September 2025 Devotoinal | renewchurchcleveland

September 8 Devotional on 1 Samuel 25 Scripture Focus "Blessed be your discernment, and blessed be you, who have kept me this day from bloodguilt and from working salvation with my own hand." — 1 Samuel 25:33 Reflection 1 Samuel 25 drops us into a deeply human story—one filled with tension, pride, restraint, and grace. David, anointed but not yet enthroned, is in the wilderness with his men. He sends messengers to Nabal, a wealthy man, asking for food and supplies. It’s a reasonable request since David’s men had protected Nabal’s shepherds. But Nabal, whose name literally means “fool,” responds with arrogance and insult. Enraged, David straps on his sword and gathers 400 men to destroy Nabal and his household. This is the moment where we often find ourselves—caught between justice and revenge, between what we feel entitled to and what God is calling us toward. David believes he’s fighting for what’s right. But in reality, he’s about to let his anger carry him into sin. And then Abigail enters the story. Nabal’s wise and discerning wife quickly gathers food, rides out to meet David, and speaks words that pierce through his anger: “The LORD has restrained you from bloodguilt… When the LORD has fulfilled every promise He made to you, you will not carry the weight of needless vengeance.” Abigail reminds David of who he is—God’s chosen servant, destined for the throne. Her words reframe the moment. David doesn’t need to fight for his identity or secure his own future. God has already promised it. Gospel Connection This is more than an ancient conflict. It’s a picture of our hearts. Like David, we face moments when pride and anger rise, when our instinct is to “strap on the sword” and secure what we think we deserve. But Abigail’s wisdom points us toward a greater reality: God is our defender. This scene foreshadows the gospel. We have a greater Advocate who steps into our story like Abigail—Jesus Christ. Where our impulses would lead us into sin, He stands in the gap, reminding us who we are in Him and calling us into a better way. Application Pause Before Acting When anger surges, pause and seek God before moving forward. David’s salvation that day was in slowing down long enough to listen. Receive Wise Counsel God often sends “Abigails” into our lives—voices of wisdom that remind us of His promises. Who are those people for you? Trust God With Justice David wanted to secure his own justice, but God was already at work. Days later, Nabal dies—not by David’s hand but by God’s. Sometimes the hardest faith move is stepping back and letting God fight for you. Become an Abigail for Others Like Abigail, we’re called to be peacemakers. Where can you step into someone’s anger or fear with gentle, truth-filled words that point them back to God’s promises? Key Takeaway God doesn’t just call us to avoid vengeance; He invites us to live free from carrying the weight of securing our own future. Like David, we can rest knowing the throne is already promised—and our Advocate is already at work. Prayer Father, thank You for showing us that our identity, our justice, and our future are secure in You. Teach us to pause when anger rises, to listen for Your voice, and to seek the wisdom You send us. Make us people of peace who trust You more than our instincts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 9 Devotional on 1 Samuel 26 Scripture Focus "Do not destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?" — 1 Samuel 26:9 Reflection In 1 Samuel 26, David faces another life-defining moment. Saul is once again hunting him, consumed by jealousy and fear of losing the throne. By night, David and Abishai sneak into Saul’s camp and find him sleeping—completely vulnerable, with his spear stuck in the ground beside his head. Abishai sees this as God’s providence: “Let me strike him down, and this will all be over.” But David refuses. “Who can lay a hand on the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?” David chooses restraint over revenge. He takes Saul’s spear and water jug instead and retreats to a safe distance, calling out to prove that he could have killed Saul but didn’t. This is not weakness—it’s strength under control. David entrusts justice to God rather than seizing it for himself. It’s a deep act of faith. He believes God’s promises about his future so completely that he doesn’t feel the need to force them into reality. Gospel Connection This chapter points us to the heart of the gospel: trusting God’s timing, not our own. David could have ended his suffering immediately by taking Saul’s life. Instead, he waits on God’s plan—even when that means staying in the wilderness longer. In the same way, Jesus demonstrated ultimate restraint on the cross. He had the power to call down legions of angels to stop His suffering, but He trusted the Father’s plan of redemption. Where David’s restraint saved Saul’s life, Jesus’ restraint saved ours. Application Pause Before Acting Not every opportunity is a calling. