Daily Devotions
Daily Devotions
The devotions here are based on the Bible text that we will be using and sharing from this week.
Glorifying God
May 18, 2025
Passage: Luke 18:43
Theme: A life of praise
Reflection:
The man followed Jesus, glorifying God. And the people who saw it also praised God. True encounters with Jesus lead to worship—and inspire others to praise Him too.
Prayer:
God, may my life glorify You. Let my testimony point others to Your goodness and power.
Application:
Share a testimony with someone today about what God has done in your life recently. Let your story glorify Him.
Receive Your Sight
May 17, 2025
Passage: Luke 18:42-43 And Jesus said to him, “Recover your sight; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.
Theme: Faith that receives
Reflection:
The blind man was healed immediately. Jesus said, “Your faith has healed you.” His faith wasn’t perfect, but it was directed at the right person—Jesus.
Prayer:
Thank You, Jesus, that my healing and hope come from You. Strengthen my faith to believe You can still work miracles.
Application:
Think of an area where you need God’s healing—physical, emotional, or spiritual. Bring it before Him in faith.
What Do You Want Me to Do for You?
May 16, 2025
Passage: Luke 18:40-41 And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?” He said, “Lord, let me recover my sight.”
Theme: Jesus invites specific faith
Reflection:
Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Even though the need was obvious, Jesus invited him to express it. God desires personal, honest prayer.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me be honest with You about my deepest needs. Teach me to ask with faith and humility.
Application:
Write down one specific prayer request today. Bring it to Jesus, and ask boldly.
The Cry of the Blind Man
May 15, 2025
Passage: Luke 18:35-38 As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. And hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what this meant. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.” And he cried out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Theme: Desperate faith
Reflection:
The blind man cried out to Jesus, undeterred by the crowd’s attempts to silence him. His desperation led to determination. Faith doesn’t wait for ideal conditions—it calls out now.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, give me boldness to cry out to You, even when others discourage me. Let my faith be persistent and real.
Application:
Spend a few minutes in prayer, crying out to God about a need in your life. Don’t hold back.
The Disciples’ Confusion
May 14, 2025
Passage: Luke 18:34 But they understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they did not grasp what was said.
Theme: When we don’t understand
Reflection:
The disciples didn’t understand Jesus’ words. Sometimes spiritual truths are hidden from us temporarily. Confusion is not a sign of rejection—it’s a place to lean into God more deeply.
Prayer:
Jesus, when I don’t understand what You’re doing, help me to trust You anyway. Open my heart to receive Your truth.
Application:
Journal about an area in your life where God’s plan feels unclear. Ask for wisdom and patience to wait on Him.
Prophecy Fulfilled
May 13, 2025
Passage: Luke 18:31-33 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”
Theme: God’s plan never fails
Reflection:
Jesus pointed out that everything written by the prophets would be fulfilled. God’s promises and purposes are sure. He is faithful to His word even when we don’t understand the timing.
Prayer:
Faithful God, thank You for always keeping Your promises. Help me trust Your Word even when I can’t see the outcome.
Application:
Look up one Old Testament prophecy about Jesus’ suffering (e.g., Isaiah 53). Reflect on how it was fulfilled in Christ.
The Journey to the Cross
May 12, 2025
Passage: Luke 18:31-33 And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”
Theme: Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem
Reflection:
Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem—betrayal, suffering, death—but He pressed on. His journey was not accidental but purposeful, rooted in love and obedience to the Father. The cross wasn’t a detour; it was the destination.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust You when the path ahead looks hard. Teach me to follow You with courage, knowing You’ve gone before me.
Application:
Spend time reflecting on Jesus’ intentional path to the cross. What fears are holding you back from full obedience?
The Reward for Following Jesus
May 11, 2025
Scripture: Luke 18:28-30
And Peter said, “See, we have left our homes and followed you.” And he said to them, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers] or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.”
Devotion:
Jesus recognizes the sacrifices that His followers make in order to follow Him. For Peter and the disciples, leaving everything behind was a significant cost. But Jesus promises that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices, both in this life and in the life to come. Following Jesus is not always easy, but the return is more than worth it.
Reflection:
What have you sacrificed to follow Jesus, and how can you trust in the eternal rewards that He promises? How does the promise of eternal life shape your perspective on the challenges of following Christ?
