Devotional: Choosing the lower seat

Day 5 – For an Audience of One

Theme: Whose approval matters most?

Scripture: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

—1 Corinthians 10:31

Devotional Thought:

Every day, we stand before two audiences: the crowd or the Creator. One gives applause. The other gives eternal reward. One is fickle. The other is faithful. If we live for people’s praise, we’ll always need more. But if we live for God’s approval, we’ll never lack joy—even in obscurity.

George Müller cared for thousands of orphans with quiet faith. He didn’t promote himself—he trusted God to provide and notice. And God did.

You are fully seen. Fully loved. And fully known—by the only One whose opinion truly matters.

Reflection Questions:

1. Whose voice carries the most weight in your life?
2. How would your actions change if you lived only for God’s eyes?

Action Step:

Take time to reflect today. Ask yourself honestly: “Am I doing this for God or for people?” Adjust one thing this week to align more with living for God’s glory.

Prayer:

Father, help me silence the noise of public opinion. I want to live for Your glory, not human praise. Anchor me in Your approval. Amen.

Devotional: Choosing the lower seat

Day 4 – Loving Without Agenda

Theme: Serve those who cannot repay you.

Scripture: “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind… You will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

—Luke 14:13–14

Devotional Thought:

Jesus shifts the focus from honor to hospitality. He challenges us to give—not to those who can return the favor—but to those who can’t. That’s real love. That’s gospel-shaped generosity. It mirrors the grace God shows us: undeserved, unearned, freely given.

Reflection Questions:

1. Who do you typically serve or invite? People who benefit you, or those in need?
2. What does it look like to give without expecting return?

Action Step:

Find one tangible way to serve or bless someone who cannot repay you. It could be as simple as a meal, a ride, a visit, or a gift.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to love like You love. Break any selfishness in my service. Let me serve not for reward, but because You first served me. Amen.

Devotional: Choosing the lower seat

Day 3 – Imitating Christ’s Humility

Theme: True greatness is found in humility.

Scripture: “He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

—Philippians 2:8

Devotional Thought:

Jesus didn’t just teach humility—He lived it. Though He was God, He chose the path of obedience, servanthood, and sacrifice. His life is the ultimate reversal: the King of Kings choosing the lowest place, so we could be lifted up.

When we choose humility, we’re not becoming less—we’re becoming more like Christ.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you believe that humility is strength, not weakness?
2. How can you imitate Jesus in your relationships or leadership?

Action Step:

Do one Christlike act of quiet service today—without posting about it, sharing it, or seeking credit.

Prayer:

Jesus, You laid down Your rights to lift me up. Help me to walk in Your example—not chasing honor, but giving honor. Amen.

Devotional: Choosing the lower seat

Day 2 – The Trap of Pride

Theme: Pride leads to humiliation, but humility leads to honor.

Scripture: “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

—Luke 14:11

Devotional Thought:

Pride is sneaky. It doesn’t always look like arrogance—it can also look like insecurity masked by performance or people-pleasing. Jesus watched the guests scramble for the best seats and used their behavior to expose a truth: self-promotion often leads to public embarrassment.

God honors those who take the low seat—not because they think little of themselves, but because they trust Him to lift them up in due time.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where have you tried to “exalt yourself” recently?
2. How is God calling you to choose humility instead?

Action Step:

Choose humility today in one specific way—whether it’s letting someone else go first, not correcting someone to prove you're right, or simply serving without recognition.

Prayer:

Jesus, humble my heart. Show me where pride has crept in, and give me the courage to choose the lower seat. Amen.

Devotional: Choosing the lower seat

 Day 1 – Seen by God

Theme: Are you living to be noticed by people or approved by God?

Scripture: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

—1 Samuel 16:7

Devotional Thought:
In a world obsessed with followers, likes, and platforms, it’s easy to live for applause. But God sees beneath the surface—to our motives, our desires, our hearts. In Luke 14, Jesus wasn’t impressed by status or seats of honor. He watched the proud jockeying for position and offered a better way: the way of humility.

