September 18 — "When Christ Joins Your Circle"

Today's Reading: Matthew 18:1-20

Although Jesus has left this planet for the time being, He insists that He is still among us when we “gather in His name.” Yes, Jesus physically ascended into heaven—Acts 1 paints that unforgettable scene of Him rising and being hidden by a cloud. But He didn’t vanish from the story. He transitioned from being with us in body to being in us and among us by His Spirit—the Holy Spirit.

We often hear today’s verse quoted at prayer meetings, Bible studies, or church gatherings—where two or three are gathered. And yes, it absolutely applies there. But in context, Jesus is speaking about something a little different: forgiveness and church discipline. He’s teaching His disciples how to confront sin, extend grace, and pursue restoration within the family of God. And right in the thick of that messy, vulnerable process, He drops this stunning promise: “You won’t be doing this alone. I’ll be right there with you—among you—in your midst.”

When Christ joins your circle, it’s anything but ordinary. The room exhales. The mundane becomes magnetic. The spiritual air thickens with expectancy, and suddenly, you’re not just praying—you’re participating in something eternal.

• The room warms. Not physically, but spiritually. There’s a sense of welcome, like you’ve stepped into a living room where the Host knows you by name.
• Words flow differently. You’re not just reciting requests. You’re dialoguing. Listening. Sometimes you speak less because His presence says more.
• Unity deepens. These aren’t just fellow believers—they’re co-laborers, family, friends in the Spirit. The Gospel knits hearts together in ways no icebreaker ever could.
• Peace settles. Distraction fades. Anxiety loosens its grip. You feel held. Anchored. Known.
• Joy bubbles up. Not loud, but holy. A smile mid-prayer. A soft laugh when someone prays something so honest it feels sacred.

 Whether you’re praying for reconciliation, healing, guidance, or simply gathering to seek His face—when Jesus joins your circle, the agenda bends to His presence. Sometimes He brings conviction. Sometimes comfort. Sometimes a fresh wind of clarity. But always, always, He brings Himself.

 May the Lord meet you in every gathering—grand or quiet, planned or spontaneous. May His Spirit stir your heart, soften your words, and knit you together in Gospel love. May your prayer circles become holy ground, and your soul find rest in the nearness of Christ. 

September 17 — "The Day Glory Blazed Bright"

Today's Reading: Matthew 17

There are seven thunderous, history-shaking days in the life of Jesus Christ—each one a towering summit in the landscape of time. These aren’t just moments; they’re divine mile-markers that reveal who He is and why He matters more than anything.

(1) His Birth was the day God wrapped Himself in flesh—when Heaven kissed earth and eternity squeezed into a manger.

(2) His Baptism was the day the Sinless One stepped into our mess, plunging into waters meant for us, standing shoulder to shoulder, identifying with sinners.

(3) At the Wedding at Cana, His glory cracked through the ordinary, as the Creator first demonstrated His power by  turning water into wine and whispering of greater miracles yet to come.

(4) Then came His Crucifixion—the moment when love poured out in crimson streams to rescue the lost, turning history’s darkest night into humanity’s dawn of hope.

(5) His Resurrection was the day the grave got evicted, when death bowed low before the Lord of life.

(6) And His Ascension? That was the King’s victorious return to His throne—Heaven erupted as the Champion took His seat in glory.

But nestled between Cana and Calvary stands a moment so dazzling it almost feels out of place: (7) The Transfiguration. In Matthew 17, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain. Suddenly—boom!—His face shines like the sun, His clothes blaze white as light, and Moses and Elijah appear, chatting with Him. Then the Father’s voice thunders from Heaven: “This is My beloved Son… listen to Him.”

For one breathtaking moment, the veil is pulled back. The disciples don’t just see the carpenter from Nazareth—they behold the blazing King of glory. It’s a sneak peek of the Resurrection, a trailer for the Second Coming, and a reminder that behind Jesus’ humanity pulses the full splendor of God.

Why does this matter to us? Because just like those wide-eyed disciples, we need the reminder: Jesus isn’t just relatable—He’s radiant. He’s not just compassionate—He’s cosmic. He’s not just near—He’s above all. The awe that gripped Peter, James, and John invites us into deeper wonder and reverence. In a world where faith can feel flat or over-intellectualized, the Transfiguration jolts us awake to God’s majesty, stirring worship and humility.

The Transfiguration shouts that Jesus is far more than a wise teacher or moral guide—He is the eternal Son of God, ablaze in glory, worthy of our worship and obedience.

So may the Lord open your eyes today to see His glory—not just on the mountaintops, but in the valleys too—so that His light fuels your soul until the day you see Him face to face.

 

September 16 — "Deal Or No Deal?"

Today's Reading: Matthew 16

Let’s talk soul value. What’s yours worth? And more importantly… what would you trade it for?

Life is full of deals—some harmless, some helpful, and some downright hellish. Jesus drops a soul-shaking question in Matthew 16:26: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?” That’s not just a rhetorical zinger—it’s a spotlight on the devil’s favorite scam: swapping eternal treasure for temporary trinkets.

