Devotions are available after 3:15 on the date they are released. To watch a “Thought for the Day”, click on the pictures below.
Maundy Thursday: In Times of Trouble, Turn to Jesus
In John 14:1–6, Jesus comforts His disciples, saying, “Do not let your hearts be troubled… I am going to prepare a place for you.” When Thomas questions the way, Jesus replies, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
Even in moments of fear and uncertainty, Jesus offers peace and direction. He is the way forward, the truth we cling to, and the life we need. In every trouble, turn to Him—our hope and our guide. To learn more, watch today’s video.
The Rejected Stone
Jesus, looking directly at them, asked a piercing question rooted in Scripture: “Have you never read, ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’?” (Matthew 21:42). He was quoting a prophetic truth, pointing to Himself as the very foundation upon which God’s kingdom would be built.
This analogy powerfully reminds us that Christ is not an optional addition to a spiritual life—He is the foundation. Everything else crumbles without Him. We either build on Him or fall without Him.
Today’s video is based on Matthew 21:42-44, challenges us to examine our hearts: Are we building on the Rock?
God Over Programs
As Christians, we must be careful not to let the church become just another business. When we prioritize structure, schedules, and systems over the presence and purpose of God, we risk draining the life, love, and spiritual power from our churches and our own walk with Christ.
Programs have their place, but they should never take the place of God.
In Luke 19:45-46, Jesus entered the temple and drove out those who had turned it into a marketplace, saying, “My house will be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers.” His actions were a passionate reminder that the things of God must never be reduced to rituals or routines that leave Him out.
Let us keep God at the center of everything we do. Ministry flows from intimacy with Him, not from well-oiled machinery. May our churches always be more about presence than performance, and more about people than programs.
The Dead shall Hear
Jesus was never too busy to be interrupted—especially when it came to showing compassion. One day, as He approached the entrance to a town called Nain, He encountered a funeral procession. Most people would have simply stepped aside and kept going, but not Jesus. Instead, He stopped and was deeply moved by the sight of a grieving widow whose only son had died.
With tender compassion, Jesus approached the bier carrying the young man’s body. Then, with just a touch and a word of authority, everything changed. The young man sat up and began to speak, turning the mother’s sorrow into overwhelming joy.
To learn more about this powerful moment of compassion and resurrection, watch today’s video based on Luke 7:11-16 and John 5:25.
Such Great Faith
Luke is all about details—sometimes ones you wouldn’t expect. In Luke 7, we meet a Roman centurion whose servant was gravely ill, on the brink of death. But this wasn’t just any servant—he was highly valued by the centurion. Desperate for help, the soldier sent some of his friends to plead with Jesus to heal the man.
Moved by their appeal, Jesus set out for the centurion’s house. But before He arrived, the centurion, surrounded by his friends, came to meet Him (see Matthew 8:5 for a parallel account). What happens next reveals a remarkable display of faith—so strong that even Jesus marveled at it.
To learn more about the soldier’s extraordinary faith, watch today’s video based on Luke 7:1-10.
A Firm Foundation
One thing my neighbors can all agree on is that last year’s storms put our homes to the test. Tropical Storm Debbie struck on a Sunday, catching us off guard when it unexpectedly strengthened into a hurricane. Not long after, Helene roared through, flooding many homes in our small city. And before we could fully recover, Milton swept in with fierce winds, leaving more damage in its wake.
So when Jesus describes a house with a strong foundation, it resonates with us. We know firsthand the importance of building storm-resistant homes. But then, it dawns on us—He’s talking about something far greater: the foundation of our lives. Just as our homes need a solid base to withstand the storms, our lives need an unshakable foundation. And that foundation is Jesus—the rock who can carry us through every storm we face.
To learn more, watch today’s video based on Luke 6:46-49.
Good Tree, Good Fruit
If you have placed your trust in Jesus as your Savior, you are a new creation in Him. And just like a healthy tree produces good fruit, a life rooted in Christ should naturally bear fruit that reflects His love, grace, and truth.
Growth looks different for everyone—some mature quickly, while others take time—but the key is that the fruit we produce should be good fruit. Our words, actions, and attitudes should reflect the transformation that comes from walking with Christ.
Are you bearing the kind of fruit that points others to Him? To learn more, watch today’s video based on Luke 6:43-44.
Falling into the Pit
No one likes to hear a high-and-mighty lecture. But how often do we—perhaps without realizing it—send that very message through our words or actions? When we speak or act with judgment, as if we have no flaws of our own, we risk pushing others away rather than drawing them toward truth.
Instead, Jesus calls us to lead with love, mercy, and kindness. Before pointing out another’s shortcomings, we should examine our own hearts. Are we extending the same grace we hope to receive? Are we reflecting Christ’s compassion? To learn more, watch today’s video based on Luke 6:30-42.
