Today Daily Devotional

He will be called . . . Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 Here Jesus is named “Prince of Peace.” What is peace?Two artists, the story goes, are asked to paint pictures depicting peace.One artist paints a tranquil scene—a calm lake surrounded by rolling green hills and with towering trees mirrored in the water. The blue sky is still— and, well, peaceful.The other painter brushes onto the canvas a rocky ravine, with dark, ominous, jutting-out rocks. Over the top of the rockface rushes a powerful waterfall, splashing and roaring. Spray and mist everywhere!Yet on one of the crags, near the bottom of the gorge, stands a slender young tree. And there, on a tenuous branch overhanging the water, glistening with the spray from the waterfall, rests a bird's nest. And in that nest a small bird is sleeping.This second illustration is a picture of Christ's peace!Jesus makes clear that peace in this world is not the absence of trouble. It is not mainly about tranquil, relaxing scenes. Jesus' peace means that even while the waters foam and surge about us, even amid storms of anxiety and struggle, we have a rock! A firm place to nest.In this world we will have trouble, Jesus said. But take courage, and be at rest. Jesus has overcome the world! Thank you, Jesus, for giving us your peace, which is not like the world's. In you we can find rest and refuge even amid the dangers, storms, and troubles of life. Amen.

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12 With a tour group I went into a deep cave in New Mexico, and our guide turned off all the lights. The darkness was paralyzing; I immediately felt vulnerable.Darkness in a cave is one thing. Darkness in life is worse. We may face shadows of a dark past: abuse, ugly words, abandonment. A deep cavern of guilt from our sins and mistakes may fill us with doubt, disappointment, and long nights of anxiety.Darkness is real—and scary. But there's at least one thing darkness is not. It is not a winner. If we go into a deep cave and turn off the lights, it will be so dark that you can't see your hand in front of your face. But if we strike a match or switch on a light, all that darkness— football fields of it!—cannot overpower that one light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).Jesus calls himself “the light of the world.” In his death on the cross, he took on darkness and descended into caverns of guilt, forsakenness, abuse, and the worst that sin could offer— for us. He took on sin's pain and its cost for us so that we won't have to. And with his rising, we receive what Isaiah foretold: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).Why stay in the dark? The light is here. Let's walk in him today! Lord, thank you for being our light. Only you can overpower the darkness in this world and in our lives. Shine, Jesus, shine! Amen.

God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. . . . — Philippians 2:9-10 There are a lot of big names out there: Zuckerberg, Apple, Xi, Trump, Oprah, AI. Does our world rise or fall with these names?Or how about some names closer to home: Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, ALS, Down Syndrome? Or what about labels that society might apply to us: divorced, disabled, addicted, infertile, fired, foreclosed, forgotten, paroled? Do any of these have the power to make or break us?No. Our reading today proclaims that no name, whether it carries princely power or brings us problems or roadblocks, is greater than Jesus— not even light years close.None of those names went down low, “taking the very nature of a servant” and “becoming obedient to death” to raise us up. None of those died on a cross to give us new life.Jesus is the only One whom God gave the name greater than any other name. He is the only One we should bow to. We can take him more seriously than any other name or label, for he himself is God, and he rules over all things.This month, let's reflect on the various names of Jesus and what they show us about him. Each one reveals something marvelous and matchless about Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom every knee and power and threat will bow, “to the glory of God the Father.” We are in his hands, and he puts all things in their place. Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done to give us new life and faith in the power of your name. May we honor your name above every name. Amen.

Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. — Psalm 96:11 Psalm 96 invites us to hear the greatness of God resounding everywhere and in everyone. We began our devotions this month with this psalm, and it seems fitting to close our reflections on “Resonance” by focusing on this psalm again.Throughout this month we have been personally invited to respond to God's voice ringing out to us. Our prayer has been that the good news of Jesus will resonate deeply in our hearts and that we will respond in faith and trust.We have also seen how the good news resounds within the church, the community of Jesus' followers. None of us walks this journey alone. It is often in fellowship with others that we most clearly encounter the voice of God and the living presence of Christ.In addition, we have been invited to notice God's greatness reverberating through all creation. Our God reigns! All around us in God's world we can witness creation itself declaring the glory and majesty of its Maker—the heavens rejoicing, the seas roaring, the fields exulting in praise.My prayer is that the words of Psalm 96 ring true for you today. May your life ring out joyfully because you have genuinely encountered the love and forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ. And may your voice join with the resounding song of creation, proclaiming that the Lord is great and “most worthy of praise.” Great and glorious God, we join with all creation to praise you today. May your love, faithfulness, and goodness resonate throughout the whole world. Amen.

All the believers . . . broke bread . . . together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God. . . . — Acts 2:44-47 My wife and I have been part of many small groups in our church over the years, but one experience of community stands out as especially rich. We were in a group with three other couples who were younger than us and in a different stage of life. When we first began meeting, none of them were married; they were dating or engaged. That soon changed, and in a short span of time we joyfully celebrated three weddings. At each reception our small group sat together, enjoying the gift of walking through these milestones side by side.We also shared one another's sorrows. Shortly before one of those weddings, the bridal couple experienced the sudden and tragic loss of a beloved family member. On the day of their celebration, tears and laughter mingled freely as we felt both grief and gratitude, mourning what was lost while giving thanks for a new beginning.When I read the description of community in Acts 2, it can sound almost too ideal. Yet the rest of the New Testament shows that the early church also knew conflict and pain.Still today, the Spirit continues to draw believers into deep, resonant fellowship. We are not meant to follow Jesus alone. Though we are imperfect people in a broken world, God chooses to live among his people. How might we open our lives and homes more fully to one another? Dear Jesus, though Christian community can be challenging at times, help us to step more deeply into our relationships. Fill us with your love and care for each other. Amen.

If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! — 2 Corinthians 5:17 For the next few days, let's think about how the gospel resonates with us personally, then spreads into our relationships, and then rings out further into the world.I was speaking in a church in Canada recently that has baptized hundreds of new immigrants from a country in the Middle East. After the service, a young man came up to me and shared in broken English that this was his first time in the church. He had just immigrated to Canada and was curious about Jesus. He had shown up that morning to see what the Christian faith was about. What a joy it was to be able to tell him about Jesus' love for him and to connect him with someone who could explain the good news of Jesus in his own language. He was warmly welcomed and invited to experience personal resonance with Jesus.In our passage for today, we hear the good news ringing out: “If anyone is in Christ . . . the old has gone, the new is here!” This passage invites us to receive all that Jesus has accomplished on the cross for us. Each one of us—whoever we are, whatever our story—can be personally reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. The promise of complete forgiveness is possible in Jesus— and this good news is for everyone!May the joy and hope of Jesus resonate in your heart. And may you respond in faith and be reconciled to God! Dear Jesus, you who had no sin became sin for us so that we could be reconciled to God! May this life-giving message resonate deep within each of us today. Amen.

Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. — 1 Corinthians 11:26 “Do this . . . in remembrance of me.” The church of Jesus has been living into these words for nearly 2,000 years. Thinking about our devotional theme for this month, we might say that the celebration of the Lord's Supper, or Holy Communion, is one of the most resonant experiences in the Christian life. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, everything that Jesus accomplished on the cross is available to us. And we receive this gift by faith, putting our trust in him.The Bible describes this good news in a multitude of ways. Through Jesus' death and resurrection our sins are forgiven. Our spiritual debt is paid in full. We become citizens of the kingdom of God. We are rescued from death and receive new life now and forever!Verse 26 of our passage for today makes a remarkable statement. Whenever we come to the Lord's table in faith to receive the bread and cup that represent his broken body and shed blood, we “proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.” Our lives become an announcement of our spiritual victory. Death has been defeated! The grave has been conquered! We are set free!There is something both mysterious and holy about the Lord's Supper. Jesus is present with his people as they gather around his table. May our hearts be open to receive him. Jesus, thank you for the gift of communion, reminding us of your sacrifice on the cross. Fill us with your grace, and help us follow you faithfully till you come again. Amen.

The leaves of the tree [of life] are for the healing of the nations. — Revelation 22:2 Several colleagues and I were on a call with church leaders from a West African nation where Christians have been facing increased hostility and violence. We wanted to connect and hear how they were doing, and we wanted to ask how we might pray for and support them.Yet the conversation proved difficult. Technical problems disrupted the connection again and again, and it took considerable time and effort just to share a few meaningful moments together.For many Christians around the world, this kind of disruption is a daily reality. We all long for experiences of spiritual and emotional resonance— times when we can connect deeply with God and with one another. But in places marked by political and religious persecution, natural disasters, or war, such a connection can be fragile and hard won.St. Augustine wrote that “our hearts are restless until they find rest in God.” Until Jesus returns, there will always be some measure of restlessness and dissonance in our lives and in the world around us.For this reason we continue to pray with longing for the day when Christ will make all things right and bring healing to the nations. Until that day arrives, it is vital that we stand with our suffering brothers and sisters, remembering them in prayer and supporting them in whatever ways we can. Dear Jesus, we read of the river of life and the healing of the nations, and our hearts ache for the day when you will return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night. . . .” — Joshua 1:8 This year the Today devotional guide is celebrating its 75th anniversary.As we think about the Word of God resonating around the world, these devotions are one of the ways in which the Spirit is at work, encouraging and challenging many thousands of Christians and people who are curious about the Christian faith. Every day is a new opportunity to read a portion of Scripture and apply it to our daily lives.I was in a small town in the midwestern United States recently, and as I walked out of the hotel where I was staying, I saw the Today devotions on display in the lobby for people to pick up. Shortly afterward, I ran into some people in an airport. They recognized me as a pastor, and then one of them exclaimed, “Hey, we read your devotion this morning in Today— thanks for that!” This little devotional guide is shared in churches, homes, hotels, prisons, restaurants, and online. What a ministry!In our Bible reading today in the book of Joshua, God's people are about to enter the land God has promised them. They are encouraged to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with them. But that strength and courage would stay with them only if they kept the Word of God on their lips and in their hearts. May that be true for us today and every day. Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for providing the Today devotions for so many people for the past 75 years. May your Word ring out and keep strengthening all who seek you. Amen.

I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. — Psalm 51:3 It can happen so easily. A quick or thoughtless word can hurt someone else. And if we are confronted with our guilt, we instinctively move into denial or defense. We try to shift blame to another person or circumstance as we try to justify ourselves. Or we sink into shame, allowing self-damaging thoughts to take hold. The cycle becomes destructive for everyone involved.Psalm 51 is a response to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. King David, who wrote this psalm, had been confronted by the prophet Nathan, who had shown him his guilt and deceit in taking Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband (2 Samuel 11).In this remarkable psalm we see what true conviction by the Spirit can bring. David did not deny what he had done or try to justify his actions. He refused to blame others, yet he also did not drown in despair. Instead he recognized his sin, confessed it before God, and asked for mercy. He also asked for a new beginning: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”We often experience resonance with God through the beauty of his creation and the truth of his Word. But another powerful meeting place with God is in our honest admission of sin. May God lead us to genuine repentance so that we can be forgiven in Jesus, who is always ready to restore to us the joy of salvation. Dear Jesus, as hard as it may be, help us to see the places in our lives where we need forgiveness and restoration. Cleanse us and wash us clean, we pray. Amen.

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. — Romans 12:15 The life-giving power of Jesus rings out in many ways. My colleague Joyce, a former missionary to Nigeria, tells of her moving experience with the Nigerian practice of “greeting.” She learned that whenever something significant happened— whether joyful or painful—people would gather simply to be present with you in that moment. Presence itself was the gift.She recalls how, when her daughter was born, neighbors came one after another to “greet” the child. There was singing and dancing, and the joy was immense. This little girl was embraced and welcomed into the life of the whole community.Joyce also recalls another, very different day—on September 12, 2001. Early in the morning she and her husband were awakened by neighbors at their door. These friends had just learned of the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City the day before. Though none of them had ever been to the United States, they knew this would be devastating news for their American friends. They came to “greet” them—to hold them in love as they tried to absorb their shock and grief.As our theme verse for today reminds us, both joy and sorrow are contagious. Whom might you “greet” today—to celebrate their gladness or to sit gently with them in their pain—as a reflection of God's resounding love? Jesus, thank you for ministering to us in our joy and sorrow. Help us to respond with care for our friends and neighbors in their times of happiness and sadness. Amen.

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 4:11 I often have the privilege of meeting creative and courageous leaders in different parts of the world. In Kenya recently, I stood on a tidy little property tucked between tall buildings in a small town outside Nairobi. It was once a vacant lot, choked with garbage and weeds, but today it is home to a lively school serving dozens of children. Two classrooms, fashioned from repurposed shipping containers, provide bright learning spaces, complete with washroom facilities and a small playground.Lucy is the teacher God used to bring about this remarkable change. She had worked for years in another school system, but she had grown frustrated because she was unable to apply the kind of education she believed the children needed. One day her husband said to her, “If God has placed this burden on your heart, perhaps he is also calling you to be part of the solution.” So, in faith and courage, she left her position and, with her husband and a handful of volunteers, began to build this small school to offer Christ-centered education to the children of the community.When I asked Lucy about her journey, she pointed to God's faithfulness. God continues to work miracles of transformation today through ordinary people who have faith in him. Dear Lord, may you find a resounding “yes” in our lives as we respond to your love for us and to your call on our lives. May all we do today bring you praise and honor. In Jesus, Amen.

Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. — Colossians 2:15 I read about a missionary walking through a vast temple who witnessed something deeply heartbreaking. Crowds of people— many of them poor and desperate—were bowing before a massive golden statue. They placed what appeared to be their meager earnings into a treasury box and knelt in earnest prayer, hoping to receive a blessing from the idol.On the other side of the statue, scaffolding had been set up. The idol had begun to crumble, and a team of workers was repairing it. The scene struck the missionary with painful irony: broken people bowing to a broken statue, asking it to fix their broken lives—while others were busy working to fix the broken statue itself.Though we might not see people bowing before physical idols much today, we live in a world that is just as desperate. Broken people still look to other broken people—and to broken substitutes for God—to do what only God can do. We place our hopes in success, relationships, wealth, technology, politics, and more—only to learn that these too are unreliable.Paul reminds us that the only answer to our brokenness is that Jesus has triumphed over every destructive power and authority. Only his saving love can bring us from death to life and from despair to hope. This is the good-news message we are called to share with the nations. Lord Jesus, we are often tempted to look for sources of help apart from you. Please forgive us and help us to see and experience your saving power. Amen.

