FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
Move Forward In Faith
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. – Matthew 9:21 KJV
for she said to herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” – Matthew 9:21 ESV
MINISTRY RESOURCES
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, March 15, 2026 – BEING A LIGHT FOR CHRIST – Matthew 5:13-16
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Evangelism
Today’s Devotional
When schools around the globe sent their students home for health and safety during the coronavirus pandemic, their buildings and stadiums stood empty. While acknowledging many were experiencing greater afflictions from the virus, teachers sought ways to show their students they missed them and to encourage them to press on through a difficult time. Many schools initiated what they called the “Be the Light” challenge, in which they burned the empty stadium’s lights each night.
During His earthly life, Jesus issued His own kind of “be the light” challenge, saying that we who follow Him are to “let [our] light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16). His charge had a loftier goal than encouragement or moral support; instead, our willingness to reveal the light He’s put in us shows the watching world who God is. The way we live our lives, in both word and deed, reveals the hope Jesus gives us, making it visible to all those around us, like a lamp on a stand.
Jesus calls us “the light of the world” and challenges us to illuminate the paths of others with His light radiating through us when they’re walking a dark road. For those who don’t yet know the hope Jesus offers, sharing His light through the way we live can point them toward God as the source of all hope.
Reflect & Pray
In whom do you see the light of Jesus? How can you cast His light into the lives of others?
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me hope. Use me, please, to show Your light in this world through the way I live.
Today’s Insights
In Matthew 4:16, Jesus quotes from the Old Testament (Isaiah 9:2) to point to Himself as the fulfillment of prophecy: “The people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” He’s “the true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9; see 8:12; 9:5).
Now that He’s no longer in the world, those who believe in Him “are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). As “children of the light” (1 Thessalonians 5:5), we’re called to shine our light into a dark world that desperately needs hope. We do this through the Holy Spirit, who guides and empowers us to “walk by the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) instead of in the wicked ways of the world. He grows in us the fruit of the Spirit (vv. 22-23) that draws others to God, the source of our hope.
Monday, March 16, 2026 – LIVES OFFERED TO GOD – Exodus 35:20-29
Daily Bread Focus: Stewardship
Scriptures: 1 Peter 4:10-11
Today’s Devotional
“I am thankful to God for His goodness,” reads the plaque, “in permitting me to have a part in building this broad thoroughfare as a frame to the beautiful picture which He created.” The inscription is attributed to highway engineer Samuel Christopher Lancaster in 1915. It stands at a beautiful scenic overlook on the highway he designed, a road that takes drivers along the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, with forests, waterfalls, and rocky cliffs.
It’s tempting to take credit for our resources and accomplishments or use them to bring ourselves praise. What would it look like, instead, to think of them as a lowly “frame” around God’s masterpiece? One example is when Moses invited the Israelites to bring gifts to build the tabernacle (Exodus 35:5). “Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved them” contributed what they had: precious metal and stone, linen, leather, wood, spices, and oil (vv. 21-28). These costly goods were offered from willing hearts to fulfill what God had commanded (v. 29). Some master craftsmen were especially gifted. But everyone could contribute something, like the women who skillfully spun goat hair (v. 26).
What mattered most then, and today, is the posture of the giver’s heart. “From what you have, take an offering for the Lord” (v. 5). That’s when our resources are put to their best use.
Reflect & Pray
What resources are at your disposal? How could they be used to bring praise to God?
Dear God, I can get caught up in seeking my own praise. Please help my life bring You glory!sing on your legacy help you live today?
Today’s Insights
Building the tabernacle represented a critical moment in the early history of Israel. Having escaped bondage in Egypt, the Israelites were now assembled at the base of Mount Sinai, where the God of their father Abraham reintroduced Himself to His chosen people. The establishment of the tabernacle wasn’t only intended to represent God’s presence among the people but to serve as the center of their national life. This would continue years later when the tabernacle was replaced by Solomon’s temple in Jerusalem, where the people would continue to give of their best in service to God. Today, as the Holy Spirit helps us, one way we bring praise to God is by offering Him our resources.
For further study, read Worshipping God Means More than Singing.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – JESUS – FOOD FOR THE SOUL – John 6:35, 41-51
Daily Bread Focus: Evangelism
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4
Today’s Devotional
In the African American home I was raised in, meals often included scrumptious “soul food.” The term originated in the mid-1960s when “soul” was a common term used to describe African American culture. Soul food menu items included fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, greens, sweet potatoes, corn bread, and more. Desserts were a bonus; the “tastebud-tickling” peach cobbler was the most satisfying to me. What a feast!
Feasting in different cultures looks different, but because food is essential for life, Jesus’ words in John 6:35 are significant for all people: “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”
Such claims as these would be outrageous if they were made by a mere human being. But Jesus, the Christ, could make such astounding claims because He’s the very Son of God. He told “sign-seekers”—those seeking immediate, short-term benefit (see vv. 2, 14, 26, 30)—that satisfaction of physical hunger wasn’t enough. As the Son of God, Jesus is the source of true life (14:6) and the sustainer of life. All those who believe in Him for the forgiveness of sins through His death and resurrection (11:25-26) share His life. Jesus is the essential food for the soul. Life, nourishment, and true satisfaction are found in Him alone.
