our daily journey devotional

Thank you for being part of the Our Daily Journey community!

For more than 10 years, we’ve had the privilege of writing and producing the Our Daily Journey devotional. We trust you’ve been blessed by it! After many months of prayer, discussion, and deliberation, we have, with much regret, decided to stop producing the devotional. As a result, we want to inform you that we will end our daily posts on the Our Daily Journey website and the daily email as of December 31, 2018. For our print subscribers outside the United States, the last print publication will be the September/October/November/December 2018 edition.

Please be assured that Our Daily Bread Ministries is fully committed to continue to provide you with biblically based devotional content. In fact, we’re making improvements and are expanding the global distribution of our well-known devotional Our Daily Bread . And if you’ve been faithfully following Our Daily Journey authors, we have good news! Several of them will now be writing for Our Daily Bread .   You can sign up here for the Our Daily Bread devotional.

Like you, we’re sad that Our Daily Journey is coming to a close. But we’re also encouraged as we look forward to this next season of ministry. Thank you for your continued support. It has been a joy journeying with you over the years, and we pray that our journey together will continue!

Warmly in Jesus,

Tom Felten Executive Editor

Archives: touch your world

The devotional  Our Daily Journey  is worth its weight in gold! It really touches my heart when I read the devotions.  —David, India

read this! from an our daily journey community member in India . . .

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—Hilna, Italy

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Greetings in Jesus name. I am very impressed by the daily messages in the ODJ. What interests me is the personal encounter with Jesus in everyone's lives, which is true and encouraging. Please keep up such things in the messages and instructions from the Word of God for successful living.  —Samuel, India

read this! a comment from an odj community member in Brazil . . .

I have been blessed so much by the ODJ in my ministry among the Arabs people friend in Brazil. Please, I appreciate your prayers for me and my Arabs community.  —Jose, Brazil

read this! a comment from an odj community member in The Netherlands . . .

Read this from an odj community member in jamaica . . ., read this from an odj community member in england . . ., read this from an odj community member in nigeria . . ..

Thank you so much for your very helpful Bible-based articles. . . . I appreciate your great analysis and messages in the light of bible analysis and our current global events. Here in Nigeria, we do not have this kind of biblical exposition here on the campus of the University of  Ibadan where I am studying. It is quite easy…

When Knowledge Hurts

For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief. Ecclesiastes 1:18

Zach Elder and his friends pulled up to shore after a twenty-five-day rafting trip through the Grand Canyon. The man who came to retrieve their rafts told them about the COVID-19 virus. They thought he was joking. But as they left the canyon their phones pinged with their parents’ urgent messages. Zach and his friends were stunned. They wished they could return to the river and escape what they now knew.

In a fallen world, knowledge often brings pain. The wise Teacher of Ecclesiastes observed, “With much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief” (1:18). Who hasn’t envied a child’s blissful ignorance? She doesn’t yet know about racism, violence, and cancer. Weren’t we happier before we grew up and discerned our own weaknesses and vices? Before we learned our family’s secrets—why our uncle drinks heavily or what caused our parents’ divorce?

The pain from knowledge can’t be wished away. Once we know, it’s no use pretending we don’t. But there’s a higher knowledge that empowers us to endure, even thrive. Jesus is the Word of God, the light that shines in our darkness (John 1:1–5). He “has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30). Your pain is your reason to run to Jesus. He knows you and cares for you.

What’s something you wished you didn’t know? Tell Jesus about it. Then leave it with Him. Whenever it troubles you, take it to Jesus again.

Jesus, I don’t enjoy pain, but if it drives me to You, it’s worth it.

For further study, read Why? Seeing God in Our Pain at DiscoverySeries.org/CB151 .