Different Measures
I’ve noticed that some people listen to a sermon and immediately think, “John really needs to hear this!” (or Mary, or someone else). But the truth is, we should always start with ourselves. Scripture reminds us, “With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38)
If you judge others harshly, you will be judged in the same way. But if you extend mercy, you will receive mercy. Do you believe God forgives your sins? Then show that same grace to others, trusting that the Lord offers them forgiveness as well. Watch today’s video to dive deeper into Luke 6:37-38!
A Better Way
Rather than relying on fortune, food, and flattery, learn to genuinely care for others and put God first. Jesus teaches us the true meaning of love—even love for our enemies. Imagine how difficult this was for Israel, living under Roman rule, yet Jesus boldly declared, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27) His words challenge us to rise above resentment and embrace the transformative power of love.
Watch today’s video to explore Luke 6:27-36 and discover how we can live out this radical love in our daily lives.
Rely on God Not Fortune, Food, and Flattery
Jesus warns those who chase after fortune, food, and flattery, reminding us to be mindful of where we place our trust. Be careful not to live only for yourself, but instead, rely on God for all things. True fulfillment comes not from worldly gain but from a heart centered on Him.
To learn more, watch today’s video based on Luke 6:24-26.
The Blessings
Your life may be filled with trials, but joy is still possible even in the midst of struggles. By holding onto God’s promises, you can find hope, knowing that your future is secure in Him. Living by faith, despite your circumstances, is seen and honored by God.
To learn more, watch today’s video based on Luke 6:17-23.
Deciding on Matters
At first glance, today’s passage—Luke 6:12-16—seems to focus on the calling of the twelve disciples. But if we look deeper, it also reveals something powerful about Jesus’ decision-making process. Before choosing His disciples, He withdrew to a mountainside and prayed— not just for a moment, but all night. In constant communion with His Father, Jesus made prayer a regular habit. It strengthened Him for long days, prepared Him for trials, and sustained Him in a world shrouded in darkness.
But what about you? How do you prepare?
Knowing the Law but Not the Intent
The Pharisees diligently studied God’s Word and knew it well—but they missed the heart of it! Rather than recognizing that the Lord created the Sabbath as a gift of rest for His people, they turned it into a burden, even using it to prevent others from doing good.
To learn more, watch today’s video on Luke 6:1-12!
New Wine
People often struggle with change—whether it’s for better or worse. Yet, Jesus was the ultimate change agent. Before Christ, His ancestors wrestled with the impossible task of strictly following the law, burdened by the weight of sin and the fear of death. But Jesus transformed everything—through His death, He brought life and the forgiveness of sins. After His resurrection, everything changed. The old ways could no longer contain the newness of God’s mercy and love—just as new wine requires fresh wineskins.
To dive deeper, watch today’s video on Luke 5:33-39!
He Eats with Sinners
Sometimes, in their strict adherence to the rules and rituals of religion, people lose sight of the deeper truth that God is a God of mercy, compassion, and grace. While they may appear outwardly perfect or righteous, following every rule to the letter, their hearts may be distant from God. True faith isn’t about external appearances or perfect rule-following; it’s about a heart aligned with God’s compassion and understanding. To explore this further, watch today’s video, where we dive into the message from Matthew 5:27-32.
Who Can Forgive Sins but God Alone?
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees, who were deeply familiar with Scripture, should have recognized the truth in Jesus’ words and actions. When Jesus healed the paralytic, He wasn’t just performing a miracle for the sake of healing; He was demonstrating His divine authority. Only someone sent by God could perform such an act. By healing the man and enabling him to walk, Jesus was not only showing His power over physical ailments, but also His ability to forgive sins. This was a powerful confirmation that His claims were rooted in divine truth. To explore this profound moment further, watch today’s video, where we dive deeper into the passage from Luke 5:17-26.
I Am Willing
One of the key lessons we learn in the book of Luke is that God is unchanging—His love and compassion are constant, even when others fail to show kindness. In Jesus’ time, lepers were shunned and despised by society, so the man with leprosy must have been shocked when Jesus not only spoke to him, but also showed compassion. Despite the rejection he likely faced from everyone else, the man’s faith remained strong, and he boldly asked, “Lord, if you are willing, make me clean.” Jesus, always true to His character, responded with compassion, affirming His willingness and power to heal. This moment reveals that Jesus’ love transcends societal boundaries and that His heart is always inclined toward mercy. To learn more, watch today’s video based on Luke 5:12-16.
The Call
Jesus is calling out to you—do you hear Him? He invites you into a life of purpose, transformation, and deep awe for our amazing Savior. When you respond, everything changes. Are you ready to follow Him? To learn more, watch today’s video on Luke 5:1-11!
It Seemed So Easy – For Jesus
As you read Luke 4, you can’t help but see the wonder of Jesus. He cares for and heals everyone around Him with effortless grace. To learn more, watch today’s video on Luke 4:38-44!
He Teaches with Authority
In the days of Jesus, religious teachers often spoke with uncertainty, debating even the most obvious truths—like the resurrection. But Jesus taught with absolute authority! His wisdom and expertise left people in awe. Watch today’s video on Luke 4:31-37 to learn more!