Today Daily Devotional

Epizode

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  Messiah (Christ) 05.10.2026

  . . . Jesus the Messiah the son of David, the son of Abraham. . . . — Matthew 1:1 Ever since humanity fell into sin, God promised that someone would come and put it right.God promised Eve a snake-crusher (Genesis 3:15). He promised Abraham a line of descendants who would bless the nations (Genesis 12:3). God promised his people a prophet who would come from among them, and to whom they should listen (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). He promised David a descendant whose throne would “be established forever” (2 Samuel 7:12-16). God also declared that this person would be “a priest forever” (Psalm 110:4), mediating for the people.That ultimate promised one also had a unique anointing. The people’s prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil, but the promised one would be anointed with the Holy Spirit, and God himself would do the anointing. This Spirit-drenched person would be the “Anointed One” (mashiach in Hebrew, christos in Greek).Luke describes Jesus’ having the Holy Spirit descend on him at his baptism and then serving “in the power of the Spirit” wherever he went. And in his sermon at Nazareth, his hometown, Jesus preached from Isaiah 61: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me. . . .” Jesus is crystal clear, and he says, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”He is the Messiah! Amen! Jesus, Messiah, all God’s promises point to you. Our waiting and searching end in you. Amen.
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  The Resurrection and the Life 04.10.2026

  “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live. . . .” — John 11:25 I don’t know about you, but I tend to think of resurrection as an abstract or distant thing—as if it is only about Easter Sunday or a date on the end-times calendar.But, no—and more profoundly— Resurrection is a name for Jesus! “I am the resurrection . . .” he said. Resurrection is a “right now” reality in the unique person of Jesus Christ.It’s the same with life. Life is not mainly about having a beating heart and brain waves. Nor is it something we get or make or buy or achieve. Life is a name for Jesus. “I am . . . the life . . .” he said. And in a prayer to his Father, Jesus said, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).When we reject a relationship with the Life himself and say “No thanks” to Jesus, then, essentially we are like dead people walking (see Ephesians 2:1-5). Rejecting Jesus is like staying in a tomb.Sin is a tomb. Self is a tomb. Unforgiveness is a tomb. Pornography is a tomb. Fear, perfectionism, pride, envy . . .— tombs are everywhere!Hear the voice of the One whose name is the Resurrection and the Life: “Come out!” That tomb is no place for you. Why look for life among the dead? (See Luke 24:5.)Anyone who looks to Jesus will live. Eternity starts today! Lord Jesus, who is like you? Thank you for being “the resurrection and the life” to all who believe in you. Amen.
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  Prince of Peace 03.10.2026

  He will be called . . . Prince of Peace. — Isaiah 9:6 Here Jesus is named “Prince of Peace.” What is peace?Two artists, the story goes, are asked to paint pictures depicting peace.One artist paints a tranquil scene—a calm lake surrounded by rolling green hills and with towering trees mirrored in the water. The blue sky is still— and, well, peaceful.The other painter brushes onto the canvas a rocky ravine, with dark, ominous, jutting-out rocks. Over the top of the rockface rushes a powerful waterfall, splashing and roaring. Spray and mist everywhere!Yet on one of the crags, near the bottom of the gorge, stands a slender young tree. And there, on a tenuous branch overhanging the water, glistening with the spray from the waterfall, rests a bird’s nest. And in that nest a small bird is sleeping.This second illustration is a picture of Christ’s peace!Jesus makes clear that peace in this world is not the absence of trouble. It is not mainly about tranquil, relaxing scenes. Jesus’ peace means that even while the waters foam and surge about us, even amid storms of anxiety and struggle, we have a rock! A firm place to nest.In this world we will have trouble, Jesus said. But take courage, and be at rest. Jesus has overcome the world! Thank you, Jesus, for giving us your peace, which is not like the world’s. In you we can find rest and refuge even amid the dangers, storms, and troubles of life. Amen.
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  Light of the World 02.10.2026

