The One Year New Testament

Devotional for 05.19.26

2026-05-19T12:35:24Z

Luke 2:22-40

Reflection

In Simeon’s words we see that God intends for the gospel to bring blessing to the entire world. Now in Jesus, God’s plan from the beginning of creation is being accomplished —he is spreading his grace to all the earth, both Jew and Gentile (Luke 2:31–32).

Yet this gospel that unites all people together also divides all people at the level of the heart (vv. 34–35). Because Jesus is God himself in the flesh, to face the gospel of Jesus is to face God. And to face God is to have our thoughts and hearts opened and revealed (Heb. 4:12). This will result in a fall for any who are proud or opposed to Jesus (Luke 2:34). But for those like Simeon who see Jesus and respond to him with hope, there is great blessing! This story invites us to see Jesus correctly and receive him at the heart-level as Savior and Lord. We must hold nothing back, because God sees and knows all things, even what is in our hearts (Ps. 139:1–6).

Ephesians 1:1-2

Reflection

Paul uses two words to describe the Christians in Ephesus: saints and faithful. Every Christian is both. The word “saint” means holy one, and refers to someone who is set apart for God and his purposes. We are saints because of what Christ did for us. He made us clean and holy. In Ephesians 1:1, the word “faithful” does not mean “dependable” as much as “full of faith in Jesus Christ.” A Christian is a person made holy by God (a saint) and a person who trusts in Christ (faithful).

Psalm 119:29

Thoughts For Prayer

God knows the depth of our hearts and lovingly reveals what is hidden below the surface. Ask him to use his Word to continue searching and cleansing you so that you can become the man or woman of God that he intends you to be.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Wes & Nancy Collins

Country:

United States of America

Please pray for Bible translations to begin in the 500+ languages that still need the Scriptures in their mother tongue. Pray for those in process to be completed and for the translations to be used and read as they become available in all languages, and that this would enable the building up of the church around the world. Continue to pray for Wes and the family in his journey with Parkinson’s disease and dementia within hospice care.

Tunisia (Africa). Population: 12,349,000 Believers: <0.1%. In the years since 9/11 and subsequent events in the political-religious sphere, many Tunisians have become more fervent in their Islamic faith. Although the government strives against politicized Islam, the general trend in the Arab world at large and locally, and the lack of prospects for the younger generation, are pulling society toward greater Islamization. Pray that a living, growing Christian church might become a reality again in this land. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.18.26

2026-05-18T12:35:24Z

Luke 2:1-21

Reflection

Rather than bringing fear, which is the appropriate response to seeing the glory and greatness of God, the gospel (the “good news”) is described by the angels as “great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10). It is a message of joy because our Savior and Lord has arrived to save and reign over people from every walk of life. It is a message of joy because this Savior and Lord is the One who brings peace and acceptance from God himself (v. 14).

To receive the good news of the gospel is to understand that, despite our background and failures, God reaches out to us with the loving message of peace. We receive his gospel when we truly trust that the glorious God of the universe is now pleased with us because of the sacrifice of Jesus. The result is freedom from fear (v. 10) and a joyfully eager desire to grow close to this Lord (v. 15).

Galatians 6:11-18

Reflection

Paul concludes Galatians by addressing again a key issue of the letter: circumcision. Those who require circumcision are motivated by a desire to avoid persecution from other false teachers (Gal. 6:12). The enforcement of circumcision is a denial of the gospel, and Paul wants to make sure this is perfectly clear for the Galatians. The message the Galatians must accept, and the only hope for anyone, is found in this closing phrase: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 18). This is God’s good news for guilty sinners.

