Quiet Corner

[KakiMeow]

The Wandering, Wondering Mind​

Joyce Meyer – Mar 28, 2026
4 min read

Adapted from Battlefield of the Mind

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 1:13 (KJV)

In the days when Peter wrote these words, men wore long, flowing robes that hindered fast progress or strenuous action. They wore broad belts (or girdles) about their waists, and when they wanted to move into action, they “girded up their loins”—that is, they shortened their robes by pulling them up inside their belts. That term is similar to what we mean when we say, “Roll up your sleeves.” Peter’s words here are a serious call to action—a reminder that when we lose our focus, it is time for us to do some serious thinking.

I’ve already talked about how staying too busy can result in an abnormal mind as opposed to a normal mind. Now I want to point out that another way the devil attacks your normal mind is by causing your thoughts to wander. It’s a mental attack. If you do not discipline your mind to remain focused on what is important, the devil will cause it to wander aimlessly to other things. When this inability to concentrate goes on for a while, you may begin to wonder if there is something wrong with your mind. What you often fail to realize is that when you’ve allowed your mind to wander for so long, you’re hardly aware that it’s taking place.

In some cases, there may be physical causes for not being able to concentrate, such as anemia or certain B-vitamin deficiencies. You may not be eating properly. Or you may have become excessively fatigued. It’s a good idea to consider all the potential causes as you search for a solution. I’ve learned that when I’m excessively tired, Satan tries to attack my mind because he knows it’s more difficult for me to resist him during those times.

Sometimes a lack of concentration creates a lack of comprehension. Perhaps as you are reading the Bible, you find yourself hurrying to get through so you can do something else. Out of a sense of duty, you are determined to finish reading a chapter—and you do. But when you are finished, you can’t recall anything you have read. Your eyes scanned the pages, but your mind was engaged somewhere else.

Perhaps you have even experienced this battle for your mind in church. You attend regularly—and the devil can’t always stop that—but he can cause your mind to start wandering during the sermon. Have you ever been fully engrossed in listening to a sermon, and then you suddenly realize that your mind has wandered and you have no idea what was said?

If the devil can rob you of the benefits of reading the Bible and hearing God’s Word at church, he has won some major skirmishes in the battle for your mind. This is why Peter tells us to “gird up the loins of our minds.” You must take action by confronting your wandering mind and disciplining it to focus on what’s important.
In conversation, I used to fake it when I realized my mind had wandered. Now I deal with it honestly by asking, “Would you please back up and repeat that? I let my mind wander off, and I didn’t hear a thing you said.” This kind of behavior not only interrupts the plan of the enemy but also brings victory over the problem.

It’s not easy to discipline your mind when it has been allowed to wander aimlessly, but you can do it. When you discover that your thoughts have wandered, you must exercise discipline and make the necessary corrections. The devil would like to convince you that you can’t help yourself, but when you consistently come against his bid for your mind, he is defeated, and you have won another battle.

Prayer of the Day: Holy Spirit, I realize how quickly Satan distracts me and then capitalizes on my wandering mind. Forgive me for allowing him to lead me astray. I thank You for giving me a good, clear mind, and in the name of Jesus, I ask You to help me overcome every temptation to lose my focus, Amen.

 

[KakiMeow]

Iceberg and Glacier, Antarctica. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

Our Rewards in Heaven​

The Lord sees and rewards each act of obedience, no matter how small.​

March 28, 2026


Matthew 6:16-20

Have you ever thought about what type of rewards you are going to receive in heaven? When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will be evaluated on the basis of what we’ve received—that is, the truth God has made available to us—and what we’ve done with the opportunities we were given.

Furthermore, some specific actions and attitudes will result in special acknowledgment. For instance, Matthew’s gospel says there is a great reward stored up in heaven for those who are insulted and persecuted for Jesus’ sake (Matthew 5:11-12).

