“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8

Day 40

April 19, 2025

The Lord’s Favor

Taipei is famous for wedding photography. We were in one of those studios, dressed in traditional costumes, ready for some glamorous shots.

My fiancée stood beside me, listening to the photographer’s instructions. I glanced at her, captivated. She looked radiant—her makeup done just right, her big eyes twinkling, long lashes fluttering, lips ruby-red, cheeks glowing. She looked like a star from a classic film. And she was right next to me.

She was giggling the whole time, unaware of my gaze. I knew why she was so happy—she had chosen to marry me, to spend the rest of her life with me.

I said to myself quietly, “Jeremy, you know—you are a lucky man. Really, really, really lucky.”

“The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the LORD.” (Proverbs 18:22)

Marriage is a gift. A wife is a blessing. It is a favor from the Lord. But it’s only one of many. God, in His immeasurable love, has offered us the greatest favor of all: His Son, Jesus Christ.

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19)

Friends, do you understand the meaning of Jesus’ resurrection?

It means He was vindicated. He should not have died. He did not deserve to die. He was sinless. Yet, He willingly laid down His life in exchange for God’s forgiveness of sinners. And in raising Him from the dead, God declared to the world: Jesus was right. His sacrifice was accepted. Sin has been paid for in full.

His resurrection proves that every promise He made is true. Sinners can be set free. Those who believe in Him are fully forgiven—completely pardoned—because He took their place. Every mistake, every failure, every sin has been wiped clean. Forever forgotten. Never accounted for again. In Christ, we are given a new beginning, a second chance. And this time, it’s not just for the better—it’s for eternity.

Christ’s resurrection means that all of God’s curses on humankind are now removed. And every blessing God has promised is available in Jesus to those who love and trust Him. The year of the Lord’s favor has indeed arrived!

“For all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.” (2 Corinthians 1:20)

Let’s pray,

Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for us and for rising again. As we now receive all of God’s favor in You, let us always say Amen to God through You, for His glory, into eternity! Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 39

April 18, 2025

Look to Him Crucified

In 2003, when SARS swept through Taiwan, fear gripped my dad. He watched the news obsessively—images of people screaming, crying, trying to flee from quarantined hospitals. Knowing his lungs were weak and seeing the death toll rising each day, my dad dreaded he would be next.

That fear eventually consumed him, pulling him into severe depression and suicidal thoughts. Desperate for a change of environment, my mom brought him to my home in the United States. But by the time he arrived, the depression had already settled in. He murmured constantly, his words forming an endless stream of anxious thoughts. My mom, exhausted, cared for him as best as she could.

One afternoon, needing to prepare dinner, she placed him on the couch, turned on a videotape of a Jesus movie, and returned to the kitchen. As she cooked, his murmuring continued, an unbroken hum of distress.

Then, suddenly, silence.

Curious, my mom peeked out to check on him. There sat my dad, completely still, his eyes fixed on the screen. The scene showed Jesus, nailed to the cross, being lifted up for all to see. My dad’s murmuring stopped.

“As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14–15)

Jesus was referring to an event during Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness. When venomous snakes bit the people, God instructed Moses to lift up a bronze serpent on a pole. Anyone who looked at it was healed. Jesus used this story to foreshadow His own crucifixion—telling us that those who look to Him in faith will find healing and eternal life.

My dad was not instantly healed that day, but something shifted. He did not murmur any more. In time, with continued treatment, he recovered completely. Before returning to Taiwan, he chose to be baptized in my church, together with my mom.

Friends, do you believe this testimony? Do you believe that faith in Jesus brings healing—not just in this life, but for eternity?

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, You were lifted up so that we may find healing, hope, and eternal life in You. Help us to fix our eyes upon You always. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 38

April 17, 2025

The Highest Agenda

I asked ChatGPT about some unsettling trends in American politics, and it gave me an insightful answer:

“In politics, who the person is often matters less than how the case fits into a broader agenda.”

Right on.

Doesn’t that also explain Jesus’ case?

Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber. (John 18:37–40)

Barabbas was a known criminal. So why did the crowd want a criminal to be released so badly? Because he fit into their agenda.

Barabbas was probably leading some sort of Jewish uprisings against Rome—the kind of things they wanted Jesus to do. But Jesus didn’t act on their expectations. So, they rejected the true Messiah and chose Barabbas instead.

And Pilate? Though he found no guilt in Jesus, why did he still hand him over for crucifixion? Because it was politically expedient. By appeasing the crowd, he avoided riots, silenced potential Jewish complaints to Rome, and secured his governor job. Just as he cynically retorted, “What is truth?” To him, truth mattered less than self-preservation. In fact, Pilate even became friends with his enemy Herod that day (Luke 23:12), because their interests aligned in condemning Jesus.

So Jesus was crucified; it suited everyone’s political agenda. Yet, unknowingly, they fulfilled God’s agenda—His plan to redeem mankind.

He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:5–6)

Barabbas, the guilty one, walked free because Jesus took his place. Likewise, we, guilty of sin, are set free because Jesus bore our punishment. His crucifixion exposes the perversity of human justice, where agendas reign and truth is sidelined. Yet God used this very injustice to accomplish His salvation. The world’s upside-down justice was turned right-side up by the Son of God through His self-sacrifice.

This is the gospel—the good news of Jesus Christ.

