The One Year New Testament

Devotional for 09.04.26

2026-09-04T02:35:58Z

John 9:13-34

Reflection

Christ’s miracle produces an ironic conversation between the healed man and the Pharisees. He who sees for the first time in his life reveals the longstanding blindness of Israel’s leaders. They see only the law, but the healed man sees the Messiah—the One to whom the law points. In their arrogance, the Pharisees can boast only about Moses; in his humility, the healed man boasts only about Jesus. The Pharisees charge the healed man with walking in the darkness of sin; but he sees the Light of the World. The Pharisees expel him from the life of the temple; Jesus welcomes him into the true and lasting temple —Christ himself (John 2:19–22; Rev. 21:22).

Hebrews 8:8-13

Reflection

God’s “new covenant” (Heb. 8:8) is an agreement that he makes with his people in which he promises not only to forgive their sins (v. 12) but also to change their hearts (v. 10). In the old covenant, God’s commands, which were written on stone (Ex. 24:12), explained what God wanted people to do but did not, in themselves, provide them the power to do it (cf. 2 Cor. 3:3–6). In the new covenant, God’s commands are placed in our minds and written on our hearts. In other words, God not only tells us what he wants from us in his Word, but he performs a spiritual work within us by providing the desire to do what he says (cf. Ezek. 36:26; Jer. 32:40).

We should be greatly encouraged by God’s promise to provide the power we need for the obedience he commands. Our efforts to follow him are fueled by his strength in us: “It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure” (Phil. 2:13).

Psalm 119:162

Thoughts For Prayer

Without the work of God’s Spirit in our hearts we could never obey in a way that is pleasing to him. Has God commanded something in his Word that is difficult for you to embrace? Ask him to change your heart so that his Word becomes beautiful to you in this area, and obedience becomes a delight.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Johannes (& Mathapelo) Thaele

Country:

South Africa

Their team is busy organizing and preparing for the women’s conference on September 5. Pray for wisdom and for many women to begin a relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray that the Holy Spirit will touch the heart of every woman who attends the conference and that their lives will be changed as they walk with Christ.

Japan (Asia). Population: 123,103,000 Believers: 0.5%. Spiritual powers and principalities in Japan hinder the gospel. The powers associated with idolatry in temples and ancestor worship in homes remain strong. Many Japanese claim no religion but actually follow some rituals of Buddhism and Shintoism. Even the idea of a Creator God is foreign to the Japanese worldview. Many new religions get started in Japan each year, often based on Buddhism, but also on the occult, the worship of extraterrestrial aliens, and other strange ideas. Ask God to remove the spirit of delusion! 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 09.03.26

2026-09-03T02:35:58Z

John 9:8-12

Reflection

He who created man from dust has used dust to restore him (John 9:11). As the earth’s original Creator (1:2–3), Jesus was sent into the world to lift the curse of sin and restore the world in an act of new creation. His miracles are reminders of the day when there was no brokenness (Eden). At the same time, these works of restoration are foretastes of the day when all brokenness will be removed forever (the new heaven and new earth; Rev. 21:1). Jesus has launched the eternal age to come!

Hebrews 8:1-7

Reflection

The priesthood and its duties in Israel only served as a “shadow” of heavenly realities (Heb. 8:5). They provided a picture that forecasted what was to come, but they themselves were destined to pass away when the reality appeared. With the arrival of Jesus, Israel’s shadows gave way to the goal they had anticipated. He is the true and eternal High Priest (7:23–28) who brings a new and better covenant (8:6–7; cf. 7:22; 8:8–13)—an agreement that graciously promises blessings to the people of God that they could not possibly obtain for themselves (see 8:8–13).

Psalm 91:14-16

Thoughts For Prayer

The one who gave sight to the blind (John 9:11) has also begun a work of new creation in our lives by the power of his Spirit (2 Cor. 5:17). Ask God to help you live by the power of his Spirit today so that you will find power to put your sinful actions to death (Rom. 8:13).

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Chris and Leanne Harrington

Country:

Japan

As summer ministry ends, they are grateful for all the Lord has done through camps, outreach opportunities, and other seasonal ministries. Summer is always a busy season, and they thank God for the dedication of their leadership team and missionaries who have served faithfully throughout these months. They are also thankful that many of them have been able to enjoy times of rest and renewal with family and friends during vacation.

