The One Year New Testament

Devotional for 08.07.26

2026-08-07T07:19:21Z

John 2:1-12

Reflection

The miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana of Galilee is the first of seven “sign” miracles that John chose to record. Also included are the healing of the royal official’s son (4:46–54), the healing of the paralytic at the Bethesda pool (5:1–17), the feeding of the 5,000 (6:1–14), the walking on water (6:16–21), the healing of the man born blind (9:1–41), and the raising of Lazarus from the dead (11:1–46). In John’s account of Jesus’ life, the miraculous signs answer the question, “Who is Jesus?”

What do we learn about Jesus in this first sign? We learn that he has power over the material universe. So who is Jesus? He is the One who causes the eternal blessings of God’s kingdom to flow in overwhelming abundance for the sake of the joy of God’s people (Joel 3:18; Amos 9:13–14; Jer. 31:12).

He is the Lord of glory, who calls us to put our hope in him so that we might enjoy his eternal blessings.

2 Timothy 4:9-22

Reflection

Paul was abandoned by a man named Demas, who was “in love with this present world” (2 Tim. 4:10). Demas had not seen the foolishness of living for the temporary pleasures of this life at the expense of his own soul (cf. Mark 8:36). In contrast, Paul shows us how to live like a citizen of Christ’s kingdom. He has forsaken countless earthly pleasures for the sake of the eternal reward that is found in Christ alone. Though Paul has been deserted (2 Tim. 4:10, 16) and opposed (v. 15), Christ has given him the strength to endure hardship and spread the gospel (v. 17). His hope comes from knowing that Jesus will faithfully bring him “safely into his heavenly kingdom” (v. 18).

Psalm 115:1

Thoughts For Prayer

Where are you finding your hope today? Ask God to comfort, encourage, and strengthen you with the hope that he will safely bring you into his heavenly kingdom (2 Tim. 4:18).

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Bobby & Julie in Central Asia

Country:

Please pray for their local sports training, education, and tourism business. Pray for God’s direction and for the best use of their time and energy. Also, pray that God will show them if there is a way to integrate short-term teams into these endeavors. Pray for their teammate, Yessin, a local brother, who is planting a church. Pray for perseverance and clarity in the work.

Falkland Islands (Latin America). Population: 3,000, Believers: 10.8%. Most of the population is very nominal in what faith they may have. Pray for a renewal of faith. Pray for believers in their witness to fellow Islanders and to fishermen, oilmen, and tourists of different nationalities who stop off in the islands.

Faroe Islands (Europe). Population: 56,000 Believers: 28.8%. The Faeroese need revival. Pray for the Spirit to continue impacting the church in the Faeroe Islands; pray that Christians will be wise in engaging the postmodern and secular attitudes that increasingly challenge the primacy of the Bible and Christian tradition. 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 08.06.26

2026-08-06T07:19:21Z

John 1:35-51

Reflection

As Jesus’ first disciples and trusted servants, Jesus chooses unlikely men, all of whom will fail him at one time or another. John is showing us a common kingdom principle: God chooses the weak in order to exalt his name (cf. 1 Cor. 1:26–27). This is good news for all of us who recognize our own weaknesses and sin. Our failings do not disqualify us from Christ’s kingdom. There is only one hero in the gospel story: Jesus himself.

The most important qualification for Jesus’ disciples is to be absolutely clear in heart and mind about who Jesus is and what he has done. Here we see that in the span of 16 verses, Jesus is identified as “the Lamb of God” (John 1:29), “the Messiah” (v. 41), “the Son of God” (vv. 34, 49), “the King of Israel” (v. 49), and “Son of Man” (v. 51) —all tremendously important names that take on a fuller meaning throughout John’s Gospel.

2 Timothy 4:1-8

Reflection

Paul’s final charge to endurance begins with the solemn call to “preach the word,” knowing that God and Christ will ultimately hold the preacher accountable for his faithfulness to the Scriptures. This responsibility requires a steady competence and familiarity with the Bible: “be ready in season and out of season” (2 Tim. 4:2).

