We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.

Romans 5:3 NLT
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The fruit that is produced within us is meant to be used for God’s glory.
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Friendship doubles our joy and divides our grief.
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Loving Savior, please help me bless others with words that can be trusted.
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And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him.

Hebrews 11:6 NLT

Paul instructed believers in Jesus to live a faithful and fruitful “life worthy of the Lord and [to] please him in every way” (Colossians 1:10). Using a metaphor of replacing old clothes with new, he commands us to “put to death” our worldly, sinful habits (3:5-9) and adorn Christlike virtues (vv. 10-15). Paul singled out the importance of not engaging in harmful speech—“slander,” “filthy language,” and “lie[s]” (vv. 8-9). Truthfulness is essential for believers, for Christ is “the truth” (John 14:6). Elaborating in another letter, the apostle tells us to “stop telling lies [and] tell our neighbors the truth . . . . Let everything [we] say be good and helpful, so that [our] words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:25, 29 nlt). When we “[speak] the truth in love” (v. 15), we bless others. And we’ll “[grow] in every way more and more like Christ” (v. 15 nlt).

Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:14 NLT
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As we wait upon the Lord and align with His will, we experience the fullness of His grace and faithfulness.
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Dear God, please help me to give and receive wise feedback and correction as gifts of Your grace.
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Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom He gives.

Colossians 3:16 NLT

Scripture has much to say about the power of our words. A familiar New Testament passages is James 3:1-12. According to James, keeping control of our tongue is difficult. However, before we lose hope in being able to speak good words to one another, consider what David says in Psalm 141.

Here, tucked in the middle of his other requests, the psalmist asks God to “set a guard over Phillip Kotze mouth” (v. 3). He desires to live a life that contrasts with the evildoers around him (v. 4), a life that welcomes words of truth from others. He says, “Let a righteous man strike me—that is a kindness; let him rebuke me—that is oil on my head” (v. 5). Today, God can help us use our words well and speak truthfully to others.

The Ten Commandments set up principles for God’s people, the Israelites, so they’d flourish. The first four commandments emphasize single-minded devotion to God (Exodus 20:3-11). The last six outline how devotion to God should shape human relationships (vv. 12-17). At the heart of these commands is showing respectful honor to all (Matthew 22:37-40).

Society flourishes when there’s respectful care for all people, including parents and the elderly. The command to honor parents (Exodus 20:12) doesn’t mean that people should remain in damaging relationships with parents or others or should minimize harmful behavior, for we’re also called to be truthful. But our Creator wants us to recognize that each person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and therefore we should desire every person’s well-being and respect them.

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT


When barriers obstruct our path, God provides a way around or the strength to overcome.


The blood of Christ, Thy spotless Lamb, O God, is all my plea; naught else could for my sin atone; I have no merit of my own, which I can bring to Thee.

William S. W. Pond


Heavenly Father, show me how to honor others, especially when that seems difficult.


For just as the Heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts.

Isaiah 55:9 NLT

Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.

Hebrews 10:36 NLT


Difficulty does not diminish God’s power—instead, He displays His power through it.


When you receive discipline from God, take time to consider what He is trying to teach you, and give thanks that He loves you enough to do it.


Dear God, You are holy. I worship You in awe!


How amazing are the deeds of the LORD! All who delight in Him should ponder them.

Psalm 111:2 NLT

In Luke 23:44-49, the events surrounding Jesus’ death reveal the worthiness of God. Christ’s final words where He entrusts His spirit to the Father (v. 46) show His complete obedience and trust, even in death. As darkness covered the land (v. 44) and “the curtain of the temple was torn in two” (v. 45), creation itself testified that something supernatural was unfolding. These signs moved the Roman centurion, a gentile and outsider, to proclaim Jesus’ innocence (v. 47). His response shows that genuine worship begins when the heart recognizes God’s power and holiness. The crowd, struck with remorse, departed in sorrow (v. 48), while “all those who knew him . . . stood at a distance, watching” (v. 49) as they witnessed the depth of God’s love displayed on the cross. His sacrifice there proved He was worthy of worship not only because of His power over creation but because of His self-giving love.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT

Humility means responding to God with gratitude and living in light of His greatness.

