Labor Day Encouragement — Giving Thanks for the Work of Our Hands

Today, as we celebrate Labor Day, let us pause and give thanks to Almighty God for the privilege and blessing of work.

Work is not merely a means of earning a living. From the beginning, God gave mankind the responsibility to work, care for His creation, provide for our families, serve our neighbors, and use the abilities He has entrusted to us for His glory.

Today, we give thanks for the countless men and women whose daily labor helps sustain our communities and our nation. We remember those who work in factories, farms, hospitals, schools, businesses, churches, public services, and countless other places. Much of their work may never receive public recognition, but faithful work has dignity and value before God.

As Christians, we should remember that ultimately we do not work merely for ourselves or for other people. Whatever responsibility God has placed before us, we should approach it as service rendered to Him.

Scripture reminds us, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23

This truth reaches far beyond our paid employment. Some of us may be retired, yet God still gives us work to do. We can pray, encourage others, serve those in need, teach His Word, support the work of the Gospel, and share Jesus Christ with those He places in our lives.

There is no retirement from faithfully serving our Lord.

As we enjoy this Labor Day, let us therefore thank God for the strength, abilities, opportunities, and resources He has provided. Let us also remember those who are struggling to find employment, those whose work is difficult or dangerous, and those who labor faithfully while receiving little recognition.

May we use whatever abilities and opportunities God has given us faithfully, remembering that every day provides another opportunity to serve Him and others.

May Almighty God bless the work of our hands, keep our hearts humble, and help us remember that everything we accomplish is possible only through His grace and provision.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:22 (ESV)

“When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”

Opening the Scriptures

John now brings the entire temple conversation into focus.

Jesus had cleansed the temple because His Father’s house was being misused. When the Jewish authorities demanded a sign proving His authority, Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” They thought He was speaking about the temple building, but John explained that Jesus was speaking about His own body.

Now John tells us what happened after Jesus was raised from the dead.

The disciples remembered what Jesus had said.

At the time Jesus spoke these words, they did not fully understand their meaning. Later, after they had witnessed His crucifixion and resurrection, His words became clear.

This is important because John does not present the resurrection as an idea the disciples invented after Jesus died. Jesus had already pointed toward what was going to happen.

The cross did not take Jesus by surprise, and the resurrection was not an unexpected recovery from defeat. Jesus knew that He would die, and He knew that He would rise again.

After the resurrection, the disciples looked back and understood more clearly what Jesus had been teaching them.

Living God’s Word Today

There is an important lesson here about how faith grows.

John tells us that the disciples “believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”

Their faith was being strengthened by remembering and understanding what God had already revealed.

This teaches us that Christian faith is not built upon feelings, circumstances, or human imagination. It rests upon the trustworthy Word of God and upon Jesus Christ, whose words are completely true.

There will be times when we read Scripture and do not immediately understand everything we are reading. There will also be times when God’s purposes in our lives are difficult to understand.

The disciples experienced this themselves.

They heard Jesus speak about His death and resurrection, but they did not yet understand the full meaning of His words. Later, after the resurrection, they remembered what He had said and understood it more clearly.

This should teach us humility and patience.

We should never assume that because we do not presently understand something in Scripture, there must be something wrong with Scripture. Our understanding is limited. God’s Word is not.

We must continue reading, studying, remembering, and comparing Scripture with Scripture. As we grow in our knowledge of God’s Word, passages that once seemed difficult can become clearer because we begin to see how they fit within the whole message of Scripture.

There is also great encouragement here when we face difficult circumstances.

Sometimes we understand God’s faithfulness more clearly when we look backward.

There may have been moments in your life when you could not understand why God allowed something to happen. Yet later, you were able to see more clearly how He sustained you, corrected you, protected you, or used that experience to deepen your dependence upon Him.

We must be careful, however, not to claim that we can always explain God’s hidden purposes. Scripture does not promise that every question will be answered during this life.

Our confidence rests somewhere stronger than our ability to explain our circumstances.

Our confidence rests upon what God has revealed in His Word and upon the risen Jesus Christ.

The disciples did not finally believe because everything in life suddenly made sense. They believed because Christ had risen, His words had proved true, and the Scriptures could be trusted.

The same foundation remains for us today.

One Concrete Practice Today

Take one promise or teaching of Scripture that has strengthened you during a difficult period of your life and read it again today.

Remember how God’s Word sustained you then, and write down one sentence explaining why that same truth can be trusted today.

Do not base your confidence upon how you feel today. Base it upon what God has said.

Closing Encouragement

The disciples did not understand everything immediately, but Jesus’ words did not fail.

After the resurrection, they remembered, understood, and believed.

There may be things you do not understand today. You may not know why God has permitted certain circumstances or what tomorrow will bring. But you do not need every answer in order to trust the One who has already demonstrated His faithfulness.

Jesus Christ has risen from the dead. His Word is true, and the Scripture can be trusted.

Therefore, keep reading His Word, keep remembering what He has said, and keep trusting Him even when you cannot yet see the whole picture.

Question for Today

When circumstances are difficult to understand, are you allowing your feelings to determine what you believe, or are you resting upon the truth of God’s Word?

Respond: “I will trust the risen Christ and believe His Word.”

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:21 (ESV)

“But he was speaking about the temple of his body.”

Opening the Scriptures

John now explains what the Jewish authorities had failed to understand.

Jesus had entered the temple in Jerusalem and found His Father’s house being misused. After He drove out the merchants and money-changers, the Jewish authorities demanded a sign proving that He possessed the authority to do such a thing.

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

They immediately thought about the magnificent building standing around them. They replied that the temple had taken forty-six years to build. From their perspective, raising such a structure in three days was impossible.

But they had misunderstood Jesus.

John now tells us plainly:

“But he was speaking about the temple of his body.”

This statement takes us directly back to something John declared at the beginning of his Gospel. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The eternal Son of God had come into the world and was standing among His people.

