FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
God’s Sacrificial Love for Us
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
(9) In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. (10) Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. – 1 John 4:9-10 KJV
9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. 10 In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. — 1 John 4:9-10 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!
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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, February 8, 2026 – WHEN LOVE SHOWS UP – Deuteronomy 15:7-11
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Generosity; God’s character; Love
Today’s Devotional
“Why are you crying?” The question was asked by a volunteer for a Christian relief ministry helping those whose homes had been destroyed by Hurricane Helene. The woman (who had burst into tears in the previous moment) replied, “I’m not crying because I lost everything. I’m crying because love just showed up.”
God’s heart shows itself in His desire that we help those in need. When Moses gave the people of Israel God’s instructions before they entered the land He’d promised them, he told them, “Do not be hardhearted or tightfisted” toward the poor. “Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need” (Deuteronomy 15:7-8). Their hearts toward the poor were to reflect God’s own: “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart” (15:10).
Whether in disastrous situations or everyday life, when we give to those in need out of the blessings God has kindly given us, we make evident the love of His Son, who came “to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18). In fact, God promises He “will bless” those who share His unselfishness with others (Deuteronomy 15:10), both in this life and the next (see Luke 14:14). We can’t see God yet, but others may catch a glimpse of Him when we emulate His compassion for them. May His love show up as kindness through us today.
Reflect & Pray
How has God shown you kindness when you were in need? How might you show Jesus’ love to someone in need today?
Merciful, generous Father, please help me give to others with an open heart, so that they may see Your love in me.
Dig deeper into understanding God’s heart by reading The Meaning of Compassion.
Today’s Insights
As the Israelites prepared to enter the promised land, they were to demonstrate God’s love by giving “generously to [the needy]” (Deuteronomy 15:10). Today, believers in Jesus also have the honor of making God and His love visible to the world by loving others. “No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12 nlt).
God demonstrated His love for us in the person and work of Christ: “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us” (3:16). But loving others has a price tag. It may involve giving time, money, or material goods. The key word is giving: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). And as we do, others can see God’s love and compassion through us.
Monday, February 9, 2026 – HOW THE PROUD FALL – Proverbs 18:1-12
Daily Bread Focus: Humility
Scriptures: Proverbs 11:2; Proverbs 16:18
Today’s Devotional
John Taylor was a British eye surgeon in the 1700s who, driven by arrogance, fabricated a prestigious reputation. He pursued celebrities and became the personal eye doctor for King George II. Taylor traveled the country performing medical shows that promised miracle cures, often escaping towns under the cover of night carrying bags overflowing with villagers’ cash. However, records suggest Taylor was a charlatan and likely blinded hundreds of patients. History remembers him not as a medical luminary but as the man who destroyed the eyesight of two of the century’s greatest composers: Bach and Händel.
Taylor craved reputation and acclaim, but his legacy declares his lies, and the embarrassment and hurt he caused. Proverbs explains how egotistical addictions lead to devastation. “Before a downfall,” we read, “the heart is haughty” (18:12). Taylor’s disgrace warns us of how arrogance can ruin our lives, but one’s foolishness often harms others too (vv. 6-7). The “downfall” is great indeed.
While a proud heart destroys us and others, a humble heart leads toward a life of meaning and joy. “Humility comes before honor,” the proverb says (v. 12). If we selfishly pursue only self-interests (v. 1), we’ll never find what we crave. If we yield our heart to God and serve others, however, we honor Him and reflect His goodness.
Reflect & Pray
How have you seen pride lead to a downfall? How have you seen humility lead to honor?
Dear God, please give me a humble heart and help me reject a haughty, arrogant spirit.
Sin keeps us from being in union with Christ. Find out how to overcome sin by reading Walking Free.
