The One Year New Testament

Devotional for 07.16.26

2026-07-16T12:47:37Z

Luke 21:1-4

Reflection

Luke gives lots of attention to Jesus’ teachings, parables, and stories about money and wealth. This short story of the widow’s offering is a good example. At one level, it reminds us about the deceptiveness of riches and how we over-value the worth of money (Matt. 6:19–21; Luke 8:14; 1 Tim. 6:17). At a deeper level, we are reminded that, in God’s sight, our financial giving is evaluated by the heart behind the gift. This story challenges us to give more radically and sacrificially, but it also teaches us that God is never impressed by our financial status. He cares about our faith and worship, regardless of the amount we give.

1 Timothy 1:1-11

Reflection

Paul urges a young pastor named Timothy to confront ignorant false teachers who misunderstand the law that God had given to the nation of Israel (1 Tim. 1:3–7). Paul provides a proper understanding of God’s law, teaching us that one of its true purposes was to confront and expose sin. He provides a list of sins the law reveals (vv. 8–10), and sets them in contrast to the bright hope of “the gospel of the glory of the blessed God” (v. 11).

The gospel, entrusted to Paul and to us, is the only answer to the dark and sin-sick human heart. An accurate understanding of what the Bible teaches (“sound doctrine”; v. 10) will always harmonize with the teachings of God’s glorious gospel of grace (v. 11).

Psalm 38:18

Thoughts For Prayer

In love, God reveals our sin as we spend time in his Word. Pray for a humble heart so that you can receive this exposure as a gracious correction from your Father that leads you to Christ for grace.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Parkside Church: Westside

Country:

United States of America

Pray for their high school students and leaders as they travel to Serbia from July 16-28. Continue to 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. Continue to pray for the health and safety of Nathanael Wiles as he works with WGM at Tenwek Hospital in Kenya.

Republic of China, Taiwan, (Asia). Population: 23,113,000 Believers: 2.8%. Taiwan remains a stronghold of Buddhism and Taiwanese folk religion. Over 90% of Taiwanese follow some combination of Buddhism, Confucianism, Daoism, and traditional religions. Buddhism now grows strongly among educated professionals. Most traditional folk religions have many gods, and people pay offerings to ghosts or seek advice from the spirit world. Taiwan remains the only major Han Chinese population in the world without a significant spiritual breakthrough. Pray that this will change. 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 07.15.26

2026-07-15T12:47:37Z

Luke 20:41-47

Reflection

Jesus’ enemies have just tried to entrap him by asking him two difficult questions (Luke 20:19–26; vv. 27–40). He now ends their questioning by asking them a difficult question about himself. Jesus quotes Psalm 110:1 and applies it to himself, indicating that he is the fulfillment of God’s great promise to send one of King David’s heirs to rule over God’s people (2 Sam. 7:13–16; Jer. 33:17). Jesus is “David’s son,” the heaven-sent King of Israel (Luke 20:41).

But he is not only the Son of David. He is also something greater. Even David recognized that his heir would also be his Lord (v. 42). The Messiah, Jesus Christ, is himself divine, the eternal Son of God (Matt. 11:27; Luke 10:22; John 1:1, 14; 5:23; 14:9; 17:1–8; Rom. 9:5; 1 Cor. 8:6; Phil. 2:6; Col. 1:15–19; Heb. 1:2–3; 1 John 5:20). David was a great king, but Jesus is far greater!

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

Reflection

Paul ends his letter with a final encouragement for believers facing trials. Though Jesus will bring complete relief to us someday, it is important for Christians to realize that life will have its difficulties until Christ returns. These trials, however, should not have the final word or controlling influence on our hearts, for the Lord of peace gives us peace “at all times in every way” (2 Thess. 3:16). By relying upon our God of compassion and grace, we are stabilized through the storms of life as we await Christ’s return in power and glory.