The religious authorities were focused upon the physical temple, but Jesus was pointing toward something far greater.

He was pointing toward Himself.

He was also pointing toward the cross.

When Jesus said, “Destroy this temple,” He was looking ahead to His death. When He said, “In three days I will raise it up,” He was pointing toward His resurrection.

The sign they demanded would ultimately be answered by the crucified and risen Christ.

Living God’s Word Today

John wants us to see more than a disagreement about a building.

He wants us to see who Jesus is.

The temple represented God dwelling among His people, but now the Son of God had come in the flesh. The glory of God was being revealed not merely through a sacred building but personally in Jesus Christ.

This is one of the great movements taking place in John’s Gospel. Again and again, John will show us that Jesus is greater than the religious institutions, ceremonies, and expectations surrounding Him because they ultimately point toward Him.

The tragedy in this passage is that the religious authorities were standing in the temple while failing to recognize the Son of God standing before them.

That danger still deserves our attention.

We can know the language of Christianity without truly knowing Christ.

We can attend church, understand doctrine, participate in ministry, read Christian books, and become familiar with Scripture while gradually allowing these activities to become substitutes for actually walking with Jesus Christ in faith and obedience.

None of these things is wrong in itself. Scripture, faithful churches, sound doctrine, worship, and Christian ministry are gifts from God.

But they must always lead us toward Christ rather than become replacements for Him.

The Jewish authorities were concerned about the temple Jesus had just cleansed. Jesus directed their attention toward the temple of His body, which they would destroy and He would raise again.

Their confidence was connected to something they could see.

Jesus was telling them that the decisive work of God would center upon Him.

The same must be true of our faith.

Our confidence before God does not rest upon the church we attend, the ministry we serve, the denomination we belong to, the knowledge we possess, or the good works we perform.

Our confidence rests upon Jesus Christ, crucified for sinners and raised from the dead.

That is where John is directing us.

One Concrete Practice Today

Examine one part of your Christian life today, such as worship, Bible reading, prayer, church attendance, or ministry service. Ask yourself whether that activity is actually leading you toward deeper trust in Christ and greater obedience to His Word.

Then deliberately make Christ the focus of that activity today. When you read Scripture, look for what it reveals about Him. When you pray, approach the Father through Him. When you serve, remember that you are serving under His authority and for His glory.

Do not merely practice Christianity.

Walk with Christ.

Closing Encouragement

The religious authorities were looking at the temple while Jesus was directing them toward Himself.

John does the same for us today.

He directs our attention away from confidence in religious structures and human achievement and toward the One who would die and rise again.

Everything in the Christian life must ultimately bring us back to Him.

Jesus Christ is not simply part of Christianity. Jesus Christ is the center of Christianity.

Question for Today

Is your Christian life drawing you closer to Christ Himself, or have religious activities begun to take His place?

Respond: “Jesus Christ will remain at the center of my faith and life.”

Friday Encouragement — Let Us Remain Faithful

Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is Friday again, and another week has passed remarkably quickly. The passing of time reminds us that every day God gives us is precious and that we must use our time wisely for His Kingdom and His glory.

As we look around us, we also recognize that much of the world appears increasingly hostile toward the Christian faith and the truth of God’s Word. Biblical convictions that were once respected are often rejected, and believers in many parts of the world face opposition, discrimination, and even persecution because they faithfully confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

None of this should surprise us, nor should it cause us to become fearful. Jesus clearly told His disciples that following Him would sometimes bring opposition. He said, “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” — John 15:18

Our response must never be anger, bitterness, or hatred toward those who oppose us. We have been commanded to love our neighbors, pray for those who oppose us, speak the truth with grace, and faithfully proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We must never compromise God’s truth to gain the approval of the world, but neither should we forget that those who oppose the Gospel are precisely the people who desperately need to hear it.

As we prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Day, let us examine our own faithfulness before we examine the failures of the world around us. Let us ask whether we have remained firmly grounded in Scripture, whether our lives demonstrate the character of Christ, and whether we have faithfully used the opportunities God has given us to share His truth.

The Church does not need to become more acceptable to the world by changing the message entrusted to it. The Church must remain faithful to Jesus Christ and stand firmly upon the authority of His Word. Our confidence must remain in Sola Scriptura, because God’s truth does not change when the culture around us changes.

Paul wrote, “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.” — 1 Corinthians 16:13–14

Those words provide an important balance for us. We are commanded to stand firmly in the faith, but everything we do must also be characterized by Christian love.

Therefore, let us approach this Lord’s Day with grateful and repentant hearts. Let us pray for the persecuted Church, for those who oppose the Gospel, for our nations and their leaders, and for pastors who must courageously proclaim God’s Word. Let us also pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen the Church to remain faithful regardless of what the future may bring.

The world may become increasingly hostile toward our faith, but Jesus Christ remains Lord. His Word remains true, His Gospel remains powerful, and His Church remains under His sovereign care.

May we therefore worship Him faithfully this Lord’s Day and enter the coming week prepared to serve Him with courage, humility, compassion, and unwavering obedience.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:20 (ESV)

“The Jews then said, ‘It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?’”

Opening the Scriptures

Jesus had told the Jewish authorities, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” They immediately assumed that He was speaking about the physical temple in Jerusalem.

Their response seemed reasonable from a human perspective. The temple had been under construction for forty-six years. How could Jesus possibly rebuild such an enormous structure in three days?

Their mistake was not that they lacked intelligence. Their mistake was that they interpreted the words of Jesus according to their own understanding.

Jesus was speaking about something far greater than a building. He was pointing toward His death and resurrection, but they could see only the temple standing before them.

They heard His words correctly, but they did not understand what He meant.

Living God’s Word Today

We can make the same mistake when we approach God’s Word.

We may read Scripture while already having decided what we want it to say. Our traditions, culture, experiences, personal preferences, and even teachings we have heard for many years can influence how we understand the Bible.

That is why we must approach Scripture with humility.

