Luke 4-5, Psalm 114
Luke 5:5-7 (NLT)
“’Master,’ Simon replied, ‘we worked hard all last night and didn’t catch a thing. But if you say so, I’ll let the nets down again.’ And this time their nets were so full of fish they began to tear! A shout for help brought their partners in the other boat, and soon both boats were filled with fish and on the verge of sinking.”
In Luke 5:5–7, we read about Simon's reaction to Jesus when He told Simon to take his boat out and let down the nets to catch some fish. Simon told Jesus that he had already spent all night fishing with no luck, but he agreed to do as Christ asked. When Simon took his boat out and let down the nets, they caught so many fish that the nets began to tear. Simon called to his partners in the nearby boat for help, and both boats quickly became so full of fish that they almost sank.
I've heard these verses so many times over the years, but what struck me today was how the instruction Jesus gave Simon seemed contrary to his experience. One Bible commentary I read noted that nighttime was generally the best time for fishing on the Sea of Galilee. Simon was back at the shore with his boat after catching no fish despite spending all night fishing. Simon confirmed his failure when he spoke to Jesus. But even when Christ gave Simon instructions that seemed to make little sense, Simon had the faith to trust what Jesus told him. Because Simon obeyed, he experienced a miraculous catch of fish.
These verses remind me that when I hear guidance from the Holy Spirit that seems contrary to what makes sense in the natural world, I need to have the faith of Simon and follow that guidance. Following the Holy Spirit's guidance can be hard for me, especially when it goes against deeply held beliefs that I have. When I'm in this situation, I need to think back to the times in my life when the Lord answered my prayers in unexpected ways. When I remember the Lord's faithfulness in my life, it becomes easier for me to trust and follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, even when it seems unusual.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who calls us to trust Him even when we cannot yet understand where He is leading us—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Monday, September 28, 2026
Sunday, September 27, 2026
Day 268 Bible Readings - Luke 3:15-16 (NLT)
Luke 2-3, Psalm 113
Luke 3:15-16 (NLT)
“Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’”
In Luke 3:15–16, the people wondered whether John the Baptist might be the Messiah they were waiting for. John answered them and said that he baptized people with water, but someone was coming who was greater than he was. John said he was not even worthy to be His slave and untie His sandals. John said that the One who was coming would baptize people with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
I've read these verses many times, but what stood out to me today was that John the Baptist knew about the Holy Spirit. John knew that the coming Messiah would baptize people with the Holy Spirit and with fire. One Bible commentary I read noted that Isaiah prophesied about the Lord pouring out His Spirit in Isaiah 44:3: “…And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.” The commentary also connected John's reference to fire with Malachi 3:2: “…For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.”
These verses remind me that the Lord revealed to John the Baptist many things about the mission of Jesus Christ. John knew he was preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ. He had a specific role to play in the Lord's plan for the world, and he didn't need his role to be greater than it was. John was so humble that he said he wasn't even worthy to untie the sandals of the coming Messiah. John's example makes me feel that whatever role I have to play in the Lord's plan for the world, I want to be as humble as John and celebrate that I am helping to bring more people to the Lord.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Luke 3:15-16 (NLT)
“Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. John answered their questions by saying, ‘I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.’”
In Luke 3:15–16, the people wondered whether John the Baptist might be the Messiah they were waiting for. John answered them and said that he baptized people with water, but someone was coming who was greater than he was. John said he was not even worthy to be His slave and untie His sandals. John said that the One who was coming would baptize people with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
I've read these verses many times, but what stood out to me today was that John the Baptist knew about the Holy Spirit. John knew that the coming Messiah would baptize people with the Holy Spirit and with fire. One Bible commentary I read noted that Isaiah prophesied about the Lord pouring out His Spirit in Isaiah 44:3: “…And I will pour out my Spirit on your descendants, and my blessing on your children.” The commentary also connected John's reference to fire with Malachi 3:2: “…For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal, or like a strong soap that bleaches clothes.”
These verses remind me that the Lord revealed to John the Baptist many things about the mission of Jesus Christ. John knew he was preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ. He had a specific role to play in the Lord's plan for the world, and he didn't need his role to be greater than it was. John was so humble that he said he wasn't even worthy to untie the sandals of the coming Messiah. John's example makes me feel that whatever role I have to play in the Lord's plan for the world, I want to be as humble as John and celebrate that I am helping to bring more people to the Lord.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Day 267 Bible Readings for September 26 - Luke 1:78-79
Luke 1, Psalm 112
Luke 1:78-79
“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
In Luke 1:78–79, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied about the coming of his son and Jesus Christ. Zechariah said that because of the Lord's tender mercy, He was sending a Savior, and John would prepare His way. Zechariah compared the coming of the Savior to the morning light of dawn breaking upon the world, bringing light to people living in spiritual darkness and in the shadow of death. He said the Savior would guide people to the path of peace, and John would prepare the way for Him.
I love how Zechariah compared the coming of Jesus Christ to the morning light of dawn. His son John would prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Zechariah's words also remind me of Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” One Bible commentary I read also noted the connection to Malachi 4:2, which uses the image of the rising sun: “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”
When I read these verses, I think about all the times the Lord has been the light when I was in spiritual darkness and fear. The light of Christ has always led me back to the joy of Father-God. But today I also see that the light of the Lord is a guide for how to live my life. Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit has brought greater peace into my life and has given me direction as I seek to follow Father-God's plan for my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who is the Light of the World and gives us hope in our darkest times—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Luke 1:78-79
“Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, and to guide us to the path of peace.”
