July 30 — "Hearing, But Not Listening"

Today's Reading: Acts 28

A soft, tender heart is one of the most priceless spiritual treasures a person can possess. It reflects humility, trust, and a deep, abiding love for God. Like freshly tilled soil, a softened heart welcomes the Word—it doesn’t repel it, choke it out, or let it blow away. Instead, it receives truth, clings to it, and blossoms with fruit. A heart like this is teachable, eager to grow, and open to change.

In essence, a tender heart unlocks deeper intimacy with God, leads to wiser decisions, nurtures healthier relationships, bears lasting fruit, and renews the soul day after day.

But here’s the kicker—when our hearts grow dull, our spiritual “ears” stop hearing and our spiritual “eyes” stop seeing. The result? Spiritual stagnation. Acts 28:27 delivers a sobering truth: the Gospel can be boldly preached and still rejected—not due to confusion, but because people simply refuse to respond. God longs to heal, but He won’t bulldoze a will that won’t yield.

Paul, quoting Isaiah, explains why many Jewish listeners resisted his message about Jesus: “For this people's heart has grown dull...” It wasn’t a lack of comprehension. It was a crusty, calloused heart. They’d heard the truth again and again but had built up spiritual scar tissue through repeated resistance. And that’s the warning—when we continually brush off God’s voice, we risk developing spiritual deafness. What was once a soft heart can turn hard with pride, fear, or distraction.

Let’s be real—none of us are immune. Think of all the times we’ve sat through a sermon, skimmed a verse, felt the Holy Spirit tug at our hearts... and shrugged it off. Every dismissal nudges the heart toward dullness—one hardened layer at a time. But the reverse is gloriously true: every time we respond, the Spirit softens and shapes us anew.

So don’t let your heart grow crusty. Today, if you hear His voice, respond to Him. Ask the Lord to open your eyes, unstop your ears, and tenderize your heart. Let the Holy Spirit reignite your love for His Word, presence, and path. Keep your heart soft through daily surrender, frequent repentance, and a joyful, radical trust.

May the Lord bless you with a heart that pulses in perfect sync with His. May your ears perk up at His whisper, your eyes spot His wonders, and your feet run after His lead. And may He protect you from spiritual callouses by covering you—again and again—in His truth and love. 

July 29 — "Stay in the Ship!"

Today's Reading: Acts 27:27-44

Sometimes God asks us to obey in ways that feel... well, completely upside down. Forgive someone who left deep wounds? Be extravagantly generous when your wallet’s wheezing? Stay in a relationship that’s stretching your last nerve? Obedience in moments like these rarely feels comfortable—but it’s divinely right. While we see fragments, God sees the full picture. What feels absurd to us may be the exact key to your breakthrough. Trusting Him often means taking the road that feels backward, awkward, and counterintuitive.

Just look at Acts 27—Paul and 275 shipmates caught in a sea-born horror show. Waves thrashing, the vessel cracking, and seasoned sailors whispering plans to jump ship. I mean, who wouldn’t want OFF a sinking boat? It’s the obvious call, right? But Paul, under divine direction, says, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” Wait… what? Stay in the wreck? God’s instructions defy logic because they’re driven by purpose, not appearances.

Remember Joshua and Jericho? God told him to take down a fortified city by... marching around it silently for seven days. No battering rams, no siege towers—just tiptoes and trumpets. It shattered military logic, but obedience brought down walls. When God gives bizarre instructions, it’s not divine whimsy—it’s divine foresight. His wisdom sees far beyond our own.

Has God nudged you to do something that collides with common sense? Maybe He’s urging you to stay when everyone says bounce—or move when your instinct says freeze. Don’t sit around waiting for His direction to make perfect sense before stepping out in faith. God isn’t asking for your full understanding—He’s inviting your full trust. If He’s whispering “forgive,” “stay,” “give,” “speak,” or “wait”—just do it. Even if your emotions are throwing a fit. Real trust is revealed when God says "go left" and your gut yells "go right." Obey anyway. His voice sees the finish line from the starting gate.

May the Lord fine-tune your ears to hear even His most mind-bending instructions, and fill your heart with boldness to follow without flinching. May He cradle your spirit with peace when His ways perplex your logic. Trust Him. He’s got this—and He's got you. 

July 28 — "Fear Not, Sail On"

Today's Reading: Acts 27:1-26

Fear is a natural human response to uncertainty. But all throughout Scripture, God lovingly repeats a divine refrain: “Do not be afraid.” Whether His people were squaring off with giants, bracing against storms at sea, or staring into the great unknown, heaven’s message remained constant and clear—you’re not alone, I am here.

Take Acts 27. The Apostle Paul was neck-deep in shipwreck drama—chaotic waves, shrieking wind, and a Roman prison vessel splitting apart like a soggy breadstick. And in the middle of that mess, an angel appeared with this soul-steadying declaration: “Do not be afraid, Paul... God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.” Now hear this—God’s presence might not always still the storm... but it absolutely, unequivocally, unshakably stills His servant.

