OUR DAILY BREAD 23 JULY 2026, THURSDAY ODB READING MESSAGE
Prepared to Help
Anne Cetas
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Psalms 33-34; Acts 24
KEY VERSE: We are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works. Ephesians 2:10
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 2:1-10
TODAY’S INSIGHT
The creation account in Genesis says that “God created mankind in his own image” (1:27). Ephesians 2:10 also declares that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Jesus set the example for us during His earthly ministry by doing “many good works from the Father” (John 10:32). Peter elaborates and says: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, . . . he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him” (Acts 10:38). The fruit of the Spirit’s work in us is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). As believers in Christ, the Spirit will provide the opportunities and empowerment to follow in Jesus’ footsteps and do good works.
Read Our Daily Bread 23 July 2026 – MESSAGE
My friend needed to practice parallel parking before her driving test that was coming up soon. I was prayerfully looking for a safe place to teach her when the idea came to go to a neighborhood church with an ample parking lot. After we set up what turned out to be a less-than-ideal practice parking space using folding chairs, she made her first attempt to back into the spot between the chairs.
Then the pastor came out with orange cones in hand, similar to the kind used in a driving test. He introduced himself and asked, “Could you use these cones?” He explained that just last week their church family had discussed ways to help neighbors new to the community. “We talked about letting people use these cones in our parking lot for parking practice.” They had prepared to help others, and what a blessing they were for my friend.
Prepared to help others. That’s exactly what God did for us and in us. He “prepared in advance” for us to do good works and care for others (Ephesians 2:10). The apostle Paul says, “We are God’s handiwork” (v. 10), so we serve under His direction and for His purposes. Salvation is a gift from God (v. 8), who is “rich in mercy” (v. 4). Our good works are a work of God through us. He’s prepared us and will give us the compassion and wisdom we need to reach out to others.
REFLECT & PRAY: How has God gifted you? In what ways could you join with others to serve people in your community?
Dear God, please help me to see others’ needs and know what You want me to do so You may be seen.
Our Daily Bread Ministries (ODB) is a Christian organization founded by Dr. Martin De Haan in 1938. It is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with over 600 employees. It produces several devotional publications, including Our Daily Bread. our daily bread devotional for today audio our daily bread booklet.