Devotional Blog

From Resurrection to Responsibility April 2, 2026 André K. Dugger “Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 (CSB) The celebration of Easter is not the finish line of the Christian faith; it is the launching point. The empty tomb is not merely proof that Jesus is alive; it is the foundation for the mission He has entrusted to every believer. Because Christ is risen, He now declares, “ All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth ” ( v. 18 ). The One who conquered sin, death, and the grave now commands His followers: “ Go… and make disciples of all nations ” ( v. 19 ). If we truly believe the message of Easter, we cannot remain passive. Resurrection faith produces mission-driven lives . Imagine a passionate football fan who is suddenly given unlimited, all-expenses-paid tickets to the Super Bowl; seats for as many friends as he wants to bring. What would he do? He wouldn’t hesitate. He would immediately start calling, texting, inviting; doing everything possible to make sure as many people as he knows could experience it with him. He wouldn’t stop until every ticket was filled. Now consider this: as incredible as that opportunity would be, it pales in comparison to what we have been given in the gospel. Through Jesus Christ, salvation is offered freely; full forgiveness, abundant and eternal life, and a restored relationship with God. This is not just an invitation to an event; it is an invitation to abundance and eternity. And yet, how often do we remain silent? Jesus did not say, “ Go and consider making disciples. ” He said, “ Go… make disciples… baptize… teach. ” This is the natural response to believing in the risen Christ. We are called to urgently and intentionally invite others; beginning with bringing them to hear the gospel, whether in church, in conversation, or through personal witness. Disciple-making begins with invitation, but it does not end there. It continues through walking with others, helping them grow, and teaching them to obey Christ. This is the mission of the church. This is your mission. And we do not go alone. Jesus promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (v. 20). The risen Savior empowers and accompanies every step of obedience through the person of the Holy Spirit. If you truly believe in the Resurrection, then you are called to respond. The tomb is empty. The mission is clear. Go. Reflection Questions: Because Jesus is risen, how are you actively living out His command to make disciples? Who are you inviting to know Jesus; not just to attend church, but to begin a relationship with Him? Who are you currently discipling or intentionally helping grow in their faith? Who will you invite and bring with you to church this Sunday as a first step in sharing the gospel? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, to be my Savior and Lord, and for the victory of the Resurrection. Thank You that because He lives, I have new life and a purpose to fulfill. Lord, thank You for empowering me through Your Holy Spirit to be Your witness, and for entrusting me with the mission of making disciples. Forgive me for the times I have been silent or hesitant to share the good news. Give me boldness, urgency, and love for others. Open my eyes to see those around me who need Jesus, and place a burden on my heart for their salvation. Show me specifically who You want me to reach, who You want me to disciple, and who You want me to invite and bring with me to church this Sunday. Help me to be faithful; not just to invite, but to invest in others and walk with them as they grow in Christ.  I trust that You are with me always, and I ask You to use my life for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Hope in God's Just Judgments March 30, 2026 André K. Dugger “Those who fear you will see me and rejoice, for I put my hope in your word. I know, Lord, that your judgments are just and that you have afflicted me fairly.” Psalm 119:74–75 (CSB) Hope is not built on circumstances, feelings, or fleeting promises. It is built on the unshakable Word of God. The psalmist declares that others who fear God will rejoice when they see his life, not because everything went smoothly for him, but because he placed his hope firmly in God’s Word. Your life becomes a testimony of God’s faithfulness when you anchor your hope in Him, especially during trials. The psalmist also acknowledges something difficult yet profoundly true: God’s judgments are just. Affliction, though painful, is not random or meaningless. When God allows difficulty, it is never without purpose. It is not cruelty but mercy that disciplines you and shapes you for holiness. Just as a loving father corrects his child, your heavenly Father uses affliction to draw you closer to His heart and to teach you His ways. When you endure suffering with faith and trust in God’s goodness, those around you who also fear the Lord find encouragement in your testimony. Your perseverance strengthens their faith. They rejoice, not in your pain, but in your unwavering hope. In Christ, this passage finds its fullest meaning. Jesus bore the ultimate affliction; the just judgment of sin, though He Himself was sinless. Through His suffering, you now have eternal hope. When you face trials, you can trust God’s justice and His love, knowing that even affliction is used to mold you into the image of Christ. Reflection Question: How does remembering Christ’s suffering help you endure your own trials with hope, and what practical step can you take today to show that your hope rests in God’s Word? Prayer: Father, thank You that Your judgments are always just and that You are faithful even in my affliction. Teach me to