Daily Devotions
Daily Devotions
The devotions here are based on the Bible text that we will be using and sharing from this week.
April 10, 2025: The Days of Noah and the Coming Judgment
Scripture: Luke 17:26-27
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying, and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.”
Think About This:
Jesus compares His second coming to the days of Noah, when people were living their lives as usual, unaware of the impending judgment. The flood came suddenly, catching everyone unprepared. This serves as a warning: we cannot afford to live as though the return of Christ is a distant or non-existent event. We live in expectation of Christ’s return calls us to be ready, always watching and preparing our hearts.
Are you living as though Christ could return today? Is there anything you need to change in your life to live more faithfully in light of His coming?
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you ensure you’re living a faithful life, ready for Christ’s return?
- In what ways might you be caught off guard by the world’s distractions, like the people in Noah’s day?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live each day with the awareness that You could return at any moment. Keep my heart focused on You, and help me to live with urgency and faithfulness.
April 9, 2025: The Necessary Suffering of the Son of Man
Scripture: Luke 17:25
“But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.”
Reflection:
Before Jesus could return in glory, He had to first suffer and die for our sins. This was a necessary part of God’s plan for salvation. Jesus’ suffering on the cross was not an accident or an afterthought; it was the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. We hold to the centrality of the cross in our faith—Jesus’ death and resurrection are the foundation of our salvation.
Take time today to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice. His suffering paved the way for your salvation. How does this shape your response to Him?
Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, for enduring suffering and rejection for my sake. Help me to never take Your sacrifice for granted, and give me a heart of gratitude as I live in light of Your love.
April 8, 2025: The Coming of the Son of Man
Scripture: Luke 17:22-25
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, “There He is!” or “Here He is!” Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in His day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other.'”
Think about this:
Jesus warns that His return will not be something that people can predict or make happen through their own efforts. When He comes again, it will be undeniable, like lightning flashing across the sky. We are called to be patient and vigilant, not seeking out false promises or false claims of His return.
Southern Baptists emphasize the certainty of Christ’s return, but we also recognize that no one knows the day or hour. As we wait, we are to live faithfully, trusting that God will fulfill His promise in His perfect timing.
Questions for Reflection:
- Are you living with an awareness of Christ’s return?
- How can you stay alert and faithful while waiting?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be patient and watchful as I await Your return. Keep me from being misled by false teachings and give me the grace to remain faithful until You come.
April 7, 2025: The Coming Kingdom of God
Scripture: Luke 17:20-21
“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The Kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the Kingdom of God is in your midst.'”
Reflection:
The Kingdom of God is not a visible, earthly kingdom that can be observed or placed on a map. Jesus reminds us that God’s reign is already here, but not fully revealed. The Kingdom of God is present in the hearts of believers who have accepted Christ as Lord and Savior. As Southern Baptists, we believe that the Kingdom began with Jesus’ first coming and will be fully realized when He returns.
Today, reflect on the fact that God’s Kingdom is present in your life. How does the reign of Christ impact the way you live? Are you submitting to His rule each day?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your Kingdom that is present in my life. Help me to live each day in submission to Your rule, bringing Your Kingdom to those around me. May Your reign grow in my heart and in the world.
April 6, 2025: Faith and Gratitude Lead to Salvation
Scripture: Luke 17:19
“Then He said to him, ‘Rise and go; your faith has made you well.'”
Reflection:
Jesus tells the Samaritan that his faith has made him “well,” which is not just referring to his physical healing but his spiritual wholeness. The other nine lepers were healed physically, but only the Samaritan received something deeper—salvation. True healing in Christ brings both physical and spiritual restoration, and faith is the key to receiving that fullness.
Gratitude and faith go hand in hand. A thankful heart is often the sign of true faith in God. When we recognize His work in our lives, we are more likely to follow Him and seek His will for our lives.
Questions for Reflection:
How does your faith in Christ shape your response to the healing and blessings in your life?
How can you grow in faith and gratitude toward God?
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for the healing You have brought into my life. Help me to grow in faith and to recognize Your hand at work in all areas of my life. May my heart overflow with gratitude and lead me to live fully for You.
April 5, 2025: Jesus’ Desire for Wholeness
Scripture: Luke 17:17-18
“Jesus asked, ‘Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?'”