Elsewhere, the Lord tells us that acts of kindness done for His followers will be noted and rewarded (Matthew 25:40). Even a cup of water given to a thirsty person will not be overlooked on judgment day (Matthew 10:42).

Other actions that draw the Father’s special attention are love directed toward enemies and lending without expectation of repayment. These behaviors will bring great reward and the designation “sons of the Most High” (Luke 6:35).

Sometimes others seem to prosper and reap a great harvest without even noticing how we prepared the soil. Yet God assures us that neither the one who plants nor the one who waters will be overlooked (1 Corinthians 3:8). The Lord sees each detail, and everything done for His sake will be rewarded. 

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 15-16

 

[KakiMeow]

 

[the only way]

 

[KakiMeow]

Buildings in Vienna, Austria. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

Knowing God’s Heart​

Seek God with all your heart, and you will find Him.​

March 30, 2026

Deuteronomy 4:29-30

People long to be understood. This is because we were created in God’s image—He is a relational being who desires for His children to know and understand Him.

Just as you don’t want to be known for only superficial details, it’s not enough to simply know about the Lord. He wants us to learn how He thinks and feels, what’s important to Him, and what His purposes are. Of course, it’s impossible for us to completely know the mind of the Creator. Isaiah 55:9 tells us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

However, we can better understand God’s heart and character by seeking Him and learning daily from His Word. If we truly desire to walk in His ways, we must first genuinely know Him. We come to know our friends better by sharing more experiences together. Similarly, we will also understand God better the longer we walk with Him and meditate on His Word.

God wants you to seek Him with all your heart, and He promises that when you do, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13). So, the next time you’re feeling misunderstood, turn to the One who knows you perfectly. Even more importantly, ask the Lord to help you know Him better.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 19-21

 

[KakiMeow]

Extravagant Love for Jesus​

Monday 30 March 2026 / Don Schwager

GOSPEL READING: John 12:1-11
1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 There they made him a supper; Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those at table with him. 3 Mary took a pound of costly ointment of pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. 4 But Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples (he who was to betray him), said, 5 "Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" 6 This he said, not that he cared for the poor but because he was a thief, and as he had the money box he used to take what was put into it. 7 Jesus said, "Let her alone, let her keep it for the day of my burial. 8 The poor you always have with you, but you do not always have me." 9 When the great crowd of the Jews learned that he was there, they came, not only on account of Jesus but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests planned to put Lazarus also to death, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus. 12 The next day a great crowd who had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem.

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 42:1-7
1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him, he will bring forth justice to the nations. 2 He will not cry or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; 3 a bruised reed he will not break, and a dimly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. 4 He will not fail or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth; and the coastlands wait for his law. 5 Thus says God,the LORD, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread forth the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people upon it and spirit to those who walk in it: 6 "I am the LORD, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations,7 to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.

Meditation: Do you know the love that knows no bounds? As Jesus dines with his beloved friends, Mary does something which only love can do. She took the most precious thing she had and spent it all on Jesus. Her love was not calculated but extravagant. Mary's action was motivated by one thing, and one thing only, namely, her love for Jesus and her gratitude for God's mercy. She did something, however, a Jewish woman would never do in public. She loosed her hair and anointed Jesus with her tears. It was customary for a woman on her wedding day to bound her hair. For a married woman to loosen her hair in public was a sign of grave immodesty. Mary was oblivious to all around her, except for Jesus. She took no thought for what others would think, but what would please her Lord. In humility she stooped to anoint Jesus' feet and to dry them with her hair. How do you anoint the Lord's feet and show him your love and gratitude?

Love unbounded and poured out in gratitude
The Gospel of John records that the whole house was filled with the perfume of the ointment (John 12:3). What Mary had done brought sweetness not only in the physical sense, but the spiritual sense as well. Her lovely deed shows the extravagance of love - a love that we cannot outmatch. The Lord Jesus showed us the extravagance of his love in giving the best he had by pouring out his own blood for our sake and by anointing us with his Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul says that nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:39). Do you allow the love of Christ to rule in all your thoughts and intentions, and in all your words and deeds?