Psalm 110:1

Thoughts For Prayer

Jesus is the King of kings, and Lord of even the mighty King David (Luke 20:41– 44). Pray for those in your life who are living in rebellion to King Jesus and ask him to lovingly turn them from their rebellion.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Bobby & Julie in Central Asia

Country:

God answered prayers as an intensive Turkic language course opened for Bobby in June at the university, taught by a professor from Harvard. Please pray for gospel opportunities with his professor and classmates. At the end of June, Bobby and Julie’s company, Summit, put on a huge flag football tournament at their kids’ school. Their son played flag football and one of their daughters sold baked goods. Pray for the gospel connections that were made with men, women, and children during this event.

People’s Republic of China (Asia). Population: 1,416,096,000 Believers: 5.7%. The survival and growth of the church in China are two of the most decisive events of our generation. 2.7 million evangelicals in 1975 grew to over 75 million in just 35 years! The window of opportunity for spiritual receptivity might not be open indefinitely. China today faces materialism—with increasing wealth, the debilitating effects of spreading corruption, moral decline, and the growing social and economic impact of the one-child policy. All of these may profoundly affect the spiritual openness of the nation and the church itself. Pray that the Refiner’s fire might keep burning and that the church’s spiritual cutting edge—honed in the midst of persecution—might not be blunted. 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 07.14.26

2026-07-14T12:47:37Z

Luke 20:27-40

Reflection

Although the death and resurrection of Jesus have not yet occurred, here we have a foretaste of what will take place. Those who respond to the gospel will someday enjoy an invincible resurrected life, resistant to death and decay (Luke 20:36). Believers who have already died are now alive with God in his presence, just like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (vv. 37–38; 1 Cor. 15:20–26). Contrary to the Sadducees, who denied any resurrection from the dead, Jesus teaches here that the blessings of the gospel extend far beyond this short life in our fallen world.

Believers will one day be raised to life —not to a ghost-like existence but to an embodied, physical eternity. It is a restoration of the life given to Adam and Eve in Eden, only this time sin will not be possible. All this is achieved through the resurrection of Christ (Luke 24:1–12), who is the “firstfruits” of a coming resurrection harvest (1 Cor. 15:20–22). In other words, the resurrection of Jesus was just the first of many resurrections that will occur when he returns. We are destined for a renewed, immortal life in a physical body on a new earth (Rev. 21:1–2).

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Reflection

As they awaited the return of Christ, some of the professing believers at Thessalonica had fallen into the sin of laziness and were not willing to work (2 Thess. 3:6). Paul urges them not to be idle but to imitate him and his companions, who worked day and night when they ministered among the Thessalonians (vv. 7–9). Laziness is a serious matter; it affects not only the idle person himself but also his family and community. Most importantly, laziness dishonors the body of Christ and the name of Christ before the eyes of the watching world. Paul thus admonishes the Thessalonians to give brotherly warning to anyone who does not heed his words (vv. 14–15).

Psalm 16:9-10

Thoughts For Prayer

Christ’s resurrection ensures the resurrection of all those who are in him. Ask God to help you maintain perspective as you face the frailty of your current physical body. Our hope does not come from our health, but from the promise of the resurrected future that is ours in Jesus Christ.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Scranton Road Bible Church

Country:

United States of America

Please pray for their Ambassadors Soccer camp running from July 14-18. Pray that the kids will hear, understand, and respond to the gospel and have fun playing soccer. They are beginning the process of developing a diaconate at SRBC. Pray for the right leaders as they focus on three areas: benevolence, housing help, and women's ministry. Pray for their junior church team, who plan to switch to new curriculum for the fall. Praise the Lord for the staff and leaders at Scranton. Pray that God will give each of them rest and renewal during their summer vacations.

Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) (Asia). Population: 7,396,000 Believers: 6.1%. The political and government changes from 2020 onwards, the failure of the protests to achieve the liberties dreamed of by many young people, and the fast-track migration programs of countries like the UK and Canada together have generated conditions for Hong Kong to experience yet another historic mass exodus. While the choice to migrate is understandable, pray that many believers will stay to continue the work of the kingdom and to be a witness to Jesus. There is much ministry to be done in and from Hong Kong! 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 07.13.26

2026-07-13T12:47:37Z

Luke 20:19-26

Reflection

Despite the crafty intention of the religious leaders, the great wisdom of Jesus is on clear display here. His response to the politically charged question about paying taxes to Caesar stumps his opponents and causes people to marvel at God’s ways (Luke 20:22–26).

This situation reminds us that Christians will also have to navigate the difficult issues that arise from the fact that we are simultaneously citizens of two very different kingdoms: the earthly and the heavenly (Phil. 3:20). The reality of our dual citizenship requires us to learn how to live in society without embracing the human-centered, self-exalting values of this world. We are to be a beneficial presence in our communities, contributing to the health and order of society and submitting to the appointed authorities (Rom. 13:1–7), though never in ways that compromise our ultimate allegiance to God.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Reflection

Paul’s fundamental concern is the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To that end he has worked, prayed, and asked others to pray that the message would speed ahead and be honored (2 Thess. 3:1). He has also asked others to pray that he and his companions would be delivered from wicked and evil men (v. 2), not because he is concerned about his own health or security but because of his desire to advance the gospel. Even though his calling will lead to confrontation with those who do not love Christ, Paul nevertheless boldly proclaims the gospel. He reminds his readers (and us) that the Lord is faithful and will establish and guard his people against the Evil One (v. 3). Because of these glorious gospel truths of God’s faithfulness, Paul communicates his confidence that the Thessalonians and all true believers will do the things that Jesus Christ commands through his apostles (v. 4).

Psalm 37:5-9

Thoughts For Prayer

The evil agendas of those who oppose the gospel will not be victorious in the end. Take heart and pray for the advancement of the gospel in your community, knowing that God will ensure that his purposes are accomplished on the earth.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

J & A Central Asia

Country:

Pray for wisdom and good energy for J as he has started his role at the airport a couple of days a week. As J and A continue their language learning, pray for grace and for their lives to be a living testimony of God’s goodness to their teachers, who are both Muslim. Pray that their marriage will be strengthened and tied closer to God’s heart as they experience different challenges transitioning into a new culture. Pray for their children to continue to grow “in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Chile (Latin America). Population: 19,860,000 Believers: 18.4%. Student witness needs strengthening in the 54 universities and colleges and among the 500,000 students. Chile’s evangelicals need to focus much more on reaching and discipling young people. Systematic inequalities and underinvestment in education prompted massive student demonstrations in 2006, which in turn forced government reforms. Pray for students to find their identity in Christ and not in the many other alternatives they face. 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 07.12.26

2026-07-12T12:47:37Z

Luke 20:1-18

Reflection

The tension between Jesus and the Jewish authorities is growing rapidly. After Jesus cleanses the temple in the previous passage (Luke 19:45–48), the Jewish leaders demand that he identify the source of his authority (20:1–2). Christ cleverly refuses (v. 8) and goes on to tell the people a story that sternly criticizes Israel’s leadership (vv. 9–18).

The conflict will eventually result in Israel’s rejection of their Messiah, the allimportant “cornerstone” of God’s kingdom (v. 17; cf. v. 15). The most important person in human history is rejected by those he came to save. Ironically, his rejection accomplishes the most important event in human history: the salvation of sinners.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Reflection

Because God chose us, loved us, gave us eternal comfort through grace, and called us through the gospel, we will “obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thess. 2:13–14). Secure in this glorious promise of the gospel, we are called to stand firm in his ways (v. 15), confident that we will be sustained by the work of God’s Spirit, the Lord Jesus, and God our Father (vv. 13–14). Our three-in-one God is faithful to his gospel promise—a promise reinforced by his gracious commitment to comfort our hearts and strengthen them for every good work so that all might see our lives and glorify our Father in heaven (Matt. 5:16).

