FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
And I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing. – Ezekiel 34:26 KJV
And I will make them and the places all around my hill a blessing, and I will send down the showers in their season; they shall be showers of blessing. – Ezekiel 34:26 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, April 26, 2026 – RESTORATION EFFORTS – Ezra 2:68; 3:1, 3-7
Daily Bread Focus(es): Hope; Living with other believers
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
In April 2019, a fire broke out in Notre-Dame de Paris—the city’s famed medieval cathedral—destroying the spire and a “forest” of oak beams supporting the lead roof. Almost immediately, plans formed to restore the cathedral. Donations poured in from across the globe, and craftsmen have undertaken restoration using the same building techniques and the same types of timber and stone employed in the original structure.
When Nebuchadnezzar instructed his armies to set fire to God’s temple in 586 bc as part of his siege on Jerusalem, the structure was decimated (2 Kings 25:9). When the people returned to Jerusalem after decades in captivity in Babylon, they “gave freewill offerings toward the rebuilding of the house of God” (Ezra 2:68).
After tending first to the altar, they “gave money to the masons and carpenters” and secured “cedar logs by sea from Lebanon” to lay the temple’s foundation (3:7). Though their rebuilding efforts were opposed and even sabotaged, the task was finally completed, and God’s people once again worshiped Him in His temple (6:14-22).
As believers in Jesus, we—together—are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). God equips us to continuously restore fellow believers and “build each other up,” not with wood or stone, but with encouraging words, prayer, and spiritual gifts (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Reflect & Pray
How are you building up fellow believers in Jesus? How has someone built you up recently?
Thank You, loving Father, for supplying what I need to build up and restore others as Your temple.
Today’s Insights
Just as God equipped the leaders and priests to encourage the Israelites (Ezra 2-3), throughout the ages, He’s equipped others to be encouragers. A prime example is “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus,” better known as Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). God used him to speak on Paul’s behalf to the disciples, who were fearful because of the apostle’s former role as persecutor of the church (9:1-4, 26-28). Barnabas also taught the believers in Jesus in the church of Antioch, where he “encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (11:23). Later, Barnabas sought out and brought Saul to work with him. Just as God gave others the tools needed to encourage others, He can do the same for us.
The words we speak can encourage or discourage, so we need to choose our words wisely.
Monday April 27, 2026 – YIELDED AND STILL – Jeremiah 18:1-6
Daily Bread Focus(es): Living for Christ; Obedience; Patience
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
Not much is known about Adelaide Pollard, and that’s sort of the point. She was a humble servant of God who wanted no recognition for herself. At the age of forty, she felt a strong calling to be a missionary to Africa, but that door was closed to her, leaving her greatly discouraged. Yet Adelaide was reminded of a verse: “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand” (Jeremiah 18:6). Later, she penned a hymn with these lyrics: “Thou art the potter, I am the clay.”
The image in Jeremiah has much to speak into our lives today: “The pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him” (18:4). This is a picture of how God reshapes us into His better purpose. Whatever we think we should do and be, God may have another shape for our lives: “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand” (v. 6).
Eventually Adelaide did go to Africa, but it may be that God’s shape for her life had more to do with other things—perhaps writing that hymn, “Have Thine Own Way,” which has inspired millions in the years since. When we feel “on hold” in what we want to do, we might think about how God is shaping us in the meantime. We do well to let God have His own way and wait, “yielded and still,” for His greater purpose.
Reflect & Pray
How do you feel discouraged in your life goals today? How might you let God have His way with your life?
Dear God, please help me yield myself to Your potter’s hand.
Today’s Insights
Jeremiah 18:6 reminds us that God is “the potter” who shapes and uses us for His purpose. Moses is an example of someone who was used by God. In Acts 7, Stephen says of him, “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. . . . Moses thought that [they] would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not” (vv. 23-25). He overestimated his readiness. His instincts were good, but his timing wasn’t.
Eventually, after forty years of “relative” silence, he was ready for God’s assignment and rescued his people: “This is the same Moses they had rejected. . . . He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself . . . . He led them out of Egypt and performed wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the wilderness” (vv. 35-36). Today, when we yield ourselves to God, He’ll use us for His purpose in His timing.
