FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
VISIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert. — Isaiah 43:19 KJV
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. — Isaiah 43:19 ESV
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
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ESV Translation Philosophy
The ESV is an “essentially literal” translation that seeks as far as possible to reproduce the precise wording of the original text and the personal style of each Bible writer. As such, its emphasis is on “word-for-word” correspondence, at the same time taking full account of differences in grammar, syntax, and idiom between current literary English and the original languages. Thus it seeks to be transparent to the original text, letting the reader see as directly as possible the structure and exact force of the original.
In contrast to the ESV, some Bible versions have followed a “thought-for-thought” rather than “word-for-word” translation philosophy, emphasizing “dynamic equivalence” rather than the “essentially literal” meaning of the original. A “thought-for-thought” translation is of necessity more inclined to reflect the interpretive views of the translator and the influences of contemporary culture.
Every translation is at many points a trade-off between literal precision and readability, between “formal equivalence” in expression and “functional equivalence” in communication, and the ESV is no exception. Within this framework, we have sought to be “as literal as possible” while maintaining clarity of expression and literary excellence. Therefore, to the extent that plain English permits and the meaning in each case allows, we have sought to use the same English word for important recurring words in the original; and, as far as grammar and syntax allow, we have rendered Old Testament passages cited in the New in ways that show their correspondence. Thus in each of these areas, as well as throughout the Bible as a whole, we have sought to capture all the echoes and overtones of meaning that are so abundantly present in the original texts.
As an essentially literal translation, taking into account grammar and syntax, the ESV thus seeks to carry over every possible nuance of meaning in the original words of Scripture into our own language. As such, the ESV is ideally suited for in-depth study of the Bible. Indeed, with its commitment to literary excellence, the ESV is equally well suited for public reading and preaching, for private reading and reflection, for both academic and devotional study, and for Scripture memorization.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, January 19, 2025 – STILL FRUITFUL FOR GOD – Psalm 92:12-15
Our Daily Bread Focus: Aging
Today’s Insights
The book of Psalms has been described as a “prayer book for God’s people as they wait for the arrival of the Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s promises” (The Bible Project). The Psalms are divided into five books: Book One, Psalms 1-41; Book Two, Psalms 42-72; Book Three, Psalms 73-89; Book Four, Psalms 90-106; and Book Five, Psalms 107-150. Psalms 90-92 form the opening portion of Book Four.
Psalm 92 has a deep connection to the psalms that precede it. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary says: “Psalms 90-92 are united by development of concepts and repetition of vocabulary. These psalms lead the worshiper from a meditation on the transience of life (Psalm 90) and a call for wisdom (Psalm 91) to a climactic celebration of divine deliverance and protection (Psalm 92).”
Today’s Devotional
There’s an old folktale about a woman who carried water home every day from a river using two buckets at either end of a long pole—one bucket new and solid, the other much older and cracked. When the woman got home, the new bucket was still full, but the old bucket almost empty. The old bucket felt bad and apologized. The woman turned and pointed back down the road and asked the old bucket, “Do you see all those flowers, growing on your side of the road? Every day you water them, and my walk to and from the river is always filled with beauty.”
We live in a world that worships and rewards youth—the young and solid, unscarred and efficient. Yet the Bible clearly tells us of a righteous beauty that comes from the older and weaker, maybe even the cracked and leaky. “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,” said the old songwriter, “they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon” (Psalm 92:12).
Granted, old is not always synonymous with wise, but the old contribute to our lives in ways the young can’t because they’ve lived a little longer, experienced a little more, and stand a little more rooted, flourishing in faith and trust in God. Such people “will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green” (v. 14).
Older adults in our lives continue to bear beautiful fruit. Let’s take the time to see it and care for them.
Reflect & Pray
How can you serve the older adults on your path? What will you do today to see and appreciate them?
Father, please give me eyes to see those still bearing fruit in old age.
Check out Chapter 3 of Fruitful Living to learn about the fruit of the Spirit.
Monday, January 20, 2025 – LET MY PEOPLE GO – Exodus 3:1-10
Daily Bread Focuses: Justice; Mercy; Racism
Scripture(s): Ephesians 2:4; Jude 21
Today’s Insights
Moses’ burning bush experience (Exodus 3) involves what’s known as a theophany, “a theological term to refer to either a visible or auditory manifestation of God” (Evangelical Dictionary of Theology). The sight or sound grabs one’s attention, but the message is what’s paramount. God assured Moses: “I have indeed seen the misery of my people . . . . I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers and I am concerned about their suffering” (v. 7). Another example of a theophany is when God appeared in fire and smoke at Mount Sinai (19:16-20).