In Luke 1:78–79, Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, prophesied about the coming of his son and Jesus Christ. Zechariah said that because of the Lord's tender mercy, He was sending a Savior, and John would prepare His way. Zechariah compared the coming of the Savior to the morning light of dawn breaking upon the world, bringing light to people living in spiritual darkness and in the shadow of death. He said the Savior would guide people to the path of peace, and John would prepare the way for Him.
I love how Zechariah compared the coming of Jesus Christ to the morning light of dawn. His son John would prepare the way for the ministry of Jesus Christ. Zechariah's words also remind me of Isaiah 9:2: “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.” One Bible commentary I read also noted the connection to Malachi 4:2, which uses the image of the rising sun: “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.”
When I read these verses, I think about all the times the Lord has been the light when I was in spiritual darkness and fear. The light of Christ has always led me back to the joy of Father-God. But today I also see that the light of the Lord is a guide for how to live my life. Following the guidance of the Holy Spirit has brought greater peace into my life and has given me direction as I seek to follow Father-God's plan for my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who is the Light of the World and gives us hope in our darkest times—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
Friday, September 25, 2026
Day 266 Bible Readings - John 20:27-29 (NLT)
John 19-21, Psalm 111
John 20:27-29 (NLT)
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’ ‘My Lord and my God!’ Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’”
In John 20:27–29, Jesus appeared to Thomas, who had been absent when He first appeared to the other disciples. Thomas had said he would not believe Jesus had risen until he saw Him and put his finger and hand into the wounds Jesus received at the crucifixion. Jesus knew what Thomas had said and offered him the evidence he had demanded. Thomas believed and acknowledged Jesus, saying, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said that those who believe in Him without seeing Him are blessed.
I've always loved the story of “doubting Thomas.” He needed physical evidence to believe that Jesus had risen and was alive. Jesus was so gentle and merciful with Thomas in his disbelief. He didn't condemn Thomas. Instead, Christ encouraged Thomas to believe, and Thomas responded by addressing Jesus as “my Lord and my God.” One Bible commentary I read noted that the story of Thomas shows that Father-God will meet us where we are in our faith journey. The same commentary noted that Thomas's story shows how doubt can lead to deeper faith when it is brought before the Lord and answered through revelation.
I used to see myself as “doubting Thomas” in my faith journey. I constantly needed evidence to believe that the Lord was real. But I know I've moved beyond that stage of my faith now. I've acknowledged how Father-God has blessed me throughout my life, and I've witnessed too many things that I believe were supernatural healings and miracles to continue doubting that the Lord is alive and at work. Now I feel the desire to understand what it means to “hunger for the Lord's presence” in my life. I want to wake up every morning hungry to know more of Father-God and to experience more of His presence in my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who meets us wherever we are in our journey of faith—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
John 20:27-29 (NLT)
“Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!’ ‘My Lord and my God!’ Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, ‘You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.’”
In John 20:27–29, Jesus appeared to Thomas, who had been absent when He first appeared to the other disciples. Thomas had said he would not believe Jesus had risen until he saw Him and put his finger and hand into the wounds Jesus received at the crucifixion. Jesus knew what Thomas had said and offered him the evidence he had demanded. Thomas believed and acknowledged Jesus, saying, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus said that those who believe in Him without seeing Him are blessed.
I've always loved the story of “doubting Thomas.” He needed physical evidence to believe that Jesus had risen and was alive. Jesus was so gentle and merciful with Thomas in his disbelief. He didn't condemn Thomas. Instead, Christ encouraged Thomas to believe, and Thomas responded by addressing Jesus as “my Lord and my God.” One Bible commentary I read noted that the story of Thomas shows that Father-God will meet us where we are in our faith journey. The same commentary noted that Thomas's story shows how doubt can lead to deeper faith when it is brought before the Lord and answered through revelation.
I used to see myself as “doubting Thomas” in my faith journey. I constantly needed evidence to believe that the Lord was real. But I know I've moved beyond that stage of my faith now. I've acknowledged how Father-God has blessed me throughout my life, and I've witnessed too many things that I believe were supernatural healings and miracles to continue doubting that the Lord is alive and at work. Now I feel the desire to understand what it means to “hunger for the Lord's presence” in my life. I want to wake up every morning hungry to know more of Father-God and to experience more of His presence in my life.
If these verses resonate with you—if you feel drawn to place your faith in Jesus Christ, the One who meets us wherever we are in our journey of faith—this may be your moment. Open your heart to Him. Speak to Him in prayer. Tell Him you trust Him and desire to walk with Him. He is faithful, and He will meet you exactly where you are.
Heavenly Father, I give You my life. Please forgive me for all my sins and wash me clean through the blood of Jesus. I believe in my heart that You raised Jesus from the dead, and I confess with my mouth that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. I receive Your forgiveness and the gift of salvation. Thank You, Lord—I am saved, I am forgiven, I am clean, and I am made new in Jesus’ name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of Father-God! I encourage you to find and join a Holy Spirit–filled, full-Gospel, Bible-based church where you can grow in your faith and experience the Lord’s love, signs, wonders, and miracles in your life.
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