Today's Devotion
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Proverbs 22
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth. Favor is better than silver and gold.” A believer’s reputation is far more important than wealth, success, or popularity. A good name reveals God’s powerful work in a person’s life and shows the world the difference that Jesus makes. Our enemy works overtime to destroy that name and to remove that favor from a believer’s life. We are in a war for our good name and must fight valiantly with the weapons that God has revealed in His Word. Two of the keys to victory are humility and an absolute awe of God. “The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.” For the one who humbly fears the Lord, the rewards are secondary to the glory our lives bring to God’s name. He is our life and it is a true privilege to live for Him. We learn to live for Him from those who raise us physically and spiritually. “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs are not always promises, but they do reveal truths that motivate us to live for Jesus. One of the greatest reasons to live for Him is the precious gifts He has given us in our biological and spiritual children. We will never fully understand the impact we have on their future when we teach our littles ones about Jesus and set an example of righteousness and kindness for them to follow. They are our legacy and carry our good name with them wherever they go.
Help me, Lord, to live in a manner that honors Your name and sets an example for my biological and spiritual children to follow. Help me to fight daily with humility and an absolute awe of You using the weapons You have revealed in Your Word.
Proverbs 22
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth. Favor is better than silver and gold.” A believer’s reputation is far more important than wealth, success, or popularity. A good name reveals God’s powerful work in a person’s life and shows the world the difference that Jesus makes. Our enemy works overtime to destroy that name and to remove that favor from a believer’s life. We are in a war for our good name and must fight valiantly with the weapons that God has revealed in His Word. Two of the keys to victory are humility and an absolute awe of God. “The reward of humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, honor, and life.” For the one who humbly fears the Lord, the rewards are secondary to the glory our lives bring to God’s name. He is our life and it is a true privilege to live for Him. We learn to live for Him from those who raise us physically and spiritually. “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs are not always promises, but they do reveal truths that motivate us to live for Jesus. One of the greatest reasons to live for Him is the precious gifts He has given us in our biological and spiritual children. We will never fully understand the impact we have on their future when we teach our littles ones about Jesus and set an example of righteousness and kindness for them to follow. They are our legacy and carry our good name with them wherever they go.
Help me, Lord, to live in a manner that honors Your name and sets an example for my biological and spiritual children to follow. Help me to fight daily with humility and an absolute awe of You using the weapons You have revealed in Your Word.
Weekly Archive
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Proverbs 21
“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” The political scene around the world seems completely out of control, but the Scriptures teach us that our God is in complete control of the chaos. His plans are perfect and will lead to His expected end. We can count on it. Our greatest stress, it seems, is that we might lose some of our earthly comforts if the “wrong” person or party gains power. God is less concerned with our comfort and far more concerned with an eternal future with His people. “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Motivation is far more important than the act itself. We can do many great works in God’s name that will burn in judgment fires because the motivation was more me-driven and less God-driven. Our direction must come from the Scriptures and God’s Spirit; any decision made apart from those two forces will most likely be fleshly and will dishonor the Lord. “It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house with a contentious woman.” The proverb speaks for itself and is a great reminder that our decisions determine our destiny. Our second greatest decision in life, after choosing to follow Jesus, is who we will marry. Our spouses impact every part of our lives and can help us enjoy unprecedented success or cause us to fail miserably. The contentious spouse who quarrels constantly and is never satisfied creates a home environment that most children run from when they are old enough. If God can transform the heart of a king, He can transform the heart of a spouse. Pray for His guidance and direction and trust that He will work to restore your relationship for your good and His glory.
Help me, Lord, to stop stressing about politics and trust that You are in complete control. Help me to keep a constant check on my motives and make wise decisions about my future mate or the one You have given me for a lifetime.
Proverbs 21
“The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He wishes.” The political scene around the world seems completely out of control, but the Scriptures teach us that our God is in complete control of the chaos. His plans are perfect and will lead to His expected end. We can count on it. Our greatest stress, it seems, is that we might lose some of our earthly comforts if the “wrong” person or party gains power. God is less concerned with our comfort and far more concerned with an eternal future with His people. “Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” Motivation is far more important than the act itself. We can do many great works in God’s name that will burn in judgment fires because the motivation was more me-driven and less God-driven. Our direction must come from the Scriptures and God’s Spirit; any decision made apart from those two forces will most likely be fleshly and will dishonor the Lord. “It is better to live in a corner of the roof than in a house with a contentious woman.” The proverb speaks for itself and is a great reminder that our decisions determine our destiny. Our second greatest decision in life, after choosing to follow Jesus, is who we will marry. Our spouses impact every part of our lives and can help us enjoy unprecedented success or cause us to fail miserably. The contentious spouse who quarrels constantly and is never satisfied creates a home environment that most children run from when they are old enough. If God can transform the heart of a king, He can transform the heart of a spouse. Pray for His guidance and direction and trust that He will work to restore your relationship for your good and His glory.
