TODAY'S BIBLE READING
Wednesday, August 26
OLD TESTAMENT
1 SAMUEL 2 — Hannah's Prayer & Samuel's Ministry
NEW TESTAMENT
JUDE 1 — Contending for the Faith
Congratulations on completing the book of 3 John! Today we begin the book of Jude.
MAJOR PROPHETS
ISAIAH 37 — Hezekiah Seeks the Lord
TODAY'S REFLECTION
1 Samuel 2
Hannah praises God for His faithfulness, while Samuel grows in the presence of the Lord. The chapter contrasts faithful service to God with the corruption of Eli's sons and reminds us that God sees the heart.
Jude 1
Jude urges believers to contend for the faith and remain watchful against false teaching and ungodly living. We are called to build ourselves up in faith, pray in the Holy Spirit, remain in God's love, and show mercy to others.
Isaiah 37
When Jerusalem is threatened by Assyria, King Hezekiah takes the matter before God in prayer. God responds and delivers His people, showing that no earthly power is greater than the Lord.
KEY VERSE
“But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”
— Jude 1:20
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, help us remain firmly rooted in Your truth. Give us discernment to recognize error, courage to stand for the faith, and humility to show mercy to those who are struggling. Like Hezekiah, teach us to bring every difficult situation before You and trust in Your power. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Stand firm in your faith today. Spend time in prayer, remain grounded in God's Word, and trust God with the situation that concerns you most.
WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED.

August 26, 2026 (day 238/365)
WEDNESDAY

GOD'S WORD FOR THE DAY

“Celebrate God’s Faithfulness”

Nehemiah 12:43

“Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy.”

This is the Word of God. Nehemiah 12 describes the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall. After years of hardship, opposition, and hard work, the people gathered to celebrate what God had accomplished among them. Their joy was not merely because the wall was finished, but because they recognized God’s hand in their restoration.

Sometimes we become so focused on our next challenge that we forget to stop and celebrate what God has already done. Every answered prayer, every difficulty He has carried us through, and every blessing He has provided is a reason to give Him thanks.

True Christian joy comes from recognizing God’s faithfulness. When we remember His goodness, gratitude replaces complaining and praise replaces discouragement.

May we never become too busy to stop and thank God for His faithfulness. May our lives be filled with grateful hearts that rejoice in all that He has done. Amen.

Have a blessed day with the Lord.

-- Pastor Emmanuel Serto

Our BIBLE TRIVIA ANSWER for today is............................

According to Acts 21:13, where was Paul prepared to suffer for the name of the Lord Jesus?

The Answer: B. Jerusalem

#LordsbookDailys #DailyBibleTrivia #BibleQuiz #BibleTriviaAnswer

Daily Devotion — August 25 | Acts 21:13 (NKJV)

Faith That Counts the Cost

As Paul journeyed toward Jerusalem, fellow believers warned him of the suffering that awaited him. Out of love, they pleaded with him not to go. Yet Paul remained steadfast because he knew God had called him to continue the mission. His devotion to Christ was greater than his fear of suffering or even death.

Paul's response reveals the depth of his commitment. He had surrendered every part of his life to the Lord and was willing to endure hardship if it meant remaining faithful to Jesus. His courage was rooted in his confidence that God's will was worth every sacrifice.

For believers today, this verse reminds us that following Christ may require difficult choices. While God does not promise an easy path, He does promise His presence, strength, and eternal reward. A surrendered heart trusts God's plan even when obedience comes at a personal cost.

Reflection Questions

1. Is there an area of my life that I have not fully surrendered to God?

2. Am I willing to obey Christ even when it is difficult?

3. How can I grow in courage and faithfulness each day?

Prayer

Lord God, thank You for the example of Paul's unwavering faith. Help me to surrender every part of my life to You and to follow Your will with courage and trust. Strengthen me to remain faithful, no matter what challenges may come. In Jesus name Amen.

Practical Application

● Pray for courage to obey God in difficult situations.

● Trust God's plan even when the future is uncertain.

● Encourage someone who is facing trials for their faith.

Takeaway Thought

A heart fully surrendered to Christ finds strength to remain faithful in every circumstance.

