Trinity Daily Devotion

Trinity Daily Devotion Now you can start your day with a short devotion, prayer and/or meditative thought, provided by the

06/23/2026

Faith over Feelings
Lee T. Jones
1 Corinthians 2:5 American Standard Version (ASV)
That your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

What are you led by, your feelings or your faith? Where do your thoughts and words come from? What directs your actions and decisions? Although we can experience and share good feelings: joy, happiness, love, and wisdom, our feelings can be easily swayed. We react emotionally with feelings to the world’s external stimuli more than we realize. Sad news can make us feel bad; however, a motivating speech can make us feel inspired. How do we manage our feelings and know the difference between our feelings and our faith?

Faith is understanding that you can’t always trust your feelings, but you can trust in God’s word. Faith requires patience, waiting for God’s timing. When it comes to faith, we have to know who guides us; God guides us by way of the holy bible. How do we stay faithful? We open the holy book, read the book, and make daily application from the book.

In today’s scripture, we learn that the Apostle Paul is speaking with the people of Corinth. He is telling them he did not come to speak about the gospel using eloquent words or human wisdom in his testimony in an effort to make them Feel good. In fact, Paul reminds the people that he Felt fearful and weak, yet Faith did not give way to fear. If the Christians of Corinth were to come to Christ, it would be because of their developed faith in God, not feelings derived from eloquent words.

God gives us a measure of faith through grace. God knows how strong that faith is, but wants us to know how strong it is and how much we can trust the word of God. One of the most important things we learn as a believer is how to listen to God. Beloved, our faith requires self-control. Sometimes our feelings can hinder our faith walk. So, as believers, we have to bring our feelings in line with the word of God so that we are ruled by the word and not our feelings. Being guided by our feelings can seem as if we are on an emotional roller coaster, but walking by faith keeps us grounded and settled in spite of our feelings.

PRAYER:
My God, our faith lies in you. As believers, we know there is no trouble-free life, but having faith in your promises will sustain us. We know when the word of God is spoken, it is our job to praise your name through thanksgiving. For PSALM 119:30 says, I have chosen the way of Faithfulness, I have set my heart on your laws.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Faith is believing God is writing a better feel-good story than you can imagine.

06/20/2026

A Lasting Sweetness
Jewel Love
Psalm 119:103 (NIV)

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

Psalm 119 is known as an extended poem of loving expressions of God’s word. In verse 103, the psalmist uses honey as a metaphor to describe the experience of engaging with God’s word. During those times, honey was not only one of the sweetest food pleasures, but also seen as a symbol of abundance. The Israelites lived in a region where honey was plentiful, and they certainly would have understood this comparison. Food was highly valued, and this was an impactful way for the psalmist to connect to the richness of God’s word and how it guided the lives of the Israelites.

Let’s take a moment and reflect on the combination of “sweetness” and the “word of God.” This verse lets us know that God’s words are based in love, and we should joyfully dive in. For instance, to develop a love for someone, you have to spend time getting to know them. Just as a relationship grows stronger through time spent together, our relationship with God deepens when we consistently engage with Scripture.

I start my day reading a Bible verse because I need that grounding for what the day requires. Then, I tend to delve into the verse via other readings or meditation. This ritual increases my satisfaction, gives me hope, helps me see the beauty, and increases my appreciation for the guidance God is providing. God’s word is rich, fulfilling, overflowing with wisdom, and brings memorable sweetness to our lives. Talk about satisfying the soul!

PRAYER:
Loving God, always give me a sweet taste for Your wisdom and a joy that comes from spending time in Your word.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Meditate on what would be better in your life if you embraced God's word as something to be savored rather than simply read.

06/19/2026

That’s My Child!
Rae C. McCray
Matthew 3:17 NLT

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”

Grandchildren, from my perspective, are amazing gifts from God; extensions of ourselves. In my mind, my grandsons look like me. My oldest is very calm, but always thinking. My middle grandson is full of life and joy, and the youngest gives concerts on his toy piano and challenges everything. My son, their father, is a man who loves and knows God and is responsible for his own actions. All I can do is give God thanks, and in admiration, say to myself: That’s my child!