Psalm 92:1-4

Thoughts For Prayer

Christians should be the most deeply satisfied and joyful people on the planet (Luke 2:10). Ask God to continue filling your heart with a strong joy because of the eternal life purchased and provided by our great Savior.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Edgar (& Lety) Rivera, Neri (& Karina) Rivera

Country:

Mexico

Pray that God will continue to give Edgar wisdom as he works with the Mexican board for the MAF work in Mexico. Praise the Lord that their daughter, Esther, is back in college after dealing with health issues. Pray for the two ESI groups that Edgar is leading in Oaxaca and for a new group forming in Pachuca. Pray for wisdom and safety for Edgar, as he has received threats but desires to continue to encourage the pastors and believers in Amoltepec. Pray that Neri will have wisdom as he facilitates ESI groups in the state of Chiapas. Pray for continued growth of the church plant. Pray for strength for Neri as he continues battling lymphoma and for wisdom to work within his physical limitations. Recent blood work showed the need for more chemotherapy. Pray for healing for Neri and for extra strength for Karina during this difficult season in their lives.

Trinidad & Tobago (Caribbean). Population: 1,511,000 Believers: 20.2%. Christianity is professed by nearly two-thirds of the population, but true disciples faithful to God’s Word are not so common. Greater theological training—for leaders as well as laity—is needed and a discipleship mentality must be fostered. Thank God for the minority who do live to please God and pray that purity and passion might be restored across all denominations. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.17.26

2026-05-17T12:35:24Z

Luke 1:57-80

Reflection

Zechariah’s prophecy gives us a beautiful and powerful picture of the gospel and its benefits. Through Christ, God visits and stays with his people (Luke 1:68), saves us from our enemies (v. 71), fulfills his ancient promises for us (vv. 72–73), delivers us so that we might serve him without fear (v. 75), forgives our sins (v. 77), shines light on our darkness (v. 79), and guides us into a life of peace (v. 79). The gospel is full of mercy and grace. He has not given us what our sin deserves, and instead he has provided countless gifts and his own presence! When we begin to grasp the breadth and depth of the gracious work of God through Jesus, our hearts are empowered to live with devotion to God. Jesus is not just the “religious” part of our lives; he is the focus of all our hopes. We should regularly think about the fullness of our salvation!

Galatians 6:6-10

Reflection

In order to emphasize the importance of sound teaching in the church, Paul instructs the Galatians to make sure they are financially supporting their teachers (Gal. 6:6; see also 1 Cor. 9:14; 1 Tim. 5:17–18). He stresses the point with an illustration: the things that are sown will influence the harvest that follows (Gal. 6:7). In Galatia, false teaching has negatively impacted the churches (5:7–9), but correct teaching enabled by God’s Spirit will produce life (6:8) and good works (vv. 9–10). In other words, support those who faithfully preach the gospel of grace so that the church will respond with genuine faith. The result will inevitably be lives that bear the gospel fruit of good works.

Psalm 3:8

Thoughts For Prayer

Take some time to think about your salvation and the limitless blessings that Christ has purchased for you. Ask him to fill you with joy because of this grace, and pray that this joy will overflow into the lives of others so that they also might hear the good news of Christ’s love.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Shoreline Church

Country:

United States of America

Please pray for the eight minicamps, workshops, and events that Shoreline is hosting this summer from May 30-August 1. Pray for their teams and volunteers as they share the gospel with children and adults from both Shoreline and the surrounding local communities. Pray that these relationships continue to grow throughout the year.

Togo (Africa). Population: 9,722,000 Believers: 10.7%. The church in Togo stagnated between 1960 and 1990. Long-established groups grew slowly and remained confined to particular ethnicities. False shepherds and unbalanced prosperity teachings are also increasing as the true church grows. Pray that strong, indigenous congregations and denominations with solid teaching, biblical worldviews, and visionary leadership will be established. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.16.26

2026-05-16T12:35:24Z

Luke 1:39-56

Reflection

Mary’s joy overflows as she considers God’s grace for those who are humble (Luke 1:46–53). Not only has God given this meek young woman the privilege of bearing the Son of God, but the child she carries will confront and conquer the proud and exalted powers of this world and provide eternal mercy to those who are lowly in heart.

Mary also rejoices because she realizes that this child is an act of God’s faithfulness to Israel and the promises made to Abraham (vv. 54–55). God has not forgotten his people or his word. Jesus is the fulfillment of everything God has worked toward throughout history.

The work of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ leaves no room for human pride. Like Mary, the only appropriate response to God’s gift of Jesus is to rejoice in God our Savior (v. 47).

