FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
LIVING A VICTORIOUS LIFE
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
— 1 John 4:4 KJV
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.
– 1 John 4:4 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, it emphasizes “word-for-word” correspondence while fully accounting for 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 so abundantly present in the original texts.
As an essentially literal translation that takes into account grammar and syntax, the ESV 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 Bible study. Indeed, with its commitment to literary excellence, the ESV is equally well suited for public reading and preaching, private reading and reflection, academic and devotional study, and Scripture memorization.
PRAISE & WORSHIP
DAILY DEVOTIONALS
Sunday, September 20, 2026 – CHILDREN OF GOD – 1 John 3:18-24
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): God’s love
ODB Scripture: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. [1 John 3:20]
Today’s Devotional
One of my favorite books of optical illusions always astounds me as the pictures deceive my eyes—like one with two lines of the same length appearing to be different sizes, or the famous “impossible staircase” in which four flights of stairs seem to link in a continuous loop. It can also be a little disconcerting to realize we don’t always see things as they truly are.
But it’s not only our eyes that deceive us. We can sometimes believe illusions about our identity as God’s children when we’re bombarded daily with the world’s deceptive claims. Author Henri Nouwen wrote, “Jesus came to announce to us that an identity based on success, popularity and power is a false identity—an illusion!”
Our true identity, possible because of God’s lavish love, is that when we receive Jesus as our Savior we become “children of God” (1 John 3:1). As the apostle John recognized, sometimes “our hearts condemn us” (v. 20), and we begin to doubt God’s love or even question if we truly belong to Him. However, “God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (v. 20). Instead of being deceived by damaging illusions, we can believe the truth that we are God’s beloved children.
Whatever illusions you may encounter about your identity today, hold fast to the truth that you’re God’s beloved child.
Reflect & Pray
What illusions about your identity have you encountered? How does the truth that you are God’s child encourage you?
Heavenly Father, even when I can’t see or feel it, please help me remember the truth of Your love for me.
Today’s Insights
When we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we become “children of God” (John 1:12). The Holy Spirit “testifies [confirms] with our spirit” that this is true (Romans 8:16; see 1 John 3:24). Our sonship is a gift of God “through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). We can’t earn it. As God’s beloved children, He “has lavished” love on us (1 John 3:1), which includes a personal relationship with Him, eternal life, and guidance by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14)—and we’re considered “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (v. 17). He provides all we need in this life—comfort, hope, joy, strength—to live for and serve Him. As God’s children, nothing—“neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future” (v. 38)—can separate us from His great love (v. 39).
For further study, listen to the Discover the Word Podcast : Who Am I?
Monday, September 21, 2026 – THE HEART OF THE MATTER – 1 Samuel 6-12
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Judging others
ODB Scripture: People look at the outward appearance but the LORD looks at the heart. [1 Samuel 16:7]
5 AM Focus(es): We must not assume or judge other’s hearts by what we see. Only God knows the matter of the heart.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): James 2:2-6
Today’s Devotional
On a teaching trip to Moscow, I decided to take the subway to get lunch. Standing in the subway car, I started whistling simply because I felt good after an enjoyable morning teaching and the day was pleasant. The passengers stared at me like I was insane. When I got back to the school, I told one of the office workers that the people were so discouraged and downhearted they stared when I whistled. She politely informed me, “Yes, their lives are very hard, but that isn’t why they stared. They stared because it’s rude to whistle in public here.”
When we make assumptions, we base them on external factors that may not have any bearing on the moment. It’s helpful to recall the story of David’s selection as future king of Israel. As the prophet Samuel considered Jesse’s eldest son, he thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed stands here before the Lord” (1 Samuel 16:6). But God told Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (v. 7).
Basing judgments on appearances will lead to wrong conclusions. We do well to let God do the judging. He sees the heart of the matter.
Reflect & Pray
How do you feel when someone makes wrong assumptions about you? Why is it so easy to make assumptions about others?
Wise Father, please forgive me for judging people’s motives when I don’t know the truth about their hearts. Help me to entrust such judgments to You.
Today’s Insights
When Samuel saw Jesse’s son Eliab, he assumed that “the Lord’s anointed” (1 Samuel 16:6) stood before him, for he was strong, impressive, and outwardly fit for kingship. Yet God interrupted Samuel’s confident judgment with a sobering truth: “The Lord does not look at the things people look at” (v. 7). We can sometimes be quick to measure others based on outward appearance, to mistake confidence for calling and stature for faithfulness.
