FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. – Colossians 2:15 KJV
He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. – Colossians 2:15 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
OPEN INVITATION FROM CLASS 7
Please join us whenever your Teacher is absent
1-605-313-4831; access code 259-748#
Did you miss your class today? Do you want an evangelism tool?
If yes — call or share the Class 7 Instant Replay
1-605-313-4904; access code 259-748#
You Are Welcome To Listen To Class Review Instant Replays
Class 5 – (605) 468-8114; access code 694-591#
Class 6 – (605) 313-4899; access code 943-172#
Class 7 – (605) 313-4904; access code 259-748#
Visit here to submit Prayer Requests
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, April 5, 2026 – RESURRECTION POWER – Mark 16:1-8
Our Daily Bread Focus(es): Christ/person, work
Today’s Devotional
At one hundred dollars, Loretta’s utility bill was much higher than usual. “But the Lord will provide,” she told her son. That same day she received a text from her youngest brother: “Loretta, you’re always encouraging me, and I want to thank you. Look in your mail for something from me.” That afternoon in her mail, she found a gift card from her brother for one hundred dollars. A miracle? Not to some, perhaps. To Loretta, however, the “coincidence” felt miraculous. She always expects the living God to provide for her.
Her outlook highlights a lesson in the resurrection story of Jesus. After the Sabbath, three women bought spices to anoint Jesus’ body in the tomb. But walking there after sunrise, the women expected not a miracle but a problem: “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?” (Mark 16:1-3).
Embedded in their question was a curious doubt, especially from these women—including Mary Magdalene—who had traveled with Jesus and witnessed His power. All of them, however, were looking that morning for a dead Jesus.
Instead, “He has risen! He is not here,” they were told (v. 6). That declaration explains what we can expect from the living Jesus: His miraculous resurrection power. He is alive. When we face “heavy stones” that need moving, He will be with us and help us. He’s not in a tomb. He is risen, indeed!
Reflect & Pray
How have you witnessed God working in an amazing way? What does it mean to you to live out Jesus’ resurrection power?
You’re alive, Jesus, and You possess the resurrection power I need!
Today’s Insights
Three key women are named in Mark’s account of the discovery of Jesus’ resurrection: “Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome” (Mark 16:1). The women enter the scene on the road to the tomb carrying spices for Christ’s body and asking a legitimate question: “Who will roll the stone away?” (v. 3). Yet their question was needless. The stone had already been rolled away. Mark concludes this vignette with the women even more bewildered than before.
And now they’re frightened (v. 8). Luke adds, “Then they remembered his words” (Luke 24:8). Matthew provides more information: “The women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples” (Matthew 28:8). These three accounts have the ring of authenticity for they reveal the reactions of humans as they discover the remarkable truth that Jesus is risen. Today, the same power that rolled the stone away is available to us when we face stones that need moving.
Visit go.odb.org/040526 to learn more about Resurrection Power.
Monday, April 6, 2026 – FAITHFUL AND FORGIVING – Exodus 32:15-24
Daily Bread Focus(es): Holiness
Scriptures: 1 Samuel 15:20-24
Today’s Devotional
“It’s not my fault!” So says Han Solo in The Empire Strikes Back when his ship is attacked and there seems to be no escape, only because a repair hadn’t been made. When he says it, you wonder if he bears at least some responsibility for his predicament but doesn’t want to admit it.
I’ve been there. Sometimes it’s easier to find someone (or something) else to blame rather than accept responsibility myself. Scripture shows us that this tendency is as old as sin. Adam and Eve both did it (Genesis 3:11-13), and so did Aaron. When Moses was with God on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments, God told him that the people He’d just released from slavery had turned away to worship an idol (Exodus 32:7-8). When Moses returned and confronted Aaron (whom he’d left in charge), Aaron responded, “You know how prone these people are to evil” (v. 22). Then he rationalized about the idol he himself cast, saying, “They gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!” (v. 24).
Despite our willfulness, God offers us forgiveness when we admit to Him we’ve done wrong. He assures us that He’s “faithful and just and will forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Forgiven and received by Him, we can be open about our brokenness to the God who took our blame on Himself on the cross, all because of His perfect, sacrificial love.
