Daily Devotion

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

October 15
Walking in Christ’s Light
Bible in a Year :

• Isaiah 45-46
• 1 Thessalonians 3

If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.
1 John 1:6

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
1 John 1:5-10
When my two nieces were younger, they’d coax me into a game after dinner. They’d turn off all the lights in the house, and we’d shuffle through the darkness, clutching each other and laughing. They enjoyed scaring themselves by choosing to walk in the dark, knowing they could turn on the light anytime.
In his letter to the early believers in Jesus, the apostle John talked about choosing to walk in a different kind of darkness. First John 1:6 refers to sin as “darkness.” Walking in darkness isn’t a momentary lapse but a choice to keep engaging in wrongdoing. John reminds us that our holy God “is light” and “in him there is no darkness” (v. 5). So when we claim a relationship with Him yet willfully continue sinning, “we lie and do not live out the truth” (v. 6). Jesus, the light of the world, came so that “whoever follows [Him] will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).
By God’s grace, after we’ve wandered in spiritual darkness and we turn to Him in repentance, we can walk in His light again—in His ways and purposes. He will “forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). Only when we live in obedience to God can we enjoy the full blessing of relationship with Him and with other believers (v. 7).
By: Karen Huang



Reflect & Pray
When have you chosen to “walk in the darkness”? How did this choice impact your relationship with God and with other believers?
Thank You, God, for Your forgiveness and help. Please enable me to walk in Your light.

 

[boldstardex]

GOD STILL PERFORMS MIRACLES!
October 20, 2025
Bryant Wright, Founder

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know.”
Acts 2:22

“Why doesn’t God perform miracles today?”

I get that question a lot. And if we’re honest, most of us have wondered the same thing at some point. We read about seas parting, the blind seeing, even the dead being raised — and we wonder why our world doesn’t feel as miraculous.

Here’s the good news: God hasn’t stopped doing miracles. Not at all.

In the early days of faith history, God often used miracles to jump-start belief. When Jesus came, His miracles weren’t just random acts of kindness. They authenticated who He was: the Son of God– just like Peter preached in Acts 2:22. But after those days? God didn’t suddenly retire from the miracle business.

The truth is, He’s still moving– we just don’t always notice. Sometimes we chalk it up to coincidence or human effort. But think about it: the healing that had no medical explanation… the financial provision that came at the exact right time… the forgiveness that felt impossible until it wasn’t. Those are the fingerprints of God.

And let’s not forget the greatest miracle of all– salvation. When someone puts their trust in Jesus, God takes a dead heart and makes it alive. That’s bigger than any physical wonder.

So maybe the real question isn’t, “Why doesn’t God perform miracles?” Maybe it’s, “Am I paying attention to the ones He’s doing?”

Why not take a few minutes today to remember a time God answered a prayer or worked in a way you can’t explain? Write it down. Thank Him. And the next time doubt creeps in, look back at that reminder.

Because in these dark and difficult days, we all need to remember: God is still in the miracle business.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Does God Still Heal?” also by Bryant

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

October 22
God Understands
Bible in a Year :

• Isaiah 65-66
• 1 Timothy 2

[Jesus] shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death.
Hebrews 2:14

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Hebrews 2:7-15
In his Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows, John Koenig offers a collection of new words, each invented to give a name to complicated feelings we previously lacked a word for. His book includes words like dés vu, “the awareness that this moment will become a memory,” and onism, “the frustration of being stuck in just one body, that inhabits only one place at one time.” Koenig says his mission is to shed light on all of the unique and strange experiences of being human, so that people can feel less alone in those experiences.
While we might not always be able to find a word for what we’re going through, believers in Jesus can take great comfort in knowing that God values and understands what it’s like to be human. He values people so much that He chose to entrust humanity with caring for creation (Hebrews 2:7-8). And because of Jesus, God understands completely what it’s like to live as a human. Christ is God made fully human, which means other believers are called Jesus’ “brothers and sisters” (v. 12).
Christ not only understands all our experiences and temptations (4:15) but He has also broken “the power of death” over our lives (2:14). Because of Him, our experiences need not cause us to feel afraid or alone. Instead, we can celebrate the gift of being human.
By: Monica La Rose



Reflect & Pray
What experiences do you sometimes struggle to find words for? How does it encourage you to know God understands and values your experience?
Dear God, thank You that You value being human and empathize with all that I experience.

