Category: Daily Bread

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Give Thanks For A New Year

Proverbs 27:1

[1] Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.

James 4:13-14

[13] Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— [14] yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.

Another year has come and gone. 2025 has come to an end, and today marks the first day of 2026. As we start the new year, let us give thanks to God for bringing us this far. So many didn’t make it to the new year that those of us who did should make sure we start out the year right, with thanksgiving that the LORD hasn’t just given us a new day, but a new year.

Let us not waste the first day of the year. Today, let us make a conscious effort to go before the LORD with thanksgiving and praise for all that He has done for us.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Give Thanks For A New Year.

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The Benediction

20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our LORD Jesus, the Great Shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. ~ Hebrews 13:20-21

These two verses are the writer’s benediction over his readers. A benediction is the declaration of God’s blessings over His people. It is usually pronounced by the pastor just before he dismisses the congregation after a church service. And this, being December 31st, the last day of this Old Year, it is totally appropriate for us to declare the blessings of the LORD over you.

So, as we close out this Old Year, 2025, we look forward to a New Year, with peace, joy, hope, and the love of our God all around us, and in us. May the LORD God Almighty, the Father of our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ, equip you with every good thing that you need to accomplish His will, and complete the work that He has called you to do. May His presence always be felt, His peace enjoyed, and His love eternally experienced. For the LORD is good and His mercies are everlasting.

Our Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for sending Your Son, Jesus, our Redeemer, to die on the cross so that we might live. Thank you, LORD Jesus, for loving us and being obedient to the Father. In this coming New Year, help me not to miss opportunities, nor waste time, nor ignore divine appointments, nor overlook the little things in life that You send me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

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Learn What Grieves Him

7 Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked. And they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loincloths. 8 And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the Presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. ~ Genesis 3:7-8

Genesis chapter three records the fall of man and the first thing that happened to him. Their innocence was immediately lost, and guilt and shame immediately entered in. And did you notice what the very first thing they did? They tried to cover it up by sewing fig leaves together to make coverings for themselves. But who knows that only the blood of Jesus can help us with that?

So, obviously, that did not work for them, for as soon as they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden, Adam and Eve ran and hid themselves from the Presence of the LORD, still wearing the makeshift clothes made out of fig leaves. But it made no difference. They still felt shame and fear.

It’s no different today. You know… if you have a relationship with the LORD… you know when you have grieved His Holy Spirit. You know when you’ve stepped over the line. And here’s something else: what will grieve the Holy Spirit with me won’t grieve the Holy Spirit with you. And likewise, what grieves the Holy Spirit with you won’t necessarily grieve the Holy Spirit with me. To each his own, and you had better be aware of grieving God’s Holy Spirit.

So, just as Adam and Eve were warned of the sin they were to not commit, we too are warned of the sins we are not to commit. If we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit, we best learn what grieves Him and what draws Him closer to us. It’s not for each one to simply just decide right from wrong for themselves. We have been given the Word of the LORD. We have His Word, and He has written His Law on our hearts, so we are without excuse on that final day when we will stand before the LORD and give an account of our lives. When we will have to answer to the LORD Himself for our actions. What we have done and what we did not do.

Therefore, learn the Word of the LORD. Put His Word into practice. Stir up the Spirit and His gifts. Don’t just take hope for granted. Learn who the LORD is and what He demands of each of us.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Learn What Grieves Him.

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Pursue Holiness

Who is blind but My servant, Or so deaf as My messenger whom I send? Who is so blind as he that is at peace with Me, Or so blind as the servant of the Lord? ~ Isaiah 42:19NASB1995

If you really take a moment to think about this statement by the LORD, it is pretty frightening. He is not talking about the blindness or the deafness of these heathens, or those who hate Him. No, God is talking about His own people, His own servants. These people who are supposed to be following and working for Him. The one who should have a close relationship with Him. But instead of closeness, we find distance. Instead of intimacy, we find lukewarmness.

Just because we claim a relationship with the Almighty God does not mean we have one. God’s people, the ones who should know Him intimately and serve Him wholeheartedly, are the very ones who are trampling the blood of Jesus underfoot and making the name of the Holy One something common. That’s why God asks the question in Isaiah 1:5, “Why will you be struck anymore?”