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced God’s forgiveness? How might you share what He’s done for you today?
Dear Jesus, thank You for taking my sin, blame, and shame away. Please help me to live for You always!
Today’s Insights
Moses went to God to “make atonement for [the people’s] sin” (Exodus 32:30) and to ask Him to “please forgive their sin” (v. 32). But God asserted His right to discipline the guilty and struck the people with a plague (vv. 33-35). Three thousand instigators of this great sin were also put to death (32:21, 28). God spared Aaron, however, because Moses interceded for him (Deuteronomy 9:20).
Because Jesus gave Himself as “the atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 2:2) and is interceding for us (Romans 8:26), God “will forgive us our sins” when we “confess” them and repent (1 John 1:9).
Watch more on The Scenery of Forgiveness.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – DOERS OF THE SCRIPTURES – James 1:22-25
Daily Bread Focus(es): Obedience, Spiritual growth
Scriptures: Joshua 1:8
Today’s Devotional
On my desk is a memo board of reminders. Pinned on it is a list, “10 Habits for Great Health,” that I cut out of a nutrition magazine years ago. Recently, I was stunned that even though I see this list every day, I could only remember four items. The list was such a familiar part of my daily surroundings that I’d glance at it without really seeing it or following what it said.
James describes something similar in the attitude of many believers toward the Scriptures: “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and . . . goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23-24). Many followers of Christ are aware of what the Bible says. However, we may “merely listen to the word” (v. 22), and the extent to which we submit to it ends there. In this way, we deceive ourselves about the power and authority of Scripture, failing to see it as providing the “perfect law that gives [us] freedom” (v. 25).
James tells us to be “doers of the word” (v. 22 nasb). A “doer” looks “intently into” Scripture and “[continues] in it” (v. 25), consistently doing “what it says” (v. 22). Obeying God should be not just something we do, but something that flows from who we are. By His strength, we can live out His Word in our world.
Reflect & Pray
Why do we need to be “doers of the word”? What Scriptural teaching could you ask God’s help for in obeying?
Dear God, thank You for the truth of the Scriptures. Please help me let obedience to You be who I am.
The Hard Task of Reading Well.
Today’s Insights
Our readiness to “do what [the word] says” (James 1:22) can be influenced by how well prepared we are to receive the truths of the Scriptures. Verse 19 encourages the right kind of reception: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” The posture described is one of readiness and welcome. The image that comes to mind is that of an eager, restrained, proactive learner.
Believers in Jesus in ancient Thessalonica embodied that kind of deportment. Paul said, “We . . . thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Because Scripture is God-breathed (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17), we can respond to its truth with humility and ask God to help us to obey Him and honor Him with our lives.
Wednesday, April 8, 2026 – GOD OUR PROVIDER – Matthew 17:24-27
Daily Bread Focus(es): Christ, person/work, Citizenship, God’s character
Scriptures: Luke 1:36-37
Today’s Devotional
In 2024, teenager Keegan happily reeled in a two-foot barramundi. But his happiness became elation when his little sister pointed out a tag on the fish. His catch was worth one million dollars as part of an Australian fishing competition. The annual event had been held since 2015; Keegan was the first to win the coveted top cash prize.
However slim the odds of catching that fish, the odds were far lower that a fish caught at random would have a coin in its mouth. But in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus instructed His disciple Peter to “go to the lake and . . . take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin” (17:27).
The context of this unlikely catch was a question of whether Jesus paid the temple tax (v. 24). The irony of insisting that Jesus—God’s Son—pay a tax to support God’s temple, wasn’t lost on Him. He pointed out that the king’s children don’t pay taxes to the king (vv. 25-26).
But there was no need to “cause offense” and distract others from His teaching by being perceived as a tax evader (v. 27). So Jesus instructed Peter to catch that fish, which had the exact amount to pay both His and Peter’s tax! Perhaps in part it was a reminder to Peter—and to us—that God is a provider who is always with His children as they follow Him.
Reflect & Pray
When have you experienced unlikely events in which you saw God’s hand at work? How does trusting Him free you to live in obedience?
