Mon, 07 Sep 2026 07:32:35 -0700WeeblySun, 06 Sep 2026 23:20:24 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/forget-me-notForget Me Not

This is a popular phrase among my generation. Most well known is likely the flower. However, in 1982, a song by that title was very popular. It was so popular that Will Smith sampled it for his song Men In Black. 

But those forget me nots are worthless compared to the forget Me not about which we read in this verse. God tells the believer not to forget Him. Forgetting God ends in destruction. 

Take time today and everyday to remember God, all He’s done for you, and all He’s told you to do. Remembering Him means obeying Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 50:22-23

22 “Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you:

23 Those who sacrifice thank offerings honor me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 8:16-24; Psalm 50; Proverbs 22:22-23]]>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/the-prosperity-gospelThe Prosperity Gospel

At the end of the twentieth century, I almost got caught up in the prosperity gospel. I had spent almost twenty years as a Christian who had no idea how to walk with Christ well. I had no mentor, no authentic faith, and was a prime candidate for the schemes of the enemy. 

It was only by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit that I was able to successfully and permanently walk away from the mindset. It is a dangerous one. 

Reading this passage brought back memories of the teachings I heard surrounding “God’s desire for us to be rich.” Praise God for His faithfulness in my foolishness. 

Do you have false beliefs about what God will do for you if you ask? Do you say things like, “God’s gonna get me a new car?” Or maybe, “I’m yet waiting on God to give me my promotion at work?” Why would God give you those things? You clearly are not focused on Him and what He already gave you, salvation. 

Sit with this question; if God never did another thing for you, would you still believe in Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 8:9

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Psalm 49; Proverbs 22:20-21]]>Sat, 05 Sep 2026 02:47:57 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/godly-sorrowGodly Sorrow

This verse is one to ponder. Think about the weight of its words. When we live for God, fixing our eyes on Jesus, we will still face sorrow. 

But Paul teaches us that “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret.” If we can keep our faith in the time of Godly sorrow, the reward is worth our pain. The key is ensuring that we are seeking God and living for Him. 

The converse is sorrow that comes from our disobedient actions. This “worldly sorrow brings death.” No one should want that. 

Be reminded that “death” in the Bible usually means eternal separation from God. That’s bad! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 7:10

10 Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 7:8-16; Psalm 48; Proverbs 22:17-19]]>Thu, 03 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/misunderstoodMisunderstood

This passage could be one of the more misunderstood verses in the Bible. Some people believe Paul is saying that if you are not at the same faith level in Christ, that person is unequally yoked; you need to end that relationship. That’s not it. 

As you continue to read what Paul is saying, you learn that he’s talking about other gods. Two people who believe in Christ but are at two different places in their faith journey are not unequally yoked. They’re just right. 

People are always in different places in their faith journeys. That’s not a bad thing. It helps us to grow in our faith. 

Who are you friends with that you can support in their faith walk? Who are you friends with that can help you in your faith walk. Believers in Christ are equally yoked. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 6:14-16a

14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers.For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 15 What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?16 What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7; Psalm 47; Proverbs 22:17]]>Wed, 02 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/strength-in-griefStrength In Grief

I remember the first time someone quoted this passage to me. I was surprised. It was the father of a young man who had been involved in a fatal car accident. The son was in the hospital in critical condition but the prognosis was good for him. 

As my conversation with the father was ending, he asked me to carry a message to the bereaved. He said to tell them, “Be still and know that (He) is God.” 

That impacted me greatly. I thought, “how is he concerned about these families while his son is in the hospital.”

As I’ve grown in my faith and closer in my relationship with God through Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, I better understand how that father could place such importance on others in that time. He was doing what the word said. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

As we live out the word by faith, we will also have strength in grief if the time comes to need it. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 46:10

10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 46; Proverbs 22:15]]>Tue, 01 Sep 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/an-ambassador-for-christAn Ambassador For Christ

When I lived in South Korea from July 1995 to December 1997, I was assigned to the US Embassy. During that tour, I learned what it meant to be an ambassador to another country. 

Therefore, this passage hits a little different. I understand the significance of an ambassador. I understand that the leader of the ambassador’s home country carefully selects people who will best represent the home country. 

This is what God has done for us. When you choose to accept Jesus’ free gift into salvation, you enter a right relationship with God and become an ambassador for Him on this earth. 

Do you represent heaven well? Ask the Father to guide you into places where you may represent Him as an ambassador. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 5:20-21

20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 5:11-21; Psalm 45; Proverbs 22:14]]>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/temporary-satisfactionTemporary Satisfaction

Throughout my life, I’ve had moments where I sought things that would only provide me with temporary satisfaction.

I worked hard to become a college tennis player. Today, I couldn’t beat a kindergartner. I planned many vacations with my wife. Each has come and gone and life is back to “normal.”

I’ve had friends that I’m no longer acquainted with. I’ve been in small groups that did not last. And certainly there are things that I have done that I do not remember. Each one providing temporary satisfaction. 