Reflect & Pray
How does Jesus nourish and satisfy you? What’s keeping you from seeking the one who says, “I am the bread of life”?
Dear Jesus, You’re the giver and sustainer of life. May I find satisfaction in You.
Today’s Insights
The events in John 6:35-51 occur the day after Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand with only five loaves of bread and two small fish (vv. 5-14). Because of this astonishing miracle, the crowd “intended to come and make him king by force,” but Christ eluded them (v. 15). When the crowd caught up with Him the next day (v. 25), Jesus knew they were there because of the multiplied loaves of bread. He said, “Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (v. 27). True satisfaction and spiritual nourishment are found only in Christ.
Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.
Wednesday, March 18, 2026 – MADE FOR COMMUNITY – Ecclesiastes 4:8-12
Daily Bread Focuses: Family of God; Relationships
Scriptures: Acts 2:44-47
Today’s Devotional
When my husband, Alan, and I decided to move across the country to Philadelphia to further his education, I didn’t have a job lined up, and we had no idea how we would afford student housing. On a Sunday, shortly before we were to leave, a church acquaintance introduced us to a former student of the university Alan was to attend who knew of an affordable apartment. Then, before we left, a workmate gave me the name of a contact at a Christian ministry. God answered our prayers and gave us opportunities—including an apartment and a job—through His people. Friends and family helped us move and ushered us on with prayer.
The author of Ecclesiastes wrote about the benefits of not going through life alone: “Two are better than one” (4:9). Two get more work done, can help each other through struggles, offer companionship, and ward against danger (vv. 9-11). He went on to say, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken” (v. 12). A community has even greater benefits. More resources, more support.
Alan and I benefited from the community we left behind. And God helped us build a new community to help us feel at home in the big city. If you feel alone, ask God to help you find a friend, a good church, or a place to serve in a community.
Reflect & Pray
What communities are you a part of? How do you help each other?
Dear God, thank You for surrounding me with friends and family. Please help me to invite others into Your community.
Today’s Insights
In Ecclesiastes, Solomon—“the Teacher, son of David, king in Jerusalem” (1:1)—examines life as he’s lived it. He discusses human life—achievements, hard work, pleasures, and the pursuit of knowledge—to show that without God our human endeavors won’t give us a meaningful life. In chapter 4, Solomon extols the value of community. A person driven by his selfish, competitive spirit to outdo his neighbors (v. 4) is one who lives a lonely, miserable, and meaningless existence (vv. 7-8).
In contrast, Solomon writes of another person, who works in collaboration with others instead of in competition. He commends the advantages of companionship in times of inadequacy and adversity. Cooperation is better because it’s mutually beneficial. As believers in Jesus, we belong to the body of Christ, the church, so that we don’t have to face life’s challenges alone. We can reach out and help each other succeed (see vv. 9-10).
Thursday, March 19, 2026 – WAITING FOR GOD – James 1:2-8
Daily Bread Focuses: Healing; Hope; Spiritual growth; Suffering
Scriptures: Isaiah 40:31
Today’s Devotional
Joseph combed the job listings frustratedly. Previous jobs as a waiter had paid well, but regular weekend shifts typical of the restaurant industry made it hard for him as a new believer in Jesus to attend church regularly. “Why doesn’t God answer my prayer?” he lamented. “Wouldn’t He want me to attend church?”
It took a year before Joseph saw that he had to adjust his expectations and try a different industry, where he finally found a job with regular weekday shifts. Thanking God, he realized how the long wait had made him more mature in making decisions. This job change process had also taught Joseph what it means to persevere in life and trust in God to reveal His plans in His time.
That’s what James told Jewish believers in Jesus, who were scattered and facing trials. Encouraging them not to give up, he said, “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete” (James 1:4). The process of asking God for wisdom, waiting, and standing firm (vv. 5-6) would not only nurture their patience and trust in God but also help them grow in maturity as they learned more about themselves and God.
Waiting for God’s answer can be tough, but it makes us more mature and steadfast, strengthens our faith, and gives us a deeper understanding of what it means to trust God.
Reflect & Pray
What’s the hardest part of waiting for God’s answer to prayers? How can you draw on His strength to keep trusting in Him?
Dear Father, thank You for the assurance that You’re compassionate and hear my prayers. Please give me the wisdom and patience to keep trusting You.
Today’s Insights
James’ letter is typically classified as wisdom literature because of its stylistic use of short, memorable proverbs and sayings. It also emphasizes themes common in Hebrew wisdom literature, such as divine wisdom (3:13-18), the importance of ethical speech (vv. 1-12), and justice for the poor (5:1-6). James also draws heavily from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, reflecting teachings like joy in trials (James 1:2-3; see Matthew 5:10-12), asking God for wisdom (James 1:5; see Matthew 7:7-11), and the danger of a divided heart (James 1:6-8; see Matthew 6:24).
James urges believers in Christ to see “trials of many kinds” (James 1:2) as an opportunity to trust in and rely more deeply on God while waiting for Him to answer. This deepens our wisdom, perseverance, and faithfulness (vv. 3, 5).
