Daily Worship (April 27)

Hebrews 12:28 (NIV)
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.

Devotional Thought
We live in a world that often feels like it’s falling apart. News, social media, and personal struggles can make everything feel shaky. But this verse reminds us that God’s kingdom is different. It cannot be shaken. No matter what happens around us, God’s love, promises, and rule remain strong and unshakable.

In Acts 19, the people in Ephesus panicked when the gospel began to affect their way of life. Their idols could be taken away, so they got angry and afraid. But followers of Jesus don’t need to panic. We don’t build our lives on money, popularity, or control. We stand on Jesus, our unshakable rock.

This changes how we respond to outrage. Instead of reacting with fear or anger, we can live with calm and trust. God’s kingdom isn’t built by protests or power plays, but by love, truth, and grace. When we remember we’re part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken, we’re free to face life’s storms with confidence.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does this verse connect with the rest of Hebrews 12, especially about God’s discipline and holiness?
• Observation: What does it mean that the kingdom of God cannot be shaken?
• Meaning: Why does the author connect receiving God’s kingdom with thankfulness and worship?
• Main Idea: What does it mean to belong to a kingdom that can’t be shaken?
• Application: How can remembering God’s unshakable kingdom help you respond to today’s fears or pressures?

Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us a kingdom that cannot be shaken. When everything around us feels uncertain, help us remember that Your promises are secure. Help us live with calm, not panic—with trust, not fear. Teach us to worship You with thankful hearts and show others the peace that comes from knowing Jesus. Amen.

James 1:19-20 (NIV)
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Devotional Thought
Have you ever said something in anger that you later regretted? Maybe you posted something online or yelled in the heat of the moment. That’s the world we live in—people are quick to argue and slow to listen. But James gives us a better way.

In Acts 19, the crowd in Ephesus shouted for hours without even knowing why they were angry. That kind of anger leads to confusion and harm. But God’s Word calls us to something better: slow down, listen well, and hold back our anger.

The gospel shows us this in Jesus. He didn’t yell back at those who hurt Him. He responded with love and truth. When we trust in Him, the Holy Spirit helps us grow in gentleness and self-control. In a culture that’s always ready to explode, Christians are called to be different. We reflect Christ when we listen with grace, speak with love, and stay calm even when others are furious.

COMMA Questions

• Context: How does this instruction fit with the rest of James 1 about living out our faith?
• Observation: What three actions does James tell believers to take when emotions rise?
• Meaning: Why doesn’t human anger bring about the righteousness God wants?
• Main Idea: What does it look like to be slow to anger in a culture full of outrage?
• Application: How can you practice listening better and speaking with more grace today?

Prayer
Lord, help me to be quick to listen and slow to speak. In a world that’s loud with anger, make me gentle and wise. Thank You that Jesus faced anger with love. Fill me with Your Spirit so I can respond to others with the same grace. Help me reflect Your peace in my words and actions. Amen.

Ephesians 5:8-10 (NIV)
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. 

Devotional Thought
There are times when the world feels confusing and people don’t know what’s right or wrong. That’s what happened in Ephesus in Acts 19. The crowd was angry, but most didn’t even know why. They were in the dark, letting emotion take over instead of truth.

Paul says in Ephesians that before we knew Jesus, we were also in darkness. But when we come to Christ, we become children of light. That means we no longer walk around confused or lost. We live with clarity, purpose, and direction.

Being light means showing the world what God is like—through goodness, truth, and righteousness. It means asking, *“What pleases the Lord?”* instead of *“What do I feel like doing?”* In a world full of confusion and chaos, Jesus gives us wisdom through His Word and Spirit. We don’t have to follow the crowd. We follow the Light of the World. 

COMMA Questions 

• Context: How does this passage fit into Paul’s instructions about living a holy life in Ephesians 4–5? 
• Observation: What changes are described between the old life and the new life in Christ? 
• Meaning: What does it mean to live as children of light?
• Main Idea: How does the gospel change how we see truth and live in the world?
• Application: What’s one way you can reflect God's light at home, school, or work this week?

Prayer
Jesus, thank You for bringing me out of darkness and into Your light. Help me walk in truth and show Your goodness to others. Give me wisdom to know what pleases You and the courage to live it out. Make me a light in a world that needs You. Amen.