FOCUS OF THE MONTH (FOM)
FINDING STRENGTH AND DIRECTION THROUGH GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK (SOW)
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. — Isaiah 40:31 KJV
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. – Isaiah 40:31 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, August 30, 2026 – GOD’S RICH PROVISION – Philippians 4:15-19
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): God’s character
ODB Focus Scripture: My God will meet all your needs. [Philippians 4:19]
Today’s Devotional
After Hurricane Helene’s floodwaters nearly destroyed his small North Carolina town in 2024, a pastor noticed an inspiring pattern. As he struggled to answer the persistent question, “What do you need?” donations kept showing up exactly when he needed them. Phone chargers? Out of the blue, a man drove up with a generator, creating a charging station at the church. Drinking water? Suddenly, pallets of water bottles arrived.
Coincidence? The Bible points us to God, not mere happenstance: “My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). The promise might seem empty to a town nearly demolished by a thirty-foot wall of raging water. But Paul, who was in prison when he offered this encouragement, was no stranger to hardship.
Paul was writing to the church in Philippi to thank them for badly needed financial gifts. Except for them, he’d been neglected (v. 15). But God used them to meet his needs. So His words shined a bright light on God, who provided the “riches of His glory” found in Christ Jesus our Savior, in whom we have “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3). Joy, peace, truth, and salvation are among the things He provides for us. In kindness as well, He’ll provide a drink of water too, if that’s what we need. What a loving, generous God.
Reflect & Pray
What spiritual needs do you have today? What practical needs do you have?
I thank You, loving God, for providing my spiritual and practical needs today according to Your will and the riches of Your glory in Christ Jesus.
Today’s Insights
God’s channel for meeting needs in the church and the world is often through those who follow in the footsteps of Christ. In Acts 20:35, Paul quotes Jesus, who said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The Philippians were “partners” with God and as such they joined the apostle in his gospel endeavors. The word shared in Philippians 4:15 comes from the Greek koinōneō, which means “to enter into fellowship,” “make oneself a sharer or partner.” For unknown reasons, other churches didn’t participate in giving the way the Philippians did. The apostle says, “Not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need” (vv. 15-16). God will provide for our spiritual and practical needs, and He may use us as the means to help meet the needs of others.
The book of Numbers might, at first glance, seem to consist of little more than tedious accounts of census data (hence, the title). However if we’re willing to do a little work, we’ll find genuinely fascinating details in Numbers. And all of it casts light on the nature of Israel’s God—Yahweh. Read to understand more : The Excitement in the Details
Monday, August 31, 2026 – CHRIST IN ME – Galatians 2:19-21
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Living like Christ
ODB Focus Scripture: I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. [Galatians 2:20]
5 AM Focus(es): Don’t live our lives to satisfy our own desires. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to shine Jesus’ light through us so that others will glorify God.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Isaiah 60:1-5
Today’s Devotional
Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer became famous for his talent at age twenty. The art critics of his day called him “the greatest mind that ever expressed itself in line.” As his fame spread, influential people tried to hire him with promises of luxury and ease. Even other acclaimed artists such as Giovanni Bellini and Raphael revered his work.
In what experts consider to be his best self-portrait, Dürer mingled his physical characteristics with what he thought Jesus might have looked like. He painted himself with long, wavy hair, a beard, and eyes that seemed to convey a sense of divine purpose. While many assumed this was the artist’s prideful opinion of himself, others who knew him believed Dürer wanted to live a life that would allow people to see Jesus in him.
If we truly know Christ, this is our desire as well. Believing in Him and accepting His death and resurrection as the basis for our relationship with God means we should now live for Jesus—not for ourselves (Galatians 2:19). We live for Him, and He lives in us and works through us. The apostle Paul said this about his spiritual transformation: “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (v. 20). May the glory of Christ shine through our lives today so that the world sees Him in us.
Reflect & Pray
How do you feel when you sense Jesus working through you to make Himself known? What challenges prevent this from happening at times?
Father in heaven, please help me to stop living to satisfy my desires. Help me to surrender to Your Spirit so others will see Christ in me.
Today’s Insights
“Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed,” Jesus said. “But if it dies, it produces many seeds” (John 12:24). Christ spoke these words during the week He was killed. It’s a lesson Paul had learned as he wrote to people in danger of relying on keeping the law to earn salvation. In Romans 3:10-20, he outlines why law-keeping will never save us. He then explains that it’s “apart from the law [that] the righteousness of God has been made known” (v. 21).
