FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
HEAVEN BOUND WITH OUR SAVIOR
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. — John 3:3 KJV
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”— John 3:3 ESV
Wednesday Corporate Fasting Scripture – Isaiah 58 (ESV); Isaiah 58 (KJV)
Friday End of Week Scripture – Ephesians 3:20-21 (KJV)
LET’S CELEBRATE YOUR NEW YEAR!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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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, August 17, 2025 – JESUS RESCUED US – 1 Peter 2:21-25
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, person/work; Salvation
Today’s Devotional
Two workers at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station desperately needed medical care. One had suffered a heart attack, and the other was experiencing life-threatening gastric issues. The only way to ensure their recovery was to launch a rescue mission. Due to harsh conditions, however, including darkness and -75 degrees Celsius (-103°F) temperatures from February to October, planes didn’t normally risk flying to the outpost during winter. But the pilots were determined to rescue the workers—and they did, despite enduring a difficult two days of challenging flights.
Stories of rescue are inspiring. The greatest rescue story was when Jesus rescued us from sin. The apostle Peter wrote, “ ‘He himself bore our sins’ in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24). He rescued us by bearing our sins in His body. He carried them as a sacrifice—a sacrifice in which he “suffered for you” and for me (v. 21). On the cross, Christ bore “the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13) and endured our shame. He was wounded so we might be healed, and He died so that we might be delivered from the penalty and power of sin (1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:5).
How amazing it is to know that we were rescued from our own desperate condition by one who was willing to endure the harshest of conditions for us!
Reflect & Pray
What does the rescue Christ provided mean to you? How can you help others experience it?
Dear Jesus, thank You for Your incredible sacrifice and for rescuing me.
Learn more about Having A Personal Relationship With God.
Today’s Insights
Peter wrote this letter to encourage believers in Jesus who were suffering in a hostile world. He instructed them to live God-honoring lives and to do good deeds (1 Peter 1:15-16; 2:11-12). In response to undeserved suffering, believers are to be like Christ and imitate His character. The sinless One, in submission to the Father’s will, endured the pain and humiliation of the cross to save us (2:21-23).
Peter affirmed that Jesus’ sacrifice is the heart of God’s salvation plan (v. 24), alluding to Isaiah 53:10: “It was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and . . . the Lord makes his life an offering for sin.” Scripture calls this the “atoning sacrifice” (1 John 2:2; 4:10) or “propitiation” (esv) for our sins. The sinless Christ “personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right” (1 Peter 2:24 nlt).
Today’s Devotional
Wealthy benefactors in communities across the United States have made an inspiring promise to students. If they get good grades throughout their thirteen years of school in their district, the benefactors will pay for four years at a public community college or university in their state. Statistics have shown in some cities that this motivates the students, rich and poor, to start doing well immediately after they hear the news. One teacher said, “It’s been a total shift in mindset. Every kindergartener will tell you they’re going to college. It’s reality.” The promise of what’s to come increases their desire and hope for their future.
The apostle John talked about a promise of what’s to come that helped motivate the early believers in their faith. Jesus promised to return; and when He does, John says, “We shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). He encouraged his readers: “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure” (v. 3). We have the confident hope that one day we will see Jesus. And because of that promise, our desire to be more like Him increases because we’re loved by Him and love Him in return.
What a time that will be when we see Jesus face to face! Until then, we keep following Him, growing in our faith, and anticipating His coming. God will keep His promise.
Reflect & Pray
How can you keep walking closely with Jesus? In what ways do you want to become more like Him?
I look forward to seeing You, Jesus, and to being made whole in every way.
Becoming more like Jesus means loving others in need. Learn more by reading Love’s Proof Is in the Provision.
Today’s Insights
In 1 John 3:1-6, the first and second appearances of Christ come into view. Verse 5 references His first appearance: “You know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins.” The second coming of Jesus is referred to in verse 2: “We know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”
This passage also describes three aspects of God’s saving grace: justification, glorification, and sanctification. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, all who receive Him by faith are justified or made right with God and become “children of God” (vv. 1-2). God’s children have the hope of being “like him” (v. 2), fully conformed to His likeness. That’s glorification. But in the meantime, “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure” (v. 3). That’s sanctification.
Today’s Devotional
Australian photographer Christian Spencer has spent more than twenty years taking pictures in the Itatiaia National Park in Brazil. One amazing aspect of his photography is that he’s captured the effect of sunlight passing through the open wings of the hummingbird. He found that the wings create a prism-like rainbow of colors when birds fly between the bright sun and his camera lens. Other photographers have also captured this in birds other than just the hummingbird.
Finding rainbows of colors in birds’ wings is an example of some of the hidden treasures God has placed in His creation. Such beauty and magnificence can pique our curiosity for what believers in Jesus will observe when they see Him sitting on His throne. When John saw the heavenly throne in Revelation 4, he must have been mesmerized. He describes Christ on the throne with “a rainbow that shone like an emerald” encircling it (v. 3). Words cannot describe the glory of God that was revealed to the apostle.
As we find hidden treasures in God’s creation, may we enjoy each one, knowing there’s so much more awaiting us in heaven. There, we will worship our Creator and praise Him forever: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being” (v. 11).
