Devo for 2/8/2026 - Message by Dan Baumann
We were honored to have Dan Baumann come and speak this past weekend. Dan recounted his time when he was arrested and put in prison in Iran. He spoke of the power of God available to us when we suffer. One important truth he spoke of, and one we all need to understand and receive for ourselves, is this: There is nothing we can do to make God love us more! God loves us first, and all of the other stuff comes second.
Dan also noted that there are generally two types of Christians. Those who are living for the approval of God, and those who are living from God’s approval. The point is that we should all live our lives knowing that God approves of us, and because of that approval, He is pleased with us, wants to spend time with us, and wants to reconcile us back to Him!
But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Dan’s testimony about his time in an Iranian prison, and the torture and trials he underwent, was very impactful and showed the power and reward of surrendering everything to God. Once we reach the point of surrender and declare total dependence on God, His plan begins, and great things happen!
Dan’s testimony is one that is amazing because most of us have no idea what it is like to lose all of our rights and freedom by being thrown into a prison, then beaten and psychologically tortured, and get to a point where our faith is the only thing we have to hang on to. Then he is released through God's favor and is able to tell his story! That is a great testimony to God's goodness and an encouragement to all! But many of us feel like we can’t relate to that level of loneliness and pain. We may even think our “stuff” is not that bad. But God wants to do the same thing for us that He did for Dan! We all have our own “prisons” in our lives.
My question is this: What is your “prison”? What part of your life is taking away your freedom? What thoughts are messing with you and making you feel beaten down? Because the same God that walked with Dan during his time in prison (and throughout his life!) is the same God who wants to walk with you through your trials! You just have to surrender it all to Him and let Him be God.
I challenge everyone who reads this to spend time in God’s presence, ask Him to show you your “prisons,” and surrender, letting Him walk you through healing so you can walk in the freedom He created you to walk in. It is worth it!!
Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
Topic for Study
Approval
Galatians 1:10
2 Corinthians 10:18
Proverbs 29:25
February Memory Verse:
Psalm 119:10
"With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments"