FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
HEAVEN BOUND WITH OUR SAVIOR
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV
16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. — 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 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!
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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 24, 2025 – GOD IS EVERYWHERE – Genesis 28:10-17
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Prayer; Union with Christ
Today’s Devotional
The unassuming violinist, donning a baseball cap and T-shirt, set up near Washington, DC’s L’Enfant Plaza subway station. He moved the bow across the strings, making melodious tunes. But commuters rushed past, oblivious. He played an entire music program with only a handful of people stopping to listen. If the crowd had only known they were rushing past Joshua Bell, one of the greatest virtuosos of our generation, who had played at the Library of Congress the night before. Bell played several of the most difficult, mesmerizing violin pieces in the world, all on a 1713 Stradivarius worth roughly $3.5 million.
It’s easy to be unaware, to miss wonders right in front of us. This was Jacob’s experience as he journeyed to Harran (Genesis 28:10). He stopped and set up camp in a simple spot that seemed like any other, just a place to lay his head for the night. God appeared to him in a midnight dream, however, telling him that his numerous descendants would bless “all peoples on earth” (v. 14). He also assured Jacob that He would “watch over [him] wherever [he would] go” (v. 15). When he awoke, Jacob said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it” (v. 16).
God is everywhere, “fill[ing] heaven and earth” (Jeremiah 23:24). He’s present in the most ordinary places. Our invitation is to keep our eyes and ears open, to watch and listen for Him.
Reflect & Pray
Where have you been surprised by God’s presence? How can you live more aware of Him?
Dear God, it’s so easy to miss You. I want to see You and hear You.
Today’s Insights
As we read this story in Genesis 28, it’s helpful to bear in mind Jacob’s natural character. His name means “he deceives.” He’s the brother who connived to take from his own twin, Esau, what wasn’t rightfully his (see 25:29-34; 27:1-41). Although Jacob was Abraham’s grandson, there’s no indication that he gave much thought to God up to this point.
Yet God had clearly chosen him before he’d been born (25:21-23). In today’s reading, this story marks a turning point. The morning after Jacob’s dream, he set up a stone pillar on the spot as an altar (28:18) to this God he now knew personally. No matter where we encounter God—when we meet Him, our past counts for nothing. Our decision to worship Him is what matters.
Today’s Devotional
During a heated game between two long-standing local high school soccer rivals, the Eagles and the Pioneers, the Eagles kicked the ball into the goal. The ball went into the net but exited the back of the net through a hole. The referee didn’t see the ball enter the goal, and seeing the ball outside the net ruled it was not a score. The Pioneers’ coach saw the goal and voluntarily confirmed the Eagles coach’s claim, even though he could have remained silent. The referee counted the goal. The Pioneers lost the game 3–2.
While it’s easy to speak up when it’s for our benefit, the Bible encourages believers in Jesus to “always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15). Going beyond our normal inclination to do good for our friends, the difficult aspect of this command is working to do good for even our rivals without benefiting from our actions or “expecting to get anything back” in return (Luke 6:35).
Doing good for a rival or competitor may mean speaking up for a coworker’s effort to complete a sale even if that means she might get the bigger bonus. Doing good might mean raking a neighbor’s leaves even if he’s unlikely to say thank you.
As we actively make an effort to do good toward others, we demonstrate that God’s love extends to everyone.
Reflect & Pray
When have you helped the opposing team even when it meant a loss for you? How does this display God’s love?
Dear Jesus, please help me to strive to do good for others through the power of the Holy Spirit, even when it’s difficult.
Today’s Insights
In his final exhortation to the Thessalonian believers in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:12-28), Paul isn’t just giving unrelated, random instructions but is still instructing believers “how to live in order to please God” (4:1). They’re to “encourage one another and build each other up” (5:11), admonish the troublemakers, comfort the disheartened, strengthen the weak, and be patient with everyone (v. 14).