Prayer:
“Jesus, thank You for the promises You make to those who follow You. Even when it feels like the cost is great, I trust that the rewards—both now and in eternity—are far greater. Help me to live with eternity in mind and not to be discouraged by the sacrifices I make in Your name. Strengthen me to endure, knowing that Your faithfulness never fails. I look forward to the eternal life You have promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
What Is Impossible for Man Is Possible with God
May 10, 2025
Scripture: Luke 18:26-27
Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Devotion:
This is one of the most hope-filled verses in all of Scripture. Jesus acknowledges the impossibility of salvation through human effort but assures us that God can do the impossible. Our salvation does not depend on our wealth, status, or ability to follow rules perfectly; it depends entirely on God’s power and grace. As you meditate on this truth, allow it to remind you that salvation is a gift from God that we can receive through faith.
Reflection:
How does this promise of God’s power to save bring you comfort and hope in your own life?
Prayer:
“Father, thank You for the hope You offer, that no matter how impossible things may seem, with You, all things are possible. I confess that sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the challenges I face, but today I choose to trust in Your power. Help me to rest in the assurance that You can do far more than I can ask or imagine. May I rely fully on Your grace and not on my own strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The Impossibility of Salvation by Ourselves
May 9, 2025
Scripture: Luke 18:24-25
Jesus, seeing that he had become sad, said, “How difficult it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.”
Devotion:
Jesus uses a striking metaphor here: a camel passing through the eye of a needle. It’s a picture of something utterly impossible. Riches, self-sufficiency, and reliance on our own abilities can make it incredibly difficult to enter the kingdom of God, because they prevent us from depending on God’s grace. Salvation is impossible by human effort; it is only by God’s grace that anyone can be saved.
Reflection:
In what ways have you tried to earn salvation or rely on your own strength? How can you cultivate a deeper dependence on God’s grace today?
Prayer:
“God, thank You for reminding me that salvation is not something I can achieve on my own. No matter how hard I try, I can’t earn eternal life, but You have made a way through Your grace. Help me to rest in the reality that what is impossible for me is possible with You. I surrender my striving and my self-effort. Thank You for the gift of salvation that I can never repay, but only receive by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The Danger of Wealth
May 8, 2025
Scripture: Luke 18:23
But when he heard these things, he became very sad, for he was extremely rich.
Devotion:
The rich young ruler’s sorrow reveals the danger of wealth: it can become an idol, a source of security, and a barrier to fully trusting in God. Wealth can easily deceive us into thinking we have everything we need, but Jesus teaches that true security comes from Him alone. Jesus’ words are not a condemnation of wealth, but a warning about how it can keep us from the kingdom of God.
Reflection:
What does wealth represent in your life? Does it lead you toward or away from a deeper relationship with God?
Prayer:
“Lord, I know that wealth can easily become an idol in my life, and I don’t want anything to come between me and You. Please examine my heart and reveal any areas where I’ve allowed material things to control me or distract me from Your kingdom. Help me to live with a generous heart, holding loosely to what I have and using it for Your purposes. Teach me to trust in You as my provider. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The Cost of Following Jesus
May 7, 2025
Scripture: Luke 18:22
When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “One thing you still lack. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”
Devotion:
Jesus challenges the young ruler to examine his priorities. The command to sell everything and give to the poor is not a universal command but a call to give up whatever stands between us and wholehearted devotion to God. For the rich young ruler, it was his wealth. Jesus calls each of us to surrender anything that takes the place of God in our hearts.
Reflection:
Is there something in your life that you hold onto too tightly? What might God be asking you to release in order to follow Him more closely?
Prayer:
“Jesus, I hear Your call to follow You and to leave behind anything that holds me back. I confess that there are things in my life that I cling to, whether possessions, security, or self-reliance. Help me to surrender those things to You. Teach me how to follow You fully, trusting that the rewards You offer far surpass anything this world has to offer. Strengthen my faith, that I may trust You more than anything else. In Your name, Amen.”
Obeying the Commandments
May 6, 2025
Scripture: Luke 18:20-21
You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.”
Devotion:
The rich young ruler believed that he had kept the commandments since his youth, but his confidence revealed a deeper question about what “keeping” the commandments really means. Jesus is not just concerned with outward actions but with the heart behind them. Today, consider the commandments not just as rules but as expressions of God’s heart for how we should love others and Him. Are there areas of your life where you might outwardly follow rules but inwardly fall short?
Reflection:
How can you grow in truly obeying God’s commands, not just externally but from the heart?