Today’s Devotional
The acclaimed painting Let My People Go by Aaron Douglas uses vibrant colors of lavender, green, and gold, along with traditional African imagery, to tell the biblical story of Moses and connect it with black Americans’ struggle for freedom and justice.
The painting portrays God’s appearance to Moses in a burning bush when He revealed that He’d seen the plight of the Israelites in Egypt. The artist uses a beam of light to symbolize God and His message, ‘So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt’ (Exodus 3:10).
In Let My People Go, Moses kneels in obedient submission to God’s instructions, but the eye is drawn to the dark waves and horses trained for war surrounding him–reminding viewers of the struggles the Israelites would face as they left Egypt. But the beam of light shines brightly as a reminder that God would be with the Israelites.
The emotions evoked by the painting resonate because the struggle against injustice continues; many use their power to oppress men, women, and children around the world. As those who are suffering cry out for God to be “a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble” (Psalm 9:9), we can plead with God to respond to their cries for help. And, like Moses, we can be willing to act on behalf of the oppressed.
Reflect & Pray
How might you pray for oppressed people? How might you learn more about caring for those suffering from injustice?
Heavenly Father, please make Your presence known to all those who suffer unjustly.
Need help with you prayer life? Check out Prayer Basics to develop good prayer habits.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 – THE GIFT OF TRIALS – 1 Peter 4:12-19
Daily Bread Focuses: Hope; Spiritual growth; Suffering
Scripture(s): Hebrews 6:10-12; Psalm 119:71; Romans 8:16-18
Today’s Insights
The apostle Peter penned his first letter to encourage believers in Jesus who—because of persecution in Jerusalem (see Acts 8:1)—had been scattered throughout Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Peter’s words still encourage suffering believers today. We’re not to be surprised when we face persecution because of our faith (1 Peter 4:12). After all, Christ warned, “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also” (John 15:20). Yet Peter tells us to rejoice when we suffer for being Christ’s followers (1 Peter 4:13, 16). We see this modeled by Paul in prison (Acts 16:22-25). God the Holy Spirit was with the early believers in their trials—and He’s with us in ours (1 Peter 4:14; see John 14:15-17; Romans 5:5). He comforts (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) and inspires His followers to persevere with rejoicing.
Today’s Devotional
The two men conquered human flight, but the Wright brothers’ journey to success was never easy. Despite countless failures, ridicule, money woes, and serious injury to one of them, the brothers weren’t stopped by the trials they faced. As Orville Wright observed, “No bird soars in a calm.” The idea, according to biographer David McCullough, means that adversity can “often be exactly what you need to give you a lift higher.” Said McCullough, “Their joy was not getting to the top of the mountain. Their joy was climbing the mountain.”
The apostle Peter taught a similar spiritual principle to the persecuted early church. He told them, “Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you” (1 Peter 4:12). This wasn’t a denial of suffering’s pain. Peter knew that hope in Christ grows our trust in God.
This is especially true when we suffer for being a believer in Jesus, as those early Christians did. Peter wrote to them, “Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed” (v. 13). He went on, “If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (v. 14).
As the Wright brothers’ character was hailed by their biographer, may others see God’s loving character at work in us. He uses our adversity to raise us to new heights.
Reflect & Pray
How have you suffered for Christ? How was He glorified?
Suffering tests me, dear God. Please grant me hope for Your glory.
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 – RECOGNIZING GOD – Hebrews 1:1-4
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ’s character, person/work
Scripture(s): Philippians 2:5-10
Today’s Insights
How God has made Himself known to us is noted briefly in Hebrews 1. In the past, He spoke “through the prophets” (v. 1), but now He “has spoken to us by his Son” (v. 2). The supreme revelation of God to us is Jesus. The first of several warning passages comes on the heels of the exaltation of Jesus in Hebrews 1. Readers are cautioned about rejecting the message of the Son and those commissioned by Him (2:3).
The revelation of the Son is also seen in the teaching of Christ in Mark 12:1-12. Using story, He spoke of a man who planted a vineyard and sent servants (representing the prophets) to gather its fruit. When they were rejected, the man sent “a son, whom he loved” (v. 6)—a reference to God’s Son, Jesus—and they killed him (v. 8). Christ’s teaching here also concludes with words about rejecting the Son—“the stone the builders rejected” (v. 10).
