Our Daily Bread Devotional

Grace Now

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 146-147; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28

[Love] is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. 1 Corinthians 13:5

We hurried to a fast-food restaurant to have lunch together on my friend Jerrie’s short work break. Arriving at the door about the same time, six young men got inside just in front of us. Knowing we didn’t have much time to spare, we grumbled inwardly. They stood as a group at both registers to be sure each of them could order first. Then I heard Jerrie whisper to herself, “Show grace now.” Wow! Sure, letting us go first would have been nice, but what a great reminder to think of others’ needs and desires and not only my own.

The Bible teaches that love is patient, kind, and unselfish; it’s “not easily angered” (1 Corinthians 13:5). “It often . . . prefers [others’] welfare, and satisfaction, and advantage, to its own,” wrote commentator Matthew Henry of this love. God’s kind of love thinks of others first.

In a world where many of us are easily irritated, we frequently have occasion to ask God for help and the grace to choose to be patient with others and to be kind (v. 4). Proverbs 19:11 adds, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”

That’s the kind of loving action that brings honor to God, and He might even use it to bring thoughts of His love to others.

With God’s strength, let’s take every opportunity to show grace now.

In what ways might you need to not act out of frustration? How could turning to God help you?

I’m in need of Your help, God. I face many levels of irritation but want to instead be filled and overflowing with Your kind of love.

INSIGHT

Writing to a divided church in conflict and deficient in love, Paul instructed the believers at Corinth how to love one another and described what true love looks like (1 Corinthians 13:4-13). Jesus taught that love is a requirement for those who believe in Him. Loving God and our neighbor are the most important commandments for “the entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:40 nlt). Building on the original standard of “love your neighbor as yourself” (v. 39), Christ sets a higher standard, patterned now after His sacrificial love. He wants us to “love one another [as] I have loved you” (John 13:34). Calling it a new commandment, Jesus said love was the distinguishing mark of those who believe in Him (v. 35). Loving others is proof that we’re God’s children who’ve experienced His love (1 John 4:7-12, 19-21).

Learn more wisdom from Paul’s letters to the church in Corinth

By Anne Cetas|2024-09-05T02:33:28-04:00September 5th, 2024|

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Excelsior!

Read: Philippians 3:12-21 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 143-145; 1 Corinthians 14:21-40

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I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14 esv

Sometimes surprisingly spiritual messages turn up in unexpected places, like in a comic book, for example. Marvel Comics publisher Stan Lee passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy of such iconic heroes as Spider-Man, Iron Man, the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, and many others.

The famously smiling man with sunglasses had a personal catchphrase that he used to sign off in monthly columns in Marvel comics for decades—the word excelsior. In a 2010 tweet, Lee explained its meaning: “ ‘Upward and onward to greater glory!’ That’s what I wish you whenever I finish tweeting! Excelsior!”

I like that. Whether Stan Lee realized it or not, his use of this unusual catchphrase certainly resonates with what Paul wrote in Philippians as he admonished believers to look not behind but ahead—and up: “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:13-14 esv).

We can easily become entangled in regrets or second-guessing past decisions. But in Christ, we’re invited to relinquish regrets and to press upward and onward to God’s greater glory through embracing the forgiveness and purpose He so graciously gives us! Excelsior!

Why do you tend to look forward or backward in your life and in your faith? How can you let go of past mistakes and move forward?

Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiveness. Thank You that You invite me to move forward, upward, and onward for Your glory.

Learn how forgiveness can help you move forward.

INSIGHT

Paul is driven by his urgent passion “to know Christ” (Philippians 3:10). He wants to “know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection” (vv. 10-11). Being transformed to be like the resurrected Christ requires us to pursue that goal with everything we have (vv. 13-14, 17). Yet even as we “press on toward the goal” (v. 14), we know it’s only possible through complete reliance on God, who will one day resurrect believers to finally reflect Christ perfectly (v. 21).