 

[boldstardex]

PRAYER IS OUR SPIRITUAL POWER SOURCE
October 22, 2025
Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

“After Jesus had gone indoors, his disciples asked him privately, ‘Why couldn’t we drive (the demon) out?’ He replied, “This kind can only come out by prayer.”’
Mark 9:28-29

The disciples were confused and frustrated.

Why couldn’t they heal a little boy being tormented by a demon? After all, they had already been healing and performing miracles in the name of Jesus (Mark 6: 13).

So what changed?

Their hearts had changed.

They moved from complete reliance on God to a sense of self-reliance.

Picture a lamp. It’s fully functional, yet, unless it’s plugged into a power source (an electrical current), nothing happens. No matter how many times you flip the switch or hope for the best, it’s never going to work.

In the same way, prayer is the spiritual power source for followers of Jesus. And there are just some situations, Jesus explains to the discouraged disciples, that require the full power of prayer.

In spiritual warfare, such as in the case of the possessed little boy, the disciples would always be far too weak on their own. They needed to refocus their hearts on God and remain plugged into the power source that comes through diligent and persistent prayer. Only then would they see the incredible and mighty power of God move in the life of the boy.

Prayer is an incredibly powerful discipline that brings us back to that sense of total dependence on God. It’s recognizing this that keeps our hearts humble. It’s remaining plugged into prayer that keeps our eyes fixed on Jesus rather than on ourselves. Only then will we experience God’s mighty power, for prayer is our power source.

What does your prayer life look like?

If you’ve shifted away from total reliance on God to lean on your own strength, ask God to realign your heart with His.


DIG DEEPER
Read “3 Prayers to Pray Before Going to Bed Tonight” by Michael Kelley

 

[boldstardex]

GOD-BREATHED: THE BIBLE STILL MATTERS
October 24, 2025
Bryant Wright, Founder. RFTH

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17

Imagine a book that begins with one writer and, over 1,600 years and about 40 different writers later, is finally finished. You would not expect it to have one clear message from beginning to end.

Yet that is exactly what we find with the Bible.

Starting around 1500 BC and completed about 100 AD, the Bible has many human writers but tells one unified story. How is that possible? Because behind every pen and parchment there was one true Author: the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit guided each writer so that, although their styles and backgrounds differed, the message stayed the same. From Genesis to Revelation, everything points to Jesus.

The Bible calls this “God-breathed.” That means the very breath of God inspired each word. And that is not just remarkable; it is life-changing.

God’s Word is also timeless. It was written across centuries, yet it still speaks truth today. No matter your age, culture, or language, Scripture applies. Why? Because the message of the Bible is perfect and trustworthy. It never goes out of date.

So is the Bible reliable? Absolutely. God gave us this book as His truth for every generation. It teaches, corrects, and equips us to live for Him.

If you have not read it lately, start today. Open the story that runs from first page to last, the story of Jesus and His love for you.

It could change your life.

DIG DEEPER
Read “There is No Book Like the Bible” also by Bryant Wright

 

[boldstardex]

ARE YOU TRULY IN CHRIST?
October 25, 2025
Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

“Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.”
Philippians 2:1-2

What does it really mean to be in Christ?

That phrase can sound churchy and vague– especially if you’re not used to church language. But it’s simple and life-changing.

To be in Christ means you’ve put your full trust in Him to save you from your sin. You’re depending on what Jesus did on the cross– paying the penalty we deserve– and believing that He rose from the dead. It’s not just knowing facts about Jesus; it’s entrusting your life to Him personally.

When Paul wrote to the church at Philippi, he understood the diversity of the city. People came from all kinds of backgrounds, many living near the church but not part of it. They may have known about Jesus, but they weren’t yet “in Christ.” They hadn’t experienced new birth– the spiritual transformation that happens when you place faith in Him.

