Daily Devotion

Matthew 22:37—40 (ESV)

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.⁸ This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.⁰ On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

Reflection

The great and first commandment in all of scripture is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind.

God wants His people first and above all to love Him with every part of their being.

Your “heart and soul and mind” describes the centers of emotion, action, and thoughts.

As we examine the great and first commandment, let’s begin to examine ourselves by letting go of our own understanding of love.

Ask the Lord to help you decrease so that we can submit to His will.

The second commandment is to love your neighbor as yourself— love others above everything.

The first and the second commandments go hand in hand. Be filled with His love and you will be able to love your neighbors. It is His love that is flowing from Him through you to others. Just remember to treat people the way you would want to be loved.

Food for Thought

• How can our devotion to God lead us to love others better?
• Study this passage on love: 1 Corinthians 13:4—8
• How can we learn to love God and others as 1 Corinthians tells us to?
• God so loved us that he gave His one begotten son so we can have eternal life. That is love and no one would do that but God. 

Prayer

Heavenly Father please forgive us for not loving you according to your Word and forgive us for not loving your people the way you do. Help us to stay humble at all times and to follow your commandments in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Submitted by Pat Odom

Matthew 10:38—39 (ESV)

And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.

Reflection

Matthew was one of the 12 apostles. He used his wisdom and insight to write this book that presents Jesus as the Messiah, documents his teachings and miracles, and demonstrates that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises to his people.

In verse 38 it says, “whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” What does that mean to be “worthy of the Lord”? Since it is about not measuring up to God’s greatness, because nobody can, this verse is referring to living in a way that reflects God’s character and grace. Colossians 1:10 adds, “so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.” In Matthew, Jesus is talking about your cross, not a real wooden instrument of execution, but more of a symbol of sacrifice and complete surrender to him. We are called to die to ourselves. Picking up your cross will not be convenient or easy.

God sent his son to die for you. His pure, perfect Prince of Peace for you! That is what your life is worth! Verse 39 says, “Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” In other words, whoever thinks they should chase after worldly idols and disregard the Lord or live for the world will not go to heaven, and whoever accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior will live forever. In return for this gift are you willing to do His work?

Food for Thought

• What does it look like for you to live a life worthy of Jesus?
• How can you find your life by losing it?
• What’s one step you can take to lose your life for Christ?

Prayer

Thank you for teaching us to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will not ours be done Lord, on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, give us this day to glorify you. Lord, forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Lord, lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Lord, we know you are the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Submitted by Koen Hofstee

Joshua 1:8—9 (ESV)

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Reflection

Soon the 2025-2026 school year will begin.  Maybe you have just moved to our area, and everything is new, and fear has crept in.  Maybe your children are starting a new school and instead of being excited with fresh energy, they find fear and anxiety about the unknown.  

Fear keeps us from doing what God has called us to do.  F E A R stands for false evidence appearing real.  When we look at Joshua 1: 8-9 it reminds us that God knows fear is a very real emotion.  God understood Joshua being afraid, but He called Joshua to not give in to his fear, to be courageous and to trust Him.  For me, I was overwhelmed with fear when my son had a very short time to live. I had already claimed this very scripture several months before and had no idea it would become my lifeline and testimony.  I wore this scripture on my wrist and around my neck.  We have a choice who or what we give the power in our lives over to.  Fear is a natural response, so we must lean into the Word of God daily.  God is not just suggesting we trust Him, He is commanding us to trust that He IS with us and WILL lead us.  Our fears will turn into joyful anticipation of what God will do and what He will accomplish through our lives. 

Food for Thought

• When have you experienced the emotion of fear? Did you take that fear to God?
• What difference did praying about your fear and turning it over to God make?

Prayer

Gracious Lord, thank you for being merciful and understanding our human emotions. We are created in your image, and You do not lead in fear. Thank you for the Holy Spirit being near and providing direction and comfort when we find emotions of any kind that overtake our mind. Please be with us as we start the new academic year and provide peace, joy, and safety for our children and their teachers. May we find joy as we anticipate what you will do in our lives. Amen!

Submitted by Rhonda Silver

2 Chronicles 34:2—3 (ESV)

 And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father; and he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet a boy, he began to seek the God of David his father, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places, the Asherim, and the carved and the metal images.

2 Kings 23:3(ESV)

And the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people joined in the covenant.

Reflection

At just eight years old, young Josiah was named the king of Judah. He inherited a land of immorality and idol worship and was called to lead a people whose hearts were far from God. Many kings before him were known for doing what was right in their own eyes, pridefully leading God’s people astray and seeking their own gain. Yet, Josiah took a different path and purposed to seek the one true God, devoting himself to “walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments.” 

His devotion to seeking the Lord led to great conviction and it all began with the Words of scripture piercing Josiah’s heart.  Devotion should welcome conviction, knowing that conviction leads to transformation. Through Josiah, the nation that had been steeped in idolatry and spiritual decay experienced miraculous transformation, renewing the covenant between God and the people.