In this passage of scripture, God was having a ‘that’s my child’ moment. The stage is set. The curtain of heaven goes up: John the Baptizer is on the banks of the Jordan River, preparing the people for the Messiah by preaching repentance. John had just called the Sadducees and the Pharisees a “brood of snakes.” They showed up because John was trending, not because they were seeking salvation. All were in position: Jesus entered and instructed John to baptize him. John objects; no, you should be baptizing me! After all, Jesus did not need to be baptized; Jesus knew no sin( 2 Cor. 5:21). Jesus said, “Do it. God's work, putting things right all these centuries, is coming together right now in this baptism.” (MSG, v15). John obeys, Jesus comes up out of the water, and God speaks, validating Jesus' position in HIM. “This is my Son.” This union, forged in love, had nothing to do with what Jesus did and everything to do with Jesus' relationship with God.

We, who are baptized believers in Christ, that same message is for us now. The next time the enemy whispers lies in your ears through someone, yourself, or a situation that you are less than who God says you are. Use your divine imagination, see the curtains of heaven pulled back, and see your God, overflowing with love, with a big smile on God’s face saying, “That's my child!”


PRAYER:
Almighty and most merciful God, thank you. As you were with Jesus from the start of Jesus Ministry until the ‘it’s finished” moment, you are with us. All we are and will be is because of you.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
It's not about our do, it’s about our Who.

06/18/2026

What's Freedom For?
Melanie M. Baker
Galatians 5:13-14

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

It’s important to celebrate when we experience freedom, whether it’s freedom from a bad habit or freedom from an uncomfortable situation. In the United States of America, we celebrate freedom from slavery on June 19th, which is known as Juneteenth. On July 4th, we celebrate Independence Day, which is freedom from British rule. There is another type of freedom that we usually don’t think about. It’s the day we accepted Christ as our personal Savior. That’s our “Freedom Day.” Now that we are free, like the newly emancipated slaves or colonists, we must choose what to do with our freedom.

Paul is encouraging the people in Galatia not to use their freedom to sin. He did not want them to return to being trapped. As free people of God, we have been empowered through God the Holy Spirit to resist temptation. Sin steals our time. Now that we are not wasting time struggling with sin or dealing with the aftermath of poor choices, we can use our newfound freedom to love others. We can share with them the process of securing freedom from sin, and the joys and struggles of our freedom walk. What was once a hindrance can become a blessing to those who are struggling.

God did not free us from sin and establish a relationship with us so that we would continue to sin and wreak havoc in our lives and the lives of others. God called us to be free to love, free to forgive, free to serve, free not to judge but assist, and free to create a better world.

PRAYER:
God, thank you for freeing us from sin. Help us not to take our freedom for granted, but to choose to serve You, and love people rather than return to sin. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
How am I using the freedom God has given to me?

06/17/2026

A Life Worth Imitating
Deacon Cassandra Hudson
1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

"I watched everything she did. I studied her to figure out how to be a woman."

As a child, Marie yearned to emulate someone. Her mother struggled with a serious drug addiction, so she could not be the role model she needed. Marie would watch her friends' mothers to find a suitable example to follow. One particular mother stood out to her as a good and wise person, so she chose her as the woman to imitate. She watched everything she did and listened to every word she said in an attempt to gain wisdom on how to live her own life.

Just as Marie needed someone to serve as an example for her, so did the people of Corinth. The Corinthian church existed in a corrupt environment. This corrupt environment was having a corrupting effect on the Corinthians’ behavior. Paul informed, instructed, and corrected them to help them live lives that glorified God rather than lives influenced by the sin surrounding them. Paul understood that humans need role models, and as someone committed to living like Christ, he could be that role model.

Sisters and brothers, we must ask ourselves, are we, like Paul, following the example of Christ so closely that we could confidently invite someone to follow our example? That woman being studied did not know that an impressionable, needy child had chosen her as an example to emulate. We also don't know who may be looking at us as examples of how to live. Paul declared that he does not seek his own good, but the good of many so that they may be saved (1 Cor 10:33). Let us live like Paul: Sacrificing how we may feel like behaving in any given moment for the good of those around us who may be watching us, seeking to find a role model for a Christian life.

PRAYER:
Precious Lord and awesome God, we are grateful that you use us, mere human beings, to support one another, encourage one another, and serve as role models for one another. Empower us to walk in your ways so that if others emulate us, they will emulate Jesus.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:1).

06/16/2026

God Is My Plus One
Dr. Loretta Young-Wright
Psalm 36: 5-12 NIV

“Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. 10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart. May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. See how the evildoers lie fallen— thrown down, not able to rise!”