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Trust God’s Timing Like David, we’re often tempted to force outcomes when God calls us to wait. Waiting is not passive—it’s active trust. Respond With Grace, Not Revenge David could have returned evil for evil, but he chose honor. Who in your life needs grace right now more than retaliation? Rest in God’s Promises David didn’t need Saul’s throne because God had already promised it. We don’t have to manipulate outcomes when God has already secured our future. Key Takeaway True strength isn’t found in seizing control—it’s found in surrendering to God’s timing. Like David, we’re invited to trust God enough to wait, even when the shortcut looks easier. Prayer Father, teach us the courage to wait when our hearts want to rush ahead. Give us the wisdom to choose grace over vengeance, patience over striving, and faith over fear. Help us trust that Your timing is perfect, and that You are working all things for our good. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 10 Devotional on 1 Samuel 27 Scripture Focus "Then David said in his heart, 'Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should escape to the land of the Philistines…'" — 1 Samuel 27:1 Reflection After choosing mercy and restraint in chapter 26, David makes a surprising decision in chapter 27. He’s exhausted. Saul has chased him for years, and despite God’s repeated protection, David reaches a breaking point. Instead of seeking God’s direction, David listens to his fears: “One day, Saul is going to kill me.” In that moment, David forgets the promises God made to him. He decides the safest place is to live among the Philistines—Israel’s enemies. He settles in Ziklag under King Achish and spends 16 months outside the land God had promised, far from worship, far from Israel, far from his calling. There’s no record of David praying, writing psalms, or seeking God’s will during this time. The man after God’s heart chooses self-reliance over surrender. And yet—God doesn’t abandon him. Even in Philistine territory, God is quietly working to preserve David, preparing him for the throne. Gospel Connection This chapter shows us that even faithful people can hit seasons of fear, weariness, and spiritual drift. David, the giant-slayer and worshiper, forgot God’s past faithfulness and leaned on his own wisdom. The gospel reminds us that our hope isn’t in how tightly we hold onto God—it’s in how tightly He holds onto us. Jesus is the greater David who never lost faith, never strayed, and never stopped trusting the Father’s plan. When we wander, He comes to bring us back. Application Be Honest About Weariness Even David reached a point of exhaustion. When fear takes over, bring it to God instead of letting it drive your decisions. Don’t Settle in “Ziklag” Sometimes we retreat into places of compromise because they feel safer. But safety outside God’s will always costs more than we think. Remember God’s Faithfulness David forgot how many times God had rescued him. When doubt rises, rehearse what God has already done in your life. Trust God With the Waiting David was anointed king, but the waiting was long and painful. God’s delays are not His denials—He’s shaping you for what’s ahead. Key Takeaway When fear whispers, “God has forgotten you,” remember: His promises are stronger than your doubts. Even when you drift, God is still guiding, still protecting, and still working His plan. Prayer Father, when fear rises and I’m tempted to rely on my own strength, draw me back to You. Remind me of Your past faithfulness and teach me to trust Your promises even when I can’t see the outcome. Thank You for holding me when my faith wavers. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 11 Devotional on 1 Samuel 28 Scripture Focus "When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. He inquired of the LORD, but the LORD did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets." — 1 Samuel 28:5–6 Reflection This is one of the darkest chapters in Saul’s life—and one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture. The Philistines have gathered for war, and Saul is terrified. He seeks God, but God is silent. No dreams. No prophets. No answers. Rather than repent and wait on the Lord, Saul takes matters into his own hands. He disguises himself, travels by night, and consults a medium in Endor—something God had explicitly forbidden (Deut. 18:10-12). The one anointed by God is now seeking wisdom from the very practices God condemned. Samuel’s spirit appears, and his message is devastating: “The LORD has turned from you… The kingdom has been torn from your hands… Tomorrow, you and your sons will be with me.” Saul’s downfall began long before this moment. Chapter after chapter, he chose control over trust, appearances over obedience, self-reliance over surrender. By chapter 28, he’s no longer resisting God’s will; he’s outside of it entirely. Gospel Connection This chapter confronts us with the danger of trying to live without God’s voice. Saul wanted God’s guidance, but not God’s authority. He wanted answers, but not intimacy. And yet, the gospel offers us what Saul longed for: full, unbroken access to God. Through Jesus, we don’t have to fear divine silence or judgment. The veil has been torn. The Spirit speaks, guides, convicts, and comforts us. Where Saul’s story ends in despair, our story in Christ begins with hope. Application Don’t Wait Until Crisis to Seek God Saul ignored God when things were good and only ran to Him when things were desperate. A healthy prayer life builds trust before the storm. Beware of Quick Fixes Saul’s decision to turn to a medium reveals how desperation can lead to compromise. When God feels silent, stay rooted in Scripture, prayer, and community. Prioritize Obedience Over Outcomes Saul wanted control more than he wanted God’s will. Faith means trusting God’s plan even when it feels costly. Run Toward God, Not Away When fear rises, we’re