September 25, 2026

ESPN

RSS Error: Retrieved unsupported status code "202"

Devotional

Verse of the Day - 1 John 2:1

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ the Righteous One.

—1 John 2:1

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God hates sin. Don't you? I know I do. But isn't it amazing how we'll fall back into the same old traps again and again? The goal is not to sin even one sin! But knowing our struggle against flesh, John also gives assurance to those of us who are trying to live faithful and pure lives. He wants us to know that when we do sin, the sacrifice for our sins, God's Son, is also our defense attorney who proclaims us sinless before God by his blood (Colossians 1:22; 1 John 1:7, 2:2). So let's draw close to Christ. Let's invite him into our hearts each morning as we begin the day (Revelation 3:20). Let's trust in his power and grace to sustain us and carry us through. As Paul prayed for new believers in Thessalonica: May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of the LORD Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24)

Video Commentary...

ToGather Worship Guide | More ToGather Videos

My Prayer...

God, no one and nothing is like you - even comparable to you. I did not have to provide the sacrifice for my sins. Even though my sins broke your heart, you provided that sacrifice. So, please use me today as I try to give myself, my life, and my future back to you as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you (Romans 12:1-2), because I want to thank you for your grace. Through Jesus, and in his name, I pray. Amen.

The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware. Questions or comments can be sent to help@verseoftheday.com.© 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. Verseoftheday.com is part of the Heartlight Network and is maintained by Infinite Publishing. | Privacy Policy

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Disclaimer: Content provided by Heartlight, Inc. is for informational and inspirational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for church, pastoral guidance, or professional counseling. Readers are solely responsible for their use of this material.

Christian Headlines

J.R.R. Tolkien to Join C.S. Lewis in Memorial at Westminster Abbey’s Poets’ Corner

Literary giants J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, whose profound friendship and Christian faith transformed modern literature, will soon be jointly honored at Westminster Abbey's esteemed Poets' Corner.  [...]

Chandler Moore Shares Rehab Journey as He Scores Major Career Milestone With ‘God I’m Just Grateful’

Grammy-winning artist Chandler Moore has bravely revealed a private 40-day rehab stay in 2023, sharing his raw journey through a powerful new song just as his latest collaboration soars onto [...]

9 in 10 Americans Believe in God or a Higher Power, New Survey Finds

A recent national survey challenges the narrative of declining religiosity in the U.S., revealing that nearly nine in 10 Americans affirm belief in God or a higher power and engage [...]

What Nepal-China Floods Teach Us About Christian Love

The devastating Nepal floods have left thousands of families searching for loved ones and rebuilding lives swept away in minutes. As Christians watch suffering from half a world away, Scripture [...]

458 Baptized in One Day, Setting Record for 137-Year-Old N.C. Church

A North Carolina church recently shattered its own record, baptizing more than 450 individuals in a single day, drawing an unexpectedly massive and enthusiastic crowd from hundreds of miles away.  [...]

Christian Today

First segments of Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer near Birmingham completed
A 20-year vision is finally becoming concrete.
Cautious welcome as 15 men sentenced over Sri Lanka Easter Sunday bombings
Christian groups welcomed the convictions but say questions remain about who was involved.
Catholicism in France has 'collapsed'
A new report on Catholicism in France comes days ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit.
Edinburgh University ends divinity programmes as theology faces a changing future
It marks a significant change for an institution whose history has been closely intertwined with theological education for centuries.
Lib Dems to investigate treatment of the faithful as Campanale case rumbles on
The Liberal Democrats have begun a review into how it treats people of faith within the party.
Trump urged to raise case of persecuted pastor with Xi
Pastor John Cao has been released from prison, but is barred from leaving China.

SIMPLE COOKING IDEAS

1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free)
1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free)

Honey almond snack cake!? You know you want to jump in on the fun! This GORGEOUS loaf is perfectly moist with a lightly floral flavor and beautiful sponge texture. Bonus? It’s made without gluten or dairy, but no one will know.

It’s the perfect cake for afternoon tea, brunch gatherings, and beyond! Just 10 ingredients, 1 bowl, and simple methods (no mixer) required. Let’s bake!