Our question should not be, “How can I make this verse support what I already believe?” Our question should be, “What has God actually said?”

This requires careful reading. We must consider the surrounding passage, compare Scripture with Scripture, and resist building beliefs upon isolated verses. We must also be willing to change our thinking when Scripture shows that something we have believed is wrong.

That can be uncomfortable.

It is easier to correct someone else’s beliefs than our own. It is easier to identify another person’s traditions than to recognize the traditions influencing us. Yet if God’s Word is truly our final authority, then we must allow it to correct us.

The Jewish authorities looked at the enormous temple and concluded that Jesus’ statement was impossible. Their visible circumstances controlled their understanding.

We face a similar danger when circumstances become difficult. We may look at what is happening around us and conclude that God cannot possibly accomplish His purposes.

But our limited understanding does not limit God.

We see today.

God sees the whole purpose.

We see the difficulty.

God knows exactly what He is accomplishing.

The men questioning Jesus could see a temple that had taken forty-six years to build. They could not yet see the empty tomb that would prove His words true.

Therefore, when God’s Word challenges your assumptions, do not immediately resist it. Stop, listen carefully, and allow Scripture to correct your thinking.

One Concrete Practice Today

Choose one passage of Scripture that you know well and read it slowly again today. Before reading it, ask God to help you understand what He has actually said rather than simply seeing what you expect to see.

Then identify one truth from that passage that should change your thinking, attitude, or behavior. Put that truth into practice today.

Closing Encouragement

We will not always understand everything God is doing, but we can trust what He has revealed. Our understanding is limited, while His wisdom is perfect.

Therefore, remain teachable before God’s Word. Allow Scripture to challenge your assumptions, correct your thinking, and direct your life. The goal is not to make God’s Word agree with us. The goal is for our lives to agree with God’s Word.

Question for Today

Are you willing to let God’s Word correct something you have believed or practiced for a long time?

Respond: “Lord, teach me to submit my thinking to Your Word.”

Wednesday Encouragement — Make Today Count for Christ

Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is already Wednesday, and once again we are reminded of just how quickly the days are passing. Monday seems to have only just begun, yet we have already reached the midpoint of another week.

On Monday, we considered the importance of redeeming the time that God has graciously given us. Today, that message becomes even more important because we cannot return to yesterday, and none of us is promised tomorrow. However, by the grace of God, we have been given today, and we should use it faithfully for His glory.

The pressures of this world continue to surround us. Wars, suffering, political uncertainty, financial concerns, family responsibilities, and personal difficulties constantly compete for our attention. We must be careful that these concerns do not consume the precious time and opportunities that God has entrusted to us.

Our sovereign Lord remains in complete control of His creation. Nothing happening in our lives or throughout the world has taken Him by surprise, and nothing can prevent Him from accomplishing His perfect purposes.

Therefore, instead of spending our time worrying about circumstances that we cannot control, let us concentrate upon faithfully doing what God has commanded us to do. Let us pray for those who are struggling, encourage those who are discouraged, forgive those who have offended us, demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, and share the Gospel whenever God provides the opportunity. Above all, let us remain firmly committed to the truth and authority of His Word.

Our Lord Jesus Christ said:

“I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” — John 9:4

There is an urgency in these words that we should never forget. God has given each of us a limited period of time in which to serve Him. Every day is therefore a precious opportunity to glorify Christ and participate faithfully in the work of His Kingdom.

We may not be able to change the entire world today, but by God’s grace, we may influence one life for eternity. A faithful prayer, a compassionate conversation, an act of kindness, or an opportunity to speak about Jesus Christ may be used by our sovereign God in ways that we may never see during our lifetime.

We should never underestimate what God can accomplish through the simple obedience of one faithful servant.

As we continue through the remainder of this week, let us not merely watch the days pass. Let us use every day that God gives us faithfully and wisely. Although the world continues to change and time continues to pass, Jesus Christ remains Lord, God’s Word remains true, the Gospel remains our message, and the work that Christ has entrusted to His Church continues.

May the Holy Spirit strengthen, guide, and equip us today so that every opportunity God places before us may be used faithfully for His Kingdom and His glory.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:19 (ESV)

“Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’”

Opening the Scriptures

The Jewish authorities had challenged Jesus after He cleansed the temple. They wanted a sign proving that He had the authority to do what He had done. Jesus answered them with remarkable words: “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”

They thought Jesus was speaking about the temple building, but He was speaking about His own body and pointing forward to His death and resurrection. Already, near the beginning of John’s Gospel, Jesus is directing our attention toward the cross and the empty tomb.

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew that He would be rejected, crucified, and placed in a tomb. To those watching, His death would appear to be a terrible defeat. Yet Jesus knew the end before the suffering began. He declared that in three days He would rise again. The cross would not be His defeat, and the grave would not be His end. Jesus Christ would conquer death and rise from the dead.

Living God’s Word Today

The resurrection is not merely a doctrine Christians confess. It must change the way we live. If Jesus Christ truly died and rose again, then our confidence cannot be controlled by our circumstances.

This becomes especially important when life does not unfold according to our expectations. Perhaps you have been praying about something that has not changed. Perhaps you are carrying a burden nobody else knows about. A door may have closed that you desperately wanted opened, someone may have disappointed you, or you may be struggling with the same temptation again and wondering whether genuine change is possible. You may simply be facing circumstances in which you cannot understand what God is doing.

These are the moments when resurrection faith must become personal. The disciples would eventually watch Jesus die, and everything they had expected seemed to collapse before their eyes. Yet while they saw defeat, God was accomplishing redemption. While they saw a sealed tomb, God’s sovereign purpose was still moving forward. What they could see was not the whole story, and neither is what you can see today.

We must therefore be careful not to judge God’s faithfulness entirely by our present circumstances. A difficult situation does not mean that God has abandoned us. An unanswered prayer does not mean that He has stopped listening. A painful chapter does not mean that the story is finished. The resurrection teaches us to trust God even when we cannot understand what He is doing.

