Devotions for Spiritual Strength

Reading: John 20:24-29 (Thomas's Confession)

Thomas declared, "My Lord and my God!" only after encountering Jesus directly. Like C.S. Lewis, we must examine our embedded beliefs about Jesus—those teachings we inherited without question. Are we following cultural Christianity or the actual Christ? Today, challenge yourself to read Jesus's words with fresh eyes, as if for the first time. Strip away what you've been told and ask: What is Jesus actually saying? The disciples struggled to understand because they carried assumptions about the Messiah. We do the same. Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal Jesus to you beyond tradition, beyond habit, beyond what's comfortable. True faith requires honest examination of who we believe Jesus to be.

Reading: John 14:6-14 ("I am the way, the truth, and the life")

Jesus made audacious claims: "I am the resurrection and the life." "When you've seen me, you've seen the Father." These aren't the words of a good moral teacher—they're either the ravings of a madman or the truth of God incarnate. There's no middle ground. A carpenter's son claiming divine authority was scandalous then and remains so now. We must reckon with Jesus's claims about himself. He didn't offer us the option to admire him as merely wise or inspirational. He demands a verdict. Today, reflect on Jesus's "I am" statements throughout John's Gospel. Do you truly believe Jesus is who he claimed to be? If so, how does that belief transform your daily decisions, your relationships, your priorities?

Reading: Matthew 25:31-46 (The Sheep and the Goats)

Jesus didn't come to establish an earthly political kingdom, yet his kingdom has profound earthly implications. When judgment comes, Jesus identifies himself with the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. This is radical. Our Lord stands in solidarity with the vulnerable and marginalized. If Jesus is truly our Lord, our politics, spending, and advocacy must reflect his heart. We cannot claim "Lord, Lord" while ignoring those he explicitly identifies with. Today, examine your life honestly: How do you treat immigrants, the poor, those without resources? Your answer reveals whether Jesus is merely a religious figure you acknowledge or the Lord you actually follow. Kingdom citizenship requires kingdom values.

Reading: Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me," Jesus declared. This wasn't the military authority his contemporaries expected, but something far greater—authority over life, death, sin, and eternity. Jesus holds the power to forgive, to judge, to resurrect, to transform. He promises to prepare a place for us in his Father's house. This authority should shape how we live today. We answer to Christ, not to popular opinion, political movements, or cultural Christianity. When earthly powers conflict with Jesus's clear teachings about welcoming strangers and caring for the vulnerable, we must choose our true authority. Reflect today: What competing authorities influence your decisions? Where does Jesus's authority actually rank in your life?

Reading: Romans 12:1-2 (Living Sacrifices)

Paul urges us not to conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by renewing our minds. If Jesus is Lord—not lunatic, not liar—then our entire lives must reflect that reality. This means our identity, spending, politics, entertainment, and use of time all come under his lordship. Christian nationalism offers a comfortable fusion of faith and cultural power, but Jesus calls us to something more costly: taking up our cross daily. Today, conduct an honest inventory. Does your life look radically different because of Jesus, or have you simply baptized your existing preferences with religious language? True lordship means Jesus influences everything. What specific area of your life needs to come under his authority today? Make one concrete change that demonstrates Jesus is your Lord.