Today's Good News

Category - Devotionals

04/27           James 1:2-4

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Key Points:

  1. Trials Are Not Obstacles but Opportunities – They build endurance (Romans 5:3-4).
  2. Joy is Found in Growth, Not Ease – True joy comes through trusting God’s plan (Philippians 4:4).
  3. Steadfastness Leads to Maturity – Perseverance develops faith (Hebrews 10:36).
  4. Spiritual Growth Requires Trust in the Process – God is refining us through every season (1 Peter 1:7).

COUNT


The fire refines, the storm remains,
Yet in the midst, my heart holds fast,
For in the testing, faith is formed,
And I am shaped by grace.


Not in comfort, not in ease,
But in the trials, I am made,
Each step endured, each path unknown,
Leads me to something more.


Not by sight, not by fear,
But by the joy of knowing You,
For what is lost is never wasted,
And what is hard is never vain.


Let patience do its perfect work,
Let faith be steady, firm, and strong,
For in the pressing, I am changed,
And made to stand in light.


Let the trials build my faith,
Let the fire shape my soul,
Not for sorrow, not for fear,
But to grow in all You are.

04/26           Ephesians 4:15

“Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

Key Points:

  1. Growth is Centered in Christ – He is our ultimate goal (Colossians 1:18).
  2. Truth and Love Must Work Together – Love without truth misleads; truth without love wounds (1 Corinthians 13:6).
  3. Spiritual Growth is Multifaceted – We grow in knowledge, character, and service (2 Peter 1:5-7).
  4. Maturity is a Continuous Journey – We never stop growing in Christ (Philippians 3:12-14).

WALK


Not by power, not by force,
But by truth wrapped in love,
A voice that speaks not to break,
But to lead toward the light.


Growth is more than what is known,
It is more than what is seen,
A heart transformed, a life renewed,
Into the image of the King.


No longer bound to childish ways,
No longer tossed by every wave,
For love has set a firm foundation,
And truth has made me whole.


Every step, in every season,
Leads me closer to Your way,
A journey shaped by grace and wisdom,
A path that leads to You.


Grow me up, shape my soul,
Let my heart reflect Your way,
Not for pride, not for gain,
But to walk as You have walked.

O4/25       Hebrews 5:12-14

“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

Key Points:

  1. Spiritual Growth Requires Maturity – We must move beyond basic understanding (1 Corinthians 3:2).
  2. Knowledge Without Application is Incomplete – We grow by applying truth (James 1:22).
  3. Discernment Comes Through Training – Constant practice in the Word builds wisdom (Psalm 119:105).
  4. Mature Faith Can Distinguish Truth from Deception – A strong believer recognizes what is good (Romans 12:2).

GROW ME STRONG


Still drinking from the shallow stream,
Yet deeper waters call my name,
A voice that says, “Come higher still,
Move beyond what you have known.”


No longer settled in simple things,
No longer bound to fleeting words,
For wisdom grows through tested steps,
And faith is built through fire.


The world may shift, the voices rise,
Yet truth remains unchanged,
Those who walk in deeper light,
Will stand when trials come.


Let my heart not stay behind,
Let my spirit crave the depth,
To know, to walk, to understand,
The fullness of Your way.


Grow me strong, lead me on,
Not in the place where I began,
But in the light of all You are,
Where wisdom takes its root.

04/24           Philippians 1:6

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Key Points:

  1. God is the Source of Spiritual Growth – We do not change ourselves (Titus 3:5).
  2. Growth is a Process, Not Instant – Maturity takes time (Isaiah 64:8).
  3. God’s Work in Us Will Not Fail – He finishes what He starts (Romans 8:29).
  4. Christ is the Goal of Our Growth – The process leads us to be like Him (Ephesians 4:13).

FINISH


A work begun, a seed now planted,
A path that only You can see,
Not yet whole, not yet complete,
Yet Your hand is guiding me.


Through the trials, through the waiting,
Through the seasons yet unknown,
Still You shape, still You mold,
Still You lead me home.


No fear remains, no doubt can stand,
For what You start will surely last,
The hands that hold the universe,
Hold my life secure.


Until the day the work is done,
Until my faith is turned to sight,
I will trust, I will yield,
For You are faithful still.


Finish the work, complete the plan,
Let my life reflect Your grace,
Not by might, not by strength,
But by the love that never fades.

04/23           John 15:4-5

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

Key Points:

  1. Abiding in Christ is Essential for Growth – Without Him, we wither (Psalm 92:12-13).
  2. Fruitfulness is the Result of Connection – A thriving life is evidence of abiding (Galatians 5:22-23).
  3. We Cannot Grow by Our Own Strength – Growth comes through surrender (Zechariah 4:6).
  4. Spiritual Growth Requires Dependence – Remaining in Him means seeking Him daily (Matthew 6:33).

HOLD ME NEAR


Like a branch reaching high,
Yet empty without the vine,
My soul finds life in You,
My strength comes from Your hand.


No striving can bring the fruit,
No effort can make me whole,
Only in You, only in trust,
Do my roots go deep.


Abide in me, You whisper still,
Draw near, and I will stay,
Not by works, not by fear,
But by love that holds me close.


Apart from You, I fade away,
A leaf that dries and falls,
Yet in Your grace, I will remain,
And bear the fruit You give.


Hold me near, keep me strong,
Let my heart abide in You,
Not for pride, not for gain,
But for the life You call me to.