Help me, Lord, to stop stressing about politics and trust that You are in complete control. Help me to keep a constant check on my motives and make wise decisions about my future mate or the one You have given me for a lifetime.
Friday, April 17, 2026
Proverbs 20
“Wine is a mocker, and strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” Addiction is one of the great evils of our society and a problem for a large part of our population. It holds humanity hostage and leads people to do that which they would never do otherwise. The mockery and violence that it creates causes the strongest of people to tremble. Addiction knows no boundaries and has no concern for family, faithfulness, or integrity. “Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are abominable to the Lord.” When we try to manipulate or steal from another human being, we are doing that which is an abomination before the Lord. We like to classify theft as a lesser sin, but God says it is evil in His eyes and unacceptable for His people. “Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.” The modern world steals money, reputations, and identities, but God’s people are to walk in integrity and do that which is honorable in His eyes. We should not seek temporary satisfaction from something that is abominable before the Lord. “The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” The culture tells us that the elderly are of no value and that only the youth know what is right and good. God tells us that life is filled with constant changes, but the longer we live the more of God and His Word we experience and understand. We need those who are mature to teach those who are young how to walk with Him faithfully. Church and culture have almost nothing in common, and we must be careful not to let the culture deceive, distract, and dissuade God’s people from living for His honor.
Help me, Lord, to live for Your honor by forsaking addictions, focusing on integrity, and finding wisdom from those who have been on this earth longer than me. Help me to be a light in this dark world as I do everything I can to honor You.
Proverbs 20
“Wine is a mocker, and strong drink a brawler, and whoever is intoxicated by it is not wise.” Addiction is one of the great evils of our society and a problem for a large part of our population. It holds humanity hostage and leads people to do that which they would never do otherwise. The mockery and violence that it creates causes the strongest of people to tremble. Addiction knows no boundaries and has no concern for family, faithfulness, or integrity. “Differing weights and differing measures, both of them are abominable to the Lord.” When we try to manipulate or steal from another human being, we are doing that which is an abomination before the Lord. We like to classify theft as a lesser sin, but God says it is evil in His eyes and unacceptable for His people. “Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.” The modern world steals money, reputations, and identities, but God’s people are to walk in integrity and do that which is honorable in His eyes. We should not seek temporary satisfaction from something that is abominable before the Lord. “The glory of young men is their strength, and the honor of old men is their gray hair.” The culture tells us that the elderly are of no value and that only the youth know what is right and good. God tells us that life is filled with constant changes, but the longer we live the more of God and His Word we experience and understand. We need those who are mature to teach those who are young how to walk with Him faithfully. Church and culture have almost nothing in common, and we must be careful not to let the culture deceive, distract, and dissuade God’s people from living for His honor.
Help me, Lord, to live for Your honor by forsaking addictions, focusing on integrity, and finding wisdom from those who have been on this earth longer than me. Help me to be a light in this dark world as I do everything I can to honor You.
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Proverbs 19
“What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.” Solomon has met many people in his lifetime from all over the ancient world. He has dined with kings, queens, and important political figures, and he has interacted with best of the best in every field, academia, politics, medicine, construction, and economy, so he knows people. From all his experience, the wise king has found that kindness is the one quality that sets a person apart from his/her peers. Kindness is a rarity in today’s world. People are so “me-focused” that they could care less about others, especially when their lives are disrupted or their plans are derailed. When God’s children have the same self-centered attitude, it devalues His kindness and disgraces His name. Kindness in His children is one of God’s tools to draw people to Himself. When you walk through the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, you will find kindness right in the center of the list. It is not necessarily a natural part of our personality; it is a supernatural addition that the Spirit brings to our lives. Kindness then is intentional as we choose to be filled with the Spirit so His fruit can flow through us to others. Do people genuinely desire to spend time with you? It is most likely because you are kind. Are there people in your life that you genuinely enjoy spending time with? It is most likely because they are kind, so learn from them how to be more effective in your kindness and how to use that kindness to be a witness to the world around you.