Reflection:
Jesus pointed out that only one leper returned to give praise, and he was a Samaritan, someone who was considered an outsider. Jesus’ question reveals a heartache over the fact that many receive His blessings but fail to return in gratitude. Healing is not just a physical restoration, but a spiritual one that calls us to wholeness—heart, mind, and spirit.
Jesus desires for us to not only experience His blessings but to live in constant gratitude and recognition of His grace. The other nine may have received physical healing, but the one who returned received something even greater: spiritual wholeness and a deeper connection to Jesus.
Questions for Reflection:
Do you take time to thank Jesus for the blessings you have received, or do you move on quickly without acknowledging Him?
What does true wholeness in your relationship with Jesus look like?
Prayer:
Lord, I don’t want to take Your blessings for granted. Help me to recognize that healing is not just physical but also spiritual. Teach me to return to You in gratitude and to live in wholeness with You.
April 4, 2025: True Healing Brings Us Back to Jesus
Scripture: Luke 17:16
“He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him—and he was a Samaritan.”
Think About This:
The Samaritan leper not only received physical healing but also understood the spiritual importance of returning to Jesus. True healing is not just about physical restoration but about drawing closer to Jesus. His healing led him to worship and gratitude. It is essential to remember that God heals us not just to restore us to our physical selves but to bring us into a closer relationship with Him.
When we experience God’s healing—whether emotional, spiritual, or physical—we should be drawn nearer to Him, in worship and obedience.
Questions for Reflection:
Have you experienced healing in any area of your life that has drawn you closer to Jesus?
How can you respond to God’s healing with worship and gratitude?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the healing You have brought into my life. Help me to draw closer to You, to seek You in all things, and to always respond with worship and gratitude for what You have done.
April 3, 2025: The Power of Gratitude
Scripture: Luke 17:15-16
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him—and he was a Samaritan.”
Reflection:
Out of the ten lepers, only one returned to give thanks to Jesus. This Samaritan recognized that his healing was a gift from God and responded with gratitude. Gratitude is an essential response to God’s work in our lives. It is easy to take blessings for granted, but true healing—both physically and spiritually—requires a heart that responds in praise and thanksgiving.
Gratitude helps us recognize God’s hand in our lives and keeps us humble. It reminds us that everything we have is a gift from Him.
Questions for Reflection:
How do you respond when God answers your prayers or blesses you?
In what areas of your life do you need to express more gratitude to God?
Prayer:
Lord, I thank You for all the blessings You have given me, both big and small. Teach me to have a heart of gratitude and to always recognize Your work in my life. May my life reflect thanksgiving in all things.
April 2, 2025: The Power of Obedience
Scripture: Luke 17:14b
“And as they went, they were cleansed.”
Think About It:
The ten lepers were healed as they obeyed Jesus’ command. It was in the process of doing what He said that they received their healing. Often, we wait for a miracle before we take action, but God calls us to trust Him and take the first step. Obedience is an act of faith that leads to transformation.
In our spiritual walk, obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s often the key to unlocking God’s blessings and seeing His power at work in our lives.
Questions for Reflection:
Are you waiting for a change before taking action, or are you stepping out in obedience?
How can you practice obedience in a specific area of your life today?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to obey Your Word even when I don’t see immediate results. I trust that Your plan for me is good, and I want to follow You with all my heart.
April 1, 2025: The Call to Faith
Scripture: Luke 17:14
“When He saw them, He said, ‘Go, show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were cleansed.”
Think about this:
Jesus’ command to go show themselves to the priests was an act of faith for the lepers. In the Old Testament, lepers had to be declared clean by the priests before they could re-enter society. Jesus told them to act as though they were already healed before they saw the priests. Their healing came as they obeyed, showing that faith often requires action.
Faith requires more than just belief—it requires obedience. When God calls us to act, even before we see the results, He is testing our trust in His promises.
Questions for Reflection:
Are there areas in your life where God is asking you to step out in faith before you see the outcome?
How does this passage challenge you to obey God, even when His plans are not immediately clear?
Prayer:
Lord, give me the strength to step out in faith when You call me. Help me to trust that as I obey, Your promises will be fulfilled.
the results, He is testing our trust in His promises.
Questions for Reflection:
Are there areas in your life where God is asking you to step out in faith before you see the outcome?
How does this passage challenge you to obey God, even when His plans are not immediately clear?