Scripture is full of tragic examples of those who made a bad deal. Judas sold Jesus for thirty silver coins—quick cash, eternal crash (Matthew 26:15). Esau gave up his birthright for a bowl of stew—appetite fed, destiny fled (Genesis 25:33–34). Ananias and Sapphira lied for clout, but lost their lives (Acts 5:1–10). Each thought they’d scored a win—until eternity revealed the loss.

And guess what? The same trades still happen today. Some sell out integrity for fame, only to find the spotlight burns out fast. Others chase wealth and leave family in the dust—rich pockets, empty hearts. Still others swap purity for a moment’s thrill, only to be haunted by regret. Different names, same con: gain the world, lose your soul.

But your soul? It’s far too precious to pawn off. The Bible’s word for “soul” (psuchē) refers to the deepest core of who you are—the eternal “you” that communes with God and lives forever. It’s the invisible, spiritual essence distinct from your body. It’s the seat of your emotions, your will, your character, your consciousness. You can recover lost money, health, or status—but not your soul. Without it, there is no “you.” Jesus proved its worth at the cross, paying not with silver or gold, but with His own blood (1 Peter 1:18–19). Stack up every treasure—gold, glory, empires, galaxies—and it still wouldn’t equal the value of one human soul.

So don’t sign the on devil’s dotted line. Don’t let the world bait you into a bargain that bankrupts your eternity. Guard your soul like the priceless treasure it is. Let Christ be your joy, your gain, your everything. Paul nailed it in Philippians 3:8: “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” The only deal worth making? Lose the world. Gain Christ.

May the Lord give you sharp discernment to spot the devil’s deals, boldness to walk away, and deep joy in knowing your soul is safe in the hands of the One who will never let it go. 

September 15 — "Don’t Stop Believing"

Today's Reading: Matthew 15:21-39

What are the odds Jesus would point at you and say, “Now that’s great faith”? Or is it more likely that He would He raise an eyebrow and sigh, “O you of little faith,” like He did with the disciples?

In Matthew 15, we meet a woman who defies every expectation. She’s a Canaanite. Today we would call her a Palestinian—a Gentile, an outsider—and she’s desperate. Her daughter is tormented by a demon, and she comes to Jesus pleading for help. At first, He’s silent. Then seemingly dismissive. Then resistant. But this woman? Oh, she’s not going anywhere.

She bulldozes through cultural barriers, religious walls, and divine silence with a faith so fierce, Jesus finally says, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” Boom—her daughter is delivered instantly.

Here’s the big takeaway: great faith grabs hold of Jesus and refuses to let go, even when the odds look bleak and Heaven seems quiet. On many occasions, Jesus marveled at how little faith people had—even His own disciples who had front-row seats to His miracles. But this woman? She gets a commendation from the Son of God. “Great is your faith.” That’s not just a compliment—it’s a divine endorsement.

Faith isn’t always polished. Sometimes it’s messy, gritty, and full of struggle. But God isn’t annoyed by your persistence—He’s moved by it. Jesus didn’t shut this woman down; He drew her faith out and let it shine.

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us: “Without faith it’s impossible to please God.” But those who seek Him diligently—and believe Him relentlessly? They’re rewarded. This woman lived that verse out loud.

So here’s your holy nudge: Don’t stop praying for your unsaved loved ones. Don’t quit asking for healing. Don’t stop knocking. Don’t stop believing God’s promises—even when they feel delayed. Don’t stop worshiping when life feels heavy.  Don’t stop forgiving—even when it’s the four-hundredth time. Don’t stop showing up. This “don’t stop” type of faith is the type that Jesus honors. And the faith that presses in will see Jesus move.

Her greatness wasn’t in her strength—it was in her stubborn grip on Jesus. May your prayers be fierce, your trust bold, and your heart ready to hear Him say, “Great is your faith.” 

September 14 — "Coming Back to the Heart of Worship"

Today's Reading: Matthew 15:1-20

The heartbeat of Matthew 15:8–9 is loud and clear: Jesus isn’t fooled by spiritual showmanship, and He’s certainly not impressed by it. Quoting Isaiah, He declares, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me.” Translation? God isn’t swayed by polished prayers, empty rituals, or picture-perfect religiosity when the heart is checked out. Real worship doesn’t start on the lips—it starts deep in the soul.

Back in Jesus’ day, the religious elite were masters of appearances. They obsessed over ceremonial washings, traditions, dress codes, dietary rules, and who was “clean” enough to associate with. They clung to oral laws like their life depended on it—but missed out on the main thing: loving God. By quoting Isaiah, Jesus didn’t just call them out—He exposed their spiritual charade. Their mouths said all the right things, but their hearts were tuned to a different frequency. Worship was never meant to be a performance—it’s always been a passionate pursuit of the Lord.

Fast forward to today. We may not be scrubbing hands for ritual purity or sorting kosher menus, but the trap is still set. It looks like checking the “church attendance” box while mentally planning brunch. It’s singing worship songs like background noise on Spotify, never letting the lyrics touch the soul. It’s posting a Bible verse online while ghosting God in private. It’s tossing out “I’ll pray for you” like a spiritual catchphrase—without ever praying. It looks holy. It sounds righteous. But the heart? It has wandered. And that’s when worship morphs into performance instead of love.