Let us pray:

Father, thank You for turning the world’s injustice into our salvation. When we grow tired of this broken, upside-down world, remind us that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 37

April 16, 2025

Abandoned

There had been growing concerns about the pastor in our church, and as elders, we felt the weight of responsibility to address them. We scheduled a town hall, preparing to reveal what we had discovered to the congregation.

Leading up to the meeting, the church staff met with us to discuss what needed to be shared. To my surprise, they hesitated. Some refused to recount what they had witnessed in the church office. I was puzzled. These were the very same individuals who had voiced concerns before. Why were they reluctant now? Weren’t they the ones who came forward? Why the silence?

They remained quiet. Some avoided eye contact.

Then it hit me: they were afraid. The pastor had supporters. The staff didn’t want to be seen as siding with the elders.

In that moment, my thoughts went to a garden long ago—a place called Gethsemane:

“And immediately, while he was still speaking, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a crowd with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. And they laid hands on him and seized him. And they all left him and fled.” (Mark 14:43, 46, 50)

Jesus knew this would happen. He had foretold it. He understood that when faced with the threat of death, His closest friends would abandon him, choosing self-preservation over loyalty. Yet, this was precisely why He came—to lay down His life on the cross and rise on the third day, destroying the fear of death forever.

I did not press the church staff further. They did not want to risk offending an angry crowd during the meeting. If I were in their place, I might have done the same.

Jesus understood the frailty of human courage. He did not harbor resentment against His coworkers for their failure. He accommodated. He forgave.

And because I believed that Christ had stood firm before the crowd in Pilate’s courtyard, I trusted that He would strengthen our church in the meeting to endure and overcome.

The town hall proceeded as planned. There were angry voices, even moments of near chaos. But in the end, peace prevailed. Several weeks later, the pastor resigned.

Do you feel abandoned right now? Betrayed by friends, coworkers, or people you once trusted?

Jesus knows. He’s been there. He understands the sting of rejection, the weight of isolation. And He will help you overcome.

Let’s pray:

Lord, You know the pain of betrayal. When we feel abandoned, remind us that You have overcome. Strengthen us to walk with integrity, even when others falter. Help us to extend grace and forgiveness, just as You did. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 36

April 15, 2025

True Religion

We had a fellowship of young professionals in the city. One evening, a member brought a visitor. He introduced himself, said he was a pastor, shared briefly about his ministries, and then pulled out an offering bag, asking us for donations. We were stunned. We had just met him. We didn’t even know him. Yet here he was, asking for money in God’s name.

Religion can become a means of exploitation. And Jesus saw this clearly:

“And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, ‘Is it not written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.”’ (Mark 11:15–17)

The temple’s animal sacrifices, intended to cleanse people’s conscience before God, had turned into a lucrative monopoly for the priests. Pilgrims, often traveling great distances, were compelled to purchase animals for sacrifice at inflated prices, creating hefty profits for the priestly class. What was meant to be devotion had become exploitation.

By cleansing the temple, Jesus challenged the corruption head-on, exposing the priests’ greed. This act enraged the religious leaders, fueling their plot to kill Him. Yet, in His divine wisdom, God used their evil intentions to accomplish His redemptive plan. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, offered Himself once and for all on the cross—rendering animal sacrifices obsolete and opening the way for all to be reconciled to God through faith in Him.

This is the gospel: that Jesus gave His life so we don’t need to buy our way to God. The price has already been paid. And the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus gives to all who believe, transforms our hearts from a love of money and self-gratification to a love of God and others.

True religion isn’t about what we can get. It’s about what we’ve already received, the unconditional love and forgiveness of God, and how we may respond with gratitude, faithfulness, and love.

Will you accept this gift from Jesus?

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice. Overturn the tables of greed in our hearts. Fill us with Your Spirit so that we become the true temples, where You are honored and others are loved. In Your name we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 35

April 14, 2025

Opposition to Obedience

I held my three-year-old daughter’s arms in the swimming pool, but my mind was elsewhere—Why, Lord? Why have You closed all the doors in my job search?

Then, in the quietness of my heart, the Spirit spoke: “If you take that job, your daughters will be lonely. Who will teach them to swim, as you’re doing now? Who will be there for them when they need you?”

I paused to think. That was true. My wife was already working full-time. If I also took a corporate job, we’d have to hire help, just as my parents had done when I was a child. I still remember the loneliness of those early years, not to mention the two serious accidents I had due to the maid’s neglect.

I didn’t want that for my daughters, not during these tender years when they needed my love and presence the most. So, I made a choice: I stopped chasing corporate jobs. I would stay home and raise them full-time.

My choice was met with opposition, especially from my parents and in-laws: “How can you not work?” “You are a man! Your responsibility is to provide, to make money!” “What about your future? Your pension?” “You’re just sponging off your wife!”

Their words stung, cutting deep into my pride. In the traditional Asian culture, a man staying home was unthinkable, a betrayal of societal norms.

I wasn’t alone in this struggle. Scripture reminded me of someone who understood:

“He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again. And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.” (Mark 8:31-32)

Jesus faced opposition for obeying God’s will, not just from enemies, but from those closest to Him. Yet Jesus pressed on, trusting His Father’s plan.

Like Jesus, we may face rebukes when we choose God’s path, whether it’s prioritizing family over career, stepping into ministry, or making sacrifices that seem foolish to the world. Friends and family may question our decisions. They may mean well, but they don’t always know God’s will.