Loving God, please help me rest in Your provision as I follow You.
Today’s Insights
The law stipulated that every adult Israelite had to pay a tax to support the temple (Nehemiah 10:32). When Jesus was reminded that this tax was due, He said that just as kings don’t demand tribute from their own children, He—as the Son of God—is exempt. He’s “greater than the temple” (Matthew 12:6), for the temple belonged to Him. But as a law-abiding Jew, He’d pay the tax so that He wouldn’t be accused of breaking the law and causing others to stumble (17:27; see 11:6).
He then miraculously provided Peter with the needed tax, showing that He’s the Lord of creation and will provide for our needs. Christ assures us “not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. . . . Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs” (6:25, 32 nlt). As children of God, we can trust Him to provide for our needs.
Learn why we should trust God.
Thursday, April 9, 2026 – PROMPTED BY LOVE – 1 Thessalonians 1:2-7
Daily Bread Focus(es): Community, God’s love and care, Service
Scriptures: 1 John 3:16-18
Today’s Devotional
Emily Kenward walked down Lavender Street in Brighton, England. Having recently become a believer in Jesus, she now saw the street differently. She noticed how many homes had their curtains drawn in the daytime, and how few older people were about, despite the area’s high elderly population. It spurred an idea.
Emily found out where Brighton’s elderly lived and invited them to an afternoon tea. Those who came told a similar story. Now living alone, they often went months without seeing anyone. What they longed for, they said, was a visitor.
Believing in Jesus changes how we respond to the world and its needs. We see this happening to the Thessalonians. Having turned to God (1 Thessalonians 1:9), they had become a model of faith to others by their transformed lives (vv. 6-7). The apostle Paul noted their “work produced by faith” and their “labor prompted by love” (v. 3). True faith had moved them to acts of service that brought honor to Jesus.
Emily was so moved by what she heard at that afternoon tea that she started a charity linking Brighton’s elderly with volunteer visitors. She remembers one woman hugging her tightly, sobbing, grateful for finally feeling seen and heard. The work grew, inspiring others to do the same. It makes me wonder what labors prompted by love the Holy Spirit might inspire you and me to do today.
Reflect & Pray
What need do you see in your community? Listening to the Spirit, what would a labor prompted by love look like to help meet it?
Holy Spirit, please fill me afresh to love others well!
Today’s Insights
Acts 9 introduces us to a believer in Jesus who was prompted by love to serve others. “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha [Dorcas] . . . ; she was always doing good and helping the poor” (v. 36). The Greek word at the root of the word translated “helping the poor” means to “have mercy” or “pity.” In Joppa, there was a specific group of people who benefited from Tabitha’s “acts of charity” (v. 36 esv).
We read how “all the widows stood around [Peter], crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas (Tabitha’s Greek name) had made while she was still with them” (v. 39). Her legacy of love for Christ included acts of mercy and kindness for vulnerable people. Her example as well as that of believers in Thessalonica remind those who’ve been “loved by God” (1 Thessalonians 1:4) to allow the Holy Spirit to help us find ways to tangibly show love to others.
Explore why community is so important.
Friday, April 10, 2026 – SAFE IN GOD’S HANDS – Isaiah 41:8-14
Daily Bread Focus(es): God’s love and care
Scriptures: Daniel 3:8-25
Today’s Devotional
I shut my eyes as the amusement park ride creeped higher—trying to ignore all the creaking coming from this wildly popular ride I was on. When it stopped for a moment, I made the mistake of peeking and was horrified to see the plunge we were about to take. I closed my eyes again and screamed the whole way down. That childhood memory still makes me shudder.
Sometimes in life it can feel like we’re falling further and further with no one to catch us. But when life seems chaotic and out of control, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us. As believers, we know that God dwells in us through the Holy Spirit. We can speak to Him and be guided by Scripture.
God wanted to assure the Israelites that He would “catch” them even in the midst of their “fall” of rebellion. He said through the prophet Isaiah, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). God wanted them to know He would help them through their trials (v. 13). How encouraging it must’ve been for the Israelites to know that God hadn’t abandoned them even while they were living as prisoners in a foreign land.