This passage is a reminder that seeking the Lord doesn’t depend on age, background, or circumstances. Josiah didn’t wait to be older, more experienced, or for a time when it might be more convenient. He sought God earnestly and aligned his heart with God’s will. The phrase “he did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left” paints a picture of unwavering focus. In a world full of distractions and competing voices, Josiah fixed his eyes on the Lord and didn’t veer off course. That kind of steadfast devotion is what God still desires from His people today. 

Food for Thought

• When we seek the Lord, He is sure to meet us and reveal Himself to us
• How was Josiah convicted, and how can we be convicted to bring about spiritual transformation in our land?
• In this season, what would it look like to welcome conviction from God’s Word rather than resist it? What would it look like to count the cost of tearing down what the enemy has tried to build up? 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, as I open your Word, I open my heart ready to receive it. If it convicts me, I receive it. If it encourages me, I receive it. If it challenges me, I receive it. Even if it is hard to receive, let me receive it with joy. Here I am. Speak, for your servant is listening. 

Submitted by Anna Hearn

Colossians 3:12 (ESV)

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,

Reflection

Humility, from a worldly standpoint, is a modest or low view of one’s own importance. However, biblically speaking, it is recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves with a modest, selfless attitude.

As we prepare every day to start our routine with important things like emotional and physical readiness, it is also important to prepare ourselves spiritually. The virtues we see in today’s Scripture must—by the power of the Holy Spirit—be included in getting our day off and running well.  The Apostle Paul is telling us, the chosen and holy people, to be clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  This is shown by putting others before ourselves.  Jesus was a perfect example of humility. He didn’t walk on earth as a king, although He was and is the Son of God.  But instead, He came to serve others. He showed compassion for the lost and kindness everywhere He went and in every situation.

As we conclude the first week of 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, we remember Hannah and how she came to God in prayer, with humility as God’s servant, asking for Him to respond to her prayer, and in return, offering her son back to serve the Lord. She then patiently waited on God’s response. 

 Food for Thought

• During a time when you showed kindness and compassion to someone else, was the result a good one?  
• When was the last time you acted with humility, gentleness and patience?  Did it make a difference?
• How, through prayer, can you grow in this area? 

Prayer

Loving Father, we come to You, knowing that we can’t do this on our own. We need your Holy Spirit to give us the strength to live these virtues each day.   It is only through a prayerful relationship with You that we can live a life of Jesus-like humility.  Help us love each other as You love us. May we glorify You through a life of humility.  In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

Submitted by Damaris Chajon

Psalm 25:9 (ESV)

 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

Reflection

In Psalm 25, David is talking to God. He is speaking of the trust he has in God and asking God to guide him and show him His ways. He is showing his humility to God, and he is proclaiming God as his Savior. In verse 29, David says that not only does God guide the humble in what is right, but He also teaches them His way. This reveals more than just simple guidance. This verse states that the humble can be taught the ways of God. 

This verse highlights an important lesson in humility for all who seek a relationship with Christ.  Although we must want to live and serve in a way that pleases God, we must remember to avoid the sin of being prideful. We must not prioritize our own desires and achievements over God’s will. This Scripture shows us that being humble is not a sign of weakness, but rather a key to living in these ways that God teaches us.  If we can practice humility in our everyday lives, we can be rewarded with God’s guidance and teaching.

Food for thought

• What does humility mean to you?  
• In what areas of your life do you struggle with being humble? 
• How has someone else’s humility impacted you?
• How have you seen or felt God’s guidance when you have been practicing humility and living in a way that avoids prideful sin?

Prayer

 Dear Lord, we thank You for the many ways that You teach and guide us. We thank You for the gift of humility, and for helping us avoid prideful behavior.  Please continue to humble us, especially when it is most difficult for us, so that we can live out Your purpose in all aspects of this life You have given us.

 It’s in Your Son’s most holy name we pray. Amen.

Submitted by Cameron Jackman

2 Chronicles 7: 14 (ESV)

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Reflection

In today’s Bible verse, God extends a powerful invitation to His people, rooted in grace and responsibility. He calls those “who are called by His name” to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. Each of these actions reflects a heart posture that draws us closer to God—humility that sets aside pride, prayer that acknowledges our dependence on Him, seeking that reflects desire for His presence, and repentance that aligns us with His holiness. These aren’t one-time acts but a continual lifestyle that demonstrates genuine faith. God is not distant; He is attentive and responsive when His people approach Him in sincerity.

The promise that follows is profound: God will hear, forgive, and heal. This is not only personal but communal—He desires to restore entire lands, families, and nations. The characteristics highlighted in this verse—humility, prayerfulness, pursuit of God, and repentance—are marks of a transformed heart. In a world filled with noise and self-reliance, God’s people are called to return to these foundational truths. When we do, we open the door for divine restoration, not only in our lives but in the places we inhabit. God’s healing begins with our humility.

Food for thought

• Am I seeking God’s presence or just His blessings?
• Are there habits, thoughts, or attitudes I need to turn away from to walk in obedience?
• Do I truly believe that God wants to heal and restore—not just individuals, but entire communities and nations?
• How can I be part of God’s healing work in my home, church, or nation?