For seven years, I stayed home, pouring into my children. Those years were grueling. Doubt crept in, and the weight of judgment pressed hard. Yet, deep down, I believed I was following God’s call for my family. Then, in His perfect timing, after both of my daughters started attending school, He called me back to seminary. Today, I serve as a full-time church pastor, pouring into God’s children.

What once looked like a dead end was God’s way of preparing me for His greater purpose. God’s will always prevails—for our good and His glory.

Are you facing opposition for obeying God? Maybe your calling doesn’t make sense to others. Maybe even loved ones question you. Remember: Jesus understands. He, too, was misunderstood. But He trusted the Father’s plan, and so can we.

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, when others oppose us for following You, remind us that You had walked this path. Give us courage to obey, even when it’s difficult. Help us know that Your will is always worth it. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 34

April 12, 2025

Hosanna

Tomorrow we celebrate Palm Sunday, the day Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Crowds welcomed Him with shouts of excitement:

“And they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks on it, and He sat on it. And many spread their cloaks on the road, and others spread leafy branches that they had cut from the fields. And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Mark 11:7–10)

The word hosanna is from Hebrew. It means, “Save, now.”

The people believed Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah, a triumphant king who would overthrow the pagan powers that had oppressed them for centuries. They envisioned a glorious reign, with Jesus enthroned in Jerusalem, restoring Israel’s freedom.

Remarkably, Jesus did not silence their shouts. Throughout His ministry, He often urged His disciples to keep quiet about His identity as the Messiah. But now, in the final week of His earthly life, He did not hide anymore. He accepted the crowds’ praise. His supporters, caught up in the moment, reveled in the belief that His coronation in Jerusalem was imminent.

But only Jesus knew what was awaiting Him: betrayal, arrest, and trials. He would be handed over to the Romans, mocked in a purple robe, and crowned with thorns. That would be His coronation.

Indeed, that’s how God would make Jesus King, not by defeating Rome, but by defeating sin and death through His crucifixion and resurrection.

Will you receive this salvation? Will you let Jesus free you from the bondage of sin, grant you new life, and one day raise you to eternal glory?

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, just as the crowds cried out to You, I call on You now: Save me! Forgive my sins, renew my heart, and help me follow You as my true King. Thank You for loving me enough to suffer in my place. May I live in the freedom of Your salvation every day. In Your name I pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 33

April 11, 2025

Breaking Through the Rigged System

To make America’s showers great again, the President signed an executive order to repeal the regulation that limited water flow from showerheads. 

Some found this funny. Others were outraged. But to me, it was revealing. It answered a question I’d long wondered: Why are showers in the U.S. so weak?

Every time I returned from traveling abroad, I noticed how feeble my home shower felt compared to the strong streams I’d enjoyed elsewhere. I often wondered if something was wrong with my plumbing. But now I know the truth: the system was rigged. The government had imposed a limit, and without realizing it, I had accepted it as normal—even though better was possible.

This is a picture of our world. We are born into a rigged system, bound by a limitation we didn’t create: death. We’re trapped in this fallen order—corrupted by sin, ruled by death. No matter how successful, healthy, or powerful we become, death comes for us all. It has the final say, rendering all achievements meaningless and reducing everything to dust.

Hence the lament:

“Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “vanity of vanities! All is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 1:2)

Death drives desperation. We grasp for fleeting moments of significance, often at others’ expense. We compete, hoard, and strive for a temporary advantage—just to fare a little better than our neighbors. In doing so, we become slaves to sin, the very force that aligns with death and reinforces its dominion

Until Jesus came.

He, the only innocent and righteous one, was crucified by the world’s injustice. He bore the weight of this rigged system upon the cross. But three days later, He rose. His resurrection wasn’t just a personal victory—it was a decisive blow against death itself, breaking its power over all who believe in Him.

Jesus shattered this rigged system forever.

“Only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death.” (Hebrews 2:14)

Now, Jesus invites us into a new system—the Kingdom of God. A kingdom not rigged for failure, but rooted in righteousness and love. A kingdom where death has no power, and its citizens—the children of God—live forever.

The apostle Paul foresaw our glorious future:

“The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God… that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:19–21).

Do you want to be part of this new system? Say yes to Jesus, and you’re in.

Let’s pray:

Father God, we confess we’ve tried to live on our own, trapped in a broken world bent against us. Open our eyes to see that true freedom is found only in Jesus. Break the chains of sin and death in our lives. Fill us with hope, knowing that Your Kingdom is coming—unshakable and eternal. We put our trust in Your Son Jesus today. In His name we pray, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 32

April 10, 2025

Fan into Flame

What is your gift?

What sparks joy within you? What activities make you lose track of time? What comes effortlessly, almost as if it’s a natural extension of who you are? Is it the way your brushstrokes bring a canvas to life? The melodies that pour from your voice or instrument? Perhaps it’s your knack for unraveling complex puzzles, your ability to recall intricate details, or your unique way of deciphering hidden meanings. Maybe your gift lies in your infectious laughter, your deep empathy for others, or your talent for making people feel seen and understood.

We often think of gifts as talents, but a true gift goes deeper. We call it a gift because it’s exactly that—given. We don’t earn it. We didn’t work for it. It’s a grace God places within us. And because it’s a gift, we are called to use it not for ourselves alone, but as a gift to others—to uplift, to bless, to heal, to love.

The apostle Paul encouraged his protégé Timothy with these words:

“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:6–7)

Paul’s words are a call to action. Our gifts aren’t meant to lie dormant or be hidden out of fear or doubt. They’re meant to burn brightly, fueled by the spirit of power, love, and self-control that God provides.

