Trinity Daily Devotion

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

06/01/2026

Who Are We?
Rev. Dr. Lorri E. Baldwin
John 1:6-13 NIV

There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so … through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light … was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him – those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Gospels are witnesses to the life and work of Jesus while on earth; in this scripture, according to the Apostle John, he introduces Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, into his witness and discourse of who Jesus is. Three of the four gospels begin with John the Baptist, described as a "witness to the light," but make it clear he is not the light, but Jesus was … In Chapter 3, John corrects any misconception by using the wedding metaphor to describe their relationship as a friend who attends to the bridegroom or bride like a "Best Man or Maid of Honor."

Even though I have been in church ever since I can remember, I always say, "I was born in the church." My first real childhood memories were of being taught about Jesus and His acceptance of children. I must admit there were stages of my understanding of how I fit into the Christ story … watching and learning from my grandmother's faith as a little one and getting to witness my parents' faith as an adolescent, teenager, and beyond. Then, testing and being tested as an adult, discerning who Jesus/God was to me in my adult life. But it took me a while to grow into my faith and understand who I am in my relationship with Jesus/Christ and God. This is where the real faith challenge and growth happen, through our personal experiences.

We are coming to the realization that we are here to "witness" to others who Jesus was and Christ is now, showing through our lives the true and living God with our actions, words, and presence in the world. We are called to serve, provide leadership, and be faithful in all we do.

In the earlier church, we seemed to hear conversations and discussions about the role of Christians that may not be as clearly proclaimed in today's language. That is why it is crucial and essential to understand as a Child of God – God gives us our name and identity in Christ. By the way, we live, show up, and proclaim: We are Called to be Witnesses to this World!

PRAYER:
Dear Creator-God, Help me be a witness to the life and ministry of Jesus here on earth. Let me proclaim the miracle of Christ to all who will hear. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Are we witnesses for God!?!

05/31/2026

Whose You Are
Minister Aris D Simpson
Luke 10:20 NIV:
"However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

There’s a rhythm this world drums into us to produce, perform, and progress. Measure your worth by the output. Count your value in visible acts. And yes, feed the hungry, clothe the unhoused, sit beside the sick, hold the bereaved. These are holy works. No question.

But hear this plainly: activity alone is not holiness. If the root is not love, the fruit is noise. When Paul the Apostle spoke to the church in Corinth, he didn’t dress it up. He called loveless action what it is, “clanging cymbals”. Loud, impressive, and empty. Then comes the whisper of the Gospel of Luke 10:20: It is not a celebration of what you do, but a grounding in who you belong to.

Your name is written. Your identity is settled. Your worth is not earned; it is rooted. So, let’s set it straight: service matters, but belonging matters more. When you know Whose you are, your service stops being performance and starts becoming presence. Not striving but flowing. Not proving but reflecting.

And here’s the hard mirror, no sugar: If you pour out compassion in the streets but starve your own household of grace, something is off-balance. If you fight for justice publicly but practice harshness privately, you’ve split the soul from the act.
Love doesn’t compartmentalize. It doesn’t clock in and out. It is consistent, or it is counterfeit.

PRAYER:
Oh, Gracious God, You have declared that I belong to You. Strengthen my resolve to live anchored in that truth, embracing our relationship as the very embodiment of who I am and Whose I am. Let my life reflect Your love…steady, true, and without pretense. In the name of Jesus, I pray.
Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Do your actions define you—or reveal you? And if they reveal you, what is the motive beating underneath?

INNER WORK:
Look at where compassion flows easily and where it runs dry. Sit with both because the truth is simple: even if it cuts, you cannot give what you are not rooted in. So return, not first to doing but to belonging. From there, everything else will tell the truth.

05/30/2026

Share the Love
Rev. Kim Shelton
1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)
Let all that you do be done in love.

Growing up, we would go to my grandparents’ house after church every Sunday. My aunts and uncles would come over, and we would have Sunday dinner and play cards in the family’s way. I loved my grandmother’s cooking. Everything she made was good, especially her sweet potato pies. They were made just the way I liked them: not too thick, browned, and the edges crispy. She always put love into her cooking and made it taste so good. When we sprinkle the things we do well with love, it goes a long way.

In the final chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul leaves the believers with a simple instruction: “Let all that you do be done in love.” It is a reminder that love should be the driving force behind every action, every decision, and every relationship in our lives. Love isn’t a separate or optional part of our lives; it is meant to be woven into the very fabric of everything we do.

Paul’s message in this verse is a call to examine our motivations. It’s easy to act out of duty, obligation, or even frustration, but Paul challenges us to do everything—whether in our work, relationships, or service to others—through the lens of love. Let Love be the foundation, the motivator, and the final goal of everything we do. In chapter 13 of this book, Paul talks about the nature of love, describing it as patient, kind, not boastful or arrogant, and long-suffering. Love is more than an emotion; it is an intentional choice to treat others with respect, dignity, and care, even in difficult circumstances.