Paul gives two reasons for this awesome charge. First, “the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching” (v. 3a). Timothy must persevere steadily, because people will be fickle. Paul therefore directs Timothy to gospel-preaching endurance. “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist [literally, one who speaks the gospel], fulfill your ministry” (v. 5). The second reason Paul gives for carrying on his mighty charge to “preach the word” is that the work of the gospel must continue after Paul is gone. “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (vv. 6–7). Paul is passing the baton of faithful preaching, knowing that he is nearing the end of his earthly race. To encourage Timothy to this noble task, Paul points forward to the day when earthly faithfulness will be recognized and rewarded by heaven’s King: “Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing” (v. 8). What a day that will be!

Psalm 119:114

Thoughts For Prayer

Paul says that “people will not endure sound teaching” (2 Tim. 4:3) and that they will “turn away from listening to the truth” (2 Tim. 4:4). Pray, therefore, that you will not be among those people —because your feet are squarely planted on the unshifting and unshakeable Word of God.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Human Coalition Cleveland (Health for Her)

Country:

United States of America

The health of their staff is vital. Pray that they would be physically, spiritually, and emotionally well. The hearts of some of their patients are hard and bent on aborting. Pray for the Lord to soften their hearts and open their eyes to the truth. Also, pray for the development of more partnerships with churches to share the load of ministering to women in crisis with unwanted pregnancies.

Ethiopia (Africa). Population: 135,472,000 Believers: 19.6%. Bible translation remains a major challenge. Up to 88% of congregations use local languages in their meetings, so Bible translation is a must. There are 35 translation projects in progress; this represents nearly half of all living languages. Another 17 languages have translation needs that are currently unaddressed. Pray for wisdom in knowing which projects are priorities and pray for more nationals to become involved in 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 08.05.26

2026-08-05T07:19:21Z

John 1:29-34

Reflection

Not only does Jesus fulfill the Old Testament, he also brings completion to Israel’s system of worship. To “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29) is to see the goal and the true meaning of Israel’s practice of animal sacrifice. Rather than depending on the inadequate blood of animals year after year, we are cleansed from our sin by the blood of Jesus, once and for all (Heb. 10:10). This good news is so central to John’s message that he spends 40 percent of his Gospel describing the most crucial week of our Lord’s life —the week of his death and resurrection (John 12:1–20:25). John wants us to see Jesus not just as a moral model but, far more importantly, as the substitute sacrifice for our sin.

John continues to describe this unique man, saying that the Holy Spirit who rested upon and empowered Jesus (cf. Isa. 61:1–3; Luke 4:14–19) would be given by Jesus to dwell within his people (John 1:33). When Jesus baptizes us with the Holy Spirit, we begin our new life and service in his kingdom. For those who have received the Spirit, eternal life has begun even before our physical death. God’s new eternal age has broken into our lives, and it is available to any who are willing to rest upon Christ’s provision instead of trying to merit God’s favor through their personal obedience.

2 Timothy 3:10-17

Reflection

Paul reminds Timothy that he has closely observed Paul’s life, including Paul’s perseverance through multiple persecutions (2 Tim. 3:10–11). This reminder was a gentle, fatherly nudge for Timothy to embrace the challenges that come with a life of devotion to the gospel. This is a universal reality that all followers of Christ must accept: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (v. 12).

Timothy’s endurance will require him to give close attention to the Scriptures and to “continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (vv. 14–15). The Bible is the key to understanding Jesus and his gospel. The fact that these gospel-testifying Scriptures are “breathed out by God” gives us confidence that Scripture is trustworthy and authoritative for our lives, guiding us graciously into all that is good.

Psalm 18:30

Thoughts For Prayer

Like Timothy, our perseverance in the faith will require familiarity with God’s Word, the Bible. Ask God to for the self-discipline to prioritize his Word each day, and pray that he would give you focus and insight as you read.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Emily (& Blake) Ackerson

Country:

Australia

Please pray for their team at the University of Sydney as they welcome thousands of new international students for the new semester. Pray that the Lord would guide them to students whose hearts are open to hearing about Jesus and then provide opportunities for meaningful conversations. Emily and Blake are thankful to be in the Cleveland area until August 11, after a long road trip through Texas visiting many of their church partners and family members. Pray for this special time with Emily's family, as it will be the first time in nine years that everyone has been together. Pray for a smooth approval process of their visa application as they seek to extend their time in Sydney for another four years. Pray for patience and trust in the Lord as they wait.

Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) (Africa). Population: 1,256,000 Believers: 25.1%. Eswatini is the last absolute monarchy in sub-Saharan Africa. Around 25% of the workforce is unemployed, while the economic situation continues to decline. Pray that the king might see his position not as a privilege but as a responsibility to serve his people and his land. Pray that Christians might be at the heart of grassroots movements that care for the neediest in Eswatini. From Operation World DVD-ROM 2010 and www.operationworld.org

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

Devotional for 08.04.26

2026-08-04T07:19:21Z

John 1:19-28

Reflection

John the Baptist is a central character in John’s Gospel because of the unique role he played in God’s story of salvation. Like a bridge, John straddled the Old and New Testaments. He was the last of the Old Testament prophets, and at the same time he was the first messenger of the arrival of God’s promised kingdom in Jesus (Isa. 40:3).

Though John was recognized as a prophet, he was not the Messiah (God’s promised King, also known as the “Christ”), nor was he the fulfillment of all the Old Testament promises (John 1:20–21). The whole Old Testament did not point to John. The Old Testament and John pointed to Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:1-9

Reflection

Though some false teachers may respond to gentle correction (2 Tim. 2:24–26), many will not. Such people are dangerous for the Christians community and should be removed from the church (3:5). These people are “led astray by various passions” (v. 6), indicating that the driving power behind their agenda is their sinful desire. Rather than living with a passion for Jesus, the advancement of his gospel, and the praise of his name, these people are “lovers of self, lovers of money” (v. 2), and “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (v. 4).

When the Holy Spirit awakens us with the gospel, he changes the desires of the heart so that we now have the power to “put off [our] old self, which belongs to [our] former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires” (Eph. 4:22). Christians are not people who have simply started living with new behaviors. At the most fundamental level, they are people who have been given a new heart (cf. Ezek. 36:26).

Psalm 20:1

Thoughts For Prayer

As long as you live in this world, your sinful desires are still lurking—even if you are trusting in Christ. Pray that God would help you to be alert today so that these desires do not sneak up and drive you into sin.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Scranton Road Bible Church

Country:

United States of America

In order to better meet the needs of the church and neighborhood, SRBC is developing and establishing a diaconate. Pray for the Lord’s blessing on this initiative. Over the summer, their men’s, women’s, and pastoral disciple groups continue to meet. Pray for all involved to experience spiritual growth in their lives. With soccer camps completed, pray for successful follow-up with the kids and families. Pray especially for those kids who accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Pray for three new missionaries they have begun to support in Cuba, Zanzibar, and on college campuses here in NE Ohio. Join them in praising the Lord for his goodness to Scranton and his continued work in their neighborhoods. Estonia (Europe). Population: 1,344,000 Believers: 4.9%. Despite a Protestant heritage, genuine faith in Estonia is rare. Many have limited Christian belief, but very few follow Jesus in any meaningful way. Most of the population needs to be re-evangelized. Pray for a new vision for evangelism and revival to reawaken the nominal majority. 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 08.03.26

2026-08-03T07:19:21Z

John 1:1-18

Reflection

The introduction of the book of John is like the opening movement of a grand symphony. It is meant to grab our attention and draw us into the story—the story of all stories. The apostle John sets the stage for the presentation of the gospel by highlighting the main plot line and central themes of the entire Bible —creation (John 1:1–4), the fall (vv. 5, 10–11), and salvation (vv. 9–13), all of which point to the person and work of Jesus (see also vv. 23, 29).

Who is Jesus? This is John’s main question and the quest we are invited to join as we read John’s account. Jesus is eternally one with the Father—the very Word of God (vv. 1–2), through whom God created all things (vv. 3–4). Amazingly, John tells us that the Word became flesh (v. 14)—God became man, yet Jesus never ceased being God. Rather, Jesus came to reveal the Father to us, as only God himself can do. Those who see Jesus for who he really is have been born from above and have become members of God’s family as a gift of God’s grace (vv. 9–13), not because of their own doing.

2 Timothy 2:14-26

Reflection

As Timothy guards God’s people against false teachers, he must be a different type of person than these imposters. Not only must he handle God’s Word properly (2 Tim. 2:15), but he must also live a credible lifestyle that reflects the character of God (vv. 22–23). Even as he confronts the false ideas these men are promoting, he must do so with kindness, patiently enduring the evil of these men (v. 24) and correcting them with “gentleness” (v. 25).

