Called to Serve - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. Matthew 16:25

Today's Scripture
Matthew 16:24-27

Today's Devotion
A married couple was settling into retirement, enjoying a beautiful home, more free time, and a relaxing life of service in their church. But then they heard a sermon featuring these powerful words of Jesus: “Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25). This verse speaks of surrendering one’s life and even laying down one’s own life for the cause of Christ.

Later, the couple read a devotional article containing the same verse. Soon after, they were challenged by the aging director of an overseas orphanage to take over for her. Answering Jesus’ call, the couple sold their home and “unretired.” They became the directors of that orphanage in another country. They lost one kind of life for another—giving up retirement to “deny themselves . . . and follow [Christ]” (v. 24) and care for some precious children.

Could it be that God is calling us in some way to give up something valuable to find the joy of obedience and a new opportunity to serve? This could be as small as giving up free time to assist someone or as big as setting aside a dream to pursue work in God’s name.

What we know for sure is this: When God calls us to give up something to serve Him, answering that call will lead to a rewarding life that honors Him (v. 27).

Reflect & Pray
Where is God nudging you to serve Him? How will you pray and prepare for what He’s drawing you to consider?

Dear God, You often lead me in surprising ways. Please help me see what You want me to do.

Today's Insights
As we hear Jesus’ call to a life of cross-bearing (Matthew 16:24-27), it’s important to understand the context. In the previous verses, Christ had asked His disciples to define His identity (vv. 13-15). Peter responded, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (v. 16). Having confirmed that His disciples understood who He was, Jesus explained His mission to them for the first time: “that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things . . . and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life” (v. 21). Then, after a brief dispute with Peter, Christ issued the call “to take up their cross and follow [Him]” (v. 24). When God calls to us to carry our cross and serve Him, we can remember how He sacrificed for us. He’ll help us answer that call and honor Him with our lives.

Bible in a Year

Ezekiel 18-19

James 4

Dave Branon