04/22           2 Peter 3:18

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

Key Points:

  1. Growth is a Lifelong Process – Maturity in Christ is ongoing (Philippians 1:6).
  2. Grace and Knowledge Go Together – We must grow in both understanding and love (Ephesians 3:17-19).
  3. Spiritual Growth Brings Glory to God – A transformed life reflects Christ (Matthew 5:16).
  4. Eternal Perspective Sustains Growth – Our focus is not just this life, but eternity (Colossians 3:2).

YOU ARE SHAPING ME

(Verse 1)
Not by striving, not by strength,
But by the grace that carries me,
A path unknown, a way unseen,
Yet You remain my guide.

(Verse 2)
In every season, through every test,
I will lean into Your name,
Not in fear, not in doubt,
But in the grace that leads me on.

(Verse 3)
Teach my heart to know You more,
To seek the wisdom of Your way,
To walk with patience, step by step,
And trust in all You are.

(Verse 4)
Until the day when all is clear,
And faith is sight before the throne,
I will stand and I will grow,
For You are shaping me.

(Chorus)
Grow me deep, lead me on,
Let my life reflect Your truth,
Not for self, not for gain,
But for the glory of Your name.

04/21           Col. 2:6-7

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Key Points:

  1. Walking in Christ Requires Daily Surrender – Growth comes from abiding in Him (John 15:4-5).
  2. Roots Must Go Deep – Strength in faith is built through studying the Word (Psalm 1:2-3).
  3. Faith is Established Over Time – Trials and victories shape our spiritual foundation (James 1:2-4).
  4. Gratitude Fuels Growth – A thankful heart reflects trust in God’s work (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

NO TURNING BACK


Planted deep in Your truth,
Roots grow strong in living grace,
Established in the weight of love,
Held within Your hand.


Not by sight, not by fear,
But in the steps that follow You,
Each day formed in faith alone,
A path set firm in trust.


Storms will come, the winds may rise,
Yet I will not be moved,
For I am grounded in Your word,
And built upon Your name.


With thanksgiving, I will stand,
In the presence of my King,
Not looking back, not turning away,
But growing ever strong.


Root me deep, build me high,
Let my faith be firm in You,
No turning back, no fading trust,
For You have called me near.

04/20            Romans 5:9

“Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”

Key Points:

  1. Justification Comes Through His Blood – We are declared righteous before God (Galatians 2:16).
  2. Salvation is Secured in Christ – His blood ensures eternal life (John 10:28-29).
  3. The Blood Saves Us From God’s Wrath – Judgment is removed through Christ’s sacrifice (1 Thessalonians 1:10).
  4. We Live Under His Grace, Not Condemnation – No longer enemies, we are children of God (Romans 8:1).

I AM FOUND


Once I stood condemned and lost,
A soul unworthy, stained and torn,
But mercy spoke, and grace declared,
His blood has made me whole.


No wrath remains for those He saves,
No judgment left to crush the soul,
The cross has sealed what love designed,
A peace that will not fade.


Justified, no guilt remains,
The past erased, the chains undone,
His sacrifice has cleared the way,
And now I stand restored.


Not by works, not by law,
But by the blood that speaks my name,
Forever saved, forever free,
Held within His grace.


Covered now, forever known,
No wrath remains, no fear endures,
The blood of Christ has paid it all,
And I am found in Him.

04/19          Revelation 12:11

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.”

Key Points:

  1. Victory Comes Through the Blood of Christ – The enemy is defeated by Christ’s sacrifice (Colossians 2:15).
  2. Our Testimony Has Power – Speaking of Christ’s work brings strength (Romans 10:9-10).
  3. Sacrificial Living is Key to Overcoming – True victory comes in surrender (Luke 9:23).
  4. Christ’s Blood Secures Final Triumph – The redeemed will stand victorious forever (1 Corinthians 15:57).

By His Blood We Overcome


The battle rages all around,
But victory stands in crimson flow,
The blood of Christ has overcome,
The darkness fades, the chains are gone.


Not by might, not by strength,
But by the power of His cross,
The enemy has lost his hold,
His voice is silenced now.


We stand as those who bear His name,
Unshaken in the fiercest storm,
The word of life within our lips,
A testimony strong.


No fear remains, no turning back,
For we are held in perfect love,
Covered by the blood of Christ,
And sealed in Him forever.


By His blood, we overcome,
By His word, we stand secure,
No power can take what He has won,
For Christ has conquered all.

04/18           1 John 1:7

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”

Key Points:

  1. Walking in the Light Requires Holiness – We cannot remain in darkness (John 8:12).
  2. The Blood of Jesus Cleanses All Sin – No sin is beyond His redemption (Isaiah 1:18).
  3. Fellowship with Others is a Sign of Redemption – True believers are united in Christ (John 13:34-35).
  4. His Blood Brings Continuous Cleansing – It is not a one-time event but an ongoing purification (Titus 3:5).

THE LIGHT OF TRUTH

(Verse 1)
Step into the light of truth,
Where shadows fall and mercy stands,
The blood of Christ flows deep and wide,
A cleansing tide for all.

(Verse 2)
No stain too dark, no past too lost,
No heart too broken to be healed,
For in His love, the way is made,
A path of grace, secure.

(Verse 3)
We walk together, hand in hand,
Bound by mercy, bound by love,
His blood has washed away the past,
And made us one in Him.

(Verse 4)
No longer wandering in the night,
No longer bound by fear or shame,
The light has come, the way is clear,
And we will follow still.

(Chorus)
Walk in the light, walk in His love,
The blood of Jesus still remains,
Cleansing hearts and shaping lives,
A never-ending grace.