Monday 9 November 2026, Week 46, Daily Devotional

Day 27 of 256

In Thy Name

Titles and works do not make us righteous

“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?”
Matthew 7:22 KJV

Opening thought

Today's Scripture reminds me of the nature and character of God. Indeed, God is a good God. There is no evil, darkness, or death in Him. Everything associated with our God is always good. People do what they think or feel, but that does not change God's character. Good intentions do not necessarily mean God's intentions.

The devotional message

Inside the Church

The people Jesus was talking about were not outside the church. They were in the church. They may partake of Holy Communion, speak in tongues, lead prayers, or sing in the choir. They may even be frontline evangelists or prophets. But their titles and works do not make them righteous before God.

They may be well respected and seated in the front row of the church. They may even perform miracles, but signs and wonders do not mean that you bear the marks of the Lord Jesus. Their works are different from their lives. Jesus said, "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me" (Matthew 15:8, KJV).

What have you been doing with the name of the Lord?

But their titles and works do not make them righteous before God.
Udeh Tochukwu Livinus · Day 27, In Thy Name

Reflect on the Word

Write your answers if you like. They stay on this device only.

  1. Which of your church activities could you be relying on instead of on Christ?

    Write your answer

  2. Is your heart as near to God as your lips are?

    Write your answer

  3. What have you been doing with the name of the Lord?

    Write your answer

Put it into practice

Closing prayer

Lord, You are good, and there is no darkness in You. Search my heart. Keep me from trusting in my titles, my service, or any gifts You have given me. Draw my heart near to You, so that my life matches my words. Let me do Your will, and let me be known by You. In Jesus' name, amen.

Kept on this device. Sign in to keep your progress on every device.

Share this devotional

Pass today's word on to someone who needs it.

WhatsApp Facebook Telegram X Email

Send a prayer request

Our prayer team will pray for you. Your request is private: only the team reads it.

Devotionals from other ministries

Today from ministries we value. Each opens on their website.

  • Choosing To Trust God When It Feels Impossible
    Proverbs 31 Ministries: Encouragement for Today

    “Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8, NIV).

  • In Hot Pursuit - Max Lucado
    Max Lucado

    Jesus still finds blind people and restores their sight. Did you know he promised that through his ministry the blind shall see? Christ came to give light

  • Billy Graham Daily Devotion: Hope for the Future
    Billy Graham Evangelistic Association

    When we talk about heaven, earth grows shabby by comparison. Our sorrows and problems here seem so much less, when we have keen anticipation of the fu

Ask