We don’t need to push our way into recognition. We are already fully seen and known by the One who matters most.

Reflection Questions:

• Whose attention do you crave most?
• Do you trust that God sees you, even when others don’t?

Action Step:
Today, pause once when you feel tempted to seek validation. Redirect that moment into a silent prayer: “God, You see me—and that’s enough.”

Prayer:
Lord, help me to live for Your eyes alone. Teach me to care more about being faithful than being famous. Amen.

Devotional: Ted Lasso and wisdom from the Word

 Day 4: Choose Kindness Over Winning

• Ted Lasso Quote: “For me, success is not about the wins and losses. It’s about helping these young fellas be the best versions of themselves.”

• Proverbs 11:17 (NIV): “Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.”

• Observation: True success is revealed in kindness. Achievements fade, but the impact of compassion leaves a lasting mark.

• Challenge: Put kindness ahead of personal gain in one decision today, even if it costs you something.

• Prayer: God, remind me that success in Your eyes is measured by love. Teach me to choose kindness over winning. Amen.

Devotional: Ted Lasso and wisdom from the Word

 Day 3: Be a Goldfish

• Ted Lasso Quote: “Be a goldfish.” (On letting go of mistakes.)

• Proverbs 24:16 (NIV): “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.”

• Observation: Mistakes are not the end but moments for growth. Wisdom is shown in the ability to rise, learn, and move forward.

• Challenge: Release one regret or mistake you’ve been holding onto and choose to step forward with hope.

• Prayer: Lord, help me let go of past failures and find strength in Your grace to rise again. Amen.

Devotional: Ted Lasso and the wisdom from the Word

 Day 2: Believe

• Ted Lasso Quote: “Believe.”

• Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV): “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

• Observation: Genuine belief is rooted in trust. Faith looks beyond what is seen and rests in God’s wisdom and direction.

• Challenge: Identify one area of uncertainty in your life and choose to place it fully in God’s hands today.

• Prayer: Father, give me the courage to believe even when I can’t see, and to trust Your guidance over my own. Amen.

Devotional: Ted Lasso and wisdom from the Word

Day 1: Be Curious, Not Judgmental

Ted Lasso Quote: “Be curious, not judgmental.”

Proverbs 18:13 (NIV): “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.”

Observation: Curiosity opens doors to understanding. People like to know they are being heard. When listening takes priority over quick conclusions, relationships grow deeper and richer.

Challenge: Slow down in one conversation today and ask at least two genuine questions before offering your own opinion.

Prayer: Lord, help me to listen with patience and approach others with curiosity, rather than judgment. Amen.

Devotional: God’s Fire: Judgment, Truth, and Urgency of Now.

Day 5 – The Urgency of Now

Read: Luke 12:49–56; Psalm 82

“The fire has already come — it began at the Cross.”

Observation:

The fire Jesus spoke of has already been lit — at the Cross. He bore God’s judgment so we could walk in freedom.

Now He calls us to respond with urgency. Psalm 82 shows that those with influence and power are accountable. Those who don’t act for justice or truth will fall.

Jesus isn’t calling us to a passive faith — but to an active, courageous walk that recognizes the spiritual urgency of our times.

Challenge:

What step of obedience or boldness have you been delaying? What is God asking you to act on today?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for enduring the fire of judgment for me.

Let me not waste the mercy You’ve given.

Awaken my heart. Strengthen my resolve.

I choose to follow You today — not for comfort, but for truth.

Amen.

Devotional: God’s Fire: Judgment, Truth, and the Urgency of Now

Day 4 – Let the Fire Clarify Your Loyalty

Read: Luke 12:49–56; Jeremiah 23:29

“Is not my word like fire...?” – Jeremiah 23:29

Observation:

God’s Word tests us — not to harm, but to reveal what’s truly there.

In a world filled with competing loyalties and diluted convictions, Jesus’ fire clarifies who belongs to Him.

It's not enough to believe in Him culturally — following Jesus will cost you something: comfort, approval, maybe even relationships.

The fire separates the committed from the casual.

Challenge:

Where is your loyalty being tested right now? How are you responding?