The same is true today. Many of us know about Jesus, but we don’t know Him. We’ve read stories, learned truths, maybe even attended church for years, but we’ve never personally surrendered to Him.

Friend, that step changes everything. The moment you trust Christ, God’s Spirit comes to live in you. You become part of His family and share in the encouragement, love, and unity Paul describes in Philippians 2.

So let me ask– is your knowledge of Jesus just intellectual? Or have you truly placed your life in His hands?

If not, today can be the day you move from knowing about Christ to being in Christ. And that changes everything.

DIG DEEPER

 

[boldstardex]

DON’T WASTE YOUR WAITING!
October 27, 2025
Taken from a sermon by George Wright, Senior Pastor, Shades Mountain Baptist Church

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary, his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; 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 40:28-31

Who likes to wait?

I think almost everyone hates to wait.

So, what does that say about me – and you?

WAITING REVEALS WHO IS IN CONTROL

• “I want what I want and I want it now! When I am forced to wait, I am offended, oftentimes, I am angry and frustrated!”
• Traffic is a personal assault against me. How dare all these cars get in my way when I have important things to do?
• Put me on hold on the phone? No, thank you! I have far better things to do with my time than sitting on the phone listening to elevator music!

I hate to wait because I want to be in control.

The fast-paced culture in which we live is far different than, say, 30, 40, or 50+ years ago:

• People had to plant a field and wait for their food to grow. We just go through the drive-thru and get frustrated when we have to wait 2-3 minutes.
• People had to wait several days for a letter to be delivered to communicate with a loved one in another city. We just send a text message.
• People had to wait for a newspaper to be delivered to get updates from around the world. We just press a button on our phones.

Ultimately, waiting reveals that I am not in control.

Well, guess what? God has a purpose in making me wait. God uses waiting to show me He is in control. He uses waiting to speak into my life in ways that I could never hear when I am getting everything I want on my timeline.

We can only see the here and now, but God exists outside the boundaries of time and sees all from the beginning of time to the end of the age. The theological term for this is ‘omniscient.’ God is all-seeing and all-knowing and is not limited by time and space. He is not limited to our seeing and understanding.

As we wait, we are invited to trust in the one who sees what we cannot see. As we wait, our perspective is like looking at a tiny grain of sand on an endless seashore. God can see the entire beach. Waiting brings us face-to-face with all our limitations. Waiting is an invitation to see who is truly in control and an invitation to place our faith and trust in the One who sees all and knows all.

God is at work when we realize we are not in control.

WAITING RESTORES MY STRENGTH

Our scripture reference today is the beautiful promise to those who learn the true gift of waiting on the Lord.

• Waiting restores our strength because it allows us to see it is not about our strength at all.
• When our strength is gone and we realize how much we truly need the strength of Another, then we can see the true power of God. When we feel like we can’t take another step, then we can see the true gift of God at work.
• Waiting invites us to see that the power of God is greater than any strength we could muster up on our own. Waiting brings me to the end of myself so that I can begin to trust in the power of God.
• Ultimately, waiting invites us to a place of contentment that defies all circumstances, because it helps us to see that God is at work to reveal His love and grace when we need it the most.

Don’t waste your waiting!

Let your waiting remind you who is in control and return you to the everlasting God who does not faint or grow weary. Ask God to show you what it means to be content in your circumstances.

Because it is then that He reveals His love and grace, and the gift He has given you through the cross of Jesus Christ – the unparalleled expression of God at work during our deepest need!

