April 25 -- "Jesus’ Right-Side-Up Love"

Today’s Reading: Luke 6:24-49 

As He often does, Jesus flips the script on what the world calls “normal.” In His kingdom, love isn’t reserved for the lovable, and kindness doesn’t need to be earned. Instead, He calls us to do what feels unnatural—love our enemies. It may sound upside-down, but in reality, it’s God’s right-side-up way of living.

In our culture, strength is measured by how loudly you speak, how much you assert yourself, or how far you can climb. People celebrate self-promotion, revenge, and canceling anyone who dares to disagree. But here comes Jesus, flipping all of that on its head—and in doing so, He actually turns it right-side-up. In God’s kingdom, the greatest is the servant. The first is the last. The humble are lifted up. It’s not weakness—it’s God’s agapé love at work.

In Luke 6, Jesus teaches His disciples how to live like true kingdom citizens by loving the unlovable. This passage isn’t a suggestion; it’s a command rooted in God’s character. God doesn’t just love the lovely—He loved us while we were still sinners. The world says, “Get even.” Jesus says, “Get merciful.” The world says, “Stand up for yourself.”  Jesus says, “Love. Do good. Bless. Pray.” These aren’t passive responses—they’re power moves of grace in a broken world.

Every one of us has someone difficult in our lives. Maybe it’s a coworker, a critic, or someone who’s hurt you deeply. Jesus isn’t calling us to be doormats—He’s calling us to be like Him. When you respond with love instead of bitterness, heaven breaks into earth a little more. When you pray for that person instead of plotting revenge, you’re living proof of God’s transforming power.

Loving like this may seem unrealistic or even impossible, but remember, this love doesn't originate from your own strength—it's an overflow of God's agapé love working through you. Loving like Jesus requires supernatural strength, and that's where the Holy Spirit comes in producing the fruit of the Spirit in your life.

Ask the Holy Spirit to help you name that person or situation where love seems impossible. Then take one step: bless them with your words, do good toward them intentionally, or pray for them specifically. This isn’t easy—but it is possible. It’s living in the Spirit’s power, not your own. And when you do this, you’re showing the world what Jesus and His right-side-up kingdom looks like.

May the Lord grant you a heart that beats with His mercy. May His love fill you so completely that it overflows—even to your enemies. And may the Spirit empower you today to live not in the world’s ways, but in the right-side-up kingdom of Jesus. 

April 24 -- "𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄"

Today’s Reading: Luke 6:1-23

In today's Scripture, Jesus radically shifts our understanding of blessing. He is teaching that those who are suffering now—those experiencing hunger or sorrow or other sorrows—are not forgotten by God. In fact, they are blessed, because a reversal is coming. He turns worldly thinking upside down, showing that hunger, sorrow, and persecution—when endured for His sake—are pathways to deep joy and eternal rewards. Jesus invites us to see our brokenness as a place where His blessings flourish, and our trials as opportunities for spiritual growth that prepare us for lasting glory beyond anything this life can offer.

To those who feel the pangs of physical or spiritual hunger, Jesus declares, “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.” This hunger isn't just about food—it’s the yearning for spiritual fulfillment, righteousness, and the deep longing for God’s presence in a world that often leaves us unfulfilled. Jesus promises that in His Kingdom, every heart that longs for Him will be filled with His goodness, far surpassing the empty offerings of this world.

He continues with words of comfort to those who grieve: “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.” Here, Jesus reminds us that the pain we face today is not the final chapter. Tears are temporary, but His joy is eternal. Even in moments of sorrow, He assures us that laughter and everlasting hope are waiting for us in Him and His eternal kingdom.

Jesus goes on to speak to the rejected and persecuted: “Blessed are you when people hate you and exclude you on account of the Son of Man.” Standing firm in faith may bring ridicule or exclusion or punishment, but Jesus affirms that such trials place us alongside the faithful prophets and saints who came before us. Their steadfast devotion is celebrated in Heaven, and so will ours be. God treasures this faithfulness and rewards it with eternal glory.