place my hope in Your Word, not in my circumstances. Let my life be a testimony of Your goodness so that others who fear You may rejoice and be encouraged. Strengthen me to endure trials with faith, remembering that Christ suffered for me and secured my eternal hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Created for His Commands March 23, 2026 André K. Dugger “ Your hands made me and formed me; give me understanding so that I can learn your commands. ” Psalms 119:73 (CSB) Every part of your being; your body, your mind, your soul; was carefully formed by the hands of God. You are not an accident or a product of chance. You are a deliberate creation of the Creator, shaped with purpose and designed to live in fellowship with Him. The psalmist acknowledges this truth and immediately prays for understanding so that he might live in line with God’s commands. This verse holds a profound reminder: the One who created you is the same One who gives you instruction for life. Because God designed you, He knows what will bring you joy, peace, and fulfillment. Just as a craftsman knows how his creation should function, your Maker knows the path that leads to life. That is why learning His commands is not a burden but a blessing; it is the way to live as you were meant to live. In a world where many reject the idea of God as Creator, this prayer grounds you in humility and dependence. You were formed by divine hands, and you need divine wisdom to live rightly. Knowledge alone is not enough; you need understanding. True understanding comes when the Spirit opens your heart to the meaning of God’s Word and shows you how to apply it in daily life. As a follower of Christ, you see this truth even more fully. Through Him, all things were created (John 1:3), and through Him, you are being remade into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). The God who formed you in your mother’s womb is the same God who is shaping you now through His Word and Spirit. When you pray for understanding, you are asking God not just to inform your mind, but to transform your heart. Reflection Question: How often do you pray for understanding before opening God’s Word, remembering that the One who created you is also the One who must teach you? Prayer: Father, You made me and formed me with Your hands. I belong to You. Give me true understanding so that I may not only know Your commands but live them out with joy. Shape me daily through Your Word and make me more like Jesus, the One through whom You created and redeemed me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Hidden Blessing of Affliction March 16, 2026 André K. Dugger “ It was good for me to be afflicted so that I could learn your statutes. Instruction from your lips is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces. ” Psalms 119:71-72 (CSB) At first glance, affliction never seems good. It brings pain, loss, or difficulty that you would never naturally choose. Yet the psalmist looks back on his suffering and declares that it was good, because it drove him deeper into God’s Word. Trials have a way of stripping away self-reliance and exposing your need for God’s truth in ways comfort never could. Affliction becomes a teacher when it pushes you to Scripture, opening your heart to lessons you might not have learned otherwise. The pain you endure often makes you listen more carefully, pray more earnestly, and cling more desperately to the promises of God. In that sense, affliction is not wasted, it is redeemed by God as a tool of growth. The psalmist then makes a stunning comparison: the instruction from God’s lips is better than all the wealth this world can offer. Silver and gold can buy comfort, but they cannot give life. Riches can secure influence, but they cannot secure righteousness. Only God’s Word leads you into eternal truth, shaping your heart for His glory. If you measure your trials only by the temporary pain they cause, you may see them as cruel. But if you see them as the hands of a loving Father shaping you through His Word, you will begin to understand their hidden goodness. Affliction sanctifies you, teaching lessons of humility, dependence, and obedience that nothing else can. When you treasure the instruction of God more than the treasures of this world, you will learn to say with the psalmist: “ It was good for me to be afflicted. ” Reflection Question: Can you look back on a season of affliction and see how God used it to teach you truths you might not have learned otherwise? Prayer: Father, thank you that even in my afflictions, You are working for my good. Help me to see trials not as punishment but as opportunities to learn Your Word more deeply. Teach me to treasure Your instruction more than wealth or comfort and give me faith to trust that Your hand is always good. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Goodness of God in a World of Lies March 9, 2026 André K. Dugger “ You are good, and you do what is good; teach me your statutes. The arrogant have smeared me with lies, but I obey your precepts with all my heart. Their hearts are hard and insensitive, but I delight in your instruction. ” Psalms 119:68-70 (CSB) In a world where lies and arrogance often surround you, there is one unshakable truth: God is good, and everything He does is good. His character is the foundation for your trust, especially when you face slander, injustice, or opposition. The psalmist clings to God’s goodness in the midst of false accusations, finding strength not in defending himself but in holding fast to God’s Word. When others smear your name, the temptation is to fight back in anger or bitterness. Yet the psalmist models a different response, obedience