Help me, Lord, to be filled with Your Spirit and kind to those You bring into my life. Help me to spend time with those who are kind so that I can learn to use Your gift more adequately.
Proverbs 19
“What is desirable in a man is his kindness, and it is better to be a poor man than a liar.” Solomon has met many people in his lifetime from all over the ancient world. He has dined with kings, queens, and important political figures, and he has interacted with best of the best in every field, academia, politics, medicine, construction, and economy, so he knows people. From all his experience, the wise king has found that kindness is the one quality that sets a person apart from his/her peers. Kindness is a rarity in today’s world. People are so “me-focused” that they could care less about others, especially when their lives are disrupted or their plans are derailed. When God’s children have the same self-centered attitude, it devalues His kindness and disgraces His name. Kindness in His children is one of God’s tools to draw people to Himself. When you walk through the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, you will find kindness right in the center of the list. It is not necessarily a natural part of our personality; it is a supernatural addition that the Spirit brings to our lives. Kindness then is intentional as we choose to be filled with the Spirit so His fruit can flow through us to others. Do people genuinely desire to spend time with you? It is most likely because you are kind. Are there people in your life that you genuinely enjoy spending time with? It is most likely because they are kind, so learn from them how to be more effective in your kindness and how to use that kindness to be a witness to the world around you.
Help me, Lord, to be filled with Your Spirit and kind to those You bring into my life. Help me to spend time with those who are kind so that I can learn to use Your gift more adequately.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Proverbs 18
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs to it and is safe.” Do you ever feel the need for a safe place? In ancient times, some cities would build a “strong tower” possibly in the center of town where the people could find safety or shelter in times of attack or devastating weather. When life gets crazy and seemingly out of control, we need that strong tower that protects us and provides for our needs during those intense and life-changing storms. When friends turn on you or work takes you for granted, it is vital that you have that safe place that keeps you sane and gives you hope in hopeless situations. That strong tower can be time in His Word; it can be a godly friend who speaks His truth over you; it can be the place where you worship with other believers; or it can be that special time in prayer where you step away from everyone and everything except Him. Wherever the Lord’s name is spoken freely and in truth, it should be a safe and healthy place to hide for a time while you heal, grieve, or grow. It is okay to take a time out and experience a hard reset after facing trauma or devastation. God created us and knows our limitations. He understands our need for rest and restoration and provides those safe places for it. The Lord’s name is a strong tower and His people, His church, that carries His Name and stands for it without fear or shame should be that safe place to which the righteous run when the need arises.
Help me, Lord, to run to You when my life is crumbling around me. Help me to know my limitations and seek that safe and healthy place where I can heal, grieve, and grow.
Proverbs 18
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs to it and is safe.” Do you ever feel the need for a safe place? In ancient times, some cities would build a “strong tower” possibly in the center of town where the people could find safety or shelter in times of attack or devastating weather. When life gets crazy and seemingly out of control, we need that strong tower that protects us and provides for our needs during those intense and life-changing storms. When friends turn on you or work takes you for granted, it is vital that you have that safe place that keeps you sane and gives you hope in hopeless situations. That strong tower can be time in His Word; it can be a godly friend who speaks His truth over you; it can be the place where you worship with other believers; or it can be that special time in prayer where you step away from everyone and everything except Him. Wherever the Lord’s name is spoken freely and in truth, it should be a safe and healthy place to hide for a time while you heal, grieve, or grow. It is okay to take a time out and experience a hard reset after facing trauma or devastation. God created us and knows our limitations. He understands our need for rest and restoration and provides those safe places for it. The Lord’s name is a strong tower and His people, His church, that carries His Name and stands for it without fear or shame should be that safe place to which the righteous run when the need arises.
