God’s story in god’s people

Why does the Bible warn so strongly against pride? In this daily devotional on Luke 14:1–14, Jesus confronts the pride of the Pharisees, heals a suffering man on the Sabbath, and teaches that those who exalt themselves will be humbled. Discover how humility opens our hearts to God’s grace and why salvation is the greatest gift, offered freely to those who could never earn or repay it.

In Luke 13:22–35, discover why religious activity, good works, and proximity to Christianity cannot replace a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. Salvation is offered to people from every nation but only through faith in Jesus. Take time to examine your heart and ask: Am I truly following Christ, or am I simply surrounded by the things of Christ?

When Jesus frees the bent-over woman, he shows that his kingdom restores what has been burdened and lifts what has been bowed down. And, like the mustard seed and the leaven, his grace often begins small and almost hidden, but it grows and spreads to make a lasting kingdom impact. What starts with us can live beyond us because Jesus is always at work through faithful obedience. Living for Jesus is never a small thing.

If you were hooked up to a spiritual heart monitor, would there be signs of life? Spiritual rebirth is the beginning of spiritual life, and spiritual life produces spiritual fruit.

Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:6). He alone can bring peace between sinful humanity and a holy God. Paul says that “we have peace with God” through Jesus (Rom. 5:1). Jesus gives peace to those who follow him (John 14:27). He also reconciles us to one another, “for he himself is our peace” (Eph. 2:13–18).

“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning.” Jesus opens today’s passage with a call to alertness that reaches into everyday life. Luke 12:35–48 is about living ready—at home, at work, and in the ordinary moments when faith is most likely to drift into routine.

What do you worry about? What keeps you up at night? What causes that unsettled feeling in your stomach?

Did you know that in the United States, there are more self-storage units than Starbucks, McDonald's, Dunkin Donuts, and Pizza Hut locations combined?[1] Americans rent millions of square feet just to store their stuff—stuff they aren’t using and don’t even need. 

Today’s passage reminds us that nothing will stay hidden forever. God knows our hearts. When we live pretentiously, we become unsettled and ineffective in kingdom work. So Jesus gives three crucial instructions to keep us grounded: Nothing remains hidden. Fear God, not people. Stand with him.