

Tangible reminders of care, whether the recipient lives near or far, can have a significant impact on someone in need of a little encouragement. The gift of a meal for a neighbor, a thoughtful card written to a loved one or acquaintance, or a package full of goodies sent to a faraway friend can extend God’s love in practical ways.

Reflect & Pray

When did you receive a reminder of God’s love? How did that kindness encourage you?

 Heavenly Father, please open my eyes to see who I might show Your love to.

Staying faithful can be difficult when life gets hard. Learn more by reading Finishing Well.

Today’s Insights

The unfortunate reality of Paul’s requests to Timothy for his support and care (2 Timothy 4:9-13) is that he’d experienced attack from an enemy and desertion from those whom he trusted. He writes that “Alexander the metalworker did [him] a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done” (v. 14). He then follows that with a statement of desertion: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me” (v. 16). Being alone, the apostle was very much in need of support, care, and encouragement. But with his time drawing short (v. 6), history is silent as to whether Timothy and Mark arrived in time to come to his aid before his execution took place. Today, we can ask God to show us how we can be an encouragement to others in tangible ways as a reminder of God’s love.

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Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

Today’s Scripture

Psalm 31:13-18

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Kristin’s son had died from cancer when he was just seven. Now, three years later, her older son was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Friends who were not believers in Jesus grieved with her, but they couldn’t understand why she continued to trust Christ. “How could your God allow this? Why keep believing in Him?” they asked.

For Kristin, however, it was an even stronger reason to keep believing. “I don’t understand why this is happening,” she said, “but I know God will help us through this. Only God can give me hope to keep going.”

Such a hope and trust kept King David going when he found himself in overwhelming circumstances. Surrounded by enemies seeking his destruction, he probably couldn’t understand why all this was happening to him. Yet he knew he was following a God he could trust to deliver and bless him in His time (Psalm 31:14-16). This certain hope enabled him to keep submitting to God and to say, “My times are in your hands” (v. 15). And it uplifted him, such that he could also say, “Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord” (v. 24).

In times when we feel overwhelmed and there seems little to look forward to, we know we can hang on even more tightly to God and the life-giving hope He alone provides.

Reflect & Pray

What do you need to keep going through life’s challenges? How does God’s promise of hope give you joy and strength even in hardship?

Loving Father, You know my struggles and doubts. Please give me the faith to keep trusting in You and the strength to keep going.

For further study, read A Place for Doubt in a Growing Faith.

Today’s Insights

As Jesus hung dying on the cross, He spoke the words of the Psalms. We’re familiar with those from Psalm 22:1: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (see Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). The words communicate deep pain and a kind of hopelessness in the face of utter despair. The circumstances of both David and His true heir, Jesus, led both to cry out in anguish.

But the words that Christ quotes just before surrendering to death carry a different note: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Here, He quotes David again—but the words of Psalm 31 point to an unshakable confidence in the goodness of the Father despite suffering. When we face overwhelming pain and suffering, the words of this psalm lead us to hold on to the Father just as Jesus did. We share the same hope as the Son of God.

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From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. Jonah 2:1

Today’s Scripture

Jonah 2:1-2, 7-10; 3:1-5

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Today’s Devotional

During Sunday school, my patience with three-year-old Peter was wearing thin. He was unhappy, unkind to the other kids, and absolutely refused to be content, even when we offered him the most coveted toys. My pity turned to annoyance. If he stubbornly persisted in being difficult, then fine, I’d send him back to his parents and he would miss out on all the fun.

Too often I find my compassion has conditions. If someone ignores my advice or refuses my help, then they don’t deserve it anymore. Fortunately, God doesn’t act that way toward us. The prophet Jonah experienced His great mercy after a time of stubborn disobedience when God commanded him to travel and preach to Nineveh (Jonah 1:2). Defiantly choosing the opposite direction, Jonah was caught in a terrible storm, set adrift at sea, and then swallowed by a great fish—a self-made disaster (vv. 4, 15-17). When Jonah finally “prayed to the Lord his God” (2:1), God was still listening to him, ready to forgive His reluctant prophet. Jonah was delivered from the fish and graciously given a second chance to go to Nineveh (3:1).