So when he writes “let all that you do,” he’s not limiting this to just the “big” acts of love. It's even in the mundane, everyday tasks as well. Whether it's serving a meal, performing a task at work, or engaging in a conversation, love should be present in all of it. Even the smallest acts can be profound if done with love. Let love be the filter through which we make our decisions. Whether it's helping a neighbor, comforting a friend, or sacrificing our time for the well-being of others, each act of service should be done in love. Even in our conversations, let’s choose words that build up, encourage, and edify others. When facing difficult situations, love should be our response. It’s easy to become frustrated or angry when things don’t go our way, but love calls us to show patience and understanding, just as God does with us. Love is the reflection of the love we have in Christ and Christ's love for us. Let us always show love in all that we do.

PRAYER:
Thank You, Lord, for the incredible love You have shown us through Jesus Christ. Help us to live out that love in everything we do. May our actions, words, and attitudes be guided by love, so that others may see Your love in us. Teach us to love selflessly, to serve humbly, and to speak with grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
As we go about our day, let’s remember that everything we do can be an expression of love.

05/29/2026

Wisdom from Above
Deacon Michael Heard
James 3:17 (ESV)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

In James, chapter 3, verses 13- 18, the title is Two Kinds of Wisdom. What James, Jesus’ brother, describes in verse 17 are the fruits of wisdom. You see, there is earthly wisdom that works through envy to create discord. Then there is Heavenly wisdom that creates peace, not division.

Often when I pray, I ask God for wisdom and discernment. What I have realized from the book of James is that the wisdom defined by God is different than what I envisioned in my prayers. That is the Webster Dictionary definition of wisdom: “accumulated philosophical or scientific learning, KNOWLEDGE,” which is what I had been praying for, and there is God's definition of wisdom (James 3:17), which do you pray for?

I read an excerpt from Howard Thurman’s writings that was sent to me the other day. Here is part of what Howard Thurman wrote: We cannot be prisoners of an event. We must not scale down the horizons of our hope and our dreams and our yearnings to the level of the event of our lives.” This is wisdom from a mystic, a prophet... Howard Thurman. I see, in those words, heavenly wisdom.

As people of faith at this time, we have to pray for wisdom. We don’t know why God allows bad things to happen to good people, but we know there is a God, and our thoughts are too small and our world is too limited to comprehend what God is up to.

In our humanness, if we have peace, gentleness, openness, mercy, the good fruits, and if we are sincere and non-judgmental, then God has answered our prayer and granted us Wisdom.

PRAYER:
Lord, we need heavenly wisdom! Give us the right mind to walk through the events in our lives that want to bring us down. Let us find ourselves on the other side of these events with a new purpose, stronger and more in line with Your Plan for us.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
One peaceful person helps everyone calm down.

05/28/2026

Stay Woke in the Battle
Nina Bacote
1 Peter 5:8 (AMP)

Be sober [well balanced and self-disciplined], be alert and cautious at all times. That enemy of yours, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion [fiercely hungry], seeking someone to devour.

Peter’s words are both a warning and an invitation. He reminds us that the spiritual life is not passive; it requires awareness, discipline, and dependence on God. The enemy would love nothing more than to distract you, discourage you, and quietly pull you away from the truth. He does not begin with something obvious. Instead, he looks for the tired mind, the offended heart, the undisciplined habit, or the quiet compromise. That is why scripture tells us to be sober and alert. God is calling you to live with spiritual clarity; to recognize what is shaping your thoughts, influencing your choices, and weakening your resolve.

This verse is not meant to make you afraid; it is meant to make you ready. You are not helpless in this battle. In Christ, you have authority, wisdom, and strength for every attack. When you stay close to God in prayer, rooted in the word, and sensitive to God’s Spirit, you become far less vulnerable to the schemes of the enemy.

Spiritual alertness is not anxiety; it is steady confidence in the presence and power of God. Ask the Lord to sharpen your discernment. Ask God to show you where you may have grown careless or spiritually sleepy. Then choose to stand firm. Guard your heart. Renew your mind. Stay watchful. The enemy may be real, but so is the victory of Jesus. God is with you. Stay woke, prepared, and unshaken during the battle.

PRAYER:
Lord, thank you for reminding me to stay watchful and rooted in you. Strengthen my heart, sharpen my discernment, and help me stand firm in faith. Guard my mind, lead me in truth, and draw me back when I feel weak or distracted. Fill me with your peace and remind me that I never fight alone, because Jesus has already won the victory. Help me live woke, prepared, and faithful each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Spiritual victory begins with staying close to God and being alert to what is trying to pull your heart away from God.