tempted to manage it ourselves. But the safest place to run is back into God’s presence—even when we’ve failed. Key Takeaway Silence from God is not rejection—but it is an invitation. It’s a call to return, to repent, and to rest in His presence rather than chase control elsewhere. Prayer Father, when I feel afraid or uncertain, teach me to seek You first. Guard my heart from quick fixes, shortcuts, and compromises. Help me trust Your timing and Your voice, even when You seem silent. Draw me back to Your presence and anchor me in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 12 Devotional on 1 Samuel 29 Scripture Focus "But the Philistine commanders were angry with him and said, 'Send the man back… He must not go with us into battle, or he will turn against us during the fighting.'" — 1 Samuel 29:4 Reflection David is in a complicated place. After fleeing to Philistine territory in chapter 27, he has been living under King Achish’s protection. Now, as the Philistines prepare to battle Israel, Achish expects David to fight against his own people. David agrees—at least outwardly—but God intervenes in an unexpected way. The Philistine commanders don’t trust David. They fear he’ll turn on them mid-battle, so they demand Achish send him home. On the surface, it looks like rejection. But in reality, this is God’s hidden mercy. If David had fought alongside the Philistines against Israel, his reputation, his future kingship, and even his ability to lead God’s people could have been ruined. God uses the mistrust of David’s enemies to protect him from compromising his calling—even when David doesn’t see it yet. Gospel Connection This chapter reminds us of the gospel reality that God’s grace often shows up in disguise. Sometimes He protects us through closed doors, rejection, or unexpected detours. Just like David, we sometimes place ourselves in difficult situations out of fear, compromise, or exhaustion. But where we see frustration or failure, God is working behind the scenes to keep His promises to us. Jesus models this perfectly. The cross looked like rejection—but it was God’s greatest act of redemption. What seems like loss can actually be protection in God’s hands. Application Trust God’s Detours When a door closes, it might not be punishment—it might be protection. Recognize God’s Hidden Mercy The rejection David faced saved him from destroying his future. Where might God be guarding you in ways you don’t yet see? Examine Your Alignments David’s time in Philistine territory placed him in a compromising position. Sometimes God uses closed doors to realign us with His purposes. Rest in God’s Faithfulness Even when we wander, God remains committed to His promises. He rescues us—even from the messes we create. Key Takeaway God’s “no” is sometimes His greatest mercy. When He closes a door, He’s often protecting you from a battle you were never meant to fight. Prayer Father, thank You for protecting me even when I don’t realize I need it. Help me trust Your wisdom when doors close or plans change. Teach me to rest in the confidence that You are working behind the scenes to keep me aligned with Your purposes. In Jesus’ name, amen.

September 15 Devotional: Strength in the Lord (1 Samuel 30) The Story David returns to Ziklag to find devastation. The Amalekites have raided the city, burned it, and taken captive their families. The text says David and his men “wept until they had no more strength to weep” (v.4). To make matters worse, his men turn on him in bitterness, ready to stone him. David is utterly alone. Yet verse 6 is the turning point: “But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” From that place of renewed trust, David seeks God’s guidance, pursues the enemy, and recovers everything that was lost. The Insight This is a portrait of what faith looks like in the valley of despair. Notice what David doesn’t do—he doesn’t numb himself, he doesn’t rally the troops with self-help slogans, and he doesn’t wallow in blame. Instead, he turns to God, and there he finds strength that wasn’t in him before. This moment teaches us that true resilience isn’t mustered from within; it’s received from above. Our culture says, “Dig deeper.” Scripture says, “Look higher.” The Application All of us face “Ziklag moments”—seasons where grief, loss, or betrayal leave us empty. The question is not whether we will encounter them, but where we will turn when we do. Will we try to shoulder it alone? Or will we, like David, turn to the God who restores? When we strengthen ourselves in the Lord, we discover a power beyond our circumstances. And often, like David, we find that what seemed lost is redeemed—not always in the same way, but always in God’s way. The Gospel Connection At the cross, Jesus bore the ultimate loss. Abandoned, mocked, and crushed under sin, He cried out in the darkest moment. Yet God raised Him from the grave, turning utter defeat into eternal victory. Because of His resurrection, we can know that no loss is final in God’s hands. Reflection Questions Where in your life do you feel like you’ve “wept until you have no more strength”? What would it look like for you to strengthen yourself in the Lord this week? How does the resurrection assure you that no loss is beyond God’s power to redeem? Prayer “Lord, when I feel empty and overwhelmed, help me find my strength in You. Teach me to turn to You first, not last. Thank You for Jesus, who overcame ultimate loss so I can live in the hope of restoration. Amen.”