DIG DEEPER
Read “Stuck. Helpless. And Waiting.” by Jonathan Munson

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

October 28
Sure Foundation in Christ
Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 15-17
• 2 Timothy 2

[That house] . . . did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
Matthew 7:25

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Matthew 7:24-27
American football quarterback C.J. Stroud is young, talented, and an unashamed believer in Jesus. In a profession where the average career span is just 3.3 years, Stroud has been outspoken about where his trust lies. “Football has a lot of . . . twists and turns. But, at the end of the day, it’s all about your foundation. And something that’s set my foundation is my faith.”
Football, or any other profession, isn’t the only sphere of life with ups and downs, twists and turns. Jesus’ story in Matthew 7:24-27 features two houses, each pummeled by rain, floods, and wind. But only one survived the storm: “because it had its foundation on the rock” (v. 25)—Christ’s metaphor for His teaching (vv. 24, 26).
Yes, storms happen in this life. Sickness and countless other dilemmas can leave us spinning. Life isn’t “stormproof,” but building our lives on Jesus and His teaching—our sure “foundation” (see 1 Corinthians 3:11)—makes the difference. Those who refuse to embrace Christ are more vulnerable when life’s storms come. But those who listen to His words will find stability: “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:25). Indeed, it’s all about our foundation.
By: Arthur Jackson



Reflect & Pray
How “storm-ready” is your life? How have Christ’s teachings helped you to remain stable during difficulties?
Heavenly Father, please forgive me for building my life on things other than Jesus and His words, and help me to rely more on Him.

 

[boldstardex]

WHEN YOUR FAMILY JUST DOESN’T GET IT
November 02, 2025
Bryant Wright, Founder, RFTH

“And He (Jesus) came home, and the crowd gathered again, to such an extent that they could not even eat a meal. When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, ‘He has lost His senses.’” Mark 3:20-21

Opposition.

It’s one of the realities of following Jesus.

Sometimes it comes from co-workers and other times from friends. Oftentimes, the greatest source of hostility can come from family.

Jesus understood this all too well, as many of His earliest critics were family members.

Mark sets the scene in chapter 3: “He (Jesus) came home.” At this point in Jesus’ ministry home was Capernaum, the small town just north of the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus had created quite the buzz thanks to His powerful anointed teaching and undeniable miracles. With few doctors and only a very primitive understanding of medicine, people flocked to Jesus for healing. The need was great.

Jesus’ family lived about 20 miles away in Nazareth. As stories of Jesus’ ministry spread, they began to worry about Him.

To His brothers, Jesus was a carpenter and their respected eldest brother – nothing more.

So, when Jesus began calling Himself God and forgiving sins, His family wondered what had happened to the Jesus they knew growing up. The successful carpenter had become a radical preacher…really? Had He lost His mind?

They simply could not understand.

Eventually, some of His family would choose to believe that Jesus was who He said He was.

James, the leader of the early church and author of one of the New Testament books, was Jesus’ own brother. It appears that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead caused James to finally believe (1 Corinthians 15:7-8).

But can you imagine what it would take to believe that your seemingly ordinary brother was the Son of God?

When your family just doesn’t get it and is opposing or mocking your faith in Christ – the good news is that Jesus understands. Jesus gets it because He lived it – all the way to the cross.

In the end, Jesus overcame all the critics by rising from the dead! No matter what opposition you are facing for your faith, Jesus understands.

You can be sure that He’ll walk with you through whatever comes your way.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Who was James, the Brother of Jesus, in the Bible?”

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

November 4
God Hears Our Prayers
Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 32-33
• Hebrews 1

Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord.
Isaiah 38:2

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Isaiah 38:1-6
My friend Christine and her husband sat down to dinner at their aunt and uncle’s house. Her aunt had recently been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. Before anyone started to eat, her uncle asked, “Does anyone have anything to say?” Christine smiled because she knew he meant, “Does anyone want to pray?” He wasn’t a believer in Jesus, but he knew Christine was, so this was his way to invite prayer. Speaking from her heart, she gave thanks to God for His care and requested that He would perform a miracle for her aunt.
King Hezekiah became ill and had something on his heart to say to God after the prophet Isaiah told him he was going to die (Isaiah 38:1). He “wept bitterly” and pleaded, “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion” (v. 3). His was an honest, desperate appeal for deliverance. Even though healing isn’t dependent on our “goodness,” and God doesn’t always heal, He chose to extend the king’s life by fifteen years (v. 5). After his recovery, Hezekiah thanked and praised Him (v. 16).
God invites us to pray—whether it’s for an urgent need or to thank Him for something small or significant. He hears our prayers, sees our tears, and will answer according to His plan. Our place is to “walk humbly all [our] years” with Him (v. 15).
By: Anne Cetas



Reflect & Pray
What concerns do you have to bring to God? How can you place your trust in Him?
Loving Father, thank You for wanting to hear my heart. I trust that You’re powerful and able to bring about Your good will in my life and in those I love.