In little Peter’s case, a trip to the playground consoled him—a brilliant idea by a helper with more patience than I had shown. How beautiful is mercy that continually seeks us out, even in the middle of our own mess.

Reflect & Pray

Why do you sometimes struggle to offer mercy to others? When have you seen God’s love seek out even the most difficult recipients?

Dear Jesus, thank You for loving me with such long-suffering love. Teach me, please, to do the same.

God loves us, even when we tend to rebel. Find out more by reading To the Spiritual Rebels.

Today’s Insights

The prophet Jonah behaves the opposite of how we’d expect a prophet to act. He runs away from God’s call (Jonah 1:3) and resents and sulks at God’s mercy (4:2-3). Even Jonah’s prayer to God from a fish’s belly reveals a lack of self-awareness. He criticizes gentiles who cling to their idols (2:8) while describing himself as offering God praise and sacrifices (v. 9). Yet in the previous chapter, gentile seamen swiftly repented and offered God sacrifices (1:14-16), but it took Jonah longer to turn to God! Through highlighting Jonah’s flaws, the book emphasizes both the danger of spiritual pride and the wideness of God’s mercy. God hears and responds to anyone who sincerely cries out to Him, whether that’s someone others see as a pagan or a self-righteous, rebellious prophet.

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We all . . . are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Today’s Scripture

1 John 3:1-3

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Today’s Devotional

The tall passenger seemed to unfold as he stood up in the aisle of the small regional jet. Then I noticed the title of his boldly displayed book: Be Like Jesus. A few minutes later, I saw that same man push others aside to grab his bag off the waiting trolley. Be like Jesus? I didn’t know if he was truly a “brother” who knew Christ, but I was dismayed by this display of selfishness that misrepresented Jesus.

As my feet hit the escalator, I saw the man again, book cover still visible. The words then elbowed my own heart. Be like Jesus, Elisa. Don’t judge. I wondered, was my presence emanating anything of Jesus?

Becoming like Jesus is a transformational process—a metamorphosis—of God growing His character in us as we yield to His ways. Paul wrote that believers in Jesus “are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18). John marvels at how hard this is for us to understand—much less achieve: “Now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him [in purity], for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2-3).

As the escalator spilled us out, I glanced again at the book. Be Like Jesus—the words took on new meaning for me and redirected my gaze to my own heart and life.

Reflect & Pray

In what way do you long to be like Jesus? How can you cooperate with His work in your life?

Oh, God, how I want to be like You! Please have Your transformative way in my heart.

Learn more about letting God transform your heart by reading this article.

Today’s Insights

In his first letter, John carries forward many of the same themes that frequently appear in his gospel account. These include love (1 John 3:11-15; 4:7-12; see John 3:16; 15:9-13) and light (1 John 1:5-7; 2:8-11; see John 1:9-13; 8:12; 9:5), both of which have been perfectly represented in the person of the Savior, Jesus Christ. John also mirrors his gospel by opening his letter with a statement of the incarnation of Jesus—the Son of God, who has come in the flesh (1 John 1:1-4; see John 1:1-5). While John’s writings contain many eternally important ideas, the concepts of love and light continually bubble to the surface as he seeks to describe both who Christ is and what He came to bring. He’s the Son of God, who came to penetrate the world’s darkness with His perfect light and to heal the brokenhearted with His perfect love. As we yield to Him, God grows His character in us, and we become more and more like Jesus.

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The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. Zephaniah 3:17

Today’s Scripture

Zephaniah 3:14-17

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Sentenced to fifty years in a maximum-security prison, a sixteen-year-old girl sat in solitary confinement. Due to her age, she remained separated from the other inmates. For nearly a year, she had no outside visitors. During an outreach and baptism held at the facility, the guards let a ministry leader enter the girl’s cell. She heard the gospel, surrendered her life to Jesus, and asked to be baptized. At first, the team considered using water bottles, but then the prison staff shut down the entire facility and led her to a portable baptismal pool. As God’s people prayed, she wept.