Galatians 6:1-5

Reflection

Paul’s letter began with a stern scolding (Gal. 1:6; 3:1), but he now assumes a warmer tone and addresses the Galatians as his “brothers” (6:1). He wants the Christian family to take care of one another, and in this section we see the importance of being involved in one another’s lives (v. 1). Just because we have received the generous grace of God doesn’t mean our character has already been perfected. We each have plenty of room to grow, and God has given us one another to help the progress. Sometimes this requires humble and loving confrontation when we see others self-destructing in sin (v. 1). At other times we will need to bear each other’s burdens (v. 2), checking ourselves for pride (v. 3), knowing that we will each answer for the way we lived our lives (vv. 4–5).

Psalm 149:4

Thoughts For Prayer

Mary’s exemplary humility is another opportunity for us to check our lives for the destructive presence of pride. Confess any hint of self-dependence or selfexaltation that you are aware of and keep asking God to help you walk in humility before him.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

E & J North Africa

Country:

Continue to pray for the Lord to move in the lives of Zuzu and her kids with whom J was building a relationship in their country. Believers there faced tremendous pressure during Ramadan. Pray for their lost friends and family who are seeking the true God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Pray for E and J and their children as they patiently await the Lord’s leading and timing to return to their country of ministry.

Timor Leste (Asia). Population: 1,419,000 Believers: 2.3%. Protestant churches emerged only recently, and their growth is modest. Nominalism and lack of understanding of the gospel characterize the majority. There is great need for biblically trained and spiritually active pastors. Pray that evangelical churches may be planted among every people and in every area of Timor. Pray for true unity among national church leaders. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.15.26

2026-05-15T12:35:24Z

Luke 1:26-38

Reflection

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to help prepare God’s people for the coming Savior (Luke 1:17). The engaged virgin Mary receives a message from him even more shocking than the one given to Zechariah: even though she is still a virgin, she is going to give birth to the Son of God, who will reign as King forever (v. 32)! Unlike Zechariah (v. 18), Mary demonstrates the childlike faith that always brings joy to our heavenly Father (18:16–17). Despite her lingering questions, she responds to God’s gracious provision with faith: “I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word” (1:38).

All of this happens because God has graciously set his favor upon Mary (v. 30). This grace is most clearly seen in Christ, who enables his people to respond with the same childlike faith that Mary had (Eph. 2:1–10).

Galatians 5:16-26

Reflection

Paul has mentioned the work of the Holy Spirit several times in this letter (Gal. 3:2, 3, 5, 14; 4:6, 29; 5:5, 16, 17, 18, 22, 25; 6:8) and he now urges the Galatians to walk “by the Spirit” (5:25). As those who have received God’s grace and been filled with his Spirit, our lives should now manifest the reality of God’s presence in our lives. We do this by faith and in the power of his might rather than in the strength of our own resolve or resources.

The works of the flesh are evident (v. 19), because they prioritize self above God and others. Those who practice these works show that they are not living in step with the life-transforming Spirit of God. Paul has already taught that the Christian life begins when we receive the Spirit through hearing the gospel with faith (3:2; 4:6). The Spirit transforms the life of the person who walks by the Spirit (5:25), and produces fruit consistent with the character of God.

Psalm 143:10

Thoughts For Prayer

The new life at work in a Christian is not produced by the power of human striving. The power of God’s Spirit is what changes our desires and fuels us with faith in the promises of God. Ask God’s Spirit to give you the power to resist your sinful urges and live in a way that glorifies God today.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Human Coalition Cleveland (Health for Her)

Country:

United States of America

Pray that the staff would boldly speak on behalf of life to the women that come to their clinic. They thank the Lord for the lives that have been delivered and are committed to obeying God’s command to rescue the helpless. Many women and men find themselves facing unplanned pregnancies and unexpected complicated decisions. Pray that God will grant them the strength to see him in their situations.

