Today Daily Devotional

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

— Matthew 18:3

Growing up and getting older can be difficult to do. Our responsibilities and obligations grow, and often our imaginations slowly fade. There are positives to growing mature and aging, but I believe many of us wouldn’t mind taking a step back to relive some of the good times we had when we were children. Can you remember when simple things brought you a lot of joy? We might refer to such times as “good old days” if we had nice childhood memories and time seemed to move slower, family meals seemed to last longer, and interruptions from phones were less common.

But we do have to grow up eventually. If that is the case, though, why would Jesus encourage his followers to “become like little children”? According to Christ, the way in which people inherit and enjoy the glory of God’s kingdom is to have the sincere, trusting faith that a child has for a trustworthy parent. And that simply means allowing God to shape our hearts and minds into that of a child who trusts in him fully, knowing that he cares and will always do what is best for his children. It means allowing our sanctified imaginations to wonder about all the things that our big, awesome, and powerful God can do—and how he can involve us in his work in this world.

Great God, thank you for the reminder that having childlike faith draws us close to you. By your Spirit, reignite our imaginations and fill us with excitement about what you have in store for us to do. Amen.

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

— Hebrews 4:16

There’s something refreshing about being able to visit a friend without having to ask permission or to call ahead. If we open our homes to others, they can be places where food, conversation, and fellowship flow freely. In those settings we often feel at peace because the warmth of comfort and acceptance help us feel like we belong.

What if you visited a home that, instead of feeling like a space where you could relax and enjoy the company of others, seemed to you like a museum? What if the conversation with others was more like sharing information than sharing life? Your visit would likely feel rather cold, rigid, and dry.

There are Christian congregations and faith communities that fall on either end of that spectrum, and many land somewhere in the middle. But our hope, as Christians, should be that every church (both the building and the people inside it) should be like a welcoming home, a place full of grace, mercy, and unconditional love. A space where people can set aside their “baggage” and “burdens,” flop down on the couch of confession, and sink into the cushions of forgiveness and grace. A home is where you’re offered a drink of living water and the bread of life, where you experience glimpses of the eternal house of God.

Father, help us to model your heavenly welcome here on earth as we make room for people in our hearts and homes to receive your grace and mercy. Amen.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

— Psalm 34:18

On the radio the other day I heard a familiar song about heartbreak. There are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of songs written throughout history about broken hearts and lost loves. Have you ever wondered why musicians and music producers keep writing about that same thing?

Maybe people do not tire of those types of songs because everyone can relate to them in some way. Nearly everyone has experienced feelings of emptiness after a breakup, or they have asked themselves “What went wrong?” after losing their love.

Thankfully God’s Word provides some guidelines to help us answer our questions and give us peace of mind when heartache and heartbreak happen. When we hurt, Scripture can provide comfort. It also gives us a way to express how we feel, especially when we don’t know what to say or how to say it. Much of that language can be found in the Psalms, and many psalms were written by people who shared their feelings candidly and honestly.

David, the writer of Psalm 34, didn’t have to search long for peace, and neither do we. God is near to those who hurt, and we can trust today that the One who gave the sun its ability to shine, who told the waters how far they could go, and who constantly watches over the universe is also near to you—and he’s saying, “I’ve got this, and I’ve got you.”

Lord, draw near to all who are hurting today, and may they know you are holding them in your hands. Amen.

“They will share the burden of the people with you so that you will not have to carry it alone.”

— Numbers 11:17

Moses and the Israelites had been camping in the desert for over two years as God made his covenant with them and began leading them to the land he had promised them. They knew God would take them there, and they knew Moses was the leader to do it, but the longer it took, the more anxious and unsettled the people became. Moses became unsettled too, and he was nearly at a breaking point.

Many people experience similar kinds of stresses, leading to anxiety, doubt, and fear. Some even reach the point of burnout, unsure of what to do next. The beauty of this story is that it shows how God steps into Moses’ situation to rescue and relieve him, to offer support when he needs it most.

God instructs Moses to seek out others who can help to carry the burden of leadership and relieve some of the stress he has been feeling. Further, God tells Moses that his Spirit will be on these leaders as they walk alongside Moses in the journey ahead.

Through God’s power and by this strength, Moses and all the Israelites are encouraged as God intervenes and provides for their needs.

Lord God, you know us better than we know ourselves. Thank you for the tender way you step in and walk alongside us when we are struggling. By your Spirit, restore us, and may we also gain courage and compassion to step in and minister to others through the strength you provide for us. Amen.

Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

— Psalm 23:4

Being a shepherd in ancient times was not a glamorous career choice. It was a hectic life, full of danger and stress, not to mention that sheep are not the most intelligent of God’s creatures.

Even so, the life and rhythm of a shepherd were remarkable. In Psalm 23, for example, we read about the shepherd’s rod and staff. These were very necessary pieces of equipment for the shepherd’s many tasks. The rod (like a club) was used to fend off predators, and the staff was used as a guide and reminder to the sheep along the trail. When traveling through a hilly region with steep dropoffs, the shepherd would walk alongside the sheep, using the staff as a guardrail so that they wouldn’t stumble and fall. And during early-morning or late-evening trips, when the sunlight was gone and the path was dark, the shepherd would tap his rod against the face of a rock wall, producing a sound that would echo from the front of the flock all the way to the back. It was a way to remind the sheep that the shepherd was still there, assuring them that they were safe and secure.

The Bible often compares us with sheep, describing the Lord as our faithful shepherd, who by his grace and compassion guides us with this rod and staff, gently reminding us that we are safe and secure in his care.