  “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.” — John 8:12 With a tour group I went into a deep cave in New Mexico, and our guide turned off all the lights. The darkness was paralyzing; I immediately felt vulnerable.Darkness in a cave is one thing. Darkness in life is worse. We may face shadows of a dark past: abuse, ugly words, abandonment. A deep cavern of guilt from our sins and mistakes may fill us with doubt, disappointment, and long nights of anxiety.Darkness is real—and scary. But there’s at least one thing darkness is not. It is not a winner. If we go into a deep cave and turn off the lights, it will be so dark that you can’t see your hand in front of your face. But if we strike a match or switch on a light, all that darkness— football fields of it!—cannot overpower that one light. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).Jesus calls himself “the light of the world.” In his death on the cross, he took on darkness and descended into caverns of guilt, forsakenness, abuse, and the worst that sin could offer— for us. He took on sin’s pain and its cost for us so that we won’t have to. And with his rising, we receive what Isaiah foretold: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).Why stay in the dark? The light is here. Let’s walk in him today! Lord, thank you for being our light. Only you can overpower the darkness in this world and in our lives. Shine, Jesus, shine! Amen.
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  Jesus, Name Above All Names 01.10.2026

  God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow. . . . — Philippians 2:9-10 There are a lot of big names out there: Zuckerberg, Apple, Xi, Trump, Oprah, AI. Does our world rise or fall with these names?Or how about some names closer to home: Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's, ALS, Down Syndrome? Or what about labels that society might apply to us: divorced, disabled, addicted, infertile, fired, foreclosed, forgotten, paroled? Do any of these have the power to make or break us?No. Our reading today proclaims that no name, whether it carries princely power or brings us problems or roadblocks, is greater than Jesus— not even light years close.None of those names went down low, “taking the very nature of a servant” and “becoming obedient to death” to raise us up. None of those died on a cross to give us new life.Jesus is the only One whom God gave the name greater than any other name. He is the only One we should bow to. We can take him more seriously than any other name or label, for he himself is God, and he rules over all things.This month, let’s reflect on the various names of Jesus and what they show us about him. Each one reveals something marvelous and matchless about Jesus Christ, our Lord, to whom every knee and power and threat will bow, “to the glory of God the Father.” We are in his hands, and he puts all things in their place. Thank you, Jesus, for all you have done to give us new life and faith in the power of your name. May we honor your name above every name. Amen.
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  The Gospel Resonates with the World 30.09.2026

  Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. — Psalm 96:11 Psalm 96 invites us to hear the greatness of God resounding everywhere and in everyone. We began our devotions this month with this psalm, and it seems fitting to close our reflections on “Resonance” by focusing on this psalm again.Throughout this month we have been personally invited to respond to God’s voice ringing out to us. Our prayer has been that the good news of Jesus will resonate deeply in our hearts and that we will respond in faith and trust.We have also seen how the good news resounds within the church, the community of Jesus’ followers. None of us walks this journey alone. It is often in fellowship with others that we most clearly encounter the voice of God and the living presence of Christ.In addition, we have been invited to notice God’s greatness reverberating through all creation. Our God reigns! All around us in God’s world we can witness creation itself declaring the glory and majesty of its Maker—the heavens rejoicing, the seas roaring, the fields exulting in praise.My prayer is that the words of Psalm 96 ring true for you today. May your life ring out joyfully because you have genuinely encountered the love and forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ. And may your voice join with the resounding song of creation, proclaiming that the Lord is great and “most worthy of praise.” Great and glorious God, we join with all creation to praise you today. May your love, faithfulness, and goodness resonate throughout the whole world. Amen.
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  The Gospel Resonates with Us 29.09.2026

