FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
Love Lights the Way
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
– John 12:46 KJV
I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.
— John 12:46 ESV
MINISTRY RESOURCES
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, December 28, 2025 – HEARTS TRANSFORMED BY GOD – Jeremiah 31:31-34
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Christ, person/work; Holy Spirit; Salvation; Spiritual growth
Today’s Devotional
Like many people who struggle with pornography, Russell was exposed to it at a young age. The desire to use it was overpowering, and it poisoned his heart. “My life [became] completely saturated by it,” he writes, “so much so that it was like a cancer that was deeply rooted into my very fiber.” By God’s grace, he was finally set free of porn’s power—along with other addictions—when he received salvation in Jesus and was transformed from the inside out. “I credit it all to Jesus Christ, . . . [He’s] the one who delivered me,” Russell says.
Jeremiah delivered a message from God to Israel that one day He would “put [His] law in their minds and write it on their hearts” (31:33). Under this new covenant, fulfilled in Christ (Hebrews 8:6-13), all people could be transformed by God’s grace through faith. And now, “his Spirit . . . lives in [us]” (Romans 8:11), and God’s moral law has been written on our hearts. For Russell, and for all who believe, the Holy Spirit’s power provides what’s needed to turn from harmful behavior that displeases God and seeks to destroy us.
Transformation isn’t always instantaneous or easy. But let’s remember that when we’re dealing with difficult—even addictive—sin, God can transform our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33). He says, you “will know me” (v. 34 nlt), and we can also know His heart-changing power.
Reflect & Pray
Why is it possible to turn from even chronic sin in God’s power? How can you live out your new heart with the Spirit’s help?
Loving God, thank You for transforming my heart.
Learn more by listening to When We Sin.
Today’s Insights
Jeremiah 31:31-34 is quoted in Hebrews 8:8-12 (the longest Old Testament Scripture quotation in the New Testament). The author of Hebrews says that Jesus, who is seated at God’s right hand (8:1), is the mediator of the new and better covenant between God and His people (vv. 6-7). Chapter 10 emphasizes the superior work of Christ: “But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God . . . .
For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (vv. 12, 14). Jeremiah 31 is quoted again in verses 16-17, reminding us that through Christ, God transforms the hearts of those who trust in Him. When we confess our sins, He forgives them and “will remember [them] no more” (Hebrews 10:17).
Hear more about Jesus’ role as High Priest and atoning sacrifice.
Monday, December 29, 2025 – JOYFUL RESILIENCE – Habakkuk 3:16-19
Daily Bread Focuses: Healing; Holy Ghost; Hope; Suffering
Scriptures: Isaiah 53:5; Romans 15:13; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Ephesians 1:13
Today’s Devotional
Scientists studied the resilience of sixteen societies worldwide, including the Yukon and Australian Outback. They analyzed thousands of years of archaeological records, tracing the impact of famines, wars, and climate. One factor stood out—the frequency of downturns. One would think that they would weaken societies, but the researchers found the opposite to be true. Instead, they found that societies that faced frequent hardships developed resilience, bouncing back faster from future challenges. Stress, it appears, can forge resilience.
The prophet Habakkuk understood this kind of resilience. As he considered Judah’s impending devastation, he painted a bleak picture: “crop fails,” “no sheep . . . no cattle,” and barren land (3:17). Amid earthly securities being stripped away, however, the prophet declared, “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (v. 18). His joy wasn’t tied to circumstances and earthly pleasures but anchored in God’s unchanging character and salvation. In the bleakest seasons, the prophet chose joy and became more resilient.
Like Habakkuk and those resilient societies, our spiritual endurance grows through repeated adversity. When we face difficult seasons in life, let’s cling to our hope in God and remember that He’s with us—using our challenges to grow our joy and resilient faith.
Reflect & Pray
How do you find hope in God? Amid adversity, what prayer of rejoicing can you offer to Him?
Gracious God, I will find hope in You when life is barren and empty.
Learn more about worshipping and fearing God.