1-Bowl Honey Almond Snack Cake (Gluten-Free) from Minimalist Baker →

Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!)
Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!)

When we add another bolognese to the blog (Yes, we already have versions 1, 2, 3, and 4), you know it’s something special! This newest version is made with EGGPLANT, meaning it’s the perfect bolognese for late summer. It’s light yet satisfying, creamy yet bright, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavor — everyone will be asking for seconds!

Even better? It’s a breeze to make — just 1 pot required!

Easy Eggplant Bolognese (1 Pot!) from Minimalist Baker →

Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan)
Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan)

Just when we thought summer’s most perfect veggie couldn’t get any more delicious, corn FRITTERS graced our palettes. These crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside, lightly spiced fritters are a must-try appetizer or side!

Not only are they incredibly delicious, but these fritters are vegan, optionally gluten-free, and SO easy to make! Grab your mixing bowl and 10 basic ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying fritters in 30 minutes or less.

Easy Jalapeño Corn Fritters (Vegan) from Minimalist Baker →

Vegan Nutella Ice Cream
Vegan Nutella Ice Cream

Friends! The fluffiest, most satisfying, Nutella lover’s dream dessert is here: vegan ice cream made with chocolate and hazelnuts. It’s creamy, dreamy, oh-so delicious, and kind of perfect! Especially when craving a sweet treat on a warm summer day.

Just 6 ingredients required for this (dare we say) MASTERPIECE. It’s going to be on repeat in our ice cream maker all season long. Grab your cones. Let’s make Nutella ice cream!

Vegan Nutella Ice Cream from Minimalist Baker →

LIFE BALANCE

Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide)

Wondering how to get kids to do chores without yelling, bribing, or repeating yourself five times? If every day feels like a negotiation meeting, you’re not alone. Most parents describe the exact same loop when explaining the struggles they face when it comes to chores: the request, the ignore, the repeat, the snap. What’s Inside:The...

The post Get Kids to Do Chores Without Yelling (A Discipline Coach’s Guide) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

25 Core Memory Family Activities to Do Before Age 12

You’re loading the dishwasher one Tuesday evening when it hits you: your 6-year-old is halfway to twelve. And suddenly, it feels like time is slipping through your hands. It’s not panic, exactly. More like a quiet nudge. A reminder that this season (the one with messy craft projects and requests for “one more story” and...

The post 25 Core Memory Family Activities to Do Before Age 12 appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

25 Teacher-Approved Open-Ended Toys That Replace Screen Time (Ages 3 to 8)

If you’re looking for toys your kids will actually want to put down their tablets for, you’ve come to the right place. These 25 open-ended picks are the real deal: screen-free, imagination-fueling, and genuinely fun for kids ages 3 to 8. What’s Inside: You’ll find 25 toys organized into four fun categories (building, pretend play,...

The post 25 Teacher-Approved Open-Ended Toys That Replace Screen Time (Ages 3 to 8) appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

Stop After School Meltdowns: A Parenting Coach’s 4-Step Reset

After school meltdowns happen because children spend all day holding it together at school, then release that emotional tension at home. The technical term for this is “after school restraint collapse.” Below, I’ll show you how a simple 4-step reset routine that includes a transition, snack, movement, and connection can significantly reduce after school meltdowns...

The post Stop After School Meltdowns: A Parenting Coach’s 4-Step Reset appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

Free & Cheap Things to Do at Night with Kids

Looking for things to do with kids at night without spending a fortune? This post covers 50 budget-friendly nighttime activities for families. From free backyard adventures to affordable outings under $20 plus honest, real-life guidance from a mom who’s actually tested these on school nights and weekends alike. What’s Inside:✔️50 affordable nighttime activities you can...

The post Free & Cheap Things to Do at Night with Kids appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Creamy, Hearty, and Hands-Off

This slow cooker beef stroganoff combines tender beef stew meat, cream of mushroom soup, and a rich sour cream sauce, all cooked low and slow for an easy and filling meal. With just 10 minutes of prep and minimal cleanup, it’s one of the easiest comfort food dinners you can make for your family. Some...

The post Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Creamy, Hearty, and Hands-Off appeared first on Simply Well Balanced.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Gives Me Strength"