Thursday, January 8, 2026

Opening Scripture

This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Jeremiah 6:16

Opening Prayer

Gracious Father, your Word says that we who follow the Lord Jesus are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who belong to you. You have called us out of darkness into your marvelous light so that we may declare your praises to this lost and fallen world. Help me to live today in such a way that others might glorify you. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Daily Bible Reading

Romans 8:31-39

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection  

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul makes a compelling case for the eternal security of those who belong to Jesus. God himself made provision for our salvation by sending his own Son to die for us. And that very Son, raised to life, now intercedes on our behalf. That’s why nothing in all creation can separate us from his love. Regardless of your circumstances, may you live in the glorious confidence of that divine love today!

Flourishing Habit

Mental and Physical Health

In her book Confronting Christianity, Rebecca McLaughlin considers the negative consequences of Americas declining church attendance. She observes that “less churchgoing has led to lower mental health and happiness, more loneliness, more drug abuse, more alcoholism, less volunteering, less giving to those in need, reduced life expectancy, and more suicides.”

Tyler VanderWeele has reported extensively on the powerful impact religious service participation has on human flourishing. Here’s one of his summary statements: “In any objective assessment of the meta-analytic evidence, it is difficult to dismiss causal effects of (church) attendance on mortality and depression.”

It turns out one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health is go to church! Commit to regular participation in Bible study and worship this year. And for their sake, encourage the people in your sphere of influence to join you.

Remember: nothing changes until something changes!