Thailand (Asia). Population: 71,620,000 Believers: 0.5%. Thailand means “Land of the Free” because it successfully retained its freedom when surrounding countries were colonized by Western powers. Yet the land is held captive in a complex web of Buddhism, traditional culture, spirit appeasement, and even occult practices, with a social cohesiveness out of which few have dared to come. For many Thai, their nationality and religious identity are inextricably linked. Pray for spiritual breakthrough so that the Thai might truly be free in the Lord Jesus. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.14.26

2026-05-14T12:35:24Z

Luke 1:1-25

Reflection

Luke provides a well-researched and historically accurate account of the events surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Luke 1:1–5). He begins with the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, who have grown old without children even though they are righteous followers of God (v. 6). Their infertility is a source of great sadness for them and has even led to some form of disapproval from others in their community (v. 25).

Yet we learn that even in the midst of this seemingly endless trial for two godly people, God is working out a perfect plan of grace. He will use this couple’s barrenness and brokenness to show his miraculous power. Their son John will be a witness to the world that God’s final plan of salvation is now arriving in Jesus Christ. The story of this couple’s suffering and joy reminds us that in the pain of our own trials we are not able to grasp the good and perfect plans of our kind God (Rom. 8:18–28; 1 Cor. 2:9). We are called by this story to renew our trust in God’s will, even as we weep. Zechariah is a righteous and godly man (Luke 1:6), but he fails to believe God’s message delivered by the angel Gabriel (v. 18). This is perhaps because he is fed up with the years of trial, difficulty, and disappointment. Zechariah can only see the obstacles: he and Elizabeth are too old to have children (v. 7). The result is the Lord’s gracious but painful correction. God does not condemn Zechariah but disciplines him by making him mute for a season. Yet even in this, God is perfecting greater faith in Zechariah, who will soon speak again, this time as a prophet (vv. 67–79).

Galatians 5:7-15

Reflection

There appears to be a leader of these false teachers, and he will bear the penalty for his actions (Gal. 5:10). Paul is confident that the Galatians will return to gospel truth (v. 10) and the freedom that the gospel offers (v. 13).

The freedom brought about by the gospel is not a license to sin but an opportunity for love and service. As we are impacted by the grace we have received in Christ, we will find strength to turn from our self-oriented attitudes and behavior (v. 13). This service does not merit anything before God; it is the fruit of our faith in his grace.

Psalm 52:9

Thoughts For Prayer

Like Zechariah and Elizabeth, we must sometimes wait for God through seasons of disappointment and sadness. Pray for those who are suffering and ask God to give them comfort and strength to endure as they wait for the Lord.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Kep & Debbie James in Africa, Europe, and the Americas

Country:

Pray for their ESI training from May 14-17 with Portuguese-speaking church leaders in Toronto. Pray for the new ESI groups that started last month in Costa Rica and recently in two places in Pakistan. Pray that all the pastors would experience deep gospel transformation in their lives as they grow in Christ through his Word, according to John 8:31-32.

Tanzania (Africa). Population: 70,546,000 Believers: 17.9%. Tanzania’s Christian population, though numerous, needs discipleship. Many see lack of biblical knowledge as the greatest challenge for the church. As immature Christians are discipled, lifestyles and worldviews will change, and this in turn will impact the social, economic, and political life of the nation. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.13.26

2026-05-13T12:35:24Z

Mark 16:9-20

Reflection

Mark 16:9–20 is known as the “longer ending” of Mark. This section of the book is missing from many of the earliest Greek manuscripts, and probably was not a part of Mark’s original account. These verses contain reports of multiple appearances of Jesus after his resurrection. They also assign Christians the task of proclaiming the gospel to the world and speak about the topics of faith and miracles. Though these verses were probably added to Scripture early on, their underlying message fits with what we see elsewhere in the Bible: our God will enable the followers of Christ to fulfill his purposes in their lives.

Galatians 5:1-6

Reflection

This is the first time in the letter that Paul directly deals with the issue of circumcision. His point is clear: if someone is required to perform one part of the law—in this case, circumcision—that person is obligated to perform all the works of the law (cf. James 2:10). Under that kind of agreement, we could never receive a favorable verdict in God’s courtroom (that is, we could never be “justified”; Gal. 5:4; see 3:10).