  All the believers . . . broke bread . . . together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God. . . . — Acts 2:44-47 My wife and I have been part of many small groups in our church over the years, but one experience of community stands out as especially rich. We were in a group with three other couples who were younger than us and in a different stage of life. When we first began meeting, none of them were married; they were dating or engaged. That soon changed, and in a short span of time we joyfully celebrated three weddings. At each reception our small group sat together, enjoying the gift of walking through these milestones side by side.We also shared one another’s sorrows. Shortly before one of those weddings, the bridal couple experienced the sudden and tragic loss of a beloved family member. On the day of their celebration, tears and laughter mingled freely as we felt both grief and gratitude, mourning what was lost while giving thanks for a new beginning.When I read the description of community in Acts 2, it can sound almost too ideal. Yet the rest of the New Testament shows that the early church also knew conflict and pain.Still today, the Spirit continues to draw believers into deep, resonant fellowship. We are not meant to follow Jesus alone. Though we are imperfect people in a broken world, God chooses to live among his people. How might we open our lives and homes more fully to one another? Dear Jesus, though Christian community can be challenging at times, help us to step more deeply into our relationships. Fill us with your love and care for each other. Amen.
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  The Gospel Resonates with Me 28.09.2026

  If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! — 2 Corinthians 5:17 For the next few days, let’s think about how the gospel resonates with us personally, then spreads into our relationships, and then rings out further into the world.I was speaking in a church in Canada recently that has baptized hundreds of new immigrants from a country in the Middle East. After the service, a young man came up to me and shared in broken English that this was his first time in the church. He had just immigrated to Canada and was curious about Jesus. He had shown up that morning to see what the Christian faith was about. What a joy it was to be able to tell him about Jesus’ love for him and to connect him with someone who could explain the good news of Jesus in his own language. He was warmly welcomed and invited to experience personal resonance with Jesus.In our passage for today, we hear the good news ringing out: “If anyone is in Christ . . . the old has gone, the new is here!” This passage invites us to receive all that Jesus has accomplished on the cross for us. Each one of us—whoever we are, whatever our story—can be personally reconciled with God through Jesus Christ. The promise of complete forgiveness is possible in Jesus— and this good news is for everyone!May the joy and hope of Jesus resonate in your heart. And may you respond in faith and be reconciled to God! Dear Jesus, you who had no sin became sin for us so that we could be reconciled to God! May this life-giving message resonate deep within each of us today. Amen.
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  Communion: Resonance with Jesus 27.09.2026

  Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. — 1 Corinthians 11:26 “Do this . . . in remembrance of me.” The church of Jesus has been living into these words for nearly 2,000 years. Thinking about our devotional theme for this month, we might say that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, or Holy Communion, is one of the most resonant experiences in the Christian life. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, everything that Jesus accomplished on the cross is available to us. And we receive this gift by faith, putting our trust in him.The Bible describes this good news in a multitude of ways. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection our sins are forgiven. Our spiritual debt is paid in full. We become citizens of the kingdom of God. We are rescued from death and receive new life now and forever!Verse 26 of our passage for today makes a remarkable statement. Whenever we come to the Lord’s table in faith to receive the bread and cup that represent his broken body and shed blood, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.” Our lives become an announcement of our spiritual victory. Death has been defeated! The grave has been conquered! We are set free!There is something both mysterious and holy about the Lord’s Supper. Jesus is present with his people as they gather around his table. May our hearts be open to receive him. Jesus, thank you for the gift of communion, reminding us of your sacrifice on the cross. Fill us with your grace, and help us follow you faithfully till you come again. Amen.
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  Longing for Perfect Resonance 26.09.2026

  The leaves of the tree [of life] are for the healing of the nations. — Revelation 22:2 Several colleagues and I were on a call with church leaders from a West African nation where Christians have been facing increased hostility and violence. We wanted to connect and hear how they were doing, and we wanted to ask how we might pray for and support them.Yet the conversation proved difficult. Technical problems disrupted the connection again and again, and it took considerable time and effort just to share a few meaningful moments together.For many Christians around the world, this kind of disruption is a daily reality. We all long for experiences of spiritual and emotional resonance— times when we can connect deeply with God and with one another. But in places marked by political and religious persecution, natural disasters, or war, such a connection can be fragile and hard won.St. Augustine wrote that “our hearts are restless until they find rest in God.” Until Jesus returns, there will always be some measure of restlessness and dissonance in our lives and in the world around us.For this reason we continue to pray with longing for the day when Christ will make all things right and bring healing to the nations. Until that day arrives, it is vital that we stand with our suffering brothers and sisters, remembering them in prayer and supporting them in whatever ways we can. Dear Jesus, we read of the river of life and the healing of the nations, and our hearts ache for the day when you will return. Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Amen.
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  God’s Daily Voice 25.09.2026