September 16 Devotional: The Tragedy of Saul (1 Samuel 31) The Story The book of 1 Samuel ends with a heartbreaking scene. Saul, Israel’s first king, falls on Mount Gilboa. The Philistines rout Israel’s army, his sons—including Jonathan—are killed, and Saul, wounded and desperate, takes his own life. The king who was once anointed to lead God’s people now lies defeated, his body desecrated by enemies. It is one of the darkest chapters in Israel’s history. The Insight This chapter is not just about military defeat; it’s about the tragic consequences of a life turned away from God. Saul’s story began with promise, but his repeated refusal to trust and obey God led him down a path of isolation and despair. Yet even here, there is a sobering lesson: life apart from God ends in ruin. Saul’s downfall stands as a warning—compromise, pride, and disobedience always erode the foundation beneath us. But there is also a glimpse of faithfulness: the men of Jabesh-Gilead risked their lives to honor Saul by recovering his body. Even in tragedy, acts of loyalty and courage shine through. The Application 1 Samuel 31 urges us to take seriously the trajectory of our choices. Small compromises of the heart can lead to tragic outcomes if unchecked. It asks us: Who are we becoming by the decisions we make daily? It also reminds us that even in seasons of loss and failure, God is still writing His story. Saul’s death makes way for David, the shepherd-king after God’s heart. Out of ashes, God raises hope. The Gospel Connection Saul’s death reminds us of the weight of sin and separation from God. But it also points us forward to another King—Jesus—who faced death not because of His failure, but because of ours. Unlike Saul, He entrusted Himself fully to the Father. He bore our ruin so we could share in His victory. Where Saul’s death marked the end of hope, Jesus’ death became the doorway to resurrection life. Reflection Questions What compromises or patterns in your life might be leading you away from God? How can you choose to “finish well,” trusting God in both small and large decisions? Where do you see God bringing hope and new beginnings out of painful endings? Prayer “Lord, help me take seriously the direction of my heart. Keep me from drifting into compromise, and give me grace to walk closely with You. Thank You that Jesus has overcome sin and death, and that even in moments of loss, You are faithful to bring hope. Amen.

September 17 Devotional: Boldness Rooted in Christ The Story Throughout Scripture, God calls His people not just to believe quietly, but to live and speak with courage. The early church in Acts prayed, “Lord, enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness” (Acts 4:29). Their boldness didn’t come from personality or natural confidence—it came from knowing Jesus was alive and His Spirit was with them. The Insight True boldness isn’t brashness or arrogance. It’s not about winning arguments or forcing opinions. Biblical boldness is a deep conviction that God’s truth is good news for the world—and the courage to live and share it, even when it costs us. Boldness is born in the heart when we remember: God is with us (Joshua 1:9). The gospel is powerful (Romans 1:16). Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33). When these truths sink in, fear begins to lose its grip. The Application Being bold in faith might look different for each of us: Speaking up about your faith when it would be easier to stay silent. Living with integrity when compromise is expected. Praying out loud for someone in need, even if you feel unqualified. Standing with courage when following Jesus costs you approval. The question is not “Am I naturally bold?” but “Do I trust the Spirit to make me bold when I need to be?” The Gospel Connection Jesus is the ultimate model of holy boldness. He spoke truth to power, loved the unlovable, and laid down His life when it would have been easier to retreat. Because He faced the cross with courage, we can face the world with confidence—not in ourselves, but in Him. Reflection Questions Where do you sense God inviting you to take a step of boldness in your faith? How can you remind yourself daily that your courage rests in God’s presence, not your personality? Who might God be calling you to encourage with bold love this week? Prayer Lord, I confess that I often shrink back in fear. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me courage to live and speak with boldness. Help me trust that the gospel is good news worth sharing, and that You are with me wherever I go. Amen.