Today’s Devotional
I flew to India, a land I’d never visited, and arrived at the Bengaluru airport after midnight. Though there’d been a flurry of emails, I didn’t know who was picking me up or where I should meet him. I followed the streaming mass of humanity to the baggage claim and customs, then out into the sticky night where I tried to spot a pair of friendly eyes among the sea of faces. For an hour, I walked back and forth in front of the crowd, hoping someone would recognize me. A kind man finally approached. “Are you Winn?” he asked. “I’m so sorry. I thought I’d recognize you, and you kept walking in front of me—but you didn’t look how I expected.”
We regularly get confused and fail to recognize people or places we should know. God provides an unmistakable way of recognizing Him, however. He arrived in our world as Jesus, who “is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being” (Hebrews 1:3). Christ is God’s exact representation. When we see Him, we have complete confidence that we’re seeing God.
If we want to know what God is like—what He would say, how He would love—then we need only look and listen to Jesus. Are we truly hearing what “[God] has spoken” (v. 2) through Him? Are we actually following His truth? To be sure that we know how to recognize God, we fix our gaze on the Son and learn from Him.
Reflect & Pray
When do you have trouble recognizing God’s voice? How does fixing your focus on Jesus help?
Dear God, I want to know Your voice and follow You. Please help me recognize You in Jesus.
Learn how to listen for God’s voice by checking out 4 Ways You Might be Mishearing God: How to Listen for His Voice.
Thursday, January 23, 2025 – GOD’S PROMISES – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Daily Bread Focuses: Death of humanity; Hope; Suffering
Scripture(s): Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 26:3; Galatians 6:9
Today’s Insights
We sometimes fail to consider the connection between suffering and spiritual growth. In Paul’s letter to the people in Corinth, he spoke of the eternal glory that our troubles bring: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
This isn’t the only place where Scripture states that our difficulties are actually beneficial for us. The apostle says in Romans, “We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (5:3-4). James too tells us that the testing of our faith is for our benefit: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (1:2-4).
Today’s Devotional
It was painful to see my dad losing his memory. Dementia is cruel, taking away all the recollections of people until there’s no remembrance left of the life they lived. One night, I had a dream I believe God used to encourage me. In the dream, He had a small treasure chest in His hands. “All your dad’s memories are safely stored here,” He told me. “I’ll keep them in the meantime. Then one day, in heaven, I’ll return them to him.”
In the following years, this dream comforted me whenever my dad didn’t know who I was. I’d be reminded that his disease was temporary. Because he was a child of God, he’d be permanently restored one day.
It also helped to remember that Paul described suffering as “light and momentary” (2 Corinthians 4:17). The apostle wasn’t underplaying suffering; he himself had suffered much (vv. 7-12). He was emphasizing that in the light of eternity and the future glory that’s ours in Christ, our troubles are light and momentary. All the glorious blessings we already have in Jesus now—and those we’ll one day experience—will infinitely outweigh them all (v. 17).
Because of God and His promises, we can choose not to lose heart. Even as we suffer, we can live each day in faith, relying on His power to renew us (v. 16). Let’s “fix our eyes” on His eternal promises today (v. 18).
Reflect & Pray
What suffering are you experiencing? How can God’s promises and all that you have as His child help you to not lose heart?
Father, thank You that my suffering doesn’t have the final say. You do.
What has God promised, and how can we learn to trust Him? Read here to learn more.
Friday, January 24, 2025 – CHRIST MATTERS MOST – Colossians 2:6-12
Daily Bread Focuses: Living for Christ
Scriptures(s): Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Timothy 1:7
Today’s Insights
Paul wrote the book of Colossians to the church in Colossae, which was possibly founded by Epaphras (Colossians 1:6-7). Paul wrote this letter during his first Roman imprisonment to address false beliefs and warn of the danger of falling prey to “hollow and deceptive” teaching (2:8). He knew the best way not to be led astray was to be “rooted and built up in [Christ]” (v. 7) through a relationship with Him and familiarity with Scripture. Elsewhere, the apostle warned of false teachers (themselves deceived by Satan) who deceived “naive people” through “smooth talk and flattery” (Romans 16:18) and “empty words” (Ephesians 5:6). He urged believers to battle deception by being “strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” by putting on “the full armor of God, so that [we] can take [our] stand against the devil’s schemes” (6:10-11). With God, we can “stand firm” (v. 14).