Jamaica (Caribbean). Population: 2,837,000 Believers: 28.0%. Jamaica has a wonderful Christian heritage, with a rich history of sending missionaries. It has the most evangelicals and the best-resourced churches in the Caribbean. The Bible Society (Kingston) provides Bibles to most mini states of the region with a special vision for young people. Pray that the 15 Bible schools and seminaries and the Keswick teaching conferences may be strongholds of biblical theology, godly lifestyle, and mission sending for the Caribbean. 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 09.02.26

2026-09-02T02:35:58Z

John 9:1-7

Reflection

The blind man’s suffering was not caused by something he or his parents did. Though there is a sense in which all suffering can be traced to the fact that we live in a world that is broken because of sin (Gen. 3:1–19; Rom. 8:18–22), it does not mean that we should assume that our pain is always the direct result of our wrong decisions. Often our pain is simply the standard experience of living in a fallen world.

Those who have received the gospel of God’s grace can find comfort in knowing that their suffering has been factored into God’s larger story. This does not eliminate our pain or invalidate the struggle. It does, however, provide hope to strengthen us for the challenging road ahead. Instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me? Who’s to blame?” we can learn to ask, “What is God going to do through this situation? What is he up to? How might his glory ultimately shine through this?” Only the gospel can enable us to endure suffering as a normal part of the Christian life. The gospel tells us that Jesus has rescued us from the ultimate suffering, condemnation, and separation from the Father that we truly deserve. We now have an eternal hope laid up for us in heaven (Col. 1:5), and very soon we will taste the fullness of God’s universal restoration. In the meantime, our suffering is under the loving hand of a caring Father who is training us to walk with him —and strengthening others who see his glorious work in us as they walk through this broken world as well.

Hebrews 7:22-28

Reflection

Christ’s superiority over the priests of Israel “makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant” (Heb. 7:22). There had to be many Old Testament priests, “because they were prevented by death from continuing in office” (v. 23). But the Son of God “holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever,” having been raised from the dead (v. 24). How does this affect us? It brings us great security in our salvation because Jesus “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them” (v. 25). The living Christ, our Great High Priest, appears in the presence of God on our behalf and presents his finished sacrifice for us sinners “who draw near to God through him” (v. 25). The Father, therefore, will never reject us.

Psalm 66:20

Thoughts For Prayer

Christ is alive forever, continually presenting you to the Father as purified through his once-for-all sacrifice (Heb. 10:10). Come before him with humble confidence, receive his grace, enjoy his presence, praise his name, and present your requests.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

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

Country:

In August, a course was held in Kasempa, Zambia, called Teaching Children Effectively—Level 1. Pray for the instructors who trained the children, for the students who successfully completed the training, and for the commitments they made to endure for the glory of the Lord. Pray for Debbie as she leads two women’s conferences in South America in September and pray for the women who will attend.

Italy (Europe). Population: 59,146,000 Believers: 1.1%. The challenge of Christian leadership in Italy remains urgent, since lack of mature, qualified, and gifted lay leaders persists. Academic and pastoral training are needed, but finance, time, and lack of vision limit opportunities. Pray that the various means of training would bolster pastoral leadership across the nation and, in turn, uplift and disciple the whole church to entirely new levels of maturity. 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 09.01.26

2026-09-01T02:35:58Z

John 8:39-59

Reflection

Though Jesus is less than fifty years old, he claims to have lived from before the time of Abraham (John 8:57–58), whose life had ended more than 2,000 years previously. Just as God had said his own name is “I am who I am” when he spoke to Moses at the burning bush (Ex. 3:14), so Jesus now says that he is “I am” (John 8:58).

Christ’s claim to divinity is so unmistakable that the Jewish leaders pick up stones to kill him (v. 59). Jesus is declaring himself to be the eternal God of Israel —the same God who called Abraham, the same God who met Moses at the burning bush. Jesus, who is God (1:2), was sent by the Father from heaven (8:42) to show us what the Father is like (cf. 1:18). As he would later tell Philip, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (14:9). If we want to know who God is, there is no clearer revelation than the person of God the Son, Jesus Christ (cf. Heb. 1:3).