September 18 Devotional: Anchored in Hope The Story Hope is one of the central themes that runs through Scripture. God’s people have always faced moments of uncertainty, exile, and despair. Yet over and over, they are reminded: God is faithful, His promises endure, and His future is secure. The psalmist writes, “Why, my soul, are you downcast? … Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11). The Insight Hope in the Bible is not wishful thinking or vague optimism. It is a confident expectation rooted in the character of God. Because God is faithful, we can believe His promises even before we see them fulfilled. True hope is not fragile—it’s resilient. It survives disappointment, perseveres through trials, and looks beyond present circumstances to God’s eternal purposes. The writer of Hebrews describes hope as “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19). The Application We all anchor our hope in something: financial security, relationships, health, or success. But these anchors shift with the tides of life. When storms hit, only hope in Christ can hold us steady. Hope looks like: Trusting God’s promises when life feels uncertain. Choosing joy even before circumstances change. Pointing others to Christ when they feel weary. To live in hope is to live as if God’s future has already broken into the present. The Gospel Connection Our ultimate hope is not in ourselves or in the world around us—it’s in Jesus. His resurrection is the guarantee that death does not have the last word, and that every tear will one day be wiped away. Because He lives, our future is secure. Hope is not a fragile dream, but a living reality. Reflection Questions Where do you tend to place your hope other than God? How might remembering God’s promises anchor you in your current season? Who around you needs encouragement that Christ is our living hope? Prayer Father, thank You that my hope is not built on shifting sand but on the solid rock of Jesus. Anchor my soul in Your promises, and help me to live with confidence that You are working all things for good. Fill me with joy and endurance as I wait on You. Amen.

September 19 Devotional: Praying for Our Nation The Story God’s people have always been called to intercede for the places where they live. When Israel was exiled in Babylon, God told them through Jeremiah: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper” (Jeremiah 29:7). Even in a land not their own, God’s people were to be a praying presence—lifting up leaders, neighbors, and the nation before Him. The Insight Prayer for our nation is not about asking God to fulfill our political preferences or national pride. It is about asking God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. When we pray for our nation, we: Acknowledge God as the true King above all leaders. Intercede for justice, peace, and righteousness to flourish. Ask for hearts to turn back to God in repentance and renewal. Scripture reminds us: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). The Application Praying for our nation means standing in the gap. Instead of only criticizing or despairing, we lift our voices to heaven: Pray for leaders to act with wisdom and humility. Pray for justice for the vulnerable and unity among people. Pray for revival—that hearts would be awakened to the hope of Christ. Our prayers may not change everything overnight, but they align our hearts with God’s purposes and invite His Spirit to move in ways beyond what we can see. The Gospel Connection Jesus is the ultimate King who reigns with justice, truth, and grace. On the cross, He bore the brokenness of every nation, tribe, and tongue, so that one day people from every land will worship before His throne. Praying for our nation keeps our eyes on that day, while working toward it in the present. Reflection Questions When you think about your nation, do you tend more toward complaint or prayer? What specific leaders, issues, or communities could you be interceding for right now? How does remembering Christ as the true King give you hope in uncertain times? Prayer Lord, we lift our nation before You. Give our leaders wisdom and humility. Bring justice where there is injustice, peace where there is division, and healing where there is brokenness. Most of all, turn hearts back to You. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our land as it is in heaven. Amen.

