Devotional Blog

Walking Freely in God's Word January 5, 2026 | André K. Dugger “I will walk freely in an open place because I study your precepts. I will speak of your decrees before kings and not be ashamed.” Psalm 119:45-46 (CSB) God’s Word does not restrict you; it sets you free. The psalmist says, “ I will walk freely in an open place because I study your precepts. ” Sin promises freedom but leads to bondage ( John 8:34 ). By contrast, when you submit to God’s Word, you discover true liberty. His commands are not chains but guardrails that protect you from destruction and guide you toward abundant life. Jesus affirmed this when He said, “ You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free ” ( John 8:32 ). Walking in God’s Word places you in “ an open place ,” a life of freedom where you can move without fear of stumbling into ruin. Studying His precepts equips you to discern what is good and what is harmful, enabling you to live with confidence and peace. Instead of shrinking under the weight of guilt or confusion, you can walk boldly, knowing that God’s truth lights your path. The psalmist also declares, “ I will speak of your decrees before kings and not be ashamed. ” When you are grounded in God’s Word, you can stand before anyone; whether friends, skeptics, or even rulers; with courage and conviction. Think of Daniel, who stood unashamed before Nebuchadnezzar, or Paul, who boldly proclaimed Christ before governors and kings. Their confidence came not from eloquence or status, but from their unwavering trust in God’s Word. You may never stand in a royal court, but every day you have opportunities to speak of God’s truth, in your workplace, in your home, in your community. The challenge is the same: will you speak boldly or remain silent in shame? When you study God’s Word and delight in His truth, shame loses its grip. The Spirit gives you boldness to proclaim Christ without fear ( Acts 4:31 ). True freedom is not doing whatever you want but joyfully living in obedience to God’s Word and courageously speaking His truth without shame. Reflection Question: Do you live in the freedom of God’s Word, and are you willing to speak it boldly, even when the world may oppose you? Prayer: Father, teach me to walk in the freedom of Your Word. Give me boldness to speak Your truth without shame, whether before kings or neighbors. May my life reflect the liberty and courage found in You. In Jesus’s name, amen.

A New Year, A New Creation: Beginning the Year in Christ January 1, 2026 | André K. Dugger “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17 (CSB) The arrival of a new year carries a quiet sense of possibility. Calendars reset, routines shift, and resolutions are made with hope for change. Yet Scripture points you to a deeper beginning than a date on the calendar. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” The new year is not simply an opportunity to try harder; it is a reminder of what is already true because you belong to Christ. In Jesus, your identity has been transformed. The old life marked by guilt, self-reliance, and aimless striving no longer defines you. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has made you a new creation at the core of who you are. As the year begins, you are invited to step forward not carrying the weight of past failures, but walking in the freedom of grace. The power to live differently does not come from stronger resolve, but from a renewed heart anchored in Christ. Beginning the year strong means grounding your days in this gospel reality. Honoring Christ daily starts with remembering who you are and whose you are. You wake each morning as a new creation, called to live with purpose, holiness, and trust. When temptations arise or old patterns resurface, you are not enslaved to them. The Spirit of God lives within you, enabling obedience, shaping character, and producing fruit that reflects Christ to the world. A Christ-honoring year is built one faithful day at a time. As you order your priorities; your time, relationships, work, and rest, you are invited to ask whether they align with your new life in Christ. Scripture, prayer, and obedience are not religious tasks to check off, but lifelines that keep your heart centered on Jesus. Growth may feel slow, but transformation is certain because God is at work in you.  The new year will bring unknown challenges and unexpected blessings, but your foundation remains secure. You are not defined by what you resolve to do, but by what Christ has already done. As you walk into the months ahead, live confidently as a new creation. Leave what belongs to the old life behind, and step forward in faith, trusting that the God who made you a new creation will faithfully guide you, strengthen you, and use your life for His glory throughout the year ahead. Reflection Question: As you begin this new year, what old habits, mindsets, or priorities do you need to leave behind so that your daily life more fully reflects the new creation you are in Christ? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for making me new through Jesus Christ. As I step into this new year, help me to live out the reality of the new life You have given me. Give me strength to leave behind old patterns that do not honor You, and grant me wisdom to order my days in obedience and faith. Shape my heart through Your Word, guide my decisions by Your Spirit, and help my life reflect Your grace and truth in every season ahead. May this year be marked by faithfulness, growth, and a deeper love for Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Trusting God’s Word in the Face of Taunts December 29, 2025 | André K. Dugger “Then I can answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in your judgments. I will always obey your instruction, forever and ever.” Psalm 119:42-44 (CSB) When you place your trust in God’s Word, you are equipped to stand firm even when others mock, question, or oppose you. The psalmist says, “ Then I can answer the one who taunts me, for I trust in your word. ” The world will always have scoffers who ridicule your faith or challenge your hope in Christ. But you do not need clever arguments or human wisdom; your answer flows from God’s Word, which never fails. Just as Jesus resisted the devil’s