So, what gift do you think you have? What strengths do others recognize and affirm in you? Are you willing to embrace this gift fully, to “fan it into flame” so that its light shines ever brighter?

This isn’t about personal aggrandizement, but about the positive impact you can have on those around you, about building up the community, and ultimately, about directing praise and thanksgiving back to God, the Giver of all good things.

Let’s pray:

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 31

April 9, 2025

Cost and Reward

Given the latest tariffs, analysts project that the iPhone 16 Pro Max, mostly made in China and currently priced at $1,199, could jump to $1,874—a whopping increase of $675. If that happens, consumers will need to rethink their choices: delay their purchase or upgrade, stick with their current iPhone a bit longer, switch to cheaper Android options, or, if they’re truly set on the latest iPhone, tighten their budgets—cutting back on gas, groceries, movie tickets, and other extras—to save up for their dream device.

When things get costly, we pause to reconsider our priorities.

Unfortunately, Jesus tells us, there is a cost to being His disciples:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

This might be why some believers, even those who’ve been baptized, choose to keep a safe distance from Jesus. They fear that loving Him too much may become too costly.

But here’s the catch: despite the cost, there’s also a reward. And that’s exactly the mystery of God’s kingdom, as Jesus illustrates in this parable:

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13:44)

Those who bear the cost of discipleship aren’t foolish. They’ve glimpsed the hidden treasure—His presence, His grace, and the satisfaction that comes from a relationship with Him. They’ve tasted His love, the joy of doing His will, and His purpose that brings meaning to every part of this life. They understand that following Jesus leads to more of this reward—both now and in eternity.

So they willingly pay the cost. They deny themselves today because they trust that the reward awaiting them far outweighs any sacrifice they make now.

Friends, may God open your eyes to see this hidden treasure and stir in you a willingness to follow Jesus despite the cost, so that you may receive the reward He so lovingly promises.

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, thank You for opening our eyes to the treasure of Your kingdom. Give us the faith and courage to follow You, trusting that the cost we bear today pales in comparison to the reward You have prepared for us. In your name we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 30

April 8, 2025

He Hears Us

When I was nine years old, my parents had a fierce quarrel one night. My mom packed her things and was ready to leave. At the door, my dad grabbed her arm, refusing to let her go. I panicked. I dropped to my knees in front of my mom, begging her not to leave.

I was too young to understand what was happening. Years later, I found out they had been arguing because of financial distress. But back then, all I knew was that my world was about to fall apart if my mom walked out that door.

That night, after everyone went to bed, I quietly went into a corner of our home and began to pray. My parents weren’t Christians. We didn’t follow any religion. I had never prayed before, and no one had taught me how. I didn’t even know who I was praying to—but I believed, somehow, that there might be a supreme being out there, someone high above, who could help.

So I prayed, a very simple prayer: “Please don’t let my parents separate.”

Then something happened. An elder in our extended family got involved. He invited my parents over for a meal. As I watched him counseling them around the dining table, a sense of hope and peace settled within me.

Around the same time, I started noticing a church down the alley from our home. I didn’t know why, but its people coming in and out kept catching my attention. I was just a kid, and too scared to walk inside. But twenty years later, I finally stepped into a church in Chicago, heard the good news of Jesus, and was baptized.

The Bible assures us of this truth:

This is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. (1 John 5:14)

Yes, God hears us. Even when we don’t know who He is yet. Even when we don’t know His Name. Even when our prayers are clumsy and our understanding limited. Yes, He hears us. He is never far from us.

Today, what burdens your heart? Perhaps you’ve never considered prayer. Would you be willing to try? You don’t need fancy words. Just speak from your heart.

Pray with me:

Father God, thank You for hearing us—even when we don’t know You yet. Thank You for meeting us in our confusion, fear, and longing. Today, we bring our needs before you. Please show us who You are. In Jesus’ name, amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 29

April 7, 2025

Pray, Not Curse

The stock markets are in turmoil these days. Many people are frustrated and quick to curse political leaders. Are you doing that too?

Moses gave clear instructions to the Israelites:

“You shall not revile God, nor curse a ruler of your people.” (Exodus 22:28)

You might object: “But my leaders are not like Moses. They weren’t directly chosen by God in the same way, and they don’t seem to follow God’s principles.”

That’s a valid point. Today’s leaders often fall short of Godly standards. We feel the weight of their arbitrary decisions—especially when those decisions clash with our values or lead to unwanted consequences.

But consider the early church. Christians then lived under ruthless, tyrannical rulers—emperors who persecuted them mercilessly. Yet, the apostle Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, urged believers not to curse, but to submit to and pray for those in authority:

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1)

“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Political leaders, no matter how much we disagree with them, are not demons. They are humans—flawed, fallible, and prone to mistakes, just like you and me. Give them the benefit of the doubt, even when it feels difficult. Consider that, despite their flawed approaches, they may genuinely desire the well-being of the country and the world.

Leaders stumble often—just as we do. That reality doesn’t excuse their errors, but it does make our prayers for them all the more important.

You might scoff at this idea: “Pray? Are you serious? That guy’s still going to do something stupid, no matter what I say to God.”

That might be true. Your prayer might not change that leader. But it will change you.

When you pray instead of curse, you become a person of peace, not bitterness. A person of intercession, not condemnation. An ambassador of heavenly grace, not a slave of earthly rage.