to God’s precepts with all his heart. Obedience in the face of lies is an act of faith, declaring that God’s opinion matters more than man’s. Notice also the contrast in this passage: while the arrogant harden their hearts and reject God’s instruction, the psalmist delights in it. A hard heart resists the truth, but a humble heart welcomes it with joy. If you want to remain steadfast when falsely accused or misunderstood, you must root yourself in the goodness of God and the delight of His Word. You may not be able to control the words of others, but you can choose your response. You can choose to believe that God is good and that His ways are right, no matter how others treat you. You can let slander push you deeper into Scripture, where you find comfort, guidance, and strength. When you delight in God’s instruction, you rise above the noise of false voices. You stand firm in the truth, knowing that the God who is good will vindicate you in His time. Reflection Question: When you face lies or opposition, do you respond by clinging to God’s Word with all your heart, or do you let the accusations shape your attitude? Prayer: Father, You are good, and everything You do is good. When others speak lies or treat me unjustly, help me to trust in Your character and obey Your Word with all my heart. Keep my heart soft and humble, delighting always in Your instruction. Teach me to find my refuge in Your truth, knowing You will never fail me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Peace You Cannot Produce March 6, 2026 André K. Dugger “ Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. ” Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” John 14:27 (CSB) “You will keep the mind that is dependent on you in perfect peace, for it is trusting in you.” Isaiah 26:3 (CSB) There is a kind of peace we all try to manufacture; a peace that comes from fixing problems, controlling outcomes, or making everything “right.” But if you’re honest, you’ve learned what I have: no matter how hard we try, we can’t fix everything. Some burdens are too heavy, some situations too complex, and some wounds too deep. That’s where God meets us; not with a demand to perform, but with an invitation to rest. Scripture reveals a peace unlike anything the world offers. It is not fragile or circumstantial. It is not dependent on everything going your way. It is the very peace of God; deep, steady, and unexplainable. In Philippians God tells us this peace guards our hearts and minds. It stands like a sentry over our anxiety, holding firm even when life feels uncertain. Jesus made it clear: “My peace I give to you… I do not give as the world gives.” The world’s peace is temporary and conditional. His peace is personal and eternal. But this peace is not something we achieve; it is something we receive. How? Through surrender. “Don’t worry about anything… but in everything… present your requests to God.” Prayer is not just asking; it is releasing. It is laying down the illusion of control and trusting the One who actually holds it. As we bring our concerns to Him with thanksgiving, something supernatural happens: our perspective shifts, our hearts settle, and His peace begins to take over. Isaiah adds a powerful truth: perfect peace belongs to the one whose mind is fixed on God. Peace grows where trust lives.  The peace you’re searching for isn’t found in control; it’s found in surrender. Reflection Question: Are you trying to fix everything yourself, or are you learning to seek God through prayer and trust Him to do what only He can do? Prayer: Lord, I cannot fix everything; but You can. Help me to hear Your voice clearly, to walk in step with Your Spirit, and to obey Your leading. Teach me to rest in You.

The Discipline of Affliction March 2, 2026 | André K. Dugger “ Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word. ” Psalm 119:67 (CSB) Affliction is never something you desire, but it often becomes the very tool God uses to bring your heart back to Him. The psalmist admits that before he suffered, he wandered away from the path of obedience. Pain, loss, or hardship have a way of stripping away your illusions of self-sufficiency and revealing how deeply you need God and His Word. Affliction is not always punishment; sometimes it is discipline meant to refine you and align your heart with God’s truth. Hebrews 12:10–11 reminds you that God disciplines you for your good, so that you may share in His holiness. Though painful at the moment, discipline produces “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” In other words, affliction can become the very means through which you rediscover the sweetness of God’s Word and the safety of walking in His commands. The psalmist testifies that hardship shifted his perspective. Once astray, now he treasures God’s Word enough to cling to it. You can experience this too. Trials can teach you that apart from God’s instruction, life leads to emptiness and regret. But when affliction humbles you, it drives you back to the unfailing promises of God. If you are walking through affliction today, ask God to open your eyes to what He wants to teach you through it. Don’t waste your suffering. Let it refine your faith, deepen your dependence on Christ, and stir your desire to obey His Word with greater devotion than before. Reflection Question: How has God used seasons of hardship or affliction in your life to bring you closer to Him and His Word? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that even in seasons of affliction, You are at work for my good. Forgive me for the times I wander from Your path. Use hardship not to break me, but to draw me closer to You and to anchor my heart in Your Word. Help me to trust Your discipline and to see it as a sign of Your love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A Victory That Death Cannot Touch February 26, 2026 | André K. Dugger “ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” Romans 38-39 (CSB) “When this corruptible body is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal body is clothed with immortality, then the saying that is written will take place: Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, death, is your victory? Where, death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (CSB) Last night, I stood in a hospital room with my friend Terry. He had just received a diagnosis that would shake anyone; bone cancer, with a limited amount of time left on this earth. As you can imagine, the weight of that moment was heavy. But what stood out most was not fear; it was faith. Terry spoke honestly about the seriousness of his condition. You could tell he understood the reality of what lay ahead. We talked about the power of God and how the Lord is fully able to bring healing, even now. But we also talked about something even greater; the certainty of eternity. Even if God chooses to heal the body for a time, every person will still one day face death. And yet, for the believer in Jesus Christ, death is not the end; it is victory. As Terry talked about God’s goodness, his face lit up. Here was a man, facing the possibility of death in the near future, yet overwhelmed with gratitude for God’s mercy, love, and blessings. That kind of peace does not come from circumstances; it comes from knowing Jesus. Romans 8 reminds you that nothing, not even death, can separate you from the love of God in Christ. First Corinthians 15 declares that death has been swallowed up in victory. Because of Jesus, the greatest fear you could face has already been defeated. You may not be in a hospital room today, but your eternity is no less certain. You will one day step from this life into the next. The question is; are you ready? If you are confident in your relationship with Jesus, then let today be filled with gratitude and worship. Celebrate the victory that is already yours. If you are unsure, or if you are burdened for someone you love who does not yet know Christ, I want to personally invite you to reach out to me. I would be honored to talk with you, pray with you, and walk through what it means to have a saving relationship with Jesus. Eternity is too important to leave to chance. Feel free to call me at 615-838-9103 or reply to this email. Reflection Question: If your life were suddenly shortened, would you have the same peace and confidence in Christ that Terry displayed? Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of salvation and the victory I have through Jesus Christ. Thank You that even death cannot separate me from Your love. Help me to live each day with an eternal perspective, trusting You fully and resting in Your promises. Give me peace where there is fear and assurance where there is doubt. Burden my heart for those who do not yet know You, and give me courage to speak and act in love. Draw me closer to You and help me walk faithfully with You each day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Surrounded by God's Faithful Love February 23, 2026 | André K. Dugger “Lord, the earth is filled with your faithful love; teach me your statutes. Lord, you have treated your servant well, just as you promised. Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on your commands.” Psalm 119:64-66 (CSB) The psalmist opens with a sweeping declaration: “ the earth is filled with your faithful love. ” Everywhere you look, there are reminders of God’s mercy. The rising sun, the provision of food, the kindness of a friend; all reflect the steadfast love of the Lord. When you view life through the lens of Scripture, even the ordinary moments shine with evidence of His covenant faithfulness. Yet this recognition stirs a deeper desire: “ teach me your statutes. ” God’s love is not just something to admire from afar, it is an invitation to draw near in obedience. True love for God always fuels a longing to know Him more through His Word. As Jesus said, “ If you love me, you will keep my commands ” (John 14:15). The psalmist also remembers God’s goodness: “ Lord, you have treated your servant well, just as you promised. ” Think of the ways God has carried you, through loss, struggle, doubt, or even seasons of wandering. His promises have not failed you. Remembering His past faithfulness strengthens your present trust. But the prayer doesn’t stop with gratitude. It presses forward: “ Teach me good judgment and discernment, for I rely on your commands. ” In a world overflowing with deception, temptation, and compromise, discernment is essential. Your feelings and opinions cannot be your guide; they shift like sand. Only God’s commands provide the solid ground you need. As you walk through each day, you are surrounded by God’s faithful love. His promises sustain you; His statutes instruct you, and His Spirit guides you. When you ask Him for discernment and rely on His Word, He equips you to live wisely and faithfully in a world desperate for truth. Reflection Question: What in your life do you most need God’s discernment, and how can you rely on His Word in that specific area today? Prayer: Father, thank You that the earth is filled with Your faithful love. You have dealt kindly with me according to Your promises, and I praise You for Your goodness. Teach me good judgment and discernment so I do not lean on my own understanding but walk in the wisdom of Your Word. Help me to glorify You in every choice I make. In Jesus’ name, amen.