UCCP Butuan City Evangelical Church, Inc.

27/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 28, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 28th of August 2026

“The Courage God Gives"

Bible in a Year: Psalms 123-125; 1 Corinthians 10:1-18

Memory Verse: Shammah took his stand. 2 Samuel 23:12

Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Samuel 23:11-12
Thirty-seven loyal and fearless chief warriors led David’s army (2 Samuel 23:8-39). Collectively known as “the Thirty” (vv. 13, 23-24), God used these men to fulfill His purpose of making David king of the entire land of Israel (1 Chronicles 11:10). Of these chief warriors, a group called “the Three” (2 Samuel 23:8) were David’s top elite commanders. Josheb-Basshebeth killed eight hundred men at one time (v. 8). Eleazar struck down the Philistines after the rest of the Israelites had abandoned him (vv. 9-10). And Shammah stood his ground against the Philistines and was victorious through God’s power while the rest of Israel’s troops fled (vv. 11-12).

The apostle Paul likens the faith of believers in Jesus to warfare, urging us to “put on the full armor of God” in order to “stand [our] ground” (Ephesians 6:13). Today, God can give us courage as we fight our battles and enable us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power” (v. 10).

By: K.T. Sim

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
The CEO was hurting employees with his sharp tongue. No one dared confront him. Everyone was afraid of him, including Gene. But one day the CEO berated a new employee, reducing her to tears. When Gene saw how everyone in the room stayed silent, he spoke up.

“I told him the way he was treating people was wrong,” Gene recalls. “He was astonished; it was the first time someone stood up to him. He didn’t change, but I’m glad I spoke up.”

Scripture tells us of another man who stood up to a challenge many were afraid of. Shammah, a military warrior of David, came to the future king from difficult circumstances (see 2 Samuel 23:11-12), but God used him to defeat the Philistines. “When the Philistines banded together at . . . a field full of lentils, Israel’s troops fled from them” (v. 11). Only Shammah had the courage to defend Israel’s food supply. Being the lone man against the Philistine army meant death, but Shammah “took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it” (v. 12).

God helped Shammah defeat the Philistines (v. 12). He may have been the only Israelite in the field, but he wasn’t alone—God was with him, giving him great victory that day. There may be times when we’re called to stand up to a challenge that everyone else is avoiding. Like Shammah, let’s take our stand, relying on God’s presence and help.

By: Karen Huang

Reflect & Pray
What challenge is God calling you to stand up to? How can you rely on Him for help?

"Dear Father, please give me the courage to take a stand for You."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.
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26/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 27, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 27th of August 2026

“Where God Reigns"

Bible in a Year: Psalms 120-122; 1 Corinthians 9

Memory Verse: Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

Today's Scripture & Insight: James 4:1-10
In addition to the admonitions of Peter (1 Peter 5:8) and James (James 4:7) regarding spiritual vigilance in resisting temptation, Paul also had something to say about it. After noting how the Israelites had succumbed to temptation in the wilderness (1 Corinthians 10:1-11), he warned the Corinthians: “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful . . . . When you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (vv. 12-13). The apostle lists two examples of how the “way out” can sometimes involve fleeing. He says we’re to “flee from idolatry” (v. 14) and “sexual immorality” (6:18). The Holy Spirit helps us to stand firm against the enemy.

For further study, read From Hidden Sin to Honest Surrender.

By: Arthur Jackson

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
In 2018, a man checked into a room at New York hotel for a one-night stay. Remarkably, he used the room for five years without paying another cent—exploiting obscure rent laws to hold on to it. His refusal to leave, however, eventually led to potential prison time for him.

Like an unwelcome tenant who overstays, James warns us that the devil lingers in our lives when left unchecked. “Resist the devil,” James writes, “and he will flee from you” (4:7). The apostle emphasizes that our struggles often come from impure “desires” and “wrong motives” (vv. 1, 3)—things like pride, divided loyalties, and impure thoughts residing in our hearts. To counter such temptation, James offers two commands: “submit . . . to God” and “resist the devil” (v. 7). To submit means surrendering every part of our lives to God. Resisting the devil is equally active, requiring prayer, vigilance, and the wisdom of Scripture.