Great Shepherd, thank you for all the ways you provide for us each day. Help us to be attentive and to hear you calling us as you safely guide and lead us. Amen.

They all ate and were satisfied. . . .

— Matthew 14:20

This story about feeding more than 5,000 people is usually told from the viewpoint of the disciples. I wonder what it was like to be a person in the crowd. Imagine being surrounded by thousands of people—men and women of all shapes, sizes, and ages. You would probably see young children running around as parents tried to corral them along the shoreline. And seniors slowly shuffling to find a place close enough to Jesus so they could hear him speak. It was probably an example of what people have called “organized chaos.” Even Jesus’ disciples didn’t know what to do with the hungry followers (see vv. 15-17).

What was it like to see the calm and measured face of Jesus in the midst of such a hectic scene? How did Jesus know he could feed all those hungry people with just “five loaves of bread and two fish”?

Jesus knew he could feed the starving crowd because he was and is the Son of God, who not only provided the bread and fish but also created the earth and established everything in it, from the waters where the fish lived to the land that provided the grain used to bake bread. Knowing the power of the Creator gave Jesus the opportunity to invite others to know him too.

Great God, thank you for your constant provision, and forgive me when I fail to see your grace and mercy in the everyday rhythms of life. Thank you also for your Son, Christ Jesus, and for the life you provide through him for us all. Amen.

He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.

— Deuteronomy 10:18

Many people are blessed with a relational safety net—a means of protection when they face a sudden tragedy or unexpected loss. Parents or guardians and other family members are often seen in this way. When we know we have access to that kind of security, everyday life can seem easier and less stressful.

But some people do not have those types of relationships. What’s more, there may be several reasons why a person might face unfortunate circumstances. We can imagine a person who, after the death of a spouse or partner, is experiencing loneliness or the fear of having an increasingly isolated life. Or perhaps we can imagine the trauma of a teenage child who loses a parent—and their life is suddenly changed forever. Maybe you know someone with a story like that—or maybe something like that has happened to you.

Wherever you are and whoever you are, God has mercy on you. And no matter what you’re going through, God sees you. God is there to defend you, protect you, clothe you in righteousness, and nourish you with the bread of life, which is Christ Jesus.

Mighty King, have mercy on everyone who is hungry for physical and relational nourishment. Protect people who are lonely, and uplift those who cannot stand on their own. Spirit, use us also in whatever ways we can help to provide safety for others in need. Amen.

The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.

— Psalm 145:14

The psalmist describes the immeasurable size and scope of God’s kingdom. There is no beginning or end to the Lord’s reign or to his ruling power. With that sort of status, it’s difficult to imagine how God has the time to look after all the things happening in our universe, let alone the things happening in our lives.

An advocate is a person who publicly supports another person—at times standing beside them when things get tough. Advocates come in many different forms: from lawyers and legal counselors to teachers and coaches to parents and friends. Regardless of the relationship, an advocate stands by a person as a way to show support and solidarity.

The psalmist also points out that the Lord picks us up when we fall and builds us up when we feel unworthy.

Does this mean God has to pause or stop the hands of time in order to help catch our stumbling feet? And does he do it while rolling his eyes? Not at all. As our advocate, God faithfully supports us, especially when we need it most. God’s character is not dependent on our ability, and in him our status as people called and adopted by the King is already fully established.

Merciful Lord, thank you for lifting us up when we fail, and for holding us up when we feel weak. We know that in our weakness your strength is perfect, so we continue to humble ourselves before your goodness and kindness. Amen.

The Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.

— Isaiah 30:18

I often picture God sitting on an ornate throne made of rare metals, adorned with priceless jewels, and upholstered in the finest fabric. Some Bible passages portray God in a similar way.

But, what if, for a moment, we close our eyes, quiet our souls, and imagine God differently? What if God—still in all his glory and splendor—isn’t sitting in lavishness associated with royalty but instead is sitting at the corner booth in a local coffee shop, or on the couch in your family room, eagerly waiting for you? What if God, who is so excited to see you, leaps from his seated position and embraces you like a friend who longs to hear how you are doing and what you have been up to? What if God, in both his divine and human nature, gives you his undivided attention as you share with him your life, your story, your joys, and your concerns? What if . . . ?

How do you see God today? Or, maybe a better question: How do you need to see God today? The beauty of God is that he is not only the King of all creation but also the attentive friend who is always near.

Gracious God, thank you for being the ruler of all things and the dear friend who is always present with us. Thank you for the ways you show your compassion, and help us today to share that same care with the people you place on our path. Amen.

The Spirit you received . . . brought about your adoption. . . . And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

— Romans 8:15

Belonging to something bigger or greater than ourselves is something that nearly everyone wants. We experience moments of belonging at concerts, or sporting events, or community gatherings. In those moments we can feel like a member of our favorite musical group or like a player for our favorite sports team. We feel connected as we share stories with our neighbors and friends. We feel seen. We feel heard. We feel accepted. We may even feel loved.

God has a similar desire for us—he wants us to feel that we belong to him. God longs for us to feel connected to him, to be satisfied in knowing that he sees, hears, and accepts us. The difference, though, in belonging to God begins with his unconditional love and care for us. That kind of love happens when we accept and embrace that God’s love for us is so great and grand that he wants to satisfy our greatest desire of belonging by adopting us into his family and calling us his own. As a part of God’s eternal family, we are seen, we are heard, we are accepted, and we are loved by the unconditional love of our heavenly Father.

Father God, thank you for adopting me into your family, and for satisfying my desire to belong to something greater. Help me today to show that same kind of love to others so that they may know you also. For Jesus’ sake, Amen.