Trinity Daily Devotion

A Letter to Myself
Jewel Love
2 Corinthians 3:2 (NIV)

You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone.

There were those in Corinth who questioned Paul’s legitimacy as an apostle. Paul insisted his best letter of recommendation was the Corinthian Christians and their clear transformation in becoming followers of Christ. In 2 Corinthians, Paul expresses that his profound love for the Corinthians has been written on the hearts of him and others in the ministry. Today’s verse states how the Corinthians are living letters – by the heart; not by a pen. This beautiful ‘letter writing experience’ reflected meaningful change in Paul and the people of Corinth.

Is letter writing seen as a lost art form in 2026? I certainly hope not. Writing a letter to yourself is a therapeutic experience I encourage you to step into at some point in the coming weeks. Many years ago, I wrote a book, and the preface was a letter to me. In crafting that ‘letter,’ I had to be willing to take it slow, tell the truth, and be okay with the fact that others were going to see what I wrote. Life is often described as being busy or moving really fast. Writing naturally creates a pause for us to sit in. When you put words on a page, fuzziness can become clearer, revelations can pop forth, and you begin to hear God, perhaps in a new way. Taking a moment to talk to yourself in a letter allows the space to jot down what is going great, the fears you want to move beyond, and the dreams that only you know about. You can use a letter to yourself to capture where you are in your relationship with God, where the Almighty is asking you to grow, and the spiritual growth you’re hoping for.

Letter writing is an opportunity to be more specific. Consider writing yourself a real letter where you tell the truth. Encourage yourself. Write down what you are trusting God for. Name your current fears. Shout what you can celebrate. Keep the letter and when you return to it in the coming months, be prepared for any possible reaction – you might smile, cry or laugh at what you discover.

PRAYER:
God give me the courage to sit still, tell the truth, and write an honest letter to myself.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Remember, sometimes we need to put our thoughts into words to see how God is moving in our lives.

Least Likely to Succeed
Melanie M. Baker
John 21:17 (KJV)

“He saith unto him the third time, ‘Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?’ Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, ‘Lovest thou me?’ And he said unto him, ‘Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee.’ Jesus saith unto him, ‘Feed my sheep.’”

Peter was the last person who would be considered a good candidate for discipleship. Although he, Andrew, James, and John were all fishermen, Peter was different and out of step with the other disciples. He was awkward. Impulsive. Trying to be a good disciple, but often making the wrong decisions. Peter was bold enough to walk on water, but he took his eyes off Jesus and started to sink. Peter was supposed to be praying and supporting Jesus when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane, but Peter cut a soldier’s ear off instead. Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times. Peter proudly told Jesus he would never deny Him, but then Peter denied knowing Jesus and cursed at the people who asked him if he knew Jesus.

Jesus knew Peter and what Peter would do. God also knows us, including our strengths and shortcomings. Jesus taught Peter, corrected him when he was incorrect, and loved him despite his mistakes. Although Peter denied Jesus three times, Jesus told Peter to feed his sheep three times, once for each time Peter had denied Him. After Peter became filled with the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, Peter was empowered to step out in boldness and actually “feed Jesus’ sheep.” Peter started as a “fisher of men” who drew people in. He became a “shepherd” entrusted with feeding God's people and later an Apostle.

When you step out and do something new, you might mess it up. You might feel discouraged, but making mistakes is part of the process of achieving or doing something new. Remember, the only people who don't make mistakes are the ones who aren't doing anything. We can trust God to train and transform us so we are equipped to do what God has called us to do.

PRAYER:
God, thank you for accepting us despite our faults. As we are learning to live lives that please You, thank you, for being patient and loving us, especially when we make mistakes. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Mistakes can be tools for learning.

Fear of The Lord
Sister Rae C. McCray
Proverbs 1:7 CEV & KJV

7 Respect and obey the Lord! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice.

7The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

My perplexities about this scripture began when I was a child. For the life of me, I could not figure out how to go to God, when I am afraid of God. Things that scared me, I didn’t want to have anything to do with them. So, I asked my mom, "How do I go to God if I am afraid of God?" I remember this conversation as if it were yesterday.

She smiled and said, “It’s not that kind of fear.” Puzzled, I asked, "What kind of fear is it?" Again, she smiled and asked me, “Do you love me”? Silly question, I thought. “Of course,” I replied. “Do you want to always obey me?” was her next question. I lied and said yes. Still smiling, she said, “I am not going to punish you for telling me the truth.” No, not all the time, I admitted. “Then why do you”? Because you are mommy and will punish me. “Do I always punish you when you disobey?” No, if I admit I was wrong and ask for forgiveness. Her last question: When you need something, do I get it for you? “Laughing, I nodded my head up and down. She said, “I can’t hear your head; speak to me”.