Hebrews 7:11-21

Reflection

Jesus is superior to the Old Testament high priests. They all came from the line of Aaron the Levite (Heb. 7:11), and it was impossible for Jesus to belong to that order because in his humanity he was descended from Judah, not Aaron. So what did God do? He established another priesthood, this one associated with the priest Melchizedek from Genesis 14. Old Testament priests were installed by legal procedures (Heb. 7:16), but Christ became a priest by God’s oath: “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek” (v. 17; cf. Ps. 110:4). Levitical priests died and were replaced in office by their sons. But Christ is a priest in the order of Melchizedek and therefore needs no successor because he is a priest “by the power of an indestructible life,” seen in his resurrection from the dead (Heb. 7:16).

Psalm 110:2-4

Thoughts For Prayer

Jesus is the ultimate and final Priest who presents us before God. Rejoice that you can now come directly to the Father through Jesus the Son. He is the only go-between available, and he is the only one we will ever need.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Mark & Patti Bean

Country:

Peru, United States of America

In August, the Bean family had a family reunion with all their children in one spot for the first time in nine years! It was a very special time, and they are most thankful for our prayers. Pray for Mark and Patti as they care for three of their grandchildren while their parents travel this month. The first three weeks of September, Mark will work intensely with the C4 Quechua team as they gather in Huánuco and he meets them online. This is on the heels of two solid weeks working with the Panao team. Pray for stamina, attention to detail, and wisdom in finding ways to faithfully translate word concepts into Quechua. The teams took Proverbs 18—24 home with them to check. They will need to go over the edits they want to make, see what things Mark flagged in Proverbs 25—30, and fix them to take home next time.

Israel (Asia). Population: 9,517,000 Believers: 0.4%. Interest in the gospel increased within Israel, especially among Jews, and especially the last few years. At least 12,000 Jews recognize Jesus as their Messiah just within Israel. Messianic Jews are now an undeniable part of Israeli society, but growth also brings persecution. Pray for boldness in witness and perseverance in faith despite the opposition. 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 08.31.26

2026-08-31T02:35:58Z

John 8:31-38

Reflection

Jesus has come to give prisoners freedom (Luke 4:16–21; Isa. 61:1–3)—a freedom that no one else can give, based on truth that he alone possesses. True freedom requires that we have the right Father: not everyone who has descended from Abraham has God as their Father. None can claim God as their Father who won’t have his Son as their Savior.

Our family heritage is no guarantee of our personal salvation. We may come from a religious background and still be spiritual orphans. Only through Jesus can we be rescued from the dominion of darkness (Col. 1:13), where Satan is father, and be brought into the family of God, where we are given the full rights and delights of the children of God (John 1:12; Gal. 4:5; 1 John 3:1–3).

Hebrews 7:1-10

Reflection

In Hebrews 6:20 we read that the priesthood of Jesus is “after the order of Melchizedek”—that is, Jesus was not a priest in the same lineage or system as Israel’s Levitical priests. When Christ comes before God on our behalf as our great High Priest, he does so as the heir of a man named Melchizedek.

This mysterious figure appears in Genesis 14 as a “priest of God Most High” (Gen. 14:18). Though we know very little about him, Melchizedek resembles Jesus in several ways (Heb. 7:2–3). In fact, Melchizedek is such a distinguished character that he blesses the great patriarch Abraham, implying that Melchizedek was superior to Israel’s most revered ancestor. In some sense, when Abraham—the father of Israel—honored the priesthood of Melchizedek, Abraham’s grandson Levi—from whom Israel’s priesthood descended— recognized his superiority as well (vv. 9–10). In other words, the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Levitical priesthood of Israel. Since Jesus is associated with Melchizedek, our High Priest is therefore superior to the high priests in the Old Testament. In every way imaginable, Jesus is better!

Psalm 102:18-22

Thoughts For Prayer

The Lord provides the ultimate freedom from the ultimate bondage: he rescues sinners from sin and death, and turns them into worshipers. Pray for those who are enslaved to sin and ask God to show them the freedom that is available in Christ.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Bobby & Julie in Central Asia

Country:

Pray for God’s guidance for Bobby, for his growth and prayer life, and for the best use of his time, balancing between church, business, language, and academic work. Pray for him to make a good decision as he considers going deeper into Uyghur studies. Pray for Julie as she teaches math at the children’s school, coaches soccer, and teaches physical education. Pray for Maudie, Orion, Pleiades, Providence, and Gilbert, as they begin a new school year. They are thankful for how God has provided for them and are praying for their spiritual growth.