Today’s Insights
These dozen verses weave the strands of pride, speech, and foolishness into a cohesive idea. A proud person “pursues selfish ends” (Proverbs 18:1) and refuses to seek “understanding” (v. 2). Our words can be “deep waters” (v. 4), but “wisdom” provides “a rushing stream” (v. 4) if we will drink from it. The speech of a fool creates “strife” (v. 6), and the very words of fools “are their undoing” (v. 7). Similarly, gossip poisons everyone affected, as it’s “like choice morsels” (v. 8) that tempt the naïve while damaging the target of the rumors. And it’s “the righteous” who find that “the name of the Lord is a fortified tower” (v. 10).
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 – THE EXCHANGE – Romans 6:4-12
Daily Bread Focuses: Sin; Faith; Salvation
Scriptures: Galatians 3:26-28; 2 Corinthians 5:17
Today’s Devotional
Elijah had accidentally ripped a ten-dollar bill while playing with his friends. But instead of admonishing him, his father offered to exchange the torn bill with a fresh one from his wallet.
“Why would you do that?” Elijah asked, confused. “For one, you’re my son,” his father explained. “It’s also a reminder of what Jesus did for us. Because Jesus came and gave His life in exchange for ours, we can now live new lives.”
Every human life is valuable to God because He created each of us. But our sinful nature—“the body ruled by sin” (Romans 6:6)—keeps us from living a life worthy of God’s holiness. So God, in His great love for us, willingly gave up His Son to pay the price of our sin. Our old self was put to death, and in exchange, He offers us a new one—“no longer . . . slaves to sin” (v. 6). When we accept God’s offer of new life, we can be assured that even though our old self was sinful and broken—“corrupted by its deceitful desires” (Ephesians 4:22), we are now being perfected “to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24).
Elijah’s father was willing to offer him something of his own because he loves him. But the even better offer is the one God extends to us: the redemption of our lives. When we accept His offer of new life, we aren’t the same as we were before.
Reflect & Pray
What was your life like before you received Jesus as your redeemer? How would you describe it now?
Dear God, thank You for offering me new life, set free from sin, through faith in Christ.
Get to know the basics of the doctrine of salvation.
Today’s Insights
In Romans 1-3, Paul shows that all human beings are sinners in need of salvation. In chapter 4, he writes about our redemption and justification. Through faith in Jesus, who died for our sins and was raised from the dead (vv. 24-25), God has given us a right relationship with Him. In chapters 5-8, the apostle describes this new life. He writes metaphorically of our former life as something old which has been replaced by something new (see 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).
In Romans 6, the apostle likens our sinful nature to the “old self” (v. 6) that was crucified and buried with Christ. Believers in Jesus are no longer the same but are now “dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus” (v. 11 nlt). Those who accept God’s offer of new life through faith in Christ can now live in a way that honors Him because sin is no longer their master (vv. 11-14).
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 – HONORING JESUS – Matthew 26:6-13
Daily Bread Focuses: Evangelism; Generosity
Scriptures: Romans 10:9-10; Luke 6:38; Proverbs 22:9
Today’s Devotional
A twenty-dollar bill and two leaflets with messages about Jesus. That’s what was inside an envelope labeled “John Daniels Sr, Random Act of Kindness Day.” A woman gave it to me while I was on my walk at the community college campus. A year earlier, John had been fatally struck by a car after helping a homeless man and sharing words about Christ’s love with him. John’s legacy of witnessing through words and deeds lives on through the woman I met that day, along with John’s other family members.
In Matthew 26:13, one woman was memorialized by Jesus with these words: “Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” The woman’s tender heart for Christ compelled her to anoint Him with expensive ointment (v. 7). What was misunderstood and criticized by others as wasteful (vv. 8-9) was commended by Jesus as “a beautiful thing” (v. 10). The woman’s costly devotion was used by God in a unique way, just as He uses our deeds today for His purposes.
The envelope I received reinforced my desire to distribute resources to those on the street corners in my city, but honoring Jesus can happen in a variety of ways. Let’s tell others about Him and demonstrate His love practically.