temptations by saying, “ It is written ” ( Matthew 4:4, 7, 10 ), you too can stand firm by trusting and speaking the truth of Scripture. The psalmist’s prayer continues: “ Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I hope in your judgments. ” This reveals a deep dependence on God. Without His Word, you would be left powerless, unable to speak truth or endure trials. But with His Word hidden in your heart and on your lips, you have both strength and hope. God’s judgments, His perfect decrees and decisions, are your foundation. When you cling to them, you are not swayed by shifting opinions or hostile voices. Finally, the psalmist declares: “ I will always obey your instruction, forever and ever. ” This is not a short-term commitment or a passing devotion. It is a lifelong resolve, rooted in love for God and trust in His Word. In Christ, you see the perfect example of this obedience, Jesus always did the will of His Father, even unto death ( Philippians 2:8 ). His obedience secures your salvation, and now, by His Spirit, you are empowered to walk in faithful obedience as well. The taunts of the enemy and the mockery of the world will come, but they cannot silence the truth of God’s Word. When your hope is in His judgments, and your heart is resolved to obey, you will have the confidence to endure and the wisdom to answer. Reflection Question: When others question or mock your faith, do you answer with your own words or with the unshakable truth of God’s Word? Prayer: Father, help me to trust in Your Word when I am taunted or opposed. Keep the truth ever on my lips, and strengthen my resolve to obey You faithfully, forever and ever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God With You: Carrying the Hope of Christmas into Everyday Faith December 25, 2025 | André K. Dugger “But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John‬ ‭1‬:‭12‬-‭14 (CSB) “But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today in the city of David a Savior was born for you, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped tightly in cloth and lying in a manger.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people he favors!” Luke 2:10-14 (CSB) Christmas announces more than a beautiful story; it declares a life-altering reality. When the angel spoke to the shepherds, fear was replaced with good news, and silence was shattered by praise. The Savior was not born in a palace but laid in a manger; humble, accessible, and intentional. God chose nearness over spectacle so that you would never doubt His willingness to meet you where you are. Christmas reminds you that God stepped into human history, not to impress you, but to redeem you. The angel’s words, “ a Savior was born for you ,” make Christmas deeply personal. Jesus did not come as a general solution for abstract problems; He came for you. In your weariness, your routines, your quiet faithfulness, and even your hidden struggles, Christ enters with good news of great joy. That joy is not seasonal or circumstantial. It is rooted in the truth that the Messiah, the Lord, has come, and peace is now possible because God has acted decisively on your behalf. John’s Gospel takes the manger and stretches its meaning into everyday life. When you receive Jesus and believe in His name, you are given the right to be called a child of God. Christmas is not only about Christ coming to earth; it is about Christ making His home in you. The Word became flesh and dwelt among humanity so that faith would never be theoretical. Grace and truth now walk with you into ordinary days; into conversations, decisions, temptations, and acts of obedience that no one else sees. Living the Christian life means carrying Christmas forward. You are called to reflect the humility of Christ, choosing obedience over recognition. You are invited to live with wonder, praising God not only when the angels sing, but when the work is slow and the road feels long. Because Jesus came near, you can live courageously, resisting fear and embracing faith. Because peace was announced at His birth, you can pursue peace in your relationships and extend grace where it is undeserved. Christmas proclaims that God is with you. Daily Christian living responds by trusting Him, worshiping Him, and walking in the joy of knowing that the Savior who came in a manger now reigns as Lord in your life. Reflection Question: How does knowing that Jesus came near, entering ordinary human life, shape the way you live out your faith in your daily routines, relationships, and responses to fear or difficulty? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Christmas and for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be my Savior and Lord. Thank You that You did not remain distant, but came near; entering my world with grace, truth, and love. Help me to live each day in light of this good news. When fear tries to take hold, remind me of the joy announced by the angels. When pride or distraction creeps in, lead me back to the humility of the manger. Shape my heart to reflect Your peace, and empower me to live as Your child in obedience, worship, and faithful trust. May my words, actions, and attitudes point others to the hope found in Christ alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Life Through God’s Righteousness December 22, 2025 | André K. Dugger “Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless; give me life in your ways. Confirm what you said to your servant, for it produces reverence for you. Turn away the disgrace I dread; indeed, your judgments are good. How I long for your precepts! Give me life through your righteousness. Let your faithful love come to me, Lord, your salvation, as you promised.” Psalm 119:37-41 (CSB) Your eyes are often the gateway to your heart. That is why the psalmist prays, “ Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless. ” The world is filled with distractions; pleasures, possessions, and pursuits that promise satisfaction but leave you empty. Fixing your eyes on what is worthless robs you of joy and dulls your hunger for God. You need His help to look away from the empty and fix your gaze on the eternal. The psalmist continues, “ Give me life in your ways. ” True life is not found in entertainment, wealth, or recognition, but in