That trust, however, must produce obedience. Because Christ is alive, we do not surrender to fear or become passive while waiting for circumstances to change. If there is sin to confess, we should confess it. If someone needs forgiveness, we should forgive. If we have fallen, we should repent and return to Christ. If fear has prevented us from doing what is right, we should take the next faithful step. If prayer seems unanswered, we should continue praying. If obedience becomes costly, we should remain faithful.

Our confidence is not that God will arrange every circumstance according to our wishes. Our confidence is much greater: Jesus Christ is alive, He is Lord, and our lives are in His hands.

One Concrete Practice Today

Identify one situation in your life that is causing fear, discouragement, or uncertainty, and write it down. Underneath it write, “Jesus Christ is alive. This situation is not beyond His sovereign authority.”

Pray specifically about that situation and then identify one act of faithful obedience you can take today. You do not need to solve everything or know what tomorrow will bring. Take the next faithful step and leave the outcome with God.

Closing Encouragement

You may not know what God will do with the situation you face today, but you know the Savior in whose hands you have placed it. Jesus said, “In three days I will raise it up,” and He did.

The resurrection gives us confidence to move forward without having every answer. Christ is alive, His Word is true, and His sovereign purposes cannot fail. Therefore, trust Him today, obey Him today, and leave tomorrow in His hands.

Question for Today

What situation in your life do you need to place completely into Christ’s hands today?

Respond: “My hope is in the risen Jesus Christ.”

DBF-001-039 continues with John 2:18. The Jewish authorities now challenge Jesus to prove His authority. Their response exposes a recurring human problem: demanding that God prove Himself on our terms rather than submitting to the revelation He has already given.
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Today’s Scripture
John 2:18 (ESV)
“So the Jews said to him, ‘What sign do you show us for doing these things?’”
Opening the Scriptures
Jesus had cleansed the temple.
He had driven out those who were misusing His Father’s house and had demonstrated unmistakable authority.
The Jewish authorities now confronted Him.
Their question was essentially:
What gives You the right to do this?
They demanded a sign.
This is striking because the problem Jesus confronted was already visible before them. The temple had been misused, yet instead of first examining what had gone wrong, they challenged the authority of the One who confronted it.
They wanted Jesus to prove Himself.
This attitude will appear repeatedly throughout His ministry.
People will see His works, hear His words, and still demand something more before they will believe.
The deeper problem is not always lack of evidence.
Sometimes it is an unwillingness to submit.
Living God’s Word Today
We must be careful not to approach God in the same way.
We can quietly begin making bargains with Him.
“God, if You answer this prayer, then I will trust You.”
“If You solve this problem, then I will believe You are with me.”
“If You give me what I ask for, then I will obey.”
That is not biblical faith.
God does not stand before us waiting to pass our examination. We stand before Him.
He has revealed Himself in creation.
He has spoken through His Word.
Most importantly, He has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Our responsibility is not to demand that God continually prove Himself according to conditions we establish.
Our responsibility is to hear His Word, believe Him, and obey.
This does not mean Christians should never ask sincere questions. Scripture contains many faithful servants of God who cried out for understanding during difficult circumstances.
There is a great difference, however, between seeking understanding and demanding proof before we will obey.
One says:
“Lord, help me understand.”
The other says:
“Lord, prove Yourself to me first.”
The religious leaders were standing before Jesus Christ, yet they demanded another sign.
We should examine our own hearts before criticizing theirs.
God has already given us the greatest revelation possible.
He has given us His Son.
And as we continue through John’s Gospel, we will discover that Jesus will point toward the greatest sign of all: His death and resurrection.
Do not build your faith upon demanding another miracle.
Build your life upon the Christ revealed in God’s Word.
Question for Today
Are you trusting what God has revealed, or are you demanding that He prove Himself on your terms?
Respond: “Lord, help me trust Your Word and obey You.”

Monday Encouragement — Redeeming the Time

Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

It is remarkable how quickly this year is passing. Another month is ending, and it seems only yesterday that we began this year wondering what the months ahead would bring.

At the same time, world events appear to become more extreme with each passing day. Wars and conflicts continue, natural disasters bring suffering, political and economic uncertainty trouble nations, and changes in our society seem to come faster than we can comprehend them.

Yet none of this should cause the child of God to lose hope.

While the world changes rapidly, our sovereign God never changes. He is not surprised by today’s events, nor is He uncertain about tomorrow. History is not moving beyond His control. Every nation and every generation remains under His sovereign authority.

“For I am the LORD, I change not.” — Malachi 3:6

The speed with which this year is passing should also remind us of something very personal: our time is precious.

God has given each of us a limited number of days to serve Him. We cannot recover yesterday, and none of us is promised tomorrow. But by God’s grace, we have been given today.

Scripture therefore tells us:

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:15–16

So perhaps the question for us this Monday is not simply, “What will happen in the world this week?”

A better question is:

“Lord, how would You have me serve You today?”

There are people who need encouragement. There are believers who need strengthening. There are suffering people who need compassion. There are men and women who still need to hear the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We cannot solve every problem confronting this world. But we know the One who holds this world in His hands.

Therefore, let us not waste our precious days consumed by fear, anger, or endless speculation about tomorrow. Let us pray, stand firmly upon God’s Word, proclaim Christ faithfully, love our neighbors, serve those in need, and use every opportunity God provides for His glory.

The year is passing quickly.

The world is changing rapidly.

But Jesus Christ is still Lord. His Word is still truth. His Gospel still saves. And our mission has not changed.

May our sovereign Lord guide every step we take this week and help us faithfully redeem the time He has graciously given us.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:17 (ESV)

“His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’”

Opening the Scriptures

The disciples had just watched Jesus cleanse the temple.

He had driven out the animals, overturned the tables of the money-changers, and commanded the merchants:

“Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

Now something important happens.

The disciples remembered Scripture.

They recalled words from Psalm 69:

“Zeal for your house will consume me.”