  “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night. . . .” — Joshua 1:8 This year the Today devotional guide is celebrating its 75th anniversary.As we think about the Word of God resonating around the world, these devotions are one of the ways in which the Spirit is at work, encouraging and challenging many thousands of Christians and people who are curious about the Christian faith. Every day is a new opportunity to read a portion of Scripture and apply it to our daily lives.I was in a small town in the midwestern United States recently, and as I walked out of the hotel where I was staying, I saw the Today devotions on display in the lobby for people to pick up. Shortly afterward, I ran into some people in an airport. They recognized me as a pastor, and then one of them exclaimed, “Hey, we read your devotion this morning in Today— thanks for that!” This little devotional guide is shared in churches, homes, hotels, prisons, restaurants, and online. What a ministry!In our Bible reading today in the book of Joshua, God’s people are about to enter the land God has promised them. They are encouraged to be strong and courageous because the Lord is with them. But that strength and courage would stay with them only if they kept the Word of God on their lips and in their hearts. May that be true for us today and every day. Father, thank you for your faithfulness. Thank you for providing the Today devotions for so many people for the past 75 years. May your Word ring out and keep strengthening all who seek you. Amen.
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  Deep and Painful Conviction 24.09.2026

  I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. — Psalm 51:3 It can happen so easily. A quick or thoughtless word can hurt someone else. And if we are confronted with our guilt, we instinctively move into denial or defense. We try to shift blame to another person or circumstance as we try to justify ourselves. Or we sink into shame, allowing self-damaging thoughts to take hold. The cycle becomes destructive for everyone involved.Psalm 51 is a response to the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. King David, who wrote this psalm, had been confronted by the prophet Nathan, who had shown him his guilt and deceit in taking Bathsheba and arranging the death of her husband (2 Samuel 11).In this remarkable psalm we see what true conviction by the Spirit can bring. David did not deny what he had done or try to justify his actions. He refused to blame others, yet he also did not drown in despair. Instead he recognized his sin, confessed it before God, and asked for mercy. He also asked for a new beginning: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”We often experience resonance with God through the beauty of his creation and the truth of his Word. But another powerful meeting place with God is in our honest admission of sin. May God lead us to genuine repentance so that we can be forgiven in Jesus, who is always ready to restore to us the joy of salvation. Dear Jesus, as hard as it may be, help us to see the places in our lives where we need forgiveness and restoration. Cleanse us and wash us clean, we pray. Amen.
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  The Power of Greeting 23.09.2026

  Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. — Romans 12:15 The life-giving power of Jesus rings out in many ways. My colleague Joyce, a former missionary to Nigeria, tells of her moving experience with the Nigerian practice of “greeting.” She learned that whenever something significant happened— whether joyful or painful—people would gather simply to be present with you in that moment. Presence itself was the gift.She recalls how, when her daughter was born, neighbors came one after another to “greet” the child. There was singing and dancing, and the joy was immense. This little girl was embraced and welcomed into the life of the whole community.Joyce also recalls another, very different day—on September 12, 2001. Early in the morning she and her husband were awakened by neighbors at their door. These friends had just learned of the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City the day before. Though none of them had ever been to the United States, they knew this would be devastating news for their American friends. They came to “greet” them—to hold them in love as they tried to absorb their shock and grief.As our theme verse for today reminds us, both joy and sorrow are contagious. Whom might you “greet” today—to celebrate their gladness or to sit gently with them in their pain—as a reflection of God’s resounding love? Jesus, thank you for ministering to us in our joy and sorrow. Help us to respond with care for our friends and neighbors in their times of happiness and sadness. Amen.
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  Ringing out with Hope 22.09.2026