Children need to be trained, not just in the facts of life, but in the ways of life.

Heavenly Father, may our children believe in You.

And this is the way to have eternal life—to know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One You sent to earth.

John 17:3 NLT

Why do we believe the apostle Paul had no children? We can infer this from what the Bible tells us about him. By his own admission, it seems he didn’t have a wife (1 Corinthians 9:5). And prior to his conversion to Christ, he’d been a law-abiding Pharisee “zealous for God” (Acts 22:3). It’s highly unlikely that such a law-keeper would have children outside of marriage. It’s possible that Paul may have been married and then widowed, but there’s no indication of this in Scripture. In addition, he strongly implies that he has the gift of singleness (1 Corinthians 7:7). Twice he refers to “my true son” in the faith (1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4). But “son” refers to spiritual children he introduced to Jesus and then discipled, not to physical progeny. Today, we can ask God to help us share our faith with the children and others that God places in our path.

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

James 1:3 NLT
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In a culture that idolizes success, we are called to something greater—using our gifts to serve Him.
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There is no estate to which Satan is more opposed than marriage.

Martin Luther
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Dear Jesus, please help me to share Your good news with others.
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"Who is like you among the gods, O LORD — glorious in holiness, awesome in splendor, performing great wonders?"

Exodus 15:11 NLT

Matthew 28:16-20, which includes the Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations,” is one of several texts with similar wording. Mark 16:15 says to “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Luke 24:47 states that “repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” In John 20:21, Jesus said, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

As soon as the Holy Spirit was sent on the Day of Pentecost (see Luke 24:49; Acts 2), these early believers in Christ immediately began obeying the Great Commission. Today, we’re invited to continue the mission of telling the good news to everyone everywhere.

Some scholars believe that people in Corinth may have viewed Christianity as a means of advancing through society (see 1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Slaves and nobles stood equal before Jesus (Galatians 3:28), so perhaps they thought they could also move up through the social ranks. In his first letter to the misguided church in Corinth, Paul challenged many of the wrong beliefs about what it means to be a servant of Christ. Following the risen Messiah doesn’t mean pride in social status (1 Corinthians 1:26-31), abusing food (ch. 8), or indulging in all kinds of licentious behavior (ch. 5; 6:12-20). Instead, God calls us to honor Him with every part of our lives, including our bodies.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

Proverbs 27:9 NLT

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When we humbly serve others, we reflect the character of Christ.

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As someone once said, “We can do more than pray after we’ve prayed, but we can’t do more than pray before we’ve prayed.”

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Dear Father, thank You for the amazing gift of my body. Please help me to honor You by using it to love and serve others today.

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So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 NLT

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Romans 10:17 NLT

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The greatest responsibility for us as believers is to faithfully serve the Lord.

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True love for Christ will mean hatred of sin.

John Benton

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Dear God, thank You for offering me a renewed relationship with You.

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"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8:32 NLT

In the Hebrew Bible (the Old Testament), books are usually named for the first word or words in the text. As such, the Hebrew title for Lamentations is “How,” taken from verse 1: “How deserted lies the city.” Those who translated the Old Testament into Greek (the Septuagint) titled the book “Lamentations.” Both titles are apt. In many lament psalms, the psalmist’s cry is rooted in the phrase “How long, Lord?” (see Psalm 13:1). And Jeremiah’s laments in both his prophecies and in the book of Lamentations are so consistent that he’s generally regarded as “the weeping prophet.” In today’s text (Lamentations 3:19-26), he’s grieving over the city of Jerusalem, which was besieged and taken captive by the Babylonians. Now, seeing the city desolated, Jeremiah finds hope in the faithful God whose mercies are “new every morning” (v. 23). Even in our times of deepest despair and loss, we can hope in God.