But God searches deeper: “[He] looks at the heart” (v. 7). He alone understands the full story within each person, and He’s the only righteous judge. The apostle Paul says that “when the Lord comes,” He’ll “bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart” (1 Corinthians 4:5). Today, when we’re tempted to judge others, God can help us entrust judgment to Him, who sees the heart.
For further study, watch the daily video devotional: It’s Easy to Judge
The Heart of the Matter
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – THE WARMHEARTED CHURCH – Acts 2:42-47
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Church; Worship
ODB Scripture: Every day they continued to meet together. [Acts 2:46]
5 AM Focus(es): We should search for a community church that worships God and is warm hearted toward each other as we build up our faith.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Hebrews 10:24-25
Today’s Devotional
When I was a child, I gladly accompanied my family to church every Sunday morning and evening. Our pastor exuded joy and always included the children in the service—and even encouraged my writing. My Sunday school teachers and pastor instilled in me a love for Scripture. And Sunday nights often meant a guest speaker or missionary who stirred my heart toward missions. Our church truly earned the slogan our pastor created: “The warmhearted church on Coldwater Road.” It wasn’t perfect, but we were a family. Since that day, I’ve continued attending church (even when it was hard to find the right one), and I’ve been encouraged and have grown in my faith as a result.
Just as we do today, believers in Jesus in the early church needed support and encouragement, and they understood the importance of meeting together with fellow believers (Acts 2:46). They were a family. Together they built each other up when doing life and serving God became difficult. They gathered to pray, study Scripture, praise God, enjoy fellowship, and eat meals together (v. 42). As a result, God caused their numbers to grow (v. 47).
Finding a like-minded church may take time, but it’s vital. Life is difficult to face on our own, and that’s why God gave us families and communities. A church is a great place to build community.
Reflect & Pray
Why do you think it’s important to have a church community? How might participating in church activities encourage you?
Dear God, thank You for giving me Your church, where I can learn more about You and be encouraged. For further study, read Should We Be the Acts 2 Church? at odbm.org.
Today’s Insights
The early church in Acts recognized the need for community (Acts 2:46). The author of Ecclesiastes also confirmed this truth: “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up” (4:9-10). Strength in numbers is one reason community is so important. Families and churches that are grounded in God’s truth can support us and help us to survive and thrive.
Jesus reminded us that “where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20). In such a Christ-centered community, we’re enabled to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), “pray for each other” (James 5:16), and “be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith” (Romans 1:12).
For further study, read: Should We be the Acts 2 Church?
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – COMFORT AMIDST TEARS – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Eschatology; Hope; Suffering
ODB Scripture: Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind. [1 Thessalonians 4:13]
5 AM Focus(es): We may grieve when our loved ones die; however, we have hope in God’s promise to reunite us in heaven one day.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): John 11:32-44
Today’s Devotional
The call from my mother came around 9 p.m. “It’s about your dad,” she said. “He’s gone.” While I’d been expecting this call for days and was relieved my father was no longer in pain, the news still hit hard. I sobbed deeply as grief took its course over the following days and weeks.
While losing my father was hard on us all, it was particularly hard for some of my unbelieving family members. To their understanding, Dad was gone forever. It was then that I realized how believing in Jesus helps us to grieve.
Paul explained it this way: Since Jesus rose again from death, those who believe in Him will one day rise again too (1 Thessalonians 4:14). This will happen on the day He gathers us up to spend eternity together with Him (vv. 16-17). Paul tells us this “so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope” (v. 13). Knowing I will see my father again brings comfort amidst the tears.
Scripture never promotes griefless loss. Even Jesus wept for a dead friend he knew would return to life (John 11:34-44). And sometimes we don’t know what a loved one believed before they died. Still, our grief has a safety net. Because of Him, we will see our believing loved ones again, and we can entrust all into His care.through one day.
Reflect & Pray
When have you realized the power of hope in Christ? How do you think that hope differs from the world’s idea?
Dear Jesus, thank You that my loved ones who believed in You are held safe in Your arms even in death, and one day You’ll
bring us together again.
