April 30 -- "He Welcomed Them!"

Today’s Reading: Luke 9:1-17

There are moments in life when exhaustion presses in, and all you long for is solitude—a quiet place to rest, to breathe, to be refreshed. But then, just as you're settling in, someone interrupts, needing your help, your presence, your attention. How do you respond? Do you feel irritation creeping in, wishing for just a moment of peace? Or do you choose to welcome them, even in your weariness?

Jesus knew this feeling well. Though fully divine, He embraced the full reality of human experience, including hunger, thirst, fatigue, pain, emotional distress, sadness, temptation, and, yes—the need for rest. In Luke 9, we find Him seeking refuge in Bethsaida, longing for a moment away. But rest was fleeting. The crowds, desperate for His touch, followed Him. And instead of turning them away, He welcomed them. He saw their hunger, their pain, their longing, and He met them where they were—teaching, healing, feeding, and revealing the Kingdom of God.

This is the heart of Christ: unwavering compassion. His love never runs dry, His mercy never falters. He doesn’t shut the door when we come knocking, no matter the time or circumstance. His arms are always open—today, tomorrow, and forever.

Have you ever hesitated to bring your needs before God, fearing you might be an interruption or just not that important? Have you ever felt unworthy, like you might be bothering Him? Let this passage remind you: Jesus welcomes you. Always. He doesn’t turn away; He doesn’t grow weary of you. Whatever burdens you, whatever doubts weigh you down, whatever needs you have—you can run to Him—without hesitation, without fear—knowing He will never reject you. In John 6:37, He gave us this sure word: “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away."

And in this truth, we find a calling. Just as Jesus welcomed the weary, so too are we invited to open our hearts to others. To love even when it’s inconvenient. To extend compassion when we feel spent. To reflect His boundless kindness in our own lives.

May God give you the courage to come boldly to Him, fully assured of His welcome. And may He so fill your heart with His love that you, too, become a reflection of His mercy—offering the same grace to those around you who desperately need to experience it. 

April 29 -- "Before and After: Your Story"

Today’s Reading: Luke 8:26-56

Your personal salvation story is better than any other story you could ever tell, and here’s why: It is ultimately a story about Jesus. It’s the one story you can tell where God takes center stage. It reveals His mercy, His love, His power, and His ability to transform a life – your life. That’s what sets it apart from just a “good story”—it’s a God story. Your favorite travel memory or a funny story from high school might get a few laughs or nods—but your salvation story can impact someone’s eternity.

Consider the dramatic account of the demon-possessed man in Luke 8. For years, darkness gripped him, until Jesus came and set him free. Afterward, the man, overcome with gratitude, pleaded to follow Him. Jesus, however, had another plan. Instead of traveling with the disciples, Jesus gave him a mission: “Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you.” In other words—go and share your story.

This man wasn’t a trained teacher or preacher. He hadn’t studied theology or prepared eloquent speeches. He simply shared his encounter with Jesus. And that’s where it starts for all of us. The Gospel is the unchanging good news—who Jesus is, what He has done, and the salvation He offers. But your personal story makes it tangible. It brings the truth down to “where the rubber meets the road.” It’s the evidence of grace in action, showing others how Jesus transforms lives—not just in ancient times, but here and now.

Perhaps you think your story isn’t extraordinary or dramatic enough. But whether Jesus rescued you from rebellion, legalism, addiction, depression, despair, or doubt—your transformation is a miracle worth sharing. Your testimony serves as a bridge, connecting others to the hope found in Christ. It’s your “before and after” of redemption. So don’t hesitate. Tell your story faithfully, and leave the results to God. He’s the One who saves, but He uses your voice to stir hearts and open eyes. Keep sharing—you never know who’s listening.

Your story puts God’s power on display. When people see the “before and after,” it brings hope that change is possible. Just like in Luke 8, when the man told his story, people were astonished. They knew who he used to be, and now they saw who he’d become. “Wow, I can’t believe it’s really you!”

Your salvation story is better than any other story because it carries the hope of the Gospel, the evidence of God’s grace, and the invitation to eternal life—all wrapped up in the living proof of you! Best of all, it is really easy to share—simply describe the before, how, and after of your salvation story. BEFORE: “This is who I was...” HOW: “This is how I met Jesus...” AFTER: “This is how Jesus is changing me...” The Holy Spirit will do the rest!

May the Lord strengthen you to share with joy all He has done in your life. May your words reflect His grace, leading others to the truth of the Gospel. 

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.