September 3, 2017

She, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on. Mark 12:44

Although the widow’s story focuses on financial offerings, every act of giving can be an expression of
worship and loving obedience. Like the widow, we honor God with intentional, generous, and sacrificial
gifts given from whatever He’s already given us. When we present God the best of our time, talents, or
treasure with hearts motivated by love, we are lavishing Him with offerings of priceless worship.

Message: Sacrificial offerings motivated by our love for God will always be priceless expressions of
worship.

Sept. 4, 2017

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

What does it mean to “seek [God’s] face”? It means we turn our hearts toward Him in even the most
mundane moments. Sometimes our prayers are answered differently than our asking, but God is faithful
come what may. Our Good Shepherd will direct our paths and keeps us in His mercy, strength, and love.

Message: Prayer imparts the power to walk and not faint

Sept. 5, 2017

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:5

When humanity sinned, we were expelled from the garden of Eden and the ground was “cursed”. Since
then the Earth and everything in it has been in “bondage to decay.” Suffering, disease, and our deaths
are all a result of humankind’s fall into sin.

Yet God is making everything new. One day His dwelling place will be among His people in a renewed
and restored creation—“a new heaven and a new earth”—where “there will be no more death or
mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away”.

Message: God is making all things new.

Sept. 6, 2017

Then Hezekiah went up to the temple of the Lord and spread it out before the Lord. 2 Kings 19:14

When we’re faced with a situation that brings anxiety, fear, or a deep awareness that getting through it
will require more than what we have, let’s follow in Hezekiah’s footsteps and run straight to the Lord.
Like him, we too can lay our problem before God and trust Him to guide our steps and calm our uneasy
hearts.

Message: God is our greatest help in times of distress

Sept. 7, 2017

Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. Acts 8:2

As followers of Jesus, we need not mourn our losses alone. In sincerity and love we can reach out to
others who are hurting, and in humility we can accept the concern of those who stand beside us. As we
grieve together, we can grow in understanding and in the peace that is ours through Jesus Christ, who
knows our deepest sorrow.

Message: The ministry of mourning with others helps bring healing to our hearts.

Sept. 8, 2017

Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

The psalm is attributed to David, to whom we owe some of the most pain-filled laments in Scripture. But
David also experienced restoration so incredible he was able to confess, “Weeping may stay for the
night, but rejoicing comes in the morning”. Despite all the pain he had endured, David discovered
something even greater—God’s powerful hand of healing.

Message: God is lovingly working toward restoration and joy in and through the pain of our lives.

Sept.9, 2017

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” John 14:8

We may wonder, What is God like? Is He good? Is He kind? Does He care? The simple answer to those
questions is Jesus’s response to Philip’s request: “Lord, show us the Father.” Jesus replied, “Don’t you
know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen
the Father.

If we ever get hungry to see God,we look at Jesus for The Son is the image of the invisible God.

Message: The clearer we see God, the clearer we see ourselves.

Sept 10, 2017

He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.
Philemon 1:16

It’s easy to allow the walls of socio-economic status, class, or cultural differences to separate us. The
gospel of Christ removes those barriers, changing our lives and our relationships forever.

Message: The gospel changes people and relationships.

9/11/2017

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

made his dwelling among us. John 1:14

Jesus’s earthly life included a wide range of difficulty. He felt the searing heat of the sun, the pain of an
empty stomach, and the uncertainty of homelessness. Emotionally, He endured the tension of
disagreements, the burn of betrayal, and the ongoing threat of violence.

Jesus experienced the joys of friendship and family love, as well as the worst problems that we face here
on earth. He provides hope. He is the Wonderful Counselor who patiently listens to our concerns with
insight and care

Message: God understands the struggles we face.

9/12/17

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has
committed to us the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:19

The apostle Paul wrote that we are to “try to persuade others” about the truth of God’s love and
forgiveness. He said that it is “Christ’s love [that] compels us” to carry out His work of reconciliation.

Our willingness to forgive may help others realize that God desires to reconcile us to Himself.

Message: Our willingness to seek reconciliation with others shows God’s heart to them.

9/13/17
All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they
only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers
on earth. Hebrews 11:13

How easy it is to rush through our Bible reading without pondering the people and events in the text.
Our self-imposed time schedule robs us of going deeper into God’s truth and His plan for our lives. Yet,
when we are willing to stay awhile, we find ourselves caught up in the real-life dramas of people like us
who chose to stake their lives on God’s faithfulness.

When we open God’s Word, it’s good to recall that we can stay as long as we want.

Message: Linger in God’s Word and you'll find stories of faith.