And there’s a bonus: you’ll probably find yourself happier when you pray instead of curse.

Shall we pray now?

Father God, give our political leaders wisdom and discernment as they make decisions that affect nations and lives. Help us to trust Your sovereignty, even when we disagree. Turn our anger into prayer, and our frustration into intercession. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 28

April 5, 2025

Enter by the Narrow Gate

Tens of thousands gathered in Itaewon for Halloween. On one slope, the surging crowd created a bottleneck. When a group of young men began to push others, people started to fall, crushed by the weight of the crowd pressing from above. Tragically, over 150 people—mostly young adults—died, and hundreds more were injured.

Be careful about following the crowd. It may cost you your life.

Jesus warns:

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14)

The wide gate is attractive—it’s comfortable, popular, and requires little effort. Following the crowd is easy because it demands no thought; you simply go along with others. This path offers no obstacles or resistance. Instead, it often provides worldly pleasures and instant gratification. With so many on this road, you feel like you can’t be wrong. There’s a false sense of security—until the final moments, like the last minutes of the Itaewon stampede, when you realize it’s too late to turn back.

As believers in Jesus, our allegiance is to God, not to the masses. What the world deems popular, easy, or exciting is often contrary to God’s truth. The way of Jesus is not always popular, but it leads to life. It demands discipline, faith, and surrender to God’s will. It may mean standing alone, resisting temptation, or trusting God when the road ahead isn’t clear.

Squeezing through the narrow gate requires intentionality. It takes effort. It calls us to let go of our baggage: ego, pride, and selfish ambitions. But this path—the one that’s hard and unpopular—is the one that leads to eternal life with God.

What choices are you making right now? Are there areas in your life where you’re choosing the easy way over the right way? Are you being swept along by the crowd, or are you intentionally seeking the narrow gate that leads to life?

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, help me choose the narrow gate that leads to You. Give me the strength and wisdom to resist the pull of the wide gate and, instead, to trust Your way—even when it’s difficult. Thank You for being my guide and my salvation. In Your name I pray, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 27

April 4, 2025

Suffering Before Rejoicing

A video on social media shows two Indian men competing in a game. Twenty bottles are arranged in a straight line, with a bucket placed close to one end. The objective is for the two men to collect all the bottles into the bucket in the shortest time possible.

Each man adopts a different strategy: one begins with the bottle farthest from the bucket, while the other starts with the closest. The man who starts with the farthest bottle clearly falls behind once the game begins. However, as the game nears its end, the faster man must run a greater distance to retrieve the remaining bottles, while the slower man can easily grab the nearby ones and place them into the bucket. Ultimately, the man who works harder and slower at the start finishes first, winning the game.

Which path in life would you choose? One that starts easy but becomes more difficult? Or one that begins with hardship but ends in ease and reward?

In the Bible, every hero of faith walked the path of suffering before experiencing God’s promises: Abraham endured years of waiting and testing before holding his promised son; Jacob fled for his life, lost loved ones, and lived in grief before being reunited with Joseph and dying in peace with a large family; Joseph was betrayed, enslaved, and imprisoned—yet in God’s time, he became the second most powerful man in Egypt; Moses spent forty years in the wilderness before leading Israel out of Egypt by God’s mighty hand; David was a fugitive, hiding in caves, before becoming the king of Israel; Job lost everything—his children, his wealth, his health—before God restored him with double blessings.

And what about Jesus? He was despised, condemned, and crucified. But on the third day, He rose again and now sits at the right hand of God.

One of the psalmists understood this mystery and declared:

“My suffering was good for me.” (Psalm 119:71)

Character is formed in the crucible. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, often uses suffering to shape and refine us. It is in the difficult seasons that we learn obedience to His commands, develop a deeper reverence and fear of Him, and cultivate essential virtues like perseverance, grit, and patience. Suffering strips away our self-reliance and forces us to lean more fully on Him. It reveals our weaknesses and compels us to seek His strength. It shapes us into the people He desires us to be, preparing us for the blessings and victories He has in store.

Are you going through a season of suffering right now? Know that you are not alone. Many before you, including our Lord Jesus Christ, have trod this path. May you receive an extra measure of God’s strength to endure. May you know that God is working in the waiting, refining you through the fire. Your story is not over. God will bring forth good from your struggles.

Let’s pray.

Father God, thank You for doing good work in our suffering. Help us trust You in the hard places. Strengthen our hearts to endure with hope. Remind us that You are with us, and that through every trial, You are preparing us for joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 26

April 3, 2025

Consistency

Many step into church service ablaze with passion and excitement. Their energy is contagious, their plans are ambitious, and their enthusiasm inspires those around them. But as time passes, reality sets in. Challenges arise: difficulties at work, struggles in life, or simply the fading of that initial fire. What once burned brightly now flickers, and before long, they step away, leaving behind unfinished work and unmet commitments.

This pattern of starting strong but finishing weak is a common human struggle. We are prone to emotional highs and lows, easily swayed by circumstances. But God calls us to a higher standard—a life of consistency.

Consider this moment from Scripture:

“And they all left Him and fled.” (Mark 14:50)

In His darkest hour, as Jesus approached the cross, His closest disciples deserted Him. Yet He pressed on, completing His mission of salvation with unwavering resolve. He remained faithful to the very end.

This is consistency.

