Today’s passage: Philippians 4:4–9 Focus verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) Does today’s passage sound familiar? It’s the same one as Day 9. Then we focused on verse four, which tells us to rejoice in the Lord. […]
A Fresh Opportunity Today’s passage: Lamentations 3:22–27 Focus verse: His compassions never fail. They are new every morning. (Lamentations 3:22–23) The five-chapter book of Lamentations is a series of five laments often attributed to the prophet Jeremiah. A lament expresses grief, mourning, or deep regret. As such, we expect the book of Lamentations to be […]
The Redemption of Jerusalem Today’s Passage: Luke 2:36–38 Focus Verse: She gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:38) As Simeon concludes his praise, blessing, and prophecy, another witness arrives. Her name is Anna. Luke refers to her as the daughter […]
The Shepherds Tell Everyone about the Baby Today’s Passage: Luke 2:15–20 Focus Verse: When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. (Luke 2:17) After sharing the astounding news of Jesus’s arrival with the shepherds, the angels leave. Amazed by the experience, the shepherds discuss what […]
Joseph Took Mary Home as His Wife Today’s Passage: Matthew 1:20–25 Focus Verse: When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:24) Learning of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy, Joseph intends to privately end their engagement. As he mulls over the best […]
“I am the Lord’s Servant,” Mary Answered. Key Passage: Luke 1:38 Focus verse: “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38) The angel Gabriel has just delivered shocking news to Mary. It’s a lot for her to take in. It would be a lot for anyone. The […]
The Genealogy of Jesus Today’s Passage: Matthew 1:1–17 Focus Verse: This is the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham. (Matthew 1:1) We’ve already talked about how John, Mark, and Luke open their biographies of Jesus. Now we’ll look at Matthew’s approach. Though it may seem strange to us […]
Come Out! Today’s passage: John 11:1–44 Focus verse: Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” (John 11:41–42). Jesus loves the siblings […]
Glory in Your Praise Today’s passage: 1 Chronicles 16 Focus verse: “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” (1 Chronicles 16:35) The nation of Israel takes the ark of God into battle, and the Philistines capture it […]
Give Thanks to God Today’s passage: Romans 14:1–10 Focus verse: Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. (Romans 14:6) We may think today’s focus verse addresses being a vegetarian. It does not, at least not […]