FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
WE ARE CHOSEN OF GOD
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. — Romans 8:28 KJV
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. — Romans 8:28 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, May 25, 2025 – HOPE RENEWED – 1 Thessalonians 5:4-15
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Encouragement
Today’s Devotional
Thia was puzzled. Why was his eighteen-year-old son spending so much time in the library these days? His son, who was autistic and rarely spoke to anyone, would usually return straight home after class. What changed? When pressed, his son finally replied: “Studying with Navin.”
Navin, it turned out, was a classmate who’d noticed that Thia’s son was struggling in class and had invited him to study together. This budding friendship—the first in eighteen years—greatly encouraged the disheartened father, who’d given up hope of his son ever having a friend.
Hope was renewed because one person cared enough to come alongside another who needed help. In Paul’s ministry to the early church, he knew this also applied to our hope of salvation. For believers in Jesus to “be awake and sober” (1 Thessalonians 5:6), living in the hope of His return, they had to help one another (v. 11), especially those who were struggling.
That’s why, even though these believers led lives of love that pleased God (4:1, 10), Paul reminded them to “encourage the disheartened, help the weak” (5:14). When we notice believers in Christ who are fearful, anxious, or despondent, and we come alongside them—whether to listen, offer a kind word, or sit quietly together—God can use us to give them the strength and courage to hold on to their hope in Jesus.
Reflect & Pray
Who in your community can you come alongside this week? What can you do to show them care and attention?
Dear God, please help me to care for the disheartened and the weak so that their hope in Jesus may be renewed.
Learn how we can prioritize others over our own busyness by reading this article from Reclaim Today.
Today’s Insights
Paul urges his readers to “[put] on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet” (1 Thessalonians 5:8). His use of this imagery might sound familiar. He expands on this idea in Ephesians 6 when he urges believers in Jesus to “put on the full armor of God” (v. 13), including “the belt of truth” (v. 14), “feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace” (v. 15), the “shield of faith” (v. 16), and “the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). As we put on God’s armor, we’re better prepared to serve God and to come alongside those who need encouragement.
Today’s Devotional
Sabin Howard’s remarkable sculpture A Soldier’s Journey breathes with vitality and anguish. Thirty-eight bronze figures lean forward across a fifty-eight-foot bas-relief that traces the life of a World War I soldier. Completed in 2024, the panorama begins with a heartrending goodbye to family, leads us through the naive elation of departure, and moves into the horrors of battle. Finally the sculpture returns us home, where the veteran’s daughter peers into his upturned helmet—only to foresee World War II.
Howard sought “to find the thread that runs through humanity—that human beings can reach great heights, and they can sink to the level of the animal.” War reveals this reality.
The psalmist David knew well the bloody consequences of war. Aware of its tragic necessity to confront evil, he praised the God who “trains my hands for war” (Psalm 144:1). Yet he also recoiled from combat, praying, “From the deadly sword deliver me” (vv. 10-11). David looked forward to the time when the young won’t die in war, but sons “will be like well-nurtured plants” and daughters “like pillars carved to adorn a palace” (v. 12). On that day “there will be no breaching of walls, no going into captivity, no cry of distress in our streets” (v. 14).
Looking back, we remember those who’ve fallen in battle. Looking ahead, we sing with David, “I will sing a new song to you, my God” (v. 9).
Reflect & Pray
How has war affected you? What can you do to work for peace?
Father, we remember those who’ve died in war. We long for Your lasting peace.
Today’s Insights
Quick to wield the weapons of war, David rose to prominence after killing Goliath with a sling and a stone (see 1 Samuel 17). Although he was God’s anointed to lead Israel into battle, David was prohibited from building the temple for God (see 1 Chronicles 17) partly due to how “much blood” he had “shed” (22:8).
Despite his military prowess, he knew he couldn’t rely on military strength. In Psalm 20 he wrote, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (v. 7). And as we trust Him, we can find the strength to promote peace wherever we are.
Today’s Devotional
“Wow!” was the response of our team members who toured a retreat center—purchased at great cost by a person with a vision for the refreshment and encouragement of people serving in ministry. We were amazed by double-decker, queen-sized bunks and bedroom suites with king-sized beds. The exquisitely equipped kitchen and dining area also generated wide-eyed delight. And, just when you thought that you’d seen it all, there were more surprises—including a full-sized, indoor basketball court. Every “wow” was warranted.
The Queen of Sheba had a similar “wow” response when she visited King Solomon in ancient Jerusalem. When she “saw all the wisdom of Solomon and the palace he had built . . . she was overwhelmed” (1 Kings 10:4-5). Centuries later, another royal son of David—Jesus—appeared, and He amazed people in other ways. Everywhere He went, people recognized the wonder of His wisdom and works (Luke 4:36), and He urged them to see that “someone greater than Solomon” had stepped onto the scene (11:31 nlt).
The stunning ministry of Jesus grants forgiveness of sin—purchased at great cost, His death. He welcomes anyone who will to come to Him. And those who do will experience His beauty and grace and will sing His praises now and throughout eternity. Wow!