Believers are to be radically different from non-believers when responding to those who’ve wronged or hurt them. Instead of pursuing retribution, believers are to “always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (v. 15). The church is a forgiven community, and a forgiven person is a forgiving person. Elsewhere, Paul writes, “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). Doing what’s good for each person and the community is pleasing to God.
Today’s Devotional
Traffic came to a halt, but I had no idea why. There were few cars on the road, and I could see no obvious reason to be stopped. And then, suddenly—to my great surprise and delight—thousands of sheep emerged and crossed the freeway. As a newcomer to Idaho, I wasn’t yet familiar with the annual migration of the sheep into the Boise foothills each spring. Local ranchers escort their flocks into the foothills, where they graze on the native grasses over the summer.
Because I’d only lived in urban and suburban areas throughout my life, the sight was something of a spectacle to me. Yet sheep were a regular part of living in the days of Ezekiel (and much of the Bible’s recorded history). The prophet drew on something familiar to the people—sheep and shepherding—to convey God’s message to them of comfort and hope.
Ezekiel offered comforting, hopeful words to the Israelites, telling them that despite the years of hardship in Babylon—the consequence of their recurrent rebellion against God—He’d one day restore them to “their own land” (Ezekiel 34:13). God would then, like a shepherd, “tend them in a good pasture,” and they would “lie down in good grazing land” (v. 14).
God shows similar care for His people. We can trust Him, our Shepherd, to lead us forward through life—though we may feel “scattered” like sheep in the midst of difficulties (v. 12)—toward good pastures (vv. 13-14).
Reflect & Pray
When has God led you through seasons of difficulty? How can you trust Him to be your Shepherd today?
Thank You, God, for being my tender, trustworthy Shepherd.
Today’s Insights
In the Old Testament, Israel’s kings were also known as shepherds of God’s people (Numbers 27:17; 2 Samuel 5:2; Ezekiel 37:24). As monarchs, kings were to rule the nation with justice and righteousness. As shepherds, they were to provide for, guide, care, and protect God’s flock. Israel’s kings failed in their dual roles of kingship and shepherding (Ezekiel 34). God declared, “I myself will search for my sheep and look after them” (v. 11).
Isaiah speaks of God as the Shepherd-King: “[The Sovereign Lord] rules with a mighty arm. . . . He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart” (40:10-11). Micah prophesied of a “ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old,” born in Bethlehem, who will come and “shepherd [God’s] flock” (5:2, 4). Jesus, the God-Shepherd, is our Good Shepherd who knows us and lays down His life for us (John 10:11, 14).
Visit GO.ODB.org/082625 to learn more about shepherding in the Middle East.
Today’s Devotional
On a warm evening, I met up with friends in a downtown area. We were excited to eat at a restaurant that offered live jazz music outside, but when we arrived, the patio was full. Disappointed, we left and had to walk several blocks to find another place to eat.
On earth, disappointments come in all sizes, both big and small. Beloved pets pass away. Careers fizzle. Health problems occur. We lose relationships with loved ones. In our setbacks, we have God’s comfort, but our life stories don’t always contain the blissful endings we long for. Believers in Jesus, however, have the hope of a joyful eternity.
The book of Revelation records God giving John a breathtaking vision. John saw “the Holy City, the new Jerusalem” (21:2). “Prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (v. 2), it radiated God’s glory. God would inhabit the place along with all His people. In His city there would be no crime, no darkness, and no fear (vv. 25-27). Light, peace, and goodwill would abound.
On the night I met my friends for dinner, we ended up walking back past the first restaurant. White lights lit the sidewalk, and we stopped to listen to the music as we ate ice cream. I savored the moment, but we know that no earthly joy can compare with the ultimate ending believers will enjoy forever.
Reflect & Pray
What are you most looking forward to in the next life? How does the promise of a joyful future encourage you?
Dear God, please help me see my pain in light of eternity, knowing You have a better future prepared for me.
