First15 Devotional

Today as we look at the Holy of Holies, we’ll see how Jesus fulfilled the requirements of God’s law and is the perfect High Priest on our behalf. As we learn of all Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished, may our hearts swell in worship and thanks to our King. Our Scripture for today comes from  Hebrews 10:19-22 , and today's worship is  When You Walk Into The Room  by Bryan & Katie Torwalt. First1...

Today as we explore the stories of the Israelites being led by the pillar of God’s presence, we’ll examine what that means for God’s leadership in our own lives. As we submit to his leadership, may we find how truly faithful he is to lead us in every single season. Open your heart to trust him afresh today, and remember he is for you. Our Scripture for day comes from Exodus 13:21-22 , and today&#3...

Today we will look at the stories of Moses and Isaiah. They encountered the holiness of God and were changed forever. As we look upon him, may we be changed just the same. Know that as you come before him, you are loved by him and made right with him through the blood of Jesus. He simply wants you to come. Our Scripture for day comes from Exodus 3:2 , and today's worship is Holy Ground  by Jer...

In today’s devotional, we’re going to build on the foundation we built yesterday by looking at different stories in which God made his presence known in a perspective-changing way. Today, we’ll look at Moses and the Tent of Meeting.  May God make all our faces shine in his presence today, that the world would see the goodness that comes from spending meaningful time alone with God. Our Scripture f...

God’s presence is real, full of love, and completely transformational. It takes what was broken and brings healing. It takes what was lost and guides us to our rightful place in the Father. It satisfies the weary, brings light to the darkness, and pours out the refreshing rain of God’s love on the dryest, deepest parts of the soul.  Today we’re beginning a new series, focusing on deepening our und...

In today’s devotional, the last in our series on the parables, we’ll be looking at the parables of the lost sheep and coin.  May you discover today how precious you are in the eyes of God. And may you be empowered to see yourself, your value, as he does. Our Scripture for day comes from Luke 15:4-7  and  Luke 15:8-10 , and today's worship is God, You’re So Good  by Passion featuring Kristian S...

As we near the end of our week on the parables, today we’re going to look at the parable of the prodigal son.  Hanging in my office is a print of Rembrandt’s depiction of this biblical scene. It’s hard for me to think of another passage of Scripture that produces such continual fruit in my life on a daily basis.  May these words of Jesus redefine our relationship with God for the better today. Our...

One of my favorite stories is the parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector. Through this story, Jesus makes it abundantly clear how we’re to come before God. May we today begin a fresh revival of humility in the church as we humble ourselves before God in prayer and honest worship. I want to encourage you to be open and vulnerable as you approach the Lord today. Our Scripture for day comes from L...

As we continue to look at the profound, life-transforming concepts Jesus shared through parables, today we’ll focus on the parable of the lamp on a stand. May what might’ve once been a concept that caused many of us to feel pressure, now bring forth peace, purpose and freedom in God’s love and identity for us. Our Scripture for day comes from Matthew 5:14-15 , and today's worship is Cover The...

Continuing our week on Jesus’s parables, we’ll look today at the parable of the mustard seed. As we dig into this rich, beautiful parable, may our hearts and minds be enlightened. Take a moment even now to ask God to give you fresh revelation. Our Scripture for day comes from Matthew 13:31-32 , and today's worship is New Wine  by Hillsong Worship featuring Brooke Ligertwood. First15 is a daily...

As we continue this week allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is, today we’ll dive into the parables of the hidden treasure and valuable pearl. Upon learning about God forsaking everything to find us, we’ll assess our own hearts and see what they value most in this life. Open your heart today and choose to take an honest look....

Jesus loved to use stories to illustrate profound, life-transforming concepts. He loved to use real and genuine settings, characters, and ideas that apply to all of us to reveal God’s heart of pursuit and love. This week we’re going to spend time allowing the parables of Jesus to speak directly to our situations, mindsets, and core beliefs about who God is. Open your heart and mind to be transform...

In the last devotional in our series on grace, today we're going to discover how in grace God teaches us. May we approach God with a humble and teachable heart. And may we learn whatever lesson we need from the Spirit today, as God teaches us in his grace. Our Scripture for day comes from 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , and today's worship is So Much Grace  by Jonathan & Melissa Helser. First15 is...