Ireland (Europe). Population: 5,308,000 Believers: 1.5%. Evangelicals are experiencing sustained growth. The immigration surge contributed to this, with around one-third of evangelicals coming from non-Irish ethnicities. Pray for unity amid the new diversity, continued growth, good Bible-trained leadership to be raised up, and for the further development of holistic ministry by evangelicals. 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 08.30.26

2026-08-30T02:35:58Z

John 8:21-30

Reflection

Jesus’ words are stirring a hostile reaction from the Jews, but rather than backing down, Jesus intensifies his claims. Jesus says that he is from above, they are from below; they are of this world, he is not of this world. They charged Jesus with sin, but the truth is that they will remain in their sins unless they believe in him (John 8:24).

The gospel of grace assaults self-reliant religion and confronts self-exaltation. Those who depend on themselves react with hatred for what they see in Jesus, and yet others will see something compelling and wonderful about his grace. It is impossible to predict how people will respond to the grace of Christ. He can save anyone, anytime, anywhere.

Hebrews 6:13-20

Reflection

God made promises to Abraham and reinforced them with an oath (Heb. 6:13–14). Abraham believed God and “obtained the promise” (v. 15), and the readers of this letter are to do the same. God stooped to meet us in our weakness; as if his word were not enough, he added his oath to his promise. Why? So that we, as heirs of the promise to Abraham and as believers in Jesus, “might have strong encouragement” (v. 18). God does not want us to doubt his salvation promises.

At the same time, he spurs us on so that we might “hold fast to the hope set before us” (v. 18). Our hope is secure —like an “anchor” (v. 19) that Jesus took with him into the Most Holy Place in the heavenly temple when he returned to the Father’s presence. Our souls can find “strong encouragement” (v. 18) because this hope is “sure and steadfast” (v. 19). He went to heaven “as a forerunner on our behalf” (v. 20); therefore, we will surely follow him there.

Psalm 119:76

Thoughts For Prayer

The promises of God will never fail, and are meant to provide hope and strength to endure the fight of faith. Battle the doubts that creep into your heart by praying the promises of God, asking the Holy Spirit to stir up your faith in the God of your salvation.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Andrew & Angie James

Country:

Uruguay

Please pray for Nico, who is serving as pastoral intern at the church—that his love for the Lord will deepen during this season. Pray for their church as they follow up with those who attended the outreach event yesterday. Pray that those who attended will be drawn to Christ. Andrew and Angie are thankful that their family is doing well. Pray that their children will continue to grow in their love for the Lord.

Iraq (Asia). Population: 47,021,000 Believers: 0.2%. The emergence of Iraqi Arab evangelicals in recent years (now over 50,000) is an answer to prayer! Many of them come from Muslim and even extremist backgrounds, but they encountered Christ through evangelical witness, gospel radio, and especially through dreams and visions of Jesus. Pray for leaders for the churches. Many fled the country and others died, often targeted by Islamists. Many times, the Christian widows of these leaders continue with the pastoral and discipleship work. 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 08.29.26

2026-08-29T02:35:58Z

John 7:53-8:20

Reflection

At the end of the first day of the Feast of Booths, four golden lamps were lit in the temple courts. Singing, celebration, music, and dancing continued through the nights of the feast, and the temple lights illumined the entire city. This is the context in which Jesus makes his startling claim to be the Light of the World.

Light is a rich Old Testament symbol. It was the first thing God created (Gen. 1:3). During the exodus, the people of God were led in their journey by a pillar of cloud and fire (Ex. 13:21–22). The psalmist taught that “the Lord is my light” (Ps. 27:1). The coming age of the kingdom would be a time when the Savior of Israel would be as “a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isa. 49:6), and a time when God himself would be his people’s light (Isa. 60:19–22; Rev. 22:5). Jesus was boldly saying, “The promised day of light has arrived, and I am the source.” He is the sun by which we see all things. (John 7:53–8:11 is missing from some of the earliest Greek manuscripts.)