  If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. — 1 Peter 4:11 I often have the privilege of meeting creative and courageous leaders in different parts of the world. In Kenya recently, I stood on a tidy little property tucked between tall buildings in a small town outside Nairobi. It was once a vacant lot, choked with garbage and weeds, but today it is home to a lively school serving dozens of children. Two classrooms, fashioned from repurposed shipping containers, provide bright learning spaces, complete with washroom facilities and a small playground.Lucy is the teacher God used to bring about this remarkable change. She had worked for years in another school system, but she had grown frustrated because she was unable to apply the kind of education she believed the children needed. One day her husband said to her, “If God has placed this burden on your heart, perhaps he is also calling you to be part of the solution.” So, in faith and courage, she left her position and, with her husband and a handful of volunteers, began to build this small school to offer Christ-centered education to the children of the community.When I asked Lucy about her journey, she pointed to God’s faithfulness. God continues to work miracles of transformation today through ordinary people who have faith in him. Dear Lord, may you find a resounding “yes” in our lives as we respond to your love for us and to your call on our lives. May all we do today bring you praise and honor. In Jesus, Amen.
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  Only One Answer 21.09.2026

  Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. — Colossians 2:15 I read about a missionary walking through a vast temple who witnessed something deeply heartbreaking. Crowds of people— many of them poor and desperate—were bowing before a massive golden statue. They placed what appeared to be their meager earnings into a treasury box and knelt in earnest prayer, hoping to receive a blessing from the idol.On the other side of the statue, scaffolding had been set up. The idol had begun to crumble, and a team of workers was repairing it. The scene struck the missionary with painful irony: broken people bowing to a broken statue, asking it to fix their broken lives—while others were busy working to fix the broken statue itself.Though we might not see people bowing before physical idols much today, we live in a world that is just as desperate. Broken people still look to other broken people—and to broken substitutes for God—to do what only God can do. We place our hopes in success, relationships, wealth, technology, politics, and more—only to learn that these too are unreliable.Paul reminds us that the only answer to our brokenness is that Jesus has triumphed over every destructive power and authority. Only his saving love can bring us from death to life and from despair to hope. This is the good-news message we are called to share with the nations. Lord Jesus, we are often tempted to look for sources of help apart from you. Please forgive us and help us to see and experience your saving power. Amen.
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  Baptism: Blessed to be a Blessing 20.09.2026

  “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” — Mark 10:14 My church denomination baptizes children, and one of the great joys for me as a pastor has been to baptize many children through the years.It may seem odd to say, but I like it that baptism ceremonies can sometimes be a little chaotic. The parents usually come to church a little frazzled on the day of their child’s baptism. Getting ready in the morning can be frenzied, and there are often additional family and friends to host.What’s more, babies are unpredictable. Sometimes they smile sweetly throughout the worship service. Other times they are not happy and cannot be consoled easily.Jesus knew that children could be unpredictable, and that didn’t bother him. As he said to his disciples long ago, he still says to us, in effect, with warm firmness in his voice: “Bring the children to me, and do not stop them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them as well.” What a beautiful picture this provides us! Jesus embraces every single one of our children.Not every church practices infant baptism, but I invite you to think about what it means for Jesus to welcome and embrace the children of your community. Let’s pray that as they grow and mature, they will embrace Jesus’ love for them and the gospel will resonate through their lives. Jesus, thank you for your unconditional love for us all, including children. Help us to receive your love, experience your forgiveness, and walk in the path you have set for us. In your name, Amen.
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  Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth 19.09.2026

  Those who had been scattered by the persecution . . . traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. — Acts 11:19 For the past few days we have been tracking the spread of the gospel as recorded in the book of Acts. Jesus had said that his followers would be his witnesses in Judea and Samaria and beyond, “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). In our reading for today we can see that the gospel spread further to the city of Antioch, which was about 300 miles (500 km) from Jerusalem.There was also something else going on. When Jesus’ followers came to Antioch, they at first spread the word only to Jews, who shared their cultural and religious background. This was natural, of course, but the Spirit would not be held down! Some leaders also began sharing the gospel with Greeks, who did not have the background or traditions of the Jewish faith. And with that we see both Jews and Gentiles welcomed into the family of God.Today we are able to witness and celebrate the gospel at work all over the world, expressed in a multitude of languages and cultures. Indeed, as Jesus said, the good news has spread “to the ends of the earth.”When I am with brothers and sisters from across the globe, I am also humbly reminded that North America represents “the ends of the earth” to them. I need the gospel to resonate from them to me too. Dear Jesus, thank you for calling us to be your witnesses not only in our own area but also to the ends of the earth. Bless all who serve you around the world. Amen.
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  Witnesses in Judea and Samaria 18.09.2026