In other words, why continue to rebel after He has redeemed you with His own blood, and now you’re receiving just punishment, punishment that He takes no pleasure in. It is not God’s will that anyone perish, but all come to repentance. But we refuse to draw close to God because we love the pleasures of the world. Let us forsake evil and turn from lukewarmness and cling to God in pursuit of holiness.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Pursue Holiness.

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Stay Ready

2 Timothy 4:1-2 NIV

[1] In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: [2] Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.

This is Paul warning Timothy to always be prepared. See, Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and a Greek father. Paul actually had to circumcise Timothy because the Jews they were going to only knew his father was a Greek. Timothy ends up being set up as a leader of the Church by Paul to ensure they don’t stay from sounds doctrine while he’s gone.

Paul’s warning was about keeping watch and not repeating the mistakes of his people. See, just a few years back the people of Israel denied and rejected the Messiah. They went as far as to have Him crucified by the Romans. Jesus came at a time they didn’t expect as a person they didn’t anticipate.

Jesus showed the severity of their spiritual slumber when He walked past the fig tree (out of fig season) and cursed it for not bearing fruit when its maker/creator walked by. This was symbolic of the Jewish people. Jesus, their God became man and dwelt among them, yet they didn’t see Him. They couldn’t recognize Him. They were spiritually asleep.

Paul was warning Timothy not to repeat their mistakes. Paul was warning Timothy to stay ready. See, we don’t know when the LORD will call on us to do something, to witness to someone. Teach a lesson. Share the Gospel. Or change our lives completely. God’s timing isn’t always our timing.

So, we have to make sure we are always awake. On guard. Watching. Praying. Seeking. And never sleeping. Regardless if we are in season or out of season. Regardless of whether it’s expected of us by those around us or not. Whether we have a platform or not. Whether we are wining in life or not. We are to be ready for God to call us regardless of the time or season.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Stay Ready.

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The Overcomer Within

10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned, in whatever situation I am, to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. ~ Philippians 4:10-13

In 1914, a woman by the name of Mary Anne Bevan developed a disease called Acromegaly. The condition caused progressive facial and bodily disfigurement due to the overproduction of growth hormone because of a benign tumor on the pituitary gland. This kind of disappointment would set most people back. They would become depressed, repressed, and lock themselves inside their home. Mary Anne, however, was cut from a different cloth.

Mary Anne didn’t let the disease overcome her. She didn’t let the physical or emotional pain keep her down. In order to provide for her family, she entered a “Ugliest Woman” competition and won. She proceeded to work for Barnum and Bailey Circus (as well as other companies) and made around $50,000 (about one million dollars today) and was able to provide for her four children.

In this life, there will be many trials and tribulations. We will experience ups and downs. The enemy will try to take everything from you, but you must overcome. You have to find the strength not give in to the attacks of the enemy. You have to find your strength in Christ Jesus because in Him we can do all things, including overcoming this world and its afflictions.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Find That Overcomer Within.

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A Great Feast

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. ~ Acts 6:1-7

I always knew today was Boxing Day, but I never knew it was the Feast of Stephen. The Feast of Stephen is most well known for being in the song/hymn “Good King Wenceslas.”

Good King Wenceslas looked out on the Feast of Stephen,
When the snow lay round about, deep and crisp and even.

We all know these words, but the last words I had never heard before. They truly summarize the Feast of Stephen.

Therefore, Christian men, be sure, while God’s gifts possessing,
You who now will bless the poor shall yourselves find blessing.

See, on the Feast of Stephen, you honored the memory of Stephen the martyr by giving gifts to the poor. Why? Because Stephen was one of the seven chosen by the early Church to oversee daily food distribution to ensure none were being overlooked or missed.

Stephen died not too long after this in 36 AD. He was stoned to death by the Sanhedrin. And with his dying breath, he prayed to the LORD that He wouldn’t hold that sin against them. He used his dying breath to pray for his murderers.

Today, we honor that legacy. A legacy of love, selflessness, forgiveness, and giving. If you, LORD forbid, were to die today, what would your legacy be? What would people remember you for? Today, don’t let it just be another day. Go out of your way for another person. Let today be the day you start leaving a legacy you would be proud of.

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Leave A Great Legacy.

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The Real Christmas Story

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14           Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace,

Good will toward men. ~ KJV Luke 2:1–14

This is the real and true Christmas story—the greatest story ever told. Why is it so important? Because this is the day we celebrate, the day we commemorate, that a Savior, who is Christ the LORD, was born.

A tiny, helpless baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.