If you’re navigating scarcity, grief, persecution, or rejection, take these words to heart! Jesus invites you to shift your focus from the pain of the present to the promise of His eternal blessings. He sees your need, works in your life through your trials, and shapes your heart for a joy that far outweighs today’s struggles.

So embrace these challenging seasons with faith! Let God deepen your trust, strengthen your resolve, and fill your heart with hope as He lovingly prepares you for His eternal Kingdom.

May you find joy in trials, hope in sorrow, and strength in rejection, as you journey toward His glorious promises.

 

April 23 -- "Who Needs The Doctor?"

Today’s Reading: Luke 5:17-39

When do you finally decide to visit a doctor? Often, it’s not until you’ve admitted to yourself that you’re truly unwell. Yet, even then, many hesitate, brushing off symptoms or convincing themselves that everything’s fine. The same struggle exists in the spiritual realm. Jesus, the Great Physician, came to heal the spiritually sick—even those who haven’t yet realized the depths of their illness.

Take today’s passage: Jesus is responding to religious leaders, the Pharisees, who were scandalized by His choice to share meals with tax collectors and sinners. For these Pharisees, the pursuit of ritual purity, adherence to religious tradition, and moral separation defined their concept of holiness. To them, maintaining this outward righteousness meant steering clear of anything—or anyone—they perceived as spiritually contaminating. Tax collectors, regarded as traitors and swindlers, and others with visibly broken lives, were completely off-limits in their view.

But how did Jesus address their objections? With profound wisdom, He remarked, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick.” And here lies the twist: the truth is, everyone is afflicted by the sickness of sin. The Pharisees’ problem wasn’t spiritual health—it was their refusal to recognize that they, too, had a desperate need for His healing touch. The lesson: Jesus didn’t come to confirm the self-righteous; He came to call all sinners to repentance. His healing touch is for anyone humble enough to admit, “I need help.”

Let’s face it—we often resist seeing the doctor, don’t we? Spiritually, we do the same. We ignore the signs of our inward struggles: resentment, emptiness, anxiety, bitterness, addiction, pride, selfishness—the list goes on. Instead, we mask the pain with distractions, religious habits, busyness, or even attempts at moral behavior. But self-medication won’t work. Jesus isn’t here for those who insist they’re fine. He’s extending His hands to those willing to confess, “I’m not okay, and I need You.” Whether you feel like you’re barely holding on or don’t yet realize how deep your need runs, Jesus stands ready to heal.

Don’t wait until your soul is in critical condition. Be honest with the Lord today—don’t delay the spiritual check-up your heart so desperately needs. Turn to Jesus, the only One qualified to restore you completely. And as you experience His healing, let compassion grow within you for those who are still in denial. They, too, need the Great Physician, even if they haven’t acknowledged it yet. Indeed, the Great Physician still makes house calls, and in His hands are unmatched kindness and unending grace.

May the Lord open your eyes to see your need and soften your heart to come before Him just as you are. May He heal what’s hidden, mend what’s shattered, and transform your life into a living testimony of His mercy. 

April 22 -- "Catching Fish Vs. Catching Men"

Today’s Reading: Luke 5:1-16

In today’s passage, we see Jesus radically transform Peter’s life, calling him away from catching fish to “catching people.” This wasn’t just a career shift; it was a divine calling. Jesus used Peter’s familiar world of fishing to illustrate the eternal work of soul-winning. The parallels between catching fish and catching people are rich with meaning for all who follow Christ. Let’s explore five ways they are alike:

1. Diligent Preparation. Fishermen meticulously mend their nets, clean their gear, and ensure their equipment is ready. For soul-winners, preparation is just as vital. This involves nurturing a heart aligned with God, studying Scripture, and staying attuned to the Holy Spirit. A prepared heart is a powerful tool in God’s hands.

2. Going Where the Fish Are. Fishermen don’t wait on the shore for fish to leap into their nets—they seek out the “hot spots.” Similarly, Christians are called to engage with people where they are—whether in times of need, crisis, or curiosity. By being sensitive to the Spirit’s prompting, we can find these “spiritual hot spots” where hearts are open to the Gospel.

