2 Samuel 22:3-7

Life can certainly throw punches, can’t it? Relationships, finances, work pressures, and loneliness—just to name a few—sometimes leave us feeling too weak to keep going. Even if our beliefs are deeply anchored in Christ, all the chaos of life can seem overwhelming. But just like a conductor whose raised arms quiet a stage full of musicians, God calms the raging storm and causes the winds to be still. He remains steady in the storm—our peace amidst the noise.

Are you walking difficult paths and feeling the need for clarity? Do you long for a firm shield as you face harsh words or hurtful memories? What situations are you in that require a protector to fight on your behalf? Take heart, friend. God promises that we will never have to face anything alone. On the contrary, Scripture says, “The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8).

David’s words of praise to God from today’s passage are still powerful for us. Not only does the Lord shield us from eternal death; He also illuminates our path and strengthens us for each day. Let us hold tightly to the truth that no matter what comes our way, He remains with us.

Philippians 2:9-11

As we saw yesterday, Jesus—God made flesh—didn’t insist on the position and privileges that were rightly His. Instead, He emptied Himself and became a servant. But He didn’t stop at token humility: He took this step all the way to death—in fact, the excruciating and demeaning death by crucifixion. This is a powerful statement of God’s character. What the Lord delights in is not arrogance but a servant’s heart.

Jesus set aside power to serve in humility. As believers, we want to gain in Christlikeness, so shouldn’t humble service be our goal as well? To avoid losing sight of this calling, let’s keep in mind the lengths our Father went to: He reached into death and raised Jesus to new life—resurrection life. God highly exalted the Savior, giving Him the name above every name.

Even if we somehow miss the breathtaking scope of the Savior’s love and service during His life on earth, it will be clear when He returns. Philippians 2:10 says that every knee will bow before Jesus. The phrase “in heaven and on earth and under the earth” indicates that everything will worship Him as Lord.

In God’s view, the way up is down. We don’t please or honor Him by exalting ourselves. Rather, we pour out what we have in service and humility, to the glory of God the Father.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Picture this: You’re at a professional football game. There are thousands of people in the stands, all cheering as if their shouts are actually willing their team to victory. Now think about your faith. How many believers do you know who put that same passion and intensity into their relationship with Jesus?

In his letter to the church at Thessalonica, the apostle Paul rejoiced in the young congregation’s passion for telling the world about Christ. Because the city was a busy seaport, he knew that the church there had the ear of the whole world. Travelers would hear the gospel and then take it back to their own communities.

By saying that the word of the Lord had “sounded forth” from the church (1 Thess. 1:8), Paul painted a powerful word picture. In Greek, this verb refers to a sound that projects like a trumpet blast or thunder. So, Paul was praising the Thessalonians for being living megaphones proclaiming Christ.

As followers of Jesus, we have the responsibility of sharing who He is and what He has done. Shout it from the rooftops! Fill entire stadiums with the thunder of your praise! Don’t just show the people around you who your favorite sports team is. Make sure they know who your Savior is, too.

Colossians 1:1-9

Today’s passage includes a life-changing prayer, written by Paul to the believers at Colossae. Here’s what makes this prayer so powerful: Every request is in agreement with God’s will.

In verse 9, Paul asked that the Colossians be filled with knowledge of what the Father desires from His children. The way this happens is by spending time with God—talking with Him, reading His Word, and seeking His will. It includes His general purposes for all believers—such as loving Him and people (Luke 10:27)—as well as His specific plan for each one of us (Ephesians 2:10).

Paul knew that to apply what we learn, we need insight and clarity, which come from the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). So he asked God to give the believers at Colossae spiritual wisdom and understanding. But this is also a request we can make for those who don’t yet know Christ. After all, it’s not God’s desire for any to perish (2 Peter 3:9), and people need spiritual understanding in order to come to faith.

Our heavenly Father has promised that those who pray in agreement with His purposes will receive what they ask. Therefore, it is important to start by discovering what His plans are. Try incorporating scriptural prayers—like the one from today’s passage—into your conversations with the Lord.

Colossians 1:10-14

Paul fervently desired that the body of Christ—individually and corporately—become spiritually mature. The apostle asked that we believers would know God’s will and then ...

