Our Daily Bread July 25 2026
Today is July 25, 2026 and Our Daily Bread July 25 is: “Serving God, Not Self”—a devotional reminding believers that true fulfillment comes from humbly serving God rather than seeking personal glory, based on 2 Samuel 18:12–18.
Read: Our Daily Bread July 24 2026
Overview of Our Daily Bread July 25
| Devotional Title | Serving God, Not Self |
| Date | July 25, 2026 |
| Author | Tom Felten |
| Main Scripture | 2 Samuel 18:12–18 |
| Key Verse | “During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it… as a monument to himself.” — 2 Samuel 18:18 |
| Main Theme | Humility, serving God, rejecting pride |
| Central Message | Lasting significance is found in serving God, not ourselves. |
Today’s Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:12–18
The devotional focuses on the final chapter of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, King David. Although Absalom had built a monument to preserve his own legacy, his pride and ambition ultimately led to his downfall.
His life illustrates an important biblical principle:
Human achievements cannot replace a heart fully devoted to God.
While monuments, titles, wealth, or recognition may seem impressive, none of them can provide eternal meaning apart from a relationship with God.
What Is the Message of Our Daily Bread July 25, 2026?
Today’s devotional contrasts two very different approaches to life:
- Living to glorify ourselves
- Living to glorify God
Absalom desired influence, admiration, and power. Instead of trusting God’s timing, he manipulated people and sought the throne through selfish ambition. His monument symbolized a desire to leave behind his own greatness.
Yet despite all his efforts, Absalom’s life ended in defeat.
The devotional reminds readers that earthly fame is temporary, but faithful obedience to God has eternal value.
Understanding Absalom’s Monument
One striking detail in today’s Scripture is that Absalom erected a monument in his own honour while he was still alive.
This action reflected more than confidence—it revealed pride.
Rather than allowing God to establish his legacy, Absalom attempted to secure it himself.
Throughout Scripture, pride repeatedly separates people from God’s purposes. Whether in the lives of kings, nations, or individuals, self-exaltation eventually leads to destruction, while humility opens the door to God’s grace.
The Lesson from Ramesses II
The devotional begins by mentioning the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II.
He commissioned enormous statues and monuments celebrating his accomplishments. One famous red-granite statue still stands as evidence of his earthly power.
Yet history also records that despite all his wealth and influence, Ramesses eventually died suffering from numerous physical illnesses.
The contrast is intentional.
Human greatness fades.
Only God’s kingdom lasts forever.
Achievements may be remembered for a season, but our relationship with God determines our eternal future.
Why Serving Yourself Never Satisfies
Modern culture often encourages people to:
- Build a personal brand
- Seek recognition
- Pursue status
- Measure success by popularity
- Place personal ambition above everything else
While there is nothing wrong with working hard or using our gifts, Scripture warns against making ourselves the centre of life.
Self-centred living eventually produces:
- Pride
- Envy
- Constant comparison
- Spiritual emptiness
- Broken relationships
No amount of achievement can satisfy the deepest needs of the human heart.
Only Christ can.
What Does It Mean to Serve God?
Serving God is much more than attending church or volunteering.
It means allowing every area of life to reflect His character.
Practical ways believers serve God include:
Loving Others Selflessly
Jesus consistently placed the needs of others before His own.
Serving family members, neighbours, co-workers, and strangers demonstrates God’s love in practical ways.
Choosing Humility
Philippians 2 points to Jesus as the ultimate example of humility.
Rather than seeking honour, Christ willingly became a servant and gave His life for humanity.
Believers are called to imitate that same attitude.
Trusting God’s Timing
Absalom tried to seize what God had not given him.
Serving God means trusting His plans instead of forcing our own ambitions.
Living for Eternal Rewards
Instead of pursuing temporary applause, Christians are encouraged to seek treasures in heaven through faithful obedience.
Reflection on Today’s Prayer
Today’s prayer is simple yet profound:
“All-powerful God, please help me to serve You in love and humility. You’re the only one who’s worthy of my worship.”
This prayer reminds believers that worship extends beyond songs and church services.
Every act of obedience, kindness, forgiveness, generosity, and humility becomes an expression of worship toward God.
Today’s Insight: Understanding Absalom’s Story
The devotional also provides important background from 2 Samuel 13.
Absalom experienced deep personal pain after his sister Tamar was assaulted by their half-brother Amnon. King David’s failure to respond appropriately created bitterness that eventually grew into revenge and rebellion.
Although Absalom’s emotions were understandable, his response moved further away from God’s justice rather than closer to it.
Instead of trusting God, he relied on anger, manipulation, and personal ambition.
His monument ultimately became a symbol of misplaced priorities.
Today’s believers have a tremendous advantage.
Through the Holy Spirit, God empowers Christians to pursue forgiveness, wisdom, humility, and justice without falling into pride or vengeance.
Life Applications from Our Daily Bread July 25, 2026
Today’s devotional encourages readers to ask themselves several important questions:
- Am I seeking God’s glory or my own?
- Do I serve others with genuine humility?
- Is my identity rooted in Christ or in personal success?
- Am I trusting God’s timing instead of forcing my own plans?
- What legacy am I truly building?
These questions invite honest reflection and spiritual growth.
Biblical Truth About Humility
The Bible consistently teaches that humility is not weakness.
Rather, it is strength under God’s authority.
Jesus Himself declared that the greatest people in God’s kingdom are those who willingly serve others.
A humble heart recognises that every blessing, opportunity, and accomplishment ultimately comes from God.
When believers surrender their ambitions to Him, they discover a deeper joy that success alone can never provide.
FAQs on July 25 Our Daily Bread Devotional
The theme is “Serving God, Not Self,” encouraging believers to reject pride and selfish ambition while embracing humility and faithful service to God.
The devotional is based on 2 Samuel 18:12–18, focusing on Absalom’s monument and the consequences of pride.
The devotional was written by Tom Felten.
Absalom’s life demonstrates that pursuing personal glory leads to destruction, while humble obedience to God results in lasting spiritual fulfilment.
Believers can apply today’s message by serving others with humility, trusting God’s timing, rejecting selfish ambition, and seeking to glorify God in every area of life.
Humility reflects the character of Jesus Christ. It allows believers to depend on God, value others above themselves, and live according to God’s purposes rather than personal ambition.
Shashikant Kumar shares inspiring Bible verses and faith-filled reflections on catholicreadingtoday.com to guide readers toward peace, hope, and prayer.