May 7 -- "Jesus > Stuff"

Today’s Reading: Luke 12:1-21

We live in a world that constantly shouts, “More is better!” More money. More followers. More square footage. But Jesus whispers something radically different:“I am enough.” At the heart of the Gospel is this freeing truth: Jesus is greater than all the “stuff” you could ever accumulate.

Jesus warned His listeners in Luke 12:15, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” In other words, don’t measure your worth by what you own. Stuff fades. Riches rot. Fame is fickle. But Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).

When our hearts cling to possessions, wealth, or reputation, we can end up enslaved to them. We fear losing them, we strive to gain more, and we define our success by them. But Jesus calls us to something better—Himself. True joy, peace, and identity are found not in what we accumulate, but in the One who gave Himself for us.

Let’s take a heart inventory. Is there any “stuff” stealing the place Jesus should hold? Maybe it’s a bank balance, a dream home, a job title, or a social media persona. Lay it down. Choose today to value the Giver more than the gifts. Make Jesus your treasure—because wherever your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jim Elliot, a missionary who gave his life for the Gospel, once said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Let that truth settle in: Jesus is better than anything you could lose. Or, to hear this same truth from Paul the Apostle: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11).  Have you learned this lesson?

Make it a point today to seek the Holy Spirit’s help in discovering any areas of your heart where you value stuff over your relationship with Jesus Christ. Humbly confess those moments of misplaced priorities, asking for forgiveness and the strength to realign your heart with His will. Invite Jesus to transform your desires, nurturing a deeper love for Him above all else. Let this be a step toward true contentment found in His presence.

May the Lord open your eyes to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. And may you treasure Him above all, and in Him, find the joy this world can never offer. 

May 6 -- "Clear Eyes, Full Light"

Today’s Reading: Luke 11:29-54 

When the way we see the world—our spiritual “eye”—is clear and healthy, Jesus tells us that our whole life is filled with light. But when shadows creep in, clouding our vision, that darkness can touch every part of our being.

The metaphor of the “eye” as a symbol for spiritual perception is deeply profound and rich with meaning. In Scripture, sight often represents understanding, discernment, and awareness of divine truth. Just as our physical eyes determine how we navigate the world, our spiritual "eye" shapes how we interpret reality, recognize God's presence, and respond to His guidance.

Jesus spoke these words to a diverse crowd—not only His disciples, but also many others who came to listen to what He had to say. Among them were those who wrestled with doubt and skeptics unwilling to acknowledge His truth despite witnessing His miracles. Jesus was calling them to wake up, to recognize the light He was offering, and to cast off the blindness that unbelief and sin bring.

The people of His time understood the perils of physical darkness, but Jesus was speaking of a far greater danger—the darkness of the soul. The “eye” represents how we perceive and receive truth. If we allow sin, distractions, or falsehoods to cloud our spiritual vision, the light within us dims. But when we fix our eyes on Jesus, the Light of the World, we walk in His truth, and His brilliance floods every corner of our lives.

Today, there’s no shortage of voices clamoring for our attention, claiming to be sources of enlightenment. Secular ideologies, social pressures, and cultural movements often contradict Biblical truth, distorting spiritual discernment. The media, entertainment, and the flood of information around us can subtly lead us astray if we’re not vigilant. Jesus reminds us to guard our hearts and minds, ensuring that the light we allow into our lives is genuinely His. As the saying goes, “Be careful of the half-truth—you may have gotten ahold of the wrong half.”

Take a moment to examine what “light” you’re allowing into your spiritual eye—what you read, watch, listen to, and support. Ask yourself: Is this the true light of Jesus? Does this draw me or others closer to Jesus, or does it lead us into darkness? Adjust your focus to dwell on what is pure, true, and aligned with the full teachings of Christ.

May the Lord illuminate your spiritual sight today. As you turn your gaze toward Jesus, may His truth banish all darkness, filling your life with His unwavering light and guiding you on the path everlasting. 

May 5 -- "Keep Knocking—God is Listening"

Today’s Reading: Luke 11:1-28

Prayer is not a passive act but an active, expectant pursuit of God’s will and provision. In Luke 11:9, Jesus invites us into a continual conversation with the Father, not as a one-time request but as an ongoing alignment of our hearts with His divine purpose. When He tells us to ask, seek, and knock, He isn’t describing a single moment of prayer. These are actions meant to be repeated, deepened, and pursued continually and relentlessly. We are to ask—and keep on asking, seek—and keep on seeking, knock—and keep on knocking.

God responds to persistent prayer—not because of our eloquence, effort, or determination, and certainly not because we wear Him down—but because He is a loving Father who delights in giving good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11). Our persistence is not about convincing God to listen to us, but about demonstrating unwavering trust in His wisdom and goodness.

Yes, waiting for answers can be difficult. When prayers seem unanswered, discouragement may creep in, whispering doubts about whether God hears or cares. But Jesus’ words challenge us to press on. Asking is the posture of humble reliance, seeking is an intentional pursuit of God’s heart, and knocking reveals a tenacious faith that refuses to give up—even when the door doesn’t immediately open.