The cost to the giver shows the true beauty and goodness of a heart filled with love and gratitude
Why was Judas critical of Mary's lovely deed? Judas viewed her act as extravagant wastefulness because of greed. A person views things according to what it inside the heart and soul. Judas was an embittered man and had a warped sense of what was precious and valuable, especially to God. Jesus had put Judas in charge of their common purse, no doubt because he was gifted in financial matters. The greatest temptation we can face will often come in the area of our greatest strength or gifting. Judas used money entrusted to him for wrong and hurtful purposes. He allowed greed and personal gain to corrupt his heart and to warp his view of things. He was critical towards Mary because he imputed unworthy motives. Do you examine your heart correctly when you impute wrong or unworthy motives towards others?

Give us, Lord, a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, a love of you. Take from us all lukewarmness in meditation, dullness in prayer. Give us fervor and delight in thinking of you and your grace, your tender compassion towards me. The things we pray for, good Lord, give us grace to labor for: through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer of Sir Thomas More, 16th century)

Psalm 27:1-3,13-14
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assail me, uttering slanders against me, my adversaries and foes, they shall stumble and fall.
3 Though a host encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war arise against me, yet I will be confident.
13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; yes, wait for the LORD!

 

[KakiMeow]

El Calafate, Patagonia, Argentina. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

Our Awesome God​

Do you have an accurate view of our loving and holy heavenly Father?​

March 31, 2026

Revelation 4:9-11
How do you see the Lord? Our view of God impacts three areas of life:

1. Prayer. As we come to know the Lord better, our desires will start to look like His and our petitions will align more closely with His will. What’s more, as we recognize His greatness and power, we’ll become more confident that He can accomplish mighty things through us (1 John 5:14-15; Ephesians 3:20).
2. Behavior. Our understanding of His righteousness and goodness influences our actions. We realize, If God has these attributes, surely it’s in our best interest to obey gladly. And as we, too, desire righteousness, we’ll be quick to repent of sin.
3. Faith. Grasping that Jesus is holy, good, and powerful increases our trust in Him. Knowing our awesome God and remembering His great works will further build our confidence.

Do you personally know our loving and holy heavenly Father? He desires that we have an intimate relationship with Him. But as with any good human friendship, time and intentionality are necessary if we’re to understand Him and learn His ways. Make a priority of knowing Him better, and watch how your prayers, behavior, and faith are impacted.

Bible in One Year: 1 Samuel 22-24

 

[KakiMeow]

 

[KakiMeow]

Betrayal and Faltering Loyalty to Jesus​

Tuesday 31 March 2026 / Don Schwager

GOSPEL READING: John 13:21-33,36-38
21 When Jesus had thus spoken, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me." 22 The disciples looked at one another, uncertain of whom he spoke. 23 One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus; 24 so Simon Peter beckoned to him and said, "Tell us who it is of whom he speaks." 25 So lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, "Lord, who is it?" 26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I shall give this morsel when I have dipped it." So when he had dipped the morsel, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27 Then after the morsel, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly." 28 Now no one at the table knew why he said this to him. 29 Some thought that, because Judas had the money box, Jesus was telling him, "Buy what we need for the feast"; or, that he should give something to the poor.30 So, after receiving the morsel, he immediately went out; and it was night.

31 When he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now is the Son of man glorified, and in him God is glorified; 32 if God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. 33 Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, `Where I am going you cannot come.' 36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going you cannot follow me now; but you shall follow afterward." 37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." 38 Jesus answered, "Will you lay down your life for me? Truly, truly, I say to you, the cock will not crow, till you have denied me three times.

SCRIPTURE READING: Isaiah 49:1-6
1 Listen to me, O coastlands, and hearken, you peoples from afar. The LORD called me from the womb, from the body of my mother he named my name. 2 He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. 3 And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." 4 But I said, "I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense with my God." 5 And now the LORD says, who formed me from the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD, and my God has become my strength -- 6 he says: "It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."