3. Using the Right Bait. Just as fishermen use specific bait for different types of fish, believers should prayerfully consider how to connect with others. Modern evangelism works best when it’s relational, authentic, and Spirit-led—using tools like social media, personal storytelling, acts of service, hospitality, and thoughtful conversations to share Jesus naturally. The methods may change, but the message of the Gospel remains timeless and powerful.

4. Patience and Perseverance. Fishing requires skill, patience, and the willingness to cast your line repeatedly without immediate results. In soul-winning, some hearts are resistant, and transformation may take time. Yet, persistence in prayer and love prepares the way for God to work, often in surprising ways. Be patient. Keep casting your line. Remember, God rewards us not for our results, but for our efforts and faithfulness in casting the line.

5. The Joy of the Catch. When a fisherman feels a tug on his line, there’s an immediate surge of excitement, anticipation, and focus. It’s the moment when everything he’s been working for—his preparation, his patience—pays off, as the possibility of a catch becomes real. As you step out in faith, may you be bold and joyful, equipped with God’s Word and Spirit, and filled with the love of Christ. May your “nets” be overflowing—not with fish, but with lives transformed for His Kingdom! Similarly, when a Christian "catches" a soul for Christ, there’s a profound sense of joy, fulfillment, and awe. The tug of the Holy Spirit on someone’s heart brings a rush of excitement, knowing that a life is being transformed, that God’s love has broken through.

Today, as you diligently prepare to “go fishing” for Christ, may the Lord grand you patience and perseverance. And may you be led by the Spirit to a soul ready to tug on your line. 

April 21 -- "Jesus: The Ultimate Evangelist"

Today’s Reading: Luke 4:23-44

We don’t often think of Him this way, but Jesus was the ultimate evangelist, wholly devoted to proclaiming the Good News of God’s Kingdom. At the very heart of His ministry was the mission to preach the gospel—the Greek word for this is euangelizō, which means “to proclaim good news” or “to bring glad tidings.” This word not only reflects the act of preaching but carries the rich connotation of sharing a transformative message that brings hope and joy. It perfectly encapsulates Jesus’ life and purpose.

From the outset, Jesus left no doubt about His mission. In today’s verse, He declared, “I must evangelize – I was sent for this purpose.” This wasn’t just a casual statement—it was the foundation of everything He did. Every miracle, every healing, and every word Jesus spoke was anchored in His calling to proclaim the arrival of God’s reign on earth. These signs and wonders served as validations of the Good News He preached, emphasizing that lives could be redeemed, sins forgiven, and the broken world restored under God’s rule.

Jesus’ commitment to His mission of euangelizō stands out in His deliberate focus. Even when faced with swelling crowds eager for more of His miracles, Jesus retreated to pray and realigned Himself with His greater purpose: taking the message of God’s Kingdom to other towns and people. This singular focus and determination underscores His deep understanding of His role—not to chase popularity but to fulfill the divine calling to spread the Good News widely and powerfully.

What does this mean for us? As followers of Jesus, we are also tasked with proclaiming this same Good News to others. In a world cluttered with distractions, it is vital that we remain focused on this purpose, living and sharing the message of hope and salvation.

Start each day with prayer and intentionality, just as Jesus did. Ask God, “Where would You send me today?” Be ready to embody and share the Good News, serving others in love and keeping your eyes on the eternal purpose. As you do, watch the Kingdom of God continue to grow, reaching one person, one heart, and one town at a time.

May the Lord fill your heart with the same passion Jesus had for proclaiming His Kingdom. And may He grant you Jesus-like determination to be a bearer of the Good News to a lost and dying world. 

April 20 -- "Jesus’ Blueprint for Resisting Temptation"

Today’s Reading: Luke 4:1-22

In Luke 4, Jesus triumphed over Satan's temptations by fully relying on God's Word, showing us how we too can overcome temptation through spiritual dependence, obedience, and Scripture. Each temptation challenged Jesus to act independently of the Father’s will—whether by meeting a legitimate need in an illegitimate way, seeking promotion without the cross, or testing God instead of trusting Him. Yet in each instance, Jesus responded, “It is written,” demonstrating that victory in the spiritual battle comes from grounding ourselves in God’s truth.