They were beginning to understand the actions of Jesus through the written Word of God.

That is an important pattern for every Christian.

They witnessed something extraordinary, but their understanding was not based merely upon what they saw or how they felt about it.

Scripture helped them understand what they were seeing.

Living God’s Word Today

We live in a time when people frequently allow feelings, experiences, traditions, and popular opinions to determine what they believe about God.

But Christians have been given something far more reliable.

God’s Word.

Our experiences must be tested by Scripture.

Our traditions must be tested by Scripture.

Our church practices must be tested by Scripture.

Our personal beliefs must be tested by Scripture.

Even teachings delivered from a pulpit must be tested by Scripture.

The question is not simply, “Did this move me emotionally?”

The question is:

“Is it faithful to what God has said?”

The disciples remembered Scripture because they had learned Scripture.

We cannot remember God’s Word if we never take the time to know it.

That should challenge us.

The Bible should not remain closed throughout the week and then receive a few minutes of attention on Sunday.

We need God’s Word every day.

Read it.

Study it.

Think about it.

Remember it.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand it and apply its truth faithfully to your life.

There is another important truth in this verse.

Jesus possessed a consuming zeal for the honor of His Father.

He did not treat worship casually because His Father’s glory mattered to Him.

We should examine ourselves accordingly.

Have we become casual about things God calls holy?

Have we become more concerned about what people think than about what God has said?

Have we allowed convenience to replace obedience?

True zeal for God is not loud religious excitement.

True zeal seeks God’s glory and submits faithfully to God’s Word.

The disciples watched Jesus.

Then they remembered Scripture.

We should learn to do the same.

Look at everything through the truth God has revealed in His Word.

Question for Today

What has the greatest authority over your decisions: your feelings, the opinions of others, or God’s Word?

Respond: “God’s Word will guide my life.”

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:16 (ESV)

“And he told those who sold the pigeons, ‘Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.’”

Opening the Scriptures

Jesus had entered the temple and found merchants and money-changers conducting their business there.

He drove out the sheep and oxen, poured out the money-changers’ coins, and overturned their tables.

Now Jesus explains the reason for His action:

“Do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”

Notice those remarkable words:

“My Father’s house.”

Jesus was not merely another visitor expressing a personal opinion about the temple.

He spoke with authority.

The temple belonged to His Father, and Jesus would not quietly accept its misuse.

His actions reveal something we sometimes prefer to forget.

God is loving and merciful, but He is also perfectly holy.

How we approach Him matters.

Living God’s Word Today

This passage should make every church examine itself carefully.

It is possible for religious activity to continue while the true purpose of worship becomes obscured.

A church can have buildings, programs, committees, music, meetings, finances, and activities and still lose sight of the reason it exists.

The Church exists for the glory of God under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

The Church is not a business seeking customers.

It is not entertainment competing for an audience.

It is not a social organization built around human personalities.

And it does not belong to the pastor, congregation, denomination, or largest financial contributor.

The Church belongs to Jesus Christ.

Therefore, our question should never simply be, “Does this attract people?”

We must first ask:

“Is this faithful to God’s Word?”

Something can be popular and still be wrong.

Something can be profitable and still dishonor God.

Something can become a long-established tradition and still need correction.

Christ has the authority to confront anything within His Church that conflicts with His Word.

But before we apply this passage to everyone else, we should allow it to examine us.

We can also fill our personal lives with so much activity that devotion to God becomes secondary.

Even Christian ministry can become an idol when our reputation, accomplishments, organization, or success becomes more important than Christ Himself.

We must never become more concerned about building our ministry than honoring our Lord.

Everything must remain under His authority.

Our worship.

Our churches.

Our ministries.

Our possessions.

Our ambitions.

Our lives.

Jesus called the temple “my Father’s house.”

Those words remind us that worship belongs to God and must be governed by God.

Question for Today

Is there anything in your worship, ministry, or personal life that has become more important than honoring God?

Respond: “Lord, let everything I do bring glory to You.”n

DBF-001-035 continues with John 2:14. Jesus enters the temple and finds commercial activity occupying the place intended for worship. We should be precise: the text condemns the corruption Christ confronts, not commerce itself.

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:14 (ESV)

“In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.”

Opening the Scriptures

Jesus had arrived in Jerusalem for Passover.

When He entered the temple, He found something seriously wrong.

Animals were being sold, and money-changers were conducting their business.

There was a legitimate need for animals for the sacrifices prescribed under the Old Covenant, and pilgrims arriving from distant places needed appropriate money for temple obligations.

The problem was not simply that animals or money existed.

The problem was what had happened to the place of worship.

What should have directed people’s attention toward God had become occupied by human commercial activity.

Jesus saw it.

And He would not ignore it.

The people may have become accustomed to what was happening around them.

Christ had not.

Living God’s Word Today

There is a serious warning here for the Church.

Something can become familiar without becoming right.

Practices may continue for years. Traditions may become deeply established. People may defend them by saying, “We have always done it this way.”

But familiarity does not determine whether something belongs in Christ’s Church.

Christ does.

The Church does not belong to pastors, denominations, committees, wealthy donors, or congregations.

The Church belongs to Jesus Christ.

Therefore, everything we do as His people must continually be examined under the authority of His Word.

This also applies personally.

Our hearts can become crowded with things that slowly compete with our devotion to God.

Money.

Success.

Recognition.

Comfort.

Entertainment.

Even ministry itself can become more important to us than the Christ we claim to serve.

The danger is that we gradually become comfortable with things that should trouble us.

Jesus entered the temple and saw immediately what others had apparently learned to tolerate.

That should challenge us.

We should regularly ask whether our worship, ministry, priorities, and personal lives are being shaped by Scripture or merely by habit.

Not every tradition is wrong.

Not every change is good.

The standard is neither tradition nor change.

The standard is God’s Word.

Tomorrow’s verse will show that Jesus did more than observe what was wrong. He acted.

