Through The Bible in a Year - January 19, 2026

"Sin shall no longer have dominion over you." – Romans 6:14

Yes, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but God sent a redeemer.

Here's what Satan tends to whisper in your ear: "You're a mess and you can't be fixed. This is part of your genetics. This is your family background. This is your habit for decades. You can't change."

That is a lie.

If you are in Christ, you are a new creature. Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world. The Holy Spirit is greater than Satan’s influence in the world. You are no longer a slave—sin no longer has dominion over you. You have been given power you never had before, because you're not just fallen. If you are a child of God, through the work of Jesus Christ, you are redeemed.

Now, if you don't believe you can have victory, you've already lost the battle. But when you believe what God says—that He's provided His people, His Word, His Spirit, and resources you need to have spiritual victory—then you begin to have hope. And the joy of the Lord is your strength.

So why do we still sin? Because we love the sin. If sin didn't attract us, it would have no power over you. We love the lust, the control, the reputation, the position. And so we give sin power over us that it wouldn’t have if we weren’t longing for those things that God doesn’t mean for us to have.

But here's the beautiful truth: We can displace love for sin with a greater love. We love because He first loved us. When our hearts are filled with love for Christ, we want to walk with Him.

Respond: What sin has held power in your life because you've believed the lie that you can't change? Today, declare the truth: "I am no longer a slave. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I reject the lie that I'm stuck, that I can't change, that sin will always have dominion over me. Thank You that in Christ, I am a new creature with new power. Fill my heart with love for Jesus—a love so great it displaces my love for sin. I am no longer a slave. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 19, 2026

"Sin shall no longer have dominion over you." – Romans 6:14

Yes, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but God sent a redeemer.

Here's what Satan tends to whisper in your ear: "You're a mess and you can't be fixed. This is part of your genetics. This is your family background. This is your habit for decades. You can't change."

That is a lie.

If you are in Christ, you are a new creature. Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world. The Holy Spirit is greater than Satan’s influence in the world. You are no longer a slave—sin no longer has dominion over you. You have been given power you never had before, because you're not just fallen. If you are a child of God, through the work of Jesus Christ, you are redeemed.

Now, if you don't believe you can have victory, you've already lost the battle. But when you believe what God says—that He's provided His people, His Word, His Spirit, and resources you need to have spiritual victory—then you begin to have hope. And the joy of the Lord is your strength.

So why do we still sin? Because we love the sin. If sin didn't attract us, it would have no power over you. We love the lust, the control, the reputation, the position. And so we give sin power over us that it wouldn’t have if we weren’t longing for those things that God doesn’t mean for us to have.

But here's the beautiful truth: We can displace love for sin with a greater love. We love because He first loved us. When our hearts are filled with love for Christ, we want to walk with Him.

Respond: What sin has held power in your life because you've believed the lie that you can't change? Today, declare the truth: "I am no longer a slave. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I reject the lie that I'm stuck, that I can't change, that sin will always have dominion over me. Thank You that in Christ, I am a new creature with new power. Fill my heart with love for Jesus—a love so great it displaces my love for sin. I am no longer a slave. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 19, 2026

"Sin shall no longer have dominion over you." – Romans 6:14

Yes, “…all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” but God sent a redeemer.

Here's what Satan tends to whisper in your ear: "You're a mess and you can't be fixed. This is part of your genetics. This is your family background. This is your habit for decades. You can't change."

That is a lie.

If you are in Christ, you are a new creature. Greater is He who is in you than he that is in the world. The Holy Spirit is greater than Satan’s influence in the world. You are no longer a slave—sin no longer has dominion over you. You have been given power you never had before, because you're not just fallen. If you are a child of God, through the work of Jesus Christ, you are redeemed.

Now, if you don't believe you can have victory, you've already lost the battle. But when you believe what God says—that He's provided His people, His Word, His Spirit, and resources you need to have spiritual victory—then you begin to have hope. And the joy of the Lord is your strength.

So why do we still sin? Because we love the sin. If sin didn't attract us, it would have no power over you. We love the lust, the control, the reputation, the position. And so we give sin power over us that it wouldn’t have if we weren’t longing for those things that God doesn’t mean for us to have.

But here's the beautiful truth: We can displace love for sin with a greater love. We love because He first loved us. When our hearts are filled with love for Christ, we want to walk with Him.

Respond: What sin has held power in your life because you've believed the lie that you can't change? Today, declare the truth: "I am no longer a slave. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world."