Like a landlord evicting an unlawful tenant, in God’s strength we can refuse to let the temptation of the devil overtake us. As we resist him, God promises victory as James asserts, “He will flee from you” (v. 7).

When we evict sin and the devil’s influence and “come near to God” (v. 8), we allow His peace, joy, and purpose to dwell more fully in us. The enemy can’t stay where God reigns!

By: Marvin Williams

Reflect & Pray
What can you do to remove “unwelcome tenants” from your life? How does submitting to God help?

"Sovereign God, please help me surrender every part of my life to You so I can stand firm against the enemy's schemes."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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25/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 26, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 26th of August 2026

“Power of Consistent Prayer"

Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:89-176; 1 Corinthians 8

Memory Verse: Three times a day [Daniel] got down on his knees, and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before. Daniel 6:10

Today's Scripture & Insight: Daniel 6:3-7, 9-11
Luke’s gospel includes snapshots of Jesus’ prayer life. As the news of His ministry spread, He “often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (5:16). Prior to the selection of the twelve apostles, He “went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (6:12). And as was the case with Daniel, prayer was a prelude to a severe trial (Daniel 6:6-10). Before Christ faced the cross, He agonized in prayer in Gethsemane (see Luke 22:39-46). Being faithful in prayer cultivates our relationship with God, strengthens our soul, and helps us to be at peace during trials.

By: Arthur Jackson

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington encouraged a group of young actors to begin each day with prayer, suggesting they “put your shoes way under the bed at night” to ensure they “gotta get on your knees in the morning.”

Developing a regular habit of prayer might take some thoughtful and even creative planning, but it’s a practice that has sustained God’s people throughout history—especially in difficult times. We see this in the life of Daniel, who served in King Darius’ administration. He quickly distinguished himself as the top government advisor, which angered local officials (Daniel 6:3). Out of jealousy they plotted to oust the prophet, but quickly realized the only charge that would stick was related to Daniel’s devotion to the “the law of his God” (v. 5). Even after the officials tricked the king into making it illegal for Daniel to pray, Daniel still “got down on his knees, and prayed . . . just as he had done before” (v. 10).

A consistent prayer life was essential for Daniel to experience God’s sustaining strength and peace (Psalm 29:11). It helped him to triumph over the forces seeking to destroy him. In the same way, establishing a regular time to meet with God in prayer and making it a daily priority can help cultivate our relationship with Him. During each difficulty we face, it’s His strength that will sustain us.

By: Lisa M. Samra

Reflect & Pray
How has a regular pattern of prayer sustained you in difficulty? What example of prayer in the Bible encourages you?

"Loving Father, please give me Your strength and mercy each morning."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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24/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 25, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 25th of August 2026

“God Sees All"

Bible in a Year: Psalm 119:1-88; 1 Corinthians 7:20-40

Memory Verse: I will keep my eye on them. Amos 9:4

Today's Scripture & Insight: Amos 9:2-4, 11-12, 14-15
We frequently encounter the metaphor of God’s “eyes” in Scripture, symbolism that speaks of His attentiveness to us. Before the Israelites entered the promised land, Yahweh told them: “If you then become corrupt and make any kind of idol, doing evil in the eyes of the Lord your God . . . you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing Jordan to possess” (Deuteronomy 4:25-26). Centuries passed, and the people indeed became corrupt. God responded, “I will keep my eye on them for harm and not for good” (Amos 9:4). However, this “harm” (His discipline) ultimately was for their good. Although Yahweh said, “The eyes of the Sovereign Lord are on the sinful kingdom,” He also said, “I will not totally destroy the descendants of Jacob” (v. 8). God’s correction is for our benefit and intended to bring about our repentance. He’s quick to forgive and restore us.

For further study, read Taking Sin Seriously.