Today’s Insights
Grieving the loss of a loved one is a natural and necessary process that takes time. With death can come gut-wrenching pain and heartache. But in 1 Thessalonians 4, we’re instructed not to grieve like “the rest of mankind”—nonbelievers—“who have no hope” (v. 13). Our grief is made more bearable because the Holy Spirit, our Comforter, is with us (John 14:15-17); and we have the assurance of one day being reunited with our believing loved ones and of enjoying our Savior together, forever.
Believers in Jesus know this life isn’t all there is. We have the promise of eternal life (3:16). Our loved ones are safe in Christ’s arms, and we can entrust them into His care. One day we’ll be reunited and “there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain” (Revelation 21:4).
For further study, read: Hope
Thursday, September 24, 2026 – WORDS FROM FRIENDS – Job 2:7-13
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Encouragement; Healing; Hope; Suffering
ODB Scripture: [None of Job’s friends] said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was. [Job 2:13]
5 AM Focus(es): In the midst of suffering, God will give us wisdom and discernment as to what to say as we offer hope to family and friends.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Proverbs 17:27-28
Today’s Devotional
As I sat in a Bible class at the age of twenty-six, I was baffled. Some of my classmates’ comments were discouraging. They seemed to have so many problems. I responded by asking, “If we’re Christians, why are we so down? Don’t we know how this thing really ends?” I was referring to the promise of eternal life in Christ but also to the many promises in the Bible of God’s care for His people. The instructor simply smiled and moved on. But my comment has stuck with me for years.
Eventually life hit me. Job loss, bereavement, illness, and more led me to feel discouraged. Yes, God’s promises are comforting and true, but they don’t promise an easy life. Jesus said we “will have trouble” (John 16:33).
Quite naturally, we feel the impact of such troubles, just as a man named Job did. He was tested, and it hit him hard: He lost his children, his property, and his health (Job 1:13-20; 2:7). His friends came to visit him to console him (2:11-13). In the beginning they simply supported their friend quietly, noting “how great his suffering was” (v. 13). But then they began asking unhelpful questions, not too dissimilar to the one I posed in Bible class.
As we encounter others going through trouble, the Holy Spirit can help us respond with love and compassion. And as we experience sorrow, we can remember the comfort of God’s promises.
Reflect & Pray
How has a friend helped you during a rough time? How can you help others by using sensitivity and discernment?
Loving God, please teach me to use wisdom when sympathizing with others.
Today’s Insights
For seven days, Job’s friends were a silent presence with their suffering friend (Job 2:13). Silence tends to make us uncomfortable, so we may try to fill that void with words. But in times of great suffering (like Job’s), words alone are often inadequate to express the comfort or help that the hurting person truly needs.
Job’s friends caused more hurt when they began to offer answers that didn’t ease his hurt, pain, or loss. We can ask God to give us wisdom to know when to speak and when to offer the comfort of a silent presence with those who are hurting.
For further study, listen to the Discover the Word Podcast: Rediscovering Friendship
Friday, September 25, 2026 – ACTS OF DEVOTION – 2 Chronicles 35:2-27
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Death; Service; Union with Christ
ODB Scripture: The other events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion . . . are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. [2 Chronicles 35:26-27]
5 AM Focus(es): Instead of reflecting on the mistakes of those who died, let’s recall their acts of devotion and service in God’s kingdom.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Acts 9:36-41
Today’s Devotional
Like all early departures from this life, Joe’s death shocked those who knew him. Just before he died, he’d begun making poor decisions. Now this husband, father, coach, and youth leader would no longer be there for those who’d relied on him.
It’s easy to focus on Joe’s recent bad choices. Yet when his daughter spoke at his funeral, she rightly highlighted how her dad, though flawed like all of us, had served Jesus with his life.
We find something similar in the story of Judah’s King Josiah. When Egypt’s King Necho mounted a military offensive against Babylon, Josiah foolishly “marched out to meet him in battle” (2 Chronicles 35:20). Necho had no intention of attacking Judah (v. 21), and Josiah’s intervention ignored “God’s command” (v. 22). It cost him his life (vv. 23-24).
Though Josiah finished unwisely, the prophet Jeremiah “composed laments for Josiah” (v. 25). The story concludes, “The other events of Josiah’s reign and his acts of devotion . . . are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah” (vv. 26-27). Acts of devotion. A timely epitaph for an untimely death.
