YEAR OF THE BIBLE – WEEK 9 DEVOTIONS

February 23, 2026 – Read Mark 6:30-44 – The miraculous feeding of the 5,000 invites us to reflect on the compassion and provision of Christ. The disciples return from their ministry, weary and worn, only to find a vast crowd waiting for them. Jesus, seeing their needs, doesn’t turn them away; instead, He shows us that even in our exhaustion, we can find strength in serving others. The miracle of the five loaves and two fish reminds us that God can take our meager offerings and multiply them for His purpose. Just as He provided for the hungry crowd, He promises to meet our needs abundantly. Today, let us come before Him, offering our small resources, trusting that He will use them to bless not only us but also those around us. May we be inspired to act with generosity and faith, believing that in Christ, nothing is impossible.

February 24, 2026 – Read Leviticus 16:7-10, 20-22 – The concept of a “scapegoat” - a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others – originated with an actual goat chosen to bear the sins of God’s people and sent into the wilderness far away from the community. By placing their transgressions upon the goat, the Israelites acknowledge their failures and the necessity of divine forgiveness. This act of sending the scapegoat away signifies not only the removal of guilt but also the hope of restoration and renewal. During this season of Lent, we acknowledge that like a scapegoat, Jesus took upon Himself our sins and died in our place. He has removed our transgressions from us and has given us new life and restored relationship with God.  Let us reflect on what burdens we need to release, trusting in God's grace to carry our sins far from us, allowing us to walk in the freedom of His love and forgiveness. Let us embrace the transformative power of this ancient practice, recognizing that just as the scapegoat was cast away, so too are our sins when we turn to God in repentance.

February 25, 2026 – Read Psalm 41:4 – The cry for mercy echoes throughout the centuries. From King David’s prayer here in Psalm 41, to the blind men who cried out for Jesus’ healing touch in the Gospels, to prayer inscribed upon the walls of a ruined hermitage in the Egyptian desert, to followers of Christ today we pray, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. This prayer reveals a heart of humility that not only acknowledges personal failure, but a need for divine mercy and healing. In our own lives, we often stumble and fall short, yet David’s plea encourages us to approach God with honesty and vulnerability. As we seek His grace, may we remember that His compassion is boundless and His willingness to forgive is profound. Let us lay our burdens at His feet, trusting that His mercy not only restores our hearts but also renews our spirits, guiding us back to His path of righteousness.

February 26, 2026 – Read Leviticus 19:1-2 – God commands us to be holy as He is holy, to live a life that reflects His character and righteousness. This divine invitation to holiness is not just about adhering to rules, but about embodying a distinctiveness that shines brightly in a world often clouded by darkness. Being set apart means embracing a lifestyle that honors God, influencing those around us through our actions and choices. As we pursue holiness, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him and serve as vessels of His love and truth, reminding others of the beauty found in living according to His ways. In a culture that often blurs moral lines, our commitment to holiness becomes a powerful testimony of hope and transformation.

February 27, 2026 – Read Mark 9:1-8 – Jesus’ inner circle – Peter, James, and John – got front row seats to one of the most amazing events in Jesus’ ministry – His transfiguration. Standing in radiant garments and flanked by Moses and Elijah, this divine encounter culminates in a heavenly affirmation as a voice from the cloud proclaims, “This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!” This declaration not only confirms Jesus’ unique identity as the Son of God but also calls us to heed His teachings and example. In a world filled with competing voices and distractions, we are reminded to seek the truth in Christ, whose divine sonship leads us into deeper understanding and relationship with the Father. As we reflect on this passage, may we embrace the call to listen closely to Jesus, allowing His love and wisdom to transform our hearts and guide our lives.

February 28, 2026 – Read Leviticus 23:1-3 – Leviticus 23:1-3 reaffirms the Sabbath as a sacred day of rest, reminding us that rest is not merely a spiritual obligation but a holistic necessity for our well-being. This divine pause offers us the opportunity to rejuvenate physically, allowing our bodies to recover from the weariness of the week. Emotionally, it provides a sanctuary to reflect, recharge, and reconnect with our Creator, fostering peace within our hearts. Mentally, a day of rest encourages us to step back from our daily stresses and distractions, clearing our minds to gain perspective and clarity. Embracing this rhythm of rest enriches our lives, nurturing our spirits, bodies, and minds, and invites us to experience the fullness of God’s grace and presence in our daily journey.

March 01, 2026 – Read Proverbs 10:19-21 – Words matter! And when words are many sin increases. That’s why learning to keep our mouths shut is so important. In a world where it’s easy to speak impulsively, we are encouraged to hold our tongues and consider the weight of our words. Each word we utter can either build up or tear down, nourish or poison. Let us strive to embody the wisdom of the righteous, whose words bring life and healing. By choosing our words carefully and speaking with intention, we not only honor ourselves but also those around us. May we seek to cultivate a spirit of patience and reflection, remembering that silence can often speak louder than words.