By: Tim Gustafson

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
Michael couldn’t help laughing as Grace hid behind a menu. They were playing a game of hide-and-seek at the table in a café while waiting for the food. The five-year-old thought that if she couldn’t see her father, then he couldn’t see her. It seemed silly at the time, but as Michael reflected on the situation later, he realized it contained an important lesson: Do we believe we can hide our sins from God? Do we think that if we can’t see Him, then He can’t see us?

In Amos 9, this same point is made when God, speaking through the prophet, warns Israel not to think they can escape judgment for their sins: “Though they hide themselves . . . I will hunt them down.” He said, “I will keep my eye on them” (vv. 3-4). Nothing escapes the eyes of the all-seeing, all-knowing God.

But the warning also came with a message of hope. In verses 11-15, God promises restoration: “I will restore David’s fallen shelter—I will repair its broken walls” (v. 11). After suffering the consequences of their sin, God’s people would be restored and given bountiful blessings (vv. 13-15).

Just as God sees our failings, He also sees our repentance, and He’s ready to forgive and restore. As we draw comfort from this truth, let’s hold on tightly to our holy and righteous God, who is full of mercy and grace.

By: Leslie Koh

Reflect & Pray
What sins are you struggling with? How will you respond to God's readiness to restore?

"All-knowing God, nothing I do, think, say, or feel is hidden from You. Thank You for Your mercy and grace, for my hope is in You alone."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.
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23/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 24, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 24th of August 2026

“Fighting for You"

Bible in a Year: Psalms 116-118; 1 Corinthians 7:1-19

Memory Verse: The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14

Today's Scripture & Insight: Exodus 14:10-18
The theme of God as a divine warrior (see Exodus 14:14) spans the landscape of Scripture. Exodus 15 poetically depicts God at war with Pharaoh’s army, saying, “The Lord is a warrior” (v. 3). One Bible encyclopedia has this to say: “In the New Testament, the Divine Warrior theme is fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the imagery shifts from physical battles to spiritual warfare, the essence of God as a warrior remains. In Revelation, Christ is depicted as the ultimate Divine Warrior who will defeat evil and establish His kingdom.” Today, when faced with temptation, we can rest in God, who fights for us.

By: Arthur Jackson

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
Professional boxer Jim Braddock was known as someone who fought not for riches and fame but to put food on the table for his family. The movie Cinderella Man chronicles his fairytale-like comeback from a past-his-prime boxer to the world heavyweight champion. While facing extreme poverty during the Great Depression, Jim repeatedly sacrificed his own resources, health, and pride to provide for his children. He was never intimidated by an opponent and courageously endured pummeling in the ring to keep his family safe.

Jim’s legacy is one of passionate defense of his family. We, too, have a passionate defender who has promised to take our place in the ring. When the Israelites faced Pharaoh’s mighty army after their escape from slavery in Egypt, they were terrified and cried out to God. “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” they foolishly said (Exodus 14:12). But Moses replied in faith, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still” (v. 14). And without any action from the Israelites, their enemies were literally swept away by the sea as God supernaturally ended the battle before it even began.

Sometimes it feels like we’re facing the trials of life or arrows from the enemy, Satan, on our own (see Psalm 91:5). But God’s with us (Deuteronomy 31:6), and He fights for us; we need only to be still.

By: Karen Pimpo

Reflect & Pray
What battle are you tempted to fight on your own? What does it look like to “be still” as you trust God to fight for you?

"Dear Jesus, I trust You as You fight for me."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.
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22/08/2026

Mission Sunday

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

22/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 23, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 23rd of August 2026

“Authentic Son of God"

Bible in a Year: Psalms 113-115; 1 Corinthians 6

Memory Verse: He was despised and rejected by mankind. Isaiah 53:3

Today's Scripture & Insight: Isaiah 53:1-7
Isaiah 53 is the last of four messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah known as the “Servant Songs” (chs. 42, 49, 50, 53) because they speak of the ministry, suffering, and exaltation of God’s Servant, the Messiah. Chapter 53 describes the rejection of Jesus (vv. 1-3), His suffering and death in our place (vv. 4-6), His sacrificial death and burial (vv. 7-9), and His resurrection (vv. 10-12).