Reflect & Pray
Who has inspired you to honor Jesus in practical ways? What acts of kindness might your love for Him compel you to do?
Heavenly Father, the lives of other believers in Jesus inspire me to love You more. Please help me to see ways to share my love for You.
Jesus teaches us how to be in right relationship with Him. Check out Joy to the Full to learn more.
Today’s Insights
In Matthew 26:10, Jesus described a woman’s act of devotion as a “beautiful thing.” It was selfless, thoughtful, and costly. What a contrast with the selfish, ugly actions recorded by Matthew on either side of this account. Plotting religious leaders devised a murderous plan to kill Christ (vv. 3-5). And, from within the band of His own disciples, Judas Iscariot’s plan to betray Him was set in motion (vv. 14-16). Given these circumstances, the woman’s act of honor shines even more brightly.
In a world that includes misguided and unflattering sentiments toward Jesus, those who believe in Him can show how precious He is by honoring Him through thoughtful, caring actions that may cost us time, money, or things we value. Honoring Christ by loving others is still a beautiful thing.
Thursday, February 12, 2026 – A NON-ANXIOUS PRESENCE – Psalm 4
Daily Bread Focus: Peace
Scriptures: Jeremiah 17:7-8; Psalm 56:3
Today’s Devotional
During a birthday party, five-year-old Mia enjoyed playing, singing “Happy Birthday,” eating cake, and watching her friend open gifts. When everyone went outside to play, Mia said, “Mom, I’m ready to go.” They thanked their host. Pulling out of the driveway, Mia’s mom asked her to share the best part of her day. “Leaving,” said Mia. Smiling, she fell asleep before they turned the corner.
Even if we don’t realize we’re exhausted, we all need physical, mental, and emotional rest. God also provides divine rest when we accept both the good news of salvation through Christ and daily spiritual rest as the Spirit enables us to live for Christ by faith. Those who place their trust in God can depend on His unending presence, unlimited power, and unchanging promises. Saved through Christ’s work on the cross, we can rest in the peace of His sufficiency (Hebrews 4:1-4). We can experience divine rest as a guarantee fulfilled eternally now and when Jesus comes again (vv. 5-8).
“Anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his” (v. 10). So, secured in Christ, we can enjoy a hope-filled life of surrender and loving obedience as we trust and rely on Him. Only He can provide rejuvenating rest yesterday and today and forever.
Reflect & Pray
How does believing God enable you to rest in the surety of your salvation and rest physically, emotionally, and mentally each day? What has kept you from resting in God’s promises in the past?
Faithful God, thank You for being my enduring resting place.
Learn more about abiding in God’s peace by watching this video.
Today’s Insights
The book of Hebrews urges Jewish believers in Jesus not to abandon their faith in Him and revert to a form of Judaism that didn’t acknowledge Him as the Messiah. Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus is God’s ultimate revelation (1:1-3)—greater than the angels (2:5, 9) and greater than Moses (3:3)—and that Israel’s Scriptures point to the fulfillment God brought through Him. In chapter 4, this theme of fulfillment is explained as the ultimate Sabbath rest, made possible through Christ, the great high priest (vv. 8-11, 14-16).
Friday, February 13, 2026 – BE CAREFUL! – James 4:1-10
Daily Bread Focuses: Spiritual warfare; Temptation
Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5; Matthew 26:41
Today’s Devotional
After years of struggle and crying out in prayer, Frank quit drinking. He attributes his continued sobriety to God’s work in his life. But he also made some important changes. He no longer kept alcohol in the house, watched for warning signs in his thinking and moods, and was wary of certain situations. He leaned on God and knew not to leave an opening for temptation or sin.
“Be alert and of sober mind,” the apostle Peter warned. “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Peter knew we needed to be watchful because the devil’s attacks are often unexpected—when it seems like our life couldn’t be better, or we think we’d never be tempted in a certain area.
