May 13 -- "Dying to Live"

Today’s Reading: Luke 14:15-35

To follow Christ as His disciple means stepping into a life that goes far beyond simply enjoying His blessings. It’s a life of total surrender, one where we die to self and devote ourselves entirely to Him. When Jesus calls us to “bear our own cross” in verse 27, He invites us into profound personal surrender.

In Roman times, the cross was not a mere metaphor for challenges but a grim symbol of death. Jesus wasn’t offering an easy or comfortable path but rather one that demands daily sacrifices—releasing our desires, ambitions, our comfort, our pleasure, and even our reputations to serve His kingdom. To bear our cross means to acknowledge His Lordship over every part of our lives.

Some interpret this call as enduring personal struggles or weaknesses, but Jesus’ words go even deeper. The “cross” He spoke of wasn’t just about carrying life’s difficulties—it was a call to lay everything down, even to the point of personal cost. It’s a radical invitation to die to self and live wholly and exclusively for Him, regardless of the sacrifices, suffering, or rejection it may involve. At its heart, this means that to live, we must die. True life—life rich with meaning, purpose, and eternal fulfillment—is only found when we willingly lay down our own desires, ambitions, and self-focused pursuits.

This challenge from Jesus confronts the priorities of our hearts. "Dying to live" means choosing to relinquish control over our lives, letting go of our personal plans and comforts, and entrusting them to Jesus. It’s not just about the loss—it’s about gaining something far greater. When we “die” to our old way of living, we become alive in Christ, rooted in His purpose and empowered by His Spirit.

So today, ask yourself—what “cross” is Jesus asking you to carry? Perhaps He’s calling you to forgive someone who has wronged you, let go of a personal ambition, endure rejection for your faith, or even leave behind a career to follow Him into missions or ministry. Whatever it may be, surrender it to Him, trusting that He will lead you to eternal reward. Don’t take lightly His words, that those who refuse to take up their cross cannot be His disciple. 

May 12 -- "The Way Up is Down"

Today’s Reading: Luke 14:1-14

There He goes again! Jesus, the most powerful and influential Teacher in all of human history, once more turns worldly thinking upside-down.

This time, He radically challenges us to see self-promotion and recognition from Heavens perspective. In Luke 14, while dining at a Pharisees house, Jesus notices guests scrambling for the best seats--symbols of social status. He uses this moment to teach a radical truth: in Gods Kingdom, the way up is down. True honor comes not through self-promotion, but humility. Those who choose the lower place are the ones God exalts.

Today. the world urges us to build our brand, seek recognition, and climb the ladder. But Jesus invites us to something radically different: faithful service with no need for applause. Our goal isn’t to magnify our name or receive the applause of others, but to glorify Him.

Choosing humility is not easy. It requires ongoing trust that God sees what others overlook. It means surrendering control, resisting the temptation to create opportunities for ourselves, and believing that His rewards far outweigh the worlds fleeting applause. Serving selflessly also challenges our pride. It asks us to prioritize others' needs over our own convenience even when no one notices. It forces us to examine our motives: Am I serving for Gods glory, or in all honesty, am I seeking my own recognition? Wrestling with these questions is part of humility's refining process.

Yet, while humility is difficult, its deeply transformative. It frees us from the exhausting cycle of self-promotion, anchoring our hearts in the unshakable approval of God. Over time, humility strengthens our trust in Him and aligns our hearts more closely with His purposes. The good news? Were not called to do this alone. Jesus modeled perfect humility by serving others, declaring "I came not to be served but to serve." (Matthew 20:28) When Jesus departed from this world, He didn't leave us to work this out on our own. He left us with the Holy Spirit, through whom He empowers us to walk the same path of humility and selfless service that He exemplified. Its not the easiest road, but with the Holy Spirit's enabling, it leads to true freedom and lasting fulfillment.

Today, may your heart be transformed by this heavenly perspective. And may you walk humbly with your Lord, trust His timing, and know that He sees and will honor your humility in His perfect way. 

May 11 -- "Which Door Will You Choose?"

Today’s Reading: Luke 13:18-35

Picture this: you’re standing on a grand stage, the spotlight beaming down on you. In front of you are three doors, each beautifully designed and gleaming with promise. The host—charismatic yet calculating—entices you with his smooth words, urging you to choose wisely. He reminds you that behind one of these doors lies true life, eternal joy, forgiveness, love, and peace that surpasses understanding. The other two? Well, they may look dazzling and inviting, but they’re traps, hiding ruin and regret behind their glossy façades.

The first door is adorned with symbols of wealth, success, and worldly wisdom. It whispers alluringly, “You can find fulfillment if you strive for control, independence, and self-made spirituality.” The second door sparkles with bright lights and enticing philosophies, promising enlightenment and connection without the need for surrender to anyone. Its allure is freedom without responsibility—a false path disguised as brilliance.