For today, allow His Word to examine us.

Have we become comfortable with anything that dishonors God?

Have we allowed something useful to become more important than worship?

Have our personal preferences begun to replace biblical priorities?

Christ is Lord of His Church.

And because He is Lord, He has the authority to determine what belongs there.

Question for Today

Are you willing to let God’s Word challenge practices and priorities that have simply become familiar?

Respond: “Lord, bring my life into obedience to Your Word.”

Friday Encouragement — It Is Time to Return to God

Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

As another week closes, we are reminded of floods, loss, war, instability, suffering, fear, and division. These realities can overwhelm us, but our hope does not rest in this world. Governments cannot save, wealth cannot secure, and human strength cannot provide lasting peace.

The living God alone is sovereign over all creation.

Before asking God to change the world around us, let us ask Him to search and transform our hearts. As we prepare for the Lord’s Day, let us confess our sins, seek forgiveness, and examine whether worldly concerns have displaced our devotion to Christ and His Word.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23–24

Let us pray compassionately for those who are suffering, for grieving families, the displaced, our leaders, the persecuted Church, and for peace. Above all, let us pray that many will hear the Gospel and turn to Jesus Christ.

Though Christ warned of “wars and rumours of wars,” He also said, “see that ye be not troubled.” — Matthew 24:6

As we approach the Lord’s Day, let us quiet the world’s noise and prepare to worship humbly, repent sincerely, forgive freely, and pray fervently. Our world needs reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ, and we can confidently proclaim that Jesus Christ remains Lord.

The storms may continue, but our sovereign God remains on His throne.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

May God renew our hearts, strengthen His Church, comfort those who suffer, and use us to carry the Gospel to a world in need.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

DBF-001-034 continues with John 2:13. John now moves from the quiet days in Capernaum to Jerusalem at Passover. This verse begins an important change of scene that will reveal Christ’s concern for the holiness of His Father’s house.

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DBF-001-034

Today’s Scripture

John 2:13 (ESV)

“The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”

Opening the Scriptures

Jesus had spent a few days in Capernaum with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples.

Now John takes us to Jerusalem.

The reason was Passover.

Passover was one of Israel’s great appointed feasts. It looked back to the time when God delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. On that first Passover night, judgment came upon Egypt, while the Israelites were protected according to God’s command concerning the blood of the Passover lamb.

Generation after generation remembered God’s mighty act of deliverance.

Now Jesus Himself was going to Jerusalem for Passover.

John has already introduced Him with the remarkable words of John the Baptist:

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”

The full significance of those words has not yet unfolded.

But John is directing our attention toward Christ.

Living God’s Word Today

Passover reminded Israel that deliverance came from God.

That remains an essential truth for us.

Human beings naturally want to contribute something toward their acceptance before God.

We trust our morality.

We remember our good deeds.

We compare ourselves with people whom we consider worse than ourselves.

We may even trust our church attendance, religious service, or knowledge of Scripture.

But none of these things can remove our sin.

Salvation belongs to the Lord.

The Passover pointed backward to God’s deliverance from Egypt, but it also helps us understand the greater deliverance accomplished through Jesus Christ.

The New Testament identifies Christ as our Passover Lamb.

He did what we could never do for ourselves.

He lived without sin.

He willingly went to the cross.

He bore the judgment deserved by sinners.

He rose from the dead.

Our hope before God therefore rests not upon the strength of our religious performance but upon the finished work of Jesus Christ.

This should also produce humility.

We cannot boast about rescuing ourselves.

We cannot look down upon another sinner as though we earned our place before God.

If we are saved, we are recipients of grace.

Jesus was traveling toward Jerusalem.

The disciples could not yet understand everything that Jerusalem would eventually mean.

But the Lamb of God was moving according to His Father’s purpose.

Today, remember where your confidence must rest.

Not in yourself.

Not in your goodness.

Not in your religious activity.

In Christ alone.

Question for Today

What are you trusting in for your acceptance before a holy God?

Respond: “My hope is in Jesus Christ alone.”

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:12 (ESV)

“After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.”

Opening the Scriptures

The first great sign at Cana was complete.

Jesus had manifested His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

John now records something that may appear much less important. Jesus traveled to Capernaum with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples, and they remained there for a few days.

There is no miracle recorded.

There is no great public teaching.

There is no dramatic event.

Yet John includes this ordinary moment in his Gospel.

Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God who became flesh, truly entered human life. He traveled from place to place. He spent time with His family and disciples. He experienced the ordinary rhythms of life in this world.

The glory revealed at Cana belonged to the same Jesus who now traveled with those around Him.

Living God’s Word Today

We can easily begin to think that only dramatic moments matter in the Christian life.

We remember conversions, answered prayers, great acts of ministry, powerful sermons, and extraordinary circumstances.

But most of our Christian lives are not lived in extraordinary moments.

They are lived in ordinary days.

We wake up.

We work.

We care for our families.

We speak with neighbors.

We serve others.

We fulfill responsibilities.

We read God’s Word.

We pray.

And then another day begins.

These ordinary days matter.

Christian faithfulness is not measured only by what we do when something extraordinary happens. It is also revealed by how we live when nothing remarkable seems to be happening.

Are we faithful when nobody notices?

Are we truthful in ordinary conversations?

Are we patient with our families?

Do we work honestly?

Do we continue reading Scripture when we do not feel spiritually excited?

Do we continue following Christ when life seems routine?

The disciples had witnessed an extraordinary sign at Cana.

Now they simply continued traveling with Jesus.

That is discipleship.

We follow Christ through remarkable days and ordinary ones.

Our circumstances change.

Our Lord does not.

Do not spend your life waiting for some great spiritual moment while neglecting the opportunities for obedience God has placed before you today.

Faithfulness in small things matters.

Faithfulness in ordinary days matters.

Faithfulness when nobody applauds matters.

Wherever Christ leads, continue following Him.

Question for Today

Will you faithfully follow Christ even when today seems completely ordinary?