walking the path of God’s Word. Only in His ways can your soul be fully alive. Jesus Himself affirmed this when He said, “ I am the way, the truth, and the life ” ( John 14:6 ). To walk in His ways is to know real life. There is also a plea for assurance: “ Confirm what you said to your servant, for it produces reverence for you. ” When you cling to God’s promises, your heart finds stability, and reverence grows. His Word does not waver, it stands forever, and knowing this anchors your soul in a world that shifts daily. The psalmist admits fear: “ Turn away the disgrace I dread. ” Shame is a heavy burden, but God’s judgments are good, bringing freedom instead of condemnation. In Christ, your disgrace has been taken at the cross, and you now stand clothed in His righteousness. That is why the psalmist longs, “ Give me life through your righteousness. ” Your righteousness will always fall short, but God’s righteousness given through Jesus is perfect and life-giving. Finally, he concludes with hope: “ Let your faithful love come to me, Lord, your salvation, as you promised. ” God’s faithful love is not abstract; it is revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the fulfillment of every promise. In Him, salvation has come, and in Him, you find the life your heart longs for. Reflection Question: What “ worthless things ” most often capture your eyes, and how can you redirect your gaze toward God’s life-giving Word? Prayer: Father, turn my eyes off what is worthless and fix them on You. Confirm Your Word in me, cover my shame through Christ, and give me life in Your righteousness and faithful love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Heart Turned to God December 15, 2025 | André K. Dugger “Turn my heart to your decrees and not to dishonest profit.” Psalm 119:36 (CSB) The psalmist recognizes a truth that you must never forget: your heart does not naturally bend toward God. Left to itself, it wanders toward selfishness, pride, and greed. That is why he prays, “ Turn my heart to your decrees. ” Only God can incline your heart away from sin and toward obedience. Notice how specific this prayer is: “ and not to dishonest profit. ” The lure of dishonest gain is as old as humanity itself. From Adam and Eve reaching for the fruit to Judas betraying Jesus for silver, hearts have been tempted to trade righteousness for temporary reward. Greed promises satisfaction, but it delivers emptiness and shame. God’s decrees, by contrast, lead to eternal treasure. When your heart delights in His Word, you find riches that cannot fade. Jesus warned, “ What will it benefit someone if he gains the whole world yet loses his life? ” ( Matthew 16:26 ). The temporary profits of dishonesty are nothing compared to the eternal joy of walking in obedience. This prayer also reminds you of your dependence. You cannot simply will yourself into holiness. You need God to act upon your heart, to redirect its affections, and to give you new desires. That is why Scripture promises, “ I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you ” ( Ezekiel 36:26 ). In Christ, that promise is fulfilled; He transforms your desires so that you begin to love what God loves and hate what God hates. As a follower of Jesus, you are called to integrity. The world may celebrate profit at any cost, but you are called to pursue honesty at every cost. Your heart must be guarded against compromise, because dishonest gain, no matter how small, corrodes your soul. But when your heart is turned toward God’s decrees, you find joy in righteousness that no earthly profit can replace. Reflection Question: What desires most often compete with your love for God’s Word, and how can you pray for Him to turn your heart back toward His decrees? Prayer: Father, turn my heart away from the false promises of dishonest gain and fix it on Your decrees. Give me joy in obedience, integrity in every choice, and a heart that treasures Your Word above all else. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Learning the Way of Obedience December 8, 2025 | André K. Dugger "Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your statutes, and I will always keep them. Help me understand your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart. Help me stay on the path of your commands, for I take pleasure in it.” Psalm 119:33-35 (CSB) Obedience begins with understanding, and understanding begins with God Himself. The psalmist prays, “Teach me, Lord, the meaning of your statutes.” This request acknowledges that you cannot truly grasp God’s Word apart from His help. Intellectual knowledge alone is not enough; you need the Spirit of God to open your mind and heart to His truth. But notice the psalmist’s response: “I will always keep them.” He does not ask for knowledge to be puffed up; he asks for knowledge to be lived out. True learning from God always leads to obedience. When you learn His Word rightly, you do not just admire it, you follow it. There is also passion in this prayer: “Help me understand your instruction, and I will obey it and follow it with all my heart.” Half-hearted obedience is not what God desires. He calls you to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength ( Mark 12:30 ). Following God is not about reluctant compliance but wholehearted devotion, rooted in love for Him. The psalmist continues, “Help me stay on the path of your commands, for I take pleasure in it.” Obedience is not meant to feel like drudgery; it is meant to be your delight. The commands of God are not chains to hold you down but guardrails to keep you safe and free. When you begin to see them as expressions of His love, you find joy in walking His path. Jesus embodies this perfectly. He said, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” ( John 4:34 ). For Jesus, obedience was not a burden but nourishment. And because He perfectly obeyed, even to the point of death on the cross, you now have the power to walk in obedience with joy. Reflection Question: Do you approach God’s commands as burdens you must endure, or as a path of joy that you can delight in with your whole heart? Prayer: Father, teach me the meaning of Your Word. Give me understanding that leads to obedience and help me walk Your path with delight and devotion. In Jesus’ name, amen.

