A WORD FOR TODAY, March 6, 2026
Peggy Hoppes
We pray you have been blessed by this daily devotion. If you received it from a friend, you can see other devotions and studies by visiting our website at www.awordfortoday.org.
Blessings. Peg
A WORD FOR TODAY, March 6, 2026
“I thank my God whenever I remember you, 4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all, making my requests with joy, for your partnership[a] in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now; being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace. For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus. This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:3-11, WEB
On August 1, 1999, I began a two-week commitment to send a word of inspiration to a group of friends. Halfway through that commitment I wondered how I'd ever have enough ideas to make it to the end. At the end of the second week, I still had a few thoughts to share, so I continued to write. As people learned of the writing, they asked to be added to the list. I have been writing this devotional for more than twenty-six years now. It has undergone many changes. I began writing seven days a week and eventually cut it to five so that I would have a sabbath rest each week. In January 2003, I began writing Midweek Oasis, the devotion I post on Wednesdays. I have used several different email programs over the years. I added a Facebook page. I’ve changed Bible versions. My writing has grown with practice. I have more knowledge of the Bible; I see God’s grace more clearly and understand so much more than I did twenty-six years ago. Wisdom comes with age, I guess.
A few weeks into writing this devotional, someone suggested that I should post the writings on the web, so they would be available to anyone who would like to access them. So, I tried. And failed. I tried a number of different programs and editors, but I failed miserably. On September 17 of that year, as I sat at my computer tired and frustrated, I cried out to God, “If you want this to happen, you will have to make it happen!” At that moment, an old friend struck up a conversation with me online. We had not seen each other for some time, so we talked about our lives, our triumphs and failings. I told him about my desire to build a website to share these writings.
He said, “Peggy, do you know what I've been doing for the past six months?” Then he sent me the link to his first paid website. That weekend, my friend walked me through the process and taught me everything I needed to know. We worked together to put God’s Word on the web, and I am so thankful for everything he did. I’ve been posting almost daily on that website for more than twenty-six years, creating nearly two thousand pages of writing and other resources.
Unfortunately, the technology has gotten so much better in twenty-six years, and my website editor has not kept up with the growth. There have been times in the past few years that I have been frustrated with glitches that made it difficult to do my work. Thought those times, my website continued to be accessible. The company always managed to fix the problems for a few months or so, until recently. Everything disappeared in January. Now, I have been able to email the writing and post on Facebook, but my archives seem to be gone. Twenty-six years of work in the blink of an eye.
I have been assured that it is not gone, that they are working on the problem. I’m lucky because I’ve kept my work on my computer and I still have access through my other outlets, and it is not a business for me. Some people have complained because they have been unable to sell their products while their websites have been down. It has been a frustrating two months.
I have a confession to make. This glitch on my website made me wonder if it is time to move on to something new. I’ve been trying to write a book (actually two) for years, and I just don’t find the time. I don’t spend as much time in my studio making art as I would like. I’m also busy with the Bible studies I write and follow. On top of that, I have wondered whether it is time to find something to do outside the home, like a part time job or volunteer opportunity. I really don’t have time for it all. I’m constantly counseling friends to edit their schedules, to let go of some things so that they can give more to others. I wonder if it is time for me to go through the same discernment. Has “A WORD FOR TODAY” run its course? Most people are considering retirement at my age; they get their gold watch after twenty-five years in a company. I honestly never thought it would last this long. Is it time for me to look for opportunities and activities meant for a woman of a certain vintage? Perhaps you’ll see my name on the shelf at your favorite bookstore someday.
Today’s scripture is one of my favorites. As a matter of fact, I’ve used it many times over the years. I’ve even quoted verses 9-11 on the business card I use when sharing my website with others. In these words, we see the deep love Paul had for the Christians in his care. He was unconcerned about the persecution that was happening to him as long as his brothers and sisters grew in grace and love. The simple grace of Jesus Christ is the very thing that got him and them through the difficult times. They were constantly, as we still are, moving toward the Day of the Lord, and knowing that God is always near will help us persevere until He fulfills all His promises.
I’m not making any decisions immediately, although I will not be posting for the next week. I am going on a vacation and will not have access for posting. It will be good to spend time in prayer, to listen for God’s voice, to seek His will. You all have been so supportive, and now I covet your prayer through this season of discernment. Though many of you are strangers, we are one in Christ, joined together in Spirit and truth. Sharing our faith is never easy; it is fraught with the dangers of persecution and spiritual warfare, which I have experienced at times. However, I know I am never alone. I am confident that God has brought us together for mutual edification and that together we will continue to bless the world through our witness. May God continue to bless each of us as we shine God’s light in this world, in whatever manner that may be.
A WORD FOR TODAY is posted five days a week – Monday through Friday. The devotional on Wednesday takes a look at the scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday. A WORD FOR TODAY is posted on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/A-Word-for-Today-Devotional/339428839418276.