September 22 Devotional on Ephesians 1:3–4 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.” The Overflow of Praise The passage begins not with an instruction but with an eruption of praise. Paul doesn’t start by telling us what to do—he starts by lifting our eyes to what God has already done. Before we consider ourselves, our struggles, or even our obedience, the text demands that we consider God’s action: He has already blessed us in Christ. The blessings of heaven are not earned rewards waiting for our performance—they are present realities secured by Christ. Chosen Before Creation Notice the staggering timeline. “Before the creation of the world.” Before a single star lit the night sky, before Adam drew breath, before Israel wandered in the wilderness, before your life even began—God’s intention was set. He chose you. This isn’t random favoritism but the outworking of His eternal plan of love. You were not an afterthought in redemption’s story. You were known, desired, and pursued long before you knew Him. Holy and Blameless in His Sight The goal of this choosing is not merely rescue but transformation: “to be holy and blameless in his sight.” Holiness here is not about outward polish—it’s about being set apart for God. To be blameless is not to have never sinned, but to be seen through the covering of Christ, forgiven and washed clean. God looks at you in Christ and sees not your failures, but His Son’s perfect righteousness. Living in the Blessing This changes how we live today. If every spiritual blessing is already ours in Christ, we don’t strive for identity or scramble for worth. We live from blessing, not for blessing. The Christian life is not a desperate attempt to earn God’s favor but a response of gratitude to what He has already given. Reflection Questions What does it mean for you personally that God chose you before creation? How does living from blessing rather than striving for blessing reshape your daily walk? Where in your life do you still feel like you must prove yourself to God, and how does this passage speak to that? Prayer Father, thank You that before the foundation of the world, You chose me in Christ. Help me to rest in the truth that every blessing I need has already been given in Him. Shape me to live holy and blameless, not out of fear or striving, but out of gratitude and joy. Amen.

September 23 Devotional on Ephesians 1:5 “He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.” The Heart of Adoption Paul takes us deeper into God’s plan. Salvation is not just forgiveness of sins—it is adoption. God doesn’t merely cancel our debts and leave us at the door; He welcomes us into His household. We are given the full rights and privileges of beloved children. The word “sonship” here points to inheritance. What belongs to Christ by right now belongs to us by grace. God’s Pleasure and Will This was not a reluctant decision. The verse emphasizes that adoption comes “in accordance with his pleasure and will.” It brought joy to the Father to make us His own. Sometimes we imagine God saving us with a grimace, as if He had no other choice. But adoption tells us His heart: He delighted to bring us close, to call us family. Through Jesus Christ Adoption is only possible “through Jesus Christ.” The Son makes us sons and daughters. By His life, death, and resurrection, we are not only forgiven but placed in a new relational status with God. We are no longer strangers or slaves—we are children at the table. Living as Sons and Daughters To live in this truth is to reject the orphan mindset that doubts God’s love and fears abandonment. We can pray boldly, love freely, and hope confidently because our place in God’s family is secure. Adoption means identity. It means belonging. It means rest. Reflection Questions Do you see yourself more as a servant trying to earn God’s approval, or as a child resting in His love? How does the reality of adoption challenge your fears about acceptance or rejection? What would change in your daily life if you fully embraced your identity as God’s beloved child? Prayer Father, thank You that in Your joy and will You adopted me through Jesus Christ. Help me to rest in my identity as Your child and to live with the freedom, security, and love that comes from being part of Your family. Amen.

September 24 Devotional on Ephesians 1:6–8 “…to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding…” Grace That Overflows These verses gather everything under one banner: praise of God’s glorious grace. Grace is not just God’s kindness; it is His glory on display. And this grace is not rationed—Paul says it is “lavished” on us. The language points to abundance, like a flood that cannot be contained. We often live as if God’s grace is fragile or scarce, but here we are reminded: He delights to pour it out in excess. Redemption Through His Blood Grace is not abstract—it has a cost. Our redemption comes “through his blood.” The word redemption refers to being bought out of slavery. By His sacrifice, Jesus paid the ransom that frees us from the chains of sin and death. Forgiveness is not casual leniency; it is freedom purchased at infinite cost. When we grasp this, grace becomes not cheap but priceless. Forgiveness That Restores Paul doesn’t leave redemption in the abstract—he makes it concrete: “the forgiveness of sins.” This forgiveness is total. It doesn’t merely cover over our wrongs; it cancels them. It restores us to fellowship with God. Many live weighed down by guilt, haunted by their past. But in Christ, forgiveness is not partial or probationary. It is final, freeing, and restoring. Wisdom and Understanding This grace is not reckless or careless. It comes “with all wisdom and understanding.” God’s plan of redemption is not a hasty fix—it is the eternal design of His wisdom. He knew what it would take to save us, and He willingly embraced that plan. Grace is not sloppy mercy; it is love guided by perfect wisdom. Reflection Questions Where in your life do you tend to treat grace as scarce instead of lavish? How does the reality of Christ’s costly redemption deepen your gratitude? Is there guilt you still carry that Christ has already forgiven? How can you release it today? Prayer Lord, thank You that Your grace is not measured in small amounts but lavished in abundance. Thank You for redemption through the blood of Jesus and the complete forgiveness of sins. Give me wisdom to live in this freedom and joy to praise the glory of Your grace. Amen.

