The One Year New Testament

Devotional for 06.09.26

2026-06-09T14:25:14Z

Luke 8:40-56

Reflection

In these two healing stories, we once again see God’s compassion for us as Jesus gladly uses his power to comfort those who suffer in this broken world. At the same time, Luke continues to relentlessly highlight another crucial gospel truth for us: we must respond to the grace of God with faith (Luke 8:48, 50). The gospel calls us to entrust our lives to Jesus, knowing that he is willing and able to heal us in the ways that are best for us. Like Jairus and the bleeding woman, Christians can bring their bold requests to Jesus knowing that he will listen and respond in compassionate love for them. Those who entrust themselves to him will soon experience the complete and perfect healing of all brokenness and sorrow (Rev. 21:4)!

Philippians 1:12-18a

Reflection

God’s work is not hindered by Paul’s imprisonment. Rather than being a barrier to the growth of the gospel, God is actually using Paul’s suffering to advance the gospel. His perspective is that he is imprisoned for Christ (Phil. 1:13), and that his persecution has helped others proclaim the gospel more boldly (v. 14).

Like Paul, our confidence and joy in the gospel must never be overwhelmed by trials. The suffering that we face brings us into profound closeness with the One who suffered for our sake (cf. 3:10). This should strengthen us to believe and speak the good news without fear.

Psalm 10:12-14

Thoughts For Prayer

Suffering does not hinder the work of God’s kingdom. In truth, he often uses it for unforeseen kingdom purposes. Pray for those you know who are in a season of suffering. Ask God to comfort them and to use their trial for the glorious purposes of his kingdom.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Parkside Church: Westside

Country:

United States of America

Pray for Parkside Westside’s community groups as they finish studying Romans together. Pray for the more than 65 children and volunteers who will travel to Parkside Bainbridge from June 8-12 for Vacation Bible Camp. Pray that many of these young ones will put their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for their high school students as they plan and prepare for this summer's mission trip to Serbia. Pray for the church’s involvement with International Friendships, with Building Hope in the City, and with the Cleveland Pregnancy Center. 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.

Zimbabwe (Africa). Population: 16,951,000 Believers: 30.9%. As the church has grown, so have the challenges. Pray for: a) The relationship with the government. b) Social action. With much of the country in decay, it is increasingly falling to churches to feed the hungry, care for orphans, protect the vulnerable, and heal the sick. c) Theological training and education—crucial as the church grows but threatened by widespread instability and want. Pray for effective teaching and discipling of those called to serve the Lord. d) Spiritual unity. Divisions and splits still occur. e) The purity of the church is often compromised by traditional African practices that are incompatible with the gospel, often by outright witchcraft and occult activities.

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

Devotional for 06.08.26

2026-06-08T14:25:14Z

Luke 8:22-39

Reflection

Sharing with other people about Jesus can be difficult for lots of reasons, but it is never supposed to be a burdensome duty that we reluctantly do to ease our conscience. Sharing about Christ is supposed to be the supernatural overflow of a heart that is truly impressed with Jesus because of what he has done. The man who “went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him” (Luke 8:39) was not trying to complete a checklist of religious responsibilities. He was simply sharing with others about the remarkable Person who had changed his life forever.

Philippians 1:1-11

Reflection

Paul’s remarkable prayer for the Philippians overflows with gospel truth. The good news about Jesus has brought tremendous joy to Paul (Phil. 1:3) not only because the Philippians have partnered with him in the work of the gospel (v. 5) but also because he is confident that God will continue his work of salvation in their lives (v. 6).

The church is supposed to be a thankful community that is confident in God’s ongoing work in and through us. Like Paul, we should celebrate the partnership we have with one another in the gospel mission. When we work well with one another, the church grows in maturity and the message of Christ spreads effectively.

Psalm 105:3-5

Thoughts For Prayer

If you are struggling in your desire to tell others about Jesus, you should spend some time prayerfully considering what he has done for you through his life, death, and resurrection. As you learn to appreciate the greatness of your Savior, you will find that your heart will increasingly desire to “declare how much God has done for you” (Luke 8:39).

