Matthew 19 takes us into some of the most challenging teachings of Jesus, revealing His heart for the permanence of marriage, the humility of childlike faith, and the cost of following Him. These teachings push against cultural norms and personal inclinations, calling us to surrender everything for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.

In Jeremiah 36, we encounter a vivid narrative of contrasts: faithfulness versus rebellion, reverence versus defiance, and restoration versus destruction. This chapter recounts how the prophet Jeremiah, through his scribe Baruch, delivers God’s words of warning and hope to a nation teetering on the brink of judgment. But how those words are received reveals the stark difference between hearts that tremble at God’s Word and those that dismiss it with contempt.

When I was contemplating purchasing a Rolls Royce Phantom, a car renowned not only for its opulent luxury but for the sheer artistry of its craftsmanship, my thoughts wandered toward the book of Ecclesiastes. This majestic automobile—handcrafted by artisans skilled in metal and leatherwork, a moving testament to human creativity—represents, in many ways, the pinnacle of automotive beauty. It is not necessarily the most advanced engineering feat but rather a rolling masterpiece, a celebration of excellence. And yet, the words of Ecclesiastes whispered in my mind, tempering the allure of such splendor with the truth that life is fleeting.

The book of Ecclesiastes, as described by the Grace and Truth Study Bible, is an invitation to grapple with the profound truths of our fleeting lives. This is not a book that shies away from the difficult realities of human existence—disappointment, futility, and the inevitability of being forgotten. Instead, Ecclesiastes gives us divine wisdom to navigate these truths, not in despair, but with humility and gratitude for God’s gifts along the way.

Today's reading from 1 Chronicles 21, based on insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, offers a profound look into the gravity of sin, the mercy of God, and the ultimate hope of redemption through Jesus Christ.

David Kuykendall, in Living in the Garden of Grace, offers profound insight into what it takes to have a fulfilling, Christ-centered marriage. He brings us to Ephesians 5:22-33, a passage that sets forth God’s design for marriage, grounded in submission, love, and grace.

When asked why Jesus came to earth, many would answer, “To die for our sins.” While this is gloriously true, it’s not the whole story. In Living in the Garden of Grace, David Kuykendall draws our attention to another essential reason for Jesus’ coming: to reveal the heart of the Father and to declare His goodness. This truth deepens our understanding of God and reminds us that His goodness flows through every aspect of His nature and His relationship with us.

In Chapter Three of Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness, David Kuykendall brings us deeper into the heart of transformation through God’s grace. Building on the foundation of our union with Christ, Kuykendall focuses on the essential role of faith in reckoning the truths of Scripture as already accomplished in our lives.

This chapter challenges us to move beyond striving for change and step into the reality of transformation that comes through belief, surrender, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

When I reflect on E. Stanley Jones' first devotional from In Christ, I am struck by the sheer depth and beauty of his words. He invites us to explore what it means to live "in Christ" as the only true way to live. Yet, before extending this invitation, he takes us on a journey to understand who Christ truly is. The question, "Who is this Christ?" is both profound and personal—one that cannot simply be answered by definitions. As Jones wisely notes, defining Christ is confining Him, and how can we ever hope to confine the Eternal God manifest in human flesh?

Today’s Days of Heaven on Earth devotional by A.B. Simpson offers us a rich picture of the blessed life—a life rooted in God, flourishing in joy, and bearing fruit in every season. Psalm 1:1 describes the man who walks in God’s ways and meditates on His Word, revealing three key attributes that define his blessedness.

Today’s My Utmost for His Highest devotional by Oswald Chambers brings us face-to-face with one of the most challenging aspects of following Christ: waiting on Him in the "blank spaces" of life. Chambers draws from Peter’s bold question in John 13:37, "Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now?" to highlight the tension between our desires and God’s perfect timing.

Sin can feel like a relentless force, dominating our lives and leaving us feeling helpless to break free. But God, in His infinite love, offers a solution—one that does not rely on our efforts but on His abundant grace. Today’s Day by Day by Grace devotional reminds us of this liberating truth: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

There was a time in my life when I wandered in the desert of depression and anxiety for decades. During that season, after moving back to Rhode Island from Minnesota, I longed deeply for the vibrant church fellowship I had left behind. In Minnesota, I was immersed in teaching that celebrated the reality of a Christ in us—His life experienced and expressed through us. But in Rhode Island, the messages I encountered felt sterile, rooted in the Law, rigid obedience, and an inevitability of sinning in thought, word, and deed as a Christian. That barren spiritual landscape compounded my struggles until I rediscovered the full truth of exchanging my self-centered, independent life in Adam for the fullness of life in Christ. This transformation breathed new life into what had been a spiritual and emotional wasteland. Today’s Abide Above devotional reminds me vividly of how God uses the desert to lead us into a deeper experience of His life within us.

The Christian life is one of trust—not in ourselves, but in the unchanging character and promises of God. As His children, we are the recipients of profound truths that define who we are, sustain us in every circumstance, and point us toward eternal hope. These promises are not fleeting; they are secured in Christ and are as steadfast as God Himself. Let’s reflect on some of the promises God has made to us, and what they mean for our daily lives.

Have you ever felt like your emotions define you? That your worth or your reality depends on how you feel in the moment? For many, feelings seem to carry undeniable power, shaping decisions, relationships, and even faith. But what if living by feelings isn’t the way God designed us to live?

The question of innocent suffering—whether it’s children killed in tragic events, infants lost too soon, or animals subjected to predation—is among the hardest to answer. It’s a question that touches the heart deeply and confronts the mind relentlessly. For Christians, grappling with this reality requires a balance of theological truths, heartfelt empathy, and unwavering faith in God’s character. Let’s explore how Scripture speaks to this, with an acknowledgment of the emotional weight carried by those who wrestle with such deep pain.

Revelation 18 presents a dramatic and sobering vision of Babylon's downfall, symbolizing the ultimate judgment of a corrupt system that opposes God and leads the world astray. This passage is not merely a historical account but a prophetic depiction of the consequences of idolatry, greed, and rebellion against God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of God's unwavering justice, His call for His people to remain separate from sin, and the hope of ultimate vindication for those who belong to Him.

In Matthew 18, Jesus addresses his disciples' misconceptions about greatness and teaches on relationships, forgiveness, and discipleship within the community of believers. Through parables, instructions, and strong imagery, he reveals God’s heart for his people and calls his followers to reflect His character in how they treat one another.

Jeremiah 35 tells a compelling story of the Rekabites, a nomadic group committed to an unusual lifestyle of pastoral wandering, abstaining from wine, and living in tents. These practices stemmed from their ancestor Jehonadab son of Rekab. When Jeremiah brought the Rekabites into the temple and offered them wine, their firm refusal became a powerful sermon illustration about faithfulness and loyalty. This story teaches us lessons about obedience, contrasts human and divine covenants, and underscores the importance of steadfast devotion to God.

Proverbs 31 introduces us to the wisdom of King Lemuel, a lesser-known figure whose name means “for God.” Though his exact identity is uncertain, his words are timeless, offering lessons for leaders of any era. The insights we explore here are drawn from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, which provides context and depth to these verses.