Hebrews 6:1-12

Reflection

Although the writer issues a strong warning to his hearers about the dangers of turning away from Christ (see note on Hebrews 3:12–19), he is confident that those he addresses will not fall away (6:9). Why? He knows that God is just and will not forget the Hebrew Christians’ diligence, love, and service—all of which testify that they have truly entrusted themselves to Christ by faith.

The author here wants “each one” of his readers to persevere in their faith so that they can “have the full assurance of hope until the end” (v. 11). A failure to persevere proves that a person’s faith was never real. However, by persevering in service and love we demonstrate our faith in Christ through which we will “inherit the promises” of God (v. 12).

Psalm 27:1-3

Thoughts For Prayer

Following Christ consists of more than a prayer to receive Jesus, or an emotional experience at a weekend retreat. Following Christ requires a person to live a life of faith in him, turning from sin and trusting in Jesus day after day, surrendering our will to the will of our heavenly Father time and again. Pray for the strength to persevere in your faith, and trust that Jesus never loses any of those who have been entrusted to his care (John 10:28–29).

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Parkside Church: Westside

Country:

United States of America

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. Please pray also for Embody Youth Academy and the work they are doing with Cleveland's youth. 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.

Iran (Asia). Population: 92,418,000 Believers: 0.2%. Massive numbers of Iranians have come to Jesus in recent years! From only 500 Muslim-background believers in 1979, some estimates suggest the number is even greater than 1 million just in Iran alone. While hundreds of thousands of Iranians have indicated that they are Christian, only a fraction actively participate in church life. In Iran, a person can receive a death sentence for apostasy (abandoning religious faith). Despite this, 50,000 mosques have closed in recent years as Iranians are disillusioned with both the regime and with Islam. Missions are not free to minister in Iran, but some tentmaking opportunities exist. Pray for the door to Iran to open in God’s perfect timing. 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 08.28.26

2026-08-28T02:35:58Z

John 7:45-52

Reflection

Nicodemus, who originally came to Jesus at night (John 3:2), now seems ready to defend him. While he doesn’t actually claim to follow Jesus, he at least tries to slow down the plans of Christ’s enemies. Nicodemus is not yet ready to declare his loyalty to Christ, but there has been movement in his heart that will eventually mature in its devotion (cf. 19:39–42). Though the change may come in stages, Jesus ultimately transforms everything about us.

Hebrews 5:1-14

Reflection

Christ was appointed to be our High Priest according to the will of God (Heb. 5:5–6). This role required him to be both God and man. The book of Hebrews highlights Jesus’ deity when it refers to him as the “Son” (vv. 5, 8). The book highlights the genuineness of his humanity when it speaks of Jesus’ “flesh,” his “loud cries and tears,” his learning “obedience,” the fact that “he suffered,” and the reality that he was “made perfect” by completing his assignment (vv. 7–9). The eternal Son of God became a genuine human.

Fallen humanity needed a Mediator— a go-between—to make the relationship between God and man possible. There were three qualifications for the position of Mediator between God and humanity: candidates must be God, they must human, and they need “on the job” experience. Jesus met all three criteria when he —the immortal God —took on flesh and lived a painful human life of suffering in obedience to his Father. How the Son of God loved us to humble himself in such a way! Our lives must say “thank you” every day for such matchless grace.

Psalm 25:5

Thoughts For Prayer

Like Nicodemus, we are all in the process of being transformed by Christ. Take hope from knowing that he is the one who began this work in you and he will be sure to finish it (Phil. 1:6).

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Ruth (& Artis) Powell

Country:

United States of America, Zambia

Please pray for Ruth and her team as they prepare for afterschool Bible Clubs to begin soon in Cleveland, Euclid, and Painesville. Pray for enough volunteers and that the school boards will continue to be receptive. Pray that many parents will sign up their children to attend the clubs and that children who attended the clubs in past school years will continue to seek Christ.