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

1:41
iTunesDownload MP3

November 5
The Victorious Jesus
Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 34-36
• Hebrews 2

[Jesus] went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil.
Acts 10:38

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Matthew 4:23-25
On January 14, 1973, when Super Bowl VII was played, perfection was on the line. Up until that point in the American football season, the Miami Dolphins had a perfect record—sixteen games without a loss. And when the Super Bowl was over, the victorious Dolphins would go down in sports history as the only team in professional football with a perfect record.
Victorious. That’s also a designation that fits Jesus. A close look at His ministry reveals one victory after another. Matthew’s record of Christ’s ministry in Galilee (Matthew 4:23-9:38) includes summary statements on the front and back ends: “Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people” (4:23; see 9:35). Christ was victorious over demons, disease, and death (see Mark 5:1-43). And what looked like a crushing defeat—His death on the cross—turned out to be the final victory. He defeated the ultimate enemy, death, by His own resurrection (see Acts 2:24).
Victors—whether in sports or other fields of endeavor—are showered with awards and gifts. What’s the appropriate response to Jesus, whose life, death, and resurrection have secured forgiveness and a right relationship with God for all who embrace Him? Nothing less than worshipful allegiance!
By: Arthur Jackson



Reflect & Pray
What amazes you about the victories of Jesus? What can you do to celebrate His past and present victories?
Precious Jesus, please forgive me for not seeing how amazing You are. Open my eyes to see and my heart to worship You.
For further study, listen to The Struggle Is Real.

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

November 6
Of First Importance
Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 37-39
• Hebrews 3

What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ . . . was raised on the third day.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
Thomas de Mahy was one of many aristocrats executed by rioting mobs during the French Revolution of the late eighteenth century. According to one legendary account, upon reading his death warrant, de Mahy responded, “I see that you have made three spelling mistakes.” If true, de Mahy pointedly disregarded a drastically more significant matter—his imminent death.
Today we’re in danger of unintentionally missing a crucial point, one that concerns the body of Christ (the church). There are those who would distort its purpose. Maybe we see the church as a political action committee or as a place to be served. Perhaps we see it as a mere religious institution. The church’s priority, however, has always been the good news of Jesus.
Paul told the believers at Corinth, “What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). While other things may have an appropriate time and place, the gospel is of first importance.
How can we be agents of God’s good news to a world so saturated with bad news? By asking God to empower us to share this good news whenever possible.
By: Bill Crowder



Reflect & Pray
How was the gospel shared with you? What could you do to be prepared to share that good news with others when the opportunity arises?
Gracious God, thank You for bringing me to You through the gospel of Jesus. Please help me share that good news with others.

 

[boldstardex]

HOW TO AVOID A COUNTERFEIT MARRIAGE
November 06, 2025
Bryant Wright, Founder

“For this reason, a man shall leave his father and his mother and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.”
Genesis 2:24

One of the saddest statements I heard time and again as a pastor when a person loses a spouse is, “I feel like I’ve lost a part of me.”

And they truly have. Because what God has designed for marriage is one-flesh bonding:

• Emotionally, one-flesh bonding
• Relationally, one-flesh bonding
• Spiritually, one-flesh bonding, and
• Physically, one-flesh bonding

And for those of you who are wondering, there is no doubt that sexual intercourse is the ultimate symbol of the physical one-flesh relationship that God has in mind for the husband and wife in marriage. Sex is a wonderful gift. This false idea that sex originated after the fall of man is nonsense! God gave sex as a gift to men and women to be enjoyed in the context of committed love, but only in marriage. Adam and Eve enjoyed the mutual pleasure of “the one flesh” relationship long before they fell into sin, and God was very pleased. After all, sex is His idea.