By Adam Holz|2024-09-04T02:33:18-04:00September 4th, 2024|

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God Hears Us

Read: Psalm 39:4-13 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 140-142; 1 Corinthians 14:1-20

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Hear my prayer, Lord, listen to my cry for help; do not be deaf to my weeping. Psalm 39:12

The first grader called the number for emergency dispatch. The 9-1-1 operator answered. “I need help,” said the boy. “I have to do take-aways.” The operator proceeded to assist, until he heard a woman enter the room and say, “Johnny, what are you doing?” Johnny explained that he couldn’t do his math homework, so he did exactly what his mother had taught him to do when he needed help. He called 9-1-1. To Johnny, his current need qualified as an emergency. To the compassionate listener, helping the young boy with his homework was top priority in that moment.

When the psalmist David needed help, he said, “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered—how fleeting my life is” (Psalm 39:4 nlt). He said, “My hope is in” God (v. 7). So, he pleaded for Him to hear and answer his “cry for help” (v. 12). Then, strangely, he asked God to “look away from” him (v. 13). Though David’s needs remain unspoken, throughout Scripture he declared that God would always be with him, hearing and answering his prayers.

Our confidence in God’s constancy allows us to process our fickle feelings, while affirming there’s no request too big or too small for the unchanging One. He hears us, cares for us, and answers every prayer we utter.

How has God demonstrated His love for you by answering prayers you thought would be too small to bring to Him? Which of your needs seems too big or too small?

Loving God, thank You for hearing and answering every prayer I place in Your hands.

INSIGHT

That our life on earth is “fleeting” and “a mere handbreadth” (Psalm 39:4-5) is the consistent reminder of Scripture (see Job 14:1-2; Psalm 144:3-4; James 4:14). In Psalm 90, “Moses, the man of God,” asks God to “teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom” (v. 12 nlt). David offers the same wisdom: “Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is” (39:4). The wise know their own end and understand how brief and uncertain life is (vv. 5-6). But their trust and hope is in God (v. 7).

By Xochitl Dixon|2024-09-03T02:33:15-04:00September 3rd, 2024|

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Humbly Asking for Help

Read: Acts 2:42-47 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 137-139; 1 Corinthians 13

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All the believers were together and had everything in common. Acts 2:44

As our party approached, my wife and I started planning. With many people coming, should we pay a caterer to cook? If we do the cooking ourselves, should we buy a barbeque? With a small chance of rain on the day, should we buy a tent too? Soon our party was getting expensive, and even a little antisocial. By trying to provide everything ourselves, we were missing an opportunity to receive the help of others.

The Bible’s vision of community is one of both giving and receiving. Even before the fall, Adam needed help (Genesis 2:18), and we’re called to seek others’ advice (Proverbs 15:22) and share our burdens (Galatians 6:2). The early church held “everything in common,” benefiting from each other’s “property and possessions” (Acts 2:44-45). Instead of living independently, they shared, borrowed, gave, and received in beautiful interdependence.

We ended up asking guests to bring a salad or dessert to our party. Our neighbors brought their barbeque, and a friend brought his tent. Asking for help enabled us to forge closer relationships, and the food people made brought variety and delight. In an age like ours, being self-sufficient can be a source of pride. But God gives His grace “to the humble” (James 4:6), including those who humbly ask for help.

What stops you from asking for help? What do you currently need that you could borrow instead of buy?

Dear God, thank You for making us relational creatures. Please help me to live humbly, sharing both my wealth and needs with others.

INSIGHT

Acts 2:44 pictures the unity and interdependence of the church: “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” This same idea comes into view again in chapter 4: “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had” (v. 32). The English words common (2:44) and shared (4:32) are translations of the Greek word koinos, which means “common,” “ordinary,” “belonging to generality.” In addition, it can refer to things that are ceremonially unclean. In Acts 4:32, we also find a word with the opposite meaning, idios, which is translated “their own”: “No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own.” The early church snapshots in these chapters reveal a dynamic, Spirit-formed unity and humility that led believers to selflessly give and receive.

By Sheridan Voysey|2024-09-02T02:33:27-04:00September 2nd, 2024|

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When Believing Is Seeing

Read: Isaiah 65:17-25 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 135-136; 1 Corinthians 12

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The wolf and the lamb will feed together. Isaiah 65:25

“I can’t believe what I’m seeing!” My wife, Cari, called me to the window and pointed out an adult doe in the woods just outside our fence, bounding from one end of our yard to the other. Keeping pace beside her inside the fence were our large dogs, but they weren’t barking. Back and forth they went, for nearly an hour. When the doe paused and faced them, the dogs stopped also, straightening their front legs and crouching back on their haunches, ready to run again. This wasn’t predator and prey behavior; the doe and the dogs were playing together, enjoying each other’s company!