The New Testament unequivocally applies Isaiah 53 to Christ (see John 12:38; Romans 10:16 [Isaiah 53:1]; Matthew 8:17 [Isaiah 53:4]; 1 Peter 2:22-25 [Isaiah 53:4-9]; Acts 8:32-33 [Isaiah 53:7-8]; Luke 22:37 [Isaiah 53:12]). Peter quoted Isaiah 53:4-9 (1 Peter 2:22-25) to encourage believers in Jesus who were suffering because of their faith (1:6) that Christ also endured unjust suffering. When we put our faith in Jesus—the authentic Son of God—He’ll help us reflect Him in our lives and “follow in his steps” (v. 21).

By: K.T. Sim

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
A photography contest featured images created by artificial intelligence (AI). People from around the world submitted pictures they had fabricated by AI text prompts on computers. Only AI-generated images were allowed. One winner was a surreal depiction: something that looked like a pink flamingo curled into a feathery ball, against a sandy landscape.

There was only one problem. The winning image was a real photograph of a real flamingo. The photographer had entered an authentic photo in an AI-contest. His picture, “Flamingone,” was disqualified. That’s right—the authentic photo was rejected for being the real thing.

The prophet Isaiah vividly foretells a similar irony about the trial and crucifixion of Jesus Christ: “He was led like a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7). Christ was taken to court for claiming to be the Jewish Messiah. Yet he did not offer a defense: “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth” (v. 7). Isaiah points to the ultimate contradiction: “He was despised and rejected by mankind” (v. 3). That’s right—the authentic Messiah, the true Son of God, was rejected as being fake.

Today, you and I are judges in that court of decision. Do we accept Jesus as the authentic Son of God? Or do we reject Him as something less? Even if we believe in Him, does our daily living sometimes reject Him as the real deal?

By: Kenneth Petersen

Reflect & Pray
How does your life reflect the authenticity of Jesus Christ? How might it reject Him?

"Dear God, please help me to honor You as I live in Your genuine presence."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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21/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 22, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 22nd of August 2026

“A Marriage Observed"

Bible in a Year: Psalms 110-112; 1 Corinthians 5

Memory Verse: Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other. Ephesians 4:32

Today's Scripture & Insight: Ephesians 4:26-32
Ephesians 4:26-32 begins with an assumption that anger is inevitable: “In your anger do not sin” (v. 26). But Paul quickly guards against any sinful expression of anger: “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice” (v. 31). The emphasis in this passage, as in other epistles, isn’t only on behaviors that give the “devil a foothold” (v. 27) and “grieve the Holy Spirit” (v. 30). It’s also on what we replace our actions with as we “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (v. 24). Our individual submission to God’s supernatural righteousness makes it possible to follow His example: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32). In all our relationships, God can help us reflect the forgiving heart of Jesus.

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
Of all United States presidents, Jimmy Carter had the longest marriage. He and his wife Rosalyn were married for seventy-seven years. When Carter was asked the secret to his long, successful marriage, he replied, “Choose the right person to marry.” Beyond that, he named three other concepts for marital success: reconciliation, communication, and devotion to faith.

We see the idea of reconciliation in Ephesians 4:26: “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” The Carters took this seriously. “Every night, we try to make sure we’re completely reconciled from all the arguments during the day,” Jimmy once said. We can also see the secret to Christlike communication in Ephesians 4. Paul wrote, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (v. 32).

God ordained marriage as something good—something established by Him (Genesis 2:24; Hebrews 13:4). Proverbs 18:22 says that marriage is a divine blessing: “He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord.” And the way we treat one another, in marriage and in the entire body of Christ, can encourage and positively affect others. Whether we’re single or married, our words and actions can truly reflect the loving, forgiving heart of Christ.

By: Dave Branon

Reflect & Pray
How can God help you reflect Christ in your relationships? What does it mean to be compassionate and forgiving today?