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I reject the lie that I'm stuck, that I can't change, that sin will always have dominion over me. Thank You that in Christ, I am a new creature with new power. Fill my heart with love for Jesus—a love so great it displaces my love for sin. I am no longer a slave. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 16, 2026

"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." – Romans 3:23

Here's what we learn when we put on our gospel glasses and read all of Scripture: We are fallen creatures in a fallen world. Our whole nature is undone—physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually. Everything is broken in every dimension.

This isn't just about being a little flawed or needing some improvement. The Bible is clear: we are not our own redeemers. We cannot make a way out of this mess of the world we are in and the world we make.

For 1,500 years, God demonstrated this to His people. He says, “Pick the strongest, handsomest king.” That doesn’t work to redeem God’s people. “Send prophets to instruct the kings.” The people kill the prophets. “Establish a priesthood and sacrifices.” The priests steal the sacrifices. “Give the law.” Does that help? No, the people don't obey the law.

Over and over, God says: "You need a better king, a better prophet, a better priest, a better sacrifice, a better law-keeper." It’s not your strength, cleverness, or your best effort that makes you right with God. You need someone else.

This isn't depressing news—it's liberating news. Because once you stop trying to be your own savior, you're finally ready to receive the Savior God has been providing all along.

Respond: What area of your life are you still trying to fix on your own? What sin, struggle, or situation are you treating as if you're strong enough, clever enough, or good enough to handle it by yourself? Today, admit: "I am not my own redeemer. I need Jesus."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I confess I keep trying to save myself. I act like I'm strong enough, wise enough, good enough to fix my own mess. Forgive me. Thank You that You came to be the Redeemer I desperately need. Help me rest in Your finished work, not my failing efforts. In Your name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 15, 2026

"I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel." – Genesis 3:15

At the battlefield of Waterloo, where Napoleon once was defeated by the armies of Europe, there's a massive earthen mound with an observation deck on top. From that vantage point, you can see the entire battlefield—where the infantry met, where the cavalry waited, where the artillery was positioned. Every piece of the battle makes sense when you see it from above.

Genesis 3:15 is the observation deck over the rest of Scripture. It's the first gospel promise, right in the middle of humanity's greatest mess. God looks at fallen creation and fallen creatures and says, "This is not the end of the story. One will come from the woman's offspring. He will crush the serpent's head, though Satan will wound His heel."

This is the promise that helps everything else make sense. From this vantage point, you can look across all of Scripture and see God's unfolding plan of redemption. Creation—everything is good. Fall—everything is broken. Redemption—God is pursuing His plan to restore. Consummation—God makes everything right.

Between the fall and the final consummation, when everything is restored and made better, God spends the entire Bible showing us that we need a Redeemer. Kings don't work. Prophets get killed. Priests fail. Sacrifices aren't enough. The law can't be kept. For 1,500 years, God keeps signaling: "Not this, not this, not this—but THIS." So when Jesus comes, we know who He is and what He must do.

Respond: When you read Scripture, are you looking for random moral tales, or are you standing on the observation deck seeing God's unfolding grace? Today, read one complete Bible story with your "gospel glasses" on, Ask the question, "What in this text is God revealing about Himself, and what am I learning about my need for a Redeemer?" We should pray in the reality that God is using the whole of scripture to reveal our need of Him, and his provision of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, thank You for not leaving us in the mess of Genesis 3. From the very beginning, You promised a Redeemer. Help me see all of Scripture as Your relentless pursuit of Your people. Give me gospel glasses to see Your grace unfolding in every passage. I pray this In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 14, 2026

"Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven." – 1 Corinthians 15:49

We are all "glorious ruins." Like ancient Roman colonnades covered in vines—still beautiful, but clearly damaged. God looks at humanity in our fallen, broken state and says, "You’re not a mistake. You are mine" He says, "You are made in my image. There may be much ruined in you and about you, but you are still glorious to me. "

This is a most profound truth? Damage does not mean done.

Your psychological struggles don't disqualify you. Your aging body doesn't diminish your worth. Your past sins don't erase God's image in you. The ways you've been hurt or broken don't make you disposable. You are still precious to God.

Why? Because God's image in you is indestructible. It cannot be erased by sin, diminished by disability, or destroyed by disease. And more than that, you are destined for glorious restoration.