Consistency is a cornerstone of character. Our character is not defined by occasional good deeds or bursts of passion, nor by fleeting moments of brilliance or grand declarations of intent. Rather, it is revealed through what we do consistently—in both the highs and the lows. Consistency shines in what we do day after day, through and through.

Are you currently serving with consistency, or has discouragement or difficulty caused you to step back? Where in your life—church, work, relationships—do you struggle with consistency? What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more consistent heart?

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, help me serve You with faithfulness and endurance. Keep my heart steadfast, even when I feel tired or discouraged. Let me follow Your example of consistency, so that I may glorify You in all I do. In Your name I pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 25

April 2, 2025

Worth More Than Rejections

A Korean American student in Massachusetts took his life last Friday after being rejected by all ten of the top colleges he applied to. Despite being an exceptional student at a nationally recognized high school, with an outstanding record of community service and leadership, he felt that these rejections had taken away his future.

Two years prior, Stanley Zhong, a similarly accomplished student from Palo Alto, experienced a comparable wave of rejections. With a 4.42 GPA, a near-perfect SAT score of 1590, and the impressive initiative of launching his own startup, Stanley was rejected by 16 of the 18 universities he applied to.

However, Stanley’s response took a different direction. Instead of succumbing to despair, he accepted a full-time software engineering position at Google straight out of high school. This year, he took action by filing a lawsuit against the University of California, alleging racial discrimination against Asian American applicants.

Have you ever faced rejection? How did you respond? Did you allow it to define your worth, or did you find ways to learn and grow from the experience? Some people, like Stanley, turn rejection into motivation for a larger purpose. Others allow it to consume them.

Rejection is painful—there’s no denying that. But even Jesus Christ, the Son of God, experienced rejection:

“He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.” (John 1:11)

Jesus, the very Creator of the universe, was rejected by the people He came to save. They handed Him over to the Romans, who crucified Him. But the story did not end there. Three days later, He rose again, and through His resurrection, His disciples were emboldened. With His Holy Spirit descending and dwelling within His believers, the Church was born, and the message of salvation spread across generations and nations.

What seemed like the ultimate rejection became the foundation of eternal hope.

The world’s rejection is not always a bad thing. When worldly acceptance eludes us, we are often more open to seeking true acceptance in Him. If rejection compels us to turn towards God, to experience His love, His forgiveness, and His total acceptance of us in Christ Jesus, then it is not a loss—it is a gain.

Are you facing rejections in your life right now? May you experience God’s unconditional love for you. Remember—your worth is not determined by college admissions, job offers, relationships, or human approval; it is not in the opinions of others or the outcomes of your endeavors, but is found in Christ, who loved you enough to die for you and give you eternal life.

So come to God! Experience the power of His resurrection in your own life! He will enable you to run this earthly journey with renewed strength, joy, and a heavenly purpose that He alone can provide.

Let’s pray:

Father God, comfort us in our moments of rejection. Remind us that our value is not found in worldly approval but in You. Help us trust Your plans, knowing that Your acceptance of us in Christ is greater than any rejection we may face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 24

April 1, 2025

Run with Perseverance

I wanted to propose to her before we headed to Hong Kong to see her parents. So I bought a necklace, prepared a lunch, and took her to a beach.

It was a beautiful day—sunshine, a gentle breeze, and the lulling sound of waves. After we finished our lunch, I opened my Bible and read this passage to her:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:1-2)

I took out the necklace, looked into her eyes, and asked: “Would you marry me and run this heavenly race together?”

She said yes.

We left the beach to see a musical in the city and meet up with some friends. After parking my car on a street, I called my parents to share the news. They weren’t home, so I left a message on their answering machine while she giggled joyfully beside me. It was a perfect day.

We have now been married for twenty-one years. The heavenly race together has not been easy. We have experienced bereavements, job losses, and a precarious childbirth. But Christ has been our daily help, giving us strength to keep running with endurance and hope.

Looking back, the beginning of our journey felt like the first gleam of dawn—dim, cloudy, but tinged with rays of hope. As the years passed, our path grew brighter and brighter. And I know that one day, at our final destination, we will stand in the full light of day—brighter than the noonday sun, face to face with our Savior.

Friends, the heavenly race is difficult, and you were never meant to run it alone.

Run it with your spouse.
Run it with your family.
Run it with your friends.
Run it with your church.
Run it with God.

Endure the cross.
Despise the shame.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.

Let’s pray:

Father God, thank You for the daily strength to run this race. Help us fix our eyes on Your Son, Jesus, who has founded our faith and is perfecting it. In His name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 23

March 31, 2025

Standing Firm in Trials

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2-3)

For the last eight days, I have been gripped by anxiety about flying in the near future. For the last seven weeks, I have been waiting for my back to fully heal. For the last six years, I have lived without my mother.

Constant anxiety, back pain, and grief.

Tell me, James, how can I count these things as joy? Isn’t it enough that we have to go through trials?

Isn’t it enough that I am still here? Must I rejoice, too?

I don’t want to pretend. I don’t want to force something that isn’t true.

I don’t want to count these things as joy. Can you let me be?

Counting our trials as joy sounds like an impossible command, especially in the midst of one. When I am hurt, all I feel is hurt, not joy. I want to keep touching the bruise. I become fixated on the ache that won’t go away. When I recover, I can’t help but touch the scar, reminding myself of what I went through. Joy and trials do not seem to go hand in hand.

Thankfully, this devotional does not end at James 1:2 but goes on to James 1:3.