Respond: “Lord Jesus, help me to be faithful every day.”

Wednesday Encouragement — Keep Your Eyes Upon Christ

Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

We have reached the midpoint of another week. On Monday, we reminded ourselves that after gathering to worship on the Lord’s Day, we were sent back into the world to live what we profess and faithfully serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now, halfway through the week, perhaps the pressures of life have already begun to distract us.

Responsibilities accumulate. Problems arise unexpectedly. News from around the world troubles our hearts. Financial concerns, family responsibilities, health concerns, and the countless demands of everyday life can slowly pull our attention away from the One upon whom our eyes must remain fixed.

That is why today we need to remind ourselves again:

Keep your eyes upon Christ.

Peter walked upon the water while his attention remained upon Jesus. But when he looked at the wind and the waves surrounding him, fear replaced faith and he began to sink.

How often do we do the same?

We look at the storms instead of the Savior. We concentrate upon our problems rather than His promises. We become overwhelmed by circumstances while forgetting that the sovereign Lord who controls the wind and the waves is walking with us through the storm.

“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me.” — Matthew 14:30

And immediately, Jesus reached out His hand.

What a beautiful reminder for us today. When our strength begins to fail, we do not need complicated words. Sometimes the most powerful prayer is simply:

“Lord, save me. Lord, strengthen me. Lord, guide me.”

Whatever you are facing today, bring it before Him. Our sovereign God has not lost control of one single detail of our lives.

And while we carry our own burdens, let us remain sensitive to those around us. Someone you encounter today may also be struggling silently. God may use your prayer, your encouragement, your compassion, or your testimony of Christ to strengthen them.

So let us continue through the remainder of this week faithfully doing what God has called us to do.

Do not watch the storm.
Watch the Savior.
Do not surrender to fear.
Walk by faith.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” — Hebrews 12:2

May our Lord strengthen us, guide us, and keep our hearts firmly fixed upon Him as we continue serving together.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

DBF-001-031 continues with John 2:10. The master of the feast recognizes that something unusual has happened: the best wine has been kept until now. We should keep the focus on Christ’s provision and avoid turning the verse into a promise of material abundance.

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DBF-001-032

Today’s Scripture

John 2:11 (ESV)

“This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.”

Opening the Scriptures

John identifies Jesus’ turning water into wine as the first of His signs.

This was not merely a remarkable act of kindness at a wedding.

It was a sign.

A sign points beyond itself.

The miracle revealed something about Jesus’ identity, authority, and glory. He was not simply a teacher, prophet, or miracle worker. He was the Son of God, possessing divine power and acting with divine authority.

Jesus did not perform this sign to draw attention to Himself in a worldly way. He revealed His glory so that His disciples would see more clearly who He was and believe in Him.

The miracle met a real need, but its deepest purpose was spiritual.

The wine was temporary.

The revelation of Christ was eternal.

Living God’s Word Today

It is possible to experience God’s blessings without truly recognizing what they reveal about Him.

We may thank God for answered prayer, provision, healing, or protection, yet fail to grow in our knowledge of Christ.

But God’s works are meant to lead us to worship.

Every answered prayer should deepen our trust.

Every provision should remind us of God’s faithfulness.

Every moment of grace should direct our hearts toward the Savior.

The disciples saw what Jesus had done, and they believed in Him.

Their faith was not based on vague optimism or personal feelings. It was strengthened by seeing His glory revealed through His works.

Our faith also rests on the revelation God has given us through Scripture. We may not witness Jesus turning water into wine, but we have the testimony of those who saw Him, heard Him, and recorded His works for us.

John wrote his Gospel so that we would believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing we would have life in His name.

Do not stop at admiring what Jesus does.

Ask what His works reveal about who He is.

He is powerful.

He is compassionate.

He is faithful.

He is worthy of trust and worship.

The purpose of every true encounter with Christ is not merely to make life easier.

It is to make Him known.

Let God’s works lead you to greater faith in Jesus.

Question for Today

What has God done in your life that has helped you see more clearly who Jesus is?

Respond: “Jesus is worthy of my faith and worship.”

DBF-001-031 continues with John 2:10. The master of the feast recognizes that something unusual has happened: the best wine has been kept until now. We should keep the focus on Christ’s provision and avoid turning the verse into a promise of material abundance.

DAILY BREAD FELLOWSHIP

DBF-001-031

Today’s Scripture

John 2:10 (ESV)

“And said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.’”

Opening the Scriptures

The master of the feast had tasted the wine, but he did not know where it had come from.

He called the bridegroom and expressed his surprise.

Normally, the better wine was served first. Yet at this wedding, the master believed that the best had been kept until later.

What he did not know was that the bridegroom had not provided this wine.

Jesus had.

The master could recognize the quality of the gift, but he did not recognize its source.

The servants knew.

Behind what appeared to be an unexpected provision stood the power and authority of Jesus Christ.

John is steadily directing our attention away from the wedding itself and toward Jesus.

Living God’s Word Today

There is a danger in receiving God’s gifts while forgetting the Giver.

Every day we receive things we can easily take for granted.

Food.

Shelter.

Family.

Friendship.

Strength for another day.

Opportunities to serve.

Most importantly, for those who belong to Christ, forgiveness of sin and eternal life.

Scripture reminds us:

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” — James 1:17

Yet we must also be careful about what this miracle does not teach.

Jesus turning water into wine does not promise Christians wealth, comfort, success, or an easy life. The apostles themselves would later suffer greatly for following Christ.

The greatest gift at Cana was not the wine.

The greatest gift was Christ Himself.

That remains true today.

God may give us much or little in this world. Our circumstances may change. Health can fail. Possessions can disappear. Human relationships can disappoint us.

But the Christian’s greatest treasure cannot be measured by earthly prosperity.

We have Christ.

In Him we have something infinitely greater than temporary comfort: reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sin, and the certain hope of eternal life.