9/14/2017

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit. Judges 21:25

Things improved when the Lord raised up judges, who served like kings. But when each judge died, the
Israelites returned to defying God. Living as if they didn’t have anyone to answer to but themselves, they
suffered devastating consequences . But that doesn’t have to be our reality. We can submit to the
sovereign authority of the eternal Ruler we were made to follow—Jesus—because He is our living Judge
and King of Kings.

Message : God gives us the power and the privilege to enjoy the rewards of doing things His way.

9/15/2017

To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John 1:12

We don't choose our human family, but we can decide the spiritual family we belong to. If we believe in
Jesus’s name, God gives us the right to become His children.

Message: God is our Eternal Father.

9/16/2017

In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

Rather than hold it in, hold it up to God first. He can fight the fire of anger with the power of His
forgiveness and love.

Message: Put out the fire of anger before it blazes out of control.
9/17/2017

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. 2 Corinthians 3:2

How wonderful that God’s Spirit in us writes a story of grace and redemption! For as meaningful as
written words can be, it is our lives that are the best witness to the truth of the gospel, for they speak
volumes through our compassion, service, gratitude, and joy. Through our words and actions, the Lord
spreads His life-giving love.

Message: We are Christ’s letters.

9/18/2017

Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and
perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1–2

Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age”. Because He is, we have the amazing
privilege of keeping our eyes on Him while He conducts the music of our lives.

Message: Let us keep our eyes on Jesus our Savior as He directs our lives.

9/19/2017

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation. Philippians 4:12

If we focus on others’ possessions, jealousy too often results. Yet God’s Word lifts our eyes to something
of far greater worth than earthly possessions. The psalmist writes, “You are my portion, Lord; I have
promised to obey your words. I have sought your face with all my heart” .Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the
writer conveyed the truth that nothing matters more than closeness to God.

What better portion could we have than our loving and limitless Creator? Nothing on earth can compare
with Him, and nothing can take Him away from us. Human longing is an expansive void; one may have
“everything” in the world and still be miserable. But when God is our source of happiness, we are truly
content. There’s a space within us only God can fill. He alone can give us the peace that matches our
hearts.

Message: Contentment is when we are His, He is ours, forever.

9/20/2017

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will
lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

As runners in a spiritual race, we need one another—perhaps even more so, for we are not racing in
competition with each other but as members of the same team. There’ll be moments where we falter
and need someone to pick us up; at other times, someone may need our encouragement through our
prayers or presence.

The spiritual race is not to be run alone.

Message: We need each other to get where God wants us to go.

9/21/2017

Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Ephesians 6:18

Demonstrating our daily dependence on God is essential in a family since many children first learn to
trust God as they observe genuine faith in the people closest to them . There is no better way to teach
the utmost importance of prayer than by praying for and with our children. It is one of the ways they
begin to sense a compelling need to reach out personally to God in faith.

Message: Daily prayers lessen daily worries.

9/22/2017

Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? Job 2:10

Job surely didn’t delight in hardship or trouble, yet he honored God through heart-wrenching
circumstances (Job 1:1–22). When painful sores afflicted Job’s body, he endured the agony (2:7–8). His
wife told him to give up on God (v. 9), but Job responded by trusting the Lord through suffering and
afflictions (v. 10).

It’s natural to prefer avoiding the bitter bites in life. We can even be tempted to lash out at God when
we’re hurting. But the Lord uses trials, teaching us how to trust Him, depend on Him, and surrender to
Him as He enables us to persevere through difficult times. And like Job, we don’t have to enjoy suffering
to learn to savor the unexpected sweetness of sour moments—the divine strengthening of our faith.

Message: God uses suffering to strengthen our faith.

9/23/2017

Luke 5:5

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing:
nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

Simon’s obedience is remarkable. As a seasoned fisherman, he knew that fish move to the bottom of the
lake when the sun is up, and the dragnets they used could not go deep enough to catch those fish.

His willingness to trust Jesus was rewarded. Not only did Simon catch a large number of fish, he gained a
deeper understanding of who Jesus is. He moved from calling Jesus “Master” (v. 5) to calling Him “Lord”
(v. 8). Indeed, “listening” often allows us to see the works of God firsthand and draw closer to Him.

Perhaps God is calling you to “let down your nets again.” May we reply to the Lord as Simon did:
“Because You say so, I will.”

Message: Our obedience to God will guide us through the unknown and draw us closer to Him.

9/24/2017

From there he went on towards the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent. Genesis 12:8

We may not have the same call as Abraham did to live nomadically, but even as we love and serve this
world and the people in it, we may long for a deeper experience of home, of being rooted here on earth.
Like Abraham, when the wind whips our flimsy covering or the rain soaks through, we can look with
faith for the city to come, whose “architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:10). And like Abraham, we can
find hope that God is working to renew His creation, preparing a “better country—a heavenly one” to
come (v. 16).