“This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (v. 22). He goes on: “Our old self was crucified with him . . . that we should no longer be slaves to sin” (6:6). Because “Christ [lived]” in him (Galatians 2:20), the apostle could live a life honoring to God that would draw others to Christ. Today, God can help us surrender to the Spirit so others will see Christ in us.
Jesus never called the church to be a country club. In fact, He commissioned His disciples to go into all the world and bring people in. Rather than keeping outside people out, Jesus sent inside people out to bring outside people in. Read more on the community of Christ: The community of Christ
Christ in Me
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 – GATHERING TO GROW IN CHRIST – Acts 2:1-6, 36-37
Our Daily Bread Index Topic(s): Christ, person/work; Church; Community; Holy Spirit; Multicultural/race
ODB Focus Scripture: [The believers] devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [Acts 2:42]
5 AM Focus(es): By the power of the Holy Spirit, believers gather to grow communities to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ and to expand His Kingdom.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Acts 1:8
Today’s Devotional
In Monterey Bay, California, a boat captain saw fifteen Pacific white-sided dolphins join a super pod of more than two thousand dolphins. Various types and ages of dolphins gather in pods to fend off predators, feed, and socialize. Still, the size and diversity of this super pod was a rare sight to behold.
The Bible records a rare gathering of diverse people that’s foundational in our faith history. As the disciples celebrated Pentecost in Jerusalem, “a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting” (Acts 2:2). They were “filled with the Holy Spirit,” who enabled them to speak in different languages (v. 4). People God created “from every nation under heaven” had also gathered for Pentecost (v. 5). When they investigated the loud noise, each person “heard their own language being spoken” by the disciples (v. 6). Then Peter proclaimed Jesus as “both Lord and Messiah” (v. 36). About three thousand believed and were baptized (v. 41). As God’s people lived in community like never before, He “added to their number daily those who were being saved” (v. 47).
By the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s people around the world still gather to grow in community and proclaim Jesus as Lord. Through us, He will continue expanding His kingdom.
Reflect & Pray
How are you gathering to grow with God’s diverse people? How has He used people who are different from you to grow your faith and His church?
Dear God, please grow Your church as I gather to grow with others.
Today’s Insights
The Feasts of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22), known as the day of Pentecost in the New Testament (Acts 2:1), is one of the seven feasts or festivals God commanded His people to commemorate (see Leviticus 23). The Feast of Weeks, a spring harvest festival, is also one of the three major feasts where the worshipers were required to come to the temple in Jerusalem to offer their sacrifices (Deuteronomy 16:1-16). In the New Testament, the day of Pentecost was celebrated fifty days after Passover, the day Jesus died (John 18:28).
It’s remembered as the birthday of the church, the day God gave the Holy Spirit to indwell believers in Christ and bonded His children into His family (Romans 8:15-16). Imitating the practices of the early church today, God’s people continue to grow as a community, fellowship together, joyfully worship Him, earnestly study the Bible, lovingly care for one another, and boldly proclaim Jesus as Savior to the unbelieving world (Acts 2:42-48).
For further study, read: I Have Jesus – Why Do I Need the Church
Wednesday, September 2, 2026 – THE ULTIMATE SNAPSHOT – 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Eschatology; Heaven
ODB Focus Scripture: Therefore we do not lose heart. [2 Corinthians 4:7-16]
5 AM Focus(es): Rather than become weary with the norms of life, let’s stay focused on the promises of heaven and God’s eternal glory.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Romans 8:18
Today’s Devotional
Before our trip to Switzerland, my mental snapshot was of snowy Alps, goats grazing, and mountain farmers blowing alpine horns. However, as we drove south from Zurich, the landscape was the same drab tangle of highways we saw in any city. When we got close to our lodging, we had to drive up a precarious one-lane dirt road. At our rental place, we hauled our suitcases up steep stone stairways. Exhausted and disappointed, we finally made our way onto the patio. And there, opening up before us, stretched an extraordinary vista: the Alps rising up majestically over the blue expanse of Lake Lucerne, with small towns glittering like fireflies below us. The ordeal was worth it.
I recalled the verse, “Therefore we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:16). The apostle Paul writes of his own struggles: “We are hard pressed on every side, but . . . not in despair” (v. 8). He reveals his positive outlook: “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (v. 17). He advises us to “fix our eyes . . . on what is unseen” (v. 18), to hope for that eternal landscape.