05/27/2026

The Power of Understanding
Rev. Mosea Harris
Acts 2:1–11

2 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place….

This past Sunday, we celebrated Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples. Many people focus on the fact that they spoke in tongues, and certainly that was a miracle. But I believe the most powerful thing that happened in Acts 2 was not simply that people spoke different languages; it was that people understood each other.

The crowd gathered in Jerusalem was made up of people from many nations, cultures, and backgrounds. Yet when the Holy Spirit came, each person heard the message in their own native language. The emphasis of the text is not confusion, but understanding. God brought diverse people together and made it possible for them to hear one another.

That is a message we desperately need today.
Years ago, Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. taught us a profound truth: “Different is not deficient.” Our differences are not problems to be solved; they are gifts to be celebrated. Yet we live in a time when too many leaders sow seeds of division and fan the flames of ignorance. Fear, intimidation, and injustice are often used to separate people rather than bring them together. We even see people campaigning against diversity, as though our differences are a threat rather than a strength.

Pentecost teaches the opposite lesson. When the Holy Spirit came, God did not divide people—God united them. The Spirit created understanding among people who otherwise might never have connected with one another. God did not erase their cultures, languages, or identities. Instead, God enabled them to understand one another across their differences.

Lord knows we need more understanding today. We need it in our personal lives and in our families. We need it in our workplaces and neighborhoods. We need it here in Chicago and in cities across this nation. We need it in our states, in our national life, and throughout the world. We need the ability to listen before judging, to learn before condemning, and to recognize the image of God in people who may not look like us, think like us, worship like us, or vote like us.
For when understanding grows, division loses its power. When understanding grows, communities become stronger. When understanding grows, justice becomes possible. And when understanding grows, God's people become a living witness to the love, unity, and beloved community that Christ intended for us all.

PRAYER:
My prayer today is simple: Lord, let Your Holy Spirit fall fresh upon us again. Fall upon us as individuals, as families, as churches, and as communities. Open our hearts and minds so that we might better understand one another. Help us move beyond fear and ignorance toward compassion and wisdom. May we become people who build bridges instead of walls and seek understanding instead of division.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The power of the Holy Spirit should enhance our ability to understand others. It’s not just about the speaking; it is about hearing and understanding.

05/25/2026

The Power of Encouragement
Debra Beverly
I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

“Then encourage one another and build each other up just as in fact you are doing.”

Every week, I participate in a Bible study class and a morning devotion meeting. I am blessed to have the opportunity to fellowship with remarkable women who have greatly enriched my life. It is a meaningful and empowering time to pray, study, praise, and offer mutual support. It is a time to share experiences, celebrate triumphs, and navigate life’s challenges. Although we are all at different stages in our spiritual journey, we are united in the Spirit to study God’s Word, communicate God’s truth, and God’s faithfulness and reflect on the goodness of God. There is a special feeling of connection, compassion, and sisterly love as we walk through our seasons of life.

Apostle Paul travelled to many cities, helping to establish the New Christian churches. He wrote letters to the communities to inspire believers, provide teaching and instruction, address specific problems, and offer guidance. In today’s scripture, Paul is actively encouraging the Thessalonian Christians, whom Paul called “his hope and joy,” to strengthen and comfort each other in their faith. He sent a message of love and affirmation, emphasizing the importance of fostering spiritual growth in one another. He reminded them that as followers of Jesus Christ to uplift each other through life’s challenges and trials, fears, and sufferings. He encouraged the Thessalonian Church to stand firm and stay focused in their Christian Walk.

In a world filled with haters and discouragers, we are called to be uplifters. We are called to be a positive influence on those God places in our lives. Sharing a scripture or song that inspires us, witnessing for Christ, speaking words of hope and love, praying together, or simply displaying acts of kindness all offer God’s people a source of inspiration. Jesus is our model and source of all encouragement. His divine messages, teachings, actions, and authority assure and empower us. In the Bible, Jesus said, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matt.18:20 (NLT) Who will you lift up today?

PRAYER:
Dear God, thank You for the opportunity to grow in my faith and build relationships with other believers. Help me to be a beacon of encouragement to others. Thank You for the joy that comes when I study Your word, worship, and praise You within a community of believers. In Jesus’ Name. AMEN.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.” Booker T. Washington

05/24/2026

Let There Be Peace
Deacon Shelton Smith
Matthew 5:9 NIV

Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God.

Brothers and Sisters, the current visibility of youth in America looks very different during modern-day times than it did during the 1970’s and 1980’s when I grew up. I am proud to have grown up during a time when children were able to experience the joy of childhood. We looked forward to playing outdoors riding our bikes, skateboarding, playing softball, hide-and-go-seek, tag, and tackle football, and of course, participating in a wild-N-out snowball fight amongst friends during the Chicago winter months. The golden days of traditional old-school fun seems to have vanished amongst the current generation of youth. Many of today’s youth seem to be interested in activities that escalate into heightened, unattractive attention. Unfortunately, this level of attention leads to unanswered questions with a need to develop peace strategies to eradicate these behaviors.