Learn about God’s invitation into wholeness.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 – IN GOD’S LINE OF SIGHT – Psalm 121
Daily Bread Focus(es): Family of God; God’s character
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
Trina received a free ticket to a sold-out event and tucked it into her Bible. Later, her son saw her frantically searching through the pantry. When she explained that she’d lost her Bible, he asked why she was looking in the food cupboard. “Because I’ve looked everywhere else, and the event starts in thirty minutes,” she said. “I don’t want to miss one moment.” Her son chuckled. “Breathe, Mom,” he said. “I think you’re suffering from FOMO, the fear of missing out.” She laughed. As her son joined the search, Trina’s husband entered. “You left this in the car,” he said, holding up the Bible.
While it’s not wrong to enjoy unexpected blessings, big breaks, or once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, a desire for enjoyment can easily turn into a fear of missing out. We can even be tempted to think God holds out on us or loses sight of us. However, the “Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:2) is our ever-watchful and never-sleeping provider and protector (vv. 3-7). So we don’t have to fret over detours, delays, or even missed opportunities. God will watch over our “coming and going both now and forevermore” (v. 8).
During times of affliction, seasons of abundance, and in every mundane moment God plans for us in-between, we’re always in His line of sight. We won’t miss out on anything God has planned for us to experience.
Reflect & Pray
How does being in God’s line of sight impact your life? When has missing out on something led to an unexpected blessing?
Faithful God, thank You for keeping me in Your line of sight.
Today’s Insights
Psalm 121 is part of a collection of songs designed for use during the high holy days of Israel’s calendar. People from all over the land would journey to Jerusalem for the celebration of “the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the Festival of Weeks and the Festival of Tabernacles” (Deuteronomy 16:16). However, most of them made the journey on foot (as Jesus did with His family in Luke 2:41-52), and the trek could be treacherous.
Most pilgrims made the journey from the lowlands around Jerusalem, so going to the city meant climbing up Mount Zion. That’s why Psalms 120-134 are called Songs of Ascents. Psalm 121, in particular, promises that the God who lives on Zion watches over all those journeying to His city, and He’ll protect them on their way. Even today, we can trust that the God who lives in the heavenly Zion watches over us no matter where we are.
Watch Jack Beck explain more on seasons in the wilderness.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026 – PRAYER IN DISGUISE – Job 19:5-12
Daily Bread Focus(es): Anger; Prayer
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
After the horrors of Auschwitz, Elie Wiesel lost his faith. “Where were you, God of kindness?” he asked, recalling the evil he and others suffered. “In my childhood I did not expect much from human beings. But I expected everything from you.”
And yet, Wiesel realized later that his faith had never really left him. “It is because I believed in God that I was angry at God,” he told a journalist, “and still am.” You don’t get angry at someone you don’t believe exists.
We might feel uncomfortable expressing anger at God, but biblical characters did. “You deceived me, Lord,” the prophet Jeremiah cried (20:7). “Will you forget me forever?” David wrote (Psalm 13:1). “God has wronged me,” Job said (19:6). Unaware of Satan’s role in his misfortune, Job accused God of being cruel (10:3) and even subpoenaed Him to court (31:35)! While Job later discovered that his understanding was limited (42:3), it’s important to note God never rebukes his feelings.
Despite his questions, Elie Wiesel prayed, “Let us make up. It is unbearable to be divorced from you so long.” We too might be angry at God for not limiting the suffering in our world, but our expressing it to Him can become prayer in disguise—keeping us close to the God who wants us to bring not just our praise but our anger to Him too.
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt angry at God? How can Job’s story help us express and keep a clear perspective?
Dear God, I’m angry at the suffering in this world, but choose to trust You.
For further study, read Job and the God Who Would Not Be Chained at odbm.org.
Today’s Insights
In Job 19:5-12, Job speaks with striking candor, not only hurling accusations at his friends but also at God. He says that God has “walled up” (v. 8 esv) his path, a translation of the Hebrew word that conveys building a barrier or enclosing something so it can’t escape. Job also claims God has “set darkness upon [his] paths” (v. 8 esv), suggesting not mere inconvenience but the removal of light itself, a symbol of life and order. He describes himself as a besieged city: God’s “troops” advance together, building “a siege ramp” against him (v. 12), implying a military approach.