Meditation: Jesus' disciples were put to the test as Jesus prepared to make the final and ultimate sacrifice of his own life for their sake and for all the world. What was different between Peter and Judas? Judas deliberately betrayed his Master while Peter, in a moment of weakness, denied him with an oath and a curse. Judas' act was cold and calculated. Peter, however, never meant to do what he did. He acted impulsively, out of weakness and cowardice. Jesus knew both the strength of Peter's loyalty and the weakness of his resolution. He had a habit of speaking with his heart without thinking through the implications of what he was saying.

Disordered love leads to hurtful desires and wrong deeds
The treachery of Judas, however, is seen at its worst when Jesus makes his appeal by showing special affection to him at his last supper. John says that Satan entered into Judas when he rejected Jesus and left to pursue his evil course. Satan can twist love and turn it into hate. He can turn holiness into pride, discipline into cruelty, affection into complacency. We must be on our guard lest Satan turn us from the love of God and the path which God has chosen for us.

God never withholds his persevering grace and strength to those who cling to him
The Holy Spirit will give us grace and strength in our time of testing. If we submit to Jesus we will walk in the light of his truth and love. If we turn our backs on him we will stumble and fall in the ways of sin and darkness. Are you ready to follow Jesus in his way of the cross?

Give me, O Lord, a steadfast heart which no unworthy thought can drag downwards; an unconquered heart which no tribulation can wear out; an upright heart which no unworthy purpose may tempt aside. Bestow upon me also, O Lord my God, understanding to know you, diligence to seek you, wisdom to find you, and a faithfulness that may finally embrace you; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Prayer of Thomas Aquinas)

Psalm 71:1-6,15,17
1 In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!
2 In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; incline your ear to me, and save me!
3 Be to me a rock of refuge, a strong fortress, to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
4 Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the unjust and cruel man.
5 For you, O Lord, are my hope, my trust, O LORD, from my youth.
6 Upon you I have leaned from my birth; you are he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of you.
15 My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge.
17 O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.

Daily Quote from the Early Church Fathers: Fight sin and put up with trials, by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.
"Your first task is to be dissatisfied with yourself, fight sin, and transform yourself into something better. Your second task is to put up with the trials and temptations of this world that will be brought on by the change in your life and to persevere to the very end in the midst of these things." (excerpt from Commentary on Psalm 59,5)

 

[KakiMeow]

Don’t Give Up on Doing Good​

Joyce Meyer – Apr 02, 2026

Adapted from Mornings with God

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

When we do what is right and good for a long time, and believe we are sowing good seed but not reaping a good harvest, we can become frustrated. But Paul urges us to not grow weary of doing good. We should not do good simply to receive a reward but because it is right. This may mean treating someone well for a long time before they begin to treat us well in return. They may never treat us well, but our reward comes from God, not from other human beings. When we look to people for appreciation or affirmation, we may be disappointed, but God never forgets what we have done, and He knows exactly how to bless us.

Part of verse 10 of today’s scripture in the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, offers an instruction that has changed my life. It reads, Be mindful to be a blessing. To be mindful means to have your mind full of something or to purposefully think about it.

Developing the habit of thinking intentionally about ways to bless other people has greatly added to my joy. I encourage you to ask God to show you how you can bless specific people in your life. I believe He will. Learn to listen to people, because they often mention in conversation what they need, like, or want. If you are able, then try to do it for them.

Prayer of the Day: Father, help me not grow weary in doing good. Fill my mind with ways to bless others, trust You for my reward, and give with joy, patience, and love, Amen.

 

[the only way]

15:07

 

[KakiMeow]

Praise the Lord!​

Read Psalm 148

In his book Reflections on the Psalms, C. S. Lewis describes why people so naturally praise: “I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment...it is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not be able to tell anyone how good he is...the delight is incomplete till it is expressed.”

