FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. — Deuteronomy 28:2 KJV
And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. — Deuteronomy 28:2 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, April 13, 2025 – LISTEN TO THE STONES – Luke 19:37-40
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Celebration; Christ’s person/work
Today’s Insights
Some scholars believe that Jesus’ statement in Luke 19:40 that “if [the crowds] keep quiet, the stones will cry out” is a reference to Habakkuk 2:11: “The stones of the wall will cry out, and the beams of the woodwork will echo it.” Others suppose that the stones in view are the stones of the very gates themselves, as seen in Psalm 118:19-20: “Open for me the gates of the righteous . . . the gate of the Lord through which the righteous may enter.”
Whether Luke 19:40 echoes an Old Testament text or not, it’s an example of poetic imagery where inanimate objects praise God (see also Psalm 114:6; Psalm 148; Isaiah 55:12). Jesus had often refused praise during His earthly ministry. Now He not only accepted it but encouraged it. When humans fail to praise the Creator, the creation itself will praise God.
Today’s Devotional
After our family held a riverside memorial service for my father, we each selected a stone to help us remember him. His life had been a checkerboard of wins and losses, but we knew his heart had been for us. My fingers traced my stone’s smooth surface and helped me remember to hold him close.
In Luke 19, Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem while the crowds waved palm branches, shouted Hosannas, and cheered, “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!” (v. 38; see John 12:12-13). In the Pharisees’ disdain of what they perceived to be a blasphemous claim of messiahship, they ordered Jesus to tell the disciples to be quiet. Jesus replied, “If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out” (Luke 19:40).
The stones do cry out—in many ways. God has used stones throughout the story of His love for us. Two rough-hewn stones carried ten chiseled commandments to tell us how to live (Exodus 34:1). Stones of remembrance piled by the Jordan River and in the middle of the river reminded generations of Israelites of God’s provision and faithfulness (Joshua 4:8-9 nlt). The one rolled into place to contain Jesus’ body is the same one that rolled away to show He had risen (Matthew 27:59-66; Luke 24:2). We “hear” this stone as it reminds us of Jesus’ words: “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).
Listen to the stones and lift your own voice along with them in praise to our loving Father.
Reflect & Pray
How have the stones of God’s work in our world “cried out” to you? What message might God intend for you to take to heart?
Dear Father, thank You for using even stones to speak of Your love.
For further study, read Give Me a Sign
Monday April 14, 2025 – SHARING GOSPEL RESOURCES – Romans 1:8-17
Daily Bread Focuses: Evangelism; Forgiveness of sin; Generosity; Loving others
Scripture(s): 2 Timothy 4:2; Psalm 40:9-10
Today’s Insights
Romans opens with Paul identifying himself as “an apostle . . . set apart for the gospel of God” (1:1). His letter is written “to all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people” (v. 7). Yet he singles out the gentiles for special mention (vv. 5-6), perhaps because their inclusion in the family of faith was still a radical concept. Paul reiterates this cross-cultural unity later in the chapter: “The power of God . . . brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (v. 16). His example inspires us to reach out to people in new places with the love of Christ.
Today’s Devotional
The venue and accommodations for our leadership meeting in downtown Chicago were in stark contrast with the neediness I encountered on my way there—neediness that included individuals who lacked the basics of food and shelter. The differences helped me picture and articulate things we needed to include in our vision planning for serving in the city and elsewhere: to get gospel resources (anything given by God to help spread the message of His love and salvation) to places where they’re needed most.
At the time Paul wrote to the Roman believers in Jesus, he hadn’t visited them yet—but wanted to: “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:11-12). The apostle was looking forward to a “gift exchange” that would benefit him and others as they sought to live for Jesus and serve others.
The resources we possess include the spiritual gifts and material resources given to us by God. May we allow Him to use us to compassionately reach out to people with the gospel message. And, as God empowers us, let’s open our hearts, hands, and lips to serve others. May we do so “[un]ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16).