God cares deeply about our obedience, but contrary to the instruction of the false teachers, our obedient works will never earn his favor. The logic of the gospel is precisely the opposite. First, the gospel graciously offers us God’s favor apart from our performance. Second, the gospel calls us to simply receive God’s favor by faith alone. Third, only the faith that is trusting in God’s free grace generates the obedience that God desires. Grace creates faith, and faith produces obedience. Paul refers to this as “faith working through love” (5:6). We do not earn God’s favor by loving others. We love others because we believe that God has saved us by grace alone. This is the first mention of love in the letter, and it now becomes a major theme (vv. 13–14, 22; cf. Rom. 13:8–10).

Psalm 26:3

Thoughts For Prayer

Because of Christ’s grace, the Christian community should be marked by gracious love for others. Pray that God would help you do your part to promote his generous grace in your words and actions.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Parkside Church: Westside

Country:

United States of America

Pray for Parkside Westside’s community groups as they continue studying Romans together. Pray for their high school students as they continue to plan and prepare for this summer's mission trip to Serbia. Pray for the church’s involvement with International Friendships as they care for students living far from home; with Building Hope in the City as they develop relationships with immigrants in the Cleveland area; and with the Cleveland Pregnancy Center as they provide help to moms in need. Also, continue to pray for their missionaries working with a minority language group to advance the gospel in all languages. Pray for the safety of Ryan and Samantha S. as they seek to share the gospel with Somalian refugees in Africa. Pray for the health and safety of Nathanael Wiles as he works with WGM at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.

Tajikistan (Asia). Population 10,787,000 Believers: 0.1%. Although Islam is the religion of 94% of the population, only a small fraction practice “pure” Islam. Most are more influenced by folk superstitions and Zoroastrian beliefs. Tajikistan’s proximity to Iran and Afghanistan makes it vulnerable to Islamism. Pray for extremism to be restrained, and that Muslims might have unprecedented opportunities to discover Christ. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.12.26

2026-05-12T12:35:24Z

Mark 16:1-8

Reflection

He who was punished for our sin has overcome death by physically rising back to life (Mark 16:6). Discipleship now takes on a new dimension: Christ’s victory ensures our final victory over all satanic, human, or physical powers (cf. 1 Cor. 15:23–26). We can be assured of what Paul says: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, . . . nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:38–39). Joy is washing over this fallen world, because Jesus has been raised and a new creation has begun (2 Cor. 5:17).

Galatians 4:21-31

Reflection

Paul compares the false teachers to a boy named Ishmael, who was the son of a slave woman named Hagar (see Genesis 16). Ishmael’s birth was not the result of God’s miraculous work, but merely the product of human efforts (the “flesh”; Gal. 4:23). Similar to the story of Hagar and Ishmael, those who depend on their own human efforts will find themselves enslaved (v. 25; cf. 3:10) and will not inherit God’s promises (4:30).

Christians, on the other hand, are like a boy named Isaac, who was the son of a free woman named Sarah (see Genesis 17; 21). Since Sarah was barren (Gal. 4:27), Isaac’s birth would have been impossible if it were not for God’s gracious life-giving promise (v. 23). Like Isaac, Christians are the children of God’s promise (v. 28) and have been given eternal life by the miraculous work of God’s Spirit (v. 29).

Paul does not want the Galatians to be surprised by the trouble being caused by the children of “slavery” (v. 29), but neither does he want the churches to tolerate their lies. Teachers who reject the gospel and promote obedience as the basis of our acceptance before God are a grave danger to the health of Christ’s people. Paul’s concern for the Galatian Christians is so serious that he wants them to expel these false teachers from the churches (v. 30).

Psalm 119:104

Thoughts For Prayer

Those who teach a false gospel are a true threat to the health of the church. Pray for your church leaders and ask God to use them to protect you and others from those who are promoting teaching that is out of line with God’s Word.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Bobby & Julie in Central Asia

Country:

Praise God with them for two young adults, Yashar and Ramina, who were baptized in April. Please pray for their spiritual growth and God's guidance for them. Pray for Bobby and Julie’s teammate, Yessen, as he goes to a city church planting conference focusing on work among Islamic people groups. Pray for Julie as she continues to teach math to missionary kids and as she supports other families in ministry there. Pray for Bobby as he disciples Oscar and Sasha. As Bobby plans treks and camping trips, pray for gospel relationships to develop through these outdoor activities.