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Ruth (& Artis) Powell

Country:

United States of America, Zambia

In April, Ruth visited Zambia to visit various outreaches, encourage pastors and ministry leaders, share resources, and expand the work there. Part of her time was spent with Kep and Debbie James checking on ESI groups and their leaders. Praise the Lord that these groups continue to grow closer to Christ as they study Romans. Pray that the Bibles she took from Parkside will be read and that the power of God’s Word will change lives. She met with the leader of Ambassadors Soccer in Zambia, and they plan to start a program in Kasempa in April of 2027. Another project happening is the translating of the ESI manuals into their language. Pray for accuracy in the translation. Isaac, the ESI leader in Zambia, needs a vehicle that can handle the nearly impassable roads he travels to lead a small but strong ESI group in the area. Pray for God to provide funds for this vehicle and for orphan outreach needs. Zambia (Africa). Population: 21,914,000 Believers: 25.7%. Zambians widely accept Christianity, even in public institutions and the media. Former president Chiluba declared Zambia a Christian nation in 1991, and Zambians practice freedom of all religions. But national transformation along biblical lines still has not come. Too few know the Word of God and how to live a Christian life. Pray for Christians to live pure and holy lives that depend on God alone for spiritual power and blessing. Pray that Zambia will truly be a nation that honors God.

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

Devotional for 06.07.26

2026-06-07T14:25:14Z

Luke 8:16-21

Reflection

Both of these brief sections stress the importance of responding to Jesus’ teachings. In the first section, Jesus tells us that those who are careful to heed his teachings now will reap spiritual blessings on the day of judgment (Luke 8:16–18). In the second section, Jesus explains that those who hear God’s Word and do what it says are considered the true members of the family of Christ (vv. 19–21).

Sadly there are many people who believe they are in Christ’s family but they do not follow his teachings in their everyday lives. Jesus provides these instructions and warnings to ensure that we are hearers and doers of his Word (cf. James 1:22). This does not mean that our obedience somehow merits blessing or earns our place in God’s family. It means that our claim to trust in Jesus isn’t believable if we are living an unrepentant lifestyle of disobedience to God. The true people of God are those who have genuine fruit-bearing faith in the grace of God offered in the gospel.

Ephesians 6:21-24

Reflection

Paul concludes his letter with a reference to the Ephesians’ incorruptible love for Christ (Eph. 6:23). We have already seen this love described in many practical ways in chapters 4–6. To guard our tongues, protect our purity, honor our spouse, obey our parents, and stand against the Devil—this is what it looks like to love Christ (John 14:15, 23–24). The God who blesses us in Christ is a God worthy to be loved.

Psalm 39:7-8

Thoughts For Prayer

The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the importance of Christians living differently than the way they used to. Allow this emphasis to shape your prayers, asking God to make the power of his grace evident in your thoughts and actions this week.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Scranton Road Bible Church

Country:

United States of America

Pray for their preparation for the Ambassadors Soccer Camp in July. The camp attendance maxed out within a couple of weeks of sign-ups going live. Please pray that the kids who are coming will respond to the gospel. Also, pray for several families in the church who have faced significant health challenges over the last few years. With the increased needs in their neighborhood, pray for them as they implement a diaconate to help meet these needs. Over the summer, the men in their pastoral discipleship group will be meeting. Pray that they grow in their understanding and love for the Lord. Praise the Lord for his blessings in the life of their church family!

Yeman (Asia). Population: 41,774,000 Believers: <0.1%. Amidst the terrible suffering, Yemenis are finding life in Christ through radio, Bible distribution, careful witness, and dreams and visions from the Lord! Believers meet secretly and only in small groups. They often face dangerous opposition. Praise God for these followers of Jesus. Pray for them as they learn how to honor their culture and family while faithfully serving the Lord.

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

Devotional for 06.06.26

2026-06-06T14:25:14Z

Luke 8:1-15

Reflection

Jesus’ famous parable describes the various responses to the gospel that people will have as it is proclaimed throughout the world. The sobering truth is that only a portion of those who hear and respond to the gospel will ultimately prove to be disciples of Jesus. The true Christian is the person who holds to the gospel with a fertile heart that bears fruit (Luke 8:15). This does not mean that true disciples are morally perfect or free from the effects of sin; it means that the gospel profoundly impacts the hearts of those who truly receive it. To respond to the gospel truly is to be vulnerable to the Lord as he searches the depths of our hearts (1 Sam. 16:7; Jer. 17:10) and transforms our inner person by the power of his Spirit (Rom. 12:1–2; Eph. 3:16).