It’s good to ponder the apostle Paul’s words: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). As we consider how our heavenly Father sees us in Christ, it’s easy to recall the acts of devotion done by His children who’ve left us.
Reflect & Pray
Who have you lost to death? What acts of devotion might you recall in memory of them?
Thank You, heavenly Father, that You see Your children in Christ. For further study, read The Oldest Theology: Jesus’s Victory over Adam’s Curse at odbm.org.
Today’s Insights
In addition to authoring Jeremiah, the longest book in the Bible, the prophet Jeremiah also wrote the book of Lamentations, a record of his mourning over the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. In 2 Chronicles 35:20-27, we’re told that Jeremiah was also a songwriter, and the songs mentioned were tributes to Josiah, the king of Judah (v. 25).
We don’t need to be songwriters, however, to honor the memories of those who’ve gone before us. We can encourage others as we share our memories of them. And we also receive comfort ourselves when we privately reflect on their acts of devotion to Jesus.
For further study, read: The Oldest Theology
Saturday, September 26, 2026 – GIFT REPURPOSED BY GOD – Exodus 4:1-5, 10-11
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Giving; Service; Spiritual Gifts
ODB Scripture: “A shepherd’s staff,” Moses replied. [Exodus 4:2 NLT]
Today’s Devotional
Captain Tim Mullane diligently worked at sinking the SS United States—a massive ocean liner. In fact, he was paid to send it down to the depths. Mullane repurposes ships from sailing the seven seas to serving as instant artificial reefs on the ocean floor. Sunken vessels provide attractive destinations for scuba divers and help protect coastlines as they curb the erosion of beaches. While no longer riding ocean waves, the ships continue to provide value lying far beneath them.
Moses’ shepherd’s staff was repurposed for something that would prove to be invaluable for the Israelites. God asked him, “What is that in your hand?” Moses replied, “A shepherd’s staff” (Exodus 4:2 nlt). Moses cared for sheep for forty years (Acts 7:29-30), but his staff would now be used to shepherd his people out of Egypt. The staff was a symbol of God’s working through Moses, and as he “[performed] the signs with it” (Exodus 4:17), God’s power was revealed. As Moses stretched out his “staff toward the sky” God rained hail on Egypt (9:23) and later allowed the Israelites to pass through “the sea on dry ground” (14:16).
God repurposed Moses’ staff and role to accomplish His purposes. He’ll often use our gifts and talents in fresh ways too. How might He be using your “staff” in a new way during this season of life?
Reflect & Pray
Why can it be hard to let go of roles and responsibilities? How might God be using your gifts and talents in new ways?
Loving God, please help me see how You’re using my gifts and talents in fresh ways.
Today’s Insights
Exodus 4 records how God repurposed Moses’ staff (vv. 1-5) to accomplish His purpose. The gospel of John describes how a boy’s meager meal was repurposed. A great crowd of people had followed Jesus and were hungry. Christ asked His disciples, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” (6:5).
A boy had a boy-sized lunch, barely enough to satisfy a boy-sized appetite. But when the seemingly insignificant was surrendered to God (v. 9), hungry people were fed (vv. 10-13), and God received the glory (v. 14). Today, we can ask God to use us to accomplish His purposes.
For further study, read: The Confidence to Grow
THIS WEEK’S INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT BY SISTER CLOVIA
LEAVE A LEGACY OF LOVE
When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies
to be at peace with him. — Proverbs 16:7
If you found out you had only one year to live, how would you spend your time? Would you sell everything you own to go on that dream vacation? Or perhaps buy that dream car you wanted? Most people are more concerned about leaving loved ones behind and wanting their life to mean something.
When Jesus was here on earth, He knew that He didn’t have long to live and that He was going to die. He made every moment count, preparing for the day He would leave this earth, and right up to His last breath, He left a legacy of love for each one of us.
He treated everyone with kindness, respect, and genuine concern. No matter how badly people treated Him, His response was always loving, meek, and gentle. Jesus lived a sinless life here on earth, and the way he loved His fellow man will be remembered and passed on from generation to generation!
What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Ask yourself in every difficult situation, “What would Jesus do?” or “What did Jesus do?”
Reevaluate your life and ask God to open your eyes so you can see what He sees. Decide today to be more like Jesus… and start creating a legacy of love.
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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