Syria (Asia). Population: 25,620,427 Believers: 0.1%. After the oppressive Assad regime was toppled in 2024, a transitional government was put in place to cover the years 2025-2030. Its leader and many within it have Islamist connections, and Christians are still intensely persecuted in much of the country. Pray for the peace of God for a land exhausted by war and the mercy of God for the long-suffering people. A spirit of hopelessness afflicts many—pray for hope that might find its ultimate fulfillment in Christ! From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.11.26

2026-05-11T12:35:24Z

Mark 15:42-47

Reflection

Jesus is buried. Though this may seem like a less significant part of the story, it is a crucial part of the gospel message (see 1 Cor. 15:4). Jesus was not simply mocked or insulted or wounded on our behalf; he was killed. Jesus experienced the death that is unavoidable for every human since Adam’s fall. Though each of us must pass through the awful experience of death, Jesus’ death means that our death is no longer a dead end. Jesus passed through death and rose up on the other side. Therefore, death is the path to a new beginning. Death for the follower of Christ is an entrance ramp, not an exit.

Galatians 4:12-20

Reflection

Paul first preached the gospel in Galatia because of an unspecified physical illness (Gal. 4:13). The apostle’s ministry among the Galatians was a great blessing (v. 15), but now they are turning away from the gospel and attempting to work for God’s acceptance (3:2). When we insist on working for our acceptance, we refuse the gospel of God’s grace and treat it as an enemy (4:16).

Paul is writing this letter to the Galatians so that they will rediscover grace and not be lured by the flattery of those who are enticing them (v. 17). Spiritual maturity is not obtained through self-exalting activity, religious or otherwise; it is cultivated through humble faith in the sufficiency of Jesus.

Psalm 23:4

Thoughts For Prayer

The death of Christ has paid the debt we owe. Pray that God would use the news of Christ’s death for you to free you from the fear of death, so that you can live fearlessly for him and his kingdom.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Mark & Patti Bean

Country:

Peru, United States of America

Mark will be working with the four Quechua teams from May 11-29. This time, he will be working online in Ohio. Their focus will be two-fold: going over their edits of the first 18 chapters of Joshua that they took home between workshops, and working on Proverbs together. Pray for good internet and personal connections, good understanding of the text, and for wisdom in how to best get God's Word out to their respective areas.

Switzerland (Europe). Population: 8,967,000 Believers: 4.4%. The Swiss Evangelical Alliance, Free Churches, and other agencies are working on a renewed vision for the evangelization of Switzerland. Most Christian nonprofit groups have united as a more audible voice within society regarding religious freedom, evangelism and mission, aid and social responsibility, environmental issues, media, youth, and others. Pray for increasing numbers of congregations as well as for renewal of many existing ones. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.10.26

2026-05-10T12:35:24Z

Mark 15:21-41

Reflection

When Jesus dies (Mark 15:37), the curtain in the temple is torn in two (v. 38). This means that the death of Jesus gives his followers direct access to the Most Holy Place —that is, we can now come into the very presence of God (Heb. 9:24). Because of Christ’s sacrifice, those who trust in Jesus have personal access to the God of the universe!

It is important for the followers of Christ to spend time considering the sacrificial death of Jesus as God’s judgment for our sin. This should deeply humble us. Our sin is so horrific that it requires the torture and murder of God’s own divine Son to save us. The death of Jesus exposes the seriousness of our spiritual sickness and the depth of our human rebellion against God. As we reflect on these things, God changes us from the inside out. As we consider the message of God’s grace we become the humanity that God intended us to be. Now we can live our lives in dependence on and devotion to him.