To Cari and me, their morning romp provided a picture of the coming kingdom of God. The prophet Isaiah proclaims God’s promise of that kingdom with the words, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17). He goes on to say that “the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox” (v. 25). No more predator, no more prey. Just friends.

Isaiah’s words seem to show us that there will be animals in God’s eternal kingdom; they also point to what God is preparing for His creation, especially “for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). What a beautiful place that will be! As we trust in Him by faith, God lifts our eyes to the reality that’s coming: peace and safety in His presence forever!

What do you look forward to most about God’s kingdom? Whom can you share your hope with today?

Thank You for everything good that’s coming, loving Father! Please help me look forward to You today.

For further study, read What Is Heaven? What the Bible Says about Eternity.

INSIGHT

Isaiah shares God’s words when he writes, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth” (65:17). This anticipates Revelation 21:5, where the apostle John says, “He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ ” Then John writes, “To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life” (v. 6). This echoes Isaiah 55:1: “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat!” These Scriptures fit together beautifully and point to Christ—the one “seated on the throne” (Revelation 21:5).

By James Banks|2024-09-01T02:33:13-04:00September 1st, 2024|

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Wise Caring

Read: Proverbs 22:1-5 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 132-134; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

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The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty. Proverbs 22:3

The sight was heartbreaking. A pod of fifty-five pilot whales had stranded themselves on a Scottish beach. Volunteers tried to save them, but ultimately they died. No one knows why mass strandings like this occur, but it could be due to the whales’ strong social bonds. When one gets into trouble, the rest come to help—a caring instinct that can ironically lead to harm.

The Bible clearly calls us to help others, but to also be wise in how we do so. For example, when we help restore someone who’s caught in a sin, we’re to be careful that we’re not dragged into that sin ourselves (Galatians 6:1), and while we’re to love our neighbors, we’re to love ourselves too (Matthew 22:39). Proverbs 22:3 says, “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” This is a good reminder when helping others starts harming us.

Some years ago, two very needy people started attending our church. Soon, caring congregants were burning out responding to their cries. The solution wasn’t to turn the couple away but to put boundaries in place so helpers weren’t harmed. Jesus, the ultimate helper, took time for rest (Mark 4:38), and He ensured His disciples’ needs weren’t displaced by others’ needs (6:31). Wise caring follows His example. By tending to our own health, we’ll have more care to give in the long term.

How do you recognize your need for rest and refuge? What helps you to serve others over the long term?

Holy Spirit, please empower me to serve others in a healthy, sustainable way.

Learn more about healthy ways to care for another’s soul.

INSIGHT

The prudent person is contrasted with the simple throughout the book of Proverbs: “The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty” (Proverbs 22:3; 27:12). The prudent refers to a shrewd and wise person. The simple person is the opposite, described consistently as one “who [had/has] no sense” (7:7; 9:4, 16) and is therefore a fool. Proverbs 14:8 and verse 15 describe the simple as one who’s gullible, believes anything, and is easily deceived. In contrast, the prudent person carefully evaluates the situation and guardedly decides how to proceed: “The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence” (14:16 nlt). Therefore, “a prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences” (27:12 nlt). The prudent—in contrast to the simple—avoid the dangers and pitfalls of life (see 7:7-23).

By Sheridan Voysey|2024-08-31T02:33:22-04:00August 31st, 2024|

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What’s in Your Hand?

Read: Exodus 4:1-5 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 129-131; 1 Corinthians 11:1-16

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Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. Exodus 4:2

A few years after I received salvation and dedicated my life to God, I felt Him directing me to lay down my journalism career. As I put down my pen and my writing went into hiding, I couldn’t help feeling that one day God would call me to write for His glory. During my years of wandering in my personal wilderness, I was encouraged by the story of Moses and his staff in Exodus 4.

Moses, who was raised in Pharaoh’s palace and had a promising future, fled Egypt and was living in obscurity as a shepherd when God called him. Moses must’ve thought he had nothing to offer God, but he learned that He can use anyone and anything for His glory.

