Categories ArchivesDaily Devotions

Matt 3:10–12 10 The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11 “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”   One thought: Jesus is the axe who comes to divide between wheat and chaff   Three questions: What does it mean that ...

Matt 3:7–9 7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. 9 And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.     One thought: We are either sons of Abraham by faith or sons of Satan by unbelief     Three questions: What were the Pharisee’s putting their hope in?   Do you feel entitled to God’s grace?   For a better understanding of the passage, ...

Matt 3:4–6 4 John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. 6 Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.     One thought: Across history, people have been drawn to the faithful preaching of the kingdom.     Three questions: Why do people feel a need to confess their sins do you think?   Do you feel sinful?   Confess a sin to a brother or sister this week   Prayer: Praise God that He is holy and righteous and without sin. ...

Matthew 3:1–3 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”     One thought: The most sensible response to the gospel is to repent     Three questions: What does it mean to repent?   Have you repented of your sins?   Spend some time reflecting on repentance today   Prayer: Praise God that He brings His kingdom and by His grace allows us to join it. Give thanks that He has ...

Psalm 57 For the director of music. To the tune of “Do Not Destroy.” Of David. A miktam. When he had fled from Saul into the cave. 1 Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. 2 I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. 3 He sends from heaven and saves me, rebuking those who hotly pursue me— God sends forth his love and his faithfulness. 4 I am in the midst of lions; I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts— men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are ...

Proverbs 2:9-11 9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. 11 Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.   One thought: When we have confidence in the truth, in what is right and just, our souls are more at ease.   Three questions: Where should our understanding of social justice come from?   Do you find having wisdom pleasing?   What issues of justice do you feel most drawn to? Why?   Prayer: Praise God that true justice comes from the knowledge of who He is and His plans for the world. Give thanks that you can ...

Psalm 56 For the director of music. To the tune of “A Dove on Distant Oaks.” Of David. A miktam. When the Philistines had seized him in Gath. 1 Be merciful to me, my God, for my enemies are in hot pursuit; all day long they press their attack. 2 My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. 3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. 4 In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? 5 All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. 6 They conspire, they lurk, they watch my ...

Proverbs 2:6-8 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. 7 He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, 8 for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones.     One thought: The key to success in life is the knowledge of God     Three questions: What does the knowledge of God lead to?   Do you desire to be upright?   What does it look like for you to be upright today?   Prayer: Praise God that He gives knowledge for righteousness. Give thanks that through Jesus Christ we can be blameless, upright and righteous. ...

Psalm 55   For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A maskil of David. 1 Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; 2 hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught 3 because of what my enemy is saying, because of the threats of the wicked; for they bring down suffering on me and assail me in their anger. 4 My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death have fallen on me. 5 Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me. 6 I said, “Oh, that I had the wings of a dove! I would fly away and be at rest. 7 I would flee ...

Proverbs 2:3-5 3 indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.   One thought: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge – this insight must be sought after like hidden treasure.   Three questions: How do you find the fear of the Lord?   Do you seek the knowledge of God like you should?   Sit down and read a whole book of the Bible this week   Prayer: Praise God that He rewards those who diligently seek Him ...