#LordsbookDailys #DailyDevotion #August25 #Acts2113 #FaithfulToTheEnd #CourageInChrist #LivingForJesus #BibleInspiration #GrowInFaith

"Then Paul answered, What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21:13 NKJV

*DAILY VERSE*

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Daily Verse — August 25

Acts 21:13 (NKJV)
“Then Paul answered, ‘What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.’”

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Daily devotion for August 25th
How To Celebrate
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres.

Nehemiah 12:27
It is proper to dedicate. And it is proper also to celebrate when God has brought us to a place of achievement. The Holy Spirit has been careful to include in this account the three aspects that make up true celebration. One of the primary elements of true celebration is the expression of joy. It is amazing to me how many Christians never appear to be joyful. They are always gloomy and grim. I am reminded of what a little girl said upon seeing a mule for the first time: I don't know what you are, but you must be a Christian because you look just like Grandpa! There are a lot of long-faced Christians around. There are times of sorrow and sadness, of course, but Christians ought frequently to exude a sense of joy because they have something to be joyful about. Joy is not the same as happiness. Happiness is liking the present moment because it pleases us. But joy is much deeper and more long-range. Joy appreciates the past, the present, and the future, not because the circumstances are pleasing, but because the heart is right with God. These people were happy because the wall was finished. But they were joyful because God had helped them to finish it. Aware of God's love and acceptance, they therefore were joyful.

There is another clue hidden in this paragraph that tells us what celebration should be based on. Verse 30 tells us that purification is necessary to celebrate. You cannot do it with a hypocritical heart. It becomes a festival of empty words. Many people seem to be afraid of this word purity. They think it describes a self-righteous kind of person. But purification in the Christian life stems from the same philosophy that motivates us when we wash dishes. You do not set your table with dirty dishes, do you? God does not do His work with dirty vessels! We need a periodic cleansing of our lives and hearts. In the New Testament, it is a simple process. It is not by ritual but by confessing our faults and believing that God has forgiven them. Confess your sins. Then believe that God cleanses you, that He forgives you, that He has restored you to His favor. This is what fills the heart with joy.

There is still a third element in this that is found in verse 31. Thankfulness is always part of true celebration. These people were thankful. Are we properly thankful? Do we give thanks every day to God for the blessings we are enjoying at the moment? We are so trained by the media to grumble and complain, to insist on something we do not have, to focus on that instead of on all we do have. One of the first signs of a growing, maturing spirit in young Christians is that they begin to give thanks to God for what He has poured into their life; for the opportunities that are before them; and for the present blessings and liberties that they do enjoy. So there are the elements that make up celebration: joyfulness, purity, and thanksgiving.

Lord, forgive me for so often forgetting all that I have to celebrate. Teach me to celebrate all You have done for me with joy, purity, and thanksgiving.

TODAY'S BIBLE READING
Tuesday, August 25
OLD TESTAMENT
1 SAMUEL 1 — Hannah Prays for a Son
Congratulations on completing the book of Ruth! Today we begin the book of 1 Samuel.
NEW TESTAMENT
3 JOHN 1 — Walking in Truth
Congratulations on completing 2 John! Today we begin 3 John.
MAJOR PROPHETS
ISAIAH 36 — Sennacherib Threatens Jerusalem
TODAY'S REFLECTION
1 Samuel 1
Hannah pours out her heart before God and faithfully keeps her promise when He answers her prayer. Her story teaches us about persistent prayer, surrender, and trusting God's timing.
3 John 1
John commends Gaius for walking in truth and showing hospitality to fellow believers. Our faith should be visible not only in what we believe but also in how we support and treat others.
Isaiah 36
Assyria threatens Jerusalem and attempts to make God's people doubt His ability to save them. The chapter reminds us not to allow intimidating voices or circumstances to weaken our confidence in God.
KEY VERSE
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.”
— 1 Samuel 1:27
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, teach us to pray with the faith and persistence of Hannah. Help us trust Your timing, walk faithfully in Your truth, and remain confident in You when circumstances appear frightening or impossible. May our lives demonstrate genuine love and faithfulness toward others. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.
TODAY'S CHALLENGE
Bring one deep concern before God in prayer today. Trust Him with the outcome, and look for an opportunity to encourage or support someone else in their walk with Christ.
WE STUDY. WE PRAY. WE OBEY. WE GROW. UNTIL WE ARE TOTALLY TRANSFORMED.