Though God promises to judge those who reject Him, He also extends mercy to those who repent. He restores and protects those who trust in His name (Zephaniah 3:10-12). Repentance leads to redemption, because God Himself “has taken away” the punishment we deserve (v. 15). Hope resounds in the prophet Zephaniah’s words about God: “He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing” (v. 17).

So we can share the gospel with compassion and confidence, especially with those who may feel they’re too far from God. No matter where we are, what we’ve done, or how alone, forgotten, or unworthy we may feel, God loves and pursues us. Every person is within God’s reach.

Reflect & Pray

When have you felt too far from God? How has His mercy toward you changed your compassion toward others?

Loving God, please help me care enough to see and share You with those who need You as much as I do.

Want to do more to share your faith? Check out this testimony guide.

Today’s Insights

Zephaniah, like most biblical prophets, has words of both scathing judgment and confident hope. He describes “the day of the Lord” (see Zephaniah 1:7) as one that would be ominous not only for gentile nations but also for those in Judah who were worshiping their gods. But the final lines of the book look beyond that judgment with some of the most precious sentiments one can imagine: a God who takes “great delight in you” and “will rejoice over you with singing” (3:17). In between these two phrases we read: “he will quiet you [or be quiet] by his love” (esv). The God of justice has an affectionate and sympathetic parental love for His daughter Jerusalem in the wake of her necessary discipline. We too can be assured that no one is too far from God’s love.

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Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom. Isaiah 1:9

Today’s Scripture

Romans 9:22-29

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Charles Joughin was a sailor from the young age of eleven. He served as a baker on a number of ships and, in 1912, got hired on to a cruise ship sailing out of Southampton, England. That ship, the Titanic, hit an iceberg in the Northern Atlantic. As the ship went down, Joughin helped people into lifeboats. He himself stood atop the end of the Titanic as it sunk vertically into the water. Miraculously, he survived.

Thirty years later, during World War II, Charles was on another ship, the RMS Oregon. It was rammed by another vessel, and it also sank. Remarkably, Joughin survived again.

Scriptures tell us we’re all on a sinking ship. Paul writes, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). He refers to the rebellious nation of Israel, quoting Isaiah: “Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors, we would have become like Sodom” (Isaiah 1:9). Paul speaks of a “remnant” of Israel, a shipload of survivors: “only the remnant will be saved” (Romans 9:27). How are they saved? By receiving the good news (10:16). You see, we’re all like Israel, drowning in our sin. None of us can be rescued unless we receive the good news. The lifeboat that God throws out to us all is Jesus.

We who believe in Jesus might need to be reminded of the remarkable truth that we are, by God’s mercy, survivors. Those who haven’t yet found Jesus in the troubled waters of life might do well to climb in the lifeboat.

Reflect & Pray

When have you felt like you’re drowning in life? How do you understand God’s offer of a lifeboat?

Dear God, thank You for Your mercy and rescue.

For further study, read What’s Wrong with the Sinner’s Prayer?

Today’s Insights

In Romans 9:22-29, Paul reveals the depth of God’s mercy against the backdrop of divine sovereignty. Though God has every right to display His wrath and power, He instead chooses to show immense patience, even toward those who oppose Him. This patience paves the way for mercy, as God calls not only the Jews but also the gentiles, creating a new people belonging to Him. The apostle draws from Hosea to emphasize that God’s saving grace reaches beyond human expectation: Those once considered “not my people” are now beloved children of God (Romans 9:25; Hosea 2:23). Salvation isn’t earned but freely offered, and God’s mercy isn’t limited by ancestry or status. We’re all drowning in sin, but God offers salvation through Jesus to all who believe (Romans 10:13).

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They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. Revelation 21:3

Today’s Scripture

Revelation 21:1-4

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Blaise Pascal famously said there’s an “infinite abyss” inside us that only an infinite God can fill. “You have made us for yourself, O Lord,” Augustine prayed, “and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” As David put it, like thirsty people in the desert, our whole being “longs” for God (Psalm 63:1).