Today’s Insights
God gave the apostle John a glimpse of “what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1) when Jesus returns to rule the world as king and usher in eternity (vv. 1-3). Satan and the unbelieving, sinful world will be judged and punished for their evil and wickedness (chs. 4-20). John saw “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1). Eight hundred years earlier, Isaiah had prophesied that God would create “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; see 66:22).
Scholars say both Isaiah and John are describing heaven or “paradise” (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7), “God’s dwelling place” where God will live with His people forever (Revelation 21:3). Jesus affectionately called heaven “my Father’s house” (John 14:2). “Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27) will be allowed to experience the fullness of joy in God’s home.
Thursday, August 28, 2025 – GOD’S SUPERIOR STRENGTH – Jeremiah 31:10-14
Daily Bread Focuses: Addiction; Trust in God
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 6:12; 10:13; Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm 143:8
Today’s Devotional
In his book From the Pit to the Pulpit, John Stroup shares about powerful, unfriendly forces of life that battered and bruised him physically, sexually, and emotionally. He notes, “I started using drugs before I could drive a car. . . . I quit school and began to get farther and farther into the criminal lifestyle.” Eventually John’s crimes landed him behind bars. While serving a five-year sentence, the Bible became real to him, and he was humbled before God. By God’s grace, he was liberated from habits that were previously stronger than he was.
Ancient Israel’s experience often included oppression and sometimes captivity “from the hand of those stronger than they” (Jeremiah 31:11). Even when their predicaments were because of their own folly, God Himself exercised His mercy and might on behalf of His wayward people. Renewal—including joyful singing, abundant harvests, and celebration (vv. 12-14)—was to be expected when God exercised His superior strength for their good.
John Stroup’s life is a testimony to God’s might on behalf of those who place their faith in God’s Son, Jesus. The Gospels witness to Christ’s power to counter the ugly forces of evil in human life. And the strength and power of Jesus can be accessed today through sincere, faith-filled prayer, and heartfelt surrender for “everyone who calls” on Him (Acts 2:21).
Reflect & Pray
What life forces are you facing that are too strong for you? What’s keeping you from calling on Jesus for help?
Heavenly Father, please exercise Your superior strength in my life today.
Today’s Insights
Jeremiah 31 proclaimed hope to God’s people still devastated by the suffering of the exile when He promised to return them to their home (vv. 8-10). Not only that, but He promised to undo completely the harm that had been done, so that they’d have in abundance everything they needed to flourish (vv. 12-14). In the ancient Near East, drought was a constant threat, so the promise that God’s people would “be like a well-watered garden” (v. 12) would’ve been a particularly rich metaphor.
The foundation of this promise was God’s “everlasting love” (v. 3) and faithfulness. He reminded His people that His grace had been there even during their exile—just as they’d experienced His grace during their journey from Egypt to Canaan while wandering in the wilderness because of their sin (v. 2). God’s faithfulness in the past reminds us that we can trust Him to be faithful in our circumstances today.
Today’s Devotional
During his church’s fall retreat at a nearby camp, Pastor Jeff took a walk with my son, who led him through a wooded trail to the outdoor chapel. Suddenly they came upon the ark of the covenant! Of course, it wasn’t the real ark but a life-sized, gold-colored replica begun by my husband years ago, with Jeff’s encouragement, and recently completed by my son as a surprise.
Jeff was so thrilled he hurried to enlist others to help him bring the ark to the camp dining hall. What a sight to see the men carrying the ark down the road as two of the pastor’s little grandsons trailed behind hand in hand!
Scripture tells of the joyous occasion when the real ark of the covenant, which symbolized God’s presence with His people, was brought from the house where it had been kept into its proper place in Jerusalem, “the City of David” (2 Samuel 6:12). King David was so overjoyed he danced “before the Lord with all his might” as the people shouted and trumpets sounded (vv. 14-15).
Years later, the Israelites were taken captive to Babylon, and Jerusalem was destroyed (2 Kings 25). We don’t know what happened to the ark. Legends abound, but we no longer need it to enjoy God’s presence (John 14:16-17). Through Jesus’ death, resurrection, and sending of the Spirit, God is with all who believe in Christ. That’s an excellent reason to rejoice!