Paul’s storm was real—saltwater spray, splintering wood, and all. Yet right there, God’s voice reminded him not of how tough he was... but Whose he was. The phrase “Do not be afraid” shows up more than 300 times in Scripture—not because life’s dangers suddenly go on vacation, but because, when it shows up, God is already there. From Abraham (Genesis 15:1) to Joshua (Joshua 1:9), Mary (Luke 1:30) to the disciples (Matthew 14:27)—God keeps saying it, and saying it, and saying it... because, let’s be honest, we keep needing it, and needing it, and needing it.

Maybe you’re not adrift at sea, but you're weathering a storm—financial, relational, emotional, or spiritual—and it feels like you’re sinking faster than your hope. Listen up: if you belong to Jesus, the same God who stood by Paul stands with you right now. The enemy loves to throw fear parties, but the Spirit breaks out the faith playlist. Your feelings can lie, but God’s promises are your anchor.

So what do you do? Bail out? Nope. Panic? Uhhuh. Run awa? No way! Believe. Sail on! Stand up and declare it today: “I will not be afraid, for the Lord is with me!” Keep sailing by faith, even when the shoreline vanishes from view. Trust—really trust—that God is not just going to bring you through this storm. He’s going to bless you and others through it.

May the Lord fill your sails with His peace—the unshakable kind that whispers “I’m in the boat” even when the waves roar. Step forward today with holy courage, holy confidence, and holy calm, knowing the One who said “Do not be afraid” is still saying it... and still sticking with you. 

July 27 — "Too Implausible to Believe?"

Today's Reading: Acts 26

The resurrection of the dead isn’t just a dusty relic of ancient theology—it’s the blazing heartbeat of the Christian faith! In Acts 26:8, Paul flings down a bold challenge: “Why does it seem incredible to any of you that God can raise the dead?” Translation: If God is truly almighty, the Creator of life itself, why should resurrection blow your minds?

Standing trial before King Agrippa, Paul doesn’t tiptoe around the Gospel’s core. He plants both feet in it: Jesus rose from the dead. That truth was his anchor and the fire in his bones. Surrounded by skeptics, Paul doesn’t back down—he turns the volume all the way up! The resurrection wasn’t abstract theology to him—it was a life-altering encounter. For Paul, resurrection wasn’t a dilemma; it was a divine certainty.

Let’s unpack that word “incredible.” It didn’t mean amazing; it meant implausible or beyond reason. Paul flips the logic: “If you believe in a God who creates life, why would restoring life be off-limits?”

If anyone should grasp the boundless power of God, it was Paul’s Jewish detractors. After all, the Jews’ history is saturated in divine displays that defy logic and gravity. They saw the Red Sea part like curtains, ate bread that fell from the sky, drank water from rocks, and watched Jericho’s walls fall at the sound of praise. Dead bones once rose and danced under a prophet’s voice. In fact, Elijah raised the son of a widow back to life after he died during a famine. Why should resurrection be unthinkable?

To Paul, resurrection was the natural expression of who God is: the Giver and Restorer of life.

But let’s be honest—we often treat resurrection like it’s an Easter-only event, wrapped in pastels and boxed away till spring. If God raised Jesus, He can revive a dead marriage, a broken heart, a weary soul, and yes—He will raise every believer to eternal life. Resurrection isn’t seasonal—it’s our daily confidence!

So don’t shrink your prayers to fit human limits or what your skeptical mind might consider “implausible.” Believe boldly for extravagant resurrection power in your everyday life. Share that wild hope with the world—just like Paul did—even when it sounds outrageous.

May the Lord flood your heart with resurrection faith. May He breathe new life into every dry place. And may you carry this blazing truth wherever you go: our God raises the dead! 

July 26 — "Dead Man Walking!"

Today's Reading: Acts 25 

Sometimes, what seems like a small religious disagreement to  those in the world is actually the most important truth in the universe.

In Acts 25, Roman governor Festus tries to explain Paul’s case to King Agrippa, saying it “was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.” What Festus tried to downplay (the resurrection of Christ) was proclaimed loudly by Paul: Jesus is alive! And everything hinges on that!

From the Roman viewpoint, Festus couldn’t quite wrap his official mind around Paul’s bold proclamation. To him, this was just some strange religious quarrel “about a dead man.” In Festus’s practical, rational thinking, dead people typically stay dead. End of story. Resurrection? Come on—it sounded like the kind of folklore you’d find scrawled on a tavern wall.

This single verse throws us headfirst into the thunderous collision of two worldviews. Rome, ever so grounded in politics, order, and raw earthly power, faced off against the incredible, supernatural claim at the very heart of Christianity: resurrection! To Festus, this was just a baffling assertion about some man walking out of a tomb. It was theological gibberish to his imperial ears.

To Paul, though? Jesus being alive wasn’t a quirky side note—it was everything. The resurrection confirmed Jesus wasn’t just another passing religious figure but the Victorious Conqueror of sin and death. It proved His divine authority, stamped God’s eternal “YES” over His promises, and flung open Heaven’s doors for anyone who’d believe. Festus’s shrug? It only magnified how deep the chasm ran between mere human logic and the divine disruption of history.

