In Chapter Three of Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness, David Kuykendall brings us deeper into the heart of transformation through God’s grace. Building on the foundation of our union with Christ, Kuykendall focuses on the essential role of faith in reckoning the truths of Scripture as already accomplished in our lives.

This chapter challenges us to move beyond striving for change and step into the reality of transformation that comes through belief, surrender, and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

When I reflect on E. Stanley Jones' first devotional from In Christ, I am struck by the sheer depth and beauty of his words. He invites us to explore what it means to live "in Christ" as the only true way to live. Yet, before extending this invitation, he takes us on a journey to understand who Christ truly is. The question, "Who is this Christ?" is both profound and personal—one that cannot simply be answered by definitions. As Jones wisely notes, defining Christ is confining Him, and how can we ever hope to confine the Eternal God manifest in human flesh?

Today’s Days of Heaven on Earth devotional by A.B. Simpson offers us a rich picture of the blessed life—a life rooted in God, flourishing in joy, and bearing fruit in every season. Psalm 1:1 describes the man who walks in God’s ways and meditates on His Word, revealing three key attributes that define his blessedness.

Today’s My Utmost for His Highest devotional by Oswald Chambers brings us face-to-face with one of the most challenging aspects of following Christ: waiting on Him in the "blank spaces" of life. Chambers draws from Peter’s bold question in John 13:37, "Lord, why cannot I follow Thee now?" to highlight the tension between our desires and God’s perfect timing.

Sin can feel like a relentless force, dominating our lives and leaving us feeling helpless to break free. But God, in His infinite love, offers a solution—one that does not rely on our efforts but on His abundant grace. Today’s Day by Day by Grace devotional reminds us of this liberating truth: “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14).

There was a time in my life when I wandered in the desert of depression and anxiety for decades. During that season, after moving back to Rhode Island from Minnesota, I longed deeply for the vibrant church fellowship I had left behind. In Minnesota, I was immersed in teaching that celebrated the reality of a Christ in us—His life experienced and expressed through us. But in Rhode Island, the messages I encountered felt sterile, rooted in the Law, rigid obedience, and an inevitability of sinning in thought, word, and deed as a Christian. That barren spiritual landscape compounded my struggles until I rediscovered the full truth of exchanging my self-centered, independent life in Adam for the fullness of life in Christ. This transformation breathed new life into what had been a spiritual and emotional wasteland. Today’s Abide Above devotional reminds me vividly of how God uses the desert to lead us into a deeper experience of His life within us.

The Christian life is one of trust—not in ourselves, but in the unchanging character and promises of God. As His children, we are the recipients of profound truths that define who we are, sustain us in every circumstance, and point us toward eternal hope. These promises are not fleeting; they are secured in Christ and are as steadfast as God Himself. Let’s reflect on some of the promises God has made to us, and what they mean for our daily lives.

Have you ever felt like your emotions define you? That your worth or your reality depends on how you feel in the moment? For many, feelings seem to carry undeniable power, shaping decisions, relationships, and even faith. But what if living by feelings isn’t the way God designed us to live?

The question of innocent suffering—whether it’s children killed in tragic events, infants lost too soon, or animals subjected to predation—is among the hardest to answer. It’s a question that touches the heart deeply and confronts the mind relentlessly. For Christians, grappling with this reality requires a balance of theological truths, heartfelt empathy, and unwavering faith in God’s character. Let’s explore how Scripture speaks to this, with an acknowledgment of the emotional weight carried by those who wrestle with such deep pain.

Revelation 18 presents a dramatic and sobering vision of Babylon's downfall, symbolizing the ultimate judgment of a corrupt system that opposes God and leads the world astray. This passage is not merely a historical account but a prophetic depiction of the consequences of idolatry, greed, and rebellion against God. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of God's unwavering justice, His call for His people to remain separate from sin, and the hope of ultimate vindication for those who belong to Him.