Jesus wants his people to be devoted to the truth, but he also wants us to genuinely care for others—even our enemies (Matt. 5:44). Just as Jesus lovingly confronts our false notions of who he is, we should be a community of followers who are devoted to “speaking the truth in love” (Eph. 4:15). Often this is the very means by which Jesus rescues those who are recklessly plunging toward self-destruction (2 Tim. 2:25–26).

Psalm 103:8

Thoughts For Prayer

Be careful that you don’t harbor hatred for those who are opposed to the gospel. Pray for them and ask God to give you a heart of mercy, remembering that his mercy is the only reason we are not opposed to the gospel ourselves.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

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

Country:

Pray for the 50 Portuguese speaking pastors and church leaders Kep and Debbie met in Toronto in June as they prepare to start two Equipping Servants International (ESI) groups in September. Pray that they will grow in Christ, experiencing real gospel transformation in their lives, marriages, families, and local churches as they study the Bible over the next three years. Pray for the Fulani church planters that Kep and Debbie discipled as they plant churches in very difficult areas across North Africa.

Eritrea (Africa). Population: 3,607,000 Believers: 2.1%. The Christian church faces terrible ongoing persecution, both outside the recognized churches and, to some degree, within. Many leaders and lay members are in prison, and more are under house arrest; the government has seized many church assets. Pray that Christians may remain fervent for Jesus amid hardship and make a significant impact on their nation and beyond. 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 08.02.26

2026-08-02T07:19:21Z

Luke 24:50-53

Reflection

Everything that happened with Jesus is “gospel” or good news because through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension God is forgiving our sins, blessing us, and giving us his peace (Luke 1:67–79; 2:14; 24:50–51). The result of God’s gracious blessing, and the most proper and beautiful response to the gospel of Jesus, is our joyful worship (vv. 52–53).

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Reflection

Paul continues his call to endurance. The opening words of the command to “Remember Jesus Christ” (2 Tim. 2:8) call for the remembrance of two things: first, Jesus was “risen from the dead,” and second, he was “the offspring of David.” By remembering Jesus’ resurrection, we recall the gospel’s awesome power (cf. Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 15:20–22; Eph. 1:19–20). By remembering Christ’s lineage, we recall God’s awesome faithfulness to his Word and the promises made in the Old Testament (2 Sam. 7:12–16; cf. Luke 24:26–27). If we are to persevere, we must set our minds on Jesus Christ.

Paul’s call for endurance now includes an easy-to-remember poem. The fourth stanza, that begins with “if we are faithless,” is followed by a surprise response, one that is gloriously gracious: “he remains faithful” (2 Tim. 2:13). Here is unforgettable comfort for all who attempt to endure for the gospel. Though we may sometimes waver and fall into unfaithfulness in our efforts to endure, God remains faithful. No one is always loyal; only Jesus is perfectly faithful. And yet in the gospel we learn that it is the faithfulness of Jesus that makes a way for God to show favor to faithless sinners like us. How encouraging to all who desire to endure!

Psalm 66:1-4

Thoughts For Prayer

Spend some time responding to the gospel of Jesus by simply worshiping God today for what he has done.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Mark & Patti Bean

Country:

Peru, United States of America

On August 2-8, the entire Bean family will be together for the first time in just over nine years. Pray that they will enjoy each other, love each other, and build each other up, making good memories in the process. At the end of the month, Mark will be working remotely with the Panatawa Quechua team to finish up several Old Testament books and to check the translations with community members. Pray that Mark and the team will make good progress.

El Salvador (Latin America). Population: 6,366,000 Believers: 31.6%. The growth of evangelicals amid travail has been a modern-day miracle, but now the need is for consolidation of the work. Pray for effective discipling and motivation of believers for service, witness, and missions. Pray also for increased unity and vision for outreach so that this nation might belong to Jesus—El Salvador is Spanish for “the Savior.” 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 08.01.26

2026-08-01T07:19:21Z

Luke 24:36-49

Reflection

Jesus’ disciples had every reason to be frightened and troubled. Their hopes for Jesus’ promised kingdom seemed to have been dashed when he was crucified. His body had disappeared, and many of them had doubted his resurrection (Luke 24:11) and even denied him (22:54–62). And now, suddenly, he appeared before them —or at least what seemed to be his ghost (24:37). We too would be frightened, especially in light of such guilt on our part. We might expect Jesus to take this opportunity to condemn their faithlessness, but instead he spoke these good news words: “Peace to you!” (v. 36).

