Proverbs 27:17
Thursday, January 22, 2026
For Our Own Good
For Our Own Good
When Moses spoke the words in today’s verse, the Israelites had just made their way across the wilderness to the edge of the Jordan River. They had fled from Pharaoh in Egypt, crossed the Red Sea on dry land, and fed on manna from heaven. They had constantly wavered between obedience to the Lord’s commands and rebellion in favor of their own ways. Now, after forty years of wandering, they stood— barely a stone’s throw from the long-awaited promised land. Their new home within sight, the Israelites stood in solemn silence as Moses recounted the law, reminding them to obey the Lord “for [their] own good.”
Obedience. Often, we either neglect this duty or focus too much on it, looking for praise for our performance. But true obedience means trusting that the Lord calls us to obey because He has “our own good” in mind.
Today, turn to the Lord in obedience, knowing that we obey not to earn grace, but to fully live the life of grace we have in Jesus.
A Prayer for Game
A Prayer for Game Night
Do you think Jesus played games with his disciples? They spent a lot of time on the road, traveling from village to village. There was time spent sitting around fires. Probably even the time and space to throw some ancient dice, play with rocks, or pick up sticks. In fact, Mancala is one of the oldest games in the world to still be played today, with an early version of the game thought to be found in the ruins of a Roman bathhouse. Perhaps Jesus and his disciples played a version of Mancala?
Games are a part of ancient history, and we’re convinced that one of the reasons God gave humans their imaginations was to play with each other through the use of strategy and skill. We even think he’s pleased when we have fun together! So, now that we’ve given you an excuse to plan a game night with friends, invite some people over and pray this prayer while you, well, play whatever game you want to! Our choice… Settlers of Catan or Euchre (it’s a Michigan thing).
Ready for a self-check?
Ready for a self-check?
Do you ever find yourself tempted to embellish stories? To make your stories “more exciting” by adding extra details?
Usually, we do this without any ill intent. I only became aware of it recently while writing about another “miracle message” for you, where I said: “A reader wrote to us that the daily inputs had changed her life.”
As I wrote it, I realized that for the radio stations where we’re also heard daily, it would have been more accurate to say: “A listener wrote to us that the daily inputs had changed her life.”
There was nothing wrong or malicious about it—but it wasn’t fully honest either.
This may sound almost trivial, but this small example reminded me how important it is to remain honest even in seemingly “small” situations.
Good intentions aren’t always enough. What matters more is staying true to the truth—and the truth alone.
Why? Because the Bible encourages us to do so. Psalm 1:1 says: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take…” (Psalm 1:1, NIV)
Notice that key phrase: “Blessed is the one…”
Take a moment for a self-check. Are you someone God calls blessed in this way? One who sticks with the truth? Or is there a quiet, unexplained sadness lingering, even when the sun is shining?
Could it be that you sometimes do things you know don’t please God? That you follow paths more often taken by those who reject Him?
Pay attention to that quiet voice gently correcting you today. If God does this, it’s only because He loves you (see Hebrews 12:5-6)!
He wants to shape you into a person who takes responsibility—a mature Christian. And the world needs that today.
It needs YOU!
You are a miracle!
Déborah Rosenkranz
Every Good Thing We Share
Every Good Thing We Share
In Philemon 1:6, Paul says, “I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
When Paul writes this to Philemon, he’s not just sending a theological essay. He’s writing a personal letter to a close friend and fellow believer.
Paul is encouraging Philemon not only to embrace the truth of the gospel but to live it out in community. Their “partnership” wasn’t just a casual friendship, it was a mutual commitment to living for Christ, growing in understanding, and making the love of Jesus visible in the way they treated others. In this case, Paul is urging Philemon to welcome back his former servant Onesimus—not as a servant, but as a brother and co-laborer in Christ.
Today, we still need partnerships like this. Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey. We grow deeper in our understanding of the gospel when we engage in authentic relationships with others who are walking the same path. Small groups, Bible studies, honest conversations with Christian friends—all of these help us see “every good thing we share” more clearly.
If you want to better understand who Jesus is and what He’s doing in your life, don’t try to figure it out alone. Open your Bible with someone. Ask honest questions. Pray with a friend. You’ll find that partnership in the faith isn’t just helpful. It’s powerful.
“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” Philemon 1:6
“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
Philemon 1:6
“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.” Philemon 1:6
“I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.”
Philemon 1:6 NIV
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