“What is that in your hand?” God asked. “A staff,” Moses replied. God said, “Throw it on the ground” (Exodus 4:2-3). Moses’ ordinary staff became a snake. When he grabbed the snake, God turned it back into the staff (vv. 3-4). This sign was given so the Israelites would “believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has appeared to you” (v. 5). As Moses threw down his staff and took it back up again, I laid down my career as a journalist in obedience to God. Later, He guided me to pick up my pen again, and now I’m writing for Him.

We don’t need much to be used by God. We can simply serve Him with the talents He’s given us. Not sure where to start? What’s in your hand?

How can you use your talents to serve God? How can you use your resources to bless someone today?

Father God, please help me to use my life to honor You.

INSIGHT

We would think that the staff turning into a snake would be convincing to Pharaoh and his court when Moses and Aaron appeared before them. Note that it was Aaron, not Moses, who threw his staff down in front of Pharaoh (Exodus 7:8-10). However, Pharaoh’s magicians were able to replicate this miracle (v. 11). How did they do it? Some scholars say it was through trickery and deceit. Others, however, believe it was through the power of the evil one, the devil. Intriguingly, the apostle Paul notes how “Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses” (2 Timothy 3:8). Although these names aren’t recorded in the Old Testament, they were known to Paul, a highly educated man, through other Near Eastern literature and were likely two of Pharaoh’s magicians. Regardless, Aaron’s staff in the form of a snake devoured the snakes produced by those magicians (Exodus 7:11-12), proving the vast superiority of the one true God.

By nancy gavilanes|2024-08-30T02:33:15-04:00August 30th, 2024|

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God of Justice

Read: Amos 2:6-16 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 126-128; 1 Corinthians 10:19-33

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Seek good, not evil, that you may live. Amos 5:14

As a teenager, Ryan lost his mom to cancer. He found himself homeless and soon dropped out of school. He felt hopeless and often went hungry. Years later, Ryan founded a nonprofit that empowers others, especially young children, to plant, harvest, and prepare their own garden-grown food. The organization is built on the belief that nobody should go without food and that those who have something should care for those who don’t. Ryan’s concern for others resonates with the heart of God for justice and mercy.

God cares deeply about the pain and suffering we face. When He observed terrible injustice in Israel, He sent the prophet Amos to call out their hypocrisy. The people God once rescued from oppression in Egypt were now selling their neighbors into slavery over a pair of sandals (Amos 2:6). They betrayed innocent people, denied justice to the oppressed, and trampled “on the heads” of the poor (vv. 6-7), all while pretending to worship God with offerings and holy days (4:4-5).

“Seek good, not evil, that you may live,” Amos pleaded with the people. “Then the Lord God Almighty will be with you, just as you say he is” (5:14). Like Ryan, each of us has experienced enough pain and injustice in life to be able to relate to others and to be of help. The time is ripe to “seek good” and join Him in planting every kind of justice.

What injustice do you see others enduring that resonates with your own experience? How might God use you to help them?

God of justice, thank You for not turning a blind eye to the pain and suffering in our world.

For further study, read Did Jesus Care about Justice?.

INSIGHT

Amos was a prophet from Judah sent by God to warn Israel of her sins and impending judgment (Amos 7:12). In chapters 1-2, the prophet proclaims God’s judgment on seven neighboring nations (Judah included) and upon Israel itself to show His sovereignty and impartiality. God would punish Damascus (capital of Aram), Gaza (Philistia), Tyre, Edom, Ammon, and Moab for their cruelty toward His people (1:3-2:3). Judah would be judged for her idolatry (2:4-5). Israel was condemned for her covenantal unfaithfulness: lack of social economic justice (v. 6), perversion of the law and sexual immorality (v. 7), and oppression of the poor and idolatry (v. 8).

By Karen Pimpo|2024-08-29T02:33:19-04:00August 29th, 2024|

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Worth the Wait

Read: Genesis 12:1-5 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 123-125; 1 Corinthians 10:1-18

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Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Genesis 21:5

Talk about a layover. Phil Stringer waited eighteen hours to board a flight that was delayed due to thunderstorms. His patience and perseverance paid off, however. Not only did he get to fly to his destination and make it on time for important business meetings, but he was also the only traveler on the flight! All the other passengers gave up or made other arrangements. Flight attendants gave him whatever food items he desired, and Stringer adds, “I did sit in the front row, of course. Why not when you have the whole plane to yourself?” The outcome was definitely worth the wait.