We have in this story and these words a picture of the gospel of God’s grace. He knows our weaknesses and that we are made of powerless dust (Ps. 103:14), yet he joyfully invites us to be his children. Even more, he sends us with the gospel to be his witnesses and representatives throughout the world (Luke 24:48). It is our Spirit-given understanding of God’s love and grace that empowers and motivates us to proclaim his grace to others (v. 49).

2 Timothy 2:1-7

Reflection

As Paul continues to call Timothy to endure, he tells him to utilize the power of Christ’s grace: “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 2:1).

Just like all true Christians, Timothy had already experienced God’s grace, but he was still a work in progress. Grace was a continual source of Timothy’s (and our) power for Christian living. As John put it, “from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16). As James remarked, “he gives more grace” (James 4:6). More grace was always there for Timothy, and it is there for all believers. We are not only converted but also strengthened by the grace of the gospel. Knowing that our God loves us, forgives us, purifies us, helps us, comforts us, enables us, and secures us —all because of his mercy rather than our merit —encourages and strengthens us for the calling he gives us.

Psalm 86:16

Thoughts For Prayer

We cannot fix our sin by wallowing in self-pity, thinking that we must punish ourselves to pay for what we have done. Christ has already paid for our sin, so there is no need to beat yourself up. The only way forward in the battle against your sin is to receive Christ’s grace and start again.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Wes & Nancy Collins

Country:

United States of America

Wes passed into the Lord’s presence on July 5 and is now rejoicing with his Savior. Nancy, their daughter Elisa, and her family had the privilege of taking loving care of him since January. A celebration of life was held on July 11. Please pray for the whole Collins family as they walk through this difficult time. Continue to pray for believers around the world to be faithful to God’s Word and to make disciples. Pray specifically for leaders in Comitancillo, Guatemala, to spread the news within their community and beyond and that Satan would not get a foothold in their lives. Pray for health and safety for translators around the world.

Egypt (Africa). Population: 118,366,000 Believers: 3.9%. Muslim-background believers are increasing in number and include a number of high-profile, former Muslim religious leaders. Conversion is not illegal, but some are imprisoned for “despising Islam” or under false pretexts; others have fled for their lives. It is thus far impossible for Muslim converts to change their identity cards and register as Christians. Egyptian religious authorities claim that up to one million Muslims in Egypt have become believers in recent years.

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

Devotional for 07.31.26

2026-07-31T07:19:21Z

Luke 24:13-35

Reflection

These crucial verses help us understand the message of the whole Bible. Everything in Scripture points ultimately to Jesus (Luke 24:27; see also v. 44). All that God has ever spoken is now clearly explained in this final and perfect Word, Jesus Christ. When the Bible is read with the understanding that everything written finds its fullest meaning in Jesus, then we have found the key that unlocks the Holy Scriptures (see also John 5:39–47).

Yet, at the same time, we have a problem within us that prevents us from seeing clearly. Like these early disciples, we too are “slow of heart to believe” and have trouble accepting that glory comes through suffering (Luke 24:25–26; Matt. 16:21–23; Mark 8:31–33). We need to be taught by Jesus himself, who now instructs and guides us through his Word by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; John 14:25–26).

2 Timothy 1:1-18

Reflection

Paul begins his second letter to Timothy by urging him to endure in his calling (2 Tim. 1:6–8), motivating him with an inspiring gospel description in which Paul speaks of God’s powerful grace (v. 8). Timothy must endure, but he must do so “by the power of God (v. 8).

The grace that strengthens Timothy’s obedience and ours is not only powerful; it is also a preexistent grace: “grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (v. 9). Here we see that Christ existed before the beginning of time, and that grace preexisted in Christ and was intended for us before the creation began. Ultimately, God’s powerful, preexistent grace became visible grace when Jesus became a human, died, and rose from the dead: “which [grace] now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” (v. 10). This life-giving gospel message is all-powerful. It can save anyone who believes (Rom. 1:16), and it can sustain any genuine Christian through seemingly impossible difficulties. As Paul says, “I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Tim. 1:12). The gospel-centered life will endure shame and suffering for the gospel.

