Read the Word Daily

Would you like to read the Word daily, but don’t know how to begin? Reading our Daily Devotionals is a good way to develop the habit of studying the scriptures.

Daily Devotionals - November 2023
Back to Resource Center
30 Nov.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

God fashioned us in His own image, and every cell and molecule in our bodies is lovingly and wonderfully made for a divine purpose. Realizing this enables us to minister to others who desperately need to experience His love.

29 Nov.

“So be done with every trace of wickedness (depravity, malignity) and all deceit and insincerity (pretense, hypocrisy) and grudges (envy, jealousy) and slander and evil speaking of every kind” (1 Peter 2:1, AMPC).

As Christians, we’re to let God transform us from the inside out, cleaning out all the spiritual filth and gunk the world has instilled in us and letting the Holy Spirit fill us with His love. As our minds and hearts transform over time, others will eventually notice an outward change in our personality.

28 Nov.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

God is a giver; out of love for us, He gave us the greatest gift of all: His only Son. We can’t outgive God, but we can follow His example when it comes to giving generously. Like Jesus, we’re made in His image and we are called to serve others, even if it means going out of our comfort zone.

27 Nov.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:5-7).

Jesus, who is God in human form, loves us so much that He left His kingdom for a brief time to live with us so that we can live forever with Him. As Christians, we’re children of God who possess the mind and spirit of Christ; that mind and spirit lead us to a life of humble service to others, which pleases Him.

26 Nov.

“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. I and my Father are one” (John 10:28-30).

A relationship with Jesus guarantees our salvation. He watches over our souls; no matter what happens, nothing is strong enough to tear us away from Him.

25 Nov.

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).

Many people in the world fear death, but one of the joys of a relationship with Jesus Christ is the knowledge of what lies beyond the grave. Jesus’ love for us is so strong, He gives us victory over death; knowing we have everlasting life through Him gives us hope and drives out fear.

24 Nov.

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

If we really stop and think about the promise God made to us—that through His Son we will be raised from the dead and live forever—its true meaning is so wonderful that it’s hard for many to comprehend it. The finished works of Jesus righted all the wrongs and atoned for all the sins ever committed, dating all the way back to Adam.

23 Nov.

“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:9, 10).

Jesus’ death and resurrection has made salvation and eternal life ours to receive if we believe in the power of what He did and what He promises us. Genuine belief comes from the heart; when we believe strongly enough, we will verbally confess our faith.

22 Nov.

“Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you]” (Colossians 4:5, 6, AMPC).

As Christians, how we behave and conduct ourselves has a great impact on the way others perceive our faith. While we live in the world, we are set apart from it. When our words and actions are above reproach, we can be the beacon of light and hope that others need.

21 Nov.

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live” (Proverbs 4:1-4).

Fathers are a gift from God, our heavenly Father. God charges all earthly fathers with certain responsibilities, including setting an example for their children to follow.

20 Nov.

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:23, 24).

When we try to live life our way and on our own terms, we are not strong enough to overcome the sin that keeps us from being in right-standing with God. Thankfully, we’ve been given unearned, undeserved grace through Jesus; this is what justifies us in the Father’s eyes.

19 Nov.

“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee” (Psalm 86:5).

God’s mercy and compassion last forever—those characteristics are part of His nature. No matter who we are or what we’ve done wrong in the past, being His children positions us to receive His forgiveness.

18 Nov.

“For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly” (Proverbs 2:6, 7).

Wisdom isn’t found in the world—it’s a gift from God. He blesses those who obey His Word and earnestly seek His guidance and direction in their lives. Only through Him are we made righteous.

17 Nov.

“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (Hebrews 1:3, NIV).

Jesus shines brighter than the sun itself because He’s God. Anyone who questions His existence needs only to take a look around themselves to realize that nothing came into existence by chance; He ordered everything perfectly, and all of creation is in His hands.

16 Nov.

“Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24, NKJV).

This was part of a conversation Jesus had with His disciples, but it still applies today. Many people aren’t accustomed to coming to God in prayer and making a request, but as our heavenly Father, He’ll grant what we ask of Him when we pray in Jesus’ name. God wants us to experience true joy.

15 Nov.

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2).