Ephesians 6:10-20

Reflection

God does not send us into battle against Satan without divine assistance. In fact, he dresses us in his own armor. We battle against the Devil’s lies and accusations with the truth of the gospel, fighting to believe that the cross brings us peace (Eph. 6:15), our salvation is secure (v. 17), and the Lord is our righteousness (v. 14). Our posture is almost entirely defensive. We are told to “stand” (vv. 11, 13, 14), knowing that Christ has already won the victory (cf. 1:7–10). Our one offensive weapon is the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Word (6:17).

We must see that all of this instruction for spiritual battle begins with the reminder to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (v. 10). Victory over evil is not accomplished by our own strength, but only with the spiritual resources provided by our Savior, the One who is “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion” (1:21).

Psalm 18:39-42

Thoughts For Prayer

Thankfully, the daily battle against sin and Satan does not have to be fought in our own futile strength. Prayerfully read through the armor described in Ephesians 6:10–18 and “put on” each piece as you consider the truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and spiritual power found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Equipping Servants International (ESI) in Africa, Europe and the Americas

Country:

Praise the Lord for the 3,500 pastors and church leaders in 38 countries studying the Bible in ESI groups. Every day Kep and Debbie hear encouraging testimonies of how, by God’s grace, people are growing and experiencing real changes in their personal lives, marriages, and families as they look to Jesus to apply Scripture. Pray that they will faithfully preach and teach the Bible in their local churches.

Wallis and Futuna Islands (Pacific). Population: 11,000 Believers: 1.0%. The Catholic church and Polynesian culture and social structures are so interwoven that adherence to Christianity is often more outward than through a living, personal faith. Pray for firsthand faith for these two island peoples.

Western Sahara (Africa). Population: 601,000 Believers: 0%. There are only a handful of Christians among the entire Sarahawi people of Western Sahara, but we see a new day of growth and witness through low-key mission work and national believers. There are openings for ministry to refugees through relief and development, and difficult political and living conditions lead to considerable openness. Pray for those who are, and could be, serving among them. Pray for the Saharawi people to meet Jesus!

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

Devotional for 06.05.26

2026-06-05T14:25:14Z

Luke 7:36-50

Reflection

This rich story touches on many key issues of the gospel and our response to it. First, we see a stark contrast between two different kinds of people. Simon the Pharisee fails to provide for Jesus the basic cultural forms of hospitality (Luke 7:45–46), and in his heart he condemns a humble and sinful woman in need of compassion (v. 39). Meanwhile the “sinner” of this story, the broken prostitute, is a woman of faith (v. 50) and shows great affection for Jesus.

Second, this story once again emphasizes that the gospel provides forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus (vv. 47–50). Jesus has the authority to erase our debt, and we are simply called to believe in him for this grace. When we understand our brokenness and cast ourselves upon Jesus, the result is forgiveness, love, and peace. If instead we lack compassion for others and love Jesus little, then we show that we do not understand our own sinfulness and the grace of Christ.

Ephesians 6:1-9

Reflection

Those who have been adopted and transformed by the love of Jesus (Eph. 5:1–2) and are filled with God’s Spirit (5:18) should honor Christ by submitting to the authorities in their lives (5:21). Because of the gospel of Christ, wives should submit to their husbands (5:22), children should obey their parents (6:3), and bondservants should obey their masters (vv. 5–7).

The gospel should also powerfully shape those who hold positions of authority. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the church (5:25); fathers (and mothers) should avoid harsh and unreasonable treatment of their children; masters should be good and gracious to their servants (6:9). There is no area of life so big or so mundane that the person and work of Christ is irrelevant. The gospel informs and transforms everything we do.

Psalm 67:1-3

Thoughts For Prayer

Those who realize that they have been forgiven much will have a greater appreciation for Christ’s mercy than those who think they have been forgiven little (Luke 7:47). Do not allow yourself to think that you have little need for Christ’s mercy. Pray that you and your Christian friends would be deeply aware of your need for Christ and the reality of his amazing grace.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Parkside Kent

Country:

United States of America

On June 7, Parkside Kent has its first annual meeting. Pray that they will be filled with gratitude as they look back at all that God has done and as they remember his abundant provision. Pray that the Lord will direct their steps going forward. Pray for the men who have begun a year-long elder in training program: Dapo Oguntoyinbo, Sam Prentis, and Randy Welton. Pray that this year of training will confirm their call and equip them for the task.