Whatever you are praying for—whether healing, provision, guidance, wisdom, salvation for a loved one, or a breakthrough in your life—hold fast to this truth: His timing is flawless. While delays can feel like silence or rejection, they are not necessarily denials. Sometimes, a delay is a process of preparation, alignment, or deepening faith. Every moment of persistence shapes and strengthens our faith, teaching us to trust His heart beyond what our circumstances reveal.

So, do not grow weary in prayer. Keep pressing in. Keep believing. Keep knocking on the door, whether days or years have passed. God is faithful, and He rewards those who seek Him diligently (Hebrews 11:6). When you choose to persist in prayer, you are living out an act of faith, and your prayers—no matter how long the answers may take—are powerful in the hands of the Almighty.

May the Lord anchor your spirit with steadfast faith, fill your heart with unshakable confidence, and draw you ever closer as you keep asking, seeking, and knocking. May you rest in the assurance that your Father hears, cares, and responds in perfect love. 

May 4 -- "Closer Than You Think: Knowing God"

Today’s Reading: Luke 10:21-42

God is not some distant figure in a history book. Nor is He hiding behind a planet or tucked away in some cosmic corner of the universe. He’s not playing hide-and-seek, hoping we never find Him. In fact, it’s the exact opposite—God is constantly reaching out, revealing Himself, and inviting us to know Him. He’s not far away; He’s right here, right now.

It is possible to know God, and not only that—it’s what you were created for! But, according to Jesus in Luke 10:22, true knowledge of God doesn’t come by intellect or effort—it comes by revelation from Jesus. He alone makes the Father known to those who humbly receive Him. If you know Jesus, you know the Father. That changes everything.

But let’s be clear: knowing God doesn’t mean knowing everything about Him. He’s infinite; we’re not. But through Jesus, God reveals enough of our Creator for us to enter into a real, vibrant, growing relationship with Him. Think about that. The God who created galaxies and commands angels, He wants you to know Him—not just know “about” Him, but to know Him personally and to walk with Him daily, heart to heart, as a child knows the voice and embrace of their Father—deeply, intimately, and forever.

Today’s statement from Jesus comes right after He thanks the Father that divine truths aren’t revealed to the “wise and understanding,” but to “little children” (v. 21). He’s pointing out something deeply radical: the knowledge of God is not achieved—it’s received.

Maybe you’ve tried to “figure out” God. You’ve read, you’ve strived, maybe even wrestled with doubts. But here’s the good news: knowing God isn’t about being smarter—it’s about being surrendered. Jesus wants to reveal the Father to you. He’s not hiding behind stained glass or theology books. He’s near. And when you spend time with Jesus—in His Word, in prayer, in worship—you come to know the very heart of God.

So, approach Jesus with a heart like a child—simple, trusting, and open. Ask Him daily, “Lord, show me the Father.” Make it your prayer to know God more intimately, not just intellectually. Let this truth shape how you live, love, and lead. You’re not alone—Jesus is the Revealer, and He delights in opening your eyes to the wonder of who God truly is.

May the Lord Jesus draw you close today and unveil the heart of the Father to your spirit. May your walk with Him be filled with awe, simplicity, and the joy of knowing you are deeply loved and fully known. 

May 3 -- "The Call to Fervent Prayer"

Today’s Reading: Luke 10:1-20

Jesus' words in Luke 10:2 are often understood as a command to get out and labor in God's harvest. But in truth, His words carry a deeper call—an summons to earnest prayer. The original Greek meaning of "pray earnestly" is to implore, long for, beg. This reflects an intensely heartfelt and urgent plea. This is not a routine or casual prayer but one that springs from deep longing, a sincere and passionate cry to God.

Too often, prayer becomes an afterthought—a routine, whispered request before meals, a hurried plea in moments of distress, or a vague hope for God’s blessings. But the call of Scripture is far greater than half-hearted petitions. Jesus urged His followers to pray earnestly, fervently, and with urgency.

This is not passive or casual prayer. It is a cry that shakes heaven, a plea that grips the soul and refuses to let go. It is the kind of prayer that longs, aches, implores—the kind that refuses to settle for lukewarm devotion. When Scripture calls us to love earnestly (1 Peter 1:22), desire earnestly (1 Corinthians 14:1), seek earnestly (2 Corinthians 5:2), and pray hearnestly it reveals a pattern of wholehearted pursuit—an all-consuming hunger to see God move.

Yet how often do we approach prayer with indifference? How often do we ask without urgency, without deep longing, without the fire of desperation? Prayer is not a passive exercise—it is a divine partnership, a holy commission, an invitation to step into the very heart of God’s work on earth.

Jesus made one request abundantly clear: “Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers.” This is not simply a suggestion—it is a call to action. The world is aching for salvation, longing for the truth, desperate for hope. And God, in His wisdom, has ordained prayer as the means by which His workers are sent forth.