Psalm 112:7

Thoughts For Prayer

Ask the Lord to help you stand firm in his ways, trusting in his Word despite all temptation to do otherwise. The glory of what is to come is certain, and he will strengthen us to endure in the meantime.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Human Coalition Cleveland (Health for Her)

Country:

United States of America

Pray they will reach many women in Cuyahoga County who are seeking an abortion. Pray that the Lord will open doors of opportunity to share the gospel with these women in crisis. Also, pray for an increase in donor relationships.

Chad (Africa). Population: 21,004,000 Believers: 10.1%. Many Muslims have heard the good news! New groups of believers from Muslim backgrounds have emerged. Bible storytelling and Chadian Arabic Christian radio help spread the gospel in culturally relevant ways. Violence in nearby Darfur at the hands of other Muslims caused some to question Islam and left them open to the loving ministry and witness of Christians. Still, Islam grows in numbers and in financial and social influence. Pray that Christians will learn to reach out to the Muslims around them. 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 07.11.26

2026-07-11T12:47:37Z

Luke 19:28-48

Reflection

Just before his crucifixion, Jesus powerfully arrives in Jerusalem as God’s chosen King, worthy of praise and honor (Luke 19:36–38). In the presence of such divine greatness, the natural response is worship (v. 38). Yet not everybody responded to Jesus with joyful praise. As we have seen throughout the book of Luke, there is often another, opposite reaction to Jesus: grumbling and resistance (5:17–26; 6:1–11; 7:39; 19:7, 39).

This passage challenges us to evaluate our own response to Christ. Even as followers of Jesus, the same spiritual illness that made the Pharisees oppose God’s work can sometimes be our problem as well. We must constantly pray for God to open our eyes to see him truly and to allow that truth to penetrate our hearts (Ps. 51:1–19; Eph. 3:14–21).

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Reflection

Paul’s teaching about Christ’s return is aimed at encouraging the Thessalonians “not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed” about premature rumors of the Lord’s return (2 Thess. 2:2). Therefore, to answer questions about Christ’s return and to allow no one to “deceive [us] in any way,” Paul provides further details about “the day of the Lord,” and the events that will surround it (vv. 2–3). Throughout Paul’s vivid description of the day of the Lord is the clear truth of Christ’s victory and God’s power over Satan’s rebellion and all the difficulties that are to come (vv. 8–12). Christians may have to endure suffering upon the earth, but we will experience glorious relief when Christ victoriously conquers evil and brings a full restoration to the creation forever.

Psalm 59:9-10

Thoughts For Prayer

We can find comfort in our suffering by remembering that Christ will soon bring victory over sin, Satan, and all the destruction that they have caused. Pray that the promise of Christ’s triumph would provide strength to those you know who are enduring the difficulties of our broken world.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Johannes (& Mathapelo) Thaele

Country:

South Africa

Pray for the youth conference being held this month. Pray that God will work in the hearts of the students, strengthening their relationships with him. Pray for any lost souls to find salvation in Christ. It is their mission to plant churches, and Johannes shares that they have already planted three churches that understand the significance of evangelism. Pray that the four intern pastors they have will be effective in ministry and will be passionate for the work of God. Pray also that their families will support them in the work.

Central African Republic (CAR) (Africa). Population: 5,513,000 Believers: 32.3%. The CAR was one of the world’s most evangelized nations, but the upheavals here and in nearby Chad and Sudan mean the progress in some regions has reversed. Muslims grew rapidly in influence, especially in the cities. Few Christians feel equipped to reach out to them. Pray for all CAR denominations to send students for missionary training. Pray that those with training would resist the draw to serve as a city pastor and instead go to the unreached. 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 07.10.26

2026-07-10T12:47:37Z

Luke 19:11-27

Reflection

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, there were some who believed “that the kingdom of God was to appear immediately” (Luke 19:11). The purpose of this story was to help them understand that the kingdom’s completed condition would not arrive until sometime in the future, and in the meantime it was crucial for kingdom citizens to be faithful with their gifts and assignments. Those who trust in King Jesus and live faithfully for him while he is gone will be rewarded when he returns (vv. 15–19). Those who do not know or trust Christ, and who disobey his commands (see v. 13), will come under his judgment (vv. 20–24).