Vietnam (Asia). Population: 101,599,000 Believers: 1.8%. A growing, witnessing church is emerging from years of persecution. The Vietnamese diaspora is seeing many become believers. These converts then bring the gospel back to Vietnam with them. There is even a fast-growing missionary vision spreading among the churches of Vietnam! Pray for the Holy Spirit to keep fanning these flames of spiritual passion, all for the maturation of the Vietnamese church and so that Jesus might be known through the entire nation.

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

Devotional for 06.04.26

2026-06-04T14:25:14Z

Luke 7:18-35

Reflection

John the Baptist was the greatest of all the prophets leading up to Jesus (Luke 7:28), but even this remarkable man of God was surprised by the way the Messiah was conducting his mission. John sent some of his followers to confirm Christ’s identity (vv. 18–20) because Jesus’ ministry did not meet the grand political and social expectations that most Jews hoped to find in their promised King. Jesus demonstrated and explained to John’s disciples that he was, in fact, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah (vv. 21–23; cf. Isa. 35:5–6; 26:19; 61:1).

Though Christ’s kingdom will someday make an unmistakable public appearance (cf. Rev. 11:15), it is currently hidden from the eyes of the natural world (cf. Luke 13:18–21). Only those who have been graciously awakened by the Holy Spirit are able to see the splendor of God’s kingdom in its present form (John 3:3), making it impossible to appreciate when measured by the standards of human wisdom (cf. 1 Cor. 1:21). For now, when the world looks at Jesus and his kingdom, they will see only the weakness of a suffering and crucified Messiah. But for those who have been “born again” (John 3:3), this seemingly unimpressive man and his cross are the very power of God (1 Cor. 1:18).

Ephesians 5:22-33

Reflection

The ultimate example and meaning of marriage is seen in the relationship between Christ and his bride, the church. In Christ, husbands see a model for sacrificial, loving, strong, tender leadership. The church’s submission to Christ provides wives with a model for intelligent, gracious, trusting, respectful submission. These roles and responsibilities are not a matter of cultural preference; they are timeless and universal illustrations of the unchanging relationship between Jesus and the church. Marriage exists to show the world the glory of Christ and his bride (Eph. 5:32).

Psalm 47:1-2

Thoughts For Prayer

Even today, the kingship of Jesus is not recognized by most. Pray that God would open the eyes of your friends and neighbors who don’t yet acknowledge the rule of King Jesus.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Emily (& Blake) Ackerson

Country:

Australia

On June 1, their ministry teams welcomed new students at UNSW, hosting gospel-centered events and small groups as they partnered with a short-term mission team from the U.S. Pray for the Bridges International team and the mission team from the U.S. as they work together to boldly and lovingly share the hope found in Christ. Pray that God would give the South Asian community and other international students at the University of Sydney his peace through Christ as they enter the busy exam period. Blake and Emily and their family are preparing to return to the U.S. for a visit after four years abroad. Pray for smooth travel, meaningful time with loved ones and ministry partners, and peace and wisdom as they navigate the visa application and waiting process to extend their time in Sydney. They will visit Texas first and then Ohio toward the end of July.

Venezuela (Latin America). Population: 28,517,000 Believers: 10.8%. Spiritual forces battle in Venezuela. Both rich and poor visit witch doctors in the thousands of spiritist and occult shops. Fewer people go to church in Venezuela than in any other Latin American nation. New Age spirituality attracts the educated and rich. Satanists actively try to destroy the church. Caracas has Latin America’s largest mosque. Pray for the Holy Spirit to bind all the powers that blind Venezuelans to truth and to reveal Christ to all.

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

Devotional for 06.03.26

2026-06-03T14:25:14Z

Luke 7:1-17

Reflection

Like many other healing stories in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), this event shows that God’s compassion and power have taken on flesh in the person of Jesus. God cares for people and has compassion on us as we live in this broken and sinful world; he cares about the things that affect our hearts and grieve us (1 Pet. 5:6–7). We also see that through Jesus, God can and does powerfully heal brokenness and sin (Luke 7:10, 14–15). Someday soon he will fully restore all things (1 Cor. 15:50–57).