Reflect & Pray
What hidden treasures have you found in God’s creation? How can you use creation to point others to Christ?
Dear God, thank You for the hidden gems in Your creation that point to Your majesty.
Learn more about a different kind of power.
Today’s Insights
In Revelation 4:1-11, John receives a vision that shows him the throne of God in heaven (v. 2). He describes “four living creatures” who worship God incessantly (vv. 6-9). Who are they? These magnificent beings appear not only here but also in 5:6-14; 6:1-8; 14:3; 15:7; and 19:4. Their description is remarkably similar to the creatures mentioned by the Old Testament prophets (Ezekiel 1:4-24; 10:15-22; Isaiah 6:1-3). In Ezekiel 10, these are called cherubim—fearsome angelic beings. We can surmise that the “living creatures” John refers to here are powerful angels. The magnificence of God’s creation can remind us of what awaits us in heaven.
Today’s Devotional
Teaching his son to ride a bicycle, Andrew discovered, was frustrating. The five-year-old kept swerving to one side and falling. Realizing that this happened because his son kept looking to one side, Andrew had an idea. “See that pole?” he asked his son. “Just keep your eyes on it and pedal.” His son did just that, and this time he kept going and going!
The incident was a lesson for Andrew himself. Recounting what happened to his small group later, he concluded, “Whatever we fix our eyes on is where we’re headed.” No wonder Hebrews 12:2 calls on us to keep “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
Life’s responsibilities and routines can draw our attention away from our spiritual walk, as can sinful habits and obsessions that entangle us (v. 1). But if we keep our eyes on Jesus and ask Him to help us put Him first in our thoughts, decisions, and actions, He’ll guide us in everything we do and say, enabling us to stay close to Him in the race on earth. This can be challenging, but God desires to help us fulfill the roles He’s given us. He will give us strength to endure and overcome anything that opposes our walk so we won’t “grow weary and lose heart” (v. 3).
Reflect & Pray
What’s the first thing you think or do when you have to make a decision or respond to a situation? How can you let your words, actions, and thoughts be guided by Jesus?
Dear Jesus, please help me to keep my eyes fixed on You as I go about life. Please also teach me to turn to You first, for You’re all I need.
Are you afraid you’ll step out of the will of God? Learn about making decisions God’s way.
Today’s Insights
The writer of the book of Hebrews encourages his readers by pointing to a gallery of “faith-filled” believers in the Old Testament (see Hebrews 11) and refers to them collectively as “a great cloud of witnesses” (12:1). Verse 2, however, urges the readers to fix their gaze on the premier example of faith—Jesus. He’s described as “the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” The term is pioneer (archēgos)—or author in some versions.
One commentator defines it as a “chief leader—one that takes the lead in anything and thus affords an example.” Archēgos is used only four times in the New Testament: (Acts 3:15; 5:31 [Prince]; Hebrews 2:10; 12:2). The word translated “perfecter” (teleiōtēs) is used only in Hebrews 12:2. According to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, Christ is the “one who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith.” By staying focused on Him, we have the perfect example to imitate.
Thursday, August 21, 2025 – FEED THE NEED – Acts 4:32-37
Daily Bread Focuses: Community/Friendship; Generosity; God’s love and care; Service; Stewardship
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 15:11; 1 Timothy 6:17-19; Philippians 2:3-4
Today’s Devotional
Lisa and Freddie McMillan own a unique restaurant in Brewton, Alabama. They offer a full hot meal to all who stand in line—at no charge. This couple has invested from their own savings to make a difference for senior citizens who often go without meals and rarely enjoy a restaurant experience. A donation box receives contributions. Lisa says, “Sometimes we find nothing there. Sometimes a thank-you note. Sometimes $1,000. Always, we have everything we need. Our goal is to feed the need, restore dignity, and develop community.”
Caring for the needy can seem a daunting task—unless we depend on God! The Gospels include records of Jesus feeding thousands by inviting His disciples to participate: “You give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16). In the book of Acts, we learn that in the early church, believers “shared everything they had” and “there were no needy persons among them” (4:32, 34). Many of them sold property and gave the proceeds to the apostles, who “distributed to anyone who had need” (vv. 34-35). Understanding that their possessions ultimately belonged to God, they voluntarily invested in the lives of others from what they owned.
God provides. Sometimes by His own hand and sometimes through the hands of His people. He feeds our need so that we can feed the need of others.
Reflect & Pray
How has God provided for you? How can you join God in providing for those around you?
Dear God, I’m so grateful for Your abundant provision in my life! Please help me to give to others from what You’ve given to me.
Learn how we can navigate the hurt we—or our loved ones—experience in church.
Today’s Insights
Twice Luke mentions the willingness of believers in Jesus to sell property and share possessions (Acts 2:41–47; 4:32–35). The Holy Spirit had come to Jerusalem as the city swelled with visitors for the Jewish feast of Pentecost. Overwhelmed by the apostles’ assurance that God was willing to forgive them, those who stepped forward to believe in Christ saw one another’s needs and felt one another’s pain. It was then, after again mentioning their mutual care, that Luke describes a husband and wife who tried to leave a false impression of generosity. Ananias and Sapphira were caught lying about the details of their gift, and suddenly both died (5:1–10). The generosity Luke emphasized was the result of those whose hearts had been changed by the Spirit of Jesus.