Jesus wants it to be clear that our lives need to reflect the reality of our faith. As we await his return, we must remind ourselves of the immeasurable grace provided to us in Christ so that we do not grow lazy or indifferent to our King and his assignment for our lives. Soon he will return “to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Heb. 9:28).

2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Reflection

Paul begins and ends his second letter to the Thessalonian church in the same way as the first letter, with a blessing of grace and peace from God (2 Thess. 1:2; 3:18). Paul and his companions thank God that the Thessalonians have continued growing in mutual love, steadfastness, and faith, despite their persecutions and afflictions (1:3–4).

Although we sometimes doubt God’s gospel promises when afflictions and persecutions enter our lives, these trials are evidence that we belong to him (v. 5). Because we are citizens of the kingdom of God, we will be persecuted by the unbelieving citizens of the kingdom of this earth—just as they persecuted Jesus. In the end, however, those who have opposed the Lord will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction (v. 9). We can find hope in the gospel promise that Jesus will return to be worshiped, to be marveled at among all who have believed (v. 10). Because of his glorious grace, God will continue changing us and will make us worthy of the calling he has upon our lives (vv. 11–12).

Psalm 140:12-13

Thoughts For Prayer

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God will ensure that justice is served in the end. Ask God to protect you and others who have suffered injustice from vengeful thoughts and actions. Pray for your enemies (Matt. 5:44) and entrust the Lord with your desire for justice. Everything will be set right in the end.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Chris and Leanne Harrington

Country:

Japan

Praise the Lord! Last month, Ms. N shared a public profession of faith and was baptized. She came to church last summer for the first time. She comes from a very religious Shinto family that wore amulets and had idols in the home. Ms. N began to feel that the amulets and gods were heavy and oppressive. She had heard that the God of the church in her neighborhood was not heavy, and when she came to church, she expressed how she felt a freedom she had never felt before. The Lord has taken hold of her life. She began finding ways to destroy her family's idols but was encouraged by the church to find a different way to reach her family for Christ. She has since moved out of her family's home. May the Lord give her wisdom on how to share Christ with her family. May the Lord open their hearts. And may Ms. N grow in her relationship with Christ.

Canada (North America). Population: 40,127,000 Believers: 7.7%. One of the world’s leading industrial nations with the lowest public debt of G8 nations, Canada is marked by freedom of religion; however, rapid secularization and pluralization are taking place at every level. The influence of Christianity has seen a long, sustained decline in Canadian society. Pray for a much-needed revival, starting in the church and radiating outward to address the failure of relevance, morals, and theological and spiritual dynamism in the church. Pray that Canadian Christians would be more concerned with being loving witnesses to the gospel than with political agendas and culture wars. 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 07.09.26

2026-07-09T12:47:37Z

Luke 19:1-10

Reflection

This well-known story provides a beautiful example of the power of the gospel. We know little of Zacchaeus except that he was a “chief tax collector,” he was “rich” (Luke 19:2), and he was “small” (v. 3). We also know that he became a sincere follower of the Lord (v. 8), but we do not know what other conversation took place between Jesus and Zacchaeus when Jesus was a guest in his house. Regardless, his response to Jesus’ gospel teaching and presence was remarkable. Zacchaeus turned from dependence on his crooked ways to dependence on God’s grace. He joyfully and openly turned from his past wrongdoing and adopted the way of God that Jesus taught him (v. 8). He was a “lost” man whom Jesus came to “seek and save” (v. 10).