Prayer:
“Father, I thank You for Your commandments, which guide me toward living in harmony with You and others. I confess that I often fall short, and I pray that You help me not just obey in action, but in heart. Transform me from the inside out. Show me where I am honoring You only outwardly, and teach me to love You fully, from my heart. May Your Word become alive in me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The Question That Matters
May 5, 2025
Scripture: Luke 18:18-19
And a ruler asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone
Devotion:
The rich young ruler’s question is one we all must consider. It speaks to the deep longing for eternal significance, a desire to understand how to live rightly before God. Jesus responds by asking why he calls Him “good,” emphasizing that no one is good except God. Reflect on your understanding of goodness and whether you see Jesus as your ultimate source of goodness. As you go through today, remember that eternal life is a gift, not something we can earn.
Reflection:
What are you seeking in life, and where do you believe the answer lies?
Prayer:
“Lord, thank You for reminding me that eternal life is the most important question I can ask. Help me to seek You with all my heart and not just for the answers I think I need. Teach me to understand the depth of Your goodness, and help me see Jesus as the ultimate source of life. May I never lose sight of what truly matters in this world—knowing You and having eternal life with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Receiving the Kingdom
May 4, 2025
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:9-17
Focus Verse: Luke 18:17
“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Reflection:
Receiving the kingdom means accepting God’s rule with joyful trust. It’s not about earning or achieving—it’s about believing and receiving. End your week by surrendering fully to His love and leadership.
Prayer:
King Jesus, I surrender all I am to You. Help me to receive Your kingdom with open hands and a trusting heart. Lead me in Your ways today and every day. Amen.
The Kingdom Belongs to Such as These
May 3, 2025
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:9-17
Focus Verse: Luke 18:16
But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Reflection:
God’s kingdom isn’t earned by strength or wisdom; it’s received by those who are willing to admit their need. Childlike faith says, “I can’t do it alone. I need You, God.” Embrace that dependence today.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to depend on You completely. Strip away my pride and make my heart simple and pure like a child’s. I receive Your kingdom with joy today. Amen.
Let the Children Come
May 2, 3025
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:9-17
Focus Verse: Luke 18:15–16
Now they were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them. And when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.
Reflection:
God values the purity, trust, and simplicity of children. He invites us to approach Him with the same openness. Don’t over complicate your relationship with God today—just run to Him like a beloved child.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for welcoming me just as I am. Give me a childlike heart that trusts, hopes, and loves without fear. Help me run into Your arms today. Amen.
The One God Justifies
May 1, 2025
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:9-17
Focus Verse: Luke 18:14
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
Reflection:
Justification—being made right with God—comes by His mercy, not our merit. It’s not about who looks better but who bows lower. Live today with the peace of knowing you are accepted in Christ.
Prayer:
Father, thank You that I am justified by Your grace through faith. Help me to walk today with gratitude, humility, and love for You and others. Amen.
The Cry for Mercy
April 30, 2025
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:9-17
Focus Verse: Luke 18:13
But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!
Reflection:
Real prayer begins with real honesty. God is drawn to the humble heart that admits its need. Come before Him today with no masks, no pretending—just simple, honest faith.
Prayer:
Merciful God, I am a sinner in need of Your grace. I come just as I am, asking for Your mercy and love to wash over me. Thank You for always hearing my cry. Amen.
The Prayer of Pride
April 29, 2025
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:9-17
Focus Verse: Luke 18:10–12
“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’
Reflection:
The Pharisee praised himself rather than God. True prayer isn’t self-congratulation—it’s communion with a holy, merciful God. Check your heart today: Are you praying to be heard by God or to impress yourself or others?
Prayer:
Lord, guard my heart from pride. Let my prayers be honest, humble, and centered on You, not on me. Fill my spirit with Your grace. Amen.
True Righteousness
April 28, 2025
Scripture Passage: Luke 18:9-17
Focus Verse: Luke 18:9
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
Reflection:
It’s easy to think we’re “good enough” compared to others, but God’s standard is perfect holiness. True righteousness isn’t earned; it’s received by faith in Jesus. Start today with a heart that trusts in His grace alone.
Prayer:
Father, I confess I sometimes trust in my own goodness. Help me to rest in Your righteousness alone. Teach me to walk humbly with You today. Amen.
April 27, 2025:
Will He Find Faith?