The master of the feast enjoyed the gift without knowing its source.

Let us not make the same mistake.

Recognize God’s goodness.

Give thanks for His daily provision.

But never become so occupied with God’s gifts that you forget the God who gives them.

Treasure Christ above everything He gives.

Question for Today

Do you value God’s gifts more than you value God Himself?

Respond: “Christ is my greatest treasure.”

Monday Encouragement — Now Let Us Live What We Believe

Blessings, dear brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yesterday we had the wonderful privilege of gathering with God’s people on the Lord’s Day. We worshiped our sovereign God, heard His precious Word proclaimed, prayed together, and were reminded once again of the saving grace that is ours through our Lord Jesus Christ.

But now Monday has arrived.

The worship service has ended, but our worship has not.

Today we return to our homes, workplaces, ministries, communities, responsibilities, and challenges. And this is where the truth we heard yesterday must become visible in the way we live today.

It is easy to proclaim our trust in God while surrounded by fellow believers on Sunday. The greater challenge comes on Monday when difficulties return, unexpected problems arise, and the noise of this world begins competing for our attention.

Yet the God we worshiped yesterday is the same God who walks with us today.

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8

Whatever this week brings, let us resist the temptation to immediately depend upon our own understanding and strength. Before making decisions, pray. When difficulties arise, pray. When opportunities appear, pray. When someone needs encouragement, ask God to give you the words to speak.

And wherever the Lord places us this week, let us remember that we carry something this world desperately needs—the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We are not called merely to observe the darkness around us. We have been commanded to carry the Light into it.

There may be someone God places before you this week who needs to hear that there is hope. Someone may need to experience Christian compassion. Someone may simply need to see through your life that Jesus Christ truly makes a difference.

Let us therefore begin this week asking one simple question:

“Lord, how can You use me today for Your glory?”

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” — Colossians 3:23

May the Lord guide our steps, guard our hearts, strengthen our faith, and give us courage to faithfully proclaim Christ wherever He sends us.

Yesterday we gathered to worship.

Today we go forth to serve.

Serving Christ Together for His Glory Alone.

Soli Deo Gloria.

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Today’s Scripture

John 2:9 (ESV)

“When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom.”

Opening the Scriptures

The servants had done exactly what Jesus commanded.

They filled the jars with water. They drew from them. Then they carried what they had drawn to the master of the feast.

Now John tells us what had happened.

The water had become wine.

There is no elaborate description of the miracle. John does not tell us when or how the transformation occurred.

He simply states the fact.

Jesus had done what no servant could do.

The servants could carry the water.

They could fill the jars.

They could take what Jesus provided to the master of the feast.

But only Christ possessed the power to transform the water into wine.

There is another fascinating detail.

The master of the feast did not know where the wine had come from.

But the servants knew.

They had witnessed what happened because they had been obedient to Christ.

Living God’s Word Today

There is an important distinction here for every Christian.

God calls us to serve Him faithfully, but we must never confuse our service with His power.

We can preach the Gospel, but we cannot give someone a new heart.

We can teach Scripture, but we cannot force someone to believe it.

We can encourage a struggling person, but we cannot transform that person’s life.

We can plant.

We can water.

But God gives the growth.

That truth should produce humility in every Christian ministry.

Whenever lives are changed, sinners repent, churches grow stronger, families are restored, or people come to understand God’s Word, we must resist the temptation to take credit for what only God can accomplish.

We are servants.

Christ is Lord.

The servants at Cana had an extraordinary privilege. They knew where the wine had come from because they had been close enough to Christ to hear His command and obedient enough to carry it out.

There is a lesson there for us.

Faithful service often allows us to witness God’s work from a perspective others may never see.

Someone else may see only the result.

The servant remembers the empty jars.

The servant remembers carrying the water.

The servant knows that the power did not come from him.

Therefore, when God uses your service for His purposes, never say:

“Look what I accomplished.”

Instead say:

“Look what Christ has done.”

Question for Today

When God accomplishes something through your service, who receives the glory?

Respond: “All glory belongs to God.”

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DBF-001-029

Today’s Scripture

John 2:8 (ESV)

“And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.’ So they took it.”

Opening the Scriptures

The servants had obeyed Jesus and filled the six stone jars with water up to the brim.

Then Jesus gave another command.

“Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.”

Notice what John tells us next:

“So they took it.”

There is no recorded argument.

There is no demand for an explanation.

There is simply obedience.

The servants had put water into those jars. They knew what had been placed there. Yet Jesus now told them to draw from the jars and take it to the man responsible for the wedding feast.

They still did not know what Jesus was doing.

But they obeyed what He said.

Living God’s Word Today

There are times when obeying Christ requires us to move forward without knowing what the result will be.

We often want certainty before obedience.

We want God to show us exactly how everything will work before we act.

But Scripture does not teach us to trust our ability to understand every circumstance.

It teaches us to trust God.

This does not mean Christians should act carelessly or treat every personal feeling as though it were a command from God.

That would be dangerous.

Our obedience must be governed by what God has actually revealed in His Word.

When Scripture speaks clearly, however, we should not delay obedience simply because we cannot see what God will accomplish through it.

We forgive because Christ commands us to forgive.

We speak truth because God commands truthfulness.

We love because Christ commands us to love.

We share the Gospel because Christ has commanded His people to make disciples.

We serve faithfully because we belong to Him.

The servants at Cana could not change water into wine.

Their responsibility was much simpler.

Jesus commanded.

They obeyed.

What happened next depended entirely upon the power of Christ.

This protects us from two serious mistakes.

We must not become passive and refuse to do what God commands.

But neither should we imagine that the results depend entirely upon us.

Obedience belongs to us. The power and the results belong to God.

Whatever responsibility Christ has placed before you today, carry it out faithfully according to His Word.

Then trust Him with what follows.

Question for Today

Are you willing to obey Christ even when you cannot yet see what He will do?

Respond: “Lord Jesus, I will trust You and obey Your Word.”