The Bible promises that when Christ returns, "we shall be like Him." What you shall be has not yet been fully revealed, but this we know: you will bear the image of the man of heaven. Perfect. Redeemed. Restored. Whole.

So when you look at yourself with all your damage and difficulty, remember: this is not the final chapter. There is glory to come. For a glorious ruin like me and you, that is a wonderful assurance.

Respond: What part of your life feels like a ruin right now? Your health? Your mind? Your relationships? Your past? Bring it to God and hear Him say: "You're mine. Damage does not mean done. I have a plan for your glorious restoration. You are made in my image and I will perfect that in you, in my time."

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for seeing me as a glorious ruin—broken but beautiful, damaged but destined for restoration. When I despair over what's been lost or broken in my life, remind me that You are not finished with me. You're making all things new, and that includes me. Help me live with hope until Jesus returns. I pray this is His name, Amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 13, 2026

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you?" – 1 Corinthians 6:19

In Flannery O'Connor's short story, a nun warns her students: "Girls, your bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit." Most of the girls mock and laugh as they leave. But one young woman—already used and hurt by boys—walks apart from the others with tears of joy and whispers, "My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. I have been designed by God to receive and to reflect His glory."

Our secular culture says, "Fate, not God, has given us this flesh, so we may do with it as we see fit." It sounds freeing, but it leads to endless questioning: Am I okay? Do I measure up? The comparison game never ends.

But God has a different message: Your body is not raw material to use, abuse, or neglect as you see fit. You are designed with purpose, with order, with intention. You are made in God's image to reflect His glory.

This doesn't mean you're perfect or that your body won't face challenges in a fallen world. But it does mean you are precious, purposeful, and designed to be a dwelling place for God's Spirit.

Respond: How do you view your body? As something to criticize and fix? As a tool to gain approval? Or as a temple designed by God? Today, thank God for creating you with purpose and ask Him to help you steward your body as something sacred.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the ways I've mistreated, neglected, or despised the body You gave me. Thank You that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, designed to be Your temple. Help me honor You with my body—not from shame or comparison, but from gratitude and worship. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 12, 2026

"God created man in his own image...male and female he created them." – Genesis 1:27

Notice what God establishes first: His image. Notice what comes later: everything else.

Image comes before gender — either male or female. Both equally bear God's image. Image comes before marriage. That means you are whole and complete, whether single or married. Image comes before age, weight, or appearance. God never tells us Adam's perfect age or size. Image comes before jobs and careers. Occupations don't appear until Genesis 4. Image comes before race and ethnicity. Nationalities aren't mentioned until Genesis 10.

What does this order mean and why does it matter? It means that God is establishing what determines value before anything else: simply being human. It’s not your marital status, appearance, career success, or ethnic background. Just your humanity is what establishes you as one made in God’s image.

In a world that constantly tells you to prove your worth through performance, appearance, relationships, or achievements, God says: "You're valuable because you're made in my image. Period. I made you to reflect my glory, my nature and character, and because that is true of you, you are precious to me."

This means singles are whole, not incomplete. The elderly are precious, not disposable. Those with disabilities are image-bearers, not broken mistakes. Every race and ethnicity reflects God's glory. Your job title doesn't determine your worth. God’s image determines your worth, and you are precious to Him.

Respond: Which cultural message about worth have you believed instead? That you need the right appearance, relationship status, career, or achievement to matter? Today, reject that lie and embrace this truth: you are made in God's image, and that alone establishes your value.

Prayer: Creator God, thank You for establishing my worth before I did anything, achieved anything, or became anything. Help me stop chasing the world's standards for value and rest in Your design. I am made in Your image—that is enough. Teach me to see others this way too. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 9, 2026

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them."– Genesis 1:27

This is perhaps the hardest application of Genesis 1:26-27: seeing God's image in people who hurt you.

When someone criticizes you unfairly, speaks sarcastically, or bludgeons you with words—it's incredibly difficult to remember they're made in God's image. Behind the accusing eyes, beneath the ugly words, there remains the image of God that you are called to regard with dignity and respect.

Not because you like their words. Not because you think they're right. But because being human means being made in God's image—and that's inseparable from their existence.

This is true in marriage when your spouse wounds you. It's true in church when someone attacks your character. It's true in your neighborhood with difficult people. There's no reason to regard them with respect or care except this one thing: they are made in God's image.

God may even be speaking truth to you through them, however imperfectly delivered. In their brokenness and blame, God might be saying, "I'm in this person. Listen. Remember what I have made and value my image in them."

