For many, weakness feels like a flaw, a barrier to growth and effectiveness in the Christian life. Yet, as today’s devotional reminds us, the real hindrance isn’t weakness—it’s the deceptive strength of the old self. When we rely on our natural strength, the result is self-occupation, striving, and resistance to the Spirit’s leading.

But God offers a better way: the Cross for our cursed strength and the Lord Jesus for our blessed weakness.

Grace: More Than a Concept
"For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace" (Romans 6:14).

When we hear the word “grace,” we often think of salvation—God’s unmerited favor extended to us through Jesus Christ. But grace is far more than a starting point in the Christian life; it’s the foundation for how we live every moment.

In his book Living in the Garden of Grace, David Kuykendall explores the profound reality of what it means to be “under grace.” This isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a transformational way of living—one that frees us from striving and allows Christ to live His life through us.

Do All Things for God?
I recently heard someone say, “All that truly matters to God is what we do for Him.” At first, it seemed right—we are, after all, called to glorify God in everything. But the more I considered it, the more uneasy I felt.

For many, a statement like this can unintentionally send the wrong message: that the Christian life is about performance, about proving our worth to God through what we do. But isn’t the beauty of the gospel found in the fact that we can’t earn His favor? What truly matters to God isn’t our striving but His Son.

Imagine being imprisoned while your city is under siege, its destruction inevitable. The future looks bleak, the present unbearable. Then, God gives you a seemingly absurd instruction: buy a piece of land. That’s exactly what happened to Jeremiah.

Jeremiah 32 unfolds during Nebuchadnezzar’s siege of Jerusalem, a dark chapter in Israel’s history. Yet, in the middle of this chaos, God asks Jeremiah to purchase property in Anathoth—a town already overrun by Babylonians. Why would God ask this? What could this transaction possibly mean when the land was on the verge of devastation?

In a world dominated by "laws of nature," science, and self-reliance, the concept of omnipotence can seem distant or abstract. Yet, the omnipotence of God is not just a theological idea—it is the reality that undergirds all creation, sustains life, and invites us into a deeper trust in the One who holds all power.

A.W. Tozer reminds us in chapter 12 of The Knowledge of the Holy that God's omnipotence is not an impersonal force but an attribute of a deeply personal God—the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who invites us to know Him intimately. How does this understanding transform the way we live, pray, and walk in faith?

A Prayer That Covers It All
"We…do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will…being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father…" (Colossians 1:9-12).

In this continuation of Paul’s Spirit-led prayer, we’re reminded that prayer touches every part of life—our actions, relationships, challenges, and worship. Paul’s requests go beyond surface needs, revealing a deeper longing for believers to fully experience God’s will and live lives that reflect His grace.

"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, . . . the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).

At first glance, this verse sounds comforting, but Oswald Chambers reveals its depth and challenge. Walking in the light isn’t about living by our own standards of right and wrong, nor is it merely about feeling free from guilt. It’s about stepping into God’s light, where nothing is hidden, and letting the Holy Spirit reveal the true nature of sin—not just in what we do, but in who we are apart from Christ.

A Verse That Speaks Volumes
"Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?" (James 4:5, BSB).

At first glance, this verse can be puzzling. What does it mean that the Spirit yearns with envy? A.B. Simpson’s devotional offers a beautiful interpretation, suggesting that it speaks of the Holy Spirit’s intense, jealous love for us—a love so deep that He feels pain when we stray.

The Cross: More Than a Moment
The thought for today comes from Abide Above’s devotional, which reminds us that the Cross isn’t just a historical event or a theological concept. It’s a daily reality, shaping how we live and grow in Christ. The words of Philippians 3:10, “That I may know Him... being made conformable unto His death,” call us to a deeper walk—a daily surrender to the ongoing work of the Cross in our lives.

What is the purpose of humanity? The Westminster Shorter Catechism famously declares: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This statement beautifully encapsulates much of what the Bible teaches about humanity’s relationship with God. Yet, when we read passages like Ephesians 1, we see another dimension of our purpose: we are created and redeemed to “the praise of His glorious grace” (Ephesians 1:6).