The Bible does not provide specific details about how to use our wealth. Some are called to give up everything because their love of money is rooted so deeply (see 18:22). Others are led to give generously of what they have, as Zacchaeus does (19:8). Still others give a portion of their property (see Barnabas’s actions in Acts 4:36–37). The gospel in the new covenant does not strictly specify what we should do with our financial resources, but it does call us to give cheerfully from the heart (2 Cor. 9:7). The joyful generosity of Zacchaeus is a model of the proper and natural response to God’s saving grace toward us. Grace frees us to give willingly and boldly as we trust in God to meet all our needs (Matt. 6:25–34).

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

Reflection

As is common for Paul, he concludes his letter to the Thessalonian church with several commands based on the truths of the gospel that he has set forth throughout his letter. The commands of the Christian life —what we are called to do as we follow Christ by faith —are founded on and flow from Christ’s accomplishment for us. God’s grace is the foundation of our obedience.

The commands of God are the Christian’s duty and delight as we live by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. By his strength we “rejoice always” (1 Thess. 5:16), “pray without ceasing” (v. 17), and “give thanks in all circumstances” (v. 18), resting in the hope that “the God of peace himself” will be “faithful” to produce growth in our lives (vv. 23–24). We are responsible to live the Christian life, and we must do so reliant upon the faithfulness of God.

Psalm 119:34-36

Thoughts For Prayer

God does not merely tell us what do; he also changes our will so that we want to do what he desires. Pray that God would transform your will and increase your desire for his ways.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Fieldstone Counseling

Country:

United States of America

Fieldstone is thankful for our continued prayers and support. Their team had a wonderful time at the two conferences they attended last month, had many encouraging conversations at their booths, and they are hopeful about the connections made there. As they move into July, Fieldstone will be navigating a season of transition. Their leadership team will be gathering for a retreat this month, and they ask us to pray that their time together would be fruitful and guided by wisdom. Please also continue to pray for their counselors as they meet daily with counselees in the midst of hardship and suffering. Pray that the Lord would strengthen them to serve with compassion, faithfulness, and care as they seek to bring lasting hope in Christ.

Cameroon (Africa). Population: 29,879,000 Believers: 9.0%. God has blessed Cameroon with material resources, relative stability, and a diversity of peoples. Many significant leaders (professional, military, police, political) now follow Christ! This gives hope for change in a society infamous for corruption. Pray that those who steal from the nation would change their ways or be caught and prevented from doing it any longer and that people will no longer tolerate corruption but rather will work together to eradicate it. The best solution to corruption is a transformation of hearts. 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 07.08.26

2026-07-08T12:47:37Z

Luke 18:18-43

Reflection

The wealthy ruler thinks that he has obeyed God’s rules (Luke 18:19–20), but he has not really heard or understood what Jesus has just said: “No one is good except God alone” (v. 19). It would seem that he is depending on his own obedience to manipulate God and receive what he values most: more wealth. His response indicates that he loves money more than God (v. 23). Jesus calls him to sell everything he has because Christ knew that this was the best way to address the man’s heart condition.

To be a disciple of Jesus means to follow him, leaving behind whatever might hinder us (9:57–62). The specific call of the gospel in our lives will look different for each of us, but it always requires us to turn from sin to God in complete humility and honesty. This is costly and painful, but Jesus demands that our transformation begin with the heart. Anything less is merely external religion.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

Reflection

Whether we live in Christ or die in Christ, we who are in Christ will live forever with him as children of light (1 Thess. 5:5, 10). So, Paul admonishes us to “be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation” (5:8). All this is established in God’s all-powerful love, in which he has “not destined us for wrath” but instead has chosen us “to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (5:9). This is the glorious hope that becomes ours through Jesus Christ, who died in our place. The promise of the gospel is that Christ died as the certain guarantee of our inheritance and will return that we might live with him forever.

