Through The Bible in a Year - January 20, 2026

"Everything written in the past was written for us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." – Romans 15:4

A father stands in his kitchen early in the morning, pouring milk into his daughter's cereal bowl. And he thinks: "What's my job as a Christian parent?" The answer: Just as I'm filling up this bowl with milk, my goal is to fill up her heart with love for Jesus.

Because if her heart is full of love for her Savior, she cannot be more safe or more strong spiritually.

This isn't just true for children. It's true for every child of God. When hearts are full of love for Jesus, we cannot be more safe or more strong.

This is why we keep unfolding the beauty of God's grace throughout all of the Bible—not to earn brownie points with God, not to bribe Him with good behavior, but because the gospel of God’s goodness is fuel for our souls. When we see how great God's love is for us, how unrelenting His pardon, how He provides for people who can't provide for themselves—our hearts respond with love.

And when God says, "Will you walk with Me?" our hearts can only say, "Yes! How could I not walk with You when I've seen how beautiful and good You are?"

Respond: Who in your life needs their heart filled with love for Jesus today? A child? A spouse? A friend? A coworker? How can you point them to the beauty of Christ's love?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, make me an instrument of Your love. Help me fill others' hearts with the gospel—not just with rules and obligations, but with the stunning beauty of Your grace for people like me. Use me to point people to You, that they might be as safe and strong as possible because of the love that you have for them. Despite our sin and weakness, you have provided grace. In this reality, we know we are safe, secure and made strong for your purposes. Teach me this everyday. In Jesus name I pray, amen.