This clash between materialist and Biblical worldviews is still alive today. Like Paul, Christ-followers should stand firm in Gospel truth, live out its transforming power, and engage others with humility and winsome dialogue—offering a compelling vision rooted in Jesus’ resurrection. After all, this dead Man is actually alive!

Today, may you be filled with courage to stand firm in the truth of Christ's resurrection, sharing His transformative power with humility and grace. And may you, like those before you, loudly proclaim, “He is not here; He is risen!”—declaring with every breath that death is defeated, hope has triumphed, and the impossible has become possible.

July 25 — "Followers of The Way”

Today's Reading: Acts 24

In the early days of Christianity, believers weren’t called “Christians” yet—they called themselves (and were known as) followers of “The Way.” This wasn’t just a nickname. It was a bold declaration that Jesus is the way—the way to life, the way to God, and the way to walk in this world.

When Paul stood on trial before Governor Felix, he didn’t shrink back. He admitted openly that he was part of “the Way,” which others called a “sect.” That word sect (Greek: hairesis) was meant by Paul’s detractors as an insult. To them, the Way was a heretical spin-off, a cultish fringe group that had strayed from true Judaism. But Paul pushed back. He made it clear: The Way wasn’t some rebellious cult—it is the fulfillment of everything the Law and Prophets pointed to.

Everything God promised, pictured, and pointed to in the Old Testament finds its ultimate expression in Jesus. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus explicitly declared this to be the case, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus wasn’t tearing down the Jewish law or tossing aside the prophets. He was saying, “I’m not here to undo what God has already revealed. I’m here to complete it, to bring it to its full meaning.” And He did exactly that. He didn’t cancel the Old Testament; He completed its mission.

“The Way” wasn’t a rejection of God's past revelation—it was the fulfillment of it.

Being part of “the Way” today means we’re living differently than the world around us. It’s not a scenic detour—it’s the narrow road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14). In a world filled with countless philosophies, lifestyles, and so-called “truths,” following Jesus means we don’t wander—we walk with purpose on the road He has marked out. This shapes how we think, how we speak, how we forgive, how we love. You’re not just a believer—you’re a traveler on a holy path that leads straight into the arms of God.

So, ask yourself: Am I walking “the Way” Jesus intended? Does my life reflect that I’m on the path of Jesus—not just in belief but in behavior, character, and mission? If I were arrested for being a follower of “The Way,” would there be enough evidence to convict me? Would I, like Paul, boldly admit my relationship with Jesus Christ and His followers?

Don’t be content with the label “Christian.” Be a follower of the Way. Live like Jesus. Talk like Jesus. Love like Jesus. Let your life make others wonder, “What path is that person on?”

May the Lord Jesus Christ, The Way Himself, steady your steps today. May He keep your heart burning with purpose, your feet aligned with truth, and your life a living testimony to His grace. Walk boldly, beloved—you’re on the Way. 

July 24 — "When Truth Speaks Up"

Today's Reading: Acts 23:18-35

Even in the midst of chaos—when accusations fly and crowds rage—truth has a way of rising. In Acts 23:29, a Roman commander (not exactly a Jesus follower) says of Paul, He has certainly done nothing worthy of imprisonment or death. Now that’s powerful. Despite the fury of the crowd, God saw to it that truth spoke through an unexpected voice.

Paul had just been dragged out of a violent mob in Jerusalem. The Jews were outraged by his bold claim that Jesus is the Messiah. To sort it out, a Roman officer steps in, investigates both sides, and comes to a striking conclusion Paul isn’t guilty. He’s not a criminal; he is simply a target because of his faith. Even in flawed systems, God can shine a spotlight on what’s right.

Ever been judged unfairly or punished for doing good? Paul’s story reminds us: God knows how to highlight the truth. You don’t need to spin the story or wear yourself out proving your case. God can use anyone—a skeptical boss, a grumpy teacher, a random stranger, even a Roman officer—to speak up for you. So stay faithful. Walk in integrity. The Lord specializes in letting truth come to light when the time is right.

But what if no one speaks up? The boss stays blind, the family member misunderstands, the friend stays silent. Silence can feel louder than the injustice. And yet—you are never alone. Psalm 37 says, “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” (Psalm 37:5-6)

When others misunderstand, misrepresent, or falsely accuse you, God knows the truth. Even if no earthly voice defends you, Jesus will. And that changes everything. He sees. He knows. And in His perfect timing, He acts. Maybe not through a Roman commander. Maybe not right away. Maybe not even in this life. But His timing is always right! And when He delivers justice, its eternal. It’s never late. It’s never lost.

So if you're facing resistance—at work, at home, even among believers—don’t give bitterness a seat at your table. Let the Lord be your Defender. Keep your heart clean, your words true, and your prayers bold. Paul didn’t throw punches—he simply trusted God. You do the same. Stand tall.

Just keep doing your best. Pray that its blest. And He will take care of the rest. May the Lord surround you with peace in misunderstanding, strength in injustice, and joy in the journey. He’s your shield, your advocate, and your joy.