Job refuses to sanitize his language. He dares to depict God as his attacker, one who “tears [him] down” and “uproots [his] hope like a tree” (v. 10). This isn’t blasphemy but rather the brutal honesty of a sufferer. His speech can remind us today that we can bring both our praise and our honest anger to God in prayer.
Thursday, April 30, 2026 – FOLLOW GOD’S WAY – Haggai 1:1, 5-11
Daily Bread Focus(es): Holy Spirit; Obedience
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
Ken avoided the migrant workers in his building. Their habits and way of life, so different from his, annoyed him. One day, however, while Ken was praying, a thought pierced him: They’ve been your neighbors for years, yet not once have you shared the gospel with them. Think carefully about your attitude towards them.
Scripture tells us of when God confronted the Israelites with a similar warning: “Give careful thought to your ways” (Haggai 1:7). After their captivity in Babylon, His people returned to Jerusalem, tasked to rebuild the temple. God had “moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia” (Ezra 1:1) to order the construction and provide funds (vv. 2-4). But after the people laid the foundation, opposition grew (4:1-5), so they neglected the project for fourteen years.
Through the prophet Haggai, God told them, “Give careful thought to your ways. . . . My house . . . remains a ruin, while each of you is busy with your own house” (Haggai 1:7, 9). God was saying, “Think carefully about how you’re living. Are you doing what I want you to do?”
God disciplined His people (vv. 5-11), but when they resumed construction, He encouraged them, “I am with you . . . . Do not fear” (2:4-5). And the temple was completed in less than five years.
In what area of life do we need to “give careful thought to [our] ways”? Let’s ask God to show us and help us follow His correction.
Reflect & Pray
How is God’s way different from yours? What things do you need to change to truly obey Him?
Dear God, please help me to follow Your way.
Today’s Insights
When the Babylonian captivity ended, the Jewish people returned with a mandate from King Cyrus to rebuild the house of God (Ezra 5:13-14). When the prophet Haggai wrote, it had been eighteen years since their return, and the project remained unfinished due in part to spiritual lethargy. This became, in a sense, the theme for the book of Haggai—spiritual lethargy that dulls the enthusiasm of the people of God for the things of God. To follow His way requires a heart and passion for Him. Today, God likewise wants to show us where we need to follow Him in obedience.
Learn more about the blessings that come when we follow Him wholeheartedly.
Friday, May 1, 2026 – GOD’S PERFECT SPECIFICATIONS – Genesis 1:26-31
Daily Bread Focus(es): Creation; God’s character
Scriptures(s):
Today’s Devotional
After a company couldn’t meet the specifications for ink pens used in some US government offices in the 1960s, the General Services Administration asked National Industries for the Blind (NIB) to make 70 million pens—despite NIB having never made pens before. They accepted the challenge and met all the specifications. Since 1967 blind factory workers have assembled these writing instruments used extensively by military personnel. The pens can be used to write upside down, make a mile-long line of ink, and withstand extreme temperatures.
Genesis 1:27 reminds us that each human being has been made to God’s perfect specifications: “God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” How we’re created reflects God’s character and nature. Being created in His image means everyone has inherent dignity and worth. God said that each person’s story begins with being made “in [His] image, in [His] likeness” (v. 26). This truth provides the foundation for understanding human dignity, identity, and relationships with others.
Just as those pens serve a vital role, so do we! Though we might feel unimpressive, each of us holds intrinsic value and purpose crafted by God. Today, may we embrace our story, knowing our Creator treasures us and calls us “very good” (v. 31).
Reflect & Pray
How have you embraced your story as being created in God’s image? How has your image and identity been formed by Him?
Dear God, thank You that I’m created in Your image.
For further study, read Remade in the Image of Jesus.
Today’s Insights
Adam and Eve were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), but that image was distorted when they sinned (3:6, 16-19). Everyone now carries that distorted image of our Creator. But through our salvation and the process of sanctification, we’re being recreated in the image (or likeness) of Christ. Paul wrote, “Those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters” (Romans 8:29).