James too warned his readers to submit to God and “resist the devil.” When we do, our enemy “will flee” (James 4:7). The best way to resist him is to stay close to God through prayer and time in Scripture. When we do, God comes near to us (v. 8) through His Spirit (Romans 5:5). James also offered this encouragement: “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10).
We all face challenging moments in life when we’re tempted and struggle. We can rest knowing that God wants us to succeed and overcome. He is with us in our troubles.
Reflect & Pray
When do you seem to be more susceptible to temptation? How has God helped you in those times?
Dear God, please help me draw near to You instead of pulling away. I need Your daily guidance to keep me on the right path.
Learn how the Spirit fights on your behalf.
Today’s Insights
In addition to the admonitions of Peter (1 Peter 5:8) and James (James 4:7) regarding spiritual vigilance in resisting temptation, Paul also had something to say about it. After noting how the Israelites had succumbed to temptation in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-11), he warned the Corinthians: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind.
And God is faithful . . . . When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (vv. 12-13). The apostle lists two examples of how the “way out” can sometimes involve fleeing. He says we’re to “flee from idolatry” (v. 14) and “sexual immorality” (6:18). The Holy Spirit helps us to succeed in overcoming temptation.
Saturday, February 14, 2026 – GOD’S ETERNALLY BELOVED – Jeremiah 31:1-4, 7-9
Our Daily Bread Focuses: God’s love and care
Today’s Devotional
One of the most dramatic and mysterious love letters of all time was penned by composer Ludwig van Beethoven and was only discovered after his death in 1827. The hastily handwritten letter is full of passionate lines like, “My eternally beloved . . . I can only live either wholly with you or not at all.” Tragically, it appears the letter was never sent, and his intended recipient remains unknown.
Beethoven’s letter is treasured by readers who can identify with his desperate yearning for love. We seek love and fulfillment in many people, things, and experiences that cannot fully satisfy. But far greater than a fleeting romance is the love of God for His covenant people, to whom He showed great love for the sake of all people. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God declared, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). Because of His great love, God promised a future of rest and favor (v. 2) and the restoration of anything that was broken (v. 4). Despite their repeated rejection and rebellion, God vowed to bring them back to Himself (v. 9).
Many years later, that same everlasting love motivated Jesus to endure death for sinners, even before we ever returned His love (Romans 5:8). We don’t have to search for love or try to earn it. We’re already loved with an everlasting love!
Reflect & Pray
In what ways do you look for love on earth? How has God demonstrated His eternal love to you?
Loving God, I’m so grateful for the way You pursue me with an everlasting love.
How can we love each other the way God calls us to? Find out more by watching A Different Kind of Love.
Today’s Insights
God disciplined His chosen people because of their unfaithfulness. Jerusalem was destroyed and the Israelites exiled to Babylon (Jeremiah 1:14-16; 5:15-19; 6:22-23; 25:9-11). But once the discipline was complete, God brought them back from exile (30:8-17), restored their privileges as His chosen nation (vv. 18-24), and, most important, restored the people to Himself (ch. 31).
He did this because of His special love and unmerited mercy. God is “Israel’s father and [Israel] is [his] firstborn son” (v. 9). He assured them, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (v. 3). God’s discipline isn’t inconsistent with His love, for “the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in” (Proverbs 3:12). We can be assured that God loves us and pursues us with His everlasting love.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
BEWARE OF PRIDE, STAY HUMBLE
Pride is a universal human problem.
Everyone suffers from it to some degree. When we have exalted ourselves in pride, God does not want to punish us and bring us low, but rather to forgive and restore us. God says again and again in Scripture, humble yourselves and I will exalt you. Proverbs 29:23 reads “A man’s pride shall bring him low, but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.”
God takes pleasure in our efforts to humble ourselves, and He loves to bless and exalt the humble. Proverbs 16:19 reads “Better it to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.”
Being humble means recognizing that we are not on earth to see how important we can become, but to see how much difference we can make in others’ lives.
PRIDE is concerned with WHO is right.
HUMILITY is concerned with WHAT is right.
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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