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Mark 10:14 My church denomination baptizes children, and one of the great joys for me as a pastor has been to baptize many children through the years.It may seem odd to say, but I like it that baptism ceremonies can sometimes be a little chaotic. The parents usually come to church a little frazzled on the day of their child's baptism. Getting ready in the morning can be frenzied, and there are often additional family and friends to host.What's more, babies are unpredictable. Sometimes they smile sweetly throughout the worship service. Other times they are not happy and cannot be consoled easily.Jesus knew that children could be unpredictable, and that didn't bother him. As he said to his disciples long ago, he still says to us, in effect, with warm firmness in his voice: “Bring the children to me, and do not stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them as well.” What a beautiful picture this provides us! Jesus embraces every single one of our children.Not every church practices infant baptism, but I invite you to think about what it means for Jesus to welcome and embrace the children of your community. Let's pray that as they grow and mature, they will embrace Jesus' love for them and the gospel will resonate through their lives. Jesus, thank you for your unconditional love for us all, including children. Help us to receive your love, experience your forgiveness, and walk in the path you have set for us. In your name, Amen.

Those who had been scattered by the persecution . . . traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. — Acts 11:19 For the past few days we have been tracking the spread of the gospel as recorded in the book of Acts. Jesus had said that his followers would be his witnesses in Judea and Samaria and beyond, “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In our reading for today we can see that the gospel spread further to the city of Antioch, which was about 300 miles (500 km) from Jerusalem.There was also something else going on. When Jesus' followers came to Antioch, they at first spread the word only to Jews, who shared their cultural and religious background. This was natural, of course, but the Spirit would not be held down! Some leaders also began sharing the gospel with Greeks, who did not have the background or traditions of the Jewish faith. And with that we see both Jews and Gentiles welcomed into the family of God.Today we are able to witness and celebrate the gospel at work all over the world, expressed in a multitude of languages and cultures. Indeed, as Jesus said, the good news has spread “to the ends of the earth.”When I am with brothers and sisters from across the globe, I am also humbly reminded that North America represents “the ends of the earth” to them. I need the gospel to resonate from them to me too. Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us to be your witnesses not only in our own area but also to the ends of the earth. Bless all who serve you around the world. Amen.

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. — Acts 8:1 We see Jesus' words to his disciples fulfilled, in part, in our reading for today: “You will be my witnesses . . . in all Judea and Samaria” (Acts 1:8).But it came at a great cost. The gospel had been spreading through Jerusalem, and that resulted in fierce opposition and persecution. Stephen, a godly Christian leader, was stoned to death for his bold faith (Acts 7). The church community was filled with fear, and many believers sought refuge in the areas outside Jerusalem.It is interesting that one of the places they went to was Samaria, a region beyond Judea. Samaria was notorious as an enclave for Romans and for pagan religions. Maybe the believers felt that their persecutors in Jerusalem would not dare to enter Samaria, and that they would find a good place to hide there. In this way the gospel message spread outward from Jerusalem.Sometimes in the midst of painful situations, God brings new opportunities for the gospel to flourish. We may not understand why we might be suffering now, but we can be assured that wherever we go, God will be with us.If you keep reading in Acts 8, you will see the powerful impact that the gospel message made in Samaria as God directed Philip and other believers. Wherever the Spirit brings us today, may the gospel shine brightly through us with hope and love. Jesus, help us to see the “Judeas” and “Samarias” you have in mind for us in our own context. May we represent you well wherever we go. Amen.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly. . . . — Acts 6:7 As we saw earlier in the book of Acts, Jesus promised his followers that the Holy Spirit would empower them to become his witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). For the next few days, we will see how Jesus' words were literally fulfilled in the book of Acts itself.We start with Jerusalem. This was an intense time in the life of the early church. The church had formed into a tightly knit community, sharing everything in common. God was doing wonderful miracles, working through the prayers of the believers to heal and restore people and to raise up new leaders. We see the maturity of Jesus' apostles as they responded to the pastoral needs of the community and appointed deacons to assist with the work that needed to be done. The growth of the church was so significant that it threatened the religious leaders of the city, leading to an increase in the persecution of Christians.Strong prayer. Strong leadership. A caring community. All of these factors are used by God to bring people to faith in Jesus. If we think of Jerusalem as representing the community or the neighborhood we live in, how does God invite us to serve in our own context and let the good news of Jesus ring out right where we are? Jesus, you send us to be your witnesses in our own local community. Guide us to pray for our neighbors and for all the people we will encounter today. Help us to be faithful witnesses to your love. Amen.

The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. — 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Last year, my favorite baseball team came within inches of winning the World Series. There were a lot of sad faces after the team's loss. I found myself imagining what the team's home city would have looked like if they had won. People would have poured out into the streets, shouting for joy. Horns would be blowing, and bells would be ringing.In our Bible reading for today, Paul reflects on the powerful message ringing out into the streets and the surrounding areas of Thessalonika. He talks about how he and his companions came to that city and shared the gospel with the community there (see Acts 17). As a result, he says, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.” The good news of Jesus found a home in the hearts of these new believers, and they couldn't stop talking about it. Paul describes the Lord's message as ringing out or resonating from their lives. Listen again to what he says in verse 8: “The Lord's message rang out [resonated] from you . . .—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Talk about making a joyful noise for God!As you think about your own faith journey, what would it look like for your life to ring out with the good news of Jesus today, tomorrow, and every day? Dear Jesus, may your life take hold of me and fill me with such joy and excitement that I cannot help talking about you and reflecting your love and grace in all I do and say. Amen.

The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. — 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Old Testament scholars will tell us that in Hebrew writing, the main message of a passage is not usually found at the beginning or the end of the passage but at its center. This literary device is called chiasm. We see chiasm at work especially in the Psalms. One of the most beautiful examples is in Psalm 23, where we read, in verse 4, “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Because the Lord is our shepherd, there is no need for us to fear.Today is the middle of September, and with the idea of chiasm in mind, let's pay close attention to verse 8 of 1 Thessalonians 1. Our theme for this month is “Resonance,” and in 1 Thessalonians 1:8 we find that “the Lord's message rang out . . .”—it resonated. It's interesting that this is the only place in the Bible where the original Greek word for resonate is used. Tomorrow we will unpack its meaning, but, for now, let's simply reflect on this beautiful verse to capture the central theme of our devotions for this month. We celebrate with the apostle Paul that the gospel of Jesus is ringing out with beauty and power.May this verse also powerfully reflect our everyday lives and the ongoing service of the church of Jesus. Dear Jesus, may your message ring out from our lives today—in our conversations and our interactions with everyone we meet. May the joy of our faith be clear and attractive to others, we pray. Amen.

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” — Acts 1:8 Picture someone striking a large gong with a mallet, maybe as part of an orchestra or a marching band. The mallet hits the center of the gong, and the sound rings out powerfully. Not many of us have a gong in our homes, but if you have a phone or a computer nearby, take a moment to search online for “gong sound” and play it loud. Hear and feel the sound resonate through the space you are in.This week let's think about the spread of the good news of Jesus like a resounding gong, moving through the world like a reverberating sound wave.Let's revisit the poignant time in Jesus' ministry shortly after his resurrection and just before he returned to heaven. Jesus tells his disciples that although he is leaving, they will soon receive the Holy Spirit to help them continue his work and mission.It may be easy to gloss over the geography that Jesus mentions when he commissions his disciples at this time. But if we imagine this commissioning to be like a resounding gong, we can picture the gong being struck in Jerusalem and its sound ringing out into the surrounding regions, across geographical and cultural boundaries, all the way “to the ends of the earth.”Let's give thanks together that the gospel has been ringing out this way for nearly two thousand years! Lord Jesus, you have equipped us with your Holy Spirit to be your witnesses wherever you have placed us. May your grace and love ring out from me today like a resounding gong. Amen.