As believers in Jesus, we know that “he who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). As we wait for our complete transformation, we can be assured of our dignity and worth because we’ve been created in God’s image.
Saturday, May 2, 2026 – A GOOD DEFENSE – 1 Peter 5:8-11
Daily Bread Focus(es): Spiritual Warfare
Scripture(s):
Today’s Devotional
On the basketball court, our grandson’s seventh-grade team did their best to score. Offense was their passion. But after each basket, their coach urged them to hurry back downcourt and play defense, which they were sometimes reluctant to do. Everyone wanted to score, but no one seemed eager to put in the hard work of defending.
The key to the game, the coach taught them, was to anticipate the movements of the opposing players. Stepping in front of a pass or shot would thwart the other team’s scoring and help the team win the game.
A defensive strategy that anticipates the moves of our enemy can also help in our spiritual lives. And who is that enemy? Peter’s letter to believers in Jesus reminds us: “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). So “be alert and of sober mind,” Peter wrote. Indeed, we’re called to “resist” our spiritual enemy, “standing firm in the faith” (v. 9).
Living out an active defense leads us as believers in Jesus to be more effective in our lives and in the productive work we seek to do for His kingdom. Then, if we have spiritual setbacks, the God of all grace “will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (v. 10). He is the one who establishes us, and who builds our strong defense—in Him.
Reflect & Pray
Where have you “dropped the ball” defensively in your spiritual life? How can you be more alert and sober-minded?
When I let down my guard in life, please remind me, O God, of Your protection of me.
Today’s Insights
Believers in Jesus are urged to “resist [the devil]” and stand “firm in the faith” (1 Peter 5:9). Jesus told His followers, “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22; 24:13; Mark 13:13). The apostle Paul urged believers to “be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13).
And he acknowledged that God is the one who enables us to stand firm in Christ through faith (2 Corinthians 1:21, 24). We can be strong in our battle against the devil by putting on “the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13). And we have the Spirit inside us to encourage and guide us (Romans 8:26). The best defensive strategy against any temptation our enemy hurls our way is to read the Scriptures, pray, and ask God to help us.
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
THE NAMES OF GOD
In the Bible a person’s name is a description of his character. Likewise, the names of God in Scripture are various descriptions of his character. In a broad sense, then, God’s “name” is equal to all that the bible and creation tell us about God. To honor God’s name is to honor him (Matthew 6:9).
The command, “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain” (Exodus 20:7) is a command that we not dishonor God’s reputation either by words that speak of him in a foolish or misleading way, or by actions that do not reflect his true character.
Primary Old Testament Names:
Elohim – God of Creation (Genesis 1)
Jehovah – God of redemption and revelation (Exodus 3:14)
Adonai – Master (Exodus 4:10, 13)
Compound Old Testament Names:
El Elyon – “the most high God” (Genesis 14:18)
El Olam – “the Everlasting God” (Genesis 21:33)
El Shaddai – “the Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1)
Jehovah Jireh – “the LORD will provide” (Genesis 22:14)
Jehovah Nissi – “the LORD our banner” (Exodus 17:8-15)
Jehovah Shalom – “the LORD our peace” (Judges 6:23-24)
Jehovah Sabbaoth – “the LORD of hosts” (I Samuel 1:3)
Jehovah Maccaddeshcem – “the LORD your sanctifier” (Exodus 31:13)
Jehovah Roi – “the LORD is my shepherd” (Psalm 23:1)
Jehovah Tsidkenu – “the LORD our righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:6)
Jehovah Shamma – “the LORD is there” (Ezekiel 48:35)
Jehovah Elohim Israel – “the LORD God of Israel” (Judges 5:3)
Jehovah Rapha – “the LORD that heals you” (Exodus 15:26)
Qadash Israel – “the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 1:14)
Each of these names of God are fully demonstrated and embodied in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Jehovah god of the Old Testament is the Lord Jesus Christ of the New Testament (John 10:30; John 14:9)
By: Dr. Rick Bartosik Lecture Series: The Doctrine of God Lecture 7: “The Names of God”
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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