Then there’s the narrow door. It’s plain, almost unimpressive compared to the others, and requires you to stoop down to enter. But something about it stirs your heart. You remember the words of the host, “This is the way to life.” Yet the counterfeit doors cry out louder, trying to convince you that their promises are easier, quicker, and more glamorous.

Today’s Scripture from Luke 13 illuminates Jesus’ call to “strive” to enter through the narrow door. The original Greek word for “strive” (agonizomai) paints a vivid picture of exerting intense effort, pouring out every ounce of zeal and commitment into this journey. Jesus is urging us to prioritize eternity with unwavering focus, making our passage through the narrow door the greatest pursuit of our lives.

We must be vigilant and discerning, for these counterfeit doors are temptations crafted to appeal to our own hearts. They feed our desires for control, independence, or even self-righteousness, offering ways to “feel spiritual” without surrendering to Jesus. Yet, only Jesus can make the bold claim, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). No other door leads to salvation or genuine communion with God.

Have you paused to consider whether you’ve truly entered through the narrow door, or are there still false doors tugging at your heart, promising fulfillment apart from Jesus? If you’ve yet to step through the narrow door, pause now and let go of the distractions and false beliefs that have held you back from choosing to only Door that leads to eternal life—Jesus! By faith, surrender to Jesus and embark on the true path to eternal life. If you’ve already found your way to this Door, hold fast! Resist Satan’s deceiving lies by rooting yourself deeply in the life-giving truth of Scripture.

May God guard you against the schemes of the enemy, steady your mind and heart on Jesus, and guide you confidently through the narrow door. In Christ alone lies the life everlasting we were created to find. Let your faith flourish as you trust Him to lead you onward. 

May 10 -- "Don’t Miss the Miracle"

Today’s Reading: Luke 13:1-17

Did you know it is possible to miss a miracle, even when it happens right before your eyes? When Jesus performed miracles and spoke life-changing truths, He often shook His onlookers, who reacted with one of two distinct reactions: Amazement and Rejoicing, or, Indignation and Resistance.

In Luke 13, we witness this division when Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years. While the crowd erupts with praise and glorifies God, the religious leaders respond with outrage. This striking contrast unveils a profound truth our response to God's work depends on whether we approach Him with humility or pride. The human heart can either be open to God's work or closed off by pride and self-righteousness.

Jesus' act of healing brought liberation and joy to the people, but it rattled the religious leaders, whose rigid traditions overshadowed the wonder of the miracle. Their fixation on legalistic rules blinded them to God's miraculous and transformative power unfolding before their very eyes. This reminds us that clinging to our own perspectives or traditions can hinder our ability to recognize and embrace the movement of God's Spirit. As 16th century writer, John Heywood, so aptly noted: "There are none so blind as those who will not see!"

Jesus came to break spiritual chains and set captives free, yet those leaders were more committed to rules than to the life-giving love of God. Today, similar resistance to Jesus teachings persists. Here are some examples: His declaration that He alone is the way to God conflicts with modern ideas of pluralism. His call to take up our cross and follow Him challenges a culture deeply rooted in self-gratification. His teachings on fidelity in marriage and sexual ethics clash with societal norms of permissiveness and self-indulgence. His exposure of love for sin unsettles those who prefer personal autonomy over divine authority. Even His radical call to forgive enemies can offend those unwilling to extend grace to the undeserving.

When Jesus challenges comfort zones or confronts deeply held beliefs, the human heart may resist but this resistance only limits the freedom He offers. What about us? Do we let our expectations or personal agendas stand in the way of Gods blessings? Or do we choose to celebrate His work, surrendering pride and opening our hearts to His grace? Let us follow the crowds example and respond to the movement of God with awe, wonder, and worship.

May we, like them, rejoice at all the glorious things that He is doing. May God grant you eyes to see His work in our world and in your life, and a heart overflowing with praise as you embrace the freedom and joy found in His Spirit. And may you walk boldly in faith and celebrate His goodness today!  

May 9 -- "The High Call of Stewardship"

Today’s Reading: Luke 12:41-59

“Thou shalt remember that thou ownest nothing, and art but the caretaker of the King’s coin.” – Anon

Luke 12 presents a poignant reminder that the blessings we receive come with a significant responsibility. As followers of Christ, we are entrusted with His extraordinary gifts—grace, knowledge, power, and love. How we choose to respond to these blessings matters deeply to our Lord, for we are called to be channels through which His blessings flow to others.

In this chapter, Jesus speaks to His disciples about being prepared for His return. He contrasts the unfaithful servant, who knows his master’s will but neglects to act on it, with the faithful servant, who lives according to his master’s instructions. The principle at play is accountability. In the ancient world, stewards were charged with the careful management of their master’s possessions. Likewise, we are stewards of God’s abundant blessings, entrusted with the responsibility of faithfully utilizing His gifts.