Prayer:

Jesus, You are the fire that purifies and the truth that divides.

Help me choose You — not once, but daily.

Refine my loyalty until I’m fully Yours.

Amen.

Devotional: Fire, Judgment, Truth and Ugency for Now.

Day 3 – Discern the Times

Read: Luke 12:54–56; Psalm 82

“You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don't know how to interpret this present time?” – Luke 12:56

“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?” – Psalm 82:2

Observation:

Jesus calls out a dangerous spiritual blindness: people could predict the weather, but couldn’t see the signs of God’s movement in their time.

Psalm 82 highlights the failure of leaders to uphold justice — they were called “gods” because of their authority, yet they abused it. They should’ve discerned the times and acted justly, but they were corrupt and blind.

Jesus invites us to recognize the moment — not just politically or culturally, but spiritually.

Challenge:

Are you aware of what God is doing in this generation? Are you spiritually awake, or distracted by the world’s noise?

Prayer:

Father, open my eyes to the times I live in.

Awaken me from apathy.

Help me walk in Your justice and see with Your wisdom.

Amen.

Devotional: God’s Fire,Judgment, Truth, and Urgency of now

Day 2 – When Truth Divides

Read: Luke 12:51–53; Jeremiah 23:23–29

“Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” – Luke 12:51

“Is not my word like fire... and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces?” – Jeremiah 23:29

Observation:

Jesus foresees the unavoidable fallout of truth entering a broken world. He isn’t promoting division, but revealing its inevitability when truth is spoken.

In Jeremiah’s time, false prophets told people what they wanted to hear — words of peace when judgment was coming. God's true Word was like fire — it burned away lies, shattered pride, and exposed sin.

Today, the same holds true: the Gospel draws lines between repentance and rebellion, faith and unbelief — even among families.

Challenge:

Are you standing for God’s truth even when it’s uncomfortable or divisive?

Prayer:

Lord, give me a love for Your truth — even when it costs me.

Keep me from chasing comfort instead of Christ.

Let Your Word burn away compromise in my heart.

Amen.

Devotional: God’s Fire: Judgment, Truth, and the Urgency of Now

Day 1 – The Fire of God's Purifying Judgment

Read: Luke 12:49–50; Isaiah 5:1–7

“I came to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” – Luke 12:49

Observation:

Jesus doesn’t speak in soft tones here — He speaks with urgency and intensity. The fire He refers to is symbolic of God's judgment and purification. It is holy fire: not random destruction, but a divine act of refining and preparation.

Isaiah describes a vineyard that produced wild grapes instead of good fruit. God’s disappointment with His people leads to judgment.

Jesus, too, sees the fruitlessness of His generation — and He knows the Cross (His “baptism”) is the fire that will ignite a new movement. Nothing will remain untouched by it.

Challenge:

Where is God calling you to be refined? What needs to be surrendered to His holy fire?

Prayer:

Lord, You are holy, and Your fire is just.

Purify me. Burn away what is unfruitful.

Give me the courage to let go of what cannot stand in Your presence.

Amen.

Resting in the sovereignty of God

Devotional: Resting in the Sovereignty of God

Scripture: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28

When life feels uncertain, overwhelming, or even painful, our hearts naturally reach for something steady to hold onto. As followers of Jesus, we have something more than just a vague hope — we have the unshakable truth that our God is sovereign. Nothing surprises Him. Nothing slips through His hands. Nothing comes into your life without first being filtered through His loving and sovereign will.

Because God reigns over all creation, we can rest in the assurance that He is always working for our good and His glory. This does not mean life will always be easy, but it does mean that our trials are never wasted. Every detail, even the hard and confusing ones, is woven into a story that God is writing for our redemption and His purposes.

That’s why Jesus could say, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27). His peace isn’t dependent on circumstances changing — it comes from knowing the One who controls all circumstances.

When you anchor your soul in the sovereignty of God, fear begins to lose its grip. Anxiety quiets. Even in the storm, you find a deep, unexplainable peace, because you know the Captain of the ship is guiding you safely home.