“My word . . . will not return to me empty, but will . . . achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11 On this day of worship let's return to the words of Isaiah 55 and reflect on the power of the preached Word of God.Human communication is often filled with mistakes and misunderstandings. We are imperfect people who communicate in many imperfect ways. Sometimes the results can be hurtful, and sometimes the results can be humorous.I once suffered a sports injury and was unable to preach in my church on the following Sunday. Before the worship service, an elder explained to the congregation that I had been “hit with a ball in the eye.” I found out later that one of the young people at church had misunderstood him and thought I had been “hit with a ball and died.” She was shocked. She also thought that the congregation didn't show much concern over my sudden demise.One of the traditional marks of the church is the preaching of the Word of God. This week let's focus on what it means for the gospel to ring out to the world. Faithful preaching is a vital piece of that task. In Isaiah 55, God reminds us that his communication is always effective. It will accomplish what God desires and achieve the purpose for which he sent it.This is profoundly reassuring. As we gather today for worship, let's pray that God's Word will be spoken clearly, with love, power, and grace. Holy God, may your Word be preached faithfully in your church around the world today. And may your Word achieve the purpose for which you have sent it in our lives. Amen.

The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. — 1 Corinthians 1:18 One of the leaders in our mission organization visited a women's Bible study in a local church. She knew that most study groups focus on God's love, Jesus' teachings, or a particular book of the Bible. But when she visited this group, she was surprised by how much they talked specifically about the cross.“Can you tell me why you focus on the cross so much?” she asked them. Their responses were a beautiful testimony.“The cross proves how much we are loved. . . . Jesus died for us!” said one participant. “The cross shows me how great my sins are and how powerful my need is for my sins to be paid for,” said another. “The cross tells me that Jesus died for everyone, including me. It's so personal,” added another. The women shared how real the cross is to their faith and how it fills them with humble repentance, gratitude, hope, and love.The power of the cross resounded clearly that day as the Holy Spirit moved those faithful women to speak with heartfelt words, testifying that the cross is not merely a religious symbol but a living sign of the love of the Savior who died and rose again for all who believe in him.Many philosophies have come and gone. The message of the cross continues to resonate through the ages. Do you hear the good news that Jesus also died and rose for you? Jesus, thank you for the wonder of the cross, where you made forgiveness and victory possible for us. May we live in gratitude to you. Amen.

“Follow me,” [Jesus] told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. — Matthew 9:9 Where I grew up in Canada, the church youth groups in the area would host an annual play competition. We wrote and performed our own plays, and the winning group received a trophy. To be clear, these were not Shakespearean masterpieces. The plays were often silly, with winding and unrealistic plots performed by teenagers who had little in the way of acting skills. But it was tremendously fun.When I was 18 years old, I found myself immersed in another play contest in a high school gym. The place was loud and chaotic, filled with hyper teens. Between two of the performances, a young guy stood up and invited people to sign up for a summer ministry program. Anyone could join, he said. In that noisy gymnasium, no one seemed to be listening to him. Except me. In that moment, in the midst of the chaos around me, it was as if the Holy Spirit grabbed hold of my heart and said, “You need to sign up for this ministry.” Like Matthew, I heard the words of Jesus speaking: “Follow me.” My experience that summer was transformative, and I was soon on the path toward becoming a minister.Is Jesus speaking to you today? Despite the noise around you, can you hear his voice resonating with your spirit and inviting you to follow? Lord Jesus, thank you for calling young people and adults to follow and serve you in all kinds of ways. Open our ears and still our hearts to hear your voice today. Amen.

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said . . . “Brothers, what shall we do?'' — Acts 2:37 After Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), he did exactly as he had promised his disciples. He had said, “I am going away, but then I will send you the Holy Spirit, who will guide you and be with you” (see John 16:1-15).And as we read in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came dramatically on the disciples, and a huge crowd gathered in response. In the commotion, Peter stood up and preached his first sermon as an apostle. Notice that, just as Jesus did on the road to Emmaus, Peter explains the teachings of the Old Testament Scriptures about Jesus, the Messiah.And when the people heard the gospel message about Jesus, they were cut to the heart and asked, “Brothers, what shall we do?”“Cut to the heart”—the listeners resonated deeply with all that Peter was telling them— not because of Peter's eloquence but because of God's Spirit working through Peter as he pointed people to the living Jesus. Three thousand people repented that day and began to follow Christ.Jesus lives and continues to work among us in the world today. I wonder if you have had the experience of meeting Jesus, being cut to the heart, and committing yourself to follow him. Jesus welcomes you to embrace him as your Lord and Savior. Lord Jesus, move our hearts today with the joyful announcement of a new beginning with you. Lead us into genuine repentance and trust in you. Amen.

[Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. — Luke 24:27 Our theme verse today is from the Emmaus road story once again. We have seen that the two disciples' hearts burned within them because of their encounter with Jesus, the living Word. Today we see that their hearts resonated with the teaching of the living Jesus.Luke shows that as Jesus explained the Scriptures to them, he had a clear plan. He was reminding the disciples of Old Testament texts and stories that pointed to the Messiah. These disciples were listening to the living Jesus teaching them all that they needed to know about him!We have acknowledged that we live in an age in which focus on the self is a high ideal. Everything in life is about “me, me, me”—what I want and what I need. Although the good news of Jesus is deeply personal, it is vital to remind ourselves that the Bible is not a self-help book or just about what matters to “me.”I love what theologian and pastor Tim Keller said about this. He said that there are only two ways to read the Bible. You can read it as if it is all about you and what you must do to be blessed. Or you can read every part of the Bible as if it's about Jesus and what he has done for you.Everything in our Christian faith centers on the resurrected, reigning Jesus. May our hearts burn with our love for him, the living Word. Living Jesus, meet us today wherever we are. May you find us receptive to your Word and your voice. Help us to respond in faith and obedience. Amen.

“Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” — Luke 24:32 Let's return to the Emmaus road story that we reflected on yesterday. Two disciples, walking home in deep discouragement, are met by the risen Jesus. As they recall this encounter, they speak of their hearts burning within them—and one of the key reasons for that transforming experience was their renewed encounter with the Scriptures. They describe how Jesus opened the Scriptures to them and revealed their true meaning.In our information age today, it is easy to treat the Bible like much of the content that scrolls endlessly past us—stuff we can engage with or just ignore if we want to. Yet the Bible speaks against being casually indifferent to its message.Psalm 119, the longest chapter in Scripture, is a passionate love song to God's Word: “Oh, how I love your law!” it declares. “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Jesus reflected this same deep devotion to Scripture throughout his life and ministry. As the Word made flesh, he is the ultimate fulfillment of everything the Scriptures proclaim.The Bible is not meant to be skimmed or approached halfheartedly. Instead, it is meant to be wrestled with, meditated on, and absorbed deep into our hearts. When we create space to listen to God's Word in this way, like those disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too will be changed. Lord Jesus, open the Scriptures for us. May we be able to say with conviction that your Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path. Amen.