In Psalm 36, the psalmist begins with concerns regarding the behaviors of the wicked, however, in verses 5-12 he expresses appreciation for God’s many attributes, including flawless character as a provider, vindicator, and one who is faithful. This contrasts with the opposite characteristics of the wicked.

As the psalmist reflects on the awesome grace of God, he is refueled with faith and accepts the inevitable fall of non-believers. This evolution was sparked by a change in focus, from man to God; from fear to faith. Wisdom and sound instruction are the result. Today, we face the cruel intentions of some. It is important to remember that The One who has traveled by your side since the beginning has promised to see you through to the end. It will command a change in mindset, but when God is welcomed into each day with a sincere heart, we are reassured of victory. Through honesty and grace in our relationship with God gives solutions for managing those areas of life where we seemingly have no control.

There will be times when various challenges come and cause confusion, doubt, and fear. Recently, I became a bit discouraged while considering the current climate in the world and how it would impact future generations. My personal limitations were difficult to accept until I acknowledged that I travel with God daily.
Like the psalmist, I changed my focus from the problem to the promises of God. I wanted to do something to fix it. However, spending time with The Word empowered me to move forward positively with a lighter burden.

As we travel through each day, let us acknowledge God’s presence. Prayerfully recognize that God is the companion who created and knows the way and will guide you. God is a major aspect of our being! We’re not alone. A change in perspective comes with acknowledging God as a sovereign game changer.

PRAYER:
Lord, help me to acknowledge your presence and to realize that You are most important in my life.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
It is wonderful to have a relationship with God. It’s a relief to know I do not have to fix it.

06/15/2026

Check Your YOU-tude
Rev. Kim Shelton
Scripture:
Philippians 2:5 NKJV

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

A friend of mine would begin scrolling through social media every morning before getting out of bed. Within minutes, she found herself comparing her life to everyone else's. Someone had a better vacation, a larger home, a more successful career, or a seemingly perfect family. Before her day even began, her attitude had shifted from gratitude to dissatisfaction. One morning, I encouraged my friend to start differently. Instead of reaching for her phone, she should reach for her Bible and spend at least five minutes thanking God for all God’s blessings. Nothing about her circumstances changed overnight, but something changed within her. Her perspective shifted. Her attitude changed. Her peace returned. Beloved, our attitude shapes how we see God, others, and ourselves. The world constantly invites us to compare, complain, and criticize. Christ calls us to something better.

Paul wrote Philippians while imprisoned, yet his letter is filled with joy, humility, and encouragement. In chapter 2, Paul challenges believers to put aside selfish ambition and adopt the mindset of Christ. The word mind refers not only to our thoughts but also to our attitudes, perspectives, and way of living. Paul is calling Christians to reflect the humility, obedience, and love that Jesus demonstrated. Before Christ changed the world through His actions, He modeled the right attitude. This verse reminds us that spiritual maturity is not measured merely by what we do but by the spirit in which we do it. A healthy Christian attitude is:

Thankful for what God has done.

Grateful for the people God has placed in our lives.

Purposeful in pursuing the calling God has given us.

When our minds are aligned with Christ, our outlook changes. We stop focusing on what is missing and begin appreciating what God is doing. We become more patient with others and more confident in God's purpose for our lives.

PRAYER:
Lord, help us to have the mind of Christ. Guard our hearts from negativity, comparison, and discouragement. Teach us to be thankful for Your blessings, grateful for the people You have placed around us, and purposeful in living out Your will. May our attitudes reflect Your love and bring glory to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
A Christ-like attitude is not determined by your circumstances; it is developed by your relationship with Christ. When you change your perspective, you often discover God has been working all along.

06/13/2026

Home, Sweet Home
Rev. Barbara A. Heard
(Repost)
Scripture: Matthew 8:20

"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has no where to lay his head."

Every day we are recipients of so many of God's blessings that we, unfortunately, take for granted. For instance, our sense of entitlement allows us to believe that we are supposed to have food, clothing, and shelter, and that all such blessings are rightfully ours. Certainly, these are basic necessities that all human beings can expect to have. Yet Scripture reminds us that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was born in a manger in a smelly barn among the farm animals because there was no room for Him in the inn (Lk 2:7).