Scripture Passage Luke 18:1-8
Focus Verse: “However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)
Reflection:
Persistence in prayer isn’t just about outcomes—it’s about faith. Jesus ends the parable with a challenge: when He returns, will He find people still believing, still praying, still trusting? Let that be us.
Prayer:
Jesus, help me stay faithful. In every season, may I hold on to You with unwavering hope and a heart that keeps praying.
April 26, 2025:
You Are Not Forgotten
Scripture Passage Luke 18:1-8
Focus Verse: “Will he keep putting them off?” (Luke 18:7)
Reflection:
No, He won’t. This rhetorical question assures us: God isn’t ignoring us. We may feel forgotten, but the truth is, He is attentive, loving, and near.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You that I am never forgotten. Remind me that You are close, and that Your delays are never denials.
Prayer:
Father, I trust Your timing. Help me believe that You are bringing justice and answers, even when I can’t yet see them.
April 25, 2025:
Trust in God’s Timing
Verse: “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)
Reflection:
God hears every cry, every whispered prayer. His response may not look like ours, but He promises to act with perfect timing. Trust that even in silence, He’s moving.
Prayer:
Father, I trust Your timing. Help me believe that You are bringing justice and answers, even when I can’t yet see them.
April 24, 2025:
Persistence Pays Off
Scripture Passage Luke 18:1-8
Focus Verse: “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself…‘I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’” (Luke 18:4–5)
Reflection:
The widow’s persistence moves even the heart of someone unjust. How much more will a loving, righteous God respond to our prayers? Keep pressing in—God’s delay doesn’t mean He doesn’t care.
Prayer:
God, even when answers seem far away, help me keep showing up in prayer. Remind me that You are always working on my behalf.
April 23, 2025:
Boldness in Asking
Verse: “And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’” (Luke 18:3)
Reflection:
Widows in Jesus’ time had little power. Yet she speaks up boldly and repeatedly. Her courage invites us to approach God confidently, knowing He welcomes our pleas, no matter our status or story.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to come to You with confidence. Help me speak honestly about my needs and trust that You are listening.
April 22, 2025:
God Sees Injustice
Scripture Passage Luke 18:1-8
Focus Verse: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought.” (Luke 18:2)
Reflection:
This judge symbolizes everything opposite of God’s nature—unjust, unfeeling, and indifferent. Jesus sets the stage by showing us what injustice looks like, so we can appreciate even more how different God is. He is not like this judge.
Prayer:
God, thank You that You are just and compassionate. Help me remember that You care deeply about every wrong and every tear.
April 21, 2025: Never Give Up on Prayer
Scripture Passage Luke 18:1-8
Focus Verse: “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” (Luke 18:1)
Reflection:
Jesus starts this parable with a clear purpose: keep praying, don’t quit. In a world that values instant results, prayer can feel slow. But Jesus reminds us that persistence in prayer isn’t just about getting answers—it’s about building faith and trust.
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to give up when answers don’t come quickly. Give me the strength to keep seeking You, even when it’s hard.
April 20, 2025 : The Resurrection – Hope Alive
📖 John 20:1–18
Theme: Jesus defeated death and calls us by name.
Think About This:
When Mary Magdalene met the risen Jesus, she didn’t recognize Him—until He said her name. The resurrection is not just a historical fact—it’s deeply personal. Jesus is alive, and He comes to each of us with hope, restoration, and new life.
Meditation:
Where do you need resurrection hope in your life today?
🙏 Prayer:
Risen Lord, thank You for defeating the grave. Speak my name again and awaken new life in the places that feel empty.
April 19, 2025 : That You May Believe
📖 John 20:24–31
Theme: Faith leads to life.
Reflection:
Thomas doubted—but Jesus met him in his doubt, inviting him to believe. Then Jesus blessed those who believe without seeing. John wrote this Gospel so that you might believe—and by believing, have life in His name.
Meditation:
What step of faith is Jesus inviting you to take today?
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, I believe. Strengthen my faith, even when I can’t see the whole picture. Help me to trust in You fully and walk in the life You’ve promised.
y.
April 18, 2025 : The Crucifixion – Love Poured Out
📖 John 19:16–30
Theme: Jesus willingly gave His life for us.
Reflection:
At the cross, Jesus didn’t just suffer physically—He bore the weight of the world’s sin. Yet even in agony, He remained in control. With His final breath, He declared, “It is finished.” The debt is paid. Redemption complete.
Meditation:
What does it mean to you that Jesus died willingly—for you?