They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us . . . ?” — Luke 24:32 One of the ways we can speak of “resonance” is in terms of human connection. When a person says something that connects with us deeply, we might say, “Yes, that resonates with me,” or maybe, “I feel the same way. I'm totally in sync with you on that.”We can find resonance in spiritual experiences as well. This happens in our story for today, about two disciples on the road to Emmaus. As they walk along, a stranger joins them and engages with them in a long and meaningful conversation about Jesus, his death, and what the Scriptures taught about the promised Messiah.Yet only after the stranger breaks bread with them and then disappears do the disciples realize that they were walking and talking with Jesus. They didn't realize he had risen from the dead! Notice what they say to each other: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” That description of burning hearts is a powerful description of resonance.When we encounter Jesus in a true and meaningful way, we may sense that something is shifting within us. We are in the presence of life-changing truth.Over the next few days, let's explore more about this resonating experience. And, like those disciples, may we encounter the living Jesus as he breaks into our lives. Jesus, may our hearts burn within us in response to your work in our lives. May your Word and Spirit enliven us today and make us more like you. Amen.

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? — Psalm 42:2 The Christian writer C. S. Lewis was a careful thinker. One day he was asked which of the world's religions gave people the greatest happiness. He thought for a moment and answered, “While it lasts, the religion of worshiping oneself” would do that. He was pointing out that when we focus on our own needs and wants, it is indeed possible to find happiness in the short term—“while it lasts,” but not for long.In the long term we discover that worship of self can never satisfy. Our appetite for more pleasure, more comfort, more possessions, and so on will lead us on an endlessly futile quest. Most troubling is that when we focus inward and only on ourselves, that cuts us off from the important voices around us, particularly God's voice.Many of us live in cultural settings where the focus on self has become the norm. All around us, people search for happiness as they follow personal dreams and pursue personal desires apart from God's invitation to find life in him alone—life that brings true flourishing. We live in a thirsty world.In this challenging environment, we hear the Lord's invitation in Psalm 42 to meet with him in worship. May our thirst lead us, like the psalmist, to the living God, who alone can meet our deepest needs. Heavenly Father, many people around the world will seek you in worship today. Quench the thirst of your people, we pray, and move us to sing your praises and listen to your Word. Amen.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. — Psalm 19:1 Psalm 19 asserts that the heavens declare the glory of God. I recently learned some things about the Hubble Space Telescope and what it reveals about the known universe. Astronomers describe it in a way like this:Imagine holding up your finger with a grain of sand on it and looking at the patch of sky that the grain of sand blocks out. That's the field of space the Hubble telescope can zoom into. There are tens of thousands of galaxies in a patch of sky the size of a grain of sand held at arm's length. If that tiny patch of sky is like every other, then we can estimate that the visible universe includes about 2 trillion galaxies. Each one of those galaxies contains about 100 billion stars. And this means the universe contains a number of stars that goes beyond any number we can even imagine. Astronomers say that there are easily more stars in the visible universe than there are grains of sand on the earth.When I think of the unimaginable size of the universe, I can't help thinking how true Psalm 19 is: “The skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.”Creation resounds with praise for the Creator! Dear Lord, although the heavens use no words, we join our voices with all creation to proclaim your praise. Thank you for making and redeeming us in love. Amen.

“Sing, barren woman, you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy. . . .” — Isaiah 54:1 I grew up (and still serve) in a Christian tradition that tends to be reserved in worship. I remember inviting a pastor from a neighboring church to speak in our congregation. He came from a more expressive background, in which people often said “Amen!” and “Yes, Lord,” to statements he made while he was preaching. Before the worship service I said to him, “When you're preaching, and the congregation gets really quiet, that's when you know they are really listening.” He laughed and said he had never heard that before!Bible commentaries are often fairly dry, yet I own one in which the author writes about Isaiah 54-55 with lots of enthusiasm. The writer highlights Isaiah 54:1, where God calls his people to sing with the joy of knowing they have been saved: “Burst into song, shout for joy.” The commentator rephrases that text vividly with these words: “Let joyful songs explode out of you!”In some traditions, our sense of reverence and decorum can make us feel uncomfortable with statements like that. We can become shy about expressing our love for God with great enthusiasm. Yet throughout Isaiah we see that creation itself is not restrained in praising its Maker. Creation resounds with praise. The mountains sing, the trees clap their hands, and the heavens declare God's glory. Because of Jesus, we are a forgiven, restored people, and that moves us to joyful praise! Jesus, forgive us if we have been unenthusiastic in worship. Teach us to express heartfelt gratitude for all that you have done for us. Amen.

“My word . . . will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11 The gospel account of John opens with an astonishing declaration: the Word, who is Jesus, the Son of God, has broken into our world. As verse 14 beautifully proclaims, the Word “made his dwelling among us.” If ever there was a moment when the earth could resound with joy and song, it was when the Son of God took on flesh and entered our human story. No wonder the skies were filled with the sound of a heavenly choir: “Hark! The herald angels sing, ‘Glory to the newborn King!'” (see Luke 2:13-14).John 1:1-14 reveals the fulfillment of Isaiah 55:11—the Word went out and did not return empty. Jesus accomplished his mission as the Father had intended. He took on the debt of our sin and rebellion in this world and paid its terrible price through his death on the cross.He was buried in a tomb, and then he rose from the grave as the Lord of life and salvation. Later he also returned in victory by ascending to his rightful place in heaven. Isaiah had prophesied truly about the Word of God, Jesus, who achieved all that God had sent him to do.Across the centuries, the power of Christ's work has echoed to every corner of the earth. Salvation is here. Forgiveness is possible. There is a God who loves you, and in Christ you have an eternal future. Jesus, thank you for bringing salvation and new life into our broken lives and our broken world. May your good news echo everywhere. We surrender our hearts to you again today. Amen.

“The mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” — Isaiah 55:12 Isaiah 55 captures the deep, joyful relationship between God and the world he has made. This chapter overflows with delight in the connection between Creator and creation. What Isaiah describes is resonance— the voice of God and the voice of the world echoing back and forth in harmony.Isaiah points to the remarkable life cycle of the earth: the seasons for planting and harvesting, and the gifts of rain and snow that water the ground. We may not see the immediate effects of a rainfall; seeds planted in the soil respond to the moisture and begin to sprout. Those sprouts grow into crops, and the crops provide food. What begins quietly ends in abundance.This imagery carried deep meaning for God's people. Even if they had a river or a spring for water, they knew they could not survive without the gift of rain or snow. In periods of drought, some of the people turned to worship the gods of other nations, as if maybe those gods could bring rain for their crops. But those ideas yielded only false hope. Through Isaiah, God called the people back to trust and celebrate the only One who truly rules the world and everything in it.Take some time today to reflect on the beauty of creation and hear the invitation to seek and trust in the one, true, faithful God, who provides for all our needs. Hallelujah! Lord, we honor you as the King of creation. Help us to see that you always provide for us, and may we deepen our trust in you alone. In Jesus, Amen.