Psalm 23:6

Thoughts For Prayer

Christ has ensured our inheritance, giving us certainty for the future. Allow that hope to give you boldness as you pray. Ask God to use your life powerfully for his kingdom, knowing that your eternal reward has already been purchased and is guaranteed by your 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 of Missions Aviation Fellowship (MAF) in Mexico. Praise the Lord that their daughter, Esther, is finishing her first year of Bible College. 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 and Lety as they have received threats but desire to continue to encourage the pastors and believers in Oaxaca. Pray that Gelasio will come to know the Lord. 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. Pray for wisdom for the doctors who will be evaluating Neri for further treatment on July 9. Pray for healing for Neri and for extra strength for Karina during this difficult season in their lives. Pray for their daughter, Sara, who would like the opportunity to attend high school in the USA.

Cambodia (Asia). Population: 17,848,000 Believers: 1.6%. Spiritual darkness persists in Cambodia and must be lifted by prayer. That darkness is seen in ubiquitous spirit shrines, Buddhism’s opposition to any ideological rival, and a general moral collapse. Pray for the light of the gospel to so shine that the structures of society as well as of individuals may be decisively changed. 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 07.07.26

2026-07-07T12:47:37Z

Luke 18:9-17

Reflection

Jesus presents a vivid contrast between self-righteous religion and the proper response to his gospel message (Luke 18:9–14). The two men in this story represent these two contrary responses to God. On the one hand we have a self-confident person whose outward life is apparently spotless. In contrast we have a man who would be considered a sinner and even a traitor to his own people because he was a tax collector for Rome. But Jesus shows the critical difference between these two men: God loves and accepts those who humbly look for mercy, and he rejects those who exalt themselves (v. 14; recall 7:36–50; 14:7–11).

This is good news (gospel) indeed. Jesus is not calling us to a plan of moral improvement or a list of wrong behaviors to avoid (18:11). He calls us to the one thing that we can all pursue, no matter our brokenness or failures: to humble ourselves before God and call out for his mercy. This alone will result in “justification” (v. 14)—which is necessary to enter the kingdom (vv. 24–25) and inherit eternal life (10:25–28; 18:18).

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Reflection

Paul now gives the Thessalonian believers an explanation of the promise and practical implications of Christ’s return. By providing some details about Christ’s return, Paul intends to comfort and encourage the Thessalonians with words of hope.

Paul does not want his readers to be uninformed about those who are asleep (that is, fellow believers who have died). Though we grieve in this life, we do not grieve “as others do who have no hope” (1 Thess. 4:13). Our hope is rooted in Christ’s bodily death and resurrection, and the promise of his bodily return in the future (v. 14). The heavenly promise Paul gives to the church is so certain that he is able to provide a concrete picture of what will come to pass: The day of the Lord will come “like a thief in the night,” and “the dead in Christ will rise first,” and then we “who are left” (5:2; 4:16, 17). So we who are alive in Christ along with our deceased loved ones in Christ “will always be with the Lord” (v. 17).

Psalm 44:1-3

Thoughts For Prayer

As Christ changes us by his grace, we can accidentally begin trusting in our own good works as though they are the reason God is ultimately pleased with us. This is a subtle form of self-righteousness that we must repent of. Take some time to thank God for the transformation he is accomplishing inside you, and admit to him once again that your only hope is the perfect work of Christ accomplished apart from you.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Jon (& Ruthie), Ambassadors Football, Matt (& Laura) Pheneger, Goran (& Beth) Tomic

Country:

United States of America

Many churches around the world signed up for “The Golden Ticket”—a simple, fun soccer program built specifically for the World Cup. Pray for the volunteers who will be using this program over six weekends. Pray also for their staff who will be coming to the U.S. to take part in summer camps—Gabriel from Bolivia, Ricky from Kenya, Daniel from Peru, and Romi from Nepal. Pray that they will all be able to find strong partners while they are in the States and that they will be able to encourage fellow believers as they share what the Lord is doing in their countries through Ambassadors Football. The Grove City women's soccer coach just led a group of students to South Africa to work alongside the Ambassadors ministry there. Pray for what the Lord is doing in South Africa.