🙏 Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the cross. Thank You for loving me enough to take my place. Help me never take Your sacrifice lightly.
April 17, 2025: The Good Shepherd
📖 John 10:1–18
Jesus leads and lays down His life for us.
Reflection:
In a world full of competing voices, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who knows us by name. He doesn’t abandon His sheep—He lays down His life for them. His leadership is personal, sacrificial, and full of love.
Meditation:
Whose voice are you following today?
🙏 Prayer:
Good Shepherd, help me hear and trust Your voice. Lead me in truth, and remind me that I’m never outside of Your care.
April 16, 2025 : The Bread of Life
📖 John 6:25–40
Jesus is our true sustainer.
Reflection:
After miraculously feeding thousands, Jesus tells the crowd not to seek Him just for temporary satisfaction, but for eternal sustenance. He is the Bread of Life—our source of eternal hope, not just a provider of momentary needs.
Meditation:
Are you coming to Jesus for who He is—or only for what He can give?
🙏 Prayer:
Jesus, I don’t want to chase after things that fade. You are the Bread of Life—nourish my soul and help me to find my satisfaction in You.
April 15, 2025 : Living Water for the Thirsty Soul
📖 John 4:1–26
Theme: Jesus satisfies our deepest needs.
Reflection:
The Samaritan woman came to the well with shame and thirst, but Jesus met her with grace and truth. He offered her something greater than physical water: Himself—the source of living water that never runs dry.
Meditation:
What are you thirsty for that only Jesus can truly satisfy?
🙏 Prayer:
Lord, I bring You my thirst. Fill me with Your living water, and help me leave behind anything that doesn’t give life.
April 14, 2025 : The Word Became Flesh
📖 John 1:1–14
Theme: Jesus is God, come near.
Reflection:
John begins his Gospel with a bold declaration: Jesus is the eternal Word, the Creator, the true Light. And He became flesh to dwell among us. He didn’t come in power and spectacle, but in humility and grace, offering us the right to become children of God.
Meditation:
How does it change your view of God to know that He came in person to live among us?
🙏 Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for stepping into our world. Help me not just to know about You, but to truly know You. Let Your light shine in my heart today.
April 13, 2025: The Suddenness of Christ’s Return
Scripture: Luke 17:34-37
“I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left.”
Reflection:
Jesus teaches that His return will be sudden and unexpected. People will be going about their normal lives, and in an instant, some will be taken while others are left behind. Our view of Christ’s return emphasizes that we must live in a state of readiness and watchfulness.
This passage challenges us to evaluate our readiness for Christ’s return. Are you prepared to meet Him? Are you living in a way that reflects His lordship over your life?
Questions for Reflection:
- How can you live in a state of readiness for Christ’s return?
- Are you sharing the hope of the gospel with others, so they too can be ready?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the promise of Your return. Help me to live each day in readiness, seeking to honor You and share Your gospel with others. May my life reflect the urgency and hope of Your coming Kingdom.
April 12, 2025: Remember Lot’s Wife – Don’t Look Back
Scripture: Luke 17:31-32
“On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife!”
Reflection:
Jesus reminds us of Lot’s wife, who turned back and looked longingly at Sodom, even though she had been warned to flee. Her hesitation cost her her life. Our emphasis on the gospel teaches that we must not look back to the things of this world, but instead set our eyes on Christ. When Christ calls us to follow Him, we must do so without hesitation or longing for the things of this world.
Is there something in your life that you are holding onto that is keeping you from fully following Christ? What might God be calling you to leave behind?
Prayer:
Lord, help me not to look back at the things of this world but to keep my eyes fixed on You. Give me the strength to let go of anything that hinders my relationship with You.
April 11, 2025: The Days of Lot and the Call for Immediate Action
Scripture: Luke 17:28-30
“It was the same in the days of Lot: people were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed.”
Reflection:
The days of Lot were filled with sin and complacency. People were busy with daily life, but when God’s judgment came, it was sudden and unavoidable. Jesus’ words are a reminder that the world can be consumed with worldly distractions, but God’s judgment is real, and we must not wait until it’s too late.
We emphasize the need for repentance and immediate action. The time to repent is now, and the time to follow Christ is urgent. Is there anything in your life that you need to address urgently before God?
Prayer:
Father, help me not to delay in following You. Give me the urgency to repent of any sin and live a life that is fully committed to You. May I be ready when Christ returns.
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.
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