Surprisingly, however, it isn’t only humans that experience longing. God does too. While the infinite God of the universe needs nothing outside Himself to be fulfilled, the Bible says He “longs” to have us back when we stray (James 4:4-5), and repeatedly says He wants a people to call His own (Exodus 6:7; Hebrews 8:10).

For thousands of years this longing has fueled God’s missionary endeavors: sending prophets to win back His straying people and ultimately sending His Son to find His lost sheep (Isaiah 30:18; Luke 19:10). The good news is that in the end, this longing will be fulfilled. “They will be his people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God,” and God and human beings will dwell together (Revelation 21:2-3).

Humans long for God, and no substitute will satisfy. God longs for humans, and no substitute will do. So no wonder there’s rejoicing in heaven when one sinner repents (Luke 15:7). When we run to God’s open arms, everyone is fulfilled.

Reflect & Pray

How do you feel about God “longing” for you? How can this encourage you when you need to repent for doing wrong?

Heavenly Father, thank You for passionately longing for me to know You.

Today’s Insights

After God created the heavens and the earth, He placed Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. But then they sinned, and pain, strife, and death were the result (Genesis 1-3). In Isaiah, the prophet declares that God will one day create “new heavens and a new earth” where “the former things will not be remembered” (65:17; see also 66:22). Later, Peter wrote of “a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). In Revelation 21, John has a vision of this new heaven and new earth, where they’ll be “no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (v. 4). In this vision, Jesus—“he who was seated on the throne” (v. 5)—declares, “those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children” (v. 7). God rejoices when we repent of our sin and seek forgiveness. Those who do will enjoy this new earth with Christ for all eternity.

Visit go.odb.org/012226 to learn more about the book of Revelation.

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A well-to-do woman . . . urged [Elisha] to stay for a meal. 2 Kings 4:8

Today’s Scripture

2 Kings 4:8-10, 14-17

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Up early, Sara wrote her to-do list for the day. But she was interrupted with a request from a young, struggling family. They desperately needed a gas card from church to be delivered to them. Sara was busy but knew God wanted her to do this. So she agreed to drop it off at the hotel where the church was having them stay for a few weeks. She got the card and checked the address—the drive was farther than she’d anticipated, so she complained to God, It’s going to take too much gas to get this to them!

Sara sensed these words in her spirit: Haven’t I provided for you? She replied, Yes, God, You have. Forgive my attitude. When she arrived, she found the couple, gave them the card, and held their baby. Sara thanked God on her drive home for blessing her with this simple, yet joyful opportunity.

In Elisha’s travels to Shunem in Israel, he found a woman who had a servant’s heart toward him. She urged Elisha “to stay for a meal,” so he often “stopped there to eat” (2 Kings 4:8). She and her husband even built him a room so whenever he came to their town, he’d have a place to stay (vv. 9-10). God graciously chose to bless them through Elisha’s prophecy of a child (v. 16).

Whether serving a prophet of God or a homeless family, when we’re open to God’s plan and defer to His to-do list, God delights to bless our hearts with joy.

Reflect & Pray

What interruption might be God’s plan for you? How can you serve in ways that are best for others?

Dear God, please open my heart to hear Your voice and serve as You lead.

For further study, read When He Was Gone.

Today’s Insights

Elisha usually takes a back seat to the more celebrated Elijah, yet Elisha’s ministry was both powerful and profound. He experienced a divine interruption when Elijah abruptly cast his cloak upon him—signifying he was being called to follow and be trained for service (1 Kings 19:19-21). In the midst of plowing his family’s fields, the trajectory of Elisha’s life was changed as he not only followed Elijah, but he used the yoke and oxen to make a sacrificial offering, apparently as a statement of his commitment to follow the prophet. He enjoyed a much longer ministry than Elijah, and by the power of God performed more miracles than that of his mentor. Today, we can ask God to help us be open to His plans for us as we look for ways to serve others.