Reflect & Pray
How will you share the good news of forgiveness that you’ve received? How can you meet others’ physical needs while sharing the love of Christ?
Dear Jesus, please help me to unashamedly share the good news of Your forgiveness.
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – GOING WITH GOD – Ruth 1:6-17
Daily Bread Focus: Loving others
Scripture(s): John 15:12-14; 1 Peter 3:8-9
Today’s Insights
Throughout Scripture, we find statements declaring the necessity of commitment to God or Jesus (Deuteronomy 6:5; Mark 8:34). Ruth’s statement of commitment is remarkable, however, because in addition to a commitment to her mother-in-law Naomi, she includes a commitment to Israel’s God: “Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:16).
This is surprising because she’s a Moabitess and a foreigner. Her declaration echoes that of Rahab (Joshua 2), the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13), and the Canaanite woman (15:21-28). All these foreigners expressed confidence in or a commitment to God. Their acceptance shows hints of His love for the whole world.
Today’s Devotional
In The Courier, a film inspired by true events, the main character, Greville, is confronted with a difficult decision. He learns that a close friend is going to be arrested and will likely face a grueling imprisonment. Greville can save himself from the same fate if he flees the country immediately and denies association with his friend. Moved with compassion, Greville loyally refuses to leave and is imprisoned, suffering the same agony as his friend. Neither man betrays the other. In the end, Greville is released a broken, but true and faithful companion.
Naomi needed a friend like that. When her husband and sons died, Naomi faced destitution and a long journey to her homeland. Naomi told her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth to remain in Moab and find a new life for herself (Ruth 1:8-9). Ruth responded, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go” (v. 16). Ruth loyally accompanied Naomi to a foreign land and helped provide for their family. Ruth’s faithfulness transformed their broken family into an incredible legacy. Much later, her great-grandson David would become king of Israel and was called a man after God’s own heart.
Facing suffering with others is daunting. But if we surrender our own will and seek God’s strength, He enables us to love people in extraordinary ways. In His power, we can choose to say, “Where you go, I will go.”
Reflect & Pray
Who around you is walking a difficult road? How can you choose to walk alongside that person?
Thank You, Jesus, for never abandoning me.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 – A PASTRY WAR – Ecclesiastes 7:3-9
Daily Bread Focus: Forgiving others; Wisdom
Scripture(s): Luke 7:49; 23:34; Proverbs 4:7; Ephesians 4:26-27
Today’s Insights
Solomon, the author of Ecclesiastes, asks: “Who knows how our days can best be spent? Our lives are like a shadow” (6:12 nlt). The book contains some odd and morbid advice about life’s brevity, adversity, and festivity (7:1-14). One’s death is better than one’s birth (v. 1); attend funerals, not parties (v. 2); and think about life’s pains, not pleasures (v. 3).
Since “death is the destiny of everyone” (v. 2), Solomon advises us to live life with our end in mind, pondering life’s brevity instead of pursuing festivity, “for sadness has a refining influence on us” (v. 3 nlt). In light of life’s brevity and adversity and death’s reality, we’re to decide how to wisely spend our time. Even as we experience the uncertainties of life—adversity and prosperity, good times and bad times—God is in control (vv. 13-14).
Visit ODBU.org/OT022 and dive deeper into the wisdom of Ecclesiastes.
Today’s Devotional
Of all the foolish things that have led to nations going to war, could a pastry be the worst of all? In 1832, amid tensions between France and Mexico, a group of Mexican army officers visited a French pastry shop in Mexico City and sampled all the baker’s goods without paying. Though the details get complicated (and other provocations compounded the troubles), the result was the first Franco-Mexican War (1838-39)—known as the Pastry War—in which more than three hundred soldiers died. It’s sad what a moment of anger can incite.