September 25 Devotional on Ephesians 1:9–12 “He made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” The Mystery Revealed God’s plan was once hidden but now revealed: the mystery of His will is not guesswork—it is Christ. All of history, all of Scripture, all of redemption finds its center in Him. God is not leaving us in the dark about His purposes. He has unveiled the deepest secret of the universe: everything is moving toward Christ as the head. A Cosmic Plan Paul widens the lens here. The scope of God’s plan is staggering: “to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.” The brokenness we feel in creation, in relationships, in nations, and even within our own hearts—all of it will one day be healed and united under His reign. History is not spinning out of control. It is moving toward restoration, under the leadership of Jesus. Chosen for His Purpose Within this cosmic vision, Paul reminds us of our place: “In him we were also chosen.” Our salvation is not separate from God’s grand story—it is part of it. We are caught up in His plan, destined not by accident but by His will. The God who steers history has also called you personally, securing your life within His redemptive purpose. Hope That Praises Why were we chosen? “That we…might be for the praise of his glory.” The goal of redemption is worship—our lives becoming a living testimony of God’s glory. Hope in Christ is not a private escape plan; it’s a public declaration that all things belong to Him and that His glory is the true end of history. Reflection Questions How does knowing that all of history is moving toward Christ give you confidence in uncertain times? Do you see your personal salvation as part of God’s larger cosmic plan, or mostly as a private comfort? What would it look like for your life this week to exist “for the praise of his glory”? Prayer Lord, thank You for revealing the mystery of Your will in Christ. Thank You that history is not random but headed toward unity under His reign. Help me to live with hope, to trust Your purpose, and to reflect Your glory in all I do. Amen.

September 26 Devotional on Ephesians 1:13–14 “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.” Included in Christ Paul turns personal here: you also were included. The blessings he’s been describing are not distant concepts—they belong to you when you believe the gospel. Faith is the door through which we enter the reality of all these blessings. It is not about earning, striving, or heritage; it is about trusting in Christ and being united to Him. Sealed by the Spirit Believers are “marked with a seal.” In the ancient world, a seal was a mark of ownership, security, and authenticity. The Holy Spirit is that seal. He is God’s mark on your life, declaring: This one belongs to Me. His presence is both the proof of your belonging and the power that sustains you in the Christian life. A Deposit of What’s to Come The Spirit is called a “deposit guaranteeing our inheritance.” Think of it as a down payment—real, substantial, but also a promise of more to come. In Christ, you already taste forgiveness, adoption, and joy. But the fullness—resurrection, new creation, eternal life with God—is still ahead. The Spirit is both the assurance and the preview of that future. To the Praise of His Glory Once again Paul anchors everything in worship. The seal of the Spirit, the promise of inheritance, the certainty of redemption—all of it leads us back to one response: to the praise of His glory. Salvation is not ultimately about our security or even our joy, but about God’s glory being displayed through redeemed lives. Reflection Questions How does knowing you are “sealed” by the Spirit shape your sense of security in Christ? In what ways do you experience the Spirit as a preview of your future inheritance? How can your life this week point others to “the praise of his glory”? Prayer Holy Spirit, thank You for sealing me as God’s own and for being the guarantee of what is to come. Help me to rest in the security of belonging to Christ and to live as a preview of His coming kingdom. May my life echo with praise to the glory of God. Amen.