The book of Ecclesiastes is as strange as Proverbs is familiar. Author Ray Pritchard notes that “the ratio of regular readers of the Proverbs versus Ecclesiastes is probably 1000:1.” Though less popular, the significance of the book must not be missed. Ecclesiastes reads like somebody’s journal entries as the author (believed by many to have been Solomon), records his search for fulfillment, the results of his search, and some recommendations. The thesis statement of the book is given in verse 2: “Meaningless! Meaningless! . . . Utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless.” How does one hold in tension the reality that our worldly existence is a gift from a loving God? While the point is highlighted over and over in the book that “all is vanity” ( nkjv )—the fact that such a fragile life is best lived in the “fear of God” is also emphasized (see 12:13–14).

Arthur Jackson

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Our Daily Journey: A 30-Day Walk With Jesus

Every journey requires supplies. On the journey of life, some of the best supplies are God’s Word and a bit of encouragement from friends. This Our Daily Journey reading plan features 30 days of writing from trusted authors whose insights speak into your life. Each short devotional contains a story supported by multiple Scripture references as well as a “Next” section to help you think more deeply. Make the most of your devotional time with truth and encouragement from Our Daily Journey.

We would like to thank Our Daily Bread Ministries for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: http://ourdailyjourney.org

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Strength for the Journey

One summer, I faced what seemed an impossible task—a big writing project with a looming deadline. Having spent day after day on my own, endeavoring to get the words onto the page, I felt exhausted and discouraged, and I wanted to give up. A wise friend asked me, “When’s the last time you felt refreshed? Maybe you need to allow yourself to rest and to enjoy a good meal.”

I knew immediately that she was right. Her advice made me think of Elijah and the terrifying message he received from Jezebel ( 1 Kings 19:2 )—although, of course, my writing project wasn’t anywhere near the cosmic scale of the prophet’s experience. After Elijah triumphed over the false prophets on Mount Carmel, Jezebel sent word that she would capture and kill him, and he despaired, longing to die. But then he enjoyed a good sleep and was twice visited by an angel who gave him food to eat. After God renewed his physical strength, he was able to continue with his journey.

When the “journey is too much” for us (v. 7), we might need to rest and enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal. For when we are exhausted or hungry, we can easily succumb to disappointment or fear. But when God meets our physical needs through His resources, as much as possible in this fallen world, we can take the next step in serving Him.

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Lifeway Women

Lifeway Women provides biblical solutions for churches, small groups and individuals, engaging women to know Jesus, to seek His kingdom and be spiritually transformed and equipped for service.

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Announcing Journey Magazine Quarterly

Some of you probably know the history of Journey devotional magazine better than I do. The goal when Journey began was to help women spend time in God’s Word every day. I’d say that is still the goal and true thirty years later. Each day’s devotion is designed to help women read the Scripture, ponder what it means to live God’s way, and then engage prompts to pray for ourselves and others.  

Devotionals are part of ongoing spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading the Bible, and living out our faith in obedience to Jesus. Devotionals are intended to help us live a godly life—to know God’s character, attributes, and wisdom. At its core, a devotional is designed to lead us to help us take Scripture to heart, to have a short time of worshiping God, and to prioritize our devotion to God before and above all things.  

Some people might think devotionals do not take one deep enough in the Scripture (that is why there are more thorough Bible reading plans and Bible studies). But devotionals are a great beginning of one’s spiritual walk. I have found that devotionals have four powerful benefits to help me each day. 