Sadly, that one-flesh relationship has been counterfeited over and over by mankind. How is it counterfeited?

Let’s take a look at a few ways:

1. It is counterfeited by premarital sex. Not only is it wrong, but there’s also no lifetime commitment that gives meaning to a one-flesh relationship.
2. It is counterfeited by adultery. Adultery puts a dagger into the heart of a marriage. It so destroys trust, and it’s often very hard for a spouse to get over it.
3. It is counterfeited by homosexuality and same-sex marriage. The Christian community hasn’t done much to help the situation. Looking at people in the church, the gay rights advocates see either pro-gay clergy saying the practice of homosexuality is not a sin but good, or they see the self-righteous hypocrisy found in the Christian church and are thinking, “Are you kidding me? With all the divorce and adultery in your churches?” Obviously, these sins are not what God had in mind for marriage.
4. It is counterfeited by pornography. The damage that pornography, in its many forms, has brought to marriages and relationships between men and women is difficult to number. We would be saddened if we had real numbers on how many men and women are addicted to pornography or are dabbling in it regularly, inside and outside the church.

There are more ways to counterfeit a marriage, of course, but the mindset that embraces all of them is self-gratification, which was never part of God’s plan.

The one-flesh relationship between one man and one woman in marriage? That was, and still is, God’s plan.

DIG DEEPER
Read “Want a Marriage That Endures?” also by Bryant Wright

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

November 10
A God-Fearing Woman
Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 48-49
• Hebrews 7

A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Proverbs 31:30

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Proverbs 31:24-31
Rosie’s birthday celebration was unforgettable. The food was tasty, the table banter was fun, and the presence of her first grandson was icing on the cake! These good things, however, paled in view of her two sons’ tributes to her. Though Rosie’s marriage didn’t last, her exceptional skills as a single mom marked her sons. Their accolades reflected how she did everything possible to provide for their needs. The younger son’s comment best captured Rosie’s posture before them: “She is a God-fearing woman.”
In Proverbs 31:10-31 readers get to see what fear-informed wisdom looks like in the home. The fear of the Lord (v. 30), which is a humble reverence for God, compels one to be trustworthy (vv. 11-12) and hardworking and thrifty (vv. 13-19). And, while the wise woman possesses a “home first” attitude (vv. 21-28), that doesn’t mean “home only.” Meeting the needs of outsiders also gets attention (v. 20).
As with Rosie, the lifestyles of God-fearing women don’t go unnoticed—especially among those who live with them (v. 28). It’s not surprising when those closest to them sing their praises. Want to be a God-fearing follower of Jesus? Why not ask God for His help? And don’t be surprised when those prayers are answered—even in challenging circumstances.
By: Arthur Jackson



Reflect & Pray
How do others inspire you to live in humble awe of God, even in less-than-ideal circumstances? How can you reverently seek Him and His wisdom?
Wise Father, please give me courage to follow in the footsteps of Jesus in the way I love, honor, and respect You.

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

November 12
Beyond Dreamscrolling
Bible in a Year :

• Jeremiah 51-52
• Hebrews 9

In [God’s] great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
1 Peter 1:3

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
1 Peter 1:3-9, 13
Each fall in my youth, my grandmother got the JCPenney Christmas catalog. With a zealous delight, I spirited it away to ponder its marvelous images.
These days, those images show up on our smartphones daily—the algorithmic distillation of our hopes and dreams, a personalized feed tailored to us. It’s easy to get lost in them. Recently, experts have named this digital phenomenon dreamscrolling. A survey conducted by OnePoll indicates that the average U.S. smartphone user dreamscrolls more than two hours a day! The images that tantalize our hearts invite us to hope, to believe, that if we just had this one thing, it would all be good.
Scripture, in contrast, invites us to relinquish our grip on material things. In 1 Peter 1:3-4, we read, “In [God’s] great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.” Peter contrasts our temporal yearnings with the promise of something that will satisfy: placing our hope in God’s grace. Later he adds, “Set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming” (v. 13).
Truth? I’m a dreamscroller. But I’m asking God to help me gradually learn to lean into His bigger hope, to set my desire fully on Him.
By: Adam Holz



Reflect & Pray
What are you truly seeking when you dreamscroll? What’s captivating your heart?
Dear Father, the world is full of promises that will only leave me empty. But my hope in You will never disappoint. Please help me set my hope on You today.