When our life feels like it’s out of control, we can take courage knowing that God is there to help us. We’re safe in His loving and mighty hands.”
Reflect & Pray
What challenge are you facing today? How does it feel knowing God is with you?
Dear God, thank You that I’m safe in Your hands.
Today’s Insights
Much of the Old Testament contrasts the false gods of the nations with Yahweh, the one true God of Israel. This section of Isaiah’s prophecy is a classic example of that. In Isaiah 40, God said, “With whom, then, will you compare God?” (v. 18) and notes that pagans “look for a skilled worker to set up an idol that will not topple” (v. 20).
When God says to His people, “I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (41:10), He’s underscoring the stark contrast with the idol that requires a craftsman to secure “the idol so it will not topple” (v. 7). Despite the challenges facing God’s people, He would rescue them. He says, “I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you” (v. 13). When we face trials, He’ll rescue us too. We’re safe in His hands.
Discover that you are not alone.
Saturday, April 11, 2026 – A PORTRAIT OF DEPENDENCE – Psalm 63
Our Daily Bread Focus(es):Humility; Spiritual Growth
Today’s Devotional
As I write these words, our Lhasa Apso dog, Winston, lies curled up at my feet. He’d watched me move from where I had been—the chair next to him—to the dining room table. That extra ten feet had been too far away from me.
I’ve been traveling for work a lot lately, and I think it’s getting to him. If I even hint that I’m leaving, or use the word “go,” he’s right on top of me. Practically clinging to me.
In human relationships, someone being “clingy” isn’t normally a compliment. But I see in my dog’s clinginess a vivid portrait of trusting dependence—one that’s mirrored in Psalm 63.
Here, David paints a picture of loving dependence upon God: “You, God, are my God,” he begins in verse 1. “Earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.” In verse 3, he adds, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Near the end, we read, “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (v. 8).
Like David—and maybe even a bit like my dog depends on me—I want to depend on God with my whole being, earnestly seeking Him. Sometimes, I do. Other times, my heart may be cooler, less trusting. But when I repent of my fickle mistrust and return to Him, I remember that He alone fills me. He alone is the one who will leave me “fully satisfied as with the richest of foods” (v. 5).
Reflect & Pray
What helps you experience God’s character as a loving Father most fully? How does trusting Him help us depend on Him?
Dear Father, thank You for Your lavish love. Please help me depend upon You in all that I do.
Today’s Insights
The header for Psalm 63 identifies the author and the situation that inspired the song: “A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.” There’s good reason to believe that it was written when he fled from his son Absalom, who sought to overthrow him as king over Israel (2 Samuel 15-19). In a time of personal and national stress, David poetically and intensely expressed his dependence upon God.
Uncomfortable physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual conditions have a way of showing us our dependence on God. Today, weary, wandering people can go to the psalmist’s “wilderness prayer room” for language that helps to give expression to our prayers of dependence. In times of desperation, we can say, “I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you . . . . I cling to you” (Psalm 63:1, 8). When we confess our sins, we see that God alone brings satisfaction to our own wilderness.
Learn more about A Portrait of Dependence.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
🫴🏼 THE PALM OF GOD’S HANDS 🫴🏼
“Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.”
— Isaiah 49:16
This verse shows the debt of love God has for humanity at the cross. The hollow in Jesus’ hands reveals this prophecy. God sees us not as the usual sinners but as His redeemed children.
God has permanently inscribed His people on His hands, signifying that they are always in His thoughts and under His constant care and protection. When you feel unseen, remember God wrote your name in His hands and your story on His heart.
God’s hands are righteous, mighty, and powerful
They’re loving and kind and oh, so merciful.
His hands laid out the earth’s foundation
Preparing the way for eternal salvation.
His hands uphold those who are afraid
Do they need to be fearful or dismayed?
His hands are strong; they provide protection
To those who seek wisdom and direction.
—Deborah Ann Belka
Be encouraged wherever you find yourself. You are in His hands.
CHRISTIAN-BASED MOVIE FOR THE MONTH
***The Daily Devotionals are taken from Our Daily Bread Ministries and the Scriptures are from the BibleGateway.***
-END OF PAGE-