Psalm 105:4

Thoughts For Prayer

Christ’s grace provides not only for our forgiveness but also for our daily transformation. Ask God to provide the power (2 Tim. 1:8) of his grace for you today so that you can continue to grow into the new person he has created you to be through his death and resurrection.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Parkside Kent

Country:

United States of America

They thank the Lord for the 34 kids from Parkside Kent who attended their first VBC in June. Pray for fruit in the lives of each child, especially friends and neighbors who were invited. Pray as well for their pastoral and staff team as they spend time prayerfully planning for fall ministries.

Ecuador (Latin America). Population: 18,290,000 Believers: 8.5%. Evangelical numbers are large enough to significantly impact society. Pray for: vision and growth to continue, unity within the great variety of churches, cultural sensitivity, and integration of Quichua and Lowland Indians into the national church scene, improved availability and quality of pastoral training, and effective and appropriate ministry to children and young people. 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 07.30.26

2026-07-30T07:19:21Z

Luke 24:1-12

Reflection

The events that had unfolded in the previous days were no surprise to Christ, because they were happening according to God’s powerful and wise plan (cf. Luke 24:25–26). That plan, however, never intended to leave Jesus in the grave —something he had explained to his disciples more than once (9:22; 18:32–33). When these women arrived at the empty tomb on Sunday morning, they were reminded that Jesus had predicted his resurrection (24:4–8) and they returned to report their astonishing discovery to the apostles (vv. 10–11). What seemed unbelievable at first (v. 11) would soon be undeniable, as Jesus himself would make quite clear.

1 Timothy 6:17-21

Reflection

Paul knows that it is easy for people who have money to trust in their money for security. However, even though riches appear to guarantee safety and pleasure, Paul tells Timothy to warn people not to “set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God” (1 Tim. 6:17). Only God can be trusted to provide what is eternally secure and satisfying.

This does not mean that money is evil, in itself. God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (v. 17). Those who have abundance, however, must be careful not to cling to their riches with greedy hands. Just as Jesus did not hold tightly to his abundant privileges, but gave himself on behalf of others, so we should be eager “to be generous and ready to share” (v. 18). In the end, this is the best investment we can make. When we give to others with Christtrusting hearts of generosity, we are actually “storing up treasure . . . for the future” (v. 19).

Psalm 49:15

Thoughts For Prayer

Ask God to help you come to terms with the seriousness of Christ’s resurrection. The better we understand the significance of this historical fact, the more we will live with fearless abandon for the cause of Christ and his kingdom.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Chris and Leanne Harrington

Country:

Japan

Leanne has come to the end of the school year. It was a blessing for her to be able to pour into the kids at CAJ as a chemistry teacher over the past seven months. They thank God for sustaining them through this surprise ministry opportunity and pray for the students to grow in their relationships with Christ, submitting their lives to his Lordship and bringing God glory in Japan and around the world.

Dominican Republic (Caribbean). Population: 11,520,000 Believers: 9.1%. Pray for endurance, provision, and faithfulness for those called to minister, especially those serving in the poorer, rural areas. Pray that the 15 or so Bible schools and the National Evangelical University may provide spiritual, mature, and stable leaders for the future. 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 07.29.26

2026-07-29T07:19:21Z

Luke 23:44-56

Reflection

The Son of God has now given up his life (Luke 23:46), having faithfully accomplished the mission his Father had sent him to do. With the conclusion of Christ’s suffering, Luke once again emphasizes the innocence of Jesus (v. 47; cf. vv. 4, 14–15, 22, 41). He has lived a perfect life of obedience, even to the point of sacrificing his life for sinners on the cross (cf. Phil. 2:8). Because of Christ’s spotless obedience, those who trust in him are now forgiven and counted righteous in the sight of God (Rom. 5:18–19).

1 Timothy 6:11-16

Reflection

Paul begins his closing words to Timothy with an eloquent charge toward godliness. Timothy is to “pursue” the virtues that God calls for (1 Tim. 6:11). But this is not a godliness that disregards the gospel of grace. Rather, this godliness is considered a life of faith: “Fight the good fight of the faith” (v. 12). There can be no genuine gospel ministry without a life of godliness, which arises from the beauty of the gospel as we behold Christ and put our faith in him alone.