Respond: Who in your life is hardest to see as made in God's image right now? Ask God to help you see past the behavior to the image-bearer beneath—and to show you if there's any truth you need to hear.

Prayer: Lord, this is so hard. Help me see Your image in people who hurt me, who criticize me, who treat me unkindly. Give me the grace to respond with dignity even when I don't receive it. Show me how to love my enemies and pray for those who use me despitefully, because they too are made in Your image. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 8, 2026

"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.'" – Genesis 1:26

When NFL kicker, Cody Parkey, missed the game-winning field goal, sports talk radio exploded in rage when he said, "Football is what I do. It is not who I am." How dare he separate his performance from his identity!

But Parkey understood what the radio commentators did not: what you do doesn't define who you are as a Christian. Your success or failure, your career accomplishments, others' opinions of your performance—none of these determine your value.

You are made in the image of God. That reality is inseparable from your humanity. It doesn't change when you succeed, and it doesn't disappear when you fail. When circumstances abandon you, when success eludes you, when people criticize or reject you, this remains true: you bear God's image.

This isn't just helpful theology for a sermon—it's soul health for your hardest moments. When people think you're foolish, wrong, or a failure, when they're ready to write you off, you can stand firm saying, "My identity is not in my job, my performance, or others' opinions. It is in Jesus Christ. I am made in God's image."

Respond: What area of your life are you allowing to define you? Your career? Your relationships? Your accomplishments? Others' opinions? Today, with the authority of scripture, declare: "This is what I do. It is not who I am. I am made in God's image."

Prayer: Father, forgive me for finding my identity in what I do rather than who You've made me to be. When success abandons me and opinions assault me, anchor me in this truth: I am made in Your image, precious to You regardless of performance. Help me live from this secure identity today. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 7, 2026

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." – Genesis 1:1
"Behold, I am making all things new." – Revelation 21:5

If you can accept Genesis 1:1—that there was a first creation—then you can accept Revelation 21 – that there will be a second creation, a new heaven and a new earth where death is no more, where tears are wiped away, where pain is gone forever.

This is the hope that sets Christianity apart from every other worldview. Without a Creator, this creation is all there is. You're confined by physics, biology, and chance until whatever your end may be. But with a Creator who makes things out of nothing, everything changes.

When you cry, "God, I need forgiveness," He says, "I'm the Creator. I can grant that."
When you plead, "Lord, I need help with my weakness," He says, "I'm the Creator. I can do that."
When you ask, "God, is there hope beyond death?" He says, "I'm the Creator. I can do that."

He proved it by raising Jesus from the dead. The same creative power that spoke galaxies into existence, can and will, make you new, as He did Jesus.

Respond: Bring your biggest need to the Creator today. Whatever seems impossible, remember: He specializes in making something out of nothing. He will make all things new.

Prayer: Creator God, I come to You with all my impossibilities. You made the universe from nothing; You raised Jesus from death. I believe You can handle what I'm facing. Make me and my circumstances new. Give me hope. Show me that nothing is too hard for You. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly to make everything new again, as you know is best. I pray this is in Your name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 6, 2026

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." – Genesis 1:1
"What is man that you are mindful of him?" – Psalm 8:4

Here's what should absolutely astound us: the God of millions of galaxies and billions of stars chose to reveal Himself to us. He did not have to. He could hide behind the cosmos. He could play in another universe. But instead, He says, "Let me tell you about myself."

When you consider the magnitude of what we know about the universe, the psalmist's question becomes even more profound: "When I look at the heavens, Lord, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?"

Who are you that the Creator of supernovas and spiral galaxies pays attention to you? Yet, despite your thinking that you are nothing in comparison to such grand things, God thinks of you. He reveals Himself through His Word. He sent His Son. He knows your name, your fears, and your needs. This is not a distant, indifferent deity—this is a caring Father.

Respond: The God who set the stars in place is mindful of you today. What do you need to tell Him? He’s your father and He's listening.

Prayer: Caring Father, I am amazed that You notice me. Among billions of galaxies and billions of people, You know my name and my heart. Thank You for not hiding behind Your creation but revealing Yourself to me. Help me know You more deeply. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 5, 2026

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." – Genesis 1:1

God didn't just create with His power—He created with precision. The universe operates with such exact coordination that even minor changes would make life impossible. If the Earth were a few miles closer to the sun, we'd burn. A few miles farther, we'd freeze. If your blood were slightly thinner, you'd hemorrhage. Slightly thicker, you'd die of stroke.