Live a godly life (Col. 1:10). Paul prayed for our character, conversation, and conduct to be consistent with the Lord’s. Our lives ought to be an extension of His—with eyes that look compassionately at others, hands that offer help, and mouths that speak forgiveness and love. A believer’s character, while imperfect, should reflect Christ’s righteousness.

Make our life count (v. 10). God cares deeply about what’s done in obedience to Him. Jesus spoke about the importance of bearing much fruit, which is possible only when we stay connected with Him (John 15:5).

Experience God’s power (Col. 1:11). Through the Holy Spirit’s presence, we have all we need in order to do our Father’s will.

Remain committed and grateful (v. 12). God answers in His perfect timing. In the meantime, we should be steadfast in prayer and thankful for everything He’s already done.

Whenever we pray these verses, our petitions are in accordance with God’s will. And 1 John 5:14-15 tells us our Father responds affirmatively to prayers that align with His purposes.

Galatians 5:22-23

Who doesn’t enjoy accomplishments? Most of us like being recognized for our achievements, whether it’s landing a big client at work, winning the chili cook-off, or training a baby to sleep all night. These are all good things, but God’s purpose for us is so much deeper. Galatians 5:22-23 tells us that our character is important to God. That’s why He instructs us to walk by the Spirit, so that the deeds of the flesh are replaced with God’s attributes.

• Love is the foundation for all other virtues. We cultivate it by embracing God’s unconditional love for us.

• Joy is contentment regardless of our circumstances.

• Peace comes from trusting God and surrendering to Him.

• Patience is developed by trusting God’s perfect timing.

• Kindness is God’s compassion reflected to others.

• Goodness occurs as we mirror His righteousness and justice.

• Faithfulness means we are steadfast and trustworthy.

• Gentleness comes when we approach others with humility.

• Self-control requires us to exercise restraint and rely on the Holy Spirit’s strength.

Growing in these virtues makes us more Christlike and testifies to God’s transformative work in our life. And that’s an accomplishment worth celebrating.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

The act of giving holds a special place in God’s heart. Verse 7 of today’s passage reminds us that God cares about the way we share what we have. He delights in cheerful givers who act with a joyful heart and willing spirit.

When we give grudgingly or out of duty, we miss the delight of aligning our heart with God’s generous nature. Sharing with others should be seen as a privilege, not a burden. It’s an opportunity to participate in God’s work and to be His hands and feet by meeting the needs of those around us.

The condition of our heart—not the size of our gift—is what determines how the Lord views what we offer. Giving cheerfully reflects gratitude for His blessings and trust in His provision. It acknowledges that everything we have belongs to God and we are merely stewards. So, allow the joy of giving to fill your heart as you partner with God in blessing others. And remember, it’s not about the dollar amount but the love behind your gift.

Take a moment now to ask God where He is inviting you to generously give to others, just as He generously gave to you. Ask Him who, and then faithfully and obediently execute the what.

Romans 14:13-17

In today’s passage, the apostle Paul writes, “[Do not] put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother’s or sister’s way … For if because of food your brother or sister is hurt, you are no longer walking in accordance with love” (vv. 13, 15). God’s kingdom isn’t about what we eat or drink—or any other “rule” we think we must follow. Rather, it’s about the transformative work of the Holy Spirit within us.

When we align with God’s righteousness, seeking His ways and His will, joy blossoms. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter and Guide, brings it to life within us. He reminds us of God’s love, assures us of our salvation, and empowers us to live in harmony with those around us. This is not some superficial or temporary happiness; it’s the fruit of the Spirit dwelling in us (Galatians 5:22) and transcends our circumstances.

Take a moment to reflect on the joy that comes from knowing God and seeking Him. This profound sense of stability and strength cannot be bought or manufactured—it flows from our connection to the Source of all joy and is a taste of the eternal pleasures that await us in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11).

1 Samuel 17:45-47

Life’s “Goliaths” come in all shapes, sizes, and intensities: an unhappy relationship, a difficult job, a pile of debt. In today’s passage, David faced what appeared to be an insurmountable problem, but he was victorious through God’s power. We can be, too.