Cabo Verde (Africa). Population: 527,000 Believers: 6.6%. Economic and ecological problems must be wisely addressed. Scant resources were poorly managed in the past, intensifying Cape Verde’s poverty. Pray for government leaders who will make good decisions and develop the economy for the betterment of the whole nation.

Cayman Islands (Caribbean). Population: 76,000 Believers: 21.3%. With one church for approximately every 500 people, Christian faith and values should (and do) have a significant influence on society—pray that this may continue to be the case amid the materialism and hedonism. The new constitution includes recognition of the Christian heritage of the Cayman Islands. Pray that God’s sovereign power would not only be acknowledged in documents but lived out with joy! 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 07.06.26

2026-07-06T12:47:37Z

Luke 18:1-8

Reflection

Jesus tells a story to help us understand God’s generous heart toward us. If even an unrighteous judge will eventually help persistent people, how much more will our Father respond to our requests for his help? He will not delay to bring justice to his own people (Luke 18:7).

We need to hear this because our frailty and brokenness make us lose heart and cease to believe that God is on our side (v. 1). Our perspective is limited and our vision is clouded (1 Cor. 13:12). The Bible continually reminds us that God is truly for us because we belong to Jesus (see Rom. 8:31–33). We need this constant reminder of God’s kind heart and great power toward us as we fight against our unbelief. We are now his! He is our strongest supporter. He delights to care for us and to defend us.

1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

Reflection

Having referred to the Thessalonians as “saints” at the end of chapter 3, Paul urges them to walk as saints in chapter 4. This is Paul’s common method of discipling believers: remind them of who they are in Christ and urge them to walk accordingly (Gal. 5:25; Eph. 2:10; 5:8; Col. 2:6). In this sense, not only does the gospel announce God’s gracious blessings for sinners, but it is also intended to transform our daily lives.

Therefore, Paul urges the Thessalonians to live out their true identity as saints: they are not to grow weary but to continue to walk with God and seek to please him more and more (1 Thess. 4:1), to abstain from sexual immorality (vv. 3–6), to learn how to control their bodies in holiness and honor (v. 4), and to walk properly before outsiders (v. 12). The motivating reason Paul gives the Thessalonians for their new lifestyle is God’s gracious calling (v. 7; cf. Eph. 1:4). God’s own great love for us teaches us to love one another (1 Thess. 4:9), which demonstrates to the world that we are followers of Jesus Christ (John 13:35; cf. Eph. 5:1–2). His great grace toward us creates in us a desire to want to please him, honor him, and share his love with others.

Psalm 33:20-22

Thoughts For Prayer

Don’t lose heart if it seems that God is delaying. Ask him for comfort as you wait for him to move, and continue to bring your requests to him, knowing that your heavenly Father deeply cares for you (Luke 18:1–8).

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Mark & Patti Bean

Country:

Peru, United States of America

Mark will be meeting remotely with the teams from the four Quechua groups as they gather for another workshop from July 6-24. He hopes to help them finish Proverbs and possibly begin Ecclesiastes. Pray for Jhony, one of the Quechua translators. In May, he had an appendectomy and probably went back to his village too soon afterward. He's had to undergo another surgery after complications. Please pray for his recovery. Pray also for David, another Quechua translator from a different group, who is suffering from acute anxiety attacks.

Burundi (Africa). Population: 14,390,000 Believers: 27.0%. The socio-political situation is one of cautious hope, due to the decades-old enmity between Tutsi and Hutu that boiled into a violent eruption claiming 300,000 lives in the 1990s. Pray for genuine respect and cooperation as these two peoples build Burundi’s future together. Due to the past violence and current poverty, leadership for the churches is in short supply. Ask the Lord for financial provision for those who wish to equip themselves for the Lord’s service. 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.