How do these ideas fit together? Are we called to glorify God and enjoy Him forever, or are we primarily designed to reflect the glory of His grace? The answer, as we’ll explore, is a harmonious yes.

The term “tough love” has become a popular phrase in discussions about parenting, relationships, and even workplace dynamics. It often conjures images of stern ultimatums, strict boundaries, and “teaching hard lessons” for someone’s own good. But where does this concept originate, and how does it align—or conflict—with a Christ-centered, grace-oriented approach to life?

Jeremiah 31 is one of the most beautiful declarations of God’s faithfulness and His plan to restore His people. It is a chapter brimming with hope, rooted in God’s grace, and centered on His transformative power. For us today, these ancient promises remind us that God’s love is unfailing, His plans are redemptive, and His new covenant offers life and joy in Christ.

Christmas morning is a time of celebration, reflection, and awe. Today’s words from A.B. Simpson, rooted in Luke 2:10, remind us of the deeper truths that shape this season. The angel’s proclamation to the shepherds—“Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”—calls us to embrace the true spirit of Christmas, one that transforms our hearts and lives.

The holidays bring a unique blend of joy and stress. Lights twinkle, carols play, and families gather around tables brimming with food and tradition. But let’s be honest—those same gatherings can also bring tension, especially when politics, ideologies, or personal differences come into play. Jamie Joseph’s recent article on navigating holiday conversations with Trump-supporting relatives sparked my reflection on this very topic.

As I read through the advice offered—everything from canceling Christmas to "banning the bad actors"—I couldn’t help but wonder: Is this how we’re meant to engage with our families? Should differing viewpoints really drive us apart during a season meant to celebrate hope, love, and reconciliation?

Recently, I came across an article by John Coleman that sparked a fascinating line of thought. Coleman painted a vivid contrast between two historical figures: Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, and Jesus Christ. Both lived during the same era, yet their legacies are astonishingly different. This contrast got me thinking—not about their influence, but about the skepticism Jesus faces regarding His very existence. Why do so many people accept the historicity of Augustus without question, yet approach the life of Jesus with doubt? Are the historical records of Augustus inherently more reliable, or does something deeper underlie this disparity?

History is full of larger-than-life figures—men and women who shaped the world through their power, intellect, and influence. Among them, Augustus Caesar stands as a towering figure. Born Gaius Octavius in 63 B.C., he transformed the Roman Republic into an empire, ushering in the Pax Romana—a 200-year period of unprecedented peace and prosperity. Yet, as renowned as Augustus is, he is now remembered in the shadow of a much humbler figure born during his reign.

At the heart of the greatest story ever told lies a striking contrast between two men: Augustus, who ruled by might, and Jesus Christ, who came to serve and save. John Coleman’s thoughtful reflections on this duality inspired us to explore these two paths—one of earthly power and the other of divine humility—and the lasting impact of each.

"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will" (Colossians 1:9).

Prayer is more than a spiritual exercise—it’s a lifeline for living in the grace of God. Today’s meditation from Day by Day by Grace reminds us that Spirit-led prayer isn’t confined to moments of crisis or Sunday mornings. It’s a continual conversation with the Lord, bringing every part of life into His presence.

The beauty of Christmas is more than the lights, the carols, or even the manger scene—it’s the reminder of the miraculous: God with us. In today’s reflection from My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers leads us to ponder the significance of Jesus’ birth in history and His birth within us.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

Christmas is a time when we celebrate peace on earth, but let’s be honest—life doesn’t always feel peaceful. Today’s devotional from Abide Above reminds us that peace isn’t found in perfect circumstances or our attempts to control life. Real peace is found in resting in who Jesus is and enjoying fellowship with Him.

Christmas is a season brimming with joy, wonder, and celebration. Twinkling lights, carols, and the laughter of loved ones remind us of the warmth and hope this time of year brings. Yet, amidst the celebrations, it’s easy to overlook the heart of it all—the profound, life-altering truth of the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ.

The story of Christmas is more than a tale of a baby born in a manger; it is the beginning of God’s redemptive plan, a promise fulfilled, and a gift of grace that changes everything.