Today’s Devotional
My wife and I like cheesy, feel-good romantic movies. I could say it’s her thing. But I like ’em too. Their charm and appeal lies in their predictable path toward happily ever after. Recently, we watched one that offered some questionable romantic advice. Love is a feeling, it said. Then, Follow your heart. Finally, Your happiness matters most. Our emotions matter, of course. But self-focused emotionalism is a lousy foundation for a lasting marriage.
Mainstream culture dishes up many ideas that sound good initially but crumble upon closer inspection. And careful inspection is exactly what Paul has in mind in Colossians 2. There, he emphasizes that being “rooted and built up in [Christ], strengthened in the faith” (v. 7) enables us to identify our culture’s lies. The apostle calls such lies “hollow and deceptive philosophy,” built “on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” (v. 8).
So the next time you watch a movie, ask yourself or those you’re with, “What does this movie suggest is wise? How does that compare to what Scripture says is true?” And remember that it’s Christ that matters most. Only in Him can we find true wisdom and wholeness (vv. 9-10).
Reflect & Pray
How does popular culture shape how you see the world? How does your faith help you evaluate the values you encounter in entertainment?
Father, our world is filled with stories that promise life but ultimately run counter to Your truth. Please give me a hunger for Your wisdom that I might walk in Your ways.
For further study, read The Story of God’s Quest of Redemption.
Saturday, January 25, 2025 – GOD’S PERFECT CARE – 2 Samuel 25:28-31
Our Daily Bread Focus: God’s character; God’s love & care
Today’s Insights
The account in 1 Samuel 25 shows that David could be a bit of a hothead. Denied supplies by conceited Nabal, he reacted in anger and went to slaughter Nabal’s entire household (v. 22). Nabal’s wife, Abigail, however, stopped David from bloodshed with wise words. She pointed out that he should trust God with vengeance (vv. 26, 29, 31) and not take it into his own hands.
Abigail fully expected David to take the throne from then-ruling Saul (v. 28), but begged David not to act rashly. In a way, Abigail’s challenge stopped him from treating Nabal the same way that Saul had been treating him—pursuing bloodshed out of self-centered anger (see 22:6-19).
Today’s Devotional
David Vetter died at age twelve after spending his entire life in a bubble. Nicknamed “The Bubble Boy,” David was born with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). His parents had lost their first son to the disease and were determined to protect their second-born. To prolong his life, NASA engineers designed a plastic protection bubble as well as a spacesuit so his parents could hold David in the outside world. Oh, how we all long to protect those we love!
King David was wronged by Nabal, the foolish husband of Abigail. In a rogue moment, David sought revenge by his own hands. Abigail rushed to meet him with a wise reminder, “Even though someone is pursuing you to take your life, the life of my lord will be bound securely in the bundle of the living by the Lord your God” (1 Samuel 25:29). The concept of “bundle” conveys the idea of gathering up valuable items so the owner can protectively carry them. Abigail reminded David that God wanted to carry him in a protective bundle. He was safest in God’s hands, rather than in his own. “My lord will not have on his conscience the staggering burden of needless bloodshed or of having avenged himself” (v. 31).
We do well to work to protect others when they need it, but it’s only in God’s perfect care that they’re truly safe.
Reflect & Pray
When are you tempted to gather others into self-made bubbles of protection? How can you remember that God’s care is the best?
Dear Father, please help me to trust You with my loved ones, knowing that You can carry them better than I can.
Learn how to show compassion by following Jesu’s example.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
PUT GOD FIRST
When you put God first in everything, you’ll be amazed at what happens in your life. When you show up for God, He will show up and out for you.
So, let’s prioritize time with God and watch what He will do this year.
Putting God first daily and every area of your life is a game changer! There’s so much to do, and there never seems to be enough time. But putting Him first just makes everything fall into place.
Pray to Him; He will bring peace, order, and clarity to every situation. He directs which way to go. He gives us strength.
Putting God first in your life means loving God more than anything or anyone else and devotedly living to Him.
Here are ways to put God first:
1. Pray daily for yourself and others.
2. Study the Bible daily.
3. Trust God always.
4. Seek God’s Kingdom early and often.
5. Be obedient to His Word.
6. Choose God first in all areas of your life.
7. Submit to God’s will without hesitation.
8. Forgive those who have hurt you.
9. Ask forgiveness of those you have hurt.
9. Thank God every day for all things.
10. Spend quality time with God and listen to his quiet and still voice.
11. Share the Word of God and His goodness without judgment towards others. Plant good seeds in others.
12. Lastly, find a church home and attend and volunteer regularly. Being around other committed and sincere believers will help keep you encouraged and focused.
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. — Matthew 6:33
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE OF THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
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