"Dear Jesus, please help me to compassionately forgive others and point them to You."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.
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20/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 21, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 21st of August 2026

“Faithfully Serving Others"

Bible in a Year: Psalms 107-109; 1 Corinthians 4

Memory Verse: Discharge all the duties of your ministry. 2 Timothy 4:5

Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
While encouraging Timothy to be faithful to his ministerial calling, Paul summarized his own service for Christ and what he looked forward to after he died: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day” (2 Timothy 4:7-8). As the apostle anticipated his departure from labor to reward (v. 6), he was conscious of what really mattered in life. Each believer in Jesus has been given different tasks to do on this earth. With the Spirit’s help, we can strive to do them faithfully. We all long to hear the voice of Christ, our Savior, say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:21).

By: Arthur Jackson

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
On a Thursday, in the church’s fellowship hall, sandwiches and watermelon slices were set out, waiting to be consumed by mourners sitting on metal folding chairs placed on stained carpet. It was a perfectly normal funeral, except for the preacher. He was a well-known speaker who has preached to stadiums full of thousands. Now he was speaking just as enthusiastically to this weekday gathering.

Paul told his protégé Timothy, “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season . . . . discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:2-5). All the duties. Not only the big ones performed on large stages with bright lights. Also ordinary, weekday duties. The speeches that won’t be recorded and broadcast for generations to come. The tasks that few will see. Do those well too.

Because someone is watching. Paul told Timothy he was serving “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead” (v. 1). Your platform may be small, but your audience could not be more important. Jesus waits expectantly for your service. Do it for Him, relying on the power of His Spirit. He will be honored as you humbly, faithfully minister to others.

By: Mike Wittmer

Reflect & Pray
How much heart are you putting into your everyday tasks? How would God have you think about your ordinary jobs on this ordinary day?

"Heavenly Father, may I serve You and others faithfully today."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.

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19/08/2026

OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY (August 20, 2026)
Our Daily Bread Devotional
The Topic of Our Daily Bread For 20th of August 2026

“Shine Christ’s Light"

Bible in a Year: Psalms 105-106; Corinthians 3

Memory Verse: Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Today's Scripture & Insight: Matthew 5:13-16
When we receive God’s gift of salvation, He begins His work of transformation in us. He does this through the Bible, God’s wisdom to us: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). As we read and meditate on the Scriptures, we learn about Him and what it means to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). Through prayer, we come to Him for strength and guidance. And, as believers in Jesus, the Holy Spirit living inside us “will guide us into all the truth” (John 16:13). The Spirit helps us to understand and live out the gospel and to “shine” in this dark world by our words and actions, drawing others to Christ, the source of Light.

Learn more about having a personal relationship with God.

By: Alyson Kieda

ODB MESSAGE FOR TODAY
In the dimly lit restaurant, our waitress quietly took our orders with a solemn expression. But then a customer kindly gave her a writing pen that had a little flashlight built into it. He told her it was so she could “see in the dark.”

Her face lit up, and her demeanor changed to reflect joy. It was evident that she was delighted by the gift—clicking the light off and on. When she left our table, the man smiled as he whispered to me, “I think she brightened up when I gave her the pen. It made her day!”

The God-given gift of light certainly brightens our days. Jesus is the ultimate gift of light—“light . . . come into the world” to save the world (John 3:16-19). God provided this gift because He loves us and wants to be in relationship with us. When we receive Christ as our Savior, our sins are forgiven, and we experience fellowship with Him. Jesus brightens our lives for all eternity. He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (8:12).

As believers in Jesus, we’re “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). When we receive the gift God gave us through Christ, we can walk in His light and “let [our] light shine before others” (v. 16). With Him as our source, let’s shine for Him today!

By: Katara Patton

Reflect & Pray
How are you revealing the light of Christ? How can you brighten someone’s life this day?

"Heavenly Father, please help me shine Your love and light to others today."

Reference: Our Daily Bread 2026 Devotional and published by Our Daily Bread Ministries.
Share your experience with us! Comment down below your insights and your reflections today.