How many of us are truly grateful for the places we call home, whether it's an apartment, a condo, a house, or a one-room kitchenette? In lieu of the thousands of homeless people who roam the streets across this land, sleeping in abandoned buildings, on park benches, or in doorways, we dare not take our homes for granted. To have a place to call home with just a few of the creature comforts like indoor plumbing, hot and cold running water, is nothing short of a blessing and more than enough reason to give God praise. We must remember that every good and perfect gift comes from God, and the only reasonable response is gratitude.

The next time you're about to enter your house, pause at the threshold long enough to give God praise. Thank God for every room from the ceiling to the floor and every nook and cranny. Finally, don't forget to invite God in so that your house can really become " home, sweet home."

PRAYER:
Gifting God, we thank you for providing shelters called "home" for us. Remind us that a house is not a home unless your Holy Spirit resides within. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
May the blessings of the Lord be upon every home and its inhabitants.

06/12/2026

YES, Be THAT Kind of Friend
Sandra (Sandy) Hall
Proverbs 18:24 NIV

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.


Last month, one of my dearest friends, Rosetta, was laid to rest. Having met in graduate school in Chicago, my friend, of nearly 50 years, had a voice like a precious songbird. She sang at the homegoing services for my sister, my mom, and my dad. I was invited by Rosetta’s husband to be one of four people to speak at her homegoing service. Despite having several days to prepare what I wanted to say to honor my friend, over 20 years of experience working in the grief and loss community, and the loss of two of my close family members, Rosetta’s transition left me in a very tender space; my grief was heavy! In the midst of recalling family memories and now the shared laughter, friendship, love for Christ, our family, culture, and community, I realized I needed to reach out to a FOREVER friend, to help me carry this load!

Our scripture comes from the Old Testament book of Proverbs, written by Solomon, son of David, King of Israel. Proverbs is considered to be a collection of practical life wisdom given in short, memorable statements. Solomon is considered to be the main author, along with a couple of other old wise men (Agar and King Lemuel). In the 3rd chapter of I Kings, Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead God’s people. God answered that prayer, and men of all nations came to hear his wisdom.

As Solomon so eloquently shared his wisdom about how to acquire friends, I am reminded of my parents encouraging us to “treat people the way you want to be treated.” Some people are fortunate to be able to experience friendships that feel closer than family. The friendship between Solomon’s father, King David, and Jonathan is an example of this kind of bond.

While it is important for us to be in communion with other human beings, and a true blessing to have friends in this world, it is EXTREMELY important to prepare for our transition AFTER our life on earth. That requires us to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ, a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Rosetta’s life on earth consistently exemplified her commitment to Christ. She was also a genuine human being; I’m grateful to have been one of many whom she called “friend.”

PRAYER:
Precious Lord, we thank you for your ongoing grace and mercy. Lord help us to continue to grow in our faith that allows us to love one another as you do, and to be the kind of friend we desire to have in return. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of many friends, some who feel like family, and especially for Jesus Christ, our Savior, the ultimate friend, who sticks closer than a brother!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Choose Christ AND choose to be THAT kind of friend – the one you want in your life!

06/11/2026

Weathering the Storm
Crystal Humphrey
James 1:2-4 NIV

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

In the journey of life, there will be times when it may appear as though our challenge has been resolved, but it hasn't. We may even question our faith in God, and believe that God has forsaken us, leaving us with feelings of abandonment and confusion about God’s will for your life. But if you trust in the Lord, you know that God will never forsake those who seek God.

I wonder what would have been Job's story if this wealthy, righteous, tortured man had said to himself and his friends, this challenge is fixed and I can’t arrive on the other side of this even in the midst of my faith. As believers, let us embrace joy when trials test and strengthen our faith. Let perseverance complete its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Even though Job may have briefly questioned the actions and the nature of justice, he held onto his core belief in God’s goodness. It’s a comfort to know that God wants us to persevere even though we may question the process at times. We can rejoice in God’s will for us to prosper. Life will always present us with challenges where doubt tries to creep in, but if we trust in God and stand firm in our faith, then victory will be ours.

PRAYER:

Heavenly God, thank you for the ability to come to you in the midst of our challenges, Lord, we are grateful that your word does not come back empty, but accomplishes what you desire. Your word says, "You have not, because you ask not." May we always seek you first in all things, and may endurance and steadfastness be within us as we run the race of life. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
In the race of life, challenges will present themselves, but if we stay the course and guard our focus on God, then victory will be ours.

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