Today's verse is:
2 Samuel 7:22 NIV
²² “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
2 Samuel 7:22 NIV
²² “How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears.
Rules for serving
15 October 2026
‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.’
Romans 12:9 NLT
When it comes to serving others, try to live by these three rules:
1) Serve sincerely. ‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.’ God knows your heart, so be honest with yourself about your true motives in serving and sacrificing for others. If you need help in this area, turn to the Scriptures: ‘For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart’ (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV).
2) Serve silently. ‘When you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet…that [you] may have glory from men’ (Matthew 6:2 NKJV). Note the words, ‘do not sound a trumpet’. When people take your kindness for granted or fail to appreciate the things you do for them, don’t toot your own horn. Look to God for your reward, not people; otherwise you’ll be disappointed. ‘As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters…so our eyes look to the Lord our God’ (Psalms 123:2 NKJV).
3) Serve selectively. You’re not called to go to every place, meet every need, and help every person. On two different occasions God stopped Paul from going into Asia to preach the gospel. But look what happened next: ‘And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”…immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them’ (Acts 16:9-10 NKJV). Why is this important to know? Because when God guides you, He provides for you!
Jeremiah 22-23, 1 Timothy 4
15 October 2026
‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.’
Romans 12:9 NLT
When it comes to serving others, try to live by these three rules:
1) Serve sincerely. ‘Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.’ God knows your heart, so be honest with yourself about your true motives in serving and sacrificing for others. If you need help in this area, turn to the Scriptures: ‘For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart’ (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV).
2) Serve silently. ‘When you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet…that [you] may have glory from men’ (Matthew 6:2 NKJV). Note the words, ‘do not sound a trumpet’. When people take your kindness for granted or fail to appreciate the things you do for them, don’t toot your own horn. Look to God for your reward, not people; otherwise you’ll be disappointed. ‘As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters…so our eyes look to the Lord our God’ (Psalms 123:2 NKJV).
3) Serve selectively. You’re not called to go to every place, meet every need, and help every person. On two different occasions God stopped Paul from going into Asia to preach the gospel. But look what happened next: ‘And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.”…immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them’ (Acts 16:9-10 NKJV). Why is this important to know? Because when God guides you, He provides for you!
Jeremiah 22-23, 1 Timothy 4
Searching for Hope
Romans 15:5-13
Searching for Hope
Marvin Williams
15 October 2026
Today's Scripture
Romans 15:5-13
Today's Devotional
For many years, hope has been one of the most searched terms on the internet. Surprisingly, it surpasses searches for political crises and even making money online. People are seeking more profound meaning. Recent years haven’t fostered optimism; instead, they’ve felt like an ongoing, slow-motion crisis: environmental fears, economic instability and digital anxiety dominate our headlines and hearts. Yet, through all these struggles, millions type hope into their browsers, as if seeking a lifeline beyond the chaos.
Paul understood that God is the Someone beyond the chaos. When the apostle wrote of “the God of hope” (Romans 15:13), he wanted Roman believers in Jesus to understand that God was both the source and object of their hope. Paul reminds us that true hope isn’t merely wishful thinking or fleeting optimism; it’s anchored in God’s character and faithfulness. And He instils confidence in us through His promises. He’s also the one who provides “endurance and encouragement” (v. 5) through the power of His Holy Spirit. This hope endures despite circumstances, filling us with joy and peace as we recognise God has accepted us in Christ (v. 7).
If you’re searching for hope, direct your heart towards God. As you trust in His promises and embrace His faithfulness, you can have eternal hope found in Him alone.
Reflect & Pray
What keeps your hope in God alive when you face adversity? What can you do to remain confident in Him?
God of truth, please fill me with Your hope and joy.
Explore more
Let us help you rest in the hope of God's Word tonight as you listen to the Our Daily Bread Evening Meditations at odbm.org.uk/podcasts
Today's Insights
In Romans 15, Paul says the foundation for the unity of believers in Jesus is to have “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (vv. 5-6). Unity is found in following His example of self-giving love, not in having identical beliefs, backgrounds, or preferences. The goal of this unity is worship “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 6). In fact, unity itself is a form of worship: “Accept one another . . . in order to bring praise to God” (v. 7). Romans is especially focused on Jewish and gentile unity. The apostle emphasizes that Jews and gentiles worshiping God together fulfils God’s promises (vv. 8-12). Today, we can join together with other believers and worship “the God of hope” who fills us “with all joy and peace” (v. 13).
Romans 15:5-13
Searching for Hope
Marvin Williams
15 October 2026
Today's Scripture
Romans 15:5-13
Today's Devotional
For many years, hope has been one of the most searched terms on the internet. Surprisingly, it surpasses searches for political crises and even making money online. People are seeking more profound meaning. Recent years haven’t fostered optimism; instead, they’ve felt like an ongoing, slow-motion crisis: environmental fears, economic instability and digital anxiety dominate our headlines and hearts. Yet, through all these struggles, millions type hope into their browsers, as if seeking a lifeline beyond the chaos.
Paul understood that God is the Someone beyond the chaos. When the apostle wrote of “the God of hope” (Romans 15:13), he wanted Roman believers in Jesus to understand that God was both the source and object of their hope. Paul reminds us that true hope isn’t merely wishful thinking or fleeting optimism; it’s anchored in God’s character and faithfulness. And He instils confidence in us through His promises. He’s also the one who provides “endurance and encouragement” (v. 5) through the power of His Holy Spirit. This hope endures despite circumstances, filling us with joy and peace as we recognise God has accepted us in Christ (v. 7).
If you’re searching for hope, direct your heart towards God. As you trust in His promises and embrace His faithfulness, you can have eternal hope found in Him alone.
Reflect & Pray
What keeps your hope in God alive when you face adversity? What can you do to remain confident in Him?
God of truth, please fill me with Your hope and joy.
Explore more
Let us help you rest in the hope of God's Word tonight as you listen to the Our Daily Bread Evening Meditations at odbm.org.uk/podcasts
Today's Insights
In Romans 15, Paul says the foundation for the unity of believers in Jesus is to have “the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had” (vv. 5-6). Unity is found in following His example of self-giving love, not in having identical beliefs, backgrounds, or preferences. The goal of this unity is worship “so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 6). In fact, unity itself is a form of worship: “Accept one another . . . in order to bring praise to God” (v. 7). Romans is especially focused on Jewish and gentile unity. The apostle emphasizes that Jews and gentiles worshiping God together fulfils God’s promises (vv. 8-12). Today, we can join together with other believers and worship “the God of hope” who fills us “with all joy and peace” (v. 13).
Verse of the Day
October 15, 2026
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
October 15, 2026
Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
Colossians 3:13 (NLT)