In today’s reading, the Psalmist is delighted in God and wants everyone to join in the praise. He is not content until the entire universe directs its reverence to God. Twelve times in this poem, the Psalmist commands different groups of people or parts of the created world to “praise!”

In verses 1–4, the Psalmist looks up and commands the “heavens... heights... angels... heavenly hosts... sun... moon... and stars” to praise the Lord. They should delight to praise God because He created them and sustains them (vv. 5–6). The only appropriate response is to use the existence God gave to point people to Him. The command for the sun, moon, and stars to praise God is especially striking in an ancient context. Most people around Israel worshiped the sun, moon, and stars as gods. The Psalmist is clear that they are not gods, but a part of God’s created world.

In verses 7–12, the Psalmist looks around and calls upon the earth, creatures of the sea, the ocean, storms, mountains, trees, all animals, and all people from king to commoner and from young to old to praise the Lord. As God’s creatures they find their fulfillment in ascribing to God His worth.

This psalm should make you feel as if you are a part of a stadium filled to the brim with raucous, ecstatic jubilation, celebrating God. God is faithful. He has kept His promises to Israel, His covenant people.

Praise God! Join the celebration and spend time praising God throughout the day. By yourself or with others, lift your hands and acknowledge that our God reigns. He is Lord of lords and King of kings!

Go Deeper
What are some reasons why you are motivated to call people to “Praise the Lord”? (see Psalms 146–150)

Pray with Us
Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below; praise Him above, ye heavenly host—praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! Amen.

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power.
Revelation 4:11

 

[KakiMeow]

You Are Complete in Christ​

Joyce Meyer – Apr 04, 2026

Adapted from Managing Your Emotions

Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going. But you have no idea where I come from or where I am going.”

John 8:14 (AMPC)

Many people struggle emotionally because they simply do not know who they really are. They are not grounded in their true identity, and they feel lacking in certain ways.
Our identity is established as a result of who and what we choose to identify with. If we identify with people and what they say about us, we will end up in trouble, but if we identify with Jesus and His opinion of us, we will not have an identity crisis.

Today’s scripture indicates that Jesus knew who He was because He knew where He came from and where He was going. Many of the Pharisees, the religious leaders of the day, were angry at Jesus’ confidence in who He was. But no matter what people said about Jesus, He did not identify with it. He identified with what His heavenly Father said about Him. He identified with God.

Identification with Christ is a doctrinal foundation of the Christian faith. As a believer, you belong to God. Your identity is in Him, and you are complete in Him. This truth will give you confidence to walk through this world, dealing with all kinds of people, with your head held high. It will enable you to follow your heart and do what God leads you to do without becoming emotionally upset when people do not agree with you or your choices. The more firmly you are rooted in your identity in Christ, the more you will realize that you are not lacking in any way. You have—and are—everything in Him.

Prayer of the Day: Thank You, God, that my identity is in You. Help me grow deeper in the identity You give me.

 

[KakiMeow]

Rio Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

Victory Over the Grave​

Christ's triumph over the grave guarantees our forgiveness and provides an eternal home with God.​

April 4, 2026

1 Corinthians 15:12-19

We live in a fallen world, and death is an inescapable reality. As believers, however, we have hope because we serve a risen Savior. But have you ever wondered how things would be different if there had been no resurrection? What despair and hopelessness!

To help us appreciate Christ’s victory over the grave, let’s consider what the outcome of life and death would be without the resurrection. First of all, Jesus would still be dead. That means our faith in Him would be worthless and our message to the world would be a lie. What’s more, Jesus Himself would be proved false since He claimed that He would rise from the dead.

There would be no forgiveness of our sins, no possibility of reconciliation with God, and no hope of heaven. All believers throughout history would have truly perished. Without the resurrection, there would be nothing positive for anyone to anticipate, no end to our brokenness and separation from the Lord.