Reflect & Pray
How does it impact you to know God is with you? When have you felt His presence?
Dear God, thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit.
For further study, read A Story of a Life Led by the Spirit.
Today’s Insights
The ark of the covenant (or ark of God) was the physical manifestation of God’s presence with the Israelites (2 Samuel 6:2; see Exodus 25:22; 30:6). In one of their battles, they brought the ark to the battlefield. The Philistines captured it, holding it in Philistine territory for seven months before they returned it to Israel (1 Samuel 4-6).
Because of the unfaithfulness of the Israelites, the ark was neglected and remained in the Israelite town of Kiriath Jearim for another twenty years (7:1-2) before David brought it to Jerusalem and placed it in the tabernacle (2 Samuel 6). Today, God’s presence is with all who believe in Christ.
Saturday, August 30, 2025 – DIGGING DEEP FOR WISDOM – Ecclesiastes 8:14-17
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, person/work; Wisdom
Today’s Devotional
A Florida construction crew working on a $42 million drain project unearthed a valuable treasure. Deep in the soil, they found a well-preserved fishing boat from the 1800s. The vessel contained interesting artifacts, including part of a kerosene lamp, drinking cups made from coconut shells, and coins. The ship is being studied with the hope that it will provide details of what life was like in that region more than one hundred years ago. “[It’s] more than just the vessel itself. [It’s] this reminder of everyday people,” said one maritime archaeologist. By digging deep, knowledge and wisdom were gained.
Ecclesiastes contains great treasures of wisdom as we study it—ancient wisdom reflecting on the everyday events of that time and ours as well. Solomon reveals how a “wise heart will know the . . . proper time and procedure for every matter” (Ecclesiastes 8:5-6). He wrote that wisdom is found in remembering “all that God has done” (v. 17) and who He is (12:1). God alone provides meaning to life that—apart from Him—is “meaningless” (8:14). His wisdom allows us to experience a contented, joy-filled life in His presence (v. 15).
Ecclesiastes reveals that people will “come and . . . go” (1:4), as evidenced by the ship found in Florida. But God’s wisdom leads to real and lasting life and purpose (John 10:10). Let’s dig deep into the Scriptures to find the ancient wisdom He provides.
Reflect & Pray
How do the Scriptures provide wisdom for you? How can you dig deeply into them?
All-wise God, thank You for providing real wisdom.
Today’s Insights
Ecclesiastes exposes the futility of pursuing things that life has to offer (good or not-so-good) rather than the God who gives life. The word vanity (hebel), often repeated in the book, means “emptiness,” “futility,” “uselessness.” It’s also used to describe situations that defy common sense, as in 8:14, where hebel is translated “meaningless”: “There is something else meaningless that occurs on earth: the righteous who get what the wicked deserve, and the wicked who get what the righteous deserve.
This too, I say, is meaningless.” While we vainly pursue many things in life, our search for wisdom isn’t normally one of them. Those who sincerely seek and dig deep for wisdom—which is “more precious than rubies” (Proverbs 8:11)—will find it. Scripture encourages us to do so: “I [wisdom] love those who love me, and those who seek me find me” (v. 17).
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
GOD’S STRENGTH IN OUR WEAKNESS
“And he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for thee, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 9:12
God’s strength is made perfect in weakness because He delights in using those situations where human strength is lacking to demonstrate His great power. By allowing God’s strength to be made perfect in our weakness, we have the opportunity to display God’s glory.
God’s strength is not diminished by our weaknesses, but rather, His strength is made manifest through them. Our weakness is not a virtue in itself; it simply highlights that God’s strength is more readily available to those who are aware of their limitations and rely on Him.
When we are weak and recognize our need for God, His power works effectively in our lives. Let’s not be afraid to admit our weaknesses and rely on God’s strength.
For when we are weak, then we are strong in Jesus Christ.
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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