Galatians 4:8-11

Reflection

Prior to their initial conversion to Christianity, the Galatians had been enslaved to idols (Gal. 4:8–9). The reference to days, months, seasons, and years (v. 10) indicates their former lifestyle as worshipers of fertility gods. Paul is concerned that they are now returning to a new type of slavery, though it is strikingly similar to their old way of life. Because of the influence of the false teachers, the Galatians are now obligating themselves to keep the annual Jewish feasts in order to gain God’s full acceptance.

The sinful human heart has a stubborn tendency to make efforts to secure God’s favor by means of personal performance. The gospel calls us to reject all attempts to contribute to the accomplishment of our salvation. Christ has achieved everything for us already.

Psalm 25:8-9

Thoughts For Prayer

As the torn curtain in the temple indicates (Mark 15:38), our access to God has been secured by the death of Christ. Pray for those in your life who are resistant to the gospel and ask God to open their eyes to see that Christ has made a way for us to come into the presence of God.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Johannes (& Mathapelo) Thaele

Country:

South Africa

South Africa is experiencing challenges because of the war between the U.S. and Iran. The cost of diesel and petrol are extremely high, causing the prices of everything to be higher than usual. Pray for peace between nations. Please pray for the church in South Africa.

Sweden (Europe). Population: 10,657,000 Believers: 6.9%. The spiritual decline of Sweden is apparent on many levels. Only 23% of people believe in a personal God. Society places a high value on material comfort, personal pleasure, and individualism. Pray for God to raise up teachers and leaders who know the Bible, who know the culture, and who do not compromise with the majority mindset in society. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.

Devotional for 05.09.26

2026-05-09T12:35:24Z

Mark 15:1-20

Reflection

Having been accused by the religious authorities, Christ is now condemned by the irreligious authorities. In the presence of the Roman official Pilate, Jesus does not defend himself; he is like an innocent lamb being slaughtered (Isa. 53:7; Acts 8:32; 1 Pet. 1:19). The generous Son of God makes no effort to escape his assignment. Out of love for his people, he holds his tongue.

Though Pilate cannot find a genuine reason to harm Jesus, the crowd demands that he release the criminal Barabbas instead of Christ. In Barabbas we see a sobering picture of ourselves: though he is guilty, he is released from judgment and Jesus is judged in his place.

Galatians 4:1-7

Reflection

When the time was right (Gal. 4:4), God sent his son to rescue his people from the curse-producing law (v. 5; 3:13). He has now given us his Spirit, and adopted us as sons and daughters —we now call him “Abba! Father!” (4:6). God’s rescue, adoption, and Spirit are his gracious gifts to all who are in Christ (3:28, 29), regardless of our ethnicity, social status, or gender.

Reflecting on these truths, our hearts cannot sit still. God has sent forth both his Son and his Spirit —the Son rescued us from the penalty of sin, and the Spirit applies this rescue to our daily lives by changing our attitudes and actions. The work of the Son is “outside in”: he accomplished our salvation for us, apart from our involvement. The work of the Spirit is “inside out”: he implants Christ’s salvation into our lives, causing new life to flourish from within us.

Psalm 18:16-19

Thoughts For Prayer

Take some time to put yourself in the shoes of Barabbas and ask God to help you grasp the significance of being rescued from the penalty you deserve. How will this gift impact the way you live your life today?

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Scranton Road Bible Church

Country:

United States of America

Pray for the pastoral discipleship group that started this month to encourage and challenge the men who are in the group to love the Lord with all their hearts, minds, souls, and strength. Pray for wisdom as their elders work through long-term strategy and vision. Pray that their lives and work would always point people to Jesus Christ. Pray for the planning of their outreach programming for the summer, especially for their soccer camp. Pray also for Scranton Road Ministries as they prepare for summer camp.

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) (Africa). Population: 1,256,174 Believers: 25.1%. Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy in sub-Saharan Africa. Around 25% of the workforce is unemployed, while the economic situation continues to decline. Pray that the king might see his position not as a privilege but as a responsibility to serve his people and his land. Pray that Christians might be at the heart of grassroots movements that care for the neediest in Eswatini. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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The One Year New Testament Copyright Tyndale House Publishers, used by Permission. NIV Bible copyright International Bible Society.