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. — Psalm 96:3 Have you ever experienced a genuine echo? Maybe you shouted “Hello!” into a wide empty space and then heard your own voice return: “Hello! Hello! Hello!” I remember being about seven years old and calling out across a misty lake—and then, with a sense of wonder, hearing my voice come drifting back to me.This month let's explore something that is similar to an echo. Our theme this month is “Resonance,” and the concept of resonance is close to my heart and my work. The agency I serve is called Resonate Global Mission, and this organization focuses on living out and sharing the good news of Jesus so that it resonates, going out in every direction like an expanding, amplifying sound.Resonance is like an echo, yet deeper and more powerful. When we think about resonance in our spiritual lives, it can open us to the wonder of God's voice speaking through his Word, his Spirit, and his world—reverberating within our lives and all around us.The ringing of a bell or a chime provides another way to experience resonance. As you engage in these devotions, I encourage you to find a small chime (or search “chime sound” on your phone) and play it after each day's reflection.God is here with us! God speaks his good news and shares his love with us! May our voices echo back with joy and praise for all the great things God has done! Lord, thank you for your marvelous deeds and the way your love resonates around us. What a privilege to echo back our songs of praise! In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

“If you love me, keep my commands.” — John 14:15 As I've been reflecting on the Ten Commandments, an old gospel song keeps running through my mind: “Trust and Obey.” This simple hymn expresses the bedrock faith and action of seeking to live for the Lord. By trusting God and, through his strength, turning to him for support each day, we find joy in the new life we are promised forever in Christ.The Ten Commandments reveal to us and convict us of our sin, our deeply ingrained failure and inability to love God and our neighbors as we are called to do. But through the gracious cleansing and renewing of our hearts, the Holy Spirit sets us on a new path of obedience. And on this new path, God's commands become a guide for gratefully living in obedience to God.Though we continue to struggle with sin in this life, God still calls us daily to trust him and obey him. The Ten Commandments and other helpful summaries of God's law—Micah 6:8; Romans 12; 1 Corinthians 13; Galatians 5:22-25; Ephesians 2:8-10; and more—are faithful guides along the way.When we trust and obey the Lord, as the song puts it, we can expect to be “happy in Jesus.” Actually, a clearer description is that we can be joyful through the inner contentment and wonder grounded in God's amazing grace and love for us in the Savior, Jesus Christ.In what ways can you share the joy of new life in Christ with others today? Help us, Lord God, to walk in the light of your Word, trusting and obeying you in all things, so that our lives overflow with your joy. Amen.

“All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” — Matthew 22:40 As boys, my brothers and I often played a Bible trivia game at our grandmother's house. The game cards helped to hone our knowledge of various facts in the Bible. “Name the twelve tribes of Israel.” “Name the twelve apostles.” “List the Ten Commandments in order.” Today, I'm not sure I could answer any of these questions without stumbling.I can, however, give a basic summary of the Ten Commandments. When tested by a teacher of the law, Jesus did that for us. He summarized God's two main principles for living in a right relationship with the Lord and with others. Drawing on the foundation of the entire Old Testament, Jesus said, in effect, “You shall love God with your entire being, and you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (see Matthew 22:37-40).If we distill Jesus' summary a step further, we also find the essential keyword: love.Tragically, since the fall into sin, our natural inclination is to hate God and others. Only when God has renewed our hearts can we truly love him. We can also begin truly loving others. And when we truly love others, we demonstrate that we truly love God.Though our love for God and others will never be perfect, the perfect love on which the Ten Commandments are based is perfectly revealed in Jesus Christ. There's nothing trivial about Christ's perfect love. His perfect love should be our highest aim as we seek to follow him. Our Father in heaven, remold our hearts to love you truly and to love others as we love ourselves. In Jesus' name, Amen.

If anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. — Philippians 4:8 Some people claim that we can establish a good habit in as little as 21 days. Others say it takes much longer—between 66 and 254 days—to form a good habit. By sheer effort and discipline, can we will ourselves into a habit of keeping the Ten Commandments?No. We can only begin on a new path of living for the Lord when we recognize that we need our sins forgiven through Christ and as the Holy Spirit breathes new, eternal life into us. Then, although initiating and achieving righteousness is not up to us, we are responsible to live as God calls us to do.In our reading for today the apostle Paul offers some helpful instructions for focusing our minds on practical Christian living. “In every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,” he says. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”Paul also urges that we focus on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Then, day by day, as we “keep in step with the Spirit” (Galatians 5:25), we can form holy habits that please God.When we concentrate on what's pleasing to God while striving, in the Spirit, to obey him in gratitude, we become more loving toward him and others.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the gift of redeeming love. Renew our hearts and desires in Jesus to focus on pleasing you and loving others. Amen.

I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” — Romans 7:7 Most people agree that the commandments we have been discussing lately—about promoting justice, honesty, respect for others and their property, and more—offer clear, practical boundaries for living together in society. Guidelines like these are found in all kinds of societies around the world.We might even think, like many of God's people in ancient Israel did, that keeping these commands is possible. But the law doesn't satisfy God's requirements for our hearts. The apostle Paul painfully realized this when he wrestled with the darkness in his own heart. Though he thought he had been able to keep these commandments through his actions, he was cut to the heart when he read, “You shall not covet.” God commands that we show love not only through our actions but also with our hearts. By this standard, we are all guilty of failing to love others.Thankfully, our heart problem can be solved. “While we were still sinners,” Paul writes in Romans 5:8, “Christ died for us.” Jesus is the only one who could ever satisfy the demands of God's law for perfect obedience and love. And since we are forgiven through Jesus' sacrifice for our sake, the Holy Spirit gives us new hearts directed toward loving God and our neighbors.Our new life in Christ moves us beyond mere outward obedience. By trusting Jesus, our restless hearts find true satisfaction in him alone, so that we can truly love others.  Jesus, thank you for rescuing us. By your Spirit, fill our hearts so that we can love others as you have loved us. Amen.

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. — Philippians 4:11 If you are bitten by a rattlesnake, the right antidote can neutralize or block the venom that begins spreading into your body. The antidote can prevent death or even sickness.Spiritually speaking, the sin of coveting can also introduce a poison that can lead to committing other sins in our lives.The tenth commandment forbids us from coveting anything that belongs to our neighbor. When we covet what belongs to others, we develop a deep longing for what they have, and these other persons become little more than an obstacle to the fulfillment of our desires. Coveting becomes intertwined with envy, and these sins diminish us too, by making our spirits restless and filling our hearts with the toxins of bitterness and resentment.But the Bible offers a powerful spiritual antidote. Paul wrote to the Philippians from prison, where everything had been taken from him, including his freedom. And he offers his own straightforward prescription: learn to live in contentment with what God has already graciously provided. At the most basic level, contentment means trusting that God knows what's best for us and will always provide what we need. Deep contentment also leads us to rejoice in what God has graciously given to others.Contentment is not a quickacting antidote. It comes gradually through the long, sometimes painful process of dying to ourselves and being made new in Christ, who died for us.  Lord, forgive our coveting. Help us to look to you for all good things and to rejoice in all you have given others. Amen.

Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. — Ephesians 4:15 Sometimes hard conversations are necessary. Perhaps you need to discuss a painfully difficult situation with a family member, a neighbor, or a colleague. Maybe you are dreading it, but you know you must do it. The hardest part of a difficult conversation is to strike the right balance between speaking honestly and speaking with compassion. Speaking without honesty and truth risks misunderstanding, and speaking without compassion risks destroying the relationship.When we need help with hard conversations, the apostle Paul provides some sound spiritual wisdom. After laying out the rock-solid foundation of Jesus Christ in the life of the church, Paul provides practical advice in Ephesians 4 for living together in maturity and unity. According to Paul, though Christ has given some members in the church gifts for teaching and leadership, he calls every member to grow in maturity and to strive for unity in the church. Then we will not be blown around “by every wind of teaching” and “deceitful scheming,” he says. Instead, we will grow mature as we speak the truth in love.With the Holy Spirit's guidance and blessing, when we keep truth and love in balance, we can expect that growth and maturity will take place in the body of Christ. Truth and love should guide all of our conversations, whether they are easy or difficult.  Lord, you speak to us with truth and love wherever we are. Help us also to speak with others in all situations with truth and love. Amen.

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said. . . . — Genesis 3:4 Sometimes we might hear or even tell little lies in attempts to be polite or to spare someone's feelings. Though not recommended, those kinds of lies are far different from lies that are told out of callous self-interest for personal gain or even malice to harm others. Of all the lies told in history, the most blatant, malicious lie of all took place when the devil tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3).There Satan, appearing as a serpent, lied about the consequences of disobeying God's command not to eat the fruit of one of the trees in the garden. In this way the devil aimed to thwart God's design for his creation and to mar his human creatures forever. Satan lied about God's own truthfulness. His false insinuation awakened a jealousy and desire in our first parents, and the results have reverberated across our world ever since that day, causing hostility, suffering, and death. Jesus came to save us from the certain destruction we would face, and he called Satan out as “the father of lies.”How do we overcome the deadly shadow of lies in our world? We do so by acknowledging that God never lies (Hebrews 6:18) and that he hates lying. And we turn to Jesus, the true light and living truth (John 14:6), asking him to help us recognize the truth and to share it with our neighbors everywhere. Doing so, we begin to participate in God's redemption plan by sharing his truthfulness and love with all people.  Father of light, may our words embody your truth in genuine love and mercy always. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.” — Exodus 20:16 Courtroom dramas can make for interesting and engaging stories. Why? Because often in a court of law, two of the most basic concerns for living together in society come into sharp focus: truth and justice. These two main concepts are the foundational principles behind the ninth commandment: “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”In settling a dispute between two parties, the ancient people of Israel had neither a police force nor crime labs to produce evidence. They had to rely on the testimony of witnesses to resolve legal disputes. This was especially true in highstakes cases involving murder. Only on the testimony of at least two witnesses could the truth of a crime be discovered. Then justice could be served to protect the innocent and hold the guilty accountable. And if a witness was found to be a liar, that person received the harshest of penalties (Deuteronomy 19:19).Justice in society is impossible without truth-telling. When all that people ever hear is lies, their life together as citizens and neighbors is reduced to uncertainty and chaos. Sadly, because of rampant lying and disinformation in our societies today, it's difficult to trust anything some people say. We need to see the utter importance of telling the truth.God never lies. Nor should we, as we seek to love him and our neighbors.  With the power of your words, Lord, you created the heavens and the earth. Help us to honor you and others with truthful words always. Amen.

Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands. . . . . — 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Have you noticed that most of the Ten Commandments begin with a negative order, saying, “You shall not . . .”? In commandments six through ten, the negative orders set clear, concrete boundaries for how we are to treat people. Without the command “You shall not steal,” for instance, it would be impossible to live together with our neighbors. Stealing and deceit destroy trust and create enemies.In his letter to the Christians at Thessalonica, Paul offers solid advice for respecting the property of others: “Work with your hands.” Does this mean the Bible only approves of livelihoods involving manual labor? No, we can glorify God and love others with all kinds of honorable work we can do. What Paul suggests in this passage is that work itself is good. Work is a gift and a resource, and it reflects our Maker, who works faithfully with all kinds of creativity. When we work diligently, using the gifts and talents that God gives us, we earn others' respect and avoid being overly dependent.Theft has been with us since human beings fell into sin. But today it can seem as if taking advantage of others and their possessions is more rampant than ever. In contrast, by using what God gives us in gratitude and contentment, we can show others how to live in community as God has designed us to do. And this can help us share with others what God has given us.  Lord, all that we have is a gift from you. Help us to use our gifts and talents to share your love and your blessings to us with others. Amen.

Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need. — Ephesians 4:28 Can you guess what the most common crime is in any country?If you guess that stealing is the most common crime, that's right—shoplifting, burglary, identity theft, credit card fraud, tax evasion, embezzlement, graft, car theft, plagiarism, and more. There are so many ways to steal from others that it can be tricky to list them all.In the eighth commandment —“You shall not steal” (Exodus 20:15)—we can see that God loathes theft.Why does God condemn the taking of others' property, possessions, and more?The root problem is that when we take what God has given to others, even in small amounts, we demean them. We do so by reducing others and their possessions to “resources” that we want to use or just keep for ourselves. Moreover, when we take from others, we rob them of the opportunity to be stewards of what God has given them to show gratitude to him and to bless others. Ultimately, theft isn't just a shifting of property and possessions; it shows contempt for the fact that we are “created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”The eighth commandment reminds us that in trusting God for our own needs, we also display our love for others. Lord, God, all that we have is a trust from you. Help us to faithfully take care of and use what you have given us and to protect what you have given to others. Amen.

“You shall not steal.” — Exodus 20:15 The story of Achan in Joshua 7 is very disturbing. During the battle for Jericho, Achan steals an ornate robe along with a hoard of silver and gold. Knowing he has committed a serious sin, Achan buries the stolen goods under his tent. Achan's wrongdoing highlights the truth that the cost of breaking the eighth commandment —“You shall not steal”—can be enormous.Achan cheated God, who had commanded the Israelites to take no plunder for themselves at the battle of Jericho.But Achan wasn't the first person to cheat God. That started when our first parents took fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). In stealing from God, Adam, Eve, and many others revealed their dishonesty and a lack of trust in God's promises to provide for all their needs. God hates our dishonesty and our failure to trust in his assured provision. In Achan's case, not only did he and his family suffer the most drastic consequences, but the whole nation of Israel suffered also. The consequences of Adam and Eve's theft were even more dire, affecting all of their descendants, including each of us. Yet even in their sin, we see God's goodness toward the guilty. Right at the scene of their crime, God promises a Savior to crush the devil who tempted them to sin (Genesis 3:15), and Jesus' finished work provides forgiveness for all who believe in him. Lord, all that we have comes from you. Help us to trust in you to provide for all our needs and, above all, our need for your Son, Jesus. Amen.

This is a profound mystery–but I am talking about Christ and the church. — Ephesians 5:32 On weekday evenings, my wife, Vicki, and I can usually be found in our favorite seats in our living room, with Vicki knitting while I read. Occasionally I'll glance at her from over my book, and often I am filled with a rush of gratitude and wonder—grateful for over 42 years of marriage and awed by how intimately our two lives are intertwined.In his discussion of household relationships in Ephesians 5, Paul addresses marriage. Noting the calls of husbands and wives from different angles, he points out that both spouses are to submit to each other “out of reverence for Christ.” According to Paul, the physical and spiritual union of husband and wife points to an even more profound mystery: the union between Christ and his bride, the church.Being married isn't necessary for being able to understand some of the mystery in Christ's relationship with the church. Paul wasn't married, and yet through his relationship with Jesus and his experience of the Holy Spirit's work in his heart, he could attest to Jesus' sacrificial love, his cherishing favor, his spiritual nourishment, and, above all, his unconditional acceptance and forgiveness.Jesus' love for his bride, the church, embraces people of every language and nation under heaven.In what ways can the Lord's love inspire us to care for and work with each other in his body, the church worldwide?  Jesus, how amazing is your love for us—and for your bride, your church! Help us to mirror your love to each other in marriage and in the church. Amen.