Our scripture in the gospel of Matthew tells us that those who advocate for peace will be blessed. God will reward those who promote peace. When we promote peace, we are emulating the behavior of God. As children, we are taught to exhibit conduct that is complementary to our parents. When children leave home, they are often reminded that they are a representation of their parents. In addition to representing our earthly parents, it’s important for us to remind ourselves that we also represent our creator as children of the most-high God. Brothers and Sisters, God is omniscient, that means God knows all. God is omnipresent, that means God is everywhere. Beloved, since God is all-knowing and everywhere, that means God witnesses everything we do. We are responsible for our actions. Our actions are expected to comply with God’s word. Brothers and sisters, during times of frustration, when you feel like your voice is not being heard, remain calm and peaceful. During times of uncertainty when you feel like you don’t matter, remain calm and make peace with your circumstances. When someone has mistreated you for their personal gain, remain calm and make peace with the situation. Remember, God says blessed are the peacemakers, not the instigators.

Brothers and Sisters, be intentional with developing a pattern of behavior that begins and ends peacefully. Each time we leave our home, it is important for us to allow those whom we encounter to experience God through our embrace as children of God. One of the greatest compliments you can ever give or receive is the compliment of being identified as a child of God.


PRAYER:
Lord God, please help us comply daily with meeting your expectations for your children.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Are you willing to convert to God’s way of doing things?

05/23/2026

Build Strong
Lee T. Jones
Matthew 7:24-27, New International Version (NIV)

24Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

Two elaborate houses were built using the best materials available. One was built in Hollywood and the other in an urban neighborhood. Both homes had wonderful owners, immaculate landscaping, and breathtaking entrances. These two homes were highly sought after in established communities. However, there was one fundamental difference between the two homes. One was built on a rock, a solid foundation, and the other was built on sand, a compromised foundation. Both houses experienced an extreme wind and rain storm. Which house remained standing after the storm?

In today’s Scripture, we learn about the parable of the wise and foolish builders. We learn that hearing God’s teachings isn’t enough; true wisdom requires active obedience. Building on a rock foundation represents a life of applying Jesus’ teachings. Building on a sand foundation represents knowing the truth, but failing to act on it.

Building on a rock foundation can stand up to hardship, loss, and in some cases, success. Spiritually speaking, a solid foundation can mean wisdom, discipline, character, and preparation. It does not matter who you are, where you live, or how rich and beautiful your house (life) may be. When the storm comes, if you don’t have a faithful and spiritual foundation, you too will be washed away like the house built on sand. The scripture emphasizes building a foundation, which physically and spiritually represents stability and preparation for obstacles before they arrive.

PRAYER:
Precious God, it is our desire to have a strong, lasting relationship with you. We know this is built on solid faith, solid discipline, and solid belief. Our prayer is to heed your instructions and complete the divine assignment you have specifically designed for each one of us. Let each of us build a connection with you that will outlast any challenges until we meet eternally.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Standing on solid ground is standing with the Lord.

05/21/2026

Divine Creation
Deacon Cassandra Hudson
Genesis 1:27a NCV

So God created human beings in his image. In the image of God he created them.

As an African American member of Generation X, there is nothing I enjoy more than a documentary on the history of hip-hop. The consensus of every documentary is that hip-hop was born out of a dark, desolate place. In its birthplace, the Bronx, New York, crime was rampant, drug use was prevalent, and many experienced abject poverty. One would not expect art to emerge from such a hopeless space. Nevertheless, young creative people of color created an art form that would, over time, influence the entire world. The darkness of oppression could not destroy the creative spirit within them.

In the creation story of Genesis, God created the world out of darkness. God fashioned an intricate and stunning earth from chaos. Then the Almighty created human beings in God’s image and likeness. The Life Application Bible suggests that being made in God’s image means that we reflect God’s glory.

Our creative Lord, in God's infinite wisdom and grace, made us creative too. As African Americans, we have a history of dreaming, conceiving, and giving birth to masterful works of art: poetry, portraits, fashion, fiction, jazz, and blues; all while living under oppression. Let us celebrate the divine spirit of God that has birthed many artists and innovators. Through slavery, reconstruction, Jim Crow, economic repression, and police brutality, we continue to create because we were created in the image of God.

PRAYER:
Holy and creative God, we thank you that you made us in your image. We are grateful for those who have endured, by the power you have put within them, to bring beauty into this world through their art.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“You can't stop my go.
I've been born to be where I am.
A bright light from a distant star
Miracles and answered prayers.”

Hip Hop artist Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def.

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