The Islands of Indonesia (Asia). Population: 285,721,000 Believers: 5.6%. Pray that the church continues to grow amidst the intense opposition and persecution. Pray for: a) Revival. Many denominations there lack spiritual life. They struggle with immorality, divisions, and even indigenous occult practices. b) More mature, spiritual leaders. c) New believers from a Muslim background, who often face rejection and persecution from their communities. They can also find it difficult to fit into Christian culture and churches. Pray for whole households to come to Christ and to follow Christ within their own culture. 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 08.27.26

2026-08-27T02:35:58Z

John 7:25-44

Reflection

The Feast of Booths was a joyful festival in Jerusalem. It celebrated the ingathering of the fall crops and the years the Israelites spent living in tents as they journeyed through the wilderness (Lev. 23:33–43; Num. 29:2–38). During the course of the week, water was poured upon the altar, in remembrance of the refreshing stream that had come forth miraculously out of a rock in the wilderness (Ex. 17:1–7).

When Jesus invited the thirsty to himself (John 7:37), he was making a startling declaration. He was claiming to be the rock in the wilderness—the rock from which life-giving water flowed and saved God’s people (see also 1 Cor. 10:1–4). Jesus was also looking ahead to the day he would pour out his Spirit into our hearts (John 7:38–39; Joel 2:28–29; Acts 2). After Jesus ascended to heaven, God poured out his Holy Spirit upon the church, enabling us to believe in Christ (John 3:3) and follow him (Gal. 5:22–24).

Hebrews 4:14-16

Reflection

Our Great High Priest is a human being who identifies with us: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Our Great High Priest is also divine —God himself. Jesus “has passed through the heavens” (v. 15); no earthly high priest ever arose to God’s heavenly throne! Jesus’ deity is also communicated through the divine title “the Son of God” (v. 14).

Consequently, our priest is both God and man. As a genuine human being who even experienced temptation, he is able to sympathize with us in our weaknesses. But as the second Adam he never sinned. Therefore, as God himself who became the perfect man, he is able to give us mercy and grace when we come to God through him. We are to come boldly before God’s awesome heavenly throne —which through Christ has become for us “the throne of grace”! And we do so assured that Jesus as a man understands our struggles and as God is able and willing to help us in our distress. This is a great incentive to prayer and praise.

Psalm 62:8

Thoughts For Prayer

When we approach the throne of God in prayer, we must remember that it is a “throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16). God does not scorn us as we come into his presence. He is glad to see us and is pleased with us because of the cleansing we have received by his Son.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

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

Country:

United States of America

Goran shares that since their visit in April, they continue to hear stories and see pictures of the outreach of soccer ministry training in many places in Brazil, including among immigrants and in favelas (slums). Please continue to pray for Claudemir, Deocar, Mateus, Marcio, and others. 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 prayer and support that come from Parkside.

India (Asia). Population: 1,463,866,000 Believers: 2.2%. India has more unreached individuals than any other nation. Christians in India are unequally spread—the south and northeast have a much higher proportion of Christians than the more populated north and west. Thirteen states in North India are less than 1% Christian. Pray that the church worldwide might rise to this task. Training for Christian workers is an urgent need. The life and health of the church depend on the proper development of pastors, teachers, evangelists, and missionaries. 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 08.26.26

2026-08-26T02:35:58Z

John 7:14-24

Reflection

In dramatic fashion, Jesus moved into the temple courts and began to teach. His words created astonishment and rage: astonishment because of his depth of knowledge as a seemingly untrained rabbi (John 7:15); rage because his teaching exposed the people’s sin (v. 19).

Jesus, his gospel, and his teachings do not land on people in a neutral way. He is either received with joy or rejected with contempt. The gospel is the aroma of life to some and the aroma of death to others (2 Cor. 2:15–16). There is no middle ground.

Hebrews 4:1-13

Reflection

This is one of many exhortations in Hebrews to continue in faith and obedience until the completion of our salvation (“to enter that rest”; 4:11). Next the writer speaks of the Word of God. He describes it as dynamic, powerful, “sharp,” cutting, and able to read our hearts (v. 12).

These descriptions point to the fact that God uses his Word to reveal the unbelief and disobedience lurking in our hearts. All things are visible to God; no one can hide from him (v. 13). He uses his living and piercing Word to search us deep within and to show us the “thoughts and intentions” that are displeasing to him. Let us utilize this vital gift of Scripture (cf. Ps. 19:11–14) through Bible reading, Bible study, and church attendance in order to deepen our understanding of God’s Word. God gives us what we need if we will make use of his gracious gifts.

