OCTOBER 2, 2025

  “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” 

― Pierre Teilhard de Chardin 

ISAIAH 24-26

3You will keep in perfect peace

those whose minds are steadfast,

because they trust in you. (26:3)

EPHESIANS 4

17So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. 18They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. 19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin”^d : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

JOURNAL 

Isaiah tells us that “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Paul echoes this in Ephesians, urging us to put off the old self and to live renewed in Christ, ridding ourselves of bitterness, rage, and malice, and instead choosing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness (Ephesians 4:22–32).

These verses strike me right between the eyes. This is the life we are commanded to live—one anchored in trust, peace, and the renewal of our minds. But if I am honest, I often find myself slipping into pride and self-focus. Recently, I listened to Timothy Keller preach on Nebuchadnezzar and pride, and he drove home two points that won’t leave me: everything is a gift, and to see life apart from gratitude and humility is to be consumed by pride.

Humility opens my eyes to the miracle of ordinary gifts, the breath in my lungs, the ability to walk, speak, see, and love. It allows me to see my talents and opportunities as entrusted by God, not achieved on my own. It also reminds me that they could be taken away in a moment beyond my control. That realization presses me toward surrender.

When I surrender to God daily, counting blessings with humility, I no longer need validation from others. I don’t need life to unfold according to my terms. I simply need to acknowledge God’s presence, His grace, and His gifts and follow wherever He leads. That means using my gifts to bless others, maximizing what He has entrusted, and living every moment with joy, the kind that cannot be shaken by circumstances.

Paul reminds us: “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4–5).

Today is a tremendous gift. Life itself is grace, and joy is its fruit.

 4But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 

EPHESIANS 2:4-5