Reflection Questions:

1. Where in your life are you struggling to trust God’s sovereignty right now?
2. How can remembering God’s control replace your anxiety with peace?
3. What Scripture can you hold onto this week to remind you of His power and love?

Prayer:

“Lord, I confess that I often try to control what is not mine to hold. Thank You that You are sovereign, and that nothing in my life is outside Your care. Teach me to rest in Your power and goodness. Fill my heart with Your peace that surpasses understanding, and help me walk each day in the confidence that You are working all things for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Devotional: Living in God's Presence Day 5

 The Unshakable Life

Read: Psalm 15:5b

Key Thought: “Whoever does these things will never be shaken.”

Observation:

The life built on God’s ways is solid—even when life shakes around us. Ultimately, this points to Christ, who is our true righteousness.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my solid foundation. Help me to walk in Your ways so that I will not be shaken, no matter what comes. Amen.

Challenge:

End your week by praying Psalm 15 aloud, asking God to form these qualities in your life.

Devotional: Living in God's Presence

 Day 4 — Keeping Promises, Even When It Hurts

Read: Psalm 15:4b–5a

Key Thought: “Who keeps an oath even when it hurts.”

Observation:

Faithfulness matters to God. It reflects His own faithful character. In marriage, work, and friendships, our reliability is part of our worship.

Prayer:

Faithful God, help me to honor my word as You honor Yours. Strengthen me to follow through on every commitment, even when it is costly or inconvenient. Amen.

Challenge:

Follow through on one promise or responsibility today, even if it feels inconvenient.

Devotional: Living in God's Presence

 Day 3 — Choosing Your Loyalties

Read: Psalm 15:4

Key Thought: “Who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the Lord.”

Observation:

We live in a world that often celebrates the wrong things. God’s people are marked by loyalty to His ways, even when it means swimming against the current.

Prayer:

Lord, teach me to love what You love and reject what is against Your ways. Give me the courage to honor those who walk faithfully with You. Amen.

Challenge:

Encourage someone today who is walking faithfully with the Lord.

Devotional: living in God’s presence

Day 2 — Integrity in Action

Read: Psalm 15:2–3

Key Thought: “The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous.”

Observation:

Integrity is more than reputation—it’s about unseen moments: how you speak, how you treat others when no one is watching. God desires hearts and lives aligned with truth.

Prayer:

Father, forgive me for the times my actions or words have fallen short of integrity. Shape my heart so my public and private life honor You. Amen.

Challenge:

Today, practice truth-telling—even in small things.

Devotional: Living in God’s Presence

Day 1 — The Heart’s Deep Question

Read: Psalm 15:1

Key Thought: “Lord, who may dwell in Your sacred tent?”

Observation:

This question isn’t just about religious ritual—it’s about relationship. Who can stand close to God and live in His presence? It’s a call to examine our lives honestly.

Prayer:

Lord, search my heart and reveal anything that keeps me from closeness with You. Remove every barrier and draw me into deeper fellowship with You. Amen.

Challenge:

Write out Psalm 15:1 in your journal or post it somewhere visible this week

Devotional: Rich Toward God

Day 5 – Eternal Investment

Scripture: Matthew 6:19–21

Focus: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (v.21)

Observation:

Jesus links the location of our treasure to the condition of our heart. What we value most guides our decisions, our emotions, and our energy. Earthly treasure fades; heavenly treasure grows. This isn’t about poverty or wealth—it’s about priority.

Our heart will always follow our investments. Eternal investments lead to eternal returns.

Challenge:

Take one step to shift your treasure today: donate, downsize, serve, or reprioritize. Let this step be a sign that your heart belongs to God's kingdom, not this world.

Prayer:

Jesus, show me where my heart has followed my treasure. Redirect my affections toward Your kingdom. Help me invest in what lasts forever. Amen.

Devotional: Rich Toward God

 Day 4 – Rich Toward God

Scripture: Luke 12:21 / Hosea 11:1–11

Focus: “This is how it will be…if you are not rich toward God.” (v.21)

Observation:

Jesus closes the parable with a sober truth: there’s no true gain if we store things up for ourselves but remain poor toward God. Hosea shows us God’s heart—we break His heart with idolatry, but He responds with compassion and longing. He doesn’t want what we have; He wants us.