Friday, March 20, 2026 – BEYOND THE BLUES – Psalm 59:9-17
Daily Bread Focuses: Hope; Hopelessness
Scriptures: Psalm 30:5
Today’s Devotional
Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot is best known for enduring classics like “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” and “If You Could Read My Mind.” But one of his lesser-known songs is titled “The Minstrel of the Dawn.” (A minstrel is a troubadour, a singer who puts his poetry to music.) Like us, Lightfoot’s troubadour longs to be “more happy than blue.” Although there are always “blue” things to think about or dwell on, the minstrel chooses to focus on happy things as the new day dawns and then to sing about them.
The minstrel of the psalms, David, penned a similar line: “In the morning I will sing of your love” (Psalm 59:16). David had plenty of “blue” things to dwell on—from enemies ready to attack him to fierce men slandering and conspiring against him (vv. 1-3). “They return at evening,” he sang, “snarling like dogs, and prowl about the city” (v. 14). But he chose, as the new day dawned, to focus not simply on something happy but on someone good—God—and then sing of God’s love, “my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble” (v. 16) on “whom I can rely” (v. 17).
You may not be a singer-songwriter, but you can still be a minstrel of the dawn. Like David, you can tell God, “I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love” (v. 16).so cold.” “Daddy, can you rub my feet?”
Reflect & Pray
What is it that makes you blue or causes you concern? What would it look like for you to sing of God’s love in the morning?
God my fortress and shield, I’m choosing to sing beyond the blues this morning, to sing of Your steadfast love.
Today’s Insights
The heading of Psalm 59 notes the occasion for the song: “When Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him.” Two attempts by Saul to kill David are recorded in 1 Samuel 19 (vv. 8-10 and 11-17). The latter incident was the impetus for Psalm 59. Despite the grave danger that David faced, his faith compelled him to sing.
The refrain repeated in verses 9 and 17 reveals that he viewed God as the source of his strength and safety. He proclaims, “You are my strength, I watch for you; you, God, are my fortress, my God on whom I can rely” (vv. 9-10). Our view of God makes the difference in how we navigate life in both the good times and the bad. When our understanding of Him lines up with how He’s revealed in Scripture, we can sing in life’s sunshine and rain.
Saturday, March 21, 2026 – AN OFFERING FOR JESUS – 2 Corinthians 4:5-12
Our Daily Bread Focuses: Healing; Hope; Suffering
Today’s Devotional
“I lift mine eyes, but dimm’d with grief / No everlasting hills I see,” wrote the Victorian poet Christina Rosetti in her poignant poem “A Better Resurrection.” Rosetti’s poem describes grasping for hope when she feels none, “numb’d too much for hopes or fears.” Yet Rosetti was anchored in a hope deeper than her feelings of despair. Though she could see “no bud nor greenness” pointing to Christ’s resurrection renewing her life, she confessed, “Yet rise it shall” and prayed, “O Jesus, rise in me.”
In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul also described experiencing suffering “far beyond [his] ability to endure, so that [he] despaired of life itself” (1:8). But he found that his despair taught him to find his hope only in “God, who raises the dead” (v. 9).
And he learned that as we carry the hope of the gospel in the still-imperfect “jars of clay” of our bodies, Christ’s resurrection life and hope shine through, revealing “that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (4:7).
This shift happens in Rosetti’s poem too. As she lifted her broken heart up to God, her prayer became only that the broken pieces of her life would be “cast in the fire” to be molded and transformed into an offering “for Him, my King.” Her poem concludes simply: “O Jesus, drink of me.”
Reflect & Pray
How can voicing our pain honestly to God bring comfort and hope? How have you experienced Him transforming the pieces of your life?
Dear God, thank You that hope is real even when I can’t feel it. Please help me to offer my life to You.
Today’s Insights
What does Paul mean when he writes, “Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 4:3)? We find the answer in chapter 3, where he recalls how Moses would “put a veil over his face” (v. 13) when he descended from Mount Sinai. He had to do so because God’s glory still shone from his face after he’d spoken with Him (see Exodus 34:29-35). At that time, the Almighty was too terrifying to approach (19:12-13).
Paul wrote, “Even to this day, when Moses [the Law] is read, a veil covers [the people’s] hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away” (2 Corinthians 3:15-16). The ancient Israelites found God unapproachable, but we, by the power of Jesus, can draw near to Him. We can boldly bring Him all our pain, fears, and doubts and find confidence and comfort.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
THE WAY TO THE CROSS
Action 3: Follow Me
Following Jesus is an invitation to a personal relationship, transforming one’s life from focusing on worldly pursuits to becoming “fishers of men” and sharing God’s love. It is an invitation to walk in the footsteps of Christ, as seen in 1 Peter 2:21, where believers are called to follow His example.
Jesus describes this as taking up one’s cross daily to follow Him, implying a life of service and obedience. The call is universal, the invitation is extended to anyone who enters into a personal relationship with Him.
“I have decided to follow Jesus
no turning back, no turning back
The cross before me, the world behind me
No turning back, no turning back.”
— Phil Wickham
“Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.” Matthew 10:38
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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