September 29 Devotional on Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The Surprise of the Kingdom When Jesus begins His Sermon on the Mount, He doesn’t start with commands, warnings, or lofty visions of greatness. He begins with blessing. And the very first word of blessing lands not on the strong, the accomplished, or the religious elite, but on the poor in spirit. In the original language, “poor” here doesn’t mean someone who is scraping by paycheck to paycheck. It describes the destitute beggar—the one with nothing to offer, nothing to trade, nothing to stand on. To be “poor in spirit” is to recognize our utter dependence on God, to stand before Him empty-handed. The surprise is that Jesus calls these very people “blessed.” Not because weakness itself is good, but because emptiness is the posture that makes room for the fullness of God. The Inverted Kingdom The world says: Be strong, be competent, be self-sufficient, and you will be secure. Jesus says the opposite: Recognize your bankruptcy before God, and that is where true life begins. The kingdom of heaven isn’t awarded as a prize for performance. It is inherited as a gift by those who finally admit they cannot earn it. The starting point of the Christian life is not moral achievement but surrender. This is the radical inversion of Jesus’ kingdom—it begins not with ladders we climb, but with knees bent low. Why This Matters for Us We spend so much of life trying to prove ourselves—before people, before the mirror, even before God. But the invitation of Jesus is to lay all of that down. To confess: I am not enough. I cannot save myself. My hands are empty. And right there, in that confession, the door of the kingdom swings open. To be poor in spirit is not a one-time entry requirement; it’s the ongoing posture of discipleship. Every day, we are called to live not by self-sufficiency, but by grace. The proud heart resists this. But the poor in spirit discover that the presence of God is found in dependence, and the riches of His kingdom are poured out on those who know they cannot buy them. Reflection Where in your life are you still trying to prove your worth or self-sufficiency before God or others? How might admitting your spiritual poverty free you to receive the grace of the kingdom today? Pray: Lord, I bring nothing to the table but my need. Teach me to depend wholly on You, that I may know the blessing of Your kingdom. Closing Prayer Father in heaven, I come before You with empty hands and a needy heart. I confess that on my own, I have nothing to offer that can earn Your love or secure Your kingdom. Thank You that in Your grace, You give the kingdom to those who know their poverty. Teach me daily to lay down pride, self-sufficiency, and striving, and to rest in the finished work of Christ. Fill me with Your Spirit, that my weakness would become the place where Your strength is revealed. May my life today reflect the joy of one who has received everything as a gift. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

September 30 Devotional on Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” The Paradox of Mourning At first glance, Jesus’ words sound almost impossible. How can mourning—an experience of grief, loss, or lament—be a place of blessing? We tend to avoid sorrow, distract ourselves from pain, and numb our grief. Yet Jesus insists that the path of blessing runs straight through the valley of tears. To mourn in this sense is more than grieving personal loss. It is to allow our hearts to break over the brokenness of the world, the weight of sin, and the distance between what is and what should be. Mourning acknowledges reality honestly before God—without pretending, without rushing to fix or cover it up. The Comfort of God’s Presence The promise attached to this beatitude is stunning: “they shall be comforted.” This isn’t shallow consolation or quick fixes. The word for comfort here speaks of God drawing near, coming alongside, wrapping His presence around His people. True comfort does not erase grief—it redeems it. God doesn’t promise to take away every sorrow in this life, but He promises His presence in the midst of it. And ultimately, Jesus Himself bore our griefs and carried our sorrows (Isaiah 53:4), so that one day mourning will give way to joy, and every tear will be wiped away. Why This Matters for Us We live in a culture allergic to sadness, where happiness is pursued at all costs. But Jesus teaches us that there is a blessing in tears. When we mourn our sin, we open ourselves to the healing of forgiveness. When we mourn the brokenness of the world, we align ourselves with the heart of God who longs to make all things new. And when we mourn personal loss, we discover a comfort deeper than circumstances—the nearness of the God who is close to the brokenhearted. To mourn rightly is to be awake to reality and to be open to God’s redeeming presence. It is in the tears of the night that we come to trust the God who promises joy in the morning. Reflection Where in your life have you been avoiding sorrow instead of bringing it before God? What brokenness in your own heart or in the world grieves you today? How might God’s promise of comfort free you to mourn honestly, without fear or denial? Prayer Father of mercy, You know my tears, both the ones I cry aloud and the ones hidden deep in my heart. Thank You that You are not distant from my grief but near to the brokenhearted. Teach me not to run from mourning, but to bring my sorrow before You in faith. Comfort me with Your presence, and let me find in Jesus the One who carried my griefs to the cross. Fill me with hope that one day, every tear will be wiped away and mourning will be no more. In Jesus’ name, Amen.