Daily Devotions

Tuesday, August 4.

Trying to earn the Lord’s favor feels like running a marathon with no finish line, climbing a never-ending mountain, or paddling frantically in the rapids while going nowhere.  Such attempts to work our way to God are exhausting and fruitless because we can never be good enough or do enough to earn His acceptance. There is only one way to receive our heavenly Father’s favor, and that’s by faith in His Son, who did all the work for us. 

God sought us while we were still sinners, and He sent His Son to live a perfect life and die a substitutionary death on our behalf. Christ took our sins and offers us His righteousness; all we have to do is believe and receive His free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. 

The Lord’s favor is unmerited and cannot be earned. It is given freely to the undeserving through faith in Christ and continues throughout the believer’s life. It empowers obedience, gives victory over sin, and provides open access to the Father for prayer. God’s rich and abundant favor is readily available to all who will receive it by faith.

Memory verse: Jeremiah 33:3.

“Your situation may look impossible, but don’t ever rule out the favor of God.” Joel Osteen

Saturday, August 1.

It’s easy to doubt our ability to serve God when our minds are focused on our limitations instead of Him. Therefore, we must continually remind ourselves that the work is the Lord’s and we can trust Him to accomplish it through us as we respond in faith and obedience.  

Our heavenly Father has good works that He has prepared for each of us to do (Ephesians 2:10). To help us accomplish them, He has given spiritual gifts to enable our service to one another. Furthermore, He has provided scriptural principles to guide us. In His Word, we find direction for our path, strength to endure hardships, and increased faith and confidence in God’s sufficiency. 

Are you reluctant to serve the Lord because you’re afraid or feel inadequate? Even the apostle Paul felt this way when he said, “Who is adequate for these things?” (2 Corinthians 216). But he pressed on in order to complete the course Christ had called him to run (2 Timothy 2:7). And so can you if you are willing to depend on God and step out in obedience. Let’s take a moment to pray over our temptation to be self-sufficient—and for courage to rely on the Lord. 

Memory verse: 2 Timothy 2:7

“God would not put in a leadership position until you take a posture of servanthood.” Julie Williams

Friday, July 31.

Jesus told His disciples, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 20:26). In Bible times, the lowest servant of the house washed dusty feet. So the disciples must have been surprised when Jesus performed this humble task for them. He explained His shocking behavior by saying, “If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” John 13:14). 

Based on those words, many churches have turned foot washing into an ordinance; they believe that this act shows Christlikeness and demonstrates willingness to serve. Perhaps that’s true for some believers, but many perform the ceremony by rote. Jesus’ message to the disciples and to modern believers is not literally to wash dirty feet, but rather to serve one another with humility and love. 

True servanthood is not a popular topic because many people regard it as beneath them. But God wants us to see ourselves as living sacrifices. To serve the Lord well, we must be willing do whatever He asks for whomever He asks. Our Christlikeness is evident when we love God and others so much that we willingly humble ourselves for their sake. 

Jesus performed one of the lowliest tasks of His day to demonstrate His servanthood. What are you willing to do for Him? 

Memory verse: John 13:14

“Royalty is my identity. Servanthood is my assignment. Intimacy with God is my life source.” Bill Johnson

Wednesday, July 29.

Scripture details the courageous way Paul handled trials. He was opposed by religious leaders, manhandled by magistrates, and mobbed by crowds. Yet through it all, he stood firm. How did he do this?

Let’s look at Paul’s own testimony. He said he came to the Corinthians in weakness, and he spoke with fear and trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). He claimed that he had been pushed beyond his ability to endure (2 Corinthians 1:8)). In fact, once his fear was so strong that an angel exhorted him not to be afraid (Acts 24:27)). He was human, just as we are. 

What did Paul know that would also help us? Wherever the apostle was, God was personally present. He trusted in the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit, and he also took heart from the Lord’s reassurance of His nearness (Acts 18:9)). Although it appeared that Paul stood alone before his accusers, he recognized he was actually in the Lord’s company. With almighty God standing beside him, he didn’t have to be afraid. 

Because we belong to Jesus Christ, we can know that God is always with us. We, too, have the Savior’s unending pledge of nearness and the Holy Spirit as our permanent companion. As we embrace these truths, we will discover the courage to face life’s trials.  I feel braver already. What about you?

Memory verse: Acts 18:9

“From the Cross God declares, ‘I love you.'” Billy Graham