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

November 13
Kindness for the Suffering
Bible in a Year :

• Lamentations 1-2
• Hebrews 10:1-18

You should not gloat over your brother in the day of his misfortune.
Obadiah 1:12

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Obadiah 1:4-9, 12-13
One of the deadliest wildfires in US history decimated the town of Lahaina, Hawaii, in August 2023, killing ninety-nine people and destroying more than two thousand buildings. Still reeling from the devastation, residents experienced additional trauma when some looters pillaged buildings and greedy realtors attempted to gobble up land.
The corrupt desire to take advantage of tragic circumstances is the backdrop of a strong message from God to the nation of Edom. The prophet Obadiah warned the Edomites, Israel’s enemies for generations (Ezekiel 35:5), of God’s coming justice because the Edomites used their geographic advantage (Obadiah 1:3) and acquired wealth (v. 6), alliances with other nations (v. 7), wisdom (v. 8), and military strength (v. 9) to exploit the weak. Obadiah also rebuked the way Edom gloated as Israel was sent into captivity. Instead of compassion, Edom looted Israelite homes and marched through defeated cities in victory (vv. 12-13).
Although Lahaina residents saw despicable actions, they also experienced kindness when churches on the island became hospitality centers offering shelter, hot meals, and emergency supplies.
When someone is suffering, we face a similar choice. We can try to benefit from their loss. Or we can respond in the way God desires, like the churches in Lahaina, with kindness and generosity.
By: Lisa M. Samra



Reflect & Pray
When have you been tempted to take advantage of someone’s suffering? How does God’s love compel us to kindness?
Dear God, please help me extend kindness when someone is hurting.

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

3:30
iTunesDownload MP3

November 14
Waiting for God
Bible in a Year :

• Lamentations 3-5
• Hebrews 10:19-39

The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.
Lamentations 3:24

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Lamentations 3:22-33
When a country erupted in civil war, authorities conscripted a man into military service. However, he objected: “I don’t want any part in destroying [my country].” So he left it. Because he didn’t have proper visas, however, he eventually found himself stuck in another country’s airport. For months, airport employees gave the man food and thousands followed his tweets as he roamed terminals, knitted scarves, and clung to hope. Hearing of his perpetual plight, a community in Canada raised money and found him a job and a house.
The book of Lamentations presents the cry of Jeremiah, who waited for God and the end of His discipline for the sins of his people. The prophet remained confident in an everlasting God who he knew could be trusted. “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him” (3:25). God’s people can experience hope even when troubles overwhelm and relief seems impossible. Though they might need to humbly accept God’s discipline, they can cling to the reality that “there may yet be hope” (v. 29). Those who know God can experience a hope that flows from Him. “It is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord” (v. 26).
Without answers or any clear way of escape, we wait for the God who’s proven Himself faithful over and over again to help us.
By: Winn Collier



Reflect & Pray
What situation comes to mind when you think about waiting on God? Why is this difficult, and how is God meeting you there?
Dear God, please help me patiently wait for You to act out Your will in my life.