Psalm 73:26

Thoughts For Prayer

Pray that today you would find fresh strength for obedience and personal discipline by remembering the gospel of God’s grace for you in Christ.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

Wes & Nancy Collins

Country:

United States of America

Please pray for Bible translations to begin in the 500+ languages that still need the Scriptures in their mother tongue, for those in process to be completed, and for these translations to be used and read as they become available in all languages. Pray that these efforts would build the church around the world. Continue to pray for Wes and Nancy and the family in his journey with Parkinson’s and dementia within hospice. Pray for them to be a testimony to the many hospice personnel helping them.

Dominica (Caribbean). Population: 66,000 Believers: 16.8%. The Carib Indians live on an isolated reservation on the northeast coast of Dominica. They are among the last indigenous peoples in the Caribbean to survive the arrival of colonialism and subsequent waves of immigrants. Most are nominally Christian, but only a small number actively follow Christ. Pray that these socially deprived people may find their identity and fulfillment in him.

Equatorial Guinea (Africa). Population: 1,938,000 Believers: 4.4%. Training leaders and discipling believers are strategic and growing ministries. Pray that graduates of training institutions may be used by the Spirit to evangelize the nation and disciple believers. Pray for greater opportunities for laity to grow in their faith; the move from a nominal Catholic/animist worldview to a biblical one is a significant transition. 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 07.28.26

2026-07-28T07:19:21Z

Luke 23:26-43

Reflection

The Jewish leaders and the Roman soldiers mock and ridicule Jesus, revealing their sinful and hateful hearts. By contrast, Jesus does not respond the same way, but rather asks the Father to forgive them (Luke 23:34).

A similar contrast can be seen between the two criminals who are crucified with Jesus. They are examples of two different responses to Jesus. One of the criminals rejects and mocks the Lord, just like the other mockers watching Jesus die (v. 39). The other criminal responds with the humility that comes from seeing both his own sinfulness and the purity of Jesus. This criminal’s repentance and his faith in Christ enable him to enter into paradise with Jesus that very same day (vv. 40–43). We are not required to provide a perfect moral track record in order to be accepted into heaven. All that is required is the open acknowledgment of sin and our genuine trust in Christ.

1 Timothy 6:1-10

Reflection

Paul warns against anyone who teaches “a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness” (1 Tim. 6:3). Doctrine (teaching) that violates Christ’s teaching will reveal its ugly self in ungodly behavior. Faithful teaching always lines up with the words of Jesus and is consistent with godly living.

However, even godly living can be pursued with the wrong motives; some think “godliness is a means of gain,” which is true as long as we’re not thinking in terms of money (v. 6). Here we have a warning against one of the great dangers in this world: those who desire to be rich, who love money, will depart from the faith. The gospel and greed are mutually exclusive (vv. 9–10): “You cannot serve God and money” (Luke 16:13). Let those who claim the gospel, who revel in grace, and who want to be rich—beware! The greatest riches in the universe are in Christ, and in the gospel that proclaims his grace to us.

Psalm 119:36

Thoughts For Prayer

Greed is a soul-shriveling and destructive state of heart. Pray for yourself and for those that you know who do not demonstrate a heart of generosity, asking God for the joyful blessing of being loose-handed toward others.

Missions Prayer Requests

Supported Worker:

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

Country:

In June, Kep and Debbie met with 50 Portuguese speaking pastors and church leaders in Toronto, Portugal. Praise the Lord for their interest in starting ESI groups there to begin studying Romans. In August, they plan to begin two new groups. Pray for these pastors and leaders as they prepare to do this; pray that they will grow in Christ, experiencing real gospel transformation in their lives, marriages, families, and local churches.

Djibouti (Africa). Population: 1,184,000 Believers: 0.1%. Mission work is a challenge in this hot, dry, but often humid land, and working conditions are extremely difficult. Physical and spiritual oppression, economic disparity, ethnic tensions, and a paucity of believers lead easily to discouragement and worker attrition. Pray for God to send long-term workers, especially from nearby countries and people groups. 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.