Most human conflicts—shattered marriages and ruined friendships—are likely rooted in some form of unmanaged anger. Selfishness and power plays, unresolved misunderstandings, slights and counter-aggression—it’s all foolishness. So often, our ill-advised perceptions or reactions lead to destructive anger. Yet Ecclesiastes offers wisdom: “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools” (7:9).
It’s foolish to have a short fuse and be easily provoked to anger, especially when God offers a better way—perhaps through “the rebuke of a wise person” (v. 5). Pursuing wisdom, we can “let the peace of Christ rule in [our] hearts” (Colossians 3:15). We can live in wisdom and forgiveness as He helps us.
Reflect & Pray
Where have you given in to foolish anger? How did it hurt you or others?
Dear God, I don’t want to allow foolish anger to control me or harm others. Please help me release my anger and receive Your peace.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 – LIFE AND DEATH IN CHRIST – John 12:20-27
Daily Bread Focuses: Death; Living for Christ
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 15:36-38; Isaiah 53:10-11; John 12:32-33
Today’s Insights
The gospel of John uses words for “life” more often than any other gospel, yet almost half of his gospel is devoted to the passion of Christ—the events of His final week on earth, including His suffering and death. It was only by His death and resurrection that new life became available to us. And that new life would follow a death to our old life. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). The paradox of the life of the believer in Christ is that our spiritual “dying” is what produces the fruit of spiritual living (12:24-25).
The day of Jesus’ resurrection occurred on the very day during Passover when the first sheaf of the grain harvest was waved in the temple. It was the sign of a coming harvest only possible because each seed first dies its necessary death.
Today’s Devotional
Facing a firing squad, Fyodor Dostoevsky quietly counted the last moments of his life. Dostoevsky, a believer in Jesus, is considered one of the greatest writers in all of literature. His monumental novel The Brothers Karamazov explored themes about God, life, and death. It was said of Dostoevsky, “He spoke about Christ ecstatically.” The rifles raised. “Ready! . . . Aim . . .”
Jesus, alluding to His own execution, speaks to His disciples and to us of the eternal value of life and death when He said, “The hour has come” (John 12:23). The image is a seed (our life), which produces a great harvest through its own sacrifice (v. 24). Jesus tells us not to love this life too much, for it is those who are willing to sacrifice this present life who will find “eternal life” (v. 25).
Being His disciple requires sacrifice. But we find our hope in His words, “My Father will honor the one who serves me” (v. 26).
Fyodor looked death in the face. But a letter from the Czar was delivered at the last second. A reprieve. Dostoevsky’s life was spared, yet this experience would infuse all his later works. Indeed, the epigraph of The Brothers Karamazov is this verse, John 12:24: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”
Reflect & Pray
How does your faith affect your thoughts about life and death? What’s your joy for the future?
Father God, please help me accept the challenge of discipleship and understand the meaning of life through death.
Friday, April 18, 2025 – LAMENT TO PRAISE – Luke 23:32-34, 39-43
Daily Bread Focuses: Christ’s death; Christ, person/work
Scriptures(s): 1 Peter 1:3; Luke 24:6; 1 Corinthians 6:14; Romans 10:9
Today’s Insights
As Jesus hung on the cross, He made several statements that are now referred to as “The Seven Last Words (Sayings) from the Cross.” Three are found in Luke 23: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (v. 34); “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43); “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 46).
The other four sayings are found in Matthew 27:46 and John 19:26-27, 28, 30. Jesus didn’t lose perspective during His distress, pain, and agony. He remained focused on His Father and His mission. Though the voices around the cross were many, including the criminals crucified with Him (Luke 23:39-42), Christ’s words were clear, focused, and intentional. His conduct under duress remains the standard for those called to endure suffering. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21).
Today’s Devotional
Several legends surround the naming of the beautiful five-petaled flower the forget-me-not. Among those stories is one from a German legend. According to the story, as God named all the plants He’d created, one little flower worried that it would be overlooked. So the flower called out, “Forget-me-not, O Lord.” And that’s the name God gave to it.