Message: God gives us a solid foundation for our lives.

9/25/2017

Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up. Acts 20:32

Paul had parting advice for the Ephesians. Though they would no longer have Paul as their teacher, the
Ephesians did not have to feel abandoned. God would continue to train them through “the word of his
grace” (Acts 20:32) to lead the church. Unlike Paul, God would always be with them.

Whether it’s children we launch from the nest or other family and friends who move away—saying
good-bye can be very difficult. They move beyond our influence and into their new lives. When we let go
of their hands, we can trust that God has them in His. He can continue to shape their lives and meet
their real needs—more than we ever could.

Message: Though we’re far away from those we love, they are never far from God.

9/26/2017

And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said unto her son, Bring me yet a vessel. And
he said unto her, There is not a vessel more. And the oil stayed. 2 Kings 4:6

God provided financially for the widow in much the same way He provides salvation for me. I am
bankrupted by sin, but Jesus paid my debt—and offers me eternal life as well! Without Jesus, we are
each like the poor, country boy with no means to pay our King for our offenses against Him. God
miraculously supplies the extravagant ransom for us, and ensures that those who trust in Him will have
life abundant forever.

Message: Jesus’s sacrifice pays for our spiritual debt.

9/27/2017

Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:14

These garments that God provides—such as kindness, humility, and gentleness—allow us to meet
hostility and criticism with patience, forgiveness, and love. They give us staying power in the storms of
life.

When we face adverse conditions at home, school, or work, the “clothing” God tells us to wear protects
us and enables us to make a positive difference. “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds
them all together in perfect unity” (v. 14).

Dressing according to God’s guidelines doesn’t change the weather—it equips the wearer.

Message: Kindness is the oil that takes the friction out of life.

9/28/2017

The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. Romans 8:26
What a gift it is in a time of uncertainty to be reminded God hears our heart even when we think we
can’t call out to Him.

Message: God never leaves the voices of His children unheard.

9/29/2017

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Our God is able to inspire fresh faith in our hearts, even in moments when we least expect it. We can
always look forward to His faithfulness. Nothing is too hard for Him!

Message: God can change our doubts into bold statements of faith.

9/30/2017

No one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. John 3:3

In John 3, Nicodemus sensed that because Jesus came “from God” (v. 2) He offered something very
different. What Jesus told Nicodemus made him realize that He offered nothing short of a rebirth (v. 4):
He needed to be “born again,” to be made totally new (v. 7).

That change comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. That’s when “the old has gone, the new is here” (2
Cor. 5:17). Do you need a change? Put your faith in Jesus. He’s the one who changes your heart and
makes all things new.

Message: Only God can make us new.

10/1/2017

Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the
head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15

As we continue to pursue intimacy with Jesus ourselves, let’s pray for each other and patiently come
alongside those who love God but who seem to struggle with spiritual growth. “Speaking the truth in
love,” let’s continue to encourage one another, so that together we may “grow to become in every
respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ” (Eph. 4:15).
Meesage: Words of truth spoken in love can guide us all toward maturity in Christ.

10/2/2017

[Jesus] is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

We never pray alone, because Jesus is praying for us. He hears us as we pray, and speaks to the Father
on our behalf. We don’t have to worry about the eloquence of our words, because no one understands
us like Jesus. He helps us in every way, presenting our needs before God. He also knows when the
answers we ask for would not be good for us, handling every request or concern with perfect wisdom
and love.

Jesus is the perfect prayer partner—the friend who intercedes for us with immeasurable kindness. His
prayers for us are beautiful beyond words, and should encourage us to always pray with thankfulness.

Message: There’s no greater privilege than praying with Jesus.

10/3/17

I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalm 57:1

Psalm 57 has long provided rich inspiration for worship songs. When David declared, “Be exalted, O God,
above the heavens” (v. 11), we might imagine him gazing up at a magnificent Middle Eastern night sky or
perhaps singing in a tabernacle worship service. But in reality David, fearful for his life, was hiding in a
cave.

“I am in the midst of lions,” David said in the psalm. These “ravenous beasts” were “men whose teeth
are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords” (v. 4). David’s praise was conceived in crisis.
Although he was cornered by enemies who wanted him dead, David could write these amazing words:
“My heart, O God, is steadfast . . . . I will sing and make music” (v. 7).

Whatever crisis we face today, we can run to God for help. Then, we can praise Him as we wait
expectantly, confident in His infinitely creative care for us.

Message: Your next crisis is your next opportunity to trust our unfailing God.
10/4/17

Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Luke 18:40–
41

When our plans are interrupted by someone who genuinely needs help, we can ask the Lord for wisdom
in how to respond with compassion. What we call an interruption may be a divine appointment the Lord
has scheduled for that day.

Message: Interruptions can be opportunities to serve.