Help me, Lord, to run to You when my life is crumbling around me. Help me to know my limitations and seek that safe and healthy place where I can heal, grieve, and grow.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Proverbs 17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” God did not create us to do this life alone. He teaches us throughout Scripture that we need people, specifically in the New Testament, we need His church to help us thrive in life. A true friend is trustworthy in every situation and circumstance. He/she will laugh when we laugh, cry when we cry, tell us when we need to change, and help us overcome hardships. A brother or sister will not abandon us in the most difficult of times even when we mess up and create the chaos. Solomon hoped his son would seek friends who would hold him accountable and always point him in the right direction. We know that his son, Rehoboam, would surround himself with “yes” people who led him astray and created an unrepairable division in Israel. The friends we choose to trust and take advice from will powerfully impact our lives. Solomon lists some characteristics that should help us find good friends. A person lacking sense…who loves transgression…who has a crooked mind…and who is perverted are not strong options for friendship because they will encourage us to make bad decisions which will not only impact our lives but also the lives of those we love most. Do you need some good friends? Pray for God to lead you to those people who will encourage you to follow Him and who will pull you back when you begin to stray.
Help me, Lord, to be a good friend and to seek those friends that will lead me to Your best. Help me to find those friends who are trustworthy, will help me overcome obstacles in life, and will not abandon me when I mess up.
Proverbs 17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” God did not create us to do this life alone. He teaches us throughout Scripture that we need people, specifically in the New Testament, we need His church to help us thrive in life. A true friend is trustworthy in every situation and circumstance. He/she will laugh when we laugh, cry when we cry, tell us when we need to change, and help us overcome hardships. A brother or sister will not abandon us in the most difficult of times even when we mess up and create the chaos. Solomon hoped his son would seek friends who would hold him accountable and always point him in the right direction. We know that his son, Rehoboam, would surround himself with “yes” people who led him astray and created an unrepairable division in Israel. The friends we choose to trust and take advice from will powerfully impact our lives. Solomon lists some characteristics that should help us find good friends. A person lacking sense…who loves transgression…who has a crooked mind…and who is perverted are not strong options for friendship because they will encourage us to make bad decisions which will not only impact our lives but also the lives of those we love most. Do you need some good friends? Pray for God to lead you to those people who will encourage you to follow Him and who will pull you back when you begin to stray.
Help me, Lord, to be a good friend and to seek those friends that will lead me to Your best. Help me to find those friends who are trustworthy, will help me overcome obstacles in life, and will not abandon me when I mess up.
Monday, April 13, 2026
Proverbs 16
How many plans have you made that never came to fruition? Solomon teaches his son that he wants God plans far more than he wants his own. “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” When we are fully committed to God’s plans and to His way of life, then He will establish His perfect plan in our lives, and we will be eternally thankful. As our hearts meld with His will, our plans are simply and outflow of His plans for us. We are made for a purpose, so when we find that purpose, we will thrive in it. The great problem of our flesh is pride which derails God’s plans and tries to replace them with something far inferior. Pride, Solomon says, “is an abomination to the Lord.” He also reminds his son that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” When we fear the Lord, pride dissipates, and we enjoy His best in our lives. When pride rules our hearts and minds, we are destined to fail. God has given us His Word to help us find His best in our lives, “and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Have you allowed pride to derail God’s plan in your life? Are you spending time in His Word so you can find that plan and walk fully in it? “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Seek the Lord and His perfect will for your life and live this life to the fullest. His ways lead to life; our ways lead to death.
Help me, Lord, to commit my ways to You and enjoy Your best in my life. Help me to seek Your will in Your Word so that I can walk in it and live.
Proverbs 16
How many plans have you made that never came to fruition? Solomon teaches his son that he wants God plans far more than he wants his own. “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established.” When we are fully committed to God’s plans and to His way of life, then He will establish His perfect plan in our lives, and we will be eternally thankful. As our hearts meld with His will, our plans are simply and outflow of His plans for us. We are made for a purpose, so when we find that purpose, we will thrive in it. The great problem of our flesh is pride which derails God’s plans and tries to replace them with something far inferior. Pride, Solomon says, “is an abomination to the Lord.” He also reminds his son that “pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” When we fear the Lord, pride dissipates, and we enjoy His best in our lives. When pride rules our hearts and minds, we are destined to fail. God has given us His Word to help us find His best in our lives, “and blessed is he who trusts in the Lord.” Have you allowed pride to derail God’s plan in your life? Are you spending time in His Word so you can find that plan and walk fully in it? “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.” Seek the Lord and His perfect will for your life and live this life to the fullest. His ways lead to life; our ways lead to death.
Help me, Lord, to commit my ways to You and enjoy Your best in my life. Help me to seek Your will in Your Word so that I can walk in it and live.