Daily Devotional
The Words of Hope Devotional is a non-profit, donor-supported publication whose goal is to encourage readers to grow in faith through the practice of daily Bible reading and prayer.
Honoring God in the Ordinary
Read: 1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (v. 31)
We tend to segment our service to God. That is, we think, When I volunteer at the soup kitchen, then I am honoring God. And of course that’s true. But you don’t just honor God when you work at the soup kitchen. You also honor God when you work in your own kitchen. Every daily duty, every task, can and should be done as a gift to God. In Sunday worship, people put their gifts in the offering plate. But that’s just money, and it’s all God’s money to begin with.
Everything we do can be considered an offering unto God—the way you do your job, the way you tend your garden, the way you handle sickness. I can remember, when I was a boy, how my mother would say that one’s posture—simply the way you sit or stand—is done to the glory of God. At the time I thought that was a preposterous idea. But increasingly, as the years have gone by, I’ve thought that Mom was right. “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God,” said Paul.
On your next visit to the Lotz home be sure to notice the painted wooden plaque that hangs on the wall in the kitchen: “Fulfill each daily duty as beneath the eye of God . . . Simply, Zealously, Cheerfully, Completely.” Think about that. And sit up straight. —Lou Lotz
As you pray, be mindful that we honor God in life’s ordinary tasks.
Light at the Judgment
Read: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. (v. 5) Paul was guilty
The Armor of Light
Read: Romans 13:5-14 The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. (v. 12) Saul of Tarsus is transformed. No more blinded
Suddenly a Light from Heaven
Read: Acts 9:1-20 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. (v. 3) Saul went on his way. His way was to power up with his fine legal mind,
Darkness Has Not Overcome
Read: John 1:1-5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (v. 5) We hear so much about spiritual darkness today, and we who love the light can feel a sense of overwhelm or even
Shrewd Children of Light?
Read: Luke 16:1-15 The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. (v. 8 NIV) It’s
Light for Revelation
Read: Luke 2:25-35 My eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. (vv. 30-32) Simeon, who spoke these words
Secrets Come to Light
Read: Mark 4:21-25 For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light. (v. 22) We live in an age of incredible scientific discovery. While quantum physics describes nature at the smallest
How Great the Darkness
Read: Matthew 6:22-23 If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! (v. 23) Jesus speaks about the absurdity of lighting a lamp then covering it up; a few moments later he takes his metaphor “out
The Light in You
Read: Matthew 5:13-16 Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God. (v. 16 MSG)