As we near the end of our week on grace, today we’re going to explore how God’s grace brings us purpose.  As we begin, where do you need more purpose today? Where are you feeling aimless, or lacking passion in life? May God fill us all with a deeper sense of purpose today, and may our days be more fulfilling and more impactful as we experience God’s grace right now. Our Scripture for day comes fro...

Today I'm thrilled to share a wonderful conversation I had recently with Rebecca Walls. Rebecca serves as Executive Director of Unite Greater Dallas, which connects Christian leaders with one another and resources them to address the urgent social challenges facing Dallas. Rebecca partners with churches, organizations, and the government to tackle issues such as education, poverty, hunger, rac...

In today’s devotional, we’re exploring the wonderful reality of how God provides for us by his grace.  And as we begin, think about where you have need today. Where do you need God to provide? Where do you need what only God’s grace could give?  And let’s run before our Father with faith and joy, that he’s a good Father who gives us good, and perfect gifts. Our Scripture for day comes from 1 Timot...

In the middle of our series on grace, we’re going to look at how experiencing God’s presence gives a truer, more heartfelt sense of God’s grace. As we begin, let’s set aside every burden, and simply be present with God today. And may our focus for the next few minutes empower us to experience to greater depths the grace-filled presence of our loving God. Our Scripture for day comes from Numbers 6:...

In today’s devotional, we’re going to take time to come before the throne of grace in a meaningful way.  May the reality of Jesus’ mercy and power establish a greater foundation of grace for us to live on today. And may we approach him with humility and confidence knowing that he only looks at us with eyes of love. Our Scripture for day comes from Hebrews 4:16 , and today's worship is How Beau...

God’s grace is the foundation of our freedom, a sure gift made available to us again every morning. Every mistake we make is covered. Every sin is forgiven. And my hope is that as we center our hearts and minds around God’s grace, that his forgiveness and mercy open a pathway to true freedom for us today. Our Scripture for day comes from 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 , and today's worship is Sails  b...

Grace is a gift most of us don’t know how to receive. We’ve been so inundated with the earthly systems of give-and-get and work-and-earn that grace is a concept few ever fully grasp. Yet it’s grace alone that has the power to transform lives. Grace alone has the power to bring freedom to the captives. By grace alone we are saved.  Today we’re launching a new series, taking time every day to discov...

As we wrap up our week on being used by God, today we’ll ask God to fill us with courage to live uncomfortably. May we bare our hearts before God, and ask him to change us, to rid us of all that hinders us. There is nothing to fear, and God is ready and excited to use us for his kingdom purposes. Will you accept his invitation? Our Scripture for day comes from Joshua 1:9 , and today's worship...

As we begin to wrap up our week on being used by God, today we’ll explore what it means to live compassionately. This radical way of living will transform the people around you and expose them to the beautiful nature of Jesus. After we experience his great compassion for us, may we have no choice but to mimic that with others. Our Scripture for day comes from Ephesians 4:32 , and today's worsh...

Today we’ll explore the concept of evangelism. There are so many fears and misconceptions wrapped up in this topic, and my hope today is that we’ll simplify it, and get straight to the heart of the issue. As we assess our hearts, may we remain soft and open to the commands and will of God for us. Our Scripture for day comes from Mark 16:15 , and today's worship is O Come To The Altar  by Eleva...

One of the best ways we can be used by God is by simply being ourselves. The identity Christ has given us as daughters and sons is meant to shine forth and be a witness to those around us. May you be encouraged today in your identity in Christ and freed from any unnecessary weight you’ve been carrying. Our Scripture for day comes from Matthew 5:16 , and today's worship is Let There Be Light  b...

Being used by God requires inward humility and exaltation of Jesus as King. It’s the only way being used by the Lord can work. Today we’ll take a deeper dive in our own hearts and examine who is actually enthroned there. Our Scripture for day comes from 1 Corinthians 10:31 , and today's worship is We Love Your Name (All Cry Glory)  by Jaye Thomas feat. Chris Tofilon. First15 is a daily devotio...