So rise up—shake off complacency, abandon weak and lifeless prayer, and let urgency flood your spirit. Lift up your voice without hesitation, without distraction, without reservation. Pray as though lives depend on it—because they do. Pray with boldness, with persistence, with faith that moves mountains.

Let the fire of intercession burn within you. Let your prayers cry out for revival, for salvation, for an army of laborers equipped for God’s harvest. And let your heart be ignited with the fierce conviction that prayer is not just a duty—it is the very means by which heaven invades earth.

The time is now. Pray earnestly, fervently, and without ceasing. Souls are waiting. The harvest is ready. Will you answer the call? 

May 2 -- "Greatness Redefined"

Today’s Reading: Luke 9:44-62 

In the world around us, “greatness” often seems tied to influence, status, and achievement. We’re encouraged to chase success, climb higher, and make a name for ourselves. But Jesus, in His infinite wisdom, flips this worldly mindset on its head. He calls us to see greatness not through a lens of power and prestige, but through humility and service.

Imagine the moment: Jesus’ disciples caught up in a debate, each wanting to secure their place of honor in God’s kingdom. Like characters in “Game of Thrones,” their minds were likely filled with visions of power, thrones, crowns, and authority. Yet, in a move as simple as it is profound, Jesus places a child in their midst—a child, powerless and unrecognized by society, serving as the ultimate picture of greatness in God’s eyes.

Why a child? In that time and culture, children weren’t symbols of admiration or promise. They were the least—the ones without voice, status, or significance. Yet Jesus deliberately chooses this image, revealing that true greatness isn’t about accomplishments or influence, but about humility. It’s found in making yourself small so that God can be magnified in you.

This is counterintuitive. The world conditions us to pursue more—more attention, more success, more control. But in God’s kingdom, the way to true greatness isn’t climbing upward; it’s stepping downward, embracing servanthood with a heart that gives without seeking recognition. The ones whom God calls great are those who quietly, faithfully love and serve—expecting nothing in return.

What if we stopped striving for personal glory and instead pursued opportunities to serve? What if we measured our success not by how high we rise, but by how well we love? What if, in every person we encounter, we saw someone worthy of our care, our time, and our kindness? That is the way of God’s kingdom. That is true greatness. But it’s certainly not easy. It requires an intentional, daily choice to lay aside personal ambition and embrace a life of giving. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it, as every step toward a life of service brings us closer to the heart of God.

The most significant work we do may never be seen, never be praised, never be acknowledged by the world. But God sees. And He values the quiet acts of kindness, the unseen sacrifices, the moments of service that go unnoticed by others.

May we, like children, walk through life with humility and wonder, seeking not our own advancement, but the good of others. And as we lower ourselves in the world’s eyes, may we discover what it means to be truly great in God’s sight. 

May 1 -- "Radical Discipleship Starts Here"

Today’s Reading: Luke 9:18-43

Jesus didn’t sugarcoat discipleship. In Luke 9, He presents a bold and radical invitation—one that calls us beyond the ordinary and into a life of deep surrender and transformation. When He says, "take up your cross daily," He is not referring to a literal cross, but rather to the willingness to embrace the challenges, sacrifices, and responsibilities that come with following Him. By using this imagery, He was teaching that discipleship requires self-denial and a willingness to put God's will above personal desires.

Picture a life where each moment—whether routine or remarkable—is infused with divine purpose. When we choose to follow Jesus and take up our cross, we step into this reality. The burdens of the past no longer define us, and the weight of the future is carried by the promise of eternal life in Christ. It is an invitation to release our fears and doubts, exchanging them for the boundless hope found in Him.

We live in a culture that tells us to “follow your heart” and “put yourself first,” but Jesus calls us to do the opposite. Denying self isn’t about hating ourselves—it’s about choosing Jesus over our flesh. Taking up our cross is about choosing obedience over convenience, pleasure, and selfishness—even when it costs us. Following Him daily means we keep showing up, keep trusting, and keep walking even when the road is narrow and steep.

This journey is not without its challenges, but it leads to a life overflowing with purpose, meaning, and joy. It connects us to the Creator of the Universe, gives us the certainty of eternity in His presence, and allows us to take part in the incredible story of redemption. It is an opportunity to worship, to serve, and to experience the depth of God's love in ways beyond our imagination.

When Jesus says, "Follow Me," He isn’t asking us to walk alongside Him casually—He’s inviting us into a life that reflects His own. He calls us to align our hearts with His, to imitate His actions, and to embrace His mission as our own. It requires daily surrender, an intentional commitment to live for God’s glory, and a willingness to serve others with all that we are.

Today, may the Lord grant you a heart that delights in surrender, a will that yields quickly to His voice, and a strength that comes from walking closely with Jesus each day. As you deny yourself and take up your cross, may you discover the abundant life only He can give. Keep following—He’s worth it.