From the cosmic level down to the microscopic machines inside your cells, everything is "just right." This isn't random chance—it's the intelligent design of a wise Creator.

The same God who calibrated the perfect distance between Earth and the sun knows exactly what you need today. He coordinates seasons, harvests, and heartbeats. Your life is not left to random chance—you're held by wisdom beyond comprehension.

Respond: Look for three examples today of God's wise design—in nature, in your body, in the way that seemingingly random circumstances have unfolded for good. Thank Him for His attention to detail.

Prayer: Wise Creator, You designed the universe with perfect precision, and You've designed my life with the same care. Help me trust Your wisdom when I don't understand Your timing or Your ways. You see what I cannot. Help me to trust in that. In Jesus' name I pray, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 2, 2026

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." – Genesis 1:1

The Hebrew word for "created" is barah—it doesn't mean assembled or built. It means to originate, to bring something out of nothing. God didn't work with pre-existing materials. He spoke, and galaxies came into being.

Consider the magnitude: scientists tell us the observable universe is 46 billion light-years across, containing more stars than all the grains of sand on all the beaches of the world. Some stars are as large as our entire solar system. And God made it all from nothing.

If God has that kind of power, what kind of problems are you facing that are too big for Him? The God who created billions of galaxies out of nothing can certainly handle your situation and mine. He specializes in making something where there seems to be nothing that could be done.

Respond: Name one "impossible" situation in your life. Now remember, the God who created the universe from nothing is listening to your prayers and He can change everything, taking nothing and making it into something that is blessed.

Prayer: Powerful Creator, I confess that sometimes my problems feel bigger than You. Forgive my small view of Your power. You spoke galaxies into existence—surely You can bring hope into my situation. I bring You my impossibilities today, trusting in Your creative power. In Jesus' name, amen.

Through The Bible in a Year - January 1, 2026

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." – Genesis 1:1

Notice what this verse doesn't say. It doesn't say "In the beginning, God began." When our beginning occurred, God already was. His existence predated even the beginning itself.

Psalm 90:2 puts it beautifully: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God." The walls of time are pushed back—both past and future—to reveal a God who has no beginning and no end.

Why does this matter for your life today? Because when God promises, "I so loved the world that I gave my only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life," that promise is reasonable. An eternal God can give eternal life. He's not bound by time, and neither is His love for you.

Respond: What situation in your life feels temporary or hopeless? Remember that the eternal God is not limited by time. He sees the beginning and the end, and He holds your story in His hands.

Prayer: Eternal God, when I'm anxious about tomorrow or burdened by yesterday, remind me that You exist outside of time. You were there before my problems began, and You'll be there long after they end. Help me rest in Your eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.

Daily Devotion - December 31, 2025

I will show my love to the one I called “Not my loved one.” I will say to those called “Not my people,” “You are my people”; and they will say, “You are my God.’ (Hosea 2:23 NIV)

For well-known author Anne Lamott, life was full of sinful pursuits and relational ruins. In so many ways, she was seeking God in all the wrong places. She wrote about her journey toward faith and how she came to understand God’s grace. 

When her despair caused her to ask a pastor what it meant to be “saved,” he gave this answer: “It’s like discovering you’re on the shelf of a pawnshop – dusty and forgotten and not feeling very worthy, when Jesus walks in and says, I’ll take her place on the shelf – let her go out in the sun.”

Ann Lamott is still on a journey of faith. Those who know her life acknowledge it has lots of twists and turns. But through that pastor, she started down a new path toward a new life in the sun.

God used her destitution and despair not only to reveal the futility of past paths, but also that he is willing to take those who think of themselves as “Not God’s people,” and make them his.  

That’s the same message for us. Jesus took our place in the darkness and dirt of the cross and put us on a new path in his light. So, even if we think of ourselves as “Not God’s loved one,” when we say, “You are my God,” he says, “You are mine.” 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for taking me off a dusty shelf and putting me in the sunshine of your grace! I praise you that when I thought I was “Not your loved one,” Jesus took my place so that you now say to me, “You are mine.”

Daily Devotion - December 30, 2025

Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. (Psalm 139:16)

Have you ever faced a trial and thought, “This is because I have not done enough for God.” You’re not alone. My missionary friend, Ricky Grey, confessed to having the same thoughts when his child was born with multiple medical concerns. 