In this passage, Paul is teaching us to focus our lives on doing things that honor God. When we live our lives for Christ, we fix our eyes on what is eternal. That’s the way to live. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 22-13]]>Sun, 30 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/the-god-of-this-ageThe god Of This Age

Years ago, I first learned the meaning of this passage. It was an eye opener. The battle that is happening in and around us is one that will be won by God. However, God has given the enemy dominion on the earth. 

During this season of time, the enemy is free to do what he wants to a certain extent. God places parameters on him so that the damage he does is only what God allows. Believers in Christ are immune to the enemy in that we have an Advocate who warns us of the enemies tactics and steers us clear of them if  we will listen. 

Non-believers do not have an advocate, therefore they fall quickly and often. Many of them think that God does not exist. They have “proof” of it. They will show you things that have happened in their lives, times they’ve “prayed,” and other situations that point to the “fact” that God does not exist. They are wrong!

Apart from the Holy Spirit, no person can know God. The Holy Spirit urges you towards the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but you must choose Him. He does not indwell you until you invite Him in by accepting what Jesus did on the cross for the forgiveness of your sin. 

Until a person does that, they are at the mercy of the enemy. Accept Christ’s sacrifice and live by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s waiting for you. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

2 Corinthians 4:4

4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12]]>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:37:19 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/god-responds-to-everythingGod Responds To Everything

As Christians, we sometimes think people are getting away with injustice. Someone does something that hurts a believer and nothing happens to them. We think, “that’s not fair.” 

God responds to everything. We don’t get away with anything. Neither does the non-believer. What seems like injustice will always turn to justice in the hands of God. We need to be patient, trust Him, and allow Him to do what He’s going to do. 

Far too often we take matters into our own hands. I encourage you not to do that. If you’re the reason why something has gone wrong, repent. God may choose to have mercy on you. If you’ve done nothing wrong, trust. God will have mercy on you. 

This is the end of the matter, God sees and hears everything. Trust that He will respond justly. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:8

8 Whoever sows injustice reaps calamity, and the rod they wield in fury will be broken.

2 Corinthians 3; Psalm 43; Proverbs 22:8-9]]>Fri, 28 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/asked-and-answeredAsked and Answered

Psalm 42 is one of my favorite psalms for a couple of reasons. First it’s the title of one of my favorite hymns, As The Deer. 

Second is because of this passage, which also appears in verse five. The psalmist asks the question then answers it in a way. He tells himself to put his trust in God. It’s as if he’s saying, “All that God has done for you in your life and you’re letting THIS get you down. What’s wrong with you? Put your trust in God. He’s never failed you.”

Do you need that reminder? How easy is it to let the cares of this world slip in, take a front row seat, and distract us from the Answer to all our issues. God is always present and He’s always ready to be your Source. But He will never demand that you choose Him. He leaves that choice to you, daily. 

So every day, wake up and choose God! Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 42:11

11 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 42; Proverbs 22:7]]>Thu, 27 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/start-them-wellStart Them Well

The translation of this passage I am most accustomed to reading begins with “train up.” I think I like this translation of the same word in the Hebrew. Whether we “start” or “train up,” the key is to introduce our children to God early in life and trust Him to guide them when you’re not around. 

I have watched my daughter’s relationship with God survive one attack after another. I do not believe that’s because she’s a special human being or her mother and I were special parents. God sustains her. 

Troubles in this world are coming; Jesus promised that. Introducing your children to God through Jesus Christ is critical in their ability to withstand the issues that will come. 

Are you starting your child off well? Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:6

6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11; Psalm 41; Proverbs 22:5-6]]>Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/stay-humble-my-friendStay Humble My Friend

A well known drink company has a series of commercials in which they tout the most interesting man in the world. At the end of his commercials he says, “stay thirsty my friends.” 

As I read this passage in Proverbs, I thought about how important it is for us to remain humble. The writer says that humility is the fear of the Lord. Earlier in Proverbs we learned that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 

David writes that a contrite heart God will not despise. Contrition and humility are blood related. Both lead to a life well lived for the Lord. 

As I conclude this devotional I can’t help but say, “Stay humble my friends.” Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:4

4 Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.

Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4]]>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/a-good-name7433669A Good Name

In the summer of 1985, I attended a family reunion on my father’s side. We all got shirts and on the back it said, “A Good Name…Pr 22:1.” I asked one of the organizers what it meant. She told me to look it up. 

Almost six years earlier, I had given my life to Christ, but I did not love Him as I should. I did not read my Bible regularly. In fact, I rarely read it. Therefore, when she said, “look it up,” I almost did not. But I did and I’m grateful for it. 

When I looked up that passage, a seed was planted. It took a while to grow, but now I don’t think about starting my day without reading my Bible. I cannot fathom being well enough and able to read it, yet choosing other things instead. 

What about you? Do you love the Lord to the point that you must be in His word daily? Or do you skip days because, “I don’t have the time?” I want to encourage you that getting in God’s word is mandatory if you want to walk well with Him. You will never know everything in the word to the point that you do not need to read it everyday. 