God’s plan has always been to restore people from every tongue, tribe, and nation, which is evident as Jesus blesses the faith of the Roman soldier (Luke 7:9; Gal. 3:28; Rev. 5:9). The centurion serves as a model of what it looks like to respond correctly to the gospel: we should boldly trust and hope in Jesus’ power and compassion toward us.

Ephesians 5:15-21

Reflection

Because we live in dark times, we need frequent reminders to wake up (Eph. 5:14) and to watch out (v. 15). This means we must discover what is pleasing to the Lord (v. 10) and walk in countercultural obedience to him: not unwise, but wise (v. 15); not foolish, but understanding (v. 17); not drunk on wine, but filled with the Spirit (v. 18). The world wants to press us into its mold (Rom. 12:2), but we have been given a different pattern.

In verses 19–21 Paul explains the “filling” of the Spirit (Eph. 5:18). To be under the sway of the Spirit (instead of intoxicated by strong drink) leads to speaking in song, singing in your heart, giving thanks to God, and submitting to your authorities out of reverence for Christ. Being “Spirit-filled” is here described as living a life marked by the ordinary and glorious fruit of the Spirit (cf. Gal. 5:22–23).

Psalm 72:13

Thoughts For Prayer

Jesus’ compassion for the centurion and his servant gives us a glimpse into the heart of God. Ask him to show you his compassion for those who do not yet know him, and pray that they would come to know the love and grace of Christ.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Mark & Patti Bean

Country:

Peru, United States of America

Praise the Lord that Mark has begun a schedule to receive monthly intravenous immunoglobulin. The first one made such a difference in his immune system. They are thankful for the help of modern medicine. This month, the teams Mark worked with in May will be home, reading through and reading to others the work they did in Proverbs. Continue to pray for their individual progress and growth. They are much better at reading and writing in their own language than they were a year ago. Pray for Mark as he prepares the next chapters of Proverbs for them to use when they work together again in July.

Vanuatu (Pacific). Population: 335,000 Believers: 45.9%. Vanuatu’s motto is “In God We Stand.” Pray that leaders of this complex little nation may be examples in doing so. Committed Christians played a major role in attaining independence, and they continue to help lead the country—not least is the President himself. Two of the main islands of Vanuatu are named Espiritu Santo and Pentecost—how appropriate for such a linguistically diverse nation! May the same Holy Spirit visit this nation powerfully.

Virgin Islands of the USA (Caribbean). Population: 84,000 Believers: 23.8%. Tourism and the influx of wealth affect society profoundly, corroding its moral fabric. Pray that the gospel might impact society, personal lifestyles, and family life. Pray that local churches and their leaders may work together in evangelism and in vision for the future.

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

Devotional for 06.02.26

2026-06-02T14:25:14Z

Luke 6:37-49

Reflection

There is no such thing as a person who genuinely trusts in Jesus but fails to live in obedience to him (Luke 6:46). When God’s Spirit causes the gospel to truly break into our hearts, the good news of God’s grace changes the way we live. No longer are we enslaved to the desires of sin but instead our hearts begin to experience transformed desires that enable us to walk in obedience to our new Master (Rom. 6:17–18, 22). This does not mean that we are flawless in our desires or actions, but it does mean that our lives will increasingly reflect the reality of a changed heart (Luke 6:45).

Therefore, those who trust in Christ must labor to build their lives on the foundation of his words (vv. 47–48). In the end, these are the only people whose souls will be preserved through the trials of life and the final judgment of God (vv. 48–49).

Ephesians 5:1-14

Reflection

Paul calls for obedience in the lives of the Ephesians, and he gives them two motivations: their present identity in Christ, and the future judgment of Christ. First, Paul tells the Ephesians to obey in light of their present identity as saints (Eph. 5:3) and as children of light (v. 8). Second, he calls them to obey because of the future wrath of God (v. 6) and the coming light of Christ (vv. 13–14).

Both of these motivations play an important role in the life of a Christian. The gospel empowers obedience by telling Christians that we presently have a new identity in Christ, even though we don’t deserve it. This removes the expectation that we must somehow earn God’s favor and therefore frees us to obey without fear of condemnation. Those who are truly trusting in the grace of Christ will turn from sin and pursue a life of obedience. Paul’s warning of the coming judgment motivates our obedience by reminding us that our lives must bear the fruit of genuine faith; we must demonstrate our trust in Christ with our obedience to him. Those who bear good fruit have no need to fear Christ’s judgment, but those who refuse to turn their lives from sin have no assurance of salvation.