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, 10th Edition, defines “fear” as an unpleasant, often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms states …Biblically, “fear” in Hebrew is yir’ah, meaning awe. Westminster also defines “Knowledge of God” as human awareness or non-awareness of who God is, what God is like, and what God requires.

My mom wanted me to know that the “Fear of the Lord” meant experiencing God as my ultimate parent: a loving God who provided, protected, chastised, and would forgive me when I asked. If she deserved honor and respect, how much more did God? God who came in the person of Jesus the Christ to redeem us so we could belong to our Sovereign, Holy, and Righteous God.

PRAYER:
Lord, forgive us when we play the fool, operate in our emotions, and make decisions out of fear instead of faith. In Jesus name, Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Don’t be a fool, except Jesus; respect and obey God.

An Accurate Assessment
Deacon Cassandra Hudson
Ruth 4:14 NIV

The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel!

“When someone shows you who they are, believe them.” Oprah Winfrey made this advice from Maya Angelou famous. This instruction suggests that we should proceed with extreme caution once we experience behaviors that reveal questionable character. Avoiding people with poor character is wise and can save us much grief. However, we must also be careful not to judge someone by a singular moment; we may misunderstand who they truly are if we do not take the time to observe the patterns in their behavior.

Judging God in a moment rather than over time can also lead to misjudgment. In the book of Ruth, one of the main characters, Naomi, experienced a famine, left her homeland, and then lost her husband. As if that were not heart-breaking enough, she also lost both of her sons. In a culture where women were dependent on men for their survival, this left her in a perilous situation. All she had left was a daughter-in-law, Ruth, who refused to leave her. All that she experienced caused Naomi to declare: “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. . .The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”

In that moment, Naomi could not see what God would do over time. The book of Ruth recounts how God used Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz (their guardian redeemer) to create beauty from the ashes of famine and death. God used them to create the lineage that led to King David and, eventually, Jesus Christ, the Savior of us all.

Like Naomi, we may experience seasons in life when we feel afflicted by God. However, understanding God’s character requires a broader perspective to make an accurate assessment. When we live as disciples of Christ, all things ultimately work together for our good and God’s glory, turning our mourning into dancing over time.

Prayer:
Great and mighty God, we thank you that you have not left us without a guardian redeemer in Jesus. Help us to see that, even through tragic times, you are with us and will cause all things to work together for our good in your time.

Thought for the Day:
Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).

Something is in the Stew
Dr. Loretta Young-Wright
2nd Kings 4:38 -41 NIV

“38 Elisha returned to Gilgal and there was a famine in that region. While the company of the prophets was meeting with him, he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and cook some stew for these prophets. 39 One of them went out into the fields to gather herbs and found a wild vine and picked as many of its gourds as his garment could hold. When he returned, he cut them up into the pot of stew, though no one knew what they were. 40 The stew was poured out for the men, but as they began to eat it, they cried out, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat it. 41 Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He put it into the pot and said, “Serve it to the people to eat.” And there was nothing harmful in the pot.

This powerful scripture demonstrates Elisha’s seasoned and faithful nature, as well as his preparedness to overcome a dilemma. He had a history of transforming situations to produce positive outcomes and creating balance in spite of potential disaster. In this case, the poisoned stew might have resulted in embarrassment, as well as anxiety and hunger for his guests. Also, deep regret for his servant who was ignorant though innocent. Throughout the book of Kings, Elisha shows up as an instrument of God to change temporary facts without blame and shame, instead turning the situation on its head to prove the ever-present power of God. Elisha embraced the importance of miracles!

Yes, there was widespread famine, but Elisha had provisions and a mindset for sharing stew with his guests. His servant moved to comply with his request, but didn’t give the situation the discerning attention it deserved. He compounded a mistake by failing to question or inspect the gourd prior to placing it in the stew, Lord have mercy, he didn’t taste the stew. Elisha, the man of God knew the intent of the gesture and he used his power to correct the mistake to everyone’s satisfaction, and to the glory of God. A response not driven by ego.

This scripture reminds me of older women in the family who had complete control of the kitchen, creating meals that were satisfying to everyone, sometimes in spite of a minimal budget. They were specialist who didn’t have to measure ingredients, but could eye-ball for taste and add a pinch of this or that. They seemed to hold cooking as a sacred act and garnered reputations for the dishes they prepared. They would have shared their wisdom with this servant. Today, with such busy schedules, we want quick and easy microwave results vs. a slow simmer that is nursed over time and watched. It saves time, but what does it really cost?