In Matthew 18, Jesus addresses his disciples' misconceptions about greatness and teaches on relationships, forgiveness, and discipleship within the community of believers. Through parables, instructions, and strong imagery, he reveals God’s heart for his people and calls his followers to reflect His character in how they treat one another.

Jeremiah 35 tells a compelling story of the Rekabites, a nomadic group committed to an unusual lifestyle of pastoral wandering, abstaining from wine, and living in tents. These practices stemmed from their ancestor Jehonadab son of Rekab. When Jeremiah brought the Rekabites into the temple and offered them wine, their firm refusal became a powerful sermon illustration about faithfulness and loyalty. This story teaches us lessons about obedience, contrasts human and divine covenants, and underscores the importance of steadfast devotion to God.

Proverbs 31 introduces us to the wisdom of King Lemuel, a lesser-known figure whose name means “for God.” Though his exact identity is uncertain, his words are timeless, offering lessons for leaders of any era. The insights we explore here are drawn from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, which provides context and depth to these verses.

In today’s reading, we dive into the Chronicler’s account of David’s military victories in 1 Chronicles 20, including the capture of Rabbah and battles with the Philistines. At first glance, it may seem like something is conspicuously absent: the Chronicler does not mention David’s grievous sins with Bathsheba and Uriah, nor the tragic fallout that followed. These omissions could raise questions: Is the Chronicler trying to whitewash David’s story? Does this retelling distort the reality of David’s reign? With insight garnered from the Grace and Truth Study Bible notes, let’s explore these questions and see how the Chronicler’s approach reveals deep truths about God’s redemptive purposes.

“The Lord your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
— Zephaniah 3:17

God’s love often defies explanation, yet it is a reality we can rest in and experience. Tozer’s reflections on the love of God in Chapter 20 of The Knowledge of the Holy invite us to stretch our hearts toward this vast and eternal truth, not in an attempt to fully comprehend it, but to marvel at its beauty and receive it as the gift it is.

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:31-32

Forgiveness is one of the clearest expressions of living in the grace of God. It requires us to step out of the patterns of the “old man” and embrace the kindness, tenderheartedness, and mercy of the “new man” in Christ.

Richard Kuykendall, in Living in the Garden of Grace, thoughtfully highlights the transformative nature of forgiveness. Through forgiveness, we release bitterness and resentment, restore broken relationships, and reflect God’s love and grace to the world around us. It’s not always an easy process, but it is essential for living in the freedom and unity that Christ has made possible for us.

"Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak." – Matthew 26:41

In today’s devotional from Days of Heaven on Earth, A.B. Simpson invites us to consider the importance of wisdom and discernment in our prayers. It’s not enough to simply pray; we must also ensure that our prayers align with God’s promises and guidance. Misguided prayers can lead to disillusionment and even spiritual darkness, as Simpson illustrates through the story of his friend.

"Clouds and darkness are round about Him." – Psalm 97:2

In today’s devotional from My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers draws our attention to the mystery and majesty of God’s presence. For those who have yet to encounter the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, the teachings of Jesus may appear straightforward and easy to grasp. Yet, for those who have been baptized by the Spirit, a deeper reality emerges—one where "clouds and darkness are round about Him."

"In Him we have our redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace…that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus…To me, who am less than the least of all saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable [unfathomable] riches of Christ." – Ephesians 1:7; 2:7; 3:8

Today’s devotional from Day by Day by Grace draws us into the vastness of God’s grace. How often do we underestimate the magnitude of His grace and the limitless supply He extends to us?

"For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." – 2 Chronicles 16:9

This morning’s devotional, sourced from Abide Above, reminds us of the relentless purpose of God in our lives. Every thought God has concerning us is grounded in His Son, Jesus Christ, where He has placed us. His plans are "thoughts of peace, and not of evil" (Jeremiah 29:11), working even the harm done to us by others for our good, all for Jesus’ sake.