Psalm 112:1

Thoughts For Prayer

When God changes our hearts he gives us a desire for obedience and strengthens us to walk in his ways. Pray that God would place his desires within your heart so that you would delight to do his will.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

E & J North Africa

Country:

Pray for E, who is taking a trip back to north Africa in early June to work on some paperwork. J was thankful for a chance to visit her grandma recently. Please pray for her grandmother’s salvation. Pray for God to sustain them and for relationships and connections that will build others up and point them to Jesus.

Uzbekistan (Asia). Population: 37,053,000 Believers: 0.3%. Uzbek believers continue to increase despite great opposition. The prospect of retribution from three sides—the government, local Muslim leaders, and the community (family and neighbors)—has not halted growth. There are now probably more than 10,000 Uzbek believers, where there were possibly none only a generation ago. But much prayer is still needed for the discipling and mentoring of new believers and for indigenous leadership to be raised up. 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 06.01.26

2026-06-01T14:25:14Z

Luke 6:27-36

Reflection

Few things in life are more difficult or counterintuitive than loving our enemies. The gospel alone, with its staggering promises of great reward (Luke 6:35), offers the power we need for this Christlike behavior. The Word of God tells us of these promises, so that by meditating on them we might grow in our faith and find the strength to love others in the same way that we have been loved (1 John 4:11).

Ephesians 4:25-32

Reflection

Paul highlights five areas of life that require us to replace one action with another. We must replace lies with truth (Eph. 4:25), sinful anger with righteous anger (vv. 26–27), stealing with hard work (v. 28), rotten talk with wholesome talk (vv. 29–30), and bitterness with compassion (vv. 31–32). The motivation for these actions is more than a simple “God said so.” We pursue this lifestyle for the good of our neighbor (vv. 25, 28–29), for the pleasure of God (v. 30), and in light of God’s forgiveness and love in Christ (v. 32; 5:1–2).

Psalm 111:2-4

Thoughts For Prayer

Loving our enemies requires a God-given ability to have mercy on them despite their sin and failures. Ask God to help you appreciate his mercy more deeply so that you will be motivated to give it more freely to others.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Bobby & Julie in Central Asia

Country:

Praise the Lord for the 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser that will travel distances and get them into the mountains. They thank everyone who helped make that happen. Their old car is in the repair shop. Pray it comes back better than ever and for their search for good tires for the Land Cruiser. Pray for Bobby as he plans opportunities to connect with brothers outdoors, including a big church camping trip this month. Continue to pray for Ludmilla, Bobby’s Russian teacher who is in her seventies and has health issues. She and Bobby regularly read through the Scriptures together; pray for her salvation.

Uruguay (South America). Population: 3,385,000 Believers: 6.2%. Uruguay has the most secular society in South America. Most Uruguayans follow a “do-it-yourself” spirituality influenced by New Age ideas. The nation is 55% Catholic (the lowest in Spanish-speaking Latin America), and only 2% attend mass. Afro-Brazilian Spiritism attracts many people. Pray for the Holy Spirit to expose religious deceptions and defeat the demonic powers behind 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 05.31.26

2026-05-31T14:25:14Z

Luke 6:17-26

Reflection

Jesus boldly shares God’s surprising vision of people and the world. Just the opposite of our natural expectations, God’s blessings rest upon the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and the persecuted.

The gospel of Jesus truly brings blessedness and wholeness. But in this fallen, sin-ravaged world this blessedness will often look like poverty, hunger, weeping, and persecution. This teaching calls us to apply the gospel to our lives by choosing to rejoice in God’s favor even in times of trial (Luke 6:23; James 1:2–4; 1 Pet. 1:6–7). We can rejoice because difficulties in this world mark the path of God (see Acts 14:22). In the coming heavenly kingdom we will be rewarded with riches, satisfaction, joy, and God’s full acceptance despite our present suffering and weaknesses.

Ephesians 4:17-24

Reflection

When Christ calls us to himself it is always a call to leave the world, die to self, and live for God. We must abandon the futile and self-indulgent mentalities of the world (Eph. 4:17–18). Let us never accept a false gospel that says we can have Jesus as Savior without also having him as Lord. It must be both or neither.