  On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. — Acts 8:1 We see Jesus’ words to his disciples fulfilled, in part, in our reading for today: “You will be my witnesses . . . in all Judea and Samaria” (Acts 1:8).But it came at a great cost. The gospel had been spreading through Jerusalem, and that resulted in fierce opposition and persecution. Stephen, a godly Christian leader, was stoned to death for his bold faith (Acts 7). The church community was filled with fear, and many believers sought refuge in the areas outside Jerusalem.It is interesting that one of the places they went to was Samaria, a region beyond Judea. Samaria was notorious as an enclave for Romans and for pagan religions. Maybe the believers felt that their persecutors in Jerusalem would not dare to enter Samaria, and that they would find a good place to hide there. In this way the gospel message spread outward from Jerusalem.Sometimes in the midst of painful situations, God brings new opportunities for the gospel to flourish. We may not understand why we might be suffering now, but we can be assured that wherever we go, God will be with us.If you keep reading in Acts 8, you will see the powerful impact that the gospel message made in Samaria as God directed Philip and other believers. Wherever the Spirit brings us today, may the gospel shine brightly through us with hope and love. Jesus, help us to see the “Judeas” and “Samarias” you have in mind for us in our own context. May we represent you well wherever we go. Amen.
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  Witnesses in Jerusalem 17.09.2026

  So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly. . . . — Acts 6:7 As we saw earlier in the book of Acts, Jesus promised his followers that the Holy Spirit would empower them to become his witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). For the next few days, we will see how Jesus’ words were literally fulfilled in the book of Acts itself.We start with Jerusalem. This was an intense time in the life of the early church. The church had formed into a tightly knit community, sharing everything in common. God was doing wonderful miracles, working through the prayers of the believers to heal and restore people and to raise up new leaders. We see the maturity of Jesus’ apostles as they responded to the pastoral needs of the community and appointed deacons to assist with the work that needed to be done. The growth of the church was so significant that it threatened the religious leaders of the city, leading to an increase in the persecution of Christians.Strong prayer. Strong leadership. A caring community. All of these factors are used by God to bring people to faith in Jesus. If we think of Jerusalem as representing the community or the neighborhood we live in, how does God invite us to serve in our own context and let the good news of Jesus ring out right where we are? Jesus, you send us to be your witnesses in our own local community. Guide us to pray for our neighbors and for all the people we will encounter today. Help us to be faithful witnesses to your love. Amen.
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  The Gospel: Ringing Out! (Part 2) 16.09.2026

  The Lord’s message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere. — 1 Thessalonians 1:8 Last year, my favorite baseball team came within inches of winning the World Series. There were a lot of sad faces after the team’s loss. I found myself imagining what the team’s home city would have looked like if they had won. People would have poured out into the streets, shouting for joy. Horns would be blowing, and bells would be ringing.In our Bible reading for today, Paul reflects on the powerful message ringing out into the streets and the surrounding areas of Thessalonika. He talks about how he and his companions came to that city and shared the gospel with the community there (see Acts 17). As a result, he says, “You became imitators of us and of the Lord.” The good news of Jesus found a home in the hearts of these new believers, and they couldn’t stop talking about it. Paul describes the Lord’s message as ringing out or resonating from their lives. Listen again to what he says in verse 8: “The Lord’s message rang out [resonated] from you . . .—your faith in God has become known everywhere.” Talk about making a joyful noise for God!As you think about your own faith journey, what would it look like for your life to ring out with the good news of Jesus today, tomorrow, and every day? Dear Jesus, may your life take hold of me and fill me with such joy and excitement that I cannot help talking about you and reflecting your love and grace in all I do and say. Amen.