Prayer:
Lord, give me the strength to step out in faith when You call me. Help me to trust that as I obey, Your promises will be fulfilled.
March 31, 2025:
The Healing Power of Jesus
Scripture: Luke 17:11-13
“Now on His way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As He was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met Him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, ‘Jesus, Master, have pity on us!'”
Think about it:
In this passage, we see ten lepers who were desperate for healing. They knew they could do nothing on their own to fix their condition. They recognized Jesus’ authority and called out to Him for mercy. Like the lepers, we often find ourselves in situations where we are powerless to heal our own brokenness. Jesus is always ready to hear our cries, no matter the condition or distance.
Questions for Reflection:
Are you willing to cry out to Jesus for mercy when you’re in need?
How does this passage remind you of the power of Jesus to heal and restore?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being a God who hears our cries. Help me to always recognize Your authority and approach You with faith, knowing You are ready to offer mercy and healing.
March 29, 2025
Humble Obedience to God’s Will
Scripture: Luke 17:10
“So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'”
Reflection:
This verse calls us to a posture of humility after fulfilling our duties. It is not about seeking reward or recognition but about acknowledging that our obedience to God is simply our duty as His servants. As Southern Baptists, we believe in living out our faith in practical ways, recognizing that our lives should be marked by obedience to God’s Word and the Great Commission. When we do what we are called to do, we do it as an act of love and submission to Christ. Today, reflect on how you approach your daily responsibilities—are you doing them with humility and for God’s glory?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to always approach my duties with a heart of humility, recognizing that obedience to You is my reasonable service. May I never seek praise, but only Your will and glory in all I do.
March 28, 2025
A Servant’s Heart in the Kingdom of God
Scripture: Luke 17:7-10
“Suppose one of you has a servant plowing or looking after the sheep. Will he say to the servant when he comes in from the field, ‘Come along now and sit down to eat’? Won’t he rather say, ‘Prepare my supper, get yourself ready and wait on me while I eat and drink; after that you may eat and drink’? Will he thank the servant because he did what he was told to do? So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.'”
Reflection:
As Christians, we are called to a life of humility and obedience to Christ, not seeking recognition or praise but simply fulfilling our duty to God. Southern Baptists emphasize serving God and others with a heart of humility, understanding that our role in His Kingdom is not for personal glory. We serve out of love for Christ and a desire to see His will accomplished on earth. Reflect on your service today. Do you approach it with the mindset of “unworthy servant,” doing all for God’s glory?
Prayer:
God, remind me daily that my service is for You and not for man’s recognition. Help me to serve with humility and love, knowing that in Your Kingdom, we are all servants of the Most High. May my actions bring glory to You alone.
March 27, 2025
Faith That Moves Mountains
Scripture: Luke 17:5-6
“The apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith!’ He replied, ‘If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.'”
Reflection:
We hold to the power of prayer and faith, teaching that faith in God is the key to overcoming the impossible. Jesus tells His disciples that even a small amount of faith in God’s power can do miraculous things. It’s not about the size of our faith, but about the object of our faith—God Himself. We must trust in His ability and not rely on our own strength. Reflect on your faith today—do you truly believe that God can do all things? Let your faith be anchored in His ability, not in your circumstances.
Prayer:
Lord, I ask for more faith in You. Even if my faith is small, I trust that You can work mighty things in and through my life. Strengthen my trust in Your power and guide me to walk in Your ways every day.
March 26, 2025
The Seriousness of Sin and the Call to Forgiveness
Scripture: Luke 17:1-4
“Jesus said to His disciples: ‘Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, but woe to anyone through whom they come. It would be better for them to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around their neck than to cause one of these little ones to stumble. So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, “I repent,” you must forgive them.'”
Think About It:
Jesus places a grave warning about leading others into sin, especially those who are spiritually immature or vulnerable. As a believer, it’s our responsibility to live in such a way that we do not cause others to fall into sin. Even in the face of repeated offenses, forgiveness is required—reflecting Christ’s unconditional grace toward us. Forgiving others reflects the heart of the Gospel. As you reflect today, consider the people in your life whom you might need to forgive, and seek God’s strength to do so.
Prayer:
Father, I recognize the seriousness of sin and the responsibility I have to lead others faithfully. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me, even when it is difficult. I pray for the strength to offer grace, as You have shown grace to me.