Instead of living for this world, Paul says that Christians have “learned Christ.” Learning Christ means we think differently (v. 23), we put off our old identity (v. 22), and we put on the new person that Christ has created us to be (v. 24). This gets to the heart of the New Testament view of Christian growth. The command for the Christian is to “be who you now are.” We are new creations in Christ, so let us turn away from the old ways of the world and live like new people of the Spirit. When we sin, we betray our new identity as sons and daughters of God. Christian obedience does not earn us a holy status; it reflects the holy status we have freely received.

Psalm 26:11-12

Thoughts For Prayer

Are you daily putting off your old identity and embracing the calling to live in total surrender to Jesus? Ask God to help you be mindful throughout the day to turn from your old way of life and live in the reality of your new identity in Christ.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

J & A, Asia

Country:

They are grateful that the Lord allowed them to arrive safely in their country of service and that they are settling in very well in their new home. Pray for grace as they learn a new language and for wisdom as they try to navigate through a completely new and different culture. Pray that their children will learn to love and serve the Lord even from their early ages. Salim and Nesar, Muslim nationals, are their house guards. Pray for their contact with them as they interact with them daily.

United States of America (North America). Population: 347,276,000 Believers: 28.9%. The church in the USA is as deeply divided as the nation itself. The USA’s spiritual heritage has long been under attack by those opposed to the gospel, but no external enemies have done more damage than the politicization of Christianity and accompanying polarization in the body. The idol of nationalism—“Christian” or otherwise—is a blight on the message of the gospel, as is any ideology that divides or distracts believers from their core identity as the body of Christ. Pray for the Lord to raise up believers who will fearlessly and publicly place their oneness in Christ above all race, ethnicity, gender, and ideology! May such faithful saints be an inspiration to others and a healing salve on America’s wounds. 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 05.30.26

2026-05-30T14:25:14Z

Luke 6:1-16

Reflection

In the Old Testament, God had specifically instructed his people to rest on the Sabbath day (Ex. 20:8–11). Yet human nature has a tendency to miss the heart of God and focus on external behaviors rather than the internal motives of the heart. These two Sabbath-conflict stories show this human tendency and warn us against this gospel-less way of living.

Jesus shows us that Christian living requires compassion toward those in need, because this is God’s heart as well. This is the true gospel life: living not merely according to rules but in faithful obedience to God’s gracious purposes revealed throughout the Bible.

Ephesians 4:7-16

Reflection

God has given the church gifted teachers and leaders (Eph. 4:11) in order to bring the church to maturity. This maturity is described in a variety of ways: as the fullness of Christ (v. 13), as doctrinal stability (v. 14), as growing up into Christ (v. 15), and as strengthening the body (v. 16). Paul sees it as a “family project.” Our personal growth is helped by the example of other Christians, our times of worship, and accountability to other believers. The good news of the gospel is not only that Christ has saved us, but that we are being continually renewed into his image (v. 24; cf. Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18; 4:4).

Psalm 73:1

Thoughts For Prayer

The command to keep the Sabbath was very important in Israel, but the Pharisees had missed the point (Luke 6:1–11). Likewise, there are many important Christian responsibilities, but we must be careful to remember that God is not pleased with heartless obedience. Ask God to help you obey from a heart that is full of faith in him and love for others.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

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

Country:

United States of America

Pray for Ambassadors Football staff as they train leaders and coaches in the Methodist Church of Sumatra, Indonesia. With many open doors for their DT6 discipleship children’s ministry, pray for discernment in choosing what countries they should work with next. Jon and Ruthie are thankful for the prayers and support that comes from Parkside. They continue to ask for prayers for their granddaughter, Teagan, who is not yet a year old, and still has a feeding tube. Pray for their son, Henry, and his wife, Megan, as they care for her.

Wales (Europe). Population: 2,991,000. Wales is known as the land of revivals and the land of song. From early in the 18th century, Wales experienced a consistent series of revivals, the last of these occurring in 1904. Since then, the decline in church attendance and closure of churches in Wales have been higher than in any other part of the UK. In recent years, though, pockets of growth have appeared, especially within evangelical congregations that both proclaim the gospel and demonstrate it through community involvement. Pray that revival may come again and that the entire country will again sing the praises of 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.