10/5/17

10 He found him in a desert land, and in the waste howling wilderness; he led him about, he instructed
him, he kept him as the apple of his eye.

11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them,
beareth them on her wings:

Deuteronomy 32:10–11

In the book of Deuteronomy, the Lord reminded His people how, when they were wandering in the
desert, He cared for them as a loving parent who hovers over its young. He never left them, but was like
an eagle “that spreads its wings” to catch its children and “carries them aloft” (32:11). He wanted them
to remember that although they experienced hardship and strife in the desert, He didn’t abandon them.
We too may face challenges of many kinds, but we can take comfort and courage in this reminder that
our God will never leave us. When we feel that we are falling, the Lord like an eagle will spread His wings
to catch us (v. 11) as He brings us peace.

Message: Our God hovers over us with love.

10/6/17

In his great mercy [God] has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

If we turn to Him in faith and sorrow for our sins, He will forgive us. On that day we’re made brand new
and begin the process of being spiritually transformed (2 Cor. 5:17). It doesn’t matter what we’ve done
(or haven’t done), we are forgiven because of what He’s done. We can move forward, making the most
of today and anticipating a future with Him. In Christ, we’re free!
Message: Leave your heavy burdens with God.

10/7/17

How long, Lord, must I call for help? Habakkuk 1:2

The prophet Habakkuk was well acquainted with that feeling. In the seventh century bc, he cried out to
the Lord: “How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, ‘Violence!’ but
you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?” (Hab. 1:2–
3). He prayed for a long time, struggling to reconcile how a just and powerful God could allow
wickedness, injustice, and corruption to continue in Judah. As far as Habakkuk was concerned, God
should have already intervened. Why was God doing nothing?

There are days when we too feel as if God is doing nothing. Like Habakkuk, we have continuously asked
God, “How long?”

Yet, we are not alone. As with Habakkuk, God hears our burdens. We must continue to cast them on the
Lord because He cares for us. God hears us and, in His time, will give an answer.

Message: Don't despair because of evil; God will have the last word.

10/8/2017

They ate and had some left over, according to the word of the Lord. 2 Kings 4:44

When we feel inadequate, or think what we have to offer isn’t sufficient, let’s remember that God asks
us to give what we have in faithful obedience. He is the one who makes it “enough.”

An offering given in faithful obedience is just right.

10/9/17

The Lord said to [Gideon], “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.”

Judges 6:23
We all have fears of various kinds—from worms to wars. Gideon’s story teaches us that we can be
confident of this: If God asks us to do something, He’ll give us the strength and power to do it.

To take the fear out of living, put your faith in the living God.

10/10/17

Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the
sight of my God. Revelation 3:2

In the midst of spiritual fatigue, we may fail to notice the lethargy that creeps into our relationship with
God. But the Lord tells us to “remember . . . what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent”
(v. 3).

Many people find that scheduling some extra time each morning to read the Bible and talk to the Lord in
prayer helps them stay spiritually alert. It’s not a job but a joy to spend time with Jesus and know that
He prepares us for whatever lies ahead that day.

Spending time with Jesus is a joy!

10/11/17

[The Lord says:] I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. Isaiah 38:5

The people in the Bible were learning, as we are, to call on the Lord who hears us when we cry out to
Him for help. And even when His answers are not what we want or expect, we can rest assured that He
is compassionate and He is powerful. The One who orders the movement of the sun can certainly move
in our hearts.

Call out to God; He is wanting to hear from you.

10/12/17

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. Isaiah 40:11

The Lord promised His people through the prophet Isaiah that He would be their shepherd, guiding
them in their daily lives and giving them comfort. We too can know His gentle tending as we tell Him our
anxious thoughts and seek His love and peace. We know that He is our Good Shepherd, holding us close
to His heart and carrying us in His everlasting arms.

The Good Shepherd cares for His sheep.

10/13/17

Jesus looked at him, and said, . . . “You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). John
1:42

God sees our pride, anger, and lack of love for others, but He also knows who we are in Christ. He calls
us justified and reconciled (Rom. 5:9–10); forgiven, holy, and beloved (Col. 2:13; 3:12); chosen and
faithful (Rev. 17:14). Remember how God sees you and seek to let that define who you are.

No one can steal your identity in Christ.

10/14/17

I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am
content. Psalm 131:2

rooted in Your love.

Psalm 131 is one prayer in Scripture that can help us to “become like little children” (Matt. 18:3) and to
let go of the battle in our mind over what we don’t understand (Ps. 131:1). Instead, through time with
Him we can return to a place of peace (v. 2), finding the hope we need (v. 3) in His love—as calm and
quiet as if we were children again in our mothers’ arms (v. 2).

Like children, we can learn to rest in the love of God.