It is not about finding joy in the trials themselves, but in what the trials bring: steadfastness of our faith. God loves us so much that He doesn’t leave us as we are. Unfortunately, the process is full of growing pains, wounds, and heartaches. In certain moments, we may resist being molded and refined, and that’s where it really hurts, where we face our biggest battles of faith. But if we cling to God and remember He is making us better, then we will find the strength to go on and endure.

I promise you that the process is worth it. Every tear that was shed. Every dream that was lost. Every person that we mourned. Every trial will be worth rejoicing over because it will bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. 

What kind of trials are you going through right now? How is God using your trials to bring you closer to Him? 

By Dorcas Chang

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Day 22

March 29, 2025

Walk with the Spirit

I met up with my childhood friends. Sharing a meal, we bantered like the old days. But soon something brought me unease. They used foul language in almost every other sentence. The profanity bothered me.

Then it dawned on me—I used to talk like that too.

Before I encountered Christ, those words were a natural part of my speech. They flowed effortlessly from my lips, and I never thought twice about them. But since experiencing the renewal of the Holy Spirit, something changed. Swearing no longer felt right. Every time I slipped up, a discomfort stirred within me—an inner conviction that left me feeling guilty and ashamed.

The Bible explains why:

“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:29–30)

When I allow corrupt speech to flow from my mouth, I grieve the Holy Spirit within me. He convicts me and, with a gentle but firm nudge, guides me toward holiness. Over time, I have learned that when my heart is pure, my words follow. When my speech is clean, it brings joy to the Holy Spirit dwelling in me. And as He rejoices within me, I rejoice too—with a joy that stays, a joy that no one can take away.

This is the fruit of walking in step with the Spirit, and it is called the Rebirth, becoming a whole new being in Jesus Christ.

Let’s pray:

O God the Holy Spirit, guard our heart and our lips. Let ours words be pure, filled with grace, and pleasing to You. Help us to speak in a way that builds others up and reflects the transformation You have worked in us. May our speech always bring joy to You, and may we walk in the joy You so freely give. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 21

March 28, 2025

Retaliate Not

A car, out of nowhere and without signaling, cut in front of me on the highway, almost sideswiping my car. How would you normally react? Would you speed up and cut in front of them to teach them a lesson? Would you roll down your window, shout in anger, or make an obscene gesture?

Moments like these test our patience and self-control. Our visceral response is often to retaliate—to give them a taste of their own wrongdoing. But Jesus holds us to a higher standard:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil.” (Matthew 5:38–39)

There are plenty of reckless drivers on the highway—people who speed, cut others off, and bully their way through. In those moments, it might feel unfair to let them get away with such behavior. But often, the wisest option is precisely what Jesus suggests: do not resist. Let them go. Engaging in road rage only escalates the danger for everyone involved.

It’s understandable that such encounters can stir up righteous anger within us. We can get angry, but we should not sin. What if we used that moment to pray? What if, instead of cursing them, we blessed them? We can pray for their safety, for their eyes to be opened, and—yes—even for them to get caught if that’s what it takes for them to repent.

This isn’t about condoning bad behavior. It’s about recognizing that retaliation often perpetuates a cycle of negativity and can even put us in harm’s way. By choosing not to respond in kind, we break that cycle and entrust the situation to a higher authority. We choose peace over conflict, even when our instincts scream for retribution.

Not just on the highway, but in all areas of our lives where we face injustice, let us choose the path of non-retaliation, trusting in God’s justice and the power of prayer to bring about positive change—both in others and within ourselves.

Shall we bring these feelings and intentions before God?

Father God, help us resist the urge to retaliate when people wrong us. Teach us to trust in Your justice instead of seeking our own. Give us the grace to pray for those who offend us, even when we are angry. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 20

March 27, 2025

Carry Each Other’s Burdens

Have you ever helped someone move? When a church member moves, they often ask their church family for help. Brothers and sisters gather at the old place, lift furniture, and load up the moving truck. Then, they caravan to the new home, where they unload everything again.

It’s usually a three-hour job, almost like a field trip. There’s laughter, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose. You get to see where someone has lived and celebrate the fresh start they’re stepping into. And you feel like you’re part of this new chapter in their life.

In the same way, we are encouraged to carry one another’s burdens:

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1–2)

Just as we help friends lift heavy furniture, we are also called to help when they struggle under the weight of sin, temptation, or hardship. Some burdens are too heavy to carry alone, and God designed the church to share the load.

At the same time, Scripture warns us to be careful, lest we fall into the same struggles. Just as we might overestimate our strength when lifting a heavy box and strain our back, pride can make us vulnerable to the same temptation.

Is there someone in your life who is struggling right now—a friend, a family member, a fellow believer? How can you come alongside them and help carry their burden? Maybe it’s through encouragement, accountability, or simply listening and praying with them.

We don’t have to bear these weights alone. We can ask our Greatest Burden-Bearer to help:

Father God, open our eyes to those around us who are struggling, and guide us to offer both practical and spiritual support with Your wisdom, gentleness, and humility. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 19

March 26, 2025

Use Our Wealth Wisely

Ken Shimura (志村けん) was the most famous comedian in Japan. When he passed away during the pandemic, he left behind a mansion worth millions of dollars. Now, his grand house is set to be demolished because his aging brother is unable to maintain it.

No matter how much we accumulate in this world, it all has an expiration date—just like us. When we take our final breath, we leave behind everything we once owned. Our possessions do not follow us into eternity.

So, how should we use the wealth that is only temporarily in our hands?