Today’s Devotional
On Chantale’s thirteenth birthday, after hours of joyful celebration in her quiet home village, gunfire shattered the peaceful evening. Chantale and her siblings ran into the forest, obeying their mother’s frantic command to hide. All night, they huddled underneath the sanctuary of a tree. “The sun appeared in the morning. But not our parents,” Chantale recounts. She and her siblings were now orphans and refugees, joining tens of thousands in a refugee camp.
When we hear stories like Chantale’s, it can be tempting to turn away from such overwhelming loss. But those who believe in the God of Scripture believe in a God who never looks away from suffering, who attentively “watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow” (Psalm 146:9).
The “Maker of heaven and earth . . . remains faithful forever” (v. 6), ever at work upholding “the cause of the oppressed” and providing “food to the hungry” (v. 7).
Chantale Zuzi Leader, who founded an organization to educate refugee girls, says her experience taught her that “anyone can become a refugee—to lose that place of safety they once had.”
May our response to those who’ve lost a place of safety reflect the heart of the God, who is an ever-faithful “refuge for the oppressed” (9:9), who “lifts up those who are bowed down” (146:8).
Reflect & Pray
How have you or someone you know lost a place of safety? How can God work through such experiences?
Faithful God, thank You for being a refuge for all who hurt. Please help me reflect Your heart.
For further study, read Broken Down Cars: Grieving with Those Who Grieve
Today’s Insights
The book of Psalms is Israel’s hymn book. The final five praise songs (Psalms 146-150) are known as the “Hallelujah Psalms” because each one begins and ends with the very definition of hallelujah—“praise the Lord!” The psalmist calls us to celebrate the greatness of our faithful God, the powerful Creator (146:6), the loving Deliverer (vv. 7-9), and the everlasting King (v. 10).
He also calls us to celebrate His grace, thanking Him for His many acts of deliverance, provisions, and sustenance (vv. 7-9). The object of our faith is crucial. It’s futile to “trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save” (v. 3). We’re to trust God only and to look to Him for help. For “blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD their God” (v. 5). We can reflect the heart of God by being a refuge for the oppressed and caring for the “fatherless and the widow” (v. 9).
Saturday, August 23, 2025 – SPIRITUAL ANCESTRY – Matthew 1:1-6, 12-17
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Family of God
Today’s Devotional
After I took a genealogy test a few years ago, I became curious about my ancestors. I’m grateful I got to hear stories about a few relatives from my late father and from my mother. Hearing about my ancestors helps me feel connected to my family’s roots and helps me learn from their experiences.
When it comes to our spiritual roots, what a gift that Jesus’ earthly genealogy is recorded in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38. Jesus’ genealogy establishes that He’s the Messiah and a direct descendant of Abraham.
As we read His genealogy, we see God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise to Abraham to make him the father of many nations (Genesis 17:1-8). Two thousand years after that promise was fulfilled, the apostle Matthew wrote, “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1).
The biblical genealogy shows Jesus’ ancestry come to life. We see the names of royalty such as King David and ordinary people such as a carpenter named Joseph. And Matthew includes five women: Tamar, Bathsheba (Uriah’s wife), Rahab, Ruth (who some scholars believe were all gentiles), and Mary.
Whether or not we know much about our biological ancestors, we can—because we’re part of God’s family—learn about our spiritual ancestors throughout the Bible. We gain courage from seeing how faithful God was to them.
Reflect & Pray
Why is knowing your spiritual history important? What can you learn from your spiritual ancestors?
Heavenly Father, thank You that I’m part of Your family.
Learn more about the unusual beginnings of the book of Matthew.
Today’s Insights
The New Testament opens with these words: “This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1). The incarnation is the entrance of the Creator into His creation in human form. John the disciple said of Christ, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1).
He added, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (v. 14). John also records these words spoken by Jesus: “Before Abraham was born, I am” (8:58). The crowd rightly understood this to be a claim to divinity and wanted to stone him for blasphemy (v. 59). Because of Christ’s birth, those who believe in Him become part of the family of God.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
SPIRITUAL EYESIGHT
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus
look full in His wonderful face
and the things of earth will
grow strangely dim in the light
of His glory and grace.”
— Helen Howarth Lemmel Written in 1922
This song is a beautiful reminder that as we look to Jesus, as we reflect on who He is and what He has done for us, acknowledge who we are because of Jesus, then the things of earth truly grow dim in the light of His glory and grace.
To fix your eyes on Jesus means to focus your attention, trust, and devotion on Him, especially during challenging times. It’s about prioritizing your relationship with Jesus above all else and finding strength and guidance in His teachings and examples.
This involves actively choosing to look to Jesus, instead them being distracted by the world or your circumstances. Fixing your eyes on Jesus is not a one-time event but an ongoing practice, requiring a conscious effort to turn to Him and seek His presence in your daily life.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrew 12:2
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
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