Thank God, not one of these scenarios is true. Our Savior lives (Revelation 1:18), our sins are forgiven, death has been defeated, and believers in Christ have assurance of eternity in heaven with Him. After considering how hopeless we would be without the beautiful truth of the resurrection, let’s rejoice all the more in the greatness of our salvation.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 1-3

 

[KakiMeow]

Do Unto Others​

Joyce Meyer – Apr 05, 2026
2 min read

Adapted from My Time with God

So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them….

Matthew 7:12 (AMPC)

I was awake for a couple of hours last night, and as I lay in the darkness, the words of Jesus—“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”—came to mind. I thought about them until I fell asleep, and this morning I continued to ponder them. When I opened my Bible and studied this passage along with the surrounding Scriptures, I received new insight—one that connects this teaching to answered prayer.

Prior to the statement about how we treat others, we find an invitation from our Lord Jesus to ask and keep on asking, seek and keep on seeking, and knock and keep on knocking. He also promises that we will receive favorable answers to each request. We will receive, we will find, and doors will be opened (Matthew 7:7–8). He assures us of His goodness and willingness to help us and then makes this statement: So then, whatever you desire that others would do to and for you, even so do also to and for them (Matthew 7:12 AMPC). The phrase “so then” means there is a connection between answered prayer and how we treat other people.

I think we would be astonished at the difference in our lives in every respect if we truly did treat others the way we want to be treated. It certainly would change many things in how we respond to people and how we live our lives. Actually, it would change the world! I have decided to purposely be more focused every day on doing so, and I pray you will join me. That scripture is often called the Golden Rule, but I prefer to call it the “Golden Key” that will unlock and release God’s best in our lives.

Prayer of the Day: Lord, help me treat others as I want to be treated. Fill my heart with kindness, compassion, and love, and let my actions reflect Your goodness each day, Amen.

 

[KakiMeow]

Selva Village in the Dolomites, Val Gardena, South Tyr, Italy. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

Our Glorious Hope​

A glorious future awaits us—but nothing will compare to finally seeing Jesus face-to-face.​

April 5, 2026

1 Corinthians 15:35-58
When we hear the word resurrection, most of us instantly think about Jesus rising from the dead. But His victory over the grave shows what’s going to happen to us as well (1 John 3:2). One day every believer who has died will experience a bodily resurrection like His, and those who are alive when Christ returns will be changed from mortal to immortal in the twinkling of an eye.

One of the first questions people ask is, What am I going to look like? These humble earthly bodies will be transformed into glorious bodies like His—minus the divinity, of course. In today’s passage, the apostle Paul provides some hints about their characteristics: They will be imperishable, glorious, powerful, and spiritual. We’ll never again experience sin, sickness, pain, suffering, weakness, exhaustion, or death.

Another common question is, Will we know our loved ones? Consider this: How could such powerful, glorious bodies be limited in any way? Our senses and mental abilities will be completed, not diminished.

A glorious future lies ahead of us, but the joy of a new body and a reunion with loved ones will be surpassed by the thrill of seeing Jesus face-to-face. He is the One who made all this possible. Out of gratitude, let’s faithfully love and serve Him.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 4-6

 

[KakiMeow]

Germany. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

How to Handle Pride​

Pride finds ways to serve self, but humility chooses to trust God and wait for His timing.​

April 6, 2026

1 Samuel 24:8-12
Pride causes us to believe that we can manage life on our own. The first two kings of Israel—Saul and David—illustrate different approaches to handling pride.

Saul’s high opinion of himself resulted in decisions contrary to God’s commands. For example, having defeated the Amalekites, the king reasoned that he should take some spoils of war, even though God had said to destroy all the enemy’s belongings—including animals (1 Samuel 15:3). When confronted by Samuel, Saul replied that he’d spared the animals so he could “sacrifice [them] to the Lord” (1 Samuel 15:15). God saw through his words to a heart of pride. When self-centeredness controls our thinking, we’ll seek ways around divine commands in order to serve ourselves. If caught, we may try to justify our disobedience, just as Saul did.