David declared victory over Goliath before the battle even began (v. 46). His confidence was rooted in his past experiences with the Lord. What’s more, David believed triumph was certain because he came in the name of the Lord. As a shepherd, he’d spent hours alone in the wilderness, listening to God’s voice. Even a giant’s discouraging shout couldn’t shake his convictions about who God was and what He could do through His servant.

David had practical faith habits. A strong relationship with the Lord developed from spending time in His presence. This in turn enabled David to face problems with certainty that he was a beloved child of God, with full access to his Father’s storehouses of power, courage, and wisdom. If doubts ever arose, he could look back on God’s great faithfulness in past troubles.

To be victorious, we should practice David’s spiritual habits. Spend time with God and keep a record of His work in your life. Then you can be confident that He is sufficient, no matter the obstacle.

1 Samuel 17:20-40

David found King Saul’s reward for Goliath’s defeat interesting—in fact, he asked to have it repeated twice (1 Sam. 17:26, 30). However, David may have been young, but he wasn’t foolish. The reward was a nice perk, but it wasn’t the young shepherd’s motivation.

David’s reason for standing against Goliath was to serve the Lord. He openly criticized the giant: “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he has dared to defy the armies of the living God?” (v. 26). Challenging the chosen nation of Israel was the same as defying the Lord Himself. David was prepared to defend Yahweh’s holy name and His people, even against this fearsome warrior. A right and holy motive gives a person confidence to obey God, even if doing so defies human wisdom.

When facing life’s Goliaths, we might be tempted to approach God with a plea like, I’m tired of being in this mess, or I want to run away but can’t, so You’ll have to remove this problem.

However, the right motive for facing a problem is the desire to follow, serve, and honor God—no matter what. Giant challenges may tax our comfort or wellbeing, but wanting a quick way out can impede our obedient walk with God. So pray, “Lord, help me to stand strong in Your name. And grant me victory over the Goliaths in my life, bringing you honor and glory each step of the way.”

James 1:12-18

In today’s passage, James writes, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (v. 17).

Have you ever taken a moment to marvel at the abundance of blessings in your life? The air you breathe, the sun that warms your face, and the love of family and friends are all tremendous gifts. Everything we enjoy has been freely bestowed on us by a loving Creator who doesn’t ever change—who never gives us cause for doubt or uncertainty.

Our lives, on the other hand, are constantly shifting, and we will find pleasant times interspersed with periods of hardship and sadness. Thankfully, we can always rely upon our God, whose good gifts are meant to remind us of His unchanging nature. Even when we face pain and adversity, we can look for the Father’s love and mercy in our life, recognizing each breath we take, each relationship we enjoy, and each sunrise we witness as evidence of His presence.

God’s gifts are perfect and precisely designed to sustain us in a way that fills our soul. Let’s receive them with a heart full of gratitude and speak of them as a way of testifying to His love.

1 Peter 4:7-10

As believers, we’ve been granted special abilities to be used during our time here on earth. First Peter 4:10 says we have a responsibility to respond to this divine grace by serving one another. It’s important to realize these gifts aren’t just for our own advantage—they’re meant to be used generously, impacting the lives of those around us. And God is glorified when we do so in dependence on Him for guidance and strength.

The Lord wants us to recognize our abilities as being from Him, and we’re to use them to sow seeds of love and compassion. When we serve one another, we become vessels of God’s grace, enriching the body of Christ and shining His light in the world.

Think about your talents. What do you love to do? What are the things that make serving a joy and cause you to feel fully alive? These capabilities aren’t just coincidental parts of who you are; they’ve been deliberately bestowed by the Lord.

As outlined in today’s passage, believers are to steward their God-given abilities well, selflessly using them to benefit others (Ephesians 4:11-12). So, embrace your gifts with humility and appreciation. And utilize them to uplift those around you, heal wounds, and spread God’s love.

Psalms 103:19-22

Have you ever wondered, If God is in control, why does He expect us to pray? The Lord wants to involve us in the work He is doing in the world, and prayer brings us into cooperation with what He plans to accomplish.