Picture this: a husband buys his wife roses every week, but never listens to her, never spends time with her. Romantic? Maybe to outsiders. But she knows—those flowers are just props. That’s how God sees worship that’s all lips and no heart. The bouquet might be beautiful, but the relationship is what the wife (and the Lord) is after.

It’s time for a heart check. Ask yourself: “Am I worshiping with sincerity—or just going through the motions?” True worship means opening the Bible not to skim, but to hear God’s voice. Singing not to hit the right notes, but to pour out love. Praying not to check a box, but to connect with your Father. Let your lips and your heart sing the same song.

Today, may the Lord sweep away stale routines and ignite fresh fire. And may your words rise from love, your worship overflow with truth, and your heart beat in sync with His. 

September 13 — "Who Is This Man?"

Today's Reading: Matthew 14:22-36

From the radiance of the manger to the gloom of the cross, one thunderous truth kept erupting into history: This is the Son of God. It wasn’t whispered once and forgotten—it roared from Heaven, was shrieked by demons, confessed by disciples, mocked by enemies, and finally gasped by a calloused centurion standing beneath a dying King.

At His baptism and again at His transfiguration, the Father Himself declared, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” What more could we ask than the voice of Heaven? But then His friends saw it for themselves. After calming the storm, they bowed in awe: “Truly you are the Son of God.” Nathanael blurted it in wonder. Peter confessed it with passion. Martha affirmed it through tears. And Thomas, staring into nail-scarred hands, could only whisper, “My Lord and my God.”

Centuries earlier, Agur son of Jakeh asked, “What is [God’s] name, and what is His Son’s name?” (Proverbs 30:4). In Jewish thought, “Son of God” pointed to the promised King from David’s line. So to call Jesus the Son of God was to crown Him Messiah—yes, but also so much more.

By Jesus’ time, the title had deepened. King? Yes. Messiah? Absolutely. But also: fully divine. The eternal equal of the Father. The Word made flesh. The Holy One. The perfect revealer of God’s heart. The Alpha and Omega. The King of kings and Lord of lords. The Savior who brings salvation to mankind.

You can ignore Him, oppose Him, or worship Him—but you cannot stay neutral about who this Man is. Every voice in the New Testament eventually answered Agur’s question by pointing to the One whose name was JESUS. The Father said it. The disciples said it. The centurion said it. Even the powers of darkness admitted it (Luke 4:41).

The real question is—have you said it? With faith? With conviction? Not just with lips, but with life? Today, let your heart echo Heaven’s truth: Jesus is the Son of God, worthy of our trust, obedience, worship, and surrender. Every tongue will one day confess it. Blessed are those who do so now, in faith.

May the beloved Son of God fill your heart with the same conviction that shook the disciples that day in the boat. May you never waver in confessing Him before men—and may the Father’s delight overflow to you as you walk in faith today. 

September 12 — "The More-Than-Enough God"

Today's Reading: Matthew 14:1-21

Sometimes the tiniest details in Scripture pack a really big punch. After the jaw-dropping miracle of feeding five thousand, Matthew 14:20 slips in this little gem: “They took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over.” A small detail, right? I mean, if Jesus could whip up bread and fish like a divine chef on demand, why bother scooping up leftovers? It wasn’t about saving snacks for later—it was a Kingdom lesson for His followers.

First, the gathering of leftovers reveals God’s heart for stewardship. The Lord’s provision is lavish, yes—but never reckless. What He gives is meant to be honored, managed, and put to work. Even in the middle of a miracle, Jesus taught His disciples not to treat God’s blessings like disposable napkins. Every crumb had worth—because it came straight from His hand.

Second, those twelve baskets weren’t just cleanup—they were evidence. Each disciple walked away holding a basket, cradling proof that Jesus had flipped scarcity into surplus. And this theme echoes throughout Scripture: God loves to have us preserve reminders of His power. Israel stacked twelve stones by the Jordan to mark His might. Samuel raised an Ebenezer, proclaiming, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” Even communion is a God-ordained act of remembrance—anchoring us to the greatest miracle of all: salvation through the cross.

So what about us today? We’re not lugging bread baskets around, but we can gather our own fragments of God’s faithfulness. A journal of answered prayers. A scar that whispers healing. A photo tied to breakthrough. A Bible passed down like sacred treasure. Even a song that stirs memories of God’s goodness. These are our modern “baskets of fragments.” And when we pass those stories to our children and grandchildren, we hand them a front-row seat to the God who always provides more than enough.

The leftovers remind us that God’s supply doesn’t just meet the moment—it spills into tomorrow. He’s not a just-enough God; He’s a more-than-enough God. And those reminders—whether baskets of bread or journals of grace—help us trust Him again and again.

May the Lord open your eyes to see His miracles, your hands to hold reminders of His faithfulness, and your heart to treasure His abundance. May your life overflow with testimonies that point others to the One who never wastes a crumb.