Prayer

Lord God, we humble ourselves before You, confessing our need for Your mercy and grace. Forgive us for our pride and sin. Teach us to pray with sincere hearts, to seek Your face, and to turn from anything that separates us from You.

Heal our hearts, our homes, and our land. Let Your forgiveness and restoration flow through us, and may revival begin in our lives today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Submitted by Austin Davidson

Through humble prayer, we have a direct and awesome connection to the God of the universe… 24/7.

Deuteronomy 4:7 (ESV)

For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him?

Reflection

What a Powerful scripture Moses is speaking to the people of Israel!  Moses is not just reminding the people of God’s Laws, but he is also explaining to them the unique relationship they have with the Lord. Moses is letting them know that the Lord our God isn’t like the other gods that the other nations serve. 

The one thing that separates the Lord our God from other gods is that He is near, and He is responsive to His people. And most of all, He is real!   What a joy to have a personal relationship and a connection with Him through humble prayer. 

 Food for thought

• What a blessing to know that we Serve a God who will walk with us, direct us, and listen to us.  How do we take full advantage of this awesome gift?
• He is always near.  This verse is a powerful reminder that God is never far off. How can we remember this when He may seem far away?
• As you read this Scripture, be encouraged to know the Creator of the Heavens and the Earth is close and attentive to His people.  Do you find strength and courage knowing this?

Prayer

Father God, I want to thank You that not only do You love me, but You listen to me. And You also respond, I pray for anyone who the enemy may be lying to and telling them that You don’t hear. I pray as they read this Scripture that they would be encouraged knowing that You are close, and that You would never leave them or forsake them. Thank You that you aren’t distant.  Thank You that You are listening and full of love. Remind us, Lord, that we are never alone and that Your presence surrounds us always.  Amen.

Submitted by Jason Bolden

Jonah 2:1 (ESV)

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish. 

Reflection

Jonah’s story reminds us that prayer doesn’t always begin in peaceful, quiet moments. It often begins from a place of desperation. Jonah ran from God’s calling and found himself in the belly of a fish.  It was literally the darkest place of his life. Yet even there, Jonah prayed. His cry from the deep was raw and honest and real.  And God heard him. Prayerfulness isn’t about polished words or perfect circumstances. It’s about recognizing that God is always near, even in our lowest moments, and He is always listening. Jonah’s prayer was the beginning of his turnaround, both physically and spiritually.

Just like with Jonah, we are invited to pray not only when we’ve done everything right, but especially when we’ve gotten it wrong. Prayerfulness in these moments is a sign of trust; trusting that God’s grace is greater than our failure and that His mercy reaches to the deepest, darkest places inside us. God doesn’t wait for us to get back on dry land to hear us.  He meets us in the mess, in the dark, in the belly of our own fish. That kind of prayerful life, marked by honesty and dependence, draws us into transformation and reminds us of God’s relentless love and grace.

Food for Thought

• Have you ever found yourself in a belly of the fish moment where prayer was all you had? What did God show you in that time?
• What keeps you from being honest in prayer during difficult or messy seasons of life?
• Is there someone you know who feels stuck or lost? How could you pray for them right now, right where they are?

Prayer

Gracious heavenly Father, thank You that no place is too far, too dark, or too messy for Your presence. Thank You for hearing us even when we’re in the deep, dark places. Teach us to be people of prayerfulness. Not just in calm, steady moments, but in crisis, confusion, and brokenness. Help us to trust You enough to pray with honesty and courage, knowing You hear and respond in love. Amen.

Submitted by Michelle Yorick

James 5:13 (ESV)

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray.

Reflection

In this section of the book of James, James shares about the power of prayer when we are suffering, sick, confused or have lost our way.  This week as we think about prayerfulness, it really isn’t just a powerful gift to talk to God when we are in trouble, it is a powerful gift for the rhythm of our lives in general.  Prayerfulness is considering God’s ideal in every situation, every struggle and in every blessing.  Prayerfulness is the daily “go to” for every decision and every direction.  There will be many changing moments in our lives.  Entering them with prayerfulness gives us better assurance that the other side of those moments are God honoring and life-giving. 

Jesus has opened up for us this dialogue with God through Him.  He wants us to be intimate and close to our Father God.  He wants us to seek His wisdom and long for His way.  God wants the best for us always.  Living prayerfully keeps us in the palm of our loving Father’s hand and in the direction of His will.

Food for Thought

• When was a time that you entered a changing moment with much prayerfulness?  What difference did it make?
• What are a couple ways you could grow in your prayerfulness with God? 
• How could you help your friends enter key moments in their lives with prayer?  Could you bring them to Jesus through prayer in their time of need or decision?

Prayer

 Gracious Father, we thank You that you have opened heaven to us and that Your ears are always open to hearing our prayer.  Make our heart tender for a deeper and more prayerful journey with You. Speak to our souls as we come to You in prayer in every moment.  Amen! 

Submitted by Pastor Craig