To this potential tragedy, Elisha had the answer. He balanced out the flavors and the people trusted him enough to believe that the problem was solved. Elisha’s actions resulted in food for his guests and a sense of community. He also demonstrated that when people make mistakes, it does not have to be fatal. Elisha corrected the mistake in order to foster fellowship among the guests. Elisha decided to build bridges vs. assign blame.

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to operate in the humble power of Elisha, for your glory.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
I will practice solving problems instead of assigning blame.

A Prayer with Your Name on It
Rev. Kim Shelton
John 17:9 NIV

I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.

There is something powerful about knowing someone prayed specifically for you. I remember receiving a message from someone who simply said, “You were on my heart today, and I prayed for you.” What they did not know was that I was carrying something I had not shared with anyone. Their message reminded me that God has a way of putting your name on somebody's heart when you need prayer the most. In John 17, Jesus is preparing for what lies ahead, yet He stops and prays. In verse 9, He says, “I pray for them.”

Presence. Jesus knew the disciples would remain in the world and face difficult days. I appreciate that He did not pretend everything would be easy. Instead, He prayed for them. That reminds me that even when we are unsure about what is next, we are not walking through it alone. Provision. Jesus had already given His disciples what they needed—the Word, truth, and a relationship with the Father. Sometimes we spend so much time looking for what is next that we forget to recognize what God has already provided. Maybe what you need for this season is already there. Prayer. Jesus said, “I pray for them.” Before the disciples understood what was ahead, Jesus was already praying for them. What a comforting thought—to know that God knows what we need, even when we do not know how to put it into words. People may overlook you, but God does not. His presence has your name on it. His provision has your name on it. And there is a prayer with your name on it.

PRAYER
Lord, thank You for knowing my name and knowing my needs. Keep me in Your presence, provide what I need, and remind me that I am always on Your heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Heaven knows your name.

Real Rest
Minister Danita Brown
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in my heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

In this fast paced world, we can move along as if on a treadmill-making a lot of motions, but not going anywhere or accomplishing much! There are times when we know we are going through the motions while getting more frazzled and frustrated.
Our lives, in order to be full and complete so we can be used by God, requires that we take some “real rest!” Jesus has and offers us the remedy for living our best selves. Jesus first asks the question (already knowing the answer), are you tired?

Jesus lets us know what we can do to release while overcoming the weariness we experience. Jesus says to simply walk, work, watch and keep company with him. Doing so will make a world of difference as we embrace the unforced rhythms of grace!

PRAYER:
Dear Lord, we allow ourselves to become so worn and burned out just trying to live life. Remind us that life in and with you is full of true rest and peace when we stop to relax in your presence. Just be still and know! Thank you for your ever abiding rest you give to our souls. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Rest in Jesus – make this your priority daily!

Just Today
Sandra (Sandy) Hall
Matthew 6:34 KJV

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

News alerts, pop-up videos, and campaign solicitations! Continuous sharing about what the celebrities, politicians and everyday people are doing, what they did yesterday, and what they hope to do tomorrow. Seriously, there are days when I am so annoyed by all this technology that often feels intrusive. Our cellphones and other devices expose us to so much information about what’s going on in our communities and around the world—whether we’re interested or not. Sometimes I just want to focus on today, not yesterday or tomorrow, just today.

Today’s scripture comes from the first book of the New Testament and the first of the four Gospels. One of Jesus’ disciples, Matthew, picks up where the Old Testament ends. The book of Malachi ends with the promise that God will send a Messiah to bring joy and peace to the world. Matthew starts with the fulfillment of that promise: Jesus the Messiah is the promise from centuries past.
In chapter six of Matthew, we are advised on how to give, pray, how to fast, and how to live and not worry; not being boastful like hypocrites and always putting God’s Kingdom first. Our scripture (6:34) is really a summation of God’s expectations, cautioning us not to carry regrets about our past, nor worry about what tomorrow may bring, as each day brings its own set of troubles. Yes, God wants us to learn from our past and plan for our future, but God does not want us to rob ourselves of the blessings and opportunities each new day brings.

The Bible certainly encourages us to live in the day and moment we are in, trusting God for God’s new grace and mercy daily. Focusing on today also allows us to take advantage of opportunities extended to us to experience joy, growth, and engage with our Lord and Saviour. See also James 4:14 and Philippians 4:6-7.