Abraham also endured what must have felt like a lengthy delay. Way back when he was known as Abram, God told him that He would make him “into a great nation” and that “all peoples on earth [would] be blessed through” him (Genesis 12:2-3). Only one problem for the seventy-five-year-old man (v. 4): how could he become a great nation without an heir? His waiting was left wanting at times, however. He and wife Sarai tried to “help” God fulfill His promise with some misguided ideas (see 15:2-3; 16:1-2). And when he “was a hundred years old . . . Isaac was born to him” (21:5). His faith was later celebrated by the writer of Hebrews (11:8-12).Waiting can be hard. And, like Abraham, we might not do it perfectly. But as we pray and rest in God’s plans, may He help us persevere. In Him, it’s always worth the wait.

What are you waiting for? How can you rest and persevere in God’s strength?

Dear God, please help me wait and persevere in You.

INSIGHT

Genesis 12 records God’s call of Abram—later renamed Abraham (17:5)—an event central to the biblical story. The chosen nation of Israel would come through Abraham (Isaiah 41:8), and from Israel would come the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would save humanity and the world. But the story begins small, with one man commanded to “Go” (Genesis 12:1) and then promised that “all peoples on earth [would] be blessed through [him]” (v. 3). But he was given no details as to how. Later, Abraham is commanded by God to “take” his beloved son Isaac and offer him “as a burnt offering” (22:2). After Abraham demonstrated that he’d obey (though God provided a substitute sacrifice), the promises first given in Genesis 12 were given to him a second time (22:15-18). In the New Testament, we’re told that God’s redemption story continues through believers in Jesus, who are included in God’s people and chosen to reveal who He is to the world (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Learn more about God’s promise to Abraham.

By tom felten|2024-08-28T02:33:08-04:00August 28th, 2024|

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Look More like Jesus

Read: John 17:6-17 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9

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They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. John 17:16

God designed the great gray owl as a master of camouflage. Its silver-gray feathers have a collective pattern of coloring which allows it to blend into the bark when perched in trees. When the owls want to remain unseen, they hide in plain sight, blending into their environment with the help of their feathery camouflage.

God’s people are often too much like the great gray owl. We can easily blend into the world and remain unrecognized as believers in Christ, intentionally or unintentionally. Jesus prayed for His disciples—those the Father gave Him “out of the world” who “obeyed” His Word (John 17:6). God the Son asked God the Father to protect and empower them to live in holiness and persevering joy after He left them (vv. 7-13). He said, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (v. 15). Jesus knew His disciples needed to be made holy and set apart so they could live out the purpose He’d sent them to fulfill (vv. 16-19).

The Holy Spirit can help us turn from the temptation to become masters of camouflage that blend into the world. When we submit to Him daily, we can look more like Jesus. As we live in unity and love, He’ll draw others to Christ in all His glory.

In what area of your life can you ask God to make you more like Jesus? How has God used others to draw you closer because of the way they lived and loved like Jesus?

Holy Spirit, please make me look so much like Jesus that others will be drawn to seek the one true God.

For further study, read Remade in the Image of Jesus.

INSIGHT

The Scriptures don’t often record what Jesus prayed because He often prayed alone (Matthew 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18). On some occasions, however, He wanted us to hear His prayers for our benefit (see Matthew 6:9-13; John 11:42). John 17, known as “Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer,” is one such prayer. It reveals His deepest concern for us. It’s the longest of Christ’s recorded prayers and can be summarized this way: Jesus prays for His glory (vv. 1-5), His disciples’ security (vv. 6-12), His disciples’ sanctity (vv. 13-19), and the church’s unity (vv. 20-26).

By Xochitl Dixon|2024-08-27T02:33:12-04:00August 27th, 2024|

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Grace Now

INSIGHT

Excelsior!

INSIGHT

God Hears Us

INSIGHT

Humbly Asking for Help

INSIGHT

When Believing Is Seeing

INSIGHT

Wise Caring

INSIGHT

What’s in Your Hand?

INSIGHT

God of Justice

INSIGHT

Worth the Wait

INSIGHT

Look More like Jesus

INSIGHT

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