Week of February 22, 2026
DISCOVERING OUR IDENTITY
Monday | February 23
Read: Matthew 5:13
Devotion: Jesus promises a secure identity, defined and given by him. The activity of our lives flows from this secure reality. Our actions find their source in who we believe we are. So often, we believe our actions make us who we are, but Jesus says identity comes first.
When Jesus tells us, “You are the salt of the earth,” he is saying our identity can be understood in the same way we understand salt. Salt isn’t salt because of what it does; Salt does specific things because it is salt. Jesus encourages our imaginations to run wild with how to bless others- all because we are Jesus’ people. We lose our “saltiness” when we try to create our own lives and identity, by looking back at Sodom rather than ahead to heaven, by living outside of our God-given identity.
Salt preserves things (pickling and canning, etc.), so that means the holy lives of Christians preserve the earth. Our kindness, love, and investment preserve goodness in the world. Salt makes things tastier. Thus, Christians make society more dynamic, more interesting. Salt contains vital trace minerals. The Christian life offers nourishment found nowhere else. In our part of the world, salt melts ice, making walkways safer. Christians are the kind of people who make straight paths for others, clearing the way of harmful obstacles. In other words, we can identify Christ-followers as the exact type of people we want around.
Reflect: How does being called the “salt of the earth” encourage you to live as a Christ-follower?
Pray: Jesus, we love you. You have made our lives eternally better. Empower us to pass the salt and share your goodness with the world. In your name we pray, Amen.
Tuesday | February 24
Read: Matthew 5:14-16
Devotion: Searching in the dark is so difficult. Add a little light to the subject, and everything gets a little easier. We are not trying to figure out who we are in the dark. Jesus wants us to see our hearts and lives clearly. “You are the light of the world.” In other words, we are the thing in the world that makes it possible to see.
We don’t have to be confused about who we are as Christians. We are the light of the world, the people who are blessed whether things are good or bad, the children of our heavenly Father. The thing about light is that it keeps moving. There is always more darkness to penetrate. There is always more to see. There is always another person to warm up, cheer up, brighten up.
You don’t have to search for your meaning, your value, or your identity. It has been bestowed upon you by the Light of the World (John 8). And God is not going to hide you away, just because you are so secure in who you are. No, God has a great purpose- to let your light shine so that other people can give glory to God when they look at you.
Isn’t it interesting that God wants to be seen in us? Just as a parent’s resemblance can be seen in the face of a child, so the light of God shines through you. And God is making his life-changing love known to a dark world through you.
Reflect: What darkness has God’s light broken in your life? To whom can you bring life-changing light and love?
Pray: Oh, heavenly Father, shine your love deep into my soul and make me whole. Make me light, and may your love shine bright through my words, thoughts, and actions today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Wednesday | February 25
Read: 1 Peter 2:9-10
Devotion: “Who are you? Who, who, who, who? Please tell me, cause I really want to know, who are you?”
This was the chorus to a song sung by the band The Who in 1978. There were a couple of verses that I didn’t (and still don’t) understand, but it was the 70’s and drugs ran rampant, so there’s that. The song is almost 5 minutes long, and most of it is the chorus repeated. It seems that Pete (Peter Townsend, the lead singer) is pretty adamant that he wants to know who we are.
As Christians, our answer is: A Child of God. According to Peter (the Apostle – not the aforementioned singer), we are Chosen, A Royal Priesthood, and Holy. That sounds pretty important. It sounds powerful. Privileged, even, and that’s all true. However, we need to acknowledge and accept the responsibility that comes with it.
The joy and comfort that come with knowing we are God’s children mean we need to mirror the love, patience, and humility Jesus lived out. Jesus showed us how to live a life as The Chosen so we could be His hands and feet on Earth.
Reflect: What responsibility comes with being a chosen, holy child of the Eternal King?
Pray: Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing us. We ask that the Holy Spirit lead us to do the work you want, and that we do it with love and humility, as Jesus taught us. Amen.
Thursday | February 26
Read: Isaiah 43:1-2
Devotion: Despite God’s miraculous deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the fact that God equipped them to conquer the Promised Land, the Israelites floundered spiritually. But through all of this, God wanted those people faithful to Him to know He loved and provided for them.
This passage offers comfort to those facing struggles in their lives. It offers a sense of peace by assuring God’s faithful followers that He is their Creator and Redeemer. He says, “Fear not, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” God offers us a personal relationship and His divine protection. The ultimate outcome of our lives is secured in God’s hands.
God implies that trials are inevitable, but He promises to be present, helping us to endure them. His covenant promises that we will not be overcome because He is with us. Nothing is dependent on our individual strengths alone, but we can rest assured, knowing of God’s sacrificial love, that He cares for us, protects us, and redeems us.
Reflect: How does God’s assurance of being with Israel during times of disbelief and rejection apply to our understanding of God’s presence in our lives?
Pray: Loving Father, thank You for Your gracious promises. As we face the trials and tribulations of life, may we remember Your truth. Help us to know who You are and the promises You have given to all Your children. We pray for strength and protection during difficult times. You are the all-knowing, all- gracious God who loves us with an everlasting love. Praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
Friday | February 27
Read: John 8:9-11
Devotion: Are you defined by your sin? As seen in John 8, a woman caught in adultery is set free from the death she was sentenced to and set free from the sin that bound her. When you face your own sin, does it feel like a part of you that needs to be hidden, or something that you can lay at the feet of the cross? Often, our sin becomes our identity; we are defined by our struggles. But in Christ, we are not defined by the sin that entangles. That sin was taken to the cross with Jesus, and He died and rose again, so we have freedom from our sin. Although the woman in this account was sentenced to death, Jesus paid the price, just like He did for you.
Jesus does not stop there, though. He offers full forgiveness, and then He calls us to live differently. We are not simply sinners stuck in our sin, but redeemed creations in Christ. When Christ rose from the grave, He brought us with Him - leading us to live like Him. It is a big calling - but it is our identity. We are redeemed. We are made new.
Reflect: How has your struggle with specific sins impacted the way you view yourself? How can you change your perspective, knowing of the redemption in Christ?
Pray: Lord, teach our hearts to break for what breaks Yours. Forgive us for our sin and remind us of Your never-ending grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Saturday | February 28
Read: Revelation 7:14
Devotion: When we first moved to Wisconsin, I was not looking forward to the cold, snowy winters. Thankfully, our first winter here was mild, and not much snow fell. This winter has been different. The snow started in November, and we have barely seen the grass in three months. I still don’t care for the cold, but I have come to appreciate each new blanket of snow. It covers the dirt and muck and sparkles freshly, making everything look new again.
In this passage, the apostle John sees in his vision people of every nation, tribe, and tongue. He has just been asked by the elders in heaven who the multitudes of people in white robes might be. The elders then give him the answer, and a picture of our heavenly identity: All the people in heaven are clothed in white – a symbol of purity, innocence, and cleanliness.
John’s revelation about our identity fulfills the prophecy in Isaiah 1:18: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Like a fresh snowfall, the blood of the Lamb has made us white as snow. By Jesus ’ death and resurrection, God has covered over our sin and made us clean. One day, we will join the multitude in heaven, where there will be no more tribulation, trouble, or struggle.
Reflect: How does knowing your sins are washed clean by Jesus change your perception of your own identity? How about the identity of other people?
Pray: Lord, I praise you, for you have covered over my sin and made me white as snow. I trust in you. Amen.