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

November 15
Singing the Scriptures
Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 1-2
• Hebrews 11:1-19

Dark am I, yet lovely, daughters of Jerusalem.
Song of Songs 1:5

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
Song of Songs 1:1-6
For her daily devotions, Julie began singing the Scriptures. “As I sang, my heart and mind actually began to do and believe what I was singing about!” Through vocalizing God’s Word in song, Julie wanted His truth to shed light on the things she disliked about herself, such as her voice and her height.
She said, “I began to sing from Song of Solomon 1:5: ‘Dark I am, yet lovely.’ ” (In that agrarian culture, a woman tanned by the sun wasn’t seen as beautiful.) As Julie sang the Scripture passage, God changed her thoughts. Suddenly she understood: “God loves me even though I am not perfect.”
Julie sang from a beautiful poem found in the Old Testament’s Wisdom Literature. Some people interpret the Song of Songs as an allegory of God’s love for His people, but many view it as a celebration of marital love. In witnessing the beauty of the couple’s commitment to each other, we can echo the friends’ words: “We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine” (v. 4).
However we interpret these ancient words, we can affirm with Julie that God revels in His chosen people. As He says elsewhere in the Old Testament: “You are precious and honored in my sight, and . . . I love you” (Isaiah 43:4).
By: Amy Boucher Pye



Reflect & Pray
Along with singing, how else could you engage with the words of the Bible in new ways? How can you embrace the truth that God loves you?
Creator God, You’ve formed me in Your image and say that You love me. Please help me to know this truth in my head and my heart, that I might share Your love with others.

 

[boldstardex]

A GLIMPSE OF JESUS IN LEADERSHIP – DAY ONE
November 16, 2025
Bryant Wright, Founder

“I beg of you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong.” Galatians 4:12

What does it mean to say “become as I am”? The apostle Paul wasn’t promoting himself- he was pointing others to the Christ in him. That’s a bold thing to say.

Yet, it reveals Paul’s spiritual maturity and deep connection with Jesus. His life had been transformed, and now he wanted others to experience that same transformation.

When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he reminded them that he had walked in their shoes.

He identified with their past.

He wasn’t some goody-goody religious figure. He had been a persecutor of the church. Literally, a religious terrorist.

But now? He was a man on fire for God– a man whose life radiated Jesus.

Spiritual leaders today are called to that same standard. Not perfection, but Christ-centeredness. Not self-glorification, but Christ-exaltation.

When people look at your life, do they see Jesus? That’s the real mark of leadership in God’s kingdom.

If you’re in leadership in the church– or hoping to be one– this isn’t about position or power. It’s about becoming more like Christ and inviting others to follow Him. “Become as I am” becomes more powerful when it means “come see Jesus in me.”

So today, whether you’re a pastor, a small group leader, or simply a believer with influence, ask yourself: am I living a life worth imitating?

DIG DEEPER
Read “The Heart of Leadership” also by Bryant

 

[boldstardex]

Love God. Love Others.


Support

0:00
iTunesDownload MP3

November 18
Living with Jesus
Bible in a Year :

• Ezekiel 8-10
• Hebrews 13

If we died with him, we will also live with him.
2 Timothy 2:11

share
Today's Scripture & Insight :
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Physician Christian Ntizimira sensed God’s calling to provide end-of-life care in under-resourced areas of his home country of Rwanda. Colleagues often didn’t see the value of such care because “these patients were already considered hopeless.” But Ntizimira found that for patients and their families, his “presence offered a rekindling of hope when all seemed lost.” Ntizimira is grounded in his work by the conviction that Jesus’ death and life can transform how we approach death because “the death of Christ is the source of life.”
In 2 Timothy, the apostle Paul testified to how the reality that Jesus “destroyed death and . . . brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (1:10) changed how he understood his suffering. Though Paul was a prisoner facing possible execution (2:9), Jesus’ resurrection grounded him in his calling—to point others to salvation through Christ (v. 10). For “if we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him” (vv. 11-12).
Dying with Jesus doesn’t just mean what happens at believers’ literal deaths. In his letter to the Romans, Paul explained that, as symbolized in baptism, believers are united with Christ’s Spirit in His death and resurrection life (Romans 6:4-8).
Because Christ lives in us, even when we face death’s terrors, we can live for and witness to Him.
By: Monica La Rose



Reflect & Pray
When have you unexpectedly witnessed hope? How can believers witness to Christ’s resurrection?
Merciful God, please help me witness to the love and hope of Jesus.