Ricky wrote of how every medical setback led to him and his wife wondering whether their righteousness and repentance were enough. The questioning was leading the parents into a dangerous quandary of wondering whether to blame themselves or God for their child’s struggles. 

Then the Lord turned their hearts back to the truth of the gospel. We will never be right with God by depending on what we do, but by trusting in what Jesus has done for us. When we trust in the sufficiency of his work on our behalf, then we need not doubt him or blame one another for the troubles of a fallen world. 

We trust the Good Shepherd to carry us through dark valleys of this world because he has proven his care, giving us access to it by his cross. Now nothing enters lives hedged about by the grace of Christ except what is eternally best for us and our families. 

We don’t trust our goodness to insulate us against all earthly trials, we trust the goodness of Jesus to take us through them to himself. 

Prayer: Father, I know we live in a fallen world that you will someday make right. Through the grace unquestionably revealed at the cross, teach me to trust your sovereign love through inevitable trials until Jesus comes or takes me home!

Daily Devotion - December 29, 2025

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut. 31:6)

A generation ago, the captivity of some American hostages in Iran had stretched into the Christmas season. Bowing to political pressures, the terrorists allowed the hostages to celebrate Christmas together with TV cameras rolling. That’s when hostage Kathryn Koob, an American embassy worker, softly sang “Away in a Manger.”  

The last verse, sung in the terrorists’ presence, was the most poignant: “Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask thee to stay close by me forever and love me, I pray.”

 The words conveyed the hope and courage that is available to Christians in all generations and circumstances. It is the strength that comes from knowing that our God is always with us. 

Jesus came to this earth to be with us despite our sin, and he sent the Holy Spirit to abide with us until he comes again. He will never leave us or forsake us. We can face the greatest of trials or terrors with assurance that nothing separates us from his love. 

Circumstance will change, his love will not. Trials will vary, his presence will not. Problems will pass, his purposes will endure. He is near. So, take courage.

Prayer: Lord, you are with me through hardships. With you I can face anything. You will never leave or forsake me! So, give me strength from trusting your constant presence.

Daily Devotion - December 26, 2025

You have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. (Col. 3:9-10)

What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ? One dimension of this new reality is how the Holy Spirit works inside of us to teach, train, and rewire our minds for growth and maturity. 

The supernatural rewiring of the Holy Spirit reminds me of the electric trains I played with as a child. When I wanted the train to go in reverse, I did not push it with my hands. I used a switch that changed the wiring, so the same train that had rounded its track in one direction would now move in a new direction.

In a similar way, the Holy Spirit changes our thoughts and desires. In one sense, we are still the same person with the same body and appearance. But, in another sense, all of those aspects of our being are now moving in a new direction. 

Once we were moving away from Jesus; now we are moving toward him with thoughts and desires controlled by the knowledge of One who loved us and gave himself for us. Even when we sin, our betrayal of our Savoir convicts our hearts. We long to put off sinful practices, and actually have the power to do so. 

What has happened? God has supernaturally rewired our hearts to love and serve him – something impossible prior to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Knowing and experiencing his re-wiring gives us confidence to move in the direction he empowers.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the fact that my old life is past, and I have new life in Jesus Christ. May the new life the Holy Spirit is wiring into my thoughts and desires motivate me to love, serve, and obey you more each day.

Daily Devotion - December 25, 2025

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6)

God gave his Son many titles: “Wonderful Counselor,” “Mighty God,” “Everlasting Father,” and “Prince of Peace.”  Each reminds us that God provides blessings for us that we cannot provide for ourselves.

He gives counsel beyond our wisdom. He provides might beyond our strength. He offers Fatherly care to orphaned hearts. And, He sends his peace to comfort anxious hearts, relieve burdened souls, and transform troubled lives.

Christ’s titles display the essence of the gospel to reveal the grace of God. His names signal his provision — not for those who think they have their lives all fixed and tidy, but for those who name him as their wisdom, strength, love, and peace. 

When we call him by the names his Word supplies, we are confessing he must provide what we cannot. Professing his titles invites his provision: to our cries will come his counsel; to our weakness will come his might; to all who call him, Father, he says, “My child”; and, to our anxiety will come his peace.

  Hallelujah! What at Savior for a world of sinners like me!

Prayer: Lord, thank you that when I am confused you give me counsel, when I am weak you give me strength, when my childish resolutions do not last you remain my Everlasting Father, and when I am anxious you give me peace in Christ!