April 28 -- "Take Care How You Hear"

Today’s Reading: Luke 8:1-25

Have you ever experienced a moment when a profound truth spoke directly to your heart? Not just something you heard with your ears, but a message that seemed to sink into the very core of your being, stirring your soul to its depths? It's a defining moment when you just "get it!"

This is the kind of "hearing" Jesus referred to when He described the good soil in the Parable of the Sower the soil that receives the seed of God's Word with an honest and good heart and, through patience, produces abundant fruit. When we take care in how we listen, we create a sacred space within us for Jesus words to take root and flourish.

Jesus often used parables—simple, relatable stories—to reveal the deep truths of Gods Kingdom. These truths, when received by open and willing hearts, begin to shape us in profound ways. They stay with us once spoken and received. They become an integral part of who we are, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Allowing Jesus words to resonate deeply within us brings about transformation from the inside out. His teachings become the guiding star we rely on in life’s storms. They offer comfort in our grief, strength in our frailty, and clarity when we are surrounded by confusion. They empower us to become the people God created us to be.

To take care how you hear means listening not only with your ears but with your heart and soul. It involves preparing the ground of your inner life to be fertile and welcoming for the seeds of Gods truth. As these seeds germinate, they grow into a fruitful harvest, evidence of a life aligned with God’s purpose.

Through the Parable of the Sower, Jesus reminds us of the importance of how we receive and respond to Gods Word. It requires intentionality—a deliberate effort to let His truth penetrate our hearts, transform our lives, and anchor us in His love. Without such care, we risk becoming like hardened soil, where the noise of the world can drown out His voice.

Today, may His words take root in the fertile soil of your heart, growing into a flourishing expression of His truth and love. And may they transform you and guide you as you live out the Gospel. 

April 27 -- "The Proof is in the Pudding"

Today’s Reading: Luke 7:24-50

True wisdom doesn’t just talk--it shows up in real life, and bears itself out in authentic spiritual fruit.

Jesus said, "Wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of her children." In other words, the results prove the reality. Truth will be borne out by those who follow it. If its really of God, the fruit will follow. You dont have to argue truth into existenceit will show itself over time, just like good pudding proves itself by the taste.

Jesus was speaking to a group of Jewish leaders that had rejected both John the Baptist and Himself. John was too intense for them, and Jesus was too friendly and tolerant of unclean sinners. Nothing satisfied them!

Isnt it amazing how different John the Baptists and Jesus ministries were yet both were perfectly in step with Gods calling? Its such a powerful reminder that God doesn’t work through a one-size-fits-all model. His callings are as unique as the people He uses. Your life and ministry don't need to be a replica of someone else's. God uniquely called you and He wants to use you in unique ways.

When Jesus was criticized by these religious leaders, His response was simply, look at the fruit. Lives are being changed, the hopeless are finding hope, the broken are being healed, the rejected are finding acceptance, and the captives are being set free that’s what confirms the truth. Its not about having the slickest message or most polished preacher. Its about what God does with a yielded life. You don’t need to defend the work of the Holy Spirit in your life just live it out. When God is really working, the evidence will speak louder than any argument.

Think of the Jesus Movement in the 1970’s--long-haired hippies filling tents, barefoot and broken, finding hope in Christ. Others mocked it at first, calling these new believers, “Jesus freaks.” (This label meant as mockery, became something these born-again believers embraced and wore as a badge of honor.) But just look at the children it produced: pastors, missionaries, restored families, healthy churches, changed lives, and everyday saints who just love Jesus and His Word. The pudding proved itself! It wasn't the same old "recipe" for doing church, but God was at the heart of it.

Don’t be discouraged if others don’t get what God is doing in your life. Just keep walking in wisdom, led by the Spirit, rooted in the Word. The fruit will come. Stay faithful. Stay humble. And trust that in time, your life will justify the wisdom of God at work in you.

And remember his walk of wisdom doesn’t just bear fruit in this life; it leads to life everlasting. Those who follow God's wisdom inherit a kingdom that cannot be shaken, a future filled with joy, and the reward of hearing, "Well done, good and faithful servant.

That’s the end game when the wisdom of God will be eternally justified by all her children. And it is worth everything!

Today, may the Lord grant you a steadfast heart to walk in His wisdom, even when others don’t understand. May He fill your life with undeniable fruit--peace, joy, love, and transformed lives around you. And may those who watch from the sidelines come to say, Surely, God is with you.

 

April 26 -- "What If God Was One Of Us?"

Today’s Reading: Luke 7:1-23

It’s a question that’s been asked by countless hearts across history: “If God is real, why doesn’t He just show Himself to us?” The longing for undeniable proof, for a revelation so clear that faith becomes effortless, is a deep one. But the account found in Luke 7 provides an awe-inspiring answer: God HAS already revealed Himself—not in distant theory, but in tangible, living form.

Picture the scene. Jesus arrives in a small village, and He encounters a heart-wrenching sight—a funeral procession. A widow, crushed by grief after losing her husband, is now mourning her only son. Without hesitation and with profound compassion, Jesus steps forward. He touches the coffin and speaks with authority, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” In an instant, life returns. The dead man sits up and begins to speak. What?! How can this be?

The crowd is stunned, their emotions shifting from shock to reverence. It’s not just the miracle that amazes them—it’s what the miracle signifies. They declare in awe, “God has visited His people!” In that moment, Jesus doesn’t simply perform a breathtaking act; He unveils the very essence of God’s heart. God didn’t arrive as a distant, untouchable force. He came as one of us—walking alongside us, meeting our pain, and pouring out love.

So often, we expect God to show Himself with grandeur and undeniable spectacle. Yet when He came, many failed to recognize Him. Perhaps this is because He didn’t meet their expectations—He came in humility, not as a powerful king, and their hearts were hardened by pride, tradition, and unbelief. Just as in that day, many today are more devoted to their pre-conceived ideas about God than the truth right before their eyes.

Here’s the life-changing truth: To see Jesus is to see God. His compassion for the widow reveals God’s nearness. His command over death reveals God’s boundless power. And His crucifixion and resurrection reveal a love so immense it defies comprehension.

God isn’t hiding. He has made Himself known—through Jesus Christ, forever inviting us into His light and presence. Open the Gospels. Listen to His words, witness His works, and experience His love. God is near to all who seek Him.

May you see the profound truth of Jesus today. May your heart awaken to the One who walked among us, felt our sorrows, and triumphed over death. God has visited His people—and He is still with us. Let that truth bring you hope and joy. 

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.