Today’s Insights
Much of the short book of Habakkuk is dark and foreboding. It begins with Habakkuk crying out, “How long, Lord, must I call for help?” (1:2). God answers by telling him the terrible things that will happen to His people (vv. 5-11). Habakkuk recoils from this strange reply with a complaint to God: “Why then do you tolerate the treacherous?” (v. 13). By chapter 3, however, the prophet is compelled to praise this powerful, terrifying God: “Lord, I have heard of your fame” (v. 2).
He recounts how God “shook the earth” (v. 6) and “in wrath . . . strode through the earth” (v. 12). Habakkuk understood this power would be displayed on His people’s behalf. “You came out to deliver your people,” he says. “You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness” (v. 13). He concludes in hope: “The sovereign Lord is my strength” (v. 19). Today, when we face adversity, we also can cling to our hope in God and remember that He’s with us.
Tuesday, December 30, 2025 – GOD’S FAITHFUL LOVE – Genesis 39:20-23
Daily Bread Focuses: God’s Love and Care; Loneliness
Scriptures: Genesis 12:3; Joshua 1:7-8; John 3:16-18; John 14:2-4
Today’s Devotional
During our church outreach in a nursing home, an elderly resident told me of how his daughter had driven him there years before and simply left him on the sidewalk. In his wheelchair, Ed couldn’t get up to run after her. She’d returned to the car without looking back and had driven away. “We’re going to a nice hotel,” she’d said earlier. That day was the last time he saw her.
Vastly different in nature from the many loving family experiences of eldercare, this clear case of abuse traumatized Ed. He still has nightmares about that day.
Centuries ago, a young man also suffered trauma (Genesis 37:12-36). Joseph’s brothers threw him into a cistern and sold him to traders going to Egypt. But “the Lord was with Joseph” (39:2). In an unfamiliar land, as he courageously did what was right in God’s eyes, both in his master’s house (vv. 7-10) and in prison, Joseph realized that God “showed him his faithful love” (v. 21 nlt). Despite the trauma of his past, Joseph was able to succeed in whatever he did because God helped him (v. 23). Eventually he became second-in-command to Pharaoh and raised a family of his own (41:41-52). Later, he even reconciled with his brothers (45:12-15).
People may hurt us, but God never will. Although He may help us heal in ways different from what He did for Joseph, He promises us His same faithful love. Let’s follow His leading as we trust Him to heal our hearts.
Reflect & Pray
How has God helped you through trauma? How can you trust Him to care for you?
Dear Father, thank You for how Your love heals me.
Listen to how forgiveness can heal the wounds of the heart.
Today’s Insights
Joseph’s plight in Egypt (Genesis 39) calls to mind the dilemma of Daniel in Babylon centuries later. Like Joseph, he was taken from his native land and found favor with the officials even in less-than-ideal circumstances. “God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel” (Daniel 1:9). The timeless Psalm 23 reminds us that as much as we desire “green pastures” and “quiet waters” (vv. 2-3), our life journeys often include seasons in “the darkest valley” and “in the presence of [our] enemies” (vv. 4-5).
This psalm, as well as the examples of Joseph, Daniel, and others, reminds us that our lives must be more about the object of our faith than the location of our feet. God’s faithful love knows no boundaries. Even in our trials, we can trust Him: “Surely your goodness and [faithful] love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever” (v. 6 nlt).
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – RESOLVING TO DO LESS – John 15:4-12
Daily Bread Focuses: Spiritual Maturity; Rest
Scriptures: John 15:16; Acts 4:12; Philippians 4:13
Today’s Devotional
When we think about New Year’s resolutions, what probably comes to mind is a list of lofty ambitions we rarely achieve (80 percent of New Year’s resolutions are already abandoned by mid-February). Author Amy Wilson suggests a better idea might be to reject entirely “the idea that we have to fix ourselves before our lives can get better.” Wilson suggests that, instead of adding commitments, we see the new year as an opportunity to do less, to finally “start saying no” to some of the “oversized and ongoing commitments that take our time and energy without giving us much in return.”
In a world of constant pressure to do and be more, it can be easy to miss the radically different rhythm of life Jesus invited His disciples into—one of abiding in Him. In John 15, Jesus described Himself as “the true vine” (v. 1) and His disciples as “the branches” (v. 5).