Reflect & Pray
What about Jesus compels you to say, “Wow!”? If you haven’t yet experienced the goodness of God through Jesus, what’s keeping you from getting to know Him?
Dear Jesus, please continue to open my eyes and heart to see how amazing You are.
Learn to see the goodness of God, even in the everyday moments of life by reading this prayer from Reclaim Today.
Today’s Insights
In Luke 11:31, Jesus says that “someone greater than Solomon is here” (nlt). The uniqueness of Christ’s words and works inspired faith and wonder in the people of His day. One word that captured their response is amazed, translated from the Greek word thaumazō, which means “wonder, marvel, admire.” After speaking at the synagogue in Nazareth, Luke said of Jesus: “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips” (4:22). Regarding His works, after Christ delivered a boy from demonic power, “everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did” (9:43).
Another word used in reference to Jesus’ awe-inspiring ministry is existēmi, which means “to amaze, astonish, throw into wonderment.” In response to Christ raising a little girl from the dead, “they were completely astonished” (Mark 5:42). The Message renders it: “They . . . were all beside themselves with joy.”
Today’s Devotional
Elliot is passionate about telling others about Jesus. During a week spent teaching from 2 Timothy for church leaders in a South Asian country, he reminded them of Paul’s farewell to Timothy. He urged them not to be ashamed of the good news but instead to embrace suffering and persecution for the gospel’s sake as did Paul (1:8-9). A few days later, Elliot learned that evangelism and Christian conversion had been banned in that country. With deep concern for their welfare, he prayed for these leaders to persevere and to boldly and with urgency continue to proclaim the gospel.
Paul understood the danger inherent in proclaiming the good news. He spent time in prison (vv. 8, 16) and had suffered in many other ways because of his teaching (vv. 11-12)—including being beaten, whipped, and stoned (see 2 Corinthians 11:23-29). But nothing kept Paul from telling others about Jesus. His philosophy? “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). He lived to tell others about Christ, but he knew that if he died, he would be with Jesus. Paul reminded Timothy that the Holy Spirit would empower him (2 Timothy 1:7).
God calls all of us who believe, wherever we are—at home or abroad—to tell others about Jesus. We may suffer, but He is right there with us.
Reflect & Pray
What helps you to tell others about Jesus? How have you suffered for telling someone the good news?
Dear God, I want others to know You as I do! Please empower me through Your Holy Spirt to tell them the great news about You.
Today’s Insights
The Great Fire of Rome occurred in ad 64, around the time that Paul wrote 2 Timothy. Emperor Nero blamed believers in Jesus for it and persecuted them. Paul was in prison and his death imminent when he wrote this letter to encourage Timothy to persevere in preaching the gospel (4:2-8). He wasn’t to be afraid or ashamed but to boldly witness and be prepared to suffer for Christ (1:7-8).
Because God had empowered him to live a holy life (v. 9), he didn’t need to fear death because Jesus had destroyed death and would come back again to vindicate his faith (vv. 10-12). And that kind of faith allows us to boldly share our faith with others.
Thursday, May 29, 2025 – GOD’S GREAT POWER – Acts 1:1-9
Daily Bread Focuses: Evangelism; Holy Spirit
Scripture(s): 1 Corinthians 15:3-6; Luke 12:34-40
Today’s Devotional
Our city fell almost dark after a massive ice storm took down miles of power lines, leaving many of our friends without electricity to heat their homes in the dead of a frigid winter. Families longed to see repair trucks in their neighborhoods working to restore power. Later, I learned that a church parking lot served as a temporary command center for the vehicles being sent out to assist those in need.
Hearing about the repair trucks brought to mind Jesus’ command to His disciples in the book of Acts. For forty days after His resurrection, Christ appeared to His disciples to encourage and teach them about the kingdom of God (Acts 1:3). Before Jesus’ return to heaven, He gave them one last promise: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (v. 8).
Christ promised that God’s incomparably great power would be available to the disciples through His Spirit. But the purpose of having power wasn’t to keep it to themselves. Instead, the disciples let God empower them in the mission of telling others how to experience once more the connection to God’s power and love that was broken by sin.
As we go out into our communities, we have the same power and calling. Empowered by God’s Spirit, we can care for those who are suffering and share how they too can have access to God’s power.
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced the power of God’s Spirit to help you? How might you share that message with others?
Dear God, thank You for the gift of Your power and love.
Today’s Insights
The book of Luke ends with Jesus’ ascension into heaven (Luke 24:50-53). The book of Acts, also written by Luke, begins with him reminding his reader, Theophilus, of that earlier account by referring to “my former book” (Acts 1:1). Luke then affirms the truth of Christ’s resurrection: “After his suffering, [Jesus] presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive” (v. 3).
Luke concludes his introduction by assuring us of Christ’s return: “This same Jesus . . . will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” (v. 11). The reality of Jesus’ triumph over death and His promised return are foundational to our faith—faith that allows us to live out His power in our lives.