he Stepping Into the Flooded River December 3, 2025 | André K. Dugger Joshua 3 When the people of Israel reached the edge of the Jordan River, it looked like the worst possible moment to cross. Joshua 3:15 tells us the water was overflowing its banks; fast, deep, dangerous, and humanly impossible to navigate. If Israel had evaluated their situation by sight alone, they would have concluded that crossing was foolish, poorly timed, or even deadly. But God had already spoken. “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God… follow it.” (v. 3) “Consecrate yourselves, because the Lord will do wonders among you tomorrow.” (v. 5) “When you reach the edge of the water, stand in the Jordan.” (v. 8) Before God ever displayed His power, He called His people to act in faith. The miracle did not begin with the river rolling back. It began when the priests’ feet touched the water. Obedience; raw, trembling, risky obedience, triggered divine intervention. Their toes entered the swirling water before the river stopped flowing. But the moment they obeyed; the miracle began. Scripture says the waters “stood still in a mass” (v. 16) far upstream, and the ground beneath Israel’s feet became dry. What was impossible became possible because God was faithful, not because the timing looked good. God did what Israel could never do; He parted the river. But He waited for them to do the one thing they could do; trust and obey. Your life may feel like that flooded riverbank. God may be calling you forward into territory you have never walked before (v. 4). He may be stretching your faith, challenging your comfort, inviting you into something that feels risky, untimely, or overwhelming. Everything in you may want to wait for calmer waters. But faith does not wait for ideal circumstances. Faith moves when God speaks. What God desires to do in your life may be on the other side of one simple act of obedience. You don’t need the water to part before you obey; you obey so you can see it part. The same God who held back the Jordan goes ahead of you today. He prepares the ground, guides your steps, and makes a way where no way exists. Consecrate yourself. Fix your eyes on His presence. Take the step He is asking you to take. The miracle is on the other side of obedience. Join me as we step forward in faith together.  Reflection Questions Where is God calling you to take a step of obedience, even while the “river” in front of you still looks overwhelming, and how can you trust Him more deeply in that area today? Closing Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for being the God who goes before me, the God who makes a way even when the river is at flood stage. Give me the courage to obey You even when circumstances feel intimidating or uncertain. Through the power of Your Holy Spirit; help me consecrate myself, listen for Your voice, and step forward in faith. Teach me to trust Your timing, Your power, and Your promises more than my fears. Lead me into the place of abundance You have prepared, and let my obedience bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Running in God's Ways December 1, 2025 | André K. Dugger "I pursue the way of your commands, for you broaden my understanding.” Psalm 119:32 (CSB) Obedience to God’s commands is not meant to be a slow, reluctant walk but a joyful pursuit. The psalmist writes, “I pursue the way of your commands.” The word pursue carries the idea of running with eagerness, as if chasing after something precious. This is not half-hearted devotion but wholehearted pursuit. Why such eagerness? Because God’s commands bring freedom. The psalmist explains, “for you broaden my understanding.” God’s Word does not narrow your life, it enlarges it. Sin promises freedom but only leads to slavery; obedience to God’s Word seems restrictive but actually sets you free to live fully in the way you were designed. The more you walk in His truth, the more you understand His heart, and the wider your perspective grows. Think of it this way: a train is only free when it stays on the tracks. If it jumps off, it is not free; it is wrecked. In the same way, your life is only free when it follows the tracks of God’s commands. They are not walls to cage you in but tracks to carry you forward. Notice also that the psalmist gives God the credit: “you broaden my understanding.” You cannot pursue God’s commands in your own strength. It is the Spirit who enlightens your mind and teaches your heart. As Paul wrote, “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God… he is not able to understand them” (1 Corinthians 2:14) . Only when God opens your eyes can you see the beauty of His ways and pursue them with joy. In Christ, this verse finds its ultimate fulfillment. Jesus not only obeyed God’s commands perfectly but also gave you His Spirit so you can walk in obedience. When you pursue His commands, you are not chasing after lifeless rules but following in the steps of your Savior, who said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands” (John 14:15) . Reflection Question: Do you view God’s commands as restrictions to endure or as pathways that broaden your understanding and bring freedom? Prayer: Father, give me a heart eager to pursue Your commands. Broaden my understanding through Your Word and help me see obedience not as a burden but as the true path to freedom in Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.