Vine branches don’t grow through working harder but through the nourishment received from the vine. So, too, the growth we long for can only be experienced when we let go of self-reliance in exchange for resting in and finding nourishment in Christ, for “apart from [Him] you can do nothing” (v. 5).
Through Jesus, we have hope for a life of less anxiety. Less striving. And more resting in God’s love and letting it flow to those around us (vv. 12, 17).
Reflect & Pray
What might God be leading you to say no to this year? In what areas of your life might God be inviting you to greater surrender?
Gracious God, please help me surrender my self-reliance to rest in You.
For further study, read God’s Invitation to Wholeness.
Today’s Insights
Jesus used an agricultural metaphor of a vine and its branches to depict our dependent relationship with God and Christ. The key word in John 15:4-12 is the verb menō, translated “remain” or “abide” (esv). It carries the meaning of “living,” “dwelling,” “abiding.” It can also mean “to be in a state that begins and continues.”
Menō stresses the primacy of our union in Christ and our communion with, dependence on, and obedience to Him. Only Jesus can provide us with the grace and vitality for productivity as we stay connected to Him. In John’s first epistle, he directs us back to the vine-branches metaphor: “Whoever claims to live [menō] in him must live as Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). As we learn to abide in Him, we can surrender our self-reliance and trust Him to work through us.
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – CAN WE LIVE FOREVER? – Acts 17:29-34
Daily Bread Focuses: Big Story of the Bible; Spiritual Maturity; Spiritual Growth
Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 4:2-3; Hebrews 6:1
Today’s Devotional
It’s risky to venture into the comments section of online news sites. Risky, but fascinating. Commenting on an interview with a millionaire endeavoring to live forever in this life, one reader posted this from Matthew 16:25: “ ‘Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.’ —Jesus.” Reacting to that comment, another reader posted, “Wasn’t there a book written about Him?” To which a third reader replied, “Yes, fiction.”
There are always those who will mock belief in Jesus. When the apostle Paul stood in a public forum to tell a large group of Athenians about Christ, results were mixed. “When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered” (Acts 17:32). Others, however, said, “We want to hear you again on this subject” (v. 32). And some believed (v. 34).
How others respond to the truth of the Bible is between them and God. But it’s the claim that we can live forever in this life that’s fiction. Our bodies are destined to die. In contrast, the Bible tells us of the one who is “the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Like Paul, it’s our task to share with anyone who will listen what this Man has done for us. We can trust the Holy Spirit to do the rest.
Reflect & Pray
How do you feel when others mock your faith? Why is it important to let them know what you believe about Jesus?
Dear Father, thank You for Your Son, who conquered death for us. I pray for those who don’t believe in You, that Your Spirit will draw them to You.
Learn more about being faithful despite being mocked.
Today’s Insights
Acts 17 shows how Paul did all he could to share the good news of Jesus. Being Jewish, when in Athens he naturally engaged with the Jewish people and “God-fearing Greeks” who frequented the synagogue (v. 17). But he also went to “the marketplace” each day, where he met with “Epicurean and Stoic philosophers” (vv. 17-18).
These two groups saw life very differently and gathered to debate those differences. Yet Paul sought common ground with them (vv. 22-23), creating a basis to tell them about the God who “gives everyone life and breath and everything else” (v. 25). Our task is to share the truth of the gospel with those who’ll listen and then pray that the Spirit will draw them to Christ.
Friday, January 2, 2026 – NO MORE DEBT – Colossians 2:13-15
Daily Bread Focuses: Stewardship; Sin; Salvation; Loving Others
Scriptures: Galatians 2:20; John 13:34-35
Today’s Devotional
A doctor decided to retire after treating cancer patients for nearly thirty years. While working with a billing company to resolve his clinic’s finances, he opted to forgive $650,000 of debt people still owed him. “I’ve always been rather uncomfortable with sick patients not only having to worry about their own health,” the physician explained in a related interview, “[but also] their families, and their jobs, [and] money. That’s always tugged at me.”
Even if we’ve never been deep in financial debt, all of us have experienced something similar in a spiritual sense. The Bible likens sin to “debts” (Matthew 6:12). It also says there’s no way for us to repay what we owe God. We can’t donate money to charity, serve others, or work out a deal with Him to cover what we owe. Jesus is our only hope. Through His death and resurrection, Christ “canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross” (Colossians 2:14).