• Devotional time reminds me what to focus on the rest of the day. My number one focus is God, His character, His will, and His ways. A devotion reminds me I can communicate and commune with God as I go about my day. I get to spend time with God every day! And that focus on His Word and prayer reminds me of the power of the Holy Spirit living in me and through me, and it changes everything about my day. Devotional time develops spiritual growth in me because I am focused on God and not tossed about by the culture.  
• Devotional time each day reminds me of my priorities. There are many items on my to-do list but first and foremost are spending time with God and obeying His plans. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” ( Matt. 6:33 ). Life comes together when God is my priority. Life can be difficult, but I gain strength and inspiration to live out my life in obedience to God, keeping Him first.  
• Devotional time reminds me of my calling to love God and love others. Matthew 22:37-40 says, “… Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” I need daily reminders to love God and love others, and I find those reminders in God’s Word and devotional time in prayer. My relationship with God needs to be right before my relationships with others will be healthy.  
• Devotional time reminds me of who I am in Christ and who He created me to be. In a few verses, I can be reminded that God made me, formed me, and planned my days (see Ps. 139:13-18 ). He has a purpose and a plan for me. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” ( Eph. 2:10 ). It is good to be reminded of this truth daily. And I love the reassurance that whatever the day brings, Jesus is for me, and with me. I need Him every day, and I know you do too.  

Beginning September 2022, we will be adjusting Journey from a monthly devotional to a quarterly devotional. That means readers will receive three months of devotionals in one magazine. I t means Journey will be mailed out four times per year. Each devotion includes the focal Scripture, the devotional thought, a prayer prompt, reflective questions, and a Scripture reference to dive deeper into God’s Word. Journey will continue to feature articles that will focus on walking in faith with God, knowing His Word, and how to love God and others well.  

Most of all, Journey is trustworthy, biblically-based devotions that encourage and strengthen you in your walk with the Lord. We are on this journey with Him, and we are walking it together as a community of devotional readers.  

I’m praying that we honor the Lord as we continue the journey—reading God’s Word and spending time in prayer with Him daily. The journey continues, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together!  

Order your copy of Journey magazine here.

Michelle Hicks is the managing editor for Journey devotional magazine with Lifeway Women. Michelle served as a freelance writer, campus minister, and corporate chaplain before coming to Lifeway. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Michelle has a deep hunger for God’s Word and wants others to discover the abundant life they can have with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

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Journey Magazine

Daily Devotions for Women

Journey  equips women to develop a daily walk with God and serve Him in their churches and communities. 

Each quarterly issue includes:

Daily devotions with Scripture and prayer

Regular columns focus on walking with God, walking in God's Word, and walking together in community with others

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Read 1 Samuel 22-24 and Psalm 52   – Listen as you read in your Bible, underlining or highlighting sections that especially speak to you. Then use those sections to journal your thoughts to God. These psalms show us David’s conversations with God. For your journal times, use his raw, powerful, emotion-filled words as you talk to God about discouragement and difficulties you are facing and His mighty strength.

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A Devotional Journey through Proverbs

31 reflections and insights from our daily bread, by our daily bread ministries.

Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser . (Proverbs 1:5 NLT)

The book of Proverbs can feel overwhelming with so much truth to absorb and analogies and word pictures that move quickly from topic to topic. In A Devotional Journey through Proverbs , you can walk through one chapter from this intricate book each day. With the full Bible text, an applicable devotional reading from Our Daily Bread , additional insights and word studies, and reflection questions, you will soon come to love and appreciate its depths. The book's beautiful design will invite you to linger with God on the way to greater knowledge and wisdom.

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New Day, New Opportunity to Fulfill Your Mission - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - April 13, 2024

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New Day, New Opportunity to Fulfill Your Mission By Rick Warren

“The Lord . . . is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.”  2 Peter 3:9 (NLT)

God only uses imperfect, broken people. If God only used perfect people, nothing would get done because perfect people don’t exist!

If you’re willing to be used by God, he will use you. No matter what you’ve done in the past, your mission hasn’t changed.

Jonah was an ordinary guy who didn’t want to do what God told him to do. Yet God gave him another chance, and he eventually did what he’d been called to do. But even as he obeyed God, Jonah carried out his assignment with a bad attitude. Yet God still used him.

God gave Jonah a seven-word sermon: “In forty days Nineveh will be destroyed!”  ( Jonah 3:4 GNT).   That simple message led to one of the largest spiritual revivals in history. A huge city humbly turned to God. It’s really a bigger miracle than getting Jonah out of the belly of a big fish.