Sometimes our journey is drab and difficult. But in Christ, we’re assured that we’ll witness the ultimate snapshot. The ordeal will be worth it: His eternal glory far surpasses anything we can imagine.
Reflect & Pray
What are the difficult roads in your life these days? What does “eternal glory” mean to you?
Loving God, I need encouragement through this tough journey. I pray for assurance of Your eternal glory. For further study, read Paul’s Pain and His Passion: 2 Corinthians 5 at odbm.org.
Today’s Insights
The encouragement about suffering that the apostle Paul expresses in 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 is similarly noted in Romans 8: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (v. 18). How encouraging it is to know that as believers in Jesus in a fallen world, we’ve been given God’s Spirit (v. 23) to be with us as we traverse life’s pleasant and unpleasant territory. When we face trials, the Bible reminds us that they’re “achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17).
For further study, read: Paul’s Pain and His Passion
Thursday, September 3, 2026 – REVERENT FEAR OF GOD – Deuteronomy 10:12-15
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Holiness; Obedience
ODB Focus Scripture: Fear the LORD your God. [Deuteronomy 10:12]
5 AM Focus(es): True religion is to fear or revere God and to walk in obedience with His Word.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Today’s Devotional
“I killed people in the past,” Tanitan said, “but ever since I chose to believe in Jesus Christ, He will not allow me to commit such practices anymore.” Tanitan, a member of the Ilongot tribe from the Sierra Madre mountains in the Philippines, came from a culture of head-hunting—the practice of hunting humans and severing their heads. In comparing his life before he knew God to his life now, Tanitan said, “Before, I was afraid to die but not afraid to kill. Now, I am afraid to kill but not afraid to die.”
As I read Tanitan’s story in the book To the Headhunters of Sierra Madre by Florentino Santos, I thought of how his newfound fear of or reverence toward God developed his desire to obey Him. I remembered Moses’ words to the Israelites before they entered the land God promised them: “What does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 10:2). Reverence toward God was to be reflected in obedience to Him. God’s people were to “walk in obedience to Him, to love Him . . . and to observe the Lord’s commands and decrees” (vv. 12-13).
As believers in Jesus, our deep respect for God’s holiness compels us to hate evil and do what pleases Him (Proverbs 8:13). Let’s ask Him to help us make reverence toward God a way of life.
Reflect & Pray
From today’s Scripture, how would you describe the “fear [of] the Lord”? Where do you find obeying God difficult, and how can the command to fear Him help you?
Holy God, please help me to experience reverent fear in Your presence.
Today’s Insights
“Moses summoned all Israel” (Deuteronomy 5:1), and he began to publicly review the covenant God had made with His people. They were about to cross the Jordan River (Joshua 3), and Moses would soon step across a “metaphorical” Jordan into eternity (Deuteronomy 34:7). Much of his speech recounts Israel’s rebellion during their meandering forty-year journey out of Egypt (9:7-24). Even as he assured them of their future success in inhabiting the promised land, Moses warned, “It is not because of your righteousness that the Lord your God is giving you this good land to possess” (v. 6).
It was because God had chosen them, in spite of their failure: “They are your people, your inheritance that you brought out by your great power and your outstretched arm” (v. 29). Because God was their God, Israel was to follow Him. Although His holiness can’t tolerate sin, His Spirit enables believers in Jesus today to “fear” Him, “[obey]” Him, and worship Him (10:12).
For further study, read: The Fear of the Lord
Friday, September 4, 2026 – JUNK FILES – Hebrews 12:1-7, 10, 14
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): Trust in God
ODB Focus Scripture: Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. [Hebrews 12:1]
5 AM Focus(es): We must rid ourselves of sin that clogs our souls. Trust and follow Jesus’ example and continue to run the race of life in holiness.
5 AM Supporting Focus Scripture(s): 1 John 2:15-17
Today’s Devotional
My smartphone occasionally reminds me I’m not good at digital housekeeping. “Junk files are taking up space,” the message reads. “Delete 675MB of junk files.” Now, I dislike being nagged by my phone. But if I clean out those files, I’ve got more space for things that really matter. Then, when I’m at my daughter’s swim meet, for instance, I’ll have enough digital storage to actually shoot a video of her winning a race instead of unexpectedly realizing that those pesky “junk files” have sabotaged my ability to capture the moment.
Junk files on our phones are easy to delete. But what about the “junk files” in our souls? Like our phones, our souls can be clogged with stuff that keeps us from flourishing spiritually. The author of Hebrews understood this reality, encouraging us to pay close attention to anything that trips us up in our walk with God. “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles,” he writes, followed by this challenge: “And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).