David—Israel’s second king, chosen while Saul was still on the throne—didn’t try to initiate his own reign. Instead, he waited for God’s timing. That meant enduring Saul’s jealous rages and murder attempts without retaliating. In fact, even when he had the opportunity, David refused to seize the throne; he didn’t allow pride to dominate his thinking.

Is there any self-exaltation in your life? If so, spend some time with the Lord today and ask Him to help you grow in humility.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 7-9

 

[KakiMeow]

God Says, “I Will Be with You”​

Joyce Meyer – Apr 08, 2026
1 min read

Adapted from The Power of Being Thankful

...As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.

Joshua 1:5 (AMPC)

The presence of God in our lives helps us overcome fear. If we know by faith that God is with us, we can be grateful for His presence and we can take on any challenge with confidence and courage. We may not always feel God’s presence, but we can be thankful for His Word, remembering that He said He would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

In the Bible, the basis for not fearing is simply this: God is with us. And if we know God’s character and nature, we know He is trustworthy. We do not have to know what He is going to do, when He is going to do it, or how He is going to do it. Simply knowing He is with us is more than enough.

Prayer of the Day: Father, I am grateful for this new day that You have given me. Regardless of the actions or attitudes of others, I am going to enjoy this day because You are the Source of my joy.

 

[KakiMeow]

God Our Provider​

Monica La Rose

Today's Scripture
Matthew 17:24-27

Today's Devotion​

In 2024, teenager Keegan happily reeled in a two-foot barramundi. But his happiness became elation when his little sister pointed out a tag on the fish. His catch was worth one million dollars as part of an Australian fishing competition. The annual event had been held since 2015; Keegan was the first to win the coveted top cash prize.

However slim the odds of catching that fish, the odds were far lower that a fish caught at random would have a coin in its mouth. But in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus instructed His disciple Peter to “go to the lake and . . . take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin” (17:27).
The context of this unlikely catch was a question of whether Jesus paid the temple tax (v. 24). The irony of insisting that Jesus—God’s Son—pay a tax to support God’s temple, wasn’t lost on Him. He pointed out that the king’s children don’t pay taxes to the king (vv. 25-26).

But there was no need to “cause offense” and distract others from His teaching by being perceived as a tax evader (v. 27). So Jesus instructed Peter to catch that fish, which had the exact amount to pay both His and Peter’s tax! Perhaps in part it was a reminder to Peter—and to us—that God is a provider who is always with His children as they follow Him.

Reflect & Pray​

When have you experienced unlikely events in which you saw God’s hand at work? How does trusting Him free you to live in obedience?

Loving God, please help me rest in Your provision as I follow You.

 

[KakiMeow]

Dolomite Mountains, Italy. Photo by Charles F. Stanley.

Daily Devotion

The Desires of Your Heart​

When we make loving God our highest priority, He transforms our desires to match His perfect will for us.​

April 9, 2026

Psalms 37:4-7
God wants to be the passion of every believer’s life. If we claim to love the Lord, our connection with Him should have priority over everything else. Yet we often miss the true message of Psalm 37:4 by wrongly assuming the verse means we can get what we want.

In context, that scripture reveals the Lord’s principle for purifying our desires, and it issues a call for devotion to Him. To delight in the Lord means to take pleasure in discovering more about Him and following His will. This leads to the Holy Spirit aligning our heart’s desires with God’s, which always puts us in position to experience His blessings.

When we commit our way to God, we allow our thoughts, goals, and lifestyle to be shaped by His will and the things He loves. In other words, we acknowledge His right to determine whether our longing fits His plan. If we rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him, then we will rely on Him to work out circumstances, even when the desire He’s given us seems impossible.

If we make God our first love (Matthew 6:33), our heart will become focused on making His glory known in our life through obedience. And when we’re aligned with our Father’s will, He’ll give us our heart’s desires in His time. That’s the picture of fulfillment, isn’t it? We’ll simply have no need for anything else.

Bible in One Year: 2 Samuel 15-17