Being rich toward God means living in response to that divine love—with trust, obedience, and generosity.

Challenge:

How are you currently using your resources—time, money, talents—to reflect your relationship with God? Choose one tangible way to become “rich toward God” this week, whether through giving, serving, or trusting more fully.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for pursuing me even when I wander. Make me rich toward You. Teach me to live for eternal things, not temporary pleasures. Amen.

Devotional: Rich Toward God Day 3

 Day 3 – The Rich Fool’s Miscalculation

Scripture: Luke 12:16–20

Focus: “You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you.” (v.20)

Observation:

The rich man’s downfall wasn’t his abundance—it was his assumption. He planned everything but prepared for nothing eternal. He consulted no one, especially not God. Eleven self-centered statements in three verses reveal a heart rooted in self-sufficiency.

God calls him a fool—not for being wealthy, but for trusting his wealth instead of his Maker.

Challenge:

Examine your long-term goals and financial plans. Have you invited God into them? What would change if you made spiritual readiness your highest priority? Begin one small act today that reflects faith over fear.

Prayer:

God, help me not to ignore eternity. Teach me to include You in my plans and live with urgency for things that last forever. Amen.

Devotional: Rich toward God

 Day 2 – Life ≠ Stuff

Scripture: Luke 12:15 / Psalm 49:1–11

Focus: “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15)

Observation:

Jesus and the psalmist both challenge the lie that wealth equals life. Psalm 49 reminds us that no one can redeem a soul with riches. Possessions give the illusion of permanence, but they cannot protect us from death or secure eternal worth.

Jesus redefines success: not by what we own, but by how we live in light of eternity.

Challenge:

Look at where you’re investing your time, energy, and finances. What story are those investments telling about what you value most? Make one intentional decision today that reflects kingdom priorities over earthly ones.

Prayer:

Father, free me from the lie that my worth is based on wealth or status. Remind me that my life is found in You alone. Amen.

Devotional: Rich Toward God

 Day 1 – Guard Your Heart

Scripture: Luke 12:13–15

Focus: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed.” (v.15)

Observation:

The parable begins with a relatable moment—a family argument over inheritance. But Jesus doesn’t engage the legal issue; He targets the heart behind it. His warning is clear: greed is deceptive and dangerous. It’s not always about excess—it can disguise itself as fairness or security.

Jesus sees deeper than the request—He sees a soul ruled by wanting more.

Challenge:

Are you more focused on what God can do for your situation than on what He wants to do in your heart? Identify one area where greed or self-interest may be shaping your prayers—and invite God to re-center your desires.

Prayer:

Lord, expose any greed hidden in my heart. Help me desire You more than the things of this world. Teach me to seek You—not just Your gifts. Amen.

Devotional: A Praying life

 Day 5: Ask Boldly, Trust Fully

Scripture:

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” — Luke 11:9

Observation:
God invites His children to pray with boldness and persistence. He is not distant or unwilling—He is a good Father who delights in giving good things to His children. Our asking builds trust, and our seeking draws us closer to His heart.

Challenge:
Write down one prayer request that requires bold faith. Bring it before God today—and continue to do so in the days ahead.

Prayer:
Lord, I come to You boldly and expectantly. Help me trust Your timing and Your goodness in every answer. Amen.v

Devotional: A Praying Life Day 4

 Day 4: Aligning with God’s Will

Scripture:

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10

Observation:
Jesus teaches us to begin prayer with surrender—not to our own agendas, but to God’s will. Effective prayer isn’t about bending God’s will to ours; it’s about aligning our hearts to His purpose and mission. His kingdom and glory come first.

Challenge:
Pray specifically for God's will to be done—in your life, relationships, church, and city. Surrender your plans and listen for His.

Prayer:
Father, align my heart with Your will. Help me desire what You desire and live for Your kingdom. Amen.