PRAYER:
To our Amazing, Sovereign God, we humbly thank you for the gift of today. We love and adore you for giving us another opportunity to learn more about you, Lord, and about ourselves. We ask you to help us in making good use of our time and choices on this day unfolding in front of us.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Today is a gift. Open it gently, embrace it lovingly, make today count. Don’t fret, worry, or focus on what WAS yesterday or what tomorrow MAY bring. Today, just focus on today.

God is Waiting on You
Crystal Humphrey
Psalm 27:14 KJV

Wait for the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

There are times in our lives when waiting on God can seem challenging because of our ability to self-will. Our human tendency seeks instant gratification, but the spirit rejoices in patience.

The Israelites became restless as they waited for Moses' return from Mount Sinai as he was receiving the Ten Commandments from God. Their impatience led them to self-will and they pressured Aaron to build them a golden calf to idolize. They choose to go back to the familiarity of the bull-god of Egypt due to their lack of faith.

Waiting on the promises of God strengthens our faith and thine heart. The Israelites chose not to wait on the return of Moses due to their fear and no tangible representation of God. They chose instant gratification and they received divine punishment and a withdrawal of God’s presence. If we choose to wait on the Lord and not be led by our human tendencies, then patience and endurance will help to cultivate our character and faith. God wants to prepare a covenant for us to establish a sacred relationship in exchange of obedience.

PRAYER:
Heavenly God, as we turn from our need of instant gratification let your will be done. May our doubt be transformed into unwavering trust as your perfect timing comes forth. Let us be of good courage as you cultivate our lives. May we embrace patience as you plan for the steps in our lives. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
When you pray and wait on the Lord, you are in God’s will and this provides endurance and greater peace in the path that God has set for you.

Food for the Soul
Rev. Barbara Heard
Repost
Luke 5:15, NIV

“Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”

In today’s society, we are constantly being bombarded with ideas and suggestions for how we can achieve a healthier lifestyle. Exercise, such as Pilates, strength training, walking, and yoga, eating more fruits and vegetables, consuming less meat, a lower sodium intake, and so much more are being recommended everywhere we turn. Monthly health magazines and newsletters from major health clinics are advocating a healthier lifestyle intended to improve longevity and lessen the onset of many diseases. All of this information is meant to encourage us to maintain and exercise good stewardship over these bodies that God has given us. Our bodies are God’s gift to us. Therefore, we are responsible and accountable to God for how we take care of these earthen vessels.

This is all well and good, but what about food for our souls? What spiritual food do we need that will enable and empower us to get through the challenges of life? What daily spiritual practices do you engage in that renew and revive your soul? Jesus’s ministry was non-stop. He stayed busy healing the sick, unstopping deaf ears, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead, curing all manner of sicknesses and diseases, teaching and preaching to the people wherever he chanced to go. Jesus’ reputation as a healer resulted in crowds coming from far and near to find him.

Yet, Jesus took time away from the crowd, even away from his disciples whom he loved, to go off alone to a quiet, secluded place to pray. So often he went early in the morning before the hustle and bustle of the day began. Other times he went off to pray at the close of the day. Time alone in prayer gave Jesus the chance to reflect, refresh, and recharge; it prepared him for the next day’s tasks.

In this world we live in, we are led to believe that busyness is the norm. Carving out time in our busy schedules to take care of our minds and spirits is not a luxury but a necessity. Spending time in prayer and communion with God is food for the soul, refreshment for our spirits, enabling us to do our jobs more effectively and to live happier, healthier lives. In John’s gospel, we are told that apart from God through Jesus Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

Just as you put all of your daily appointments on your phone or in a planner, make space for God. Stop texting long enough to get in touch with God through the spiritual disciplines of prayer and meditation. Don’t let time with God be an afterthought; don’t give God the leftovers of your day. Be deliberate and intentional about feeding your soul the daily food it needs to be spiritually healthy. Jesus has already shown us what to do. If Jesus, who has all power In His hands, had to take time away from his busy schedule to be quiet and still in God’s presence, to seek God’s face in prayer, what makes you think that you, in your human frailty, can do any less?

PRAYER:
Loving and Holy God, we are so addicted to busyness that we often forget how much we need you to revive our spirits and refresh our souls. Remind us when we forget that apart from you we can do nothing. This we pray in Jesus’ name, AMEN.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
‘How good it is to center down!
To sit quietly and see ones self pass by!
The streets of our minds seethe with endless traffic;
While something deep within hungers and thirsts for the still moment and the resting lull….
Our spirits refreshed, and we move back into the traffic of our daily round
With the peace of the Eternal in our step.
How good it is to center down.
Howard Thurman