What does this stewardship look like for us today? It means living out our calling for God’s glory. Pastors, teachers, and evangelists are entrusted with leading others in the truth of Scripture. Those blessed with financial resources are called to support kingdom initiatives, care for the vulnerable, and invest in ministries that advance God’s mission. Individuals gifted with the ability to communicate the Gospel effectively are expected to share the good news with the lost.

Prominent figures such as celebrities, athletes, and influencers, who wield far-reaching platforms, are uniquely positioned to shape culture and bear the responsibility of proclaiming truth and demonstrating godly character. Christians equipped with knowledge of Scripture are expected to pass that wisdom to others. Those endowed with spiritual gifts are required to use them for strengthening the Church, honoring God, and serving others.

Above all, as followers of Jesus, we have been immeasurably blessed with His love, grace, and forgiveness. Our highest calling is to reflect that love outward, not hoarding it, but living lives that shine His truth and compassion.

Take a moment to reflect: Are you faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to you? Whether it’s your time, talents, financial blessings, spiritual gifts, or understanding of His Word, consider how you might serve others and further His kingdom. May the Lord inspire your heart to embrace the noble call of stewardship and empower you to use His gifts wisely for His glory. 

May 8 -- "Faithful and Awake: Expecting the Unexpected"

Today’s Reading: Luke 12:22-40

God’s plans often take shape in ways that defy our expectations, nudging us to embrace the unexpected. In this verse, Jesus speaks to us about the unpredictable nature of His second coming. Using the image of servants awaiting their master’s unscheduled return, He calls us to live with readiness—not simply aware that He will return “someday,” but with the urgency of knowing it could be at any moment.

Life brims with unforeseen twists—a sudden health crisis, a job loss, or a shift in a cherished relationship. Sometimes, it’s a natural disaster or an accident that catches us off guard. But other times, surprises come as blessings, like an unexpected promotion or a fresh opportunity to serve God and share His good news. Living with the mindset of “expecting the unexpected” doesn’t mean trying to predict every change or challenge. Instead, it means cultivating a heart anchored in trust, one that is spiritually awake and ready to respond with faith to whatever comes.

Scripture reminds us that no one knows the precise day or hour of Christ’s return. Yet Jesus provided us with signs to recognize—false prophets rising, wars, natural disasters, moral decay, and increasing wickedness. Many of these signs feel strikingly relevant today, urging us as believers to remain vigilant and ready.

To stay spiritually prepared, we must remain deeply connected to the Lord. This involves seeking Him daily through prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, using our spiritual gifts to serve, and living out our faith in a consistent, wholehearted way. This readiness is not about frantic activity but a steady, faithful devotion to doing our Lord’s work. Start each day by aligning your heart with Christ, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your steps, and being open to God’s hand in every moment.

Expect the unexpected—today could be the day your Beloved returns! May God instill in you a heart filled with hope and eager anticipation. As you walk in faith, may you stand prepared, not only for His glorious return but for all He weaves into your life, whether seen or unseen. Let us live as people ready for His divine timing. 

May 7 -- "Jesus > Stuff"

Today’s Reading: Luke 12:1-21

We live in a world that constantly shouts, “More is better!” More money. More followers. More square footage. But Jesus whispers something radically different:“I am enough.” At the heart of the Gospel is this freeing truth: Jesus is greater than all the “stuff” you could ever accumulate.

Jesus warned His listeners in Luke 12:15, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” In other words, don’t measure your worth by what you own. Stuff fades. Riches rot. Fame is fickle. But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

When our hearts cling to possessions, wealth, or reputation, we can end up enslaved to them. We fear losing them, we strive to gain more, and we define our success by them. But Jesus calls us to something better—Himself. True joy, peace, and identity are found not in what we accumulate, but in the One who gave Himself for us.

Let’s take a heart inventory. Is there any “stuff” stealing the place Jesus should hold? Maybe it’s a bank balance, a dream home, a job title, or a social media persona. Lay it down. Choose today to value the Giver more than the gifts. Make Jesus your treasure—because wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jim Elliot, a missionary who gave his life for the Gospel, once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Let that truth settle in: Jesus is better than anything you could lose. Or, to hear this same truth from Paul the Apostle: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11).  Have you learned this lesson?

Make it a point today to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in discovering any areas of your heart where you value stuff over your relationship with Jesus Christ. Humbly confess those moments of misplaced priorities, asking for forgiveness and the strength to realign your heart with His will. Invite Jesus to transform your desires, nurturing a deeper love for Him above all else. Let this be a step toward true contentment found in His presence.

May the Lord open your eyes to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. And may you treasure Him above all, and in Him, find the joy this world can never offer.