What weighs you down? What trips you up? Hebrews encourages us to fix “our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (v. 2), who alone can help us identify and delete the “junk files” that hinder our abundant life in Him.
Reflect & Pray
What most trips you up in your relationship with God? How does your faith help you identify and throw off sinful influences?
Dear Father, please give me the wisdom and courage to “throw off . . . the sin that so easily entangles” me.
Today’s Insights
The original audience of the letter to the Hebrews were Jewish believers in Jesus who may have considered reverting back to Judaism or were straying toward false teachings (see 2:1-4; 3:1-4). Many scholars believe the book was written before the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in ad 70 because it includes references to Jewish ceremonies and sacrifices. Hebrews encourages believers to endure and hold fast to Christ (2:1-4; 3:7–4:13; 5:11–6:2).
In chapter 11, known as the “Hall of Faith,” the author commends the many men and women of the Bible who lived by faith and sometimes died because of it. Therefore, because of their witness and example, believers in Jesus are prompted to “throw off everything that hinders” us—including sin—and “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (12:1).
For further study, read: Sin is Awful, God is Gracious
Saturday, September 5, 2026 – WHEN GOD OPENS OUR EYES – Numbers 22:22-23, 25-31
Our Daily Bread Topic(s): God’s love; Spiritual growth
ODB Focus Scripture: The angel of the LORD asked him, “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times?” [Numbers 22:32]
Today’s Devotional
In thirteenth-century France, legend has it that a knight left his baby boy at home guarded by his greyhound dog Guinefort. The knight returned to find chaos—the crib overturned, his son nowhere to be seen, and his hound’s mouth covered in blood. Assuming the dog had harmed his son, he killed it. Afterward, he found the body of a large snake covered in dog bites—and his son unharmed under the cradle. Guinefort had saved the baby’s life. The dog’s heroism and unjust fate so moved people that they misguidedly revered Guinefort as a saint.
Scripture records a similar incident, in which an animal was unjustly punished for protecting its owner. The prophet Balaam had been hired by the Moabite king to curse God’s people (Numbers 22:4-6). On Balaam’s journey, an “angel of the Lord . . . with a drawn sword” (v. 23) blocked his path. Balaam’s donkey, seeing the danger, avoided the angel twice—only to be beaten for his efforts (vv. 23, 25). When the donkey could no longer evade the angel, he refused to move and was again punished (vv. 26-27).
Finally, God enabled the donkey to speak and defend itself (vv. 29-30), and then He opened Balaam’s eyes to see the angel and heed God’s instructions (v. 31-32).
We’re not likely to hear an animal talk back to us anytime soon, but God can still open our eyes in unexpected ways. When that happens, let’s be prepared to listen.
Reflect & Pray
When has God opened your eyes? How has that changed you?
Gracious God, please help me to hear and respond to Your leading.
Today’s Insights
One wonders how Balaam, a non-Jewish prophet, knew about Yahweh, the one true God. Balaam had a reputation as an effective prophet; that’s why Midian’s King Balak commissioned him (Numbers 22:5-6). Yet even though God spoke to Balaam (v. 9), he wasn’t righteous.
He later advised Midianite women to seduce Israelite men into sexual sin and idolatry (see 25:1-9; 31:15-16). We serve the God who can open the mouth of a donkey (22:28) and the eyes of a wicked prophet (vv. 31, 34). We can expect Him to open the eyes of those who trust Him and want to serve Him.
For further study, read: Who is Your Neighbor
AN INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT FROM SISTER CLOVIA
LET’S SAVE OUR CHILDREN!
“All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace.” — Isaiah 54:13 NIV
This week our children went back to school. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more people felt burdened to introduce children to their best Friend, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ? What a different world this would be if kids grew up knowing how much God loves them.
Sadly, we are living in times where parents view religion as a social event, going to church on Sundays, but then going about their business the rest of the week, as if God were not even present in their lives.
It’s amazing how many people claim to be followers of Christ, yet don’t even know how to pray to God intimately. Others have no faith that God really hears or answers their prayers.
It’s no wonder young people stop attending church as soon as they are old enough to refuse! If parents don’t have a close relationship with God, then how can they expect their children to? Parents first need to recommit their lives to God, then pray for wisdom and guidance as they raise their little ones.
The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it.” God will honor our prayers to save our children, so pray passionately for their salvation and tell Satan to take his hands off of God’s property.
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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