“If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away.” — Matthew 5:29 Many years ago, the Christian college I attended did not allow dancing. To skirt this rule, “foot functions” were sometimes held in dormitory basements. Today we may smile at such a quaint restriction, but behind it was concern about a serious challenge to Christian purity: lust.Recognizing the destructive power of lust, the Bible clearly warns against lustful thinking and behavior that degrades or harms others, as well as endangering the souls of the guilty. Jesus, for instance, in his Sermon on the Mount, declares that anyone who looks at another's body with lustful desires would be better off gouging out their own eye. Likely using exaggeration here to highlight the danger, Jesus warns that sexually impure thinking is a violation of the commandment “You shall not commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14). Followers of Christ are therefore called to have pure hearts and pure minds.The permissive and pervasive sexual ethos of our age, jetfueled by easy, private access to pornography, presents a huge challenge for Christians today. How do we guard our hearts from this evil influence? We need to take the apostle Paul's advice to his young friend Timothy: “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22). And, if needed, reach out for professional help.  Jesus, help us by purity of heart and thought to honor our bodies and those of others as your holy temples. Amen.

A man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. — Genesis 2:24 If atoms are the so-called “building blocks” of matter, what are atoms made of? Scientists have identified protons, neutrons, and electrons as particles that make up atoms, and even more fundamental particles are quarks and leptons.In some ways similarly, if families are the so-called “building blocks” of society, what is the family made of? Well, there are parents, children, aunts, uncles, and grandparents—and marriage is the foundation of the family unit.Genesis 2 recounts the creation story, informing us that God made us human beings and that male and female are made for each other. In verse 24 we see also that God established marriage. While no marriage is perfect, marriage in general, and at its best, is a physical and spiritual relationship in which a husband and wife promise to love, honor, and cherish one another throughout their lives. For the family and for society, marriage is a precious, lasting gift from God.God promises to bless marriages, and he strictly warns against violating the sacred union between husband and wife. The seventh commandment states: “You shall not commit adultery”—and this refers to all things that would demean or disfigure the gift of marriage. Christians should do all they can to preserve and protect the beauty and holiness of marriage for the sake of families and societies.  Lord God, thank you for marriage. Help us to do all we can to preserve and protect this fragile gift from everything that seeks to destroy it. In Jesus' name, Amen.

“Am I my brother's keeper?” — Genesis 4:9 Sometimes we recognize that two things are closely related or even the same, although they appear to be different— and we describe them by saying they are like two sides of the same coin.God's command “You shall not murder” is an example of this. While he orders that we may not harm or kill anyone, God is also calling us to care for and protect our neighbor's life. Although we might think these are two different things, they are very closely related.In Jesus' parable of the good Samaritan, two Jewish religious leaders ignore a man who has been left beaten and half dead on a deserted road. Out of fear, indifference, or a sense that it's not timely or convenient to help, they pass by the bleeding man. Then a Samaritan, someone despised by the Jews in that day, comes along, and he stops to help the man. He binds up the man's wounds and takes him to an inn to be cared for.The flip side of the command “You shall not kill” involves loving our neighbor, just as the Samaritan in this parable did. The Bible is full of calls to and examples of loving and protecting life: feeding the hungry, housing the vulnerable, welcoming strangers, shielding the weak from the powerful, ensuring justice for all, and even loving our enemies.If we fail to love and care for the people around us, we are breaking the sixth commandment. Lord Jesus, just as you have shown love to all, even your enemies, help us to love and care for all the people around us. In your name, Amen.

“I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” — Matthew 5:22 As we learn from Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5, the commandment “You shall not murder” addresses not only our physical actions but also our words and our thoughts.I have never physically murdered anyone, but I'm humbled— even horrified—to realize that I cannot begin to count the number of times I have violated the sixth commandment. Jesus explains that if we so much as become angry and hateful toward a person and we call them a name that demeans them, we are “subject to judgment.” This gets right to the heart of the matter.In moments of anger, hurt, resentment, or sometimes even out of mere frustration and annoyance, I have called others or thought of them as “stupid,” just as the religious leaders of Jesus' day did when they called a brother or sister a “fool.” According to Jesus, this kind of attitude violates the sixth commandment by showing contempt for others made in the image of God.As a confessional statement of the church puts it, “I am not to belittle, hate, insult, or kill my neighbor—not by my thoughts, my words, my look or gesture, and certainly not by actual deeds . . .” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 105).I am often guilty of diminishing other people. I need to continually ask God to forgive me and to create in my heart a deep, genuine love for others.What about you?  Lord Jesus, please forgive me for diminishing and hurting so many people you have made in your image. Help me to learn to love everyone as you do. Amen.

“What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.” — Genesis 4:10 One of my guilty pleasures is to watch crime shows on Friday evenings while enjoying chocolate and apple slices. Though I like the puzzle effect, drama, and suspense of these TV shows, I sometimes feel uneasy that murder is usually at the heart of this entertainment. God doesn't find murder amusing at all.Early in the Bible's account of human history, we encounter a murder story. There's nothing entertaining or mysterious about this calculated murder: Cain, out of sheer resentment, jealousy, and malice, brutally kills his innocent brother, Abel. And ever since then, the pages of human history have been soaked with the blood of countless murders.In the sixth commandment God declares his hatred of murder. Though the command itself does not include a reason, we learn in Genesis 9:6 that God hates murder because every person is made in the image of God. Killing others is an affront to God himself. Because only God can create life, only God may take it. After Abel's murder, God swiftly brought Cain to justice.We should hate murder too. We should hate the senseless killing we see in our world and in our societies—not only murders recognized as crimes, but also those considered as “medical” necessities that represent a devaluing of human life. We should hate the taking of life as an offense to God and to his design for human society.  Jesus, you gave up your life for us so that we might live for you. Help us to honor, value, and protect others as you call us to do. Amen.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. — Romans 13:1 Throughout history, most cultures around the world have understood the family as the “building block” of human society. And many of these cultures operate with the foundational idea that where the family is strong, the society is strong.This general understanding of the importance of the family unit should come as no surprise, since this is how God has ordered human social life for flourishing. In the family, children learn to honor, respect, and obey their parents, whom God has given them. From lessons learned in the home, children mature into productive citizens in the societies where God, in his sovereign wisdom, has placed them. And just as God has called children to honor and obey their parents, all people are called to honor and obey the earthly authorities God has established.So the scope of the fifth commandment extends beyond the family to include the authority of teachers, elders, pastors, and governing authorities. In Romans 13 the apostle Paul lays out in detail the consequential meaning of submitting to those in authority over us. No earthly authority is absolute, of course. But in general God calls us to submit to governing authorities and to pray for wisdom as they make decisions for the common good. Authorities and governments can be changed, if necessary, but if they seek our good and that of our neighbors, they generally serve as God's instruments for peace and well-being.  Almighty God, as we trust in your love and wisdom, help us to honor and obey those in authority over us. For Jesus' sake, Amen.