Strong and Good - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2025

Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 23-24, Luke 19:1-27

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
Psalm 118:22

Today's Scripture & Insight: Psalm 118:13-14, 22-29

The young campus minister was troubled. But he looked conflicted when I dared to ask if he prays . . . for God's direction . . . for His help. To pray, as Paul urged, without ceasing. In reply, the young man confessed, "I'm not sure I believe anymore in prayer." He frowned. "Or believe that God is listening. Just look at the world." That young leader was "building" a ministry in his own strength and, sadly, he was failing. Why? He was rejecting God.

Jesus, as the cornerstone of the church, has always been rejected—starting, in fact, with His own people (John 1:11). Many still reject Him today, struggling to build their lives, work, even churches on lesser foundations—their own schemes, dreams, and other unreliable ground. Yet, our good Savior alone is our strength and defense (Psalm 118:14). Indeed, "the stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone" (v. 22).

Set at the vital corner of our lives, He provides the only right alignment for anything His believers seek to accomplish for Him. To Him, therefore, we pray, "Lord, save us! Lord, grant us success!" (v. 25). The result? "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" (v. 26). May we give thanks to Him because He's strong and good.

By: Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray
What dream or plans do you have as you build for God? How can you put Christ at the cornerstone of your plan, building it for Him?

I praise You, Jesus, for being the chief cornerstone. Only on You can Your church and my life stand.