Accepting Jesus’ sacrifice for the wrong things we’ve done means waking up to a new day, completely free from the burden of sin. May God’s mercy and forgiveness shine into the world as He helps us lovingly address people and circumstances in our lives.
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think God cares whether or not you show mercy to others? How does your outlook on life reflect the freedom you have in Jesus?
Dear Jesus, thank You for paying the price for my sin.
Learn more here: odbm.org/personal-relationship-with-god
Today’s Insights
Physical death plays a central role in the story of our redemption from sin, as Paul highlights in Colossians. Why is death so key? The apostle wrote, “[God] has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—if you continue in your faith . . . and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel” (1:22-23). The apostle is combatting false teaching here—probably Gnosticism.
Among its claims were that Christ didn’t have a physical body. This isn’t a biblical teaching, as it denies the crucifixion and resurrection. Paul warned, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy” (2:8). As he said, “You were dead in your sins” but now “God made you alive with Christ” (v. 13). When we accept Jesus’ sacrifice as payment for our sin, we become free from sin’s burden.
Visit go.odb.org/010226 to learn more about salvation through Christ.
Saturday, January 3, 2026 – THE FRIENDSHIP BENCH – Nehemiah 3:6-12
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Community; Service
Today’s Devotional
A young patient committed suicide because he couldn’t afford the bus fare to the hospital for mental health treatment. Distressed, Dr. Chibanda tested ways to make treatment more accessible. Friendship Bench was born, a program where therapists sit on discreetly placed benches, ready to counsel people with needs. And who did he train as therapists? Grandmothers! In an interview, Dr. Chibanda shared, “[Grandmothers] are rooted in their communities . . . they have an amazing ability to . . . make people feel respected and understood.”
In Nehemiah 3, we read of another project that involved unconventional groups of people. They understood that the city’s wall had to be rebuilt so they’d “no longer be in disgrace” (2:17). As Jerusalem lay in ruins, the surrounding nations mocked its defeat. And besides professional craftsmen like Uzziel, who was a goldsmith (3:8), others who may have had other talents—like Shallum, a district ruler—chipped in too (v. 12).
Just as Dr. Chibanda saw the influence and compassion of grandmothers to make a difference in mental healthcare in Zimbabwe, may God open our eyes to see the strengths of each person. God has gifted each of us with unique experiences, resources, and talents (Romans 12:6). Let’s allow Him to use us in building up the church and serving our community.
Reflect & Pray
What has God laid on your heart to do for the church or community? Who can you invite to join you?
Dear Father, please help me see the strengths in others so I may serve with them for good.
Discover more about being a serving church.
Today’s Insights
Centuries before the wall-building effort led by Nehemiah (see Nehemiah 3), Moses, as directed by God, oversaw the construction of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God met with His people. This special initiative also allowed for broad participation by His people with a variety of gifts. Giving to the project was open to all:
“Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments” (Exodus 35:21). Furthermore, those with unique gifts were given assignments. Unnamed skilled women (v. 25) and leaders (v. 27) also participated in the effort, as did Bezalel and Oholiab (vv. 30-35). Today, God has given all of us gifts, and He’ll show us how to use them to build up the church and serve our communities.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
THE GLORY OF GOD FOR 2026
Before we begin 2026, we just want to give all the glory to God. He never left us in 2025, and as we offer thanks, “Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.” — 1 Chronicles 29:13 KJV
Looking back, we survived not by our strength. God held us together when we fell apart. As scripture reminds us, “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” — Colossians 1:17 NIV
In the moments when you were tired, broken, and unsure of how to keep going, His presence carried you through. Every step, every quiet victory, every breakthrough, He was there, just as the psalmist expresses: “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” — Psalm 68:19 NIV
On the first day of 2026, if we are still breathing and believing, it is because God never left us. For that, we are deeply thankful! As we look back on 2025, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” — Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
2025 turned out to be a year that God wrote, carried, and finished for us. We may not understand exactly how we made it through, but we know it was only by His grace. As we step into 2026, we move forward thankful and confident, trusting that the same grace will continue to lead us.
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV
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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