In John 17:11, Jesus asked God to protect the disciples by the power of His name. Did He think they might lose their salvation or permanently drift from their commitment? Absolutely not. Jesus was God in human flesh. He knew exactly what was going to happen—that those men would fulfill their mission and spread the gospel. Jesus was taking part in God’s plan for His followers by interceding for them (Romans 8:34).

The Lord certainly can build His kingdom without us. But when the God of love and His beloved share an interest, the relationship develops depth and intimacy. Praying and working alongside our Lord grows our faith and strengthens our trust in His power.

Talking with almighty God is a privilege. He loves you and invites you into relationship with Him. Prayer is how that connection gets nurtured. Our Father calls us to communicate with Him so He can draw us close to His heart and involve us in building the kingdom.

1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

As we saw yesterday, prayer is how we develop a close relationship with God. But it’s common for believers to have questions about its power and effectiveness. For example, many people ask:

• Will God’s plans fail if I don’t pray? God isn’t subservient to us or dependent upon our prayers. The time we invest in speaking with Him includes us in the work that He’s doing in our lives and in the world, but He can carry on without our involvement.

• Does my prayer (or lack thereof) impact God’s work? Scripture indicates the answer to this question is both yes and no. There are times when God’s purpose is set. He is in control and has determined the best course. In the Old Testament, the Lord often prophesied what He would do and then brought those events to pass. In other cases, the principle that applies is, “You do not have because you do not ask” (James 4:2). There are some good things that He holds back until we put out prayerful hands to receive them. But because God is a loving Father, He also pours out blessings that we wouldn’t even think to request.

For us as believers, prayer has tremendous impact, especially on our own faith and life. Understand what an awesome privilege it is to kneel before the Father and know He listens and will respond. God loves to be good to His children and answer their prayers.

Matthew 1:1-17

Matthew mentions only five women in Jesus’ genealogy. That alone makes them remarkable, but their stories are more than mere curiosities. They reorient how we see and value the women among us.

Tamar was the mother of Judah’s sons Perez and Zerah. But Judah wasn’t Tamar’s husband; his son Er was. Er, however, was “evil in the sight of the Lord,” so his life was taken from him (Genesis 38:7). Tamar then married Er’s brother Onan, who also displeased God and died. Though Hebrew custom (and, later, the law) protected a widow by requiring a relative of the deceased to marry her, Judah denied Tamar because he was afraid to lose another son (Genesis 38:11). So she took matters into her own hands.

Justice for widows is important in God’s eyes. The psalmist, in fact, calls Him “a father of the fatherless and a judge for the widows” (Psalm 68:5). And God’s ultimate judgment of Tamar is in her favor. She gave birth to Perez and Zerah—the twins Judah fathered and direct-line ancestors of Christ.

Psalm 68 also says God “makes a home for the lonely” (Psalm 68:6). We should participate in caring for those who are grieving or vulnerable. This is confirmed in James’ epistle when he calls the care of widows “pure religion” (James 1:27). So let us make our churches and homes welcoming places for those who need help.

Joshua 2:8-13; Joshua 6:25

When two Israelite spies arrived in Jericho, they received an unexpected welcome from the second woman in Jesus’ genealogy. The Scriptures do not mince words: Rahab is described as a prostitute, making her another surprising addition to the messianic lineage recorded by Matthew.

Rahab’s home was an ideal place for gathering information and lying low, which is exactly what the spies did. When the king of Jericho learned about them, he demanded that Rahab hand them over. But she didn’t.

Facing the likelihood of a siege and battle, Rahab thought of her family and also expressed belief in the God of Israel. “He is God in heaven above,” she said, “and on earth below” (Josh. 2:11). In return for her aid, she asked the spies to protect her when Israel triumphed over Jericho. And the city’s walls did fall, but Rahab’s household was spared. She later made a home in Israel (6:25), eventually marrying Salmon and bearing a son, Boaz (Matthew 1:5).

Rahab is remembered for her readiness to trust God and let Him reframe her understanding of enemies. What about us? Are we inclined to let the Lord adjust our perspective so we understand things the way He does? And are we, like Rahab, willing to entrust our life and family to Him?