Today’s Devotional
San Fruttuoso Abbey is nestled in a cove off Italy’s northwest coast. Accessible only by boat or foot, it’s a secluded gem. But even more treasure hides in its bay. As divers venture into the sea and descend fifty feet down, the figure of a man starts coming into view. This is Christ of the Abyss, the world’s first underwater statue, placed in 1954. The bronze figure depicts Jesus in the depths, His hands raised to heaven.
The depths. Maybe you’ve experienced them. “I sink in the miry depths,” Psalm 69 says, “I am worn out calling for help” (vv. 2-3). Mocked by his foes and estranged from his family (vv. 4, 7-12), the psalmist found no comfort in others (v. 20) and feared his misery would “swallow” him up (v. 15). Whether it’s sin or sadness that takes us there, the depths are life’s moments of dark despair.
Thankfully this isn’t the last word on the depths. For while they’re cold and lonely, there is one who can be found in them (139:8). And He will rescue us from their chilly waters. “I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths” (30:1).
As that sculpture reminds us, when we’re sinking under the world’s weight, we’re not alone. Jesus by the Spirit is there in the depths, His hands raised high—ready to meet us and lift us out in time.
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced “the depths” in the past? How might Psalm 69:15 be pivotal in getting through them?
Dear Jesus, thank You for meeting me in the depths. Please lift me out with Your love, grace, and power.
Gain more wisdom from the book of Pslams.
Today’s Insights
Psalm 69’s vivid description of a “servant” (v. 17) of God enduring unjust suffering parallels Isaiah’s description of a suffering servant (Isaiah 52:13-53:12). Although the psalmist refers to personal “guilt” (Psalm 69:5), this could be an indirect way of confessing general innocence—that is, God knows everything the psalmist is guilty of and knows none of it could justify such treatment.
In the New Testament, Psalm 69 is frequently quoted in reference to Jesus. He was hated without cause (Psalm 69:4; John 15:25), consumed by zeal for God’s house (Psalm 69:9; John 2:17), carried insults intended for God (Psalm 69:9; Romans 15:3), and given vinegar to drink as He neared death (Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:34, 48; Mark 15:36; Luke 23:36; John 19:29). Jesus knew “the depths” as no one else could, and He helps us as we face them.
Saturday, May 31, 2025 – GOD KNOWS BEST – Isaiah 55:6-11
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): God’s character; Wisdom; Trust in God
Today’s Devotional
Anxious about a health issue my teenage niece had, I was relieved when I heard of a promising natural remedy. My sister, however, felt it might cause side effects, based on her daughter’s medical history. I wanted to argue but refrained. No matter how concerned I was about my niece, I had to defer to her mom’s authority.
Later, a doctor told us, “That natural remedy would’ve caused a strong allergic reaction.” When it comes to my niece’s welfare, her mom truly knows what’s best for her—in ways that I don’t.
I remember this incident when I’m anxious about other loved ones, asking God to help them the way I think they should be helped. I remember that God, who loves them and knows them far better than I do, knows best.
In Isaiah 55:9, God says, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways.” The Hebrew word here for ways (derek) refers to the moral actions and behavior of God contrasted with that of wicked people. God’s wisdom and righteous ways are far above ours. What happens in a loved one’s life may not be what we want, but we can trust Him to work in their lives as He sees best.
Let’s keep entrusting those we love to God by presenting “[our] requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). He alone is perfect in love, mercy, wisdom, and sovereignty (Isaiah 55:3, 7-11).
Reflect & Pray
What concerns do you have for a loved one? How can you surrender your understanding of the situation to God’s wisdom?
Dear God, I entrust my loved ones into Your care. You alone know what’s best for them.
God’s love can bring us through life’s hardest moments. Find out more by reading Cherish.
Today’s Insights
Isaiah 55:8-9 affirms God’s supremacy and incomparability. More than a thousand years before Isaiah prophesied, Job’s friend challenged the ancient patriarch: “Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty? Such knowledge is higher than the heavens—and who are you? . . . What do you know?” (Job 11:7-8 nlt).
An unanswered question asked by God’s people is this: “Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). God Himself challenged His people: “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” (Isaiah 40:25; see v. 18; 46:5). Because God is unlike any other being, our finite minds can never fully understand Him. Yet, this incomparable and incomprehensible God invites us to “come to [Him and] listen, that you may live” (55:3) and “call on him while he is near” (v. 6).
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
THE HOLY SPIRIT,
OUR GREATEST TREASURE
The Holy Spirit is a treasure we have been gifted; He is worth much more than anything else the world may offer.
The Holy Spirit empowers you to do everything God asks you to do. The one who dwells in you is the One who also created everything you see outside of you. You have power inside of you.
Using this miraculous power in you is to fulfill God’s purpose, not to enrich yourself.
You already have everything in Christ, so you can focus on what counts. Be bold to obey God. Stay conscious of what God has asked you to do, and know that you can accomplish it by His Spirit in you. He is your enabler.
“Oh, Holy Spirit, your presence is my greatest treasure,
Guiding me on this journey with love beyond measure.
In your light, I find purpose; in your love, I find rest,
Forever grateful for your divine presence; I am blessed.”
—Readgoodpoems.com
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21
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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