Today Daily Devotional

ReFrame Ministries
Today Daily Devotional

Today is a daily devotional that helps God's people refresh, refocus and renew their faith through Bible reading, reflection, and prayer.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    God, the Seed Planter

    “The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” — Luke 8:15 It was evident from the tan lines on his arms that the man sitting across from me spent a lot of time outdoors. And a quick look at his hands showed the calluses, scars, and soil-stained fingers that came from a life of hard work on the farm. This man appeared to have lived a humble, strong, and yet simple life that didn’t have much to offer the fast-paced world around him. But how quickly that impression changed with just one conversation—for this humble farmer was far more than simple. He was a deep well of wisdom and experience, a lifelong follower of Jesus who had carefully tended the soil of his soul for over half a century. That soil was really good, and that man’s heart had clearly allowed gospel seeds to be planted and to grow, producing beautiful fruit to be shared with the people around him. The Spirit of God had clearly worked in this man’s heart and life, and I was blessed by the fruit of his Christ-centered faith. In what ways are you applying God’s Word to your life, giving room for his seeds of love and goodness to grow and bear fruit that will draw others to seek and praise him? Lord God, thank you for the seeds you have planted in our hearts through faith in your Son, Jesus. Send your Spirit to nurture and grow those seeds, and help us to bear fruit so that others can enjoy the goodness of life you want for us all forever. Amen.

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    God, the Patient Forgiver

    Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” — Matthew 18:22 When I was invited to write this month’s devotions, I accepted with eager anticipation. But I could not have known that I would soon also face a disruptive series of events that would turn this opportunity into an anxious task. Pressure continued to build as my due date approached—and then passed. I struggled to find the motivation to keep writing, and a weight of guilt made things even worse. Throughout this challenging time, however, the staff editor who worked with me remained encouraging, compassionate, prayerful, and forgiving. And, perhaps most of all, patience has been the constant thread woven into this experience for me. This experience has reminded me of Jesus’ response to Peter when he asked about forgiving others. And it has helped me to see how patient a forgiving person can be, despite our own shortcomings at times. Peter asked Jesus for guidance on how much patience we should give people who push situations past a reasonable limit to endure. And Jesus’ answer reminds us of just how patient our heavenly Father is with us. Though we, in our sin and wrongdoing, have been God’s enemies, he sent his own Son to give up his life for us so that we can have new life forever with him (Romans 5:8-11)! Patient, forgiving King, how often we fall short, and how quick you are to remind us of your love. Thank you for your patient, full forgiveness. Help us to be patient in forgiving others. Amen.

  3. 4 DAYS AGO

    God, the Provider (II)

    “Do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say.” — Luke 12:11-12 There is a common misunderstanding in many churches. Many Christians think there is a big difference between proclaiming God’s Word from a pulpit and sharing his truth in a conversation. Similarly, lots of Christians think the apex of evangelism happens on a Sunday morning in a sanctuary and not in a coffee shop or in a car ride to work. As Christians, we often think that to share the gift of salvation with someone, we first have to be qualified academically or be trained in a special way. As a result, we can get tangled up in our inabilities, bogged down by our insecurities, and overwhelmed with fears of failing ourselves, others, or—even worse—God. But you aren’t called because you’re qualified; you’re qualified because you’ve been called. Your life, regardless of religious education or ability to speak in public, is a testimony in itself. It’s the story of God’s redemption and restoration plan in you. God knew you even before he established the foundations of the earth. He created you, wired you, and called you by name. God has adopted you as his child into his eternal family, and he has entrusted you with his kingdom work, which simply means sharing with someone the good news of forgiveness from sin and of new life in Christ forever. So share the good news today! God, thank you for qualifying all of us whom you have called. Strengthen us by your Spirit to share the good news of your kingdom. Amen.

  4. 5 DAYS AGO

    God, the Encourager

    Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God. . . . — 1 Peter 2:10 Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers, urgently encouraged Christians in the first century as they endured intense persecution, suffering, trials, and hardships. I imagine that Peter’s words also helped to lift himself up in some way, especially considering the changes he went through since first meeting Jesus near the Sea of Galilee. Once a professional fisherman, he soon became a church planter, a pastor, an encourager, and a defender of the faith. He went from mending nets to leading the newly formed church of Jesus Christ, full of freshly baptized believers. Peter’s words are unapologetically bold while also being full of grace and love. Although these words were written over 2,000 years ago, they are just as true today for you and me, because we too are God’s chosen people, a group called to be ministers and shepherds in our homes and communities. We have been set apart by God’s grace, and we are heirs with Christ in his glorious kingdom, which is yet to come in its fullness. God has given us the wonderful and beautiful gift of salvation, the light of eternal life that eliminates the darkness of sin and death, for which we were once destined. Amazing! Loving God, thank you for calling us your people and for equipping us to be the church in our world today. Help us to see where you are at work in our homes and communities so that we may partner with you in building your kingdom here on earth. Amen.

  5. 6 DAYS AGO

    God, the Eternity Setter

    There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. — Ecclesiastes 3:1 I can still remember the sound of the little bird that popped out of the old cuckoo clock on the wall at my grandparents’ house. Every hour, on the hour, the red faded bird would announce the time. I also recall that when the bird was quiet, I could hear the second hand ticking away the seconds of the day. It’s often said that you can’t get time back, so it’s best to make use of the time you have. Though the author of Ecclesiastes didn’t write those words, they sound like something he might have said. In Ecclesiastes we hear the words of a person who has had the opportunity to look back on his life and recall the joys, concerns, victories, and defeats he has experienced. We hear someone who reflects on how important each season was. Notably, the wise King Solomon, who wrote Ecclesiastes, ends his short reflection by commenting that God makes all things beautiful in their time and sets eternity in the human heart (v. 11). That brings me back to those days in my grandparents’ home with the cuckoo clock, and I remember stories that they shared around the dinner table. I can’t get that time back, but the beauty of the memories lives on, and the thought of reuniting with those family members in God’s presence in eternity brings me joy, both now and forever. Lord God, thank you for eternity, and please instill in our hearts the hope of everlasting life. Strengthen us by your Spirit, and help us to reflect on your goodness each day. Amen.

  6. 20 NOV

    God, the Gardener

    “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.” — John 15:2 I don’t know much about plants, but I imagine it might be painful for a vine to go through the pruning process. I also imagine that if I were a plant, I might get frustrated with the gardener for lopping off parts of me without asking for my opinion or permission. Thinking about it a little more, gardeners don’t prune out of anger or frustration. They prune because they want the plant to grow healthier and stronger so that it can bear good fruit. The gardener sees the overall vision of the plant, while the plant can only “see” what’s right in front of them. With that in mind, Jesus’ words here make good sense. Pruning is the way God removes parts of us that are overgrown and not producing. It may mean we have to let go of some comforts, and doing that can remove troublesome distractions in our life. Through pruning we are able to see more clearly who we are and what God has in mind for us, even if that means enduring some pain along the way. Whatever might pain us in the pruning process, it’s the transforming of our heart, mind, and soul that God wants to see, because he wants our fruit to grow—fruit that one day we will be able to share with others for the goodness and glory of our Lord, the master gardener. Gentle God, thank you for the pruning you are doing in our lives today. We may not like it, but we need to trust you with our future. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

About

Today is a daily devotional that helps God's people refresh, refocus and renew their faith through Bible reading, reflection, and prayer.

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