The same God who said, “Let there be light,” and light came to be, had now incarnated Himself—becoming a humble, helpless baby, dependent on His earthly parents to provide, protect, and love Him. He took on flesh and came in the form of man so that He might save man through His life, death, and resurrection.

That is what the angel was proclaiming that night to the shepherds who were out in the fields keeping watch over their flock when he said, “Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” For a Savior was born in Bethlehem—a Savior who was destined for the cross in order to save mankind from their sins. Every man, woman, and child now has the opportunity to live throughout eternity with Jesus.

There are many so-called facts that claim to be verified by science that are not facts at all, such as evolution. But here is a fact you can depend on, a truth you can believe, because it comes from God Himself: a Savior—Jesus, the Christ—was born over two thousand years ago. He lived and died, was raised to life again on the third day, and is coming back to receive unto Himself all those who believe and take refuge in His great and mighty Name.

This Christmas, let the joy of the new birth take shape in your life. Believe God for great and mighty things—things that only He can provide. It’s Christmas; let us rejoice and be glad. Our LORD and Savior has come.

Father, thank You for the joy of Christmas. Thank You for the hope we have in Jesus. Thank You, LORD Jesus, that You are coming back for us, so that where You are, there we shall be also. In Jesus’ Name we pray, amen.

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Accept The Gift

[26] In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, [27] to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. [28] The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” [29] Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. [30] But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. [31] You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, [33] and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” [34] “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” [35] The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. [36] Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. [37] For no word from God will ever fail.” [38] “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:26-38).

This passage could be considered Christmas Eve in God’s plan—not the night before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, but the moment when the gift of Christ was first offered to the world, nine months before His birth.

There are a few important things to notice.

First, Mary was greatly troubled, but she was not terrified like the shepherds later would be. The word translated as “troubled” means perplexed—deeply thoughtful, puzzled. Mary’s first instinct was not panic but wonder. She tried to understand what God was doing, as shown by her questioning what kind of greeting this might be.

Mary responded with faith seeking understanding.

The shepherds, on the other hand, were sore afraid—terrified. In Scripture, angels often signal judgment or dramatic divine intervention. From their perspective, they may have believed death was imminent. Where Mary wondered, the shepherds feared judgment.

Second, Mary asked questions so she could fully understand what God was asking of her. Her question—“How will this be?”—was not unbelief, but a sincere desire to obey rightly. The shepherds, by contrast, did not speak at all until the angels had departed.

Third, the angel did not leave Mary without getting an answer. She had to choose. She could receive the gift—say yes—or she could refuse—say no. Only after Mary clearly accepted God’s will did the angel depart.

Mary understood who she was before God and said:

“I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Only then did the angel leave.

Mary’s story reminds us that God’s greatest gifts often arrive wrapped in mystery and require a response. Like Mary, we may feel perplexed rather than terrified, uncertain rather than afraid—but God still invites us to trust Him. The question is not whether God has a plan, but whether we are willing to receive it. Faith does not demand complete understanding; it requires surrender. When we, like Mary, recognize who we are before God and say, “I am the LORD’s servant; may Your word be fulfilled in me,” we accept the gift God is offering and allow His purposes to unfold in our lives.

Father, help me understand who I am and what You want me to do. I know You have a plan for everyone, including me. Help me to find, understand, and receive the plans You have for my life, and to say with faith, “Let Your will be fulfilled in me.” Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Be Spiritually Awake

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: 23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus. ~ Matthew 1:18-25

Mary and Joseph weren’t together at the time of her conception. They were simply betrothed to one another. Joseph, when Mary was found to be with child, was going to divorce her quietly, but an angel came to Joseph in a dream explaining the matter to him.

Joseph then took Mary home as his wife. Joseph could have easily divorced Mary and refused to believe the dream. He could’ve easily just written it off as his heart’s desires and hope of Mary’s innocence, but he didn’t. He awoke from his dream and chose to believe the words spoken to him. Why? I believe it was because he was actively awaiting the Messiah. He was actively seeking God’s promises, so his spirit man was fed and on high alert.

Though his revelation came to him in a dream, Joseph wasn’t asleep. Spiritually, that is. He was on guard. Watching. Waiting. Hoping for the Messiah. If an angel came to you to give you insight, would you be spiritually awake enough to recognize that the dream was from God? Or has slumber taken you, numbing your spiritual awareness?

Peace. Love. Go Forth and Be Spiritually Awake.

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