The good news is, I send you passages daily. Keep up with the readings. In time you will have read the Bible in its entirety. We’ve already done it once or twice. May as well do it again. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Proverbs 22:1

22 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 16; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1]]>Mon, 24 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/august-24th-2026Stand Firm

As you read the Bible, you will come across the words, “stand firm” multiple times. In this passage, Paul encourages us to stand firm as we give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord. 

It can be easy to lose our focus on God when calamity comes. Paul is saying don’t lose focus regardless. When we are doing the work God has set before us, we can be assured that our labor is not in vain. Stand firm. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 15:58

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 15:29-58; Psalm 39; Proverbs 21:30-31]]>Sun, 23 Aug 2026 16:39:49 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/born-buried-blessedBorn Buried Blessed

As a believer it is important that you understand the significance of what Paul says in this passage. We are almost two thousand years removed from the events identified in this passage, but the people of that day were not. They may have known, personally, some of the 500 witness who saw the resurrected Jesus. Thus authenticating Paul’s claims by there being no “at that time” written rebuttals to what Paul asserted. 

Therefore, understanding the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ is key to your witness. Make sure you understand this passage. It’s critical. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 15:3-8

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve.6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 15:1-28; Psalm 38; Proverbs 21:28-29]]>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/want-wisdomWant Wisdom?

Year’s ago the milk industry had a campaign in which they had famous people wear a milk mustache in their ads that had the caption, “Got Milk.” This passage reminded me of that ad campaign. It inspired me to think, “Want Wisdom.”

The psalmist speaks to the importance of having wisdom. He shares the secret to wisdom. It comes from storing the word of God in our hearts. 

In Psalm 119:11, the psalmist says that he has hidden the word in his heart that he might not sin against God. Reading and learning the word of God is critical to living a life of righteousness.  

How often do you meditate on the word? How often does your faith waver in difficult times? Consider that there is likely a correlation and causation in your answer. 

If you need to make a change to your habit of spending time with God, I suggest you start immediately. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 37:30-31

The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak what is just. 31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their feet do not slip.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 14:18-40; Psalm 37:30-40; Proverbs 21:27]]>Fri, 21 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/a-true-mysteryA True Mystery

This passage is one that I meditate on often. It reminds me of the faithfulness of God. It’s also a true mystery to me. 

In my lifetime, I’ve known some anointed men and women of God. I’ve seen them struggle. Yet, the psalmist says that he has not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. 

The Holy Spirit reminds me not to think like a human when it comes to the things of God. He tells me to rely on Him for understanding. The ways and thoughts of God are far above mine. Why would I think I can understand His ways. 

Spend time with the Lord today. Seek His wisdom to help you live in a way that honors Him. His promises are faithful. Trust Him. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

Psalm 37:25

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 14:1-17; Psalm 37:12-29; Proverbs 21:25-26]]>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/faith-not-behavior-like-a-childFaith, Not Behavior Like A Child

Years ago Jars of Clay had a song titled “Like A Child.” The song says, “they say that I can walk on water if I would follow and believe with faith like a child.” 

The combination of that song and this passage serve as a reminder that we are to have faith like a child, not the behavior of a child. That means when God does not do what we want how we want it, we are not to have a tantrum because we did not get our way. We must behave, in those moments, like a mature adult. 

If we are not careful, we can easily make mistakes in this area. Seek God today and ask Him to show you areas in your life where you have confused childlike behavior for childlike faith. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 13:11

11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 12:17-13:13; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 21:23-24]]>Wed, 19 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/one-bodyOne Body

In this passage, Paul describes the Church like a body. Although the body has many parts with different abilities, it is still one body. The Church is the same. 

Each person has a God given talent. We are responsible to join that talent with a local body of believers to enable it to do all God has assigned it to do. Without all its members, the local church is ineffective. Just like if a body is missing a part, it is not as effective. Though a person may adapt well without the part and thrive, it would be better to have all parts working together. The local church is no different. 

If you are not joined with a body of believers, please fix that. You cannot fulfill all God is calling you to do on your own. You need a body of believers with their respective God given talents to support you as you support them. 

We would love to have you join us. Private message me for more information. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 12:14-16

12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 12:1-26: Psalm 36; Proverbs 21:21-22]]>Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.agapeleaders.org/daily-devotion/the-bread-the-cupThe Bread The Cup

Our ministry takes communion every week. We do it to be reminded of what Jesus did for us. He sacrificed His life so that we would be able to stand before a Holy God righteous in all our ways. 

Let that marinate. 

Without Christ, you would not be able to stand before God. He would not cast His eyes upon you. He would tell you to depart from Him. 

Jesus is the only reason you have a right relationship with God. When you take communion, remember that. Here’s today’s Bible verse. Enjoy. 

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

Today’s Readings:

1 Corinthians 11:17-34; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 21:19-20]]>