In his anguish, David turned to God, his “rock of refuge” (Psalm 31:2). God heard his “cry for mercy” (v. 22) and delivered him from his enemies (vv. 8, 15). He hears our cries too and offers us an eternal reward for our faithfulness and perseverance. James 1:12 tells us, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Therefore, we’re encouraged to “stand firm . . . always [giving ourselves] fully to the work of the Lord,” because our “labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God!

Psalm 43:5 NLT

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Intercession is a powerful way to bring God’s light to others even when darkness surrounds us.

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My Rock and Fortress, please give me strength to follow You, whatever opposition I face.

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So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

Romans 12:5 NLT

You are my strength; I wait for You to rescue me, for You, O God, are my fortress.

Psalm 59:9 NLT

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Fixing our eyes on Jesus leads us on the path to peace, joy, and contentment.

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Moses makes it clear that blessings come when the heart is right.

Warren Wiersbe

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Father God, please help me value, serve, and share You with people from all generations.

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Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT

The Israelites were to pass on God’s truth to the next generation (Deuteronomy 4:9). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul writes to Timothy, who’d been impacted by women of faith from two different generations: “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Timothy 1:5). The apostle also noted how God’s truth had contributed to Timothy’s development: “From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (3:15). Today, we can ask God to help us nurture the spiritual lives of future generations.

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 NLT

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A life apart from Jesus will never thrive. True fulfillment is found in Him.

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As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgment upon our character and conduct.

Jerry Bridges

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Loving God, thank You that You’re greater than my enemy and have already defeated him. Please help me rely on Your Spirit.

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No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.

1 John 4:12 NLT

Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to Him, both now and forever! Amen.

2 Peter 3:18 NLT

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A life apart from Jesus will never thrive. True fulfillment is found in Him.

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As we search the Scriptures, we must allow them to search us, to sit in judgment upon our character and conduct.

Jerry Bridges

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Loving God, thank You that You’re greater than my enemy and have already defeated him. Please help me rely on Your Spirit.

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No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us.

1 John 4:12 NLT

What does the New Testament tell us about our “enemy the devil” (1 Peter 5:8)? First, it gives him a variety of names: “Satan,” which means “accuser” or “adversary” (Revelation 12:9-10); “Beelzebul, the prince of demons” (Matthew 12:24); “the god of this age” (2 Corinthians 4:4); “the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2:2); “the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3); “the great dragon” (Revelation 12:9); and the “ancient serpent” (20:2; see 2 Corinthians 11:3).

Second, Satan’s mission is “to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). The devil is opposed to God and seeks to drive a wedge between Him and humans. Satan hopes to tear down our confidence and trust in God and deter us from our mission of spreading the gospel. James says, “Submit yourselves . . . to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). The Holy Spirit will help us resist the devil and stand strong in Christ.

And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.

Jude 1:22 NLT

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When difficulties arise, trust that the Lord will stay true to His promises.

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If you are ever subjected to an ordinance that violates God’s law, seek the Lord for discernment. Remember that God establishes rulers for His purposes.

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Heavenly Father, please give me the courage to heed Your instructions.

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God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him.

1 John 4:9 NLT

The book of Judges bridges the times between Joshua and the beginning of the monarchy under Saul (see 1 Samuel 9). It’s characterized by what some scholars call the “cycle of apostasy.” Each cycle begins when Israel falls away from God. Then He sends a neighboring nation to discipline them, followed by God’s provision of a judge to deliver them from that nation, and then a season of spiritual revival. Twelve different judges, from Othniel to Samson, are God’s instruments of rescue. Deborah is the fourth of those judges (Judges 4), whose season of leadership over Israel lasted about forty years, second only to Ehud, who judged for eighty years. Through the leadership and example of the judges, the people returned to God, and He enabled them to trust Him and obey His law afresh. Their example can remind us today that He’ll give us the strength to trust and obey Him no matter the circumstance.