Though this is only a story, the forget-me-not has become a symbol of love and remembrance. Yet all of us have experienced what it feels like to be forgotten. To be remembered—especially to be remembered by our God—is our heart’s true desire. We find just such a story in the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. Luke tells us, “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with [Jesus] to be executed” (23:32). As they were being crucified, one criminal next to Christ suddenly understood. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. 42). Christ’s response was unforgettable: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43).
What an amazing moment! In his darkest hour, that criminal learned what it meant to be remembered by the Son of God.
We too are remembered in our hour of need. The God who loved us enough to die for us will never forget us.
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt forgotten? How will you turn to Jesus today and permit Him to turn your lament into praise?
Dear Father, in those moments when I may feel forgotten, please remind me of Your abiding, loving presence in my life and encourage me with Your grace.
Saturday, April 19, 2025 – CLOTHED IN CHRIST – Isaiah 61:4-11
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Christ’s death; Forgiveness of sin; Salvation; Sin
Today’s Insights
Isaiah 61 speaks of redemption and restoration of God’s people as “the year of the Lord’s favor” (v. 2). They will experience God’s grace when He sends them the “anointed” one—Jesus (see Luke 4:18-19)—to rescue and deliver them from their captivity to sin (Isaiah 61:1-3). God will bless them as His covenant people, and they will rejoice in His faithfulness, grace, goodness, and glory (vv. 4-11).
In thankfulness for God’s salvation, the prophet Isaiah declared on behalf of the redeemed people: “He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness” (v. 10 nlt). God’s redeemed people will be a witness to the world that God has blessed His people with new life (v. 9).
Today’s Devotional
Rose Turner, a fashion psychologist at the London College of Fashion, studies the impact clothing has on how people think, how they behave, and even how clothes affect their mood. As the closest thing to our bodies, clothing forms a type of “second skin” and girds us for whatever the day might hold. For example, donning professional attire can “help with motivation and concentration” at work, and wearing vintage pieces with sentimental value can bring comfort during stressful situations.
This psychological phenomenon offers an insight into Isaiah’s prophetic words about Jesus’ sacrificial act. He records the future deliverance of the Jews from their captivity in Babylon, assuring them they would one day “rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated” in their absence (Isaiah 61:4). In that day, they would wear “a robe of his righteousness” (v. 10).
Isaiah’s prophecy was fulfilled first in the nation’s return to Jerusalem and then fully when “God made [Jesus] . . . sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Righteousness describes our right relationship with God when we trust in Christ’s sacrifice. God doesn’t see us outfitted in shame or disgrace because of our sin; instead, He sees us clothed in Jesus’ enduring righteousness—a “second skin” that girds us with joy today and for eternity.
Reflect & Pray
What shame do you “put on” every day? How can you better remember your robe of righteousness?
Thank You, Jesus, for clothing me in Your righteousness.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
THE CROSS – SYMBOL OF HOPE
Everyone has a cross to bear, but if you let Jesus bear it with you, He will give you the strength to face each day’s burdens!
The Cross of Jesus is not an ornament or a piece of jewelry. The Cross symbolizes His broken body and shed blood, reminding us of His sacrifice and the example He set for us to follow.
The Cross is the symbol of His mercy, His grace, and the hope we have in Him to overcome any hardship. Jesus says, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” —Matthew 16:24
BEARING THE CROSS
Follow Christ, you have a cross
Which daily you must bear
Distinctively identified
You take it everywhere.
Like Christ, we bear it to the death
It speaks of crucifixion
More than burdens every day
Reality, not fiction.
Are we truly following
Christ without our cross?
Every day deny yourself
You will not suffer loss.
I am crucified with Christ
Yet, Christ within me lives
Daily, let me die and seek
The grace that all forgives!
— by Robert Fultz (3/1/2022)
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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