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The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts 11:26

Today’s Scripture

1 Peter 4:12-19

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The owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks offered a Chicago sports-talk host $100,000 to legally change his name to “Dallas Maverick.” In addition, he said he would donate $100,000 to the man’s favorite charity. After some soul-searching, the radio host held firm and told the owner no. He explained, “I’d be saying I’d do anything for money, and that bothers me. My name is my birthright. I’d like to preserve my integrity and credibility.”

Just as the radio host’s name is his birthright, early believers in Jesus took on the name “Christian” as their spiritual birthright. Barnabas and Saul ministered a year in Antioch, and through the preaching of the good news, the church grew. The early believers in Antioch lived so much like Christ that people who didn’t believe in Jesus—called them “Christians” (Acts 11:26). So “Christians” were those who belonged to Christ. Bearing that name ultimately became a source of persecution. But Peter encouraged believers to “not be ashamed” of their birthright and of suffering for bearing that name (1 Peter 4:16).

For those who believe in Jesus, “Christian” is our birthright, and no amount of money, suffering, or abuse should cause us to compromise that name. We have a responsibility, as God provides what we need, to live every day to bring honor to the name of Christ.

Reflect & Pray

When people hear the name “Christian,” what do you think fills their thoughts? What does it mean for you to be called a Christian?

Dear Jesus, please help me to live in a way that honors Your name.

Learn more about Jesus’ teachings by reading Echoes of the Sermon on the Mount.

Today’s Insights

For gentile converts, the experience of being persecuted would’ve been a new and likely shocking experience. The Jewish people had experienced generations of suffering as a minority culture group and had therefore developed ways of understanding suffering and even dying for their faith. But the gentiles had been completely at ease with and accepted in their culture before their conversion to belief in Jesus. Experiencing suffering might have even caused them to doubt the truth of the gospel if they thought God’s favor should lead to their prosperity. To address this, the apostle Peter emphasizes that there’s nothing “strange” (1 Peter 4:12) about suffering for Christ. Instead, those who bear His name could view suffering for Him as a way of participating in His own suffering and could eagerly wait for the day they’d share in His glory too (vv. 13-14). As believers in Jesus, we belong to Him, and God will help us live in a way that brings honor to His name.

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God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Acts 10:34-35

Today’s Scripture

Acts 10:30-35, 39-43

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London is a cosmopolitan city, with people from many nations living side by side. This coming together of people from around the world can bring richness—including amazing food—but also challenges. For instance, I was saddened that friends from one European country felt they were the least respected in London because their country had been admitted to the European Union more recently. They felt overlooked, blamed for problems, and resented for the jobs they secured.

Since God doesn’t show favoritism, neither should we. He breaks down barriers between people. We see His Spirit at work in Peter’s vision while praying on the rooftop, and how Peter was called to minister to Cornelius, a God-fearing gentile. God helped Peter evaluate the Jewish regulations about not associating with gentiles. The apostle listened and went to Cornelius’ home to share the good news of Jesus. He said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35).

Those who follow Jesus are called to love and serve all those who are made in the image of Christ. Part of that mission is to not to show favoritism for people from certain nations or with particular skin colors. May we learn to seek justice and to defend the oppressed as God guides us (Isaiah 1:17).

Reflect & Pray

Why do you think God breaks down barriers between people of different nations? How could you speak out for the oppressed?

Dear God, please help me make a difference for You in my community.

God longs to use us to reach the nations. Learn more by reading The Impact of Obedience on God’s Administration of Grace.

Today’s Insights

In Acts 10, Peter’s response to God’s command contrasts with that of the prophet Jonah. God commanded both the wayward prophet and Peter to take His words to non-Jewish people. Jonah fled by way of Joppa so that he didn’t have to obey (Jonah 1:3), but Peter, while in Joppa, listened and headed straight to Cornelius (Acts 10:23-24). Jonah responded to God’s outpouring of compassion with anger (Jonah 4:1), but Peter allowed his heart and mind to change in light of God’s acceptance of the outsider (Acts 10:34, 44-48). Believers in Jesus are called to love everyone without favoritism, for we’re all made in the image of God.

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