In verses 4–8, Satan tempts Jesus with the offer of worldly power in exchange for worship. Essentially, he says, "You can rule every kingdom on earth if you worship me instead of God." This is a devious attempt to bypass Jesus' path to kingship. "You can have power without pain, a crown without suffering," Satan whispers. But Jesus stands firm on Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 6:13: “It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve.” He doesn't engage in argument—He simply relies on God's Word.

Through this, Jesus affirms the supremacy of the one true God, Yahweh, and exposes all other so-called “gods” as false. Worship belongs to God alone, as Scripture consistently declares: "For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14)

Jesus demonstrates the unmatched power of Scripture in the face of spiritual opposition. He doesn't argue with Satan or offer opinions; He simply responds with God’s Word. Today, temptations are everywhere—subtle distractions, misplaced priorities, the lure of pleasure, and empty promises. Whether it's success, wealth, pleasure, relationships, or ambition, we must identify and remove these modern substitutes for God from the throne of our hearts.

For instance, when a colleague encourages you to falsify a report to make your department look better, God reminds you of Ephesians 4:25: “Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor.” By standing on God's Word, you resist the temptation to compromise your integrity.

Similarly, while browsing the internet, a pop-up offering free access to “adult content” appears. In that moment, the Holy Spirit brings 1 Corinthians 6:18 to mind: “Flee from sexual immorality.” By holding fast to Scripture, you resist the temptation, recognizing it for what it truly is—an enticement toward harm.

These examples show how God’s Word equips us to navigate everyday temptations, offering us wisdom through His Word and strength through the Holy Spirit to make choices that honor Him and benefit others. 

April 19 -- "The Holy Spirit and Fire"

Today’s Reading: Luke 3

Imagine standing on the edge of something brand new—like watching the sunrise on a day that will change everything. That’s what was happening when John the Baptist stepped onto the scene. He was paving the way for Jesus, the Messiah, who was about to introduce a radical shift in how people could encounter and experience God.

John’s baptism was powerful—an outward sign of turning away from sin and turning toward God. But Jesus? Oh, He came with something far more powerful: a baptism of the Holy Spirit and fire! Not just a symbolic splash, but a supernatural infusion of God’s presence into the very hearts of His people. This was the dawning of a new era—where heaven touched earth, and God no longer dwelled in temples made of stone, but in the lives of ordinary men and women made extraordinary by His Spirit.

Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit is like living by candlelight your whole life, and then suddenly—boom!—the lights come on and you’re connected to the power grid. Candlelight is beautiful and has its place. It can help you see. It sets a gentle mood. But it’s limited. It flickers. It can’t power a heater, or a refrigerator, or a sound system. Now imagine flipping a switch and being flooded with bright, steady light. Not just light—but access to power that can run an entire city! Everything changes. Rooms you couldn’t see before are now wide open. You’re not just surviving—you’re thriving with full access to what was always available but never activated.

When a follower of Jesus receives this baptism, everything changes. They don’t just believe—they blaze. They speak with boldness, serve with joy, love with power, and see God working through them in amazing ways. The gifts of the Spirit—prophecy, teaching, healing, evangelism, encouragement—begin to flow more freely and more fruitfully. Worship becomes a heart-to-heart encounter. Prayer becomes a lifeline. And God’s presence? Oh, it's not just felt—it fills the room.

This baptism lights up your soul, deepens your walk, and fuels your faith with fresh fire. It is an invitation to live daily in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in you!

So let your heart be open, your hands lifted, and your life surrendered. May the Lord baptize you afresh today with His Spirit—filling you with boldness, joy, peace, and unshakable confidence. You were made to be on fire with His glory. And the One who baptizes with fire is still at work—setting hearts ablaze to light up a dark and desperate world.

May the Lord pour out His Spirit upon you afresh, baptizing you with His power, His love, and His light. Come, Holy Spirit—do it again.