Psalm 119:103-104

Thoughts For Prayer

God’s words expose what is in our hearts. Pray that you would be responsive to the Scripture as God uses it to reveal who you really are below the surface.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

J & A in Central Asia

Country:

J asks us to pray for his interactions with local people at the airport. He has started going more frequently and is developing relationships with them. Some have already shared about certain hardships they are facing. Pray that J will be a blessing and encouragement to them. As J continues learning their language, pray for grace to press on in his studies. A is also taking language classes. She has had very meaningful conversations with her teacher. Pray that God will give A wisdom and compassion in these interactions and that she will have success in learning the language. Pray for their children, A and E, to continue to grow in stature and grace before God and men. They are thankful the children have been very healthy thus far. Pray that their good health continues.

Hungary (Europe). Population: 9,632,000 Believers: 2.8%. Hungarians have lost contact with the gospel, despite enjoying a rich theological history. They seek answers in many places: materialism, hedonism, alcohol, and increasingly, false religion. Postmodern mentalities predominate. Pray for all falsehoods and empty philosophies to be exposed as such and for Christ to be exalted as the truth in this historically Christian 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 08.25.26

2026-08-25T02:35:58Z

John 7:1-13

Reflection

In John 7–8, Jesus’ claims about himself grow even more dramatic, and the response of the Jews grows increasingly hostile. As Jesus reveals himself more clearly, the Jews have a growing desire to put him to death. Indeed, they did put him to death, but only at the appointed time (see John 7:6) and only for God’s saving purposes (Acts 2:23–24). God’s plans never fail. Even the most disastrous and puzzling events are under his wise, governing hand.

Even members of Jesus’ own family struggled with his identity (John 7:5)— only after his resurrection did his brothers believe in him (Mark 3:21; Acts 1:14; 1 Cor. 15:7). Like the rest of us, their salvation and eternal relationship with Jesus comes by grace alone through faith alone. We must all be born from above so that we might believe from within and be saved (John 3:5).

Hebrews 3:12-19

Reflection

Those who are truly the Lord’s do not fall away forever; however, there is no assurance that we are truly the Lord’s if we live contrary to him (cf. Heb. 10:14; Rom. 8:29–30; Eph. 2:6; Col. 3:1–3). So, these strong words call all professing Christians to a self-examination that would keep us from living in fear or rebellion (see also 2 Cor. 13:5). One evidence of truly knowing Christ is persistent faith. We must be on guard, therefore, that we do not develop “an evil, unbelieving heart.” What is the antidote to the poison of unbelief? It is mutual accountability and daily encouragement of one another (Heb. 3:13). Sin is deceitful and can harden our hearts.

Let us be watchful, then, and “hold our original confidence firm to the end” (v. 14). We thank God for faithful spouses and other friends who help us walk with Christ. And we should be on the lookout for those who say they believe in Christ yet do not continue with him. They need our prayers and maybe our help.

Psalm 40:9

Thoughts For Prayer

According to Hebrews 3:13, our church family plays a crucial role in helping to sustain our faith. Pray that God would give you close and committed friends so that you can help one another in the battle for faith.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Truth For Life

Country:

United States of America

Please pray for them as they seek God’s provision in hiring for key roles across the ministry. Ask him to lead the right candidates to them—individuals who are gifted, humble, and eager to serve Christ through this work. Pray also for their translation efforts as they continue making biblical teaching available in more languages around the world. Finally, pray for their prison ministry as they continue making Truth For Life resources available to prisons throughout the country. Ask God to use Truth For Life resources to bring the hope of the gospel to men and women who are incarcerated.

Honduras (Latin America). Population: 11,006,000 Believers: 23.0%. The growing number and influence of evangelicals is praiseworthy, as is the greatly increasing number and size of many congregations. Sadly, much of the progress among evangelicals in Honduras is undermined by their fragmentation into countless denominations and the resulting jealousies and isolationism. In part, this is due to the imported divisions and rivalries brought in by missionaries. Pray for the Confraternidad Evangélica (founded in 1987), which represents 90% of evangelicals in the country. It works to cultivate fellowship and cooperation across 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.