Thinking like most people means letting our minds dwell on any unhappy, discouraging thought that pops into our minds unbidden. What we think about eventually works its way down into our hearts and spirits; if we make a conscious decision to meditate on God’s Word, we open ourselves up to Him and His direction for our lives.

14 Nov.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG).

When we rely on our own efforts and try to handle our own problems, we struggle, toil, and often fail. God asks us to trust Him enough to let Him take care of all of our burdens, hurts, and issues. Obeying the Word instead of religious practices grants us rest in Him.

13 Nov.

“For there [is only] one God, and [only] one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all [people, a fact that was] attested to at the right and proper time” (1 Timothy 2:5, 6, AMPC).

In the Old Testament, priests were required to make continual sacrifices and burned offerings to atone for the people’s sins; they were the only ones allowed to come into God’s presence. Jesus, the one perfect sacrifice for sin for all time, changed all that; because of Him, we can now confidently stand in God’s presence.

12 Nov.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Jesus, the only human who was ever one hundred percent sinless, came down from heaven and took all our sins onto Himself, to save us from what we deserved; because of those sins, the Father briefly turned away from the Son and couldn’t look upon Him. Out of His love for us, Jesus died and was resurrected so that we could be made righteous through Him and share in His eternal life.

11 Nov.

“For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ” (John 1:17).

We’re all acutely and painfully aware of our own flaws and shortcomings. Without God’s grace, heaven’s gates would have remained closed to us; however, Jesus offers us unconditional love and acceptance just as we are. The truth in this Scripture is that we’re made in God’s image, and He welcomes us into His presence when we accept His Son.

10 Nov.

“Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20).

We’ll never be considered righteous in God’s eyes through our own efforts, no matter how hard we try to be good. But we can be thankful that grace, which is God’s unearned, undeserved favor, was given to us through Jesus. He makes us holy and righteous.

9 Nov.

Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose… You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had (Philippians 2:2, 5, NLT).

What we expose ourselves to influences how we think, and how we think determines how we feel. Our thoughts and our feelings are closely linked, and we excel in life when we learn to think like Jesus.

8 Nov.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12, NIV).

Everyone will be tested at some time in their lives; this is God’s way of refining and purifying our character while teaching us to trust in Him. However, not everyone will be able to withstand the testing process. Only when we stand on His promises to us are we guaranteed victory.    

7 Nov.

“But blessed is the man who trusts me, God, the woman who sticks with God. They’re like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf, Serene and calm through droughts, bearing fresh fruit every season” (Jeremiah 17:7, 8, MSG).

God promises that when we trust Him—absolutely and without reservations—He’ll take care of us. We will live abundantly and not perish, and we won’t be plagued by fear or worry about anything.

6 Nov.

“These are the things you shall do: Speak each man the truth to his neighbor; Give judgment in your gates for truth, justice, and peace” (Zechariah 8:16, NKJV).

As children of God, we are to deal with others honestly and make decisions according to His Word. The world doesn’t operate this way because the world doesn’t know Him. When we do this, we’ll stand out like beacons of light.

5 Nov.

“Therefore, rejecting all falsity and being done now with it, let everyone express the truth with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one body and members one of another” (Ephesians 4:25, AMPC).

When we are born again, we become part of the universal church, which is Christ’s body. The only way this body can work effectively is in the spirit of truth, who is the Holy Spirit.

4 Nov.

“Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:11, 12).

When we make the personal decision to follow Jesus and pattern our lives after His, we shouldn’t be surprised when the world turns hostile toward us. However, in the same way God delivered Timothy from trouble, He’ll also deliver us.

3 Nov.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10, NIV).

Pain and tribulation are found from time to time in everyone’s lives—there’s no avoiding it. This strengthens our character and purifies us. God promises us that when we endure it and persevere, He’ll carry us through the trouble.

2 Nov.

“Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2, 3).

This Scripture provides wonderful guidance not only for church leaders but also for those who serve in a leadership capacity. Leaders should do what they do from the heart, not merely act out what they learned from a manual. True leadership is biblically-based.

1 Nov.

“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Whatever we do in life, we should do it to glorify God, not for our own benefit. God in us gives us the power and ability to do things no one else can. When people notice, the credit should go to the one who blessed us with the ability.