God used this imperfect, reluctant prophet to lead an incredible revival.

God was patient with Jonah and never gave up on him. God won’t give up on you either.

The Bible says , “The Lord . . . is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent”  ( 2 Peter 3:9 NLT).

If you wake up tomorrow morning, it means God is giving you one more day—another opportunity—to fulfill your mission.

Expect God to use you. And he will.

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Graduation time is here, and chances are there’s a young person in your life who could use some encouragement, along with a little guidance.

Set them up for success with Pastor Rick’s  The Purpose Driven Life: Selected Thoughts and Scriptures for the Graduate.

Filled with inspirational Scripture, biblical wisdom from Pastor Rick, and beautiful imagery, this unique, hardcover gift book provides a priceless reminder of the bountiful life God has planned for your graduate—and it will empower them to seek his unique plan and purpose for their life.

We’d love to send you a copy of this special resource as thanks for your gift today to help Daily Hope take the transforming power of Jesus into more lives around the world.

So request your copy below—and set a young graduate on the path to all God has for their life!

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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren . All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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Read More Daily Hope with Rick Warren

• Your Faith Can Move Mountains - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - April 17, 2024 Apr 17, 2024
• Take a Step of Faith in Spite of Your Fear - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - April 16, 2024 Apr 16, 2024
• Why You Should Always Choose Forgiveness - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - April 15, 2024 Apr 15, 2024
• When Your Plans and God’s Plans Don’t Match - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - April 14, 2024 Apr 14, 2024

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Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

Daily devotions.

"God's Perfect Goodness" Apr. 13, 2024 -->

• Apr. 13, 2024

Psalm 16:2 - I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; I have no good apart from You."

"I'm sorry," I said. "It's all good," came the response. No. It's not all good. That's why I apologized. Here I was expecting a response indicating either forgiveness or not—maybe even a shot at reconciliation. Instead, I received a reply excusing all things under the statement "It's all good." That just didn't feel right to me. How does it sound to you? I guess if you wanted to be off the hook, it might be fine, but is that what the world needs today: a generic response of "It's all good," in response to all the wrongs we do to each other? King David didn't think so. He said, "I say to the Lord, 'You are my Lord; I have no good thing apart from You.'" I have no good apart from God. Do you believe that or do you think your life is filled with lots of good things, among which one good is God? Perhaps you place Him as the highest good. David challenges us to live a life in which God is the only good for us, for all. How would your life be reoriented if you believed that God is the only true Source of any good you have? Jesus lived that way. He lived knowing that God alone is good. Because God was His only Source of good, because loving God was His highest good, Jesus lived love. Jesus died for us in love, and God raised Him from the dead because of His love for sinners like you and me. In place of your sin, God gives you His perfect and complete forgiveness in Christ. In contrite faith we come before God assured of the Father's merciful gift of forgiveness through His Son Jesus Christ. So, when you repent, when you say you're sorry, God doesn't just say, "It's all good." Yes, He forgives you and He removes your sin, giving you the righteousness of Jesus Christ, but He doesn't excuse or ignore your sin. Instead, He removes it from you for the sake of Jesus. He treats you and me as if our sin never happened at all. God's goodness is yours because of Jesus. And when other things in life aren't so good, we need to place them at the foot of the cross, take them to the Lord in prayer. When we do that, our lives—blessed by God's almighty goodness—can be lives lived in love, lives that look like Jesus in the world. And that's all good. WE PRAY : Heavenly Father, may the life I live reflect the perfect, loving goodness You have shown me in Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen. From "It's All Good," a devotional message from Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, former Speaker of The Lutheran Hour Reflection Questions : 1. Have you ever felt that you let someone "off the hook" too easily? Care to share why? 2. How do we know that we have no good in us apart from God? (See Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 3:10-12.) 3. Since God is the only true and perfect good, how should we live before Him?

Today's Bible Readings: Joshua 22-24      Luke 12:1-31

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