Jesus gave this parable:

“There was a rich man who had a manager, and charges were brought to him that this man was wasting his possessions. And he called him and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in the account of your management, for you can no longer be manager.’

And the manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do, since my master is taking the management away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. I have decided what to do, so that when I am removed from management, people may receive me into their houses.’

So, summoning his master’s debtors one by one, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’

Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ He said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ He said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’

The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.

For the sons of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than the sons of light. And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.” (Luke 16:1-9)

At first glance, the master’s commendation of this manager might puzzle us. Why praise someone who appears to be acting unethically? Because this manager did two things right:

Firstly, he recognized that his wealth was not his own; it belonged entirely to his master. He was merely a steward, entrusted with its care for a limited time.

Secondly, since the money wasn’t truly his, he chose to use it generously, alleviating the debts of his master’s debtors and thus building relationships that would benefit him in the future.

Friends, do you also admit that your wealth doesn’t really belong to you, but to God, our true Master? Are you wise enough to use it well—to ease others’ burdens, to show kindness, and to be generous—so that you will have treasure in heaven when your time on this earth is done?

Let’s pray.

Lord Jesus, thank You for this parable. Help us to be shrewd in using our wealth. May we invest in what truly matters and store up for ourselves treasures in heaven. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 18

March 25, 2025

The Power of Kindness

Chiune Sugihara (杉原千畝) began his diplomatic career at the Manchurian Foreign Office. While stationed in Harbin, he became a Christian and was baptized in a Russian Orthodox church. In 1939, he was assigned as vice-consul at the Japanese Consulate in Lithuania.

A year later, Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis swarmed into Lithuania, desperate for a way to escape. They pleaded with Sugihara to issue visas so they could travel through Japan and find safety in the Western Hemisphere.

Sugihara dutifully sought guidance from his superiors in Japan three times. Each time, the response was “no.” Torn between obedience to his government and compassion for the suffering refugees, he and his wife struggled with the decision. Then one day, when Mrs. Sugihara saw the exhausted children among the refugees, a Bible verse came to her mind:

“Pour out your heart like water before the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street.” (Lamentations 2:19)
町のかどで、飢えて、息も絶えようとする幼な子の命のために、主にむかって両手をあげよ。（哀歌 2:19）

Faced with a clear moral imperative, Chiune Sugihara began issuing visas. For weeks, he worked 18 to 20 hours a day, handwriting life-saving documents. He produced in a single day what would normally take a month. It is believed that the Sugihara visas ultimately saved between 2,000 and 6,000 Jewish lives.

Years later, when asked why he risked his career to help strangers, Sugihara simply replied: “I do it just because I have pity on the people. They want to get out, so I let them have the visas.”

Jesus teaches us:

“As you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” (Luke 6:31)
人からしてほしいと思うことを、そのとおり人にもしてあげなさい。（マタイの福音書 7:12）

Sugihara embodied this Golden Rule. His kindness changed lives.

Is there someone you can show kindness to today?

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, thank you for the countless ways you have shown us grace and mercy. Inspire us to look beyond ourselves and see the needs of those around us. Give us the courage to act with compassion, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. In your name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 17

Forgive

March 24, 2025

Corrie ten Boom was a Christian and a Holocaust survivor. She traveled the world to tell people God’s forgiveness and love. But one day, at a meeting, she came face-to-face with a former German captor—the very man who had worked at the concentration camp where her sister had died. He didn’t seem to remember Corrie among the thousands of women prisoners, but she remembered him.

After her talk, he approached her and asked for forgiveness. Corrie hesitated. The face of her late sister surfaced in her mind. Those few seconds became her greatest struggle. Then she remembered Jesus’ words:

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:14–15)

Still, her heart felt cold. That’s when she realized—forgiveness is not an emotion; it is an act of the will.

She reached out her hand to him, mechanically. And all of sudden, God’s healing warmth flooded her entire being. Tears welled up as she uttered the words, “I forgive you, brother.”

Friends, do you want to experience God’s healing power?

Forgive now.

When we forgive, when we let go, when we set others free—We set ourselves free.

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, help us to forgive, just as you have forgiven us. In your name we pray. Amen. 

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 16

Humility

March 22, 2025

When we visited Taipei last year, my sister gifted us coupons for a foot massage. We went to the lounge, where the masseuses seated us, placed our feet in warm water, and began gently scrubbing and washing them.

I have to admit—it felt pretty good.

While Jesus was with His disciples, He did something to their surprise:

He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. (John 13:4–5, 12–14, 15)

In Jesus’ time, people wore sandals and walked on dusty roads, making their feet constantly dirty. Washing another person’s feet was a task reserved for the lowliest servant. Yet, Jesus—God Himself—knelt down and did it willingly.

This is humility.

Humility isn’t about thinking less of ourselves; it’s about choosing to serve others out of love. It means lowering ourselves willingly to lift others up—to make them feel valued, restored, and refreshed.

As Jesus demonstrated, humility isn’t self-abasement; it’s a powerful act of love, a passion to see and serve the needs of others, even in the most mundane and overlooked ways.

Humility is true greatness. Do you want to be a great person? Practice humility.

Who are you willing to serve out of love today?

Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, fill our hearts with your loving humility so that we may serve those around us with kindness and grace. Help us bring refreshment and joy to others, just as You did. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 15

March 21, 2025

Love Jesus, Our Neighbor

A lawyer once approached Jesus, asking, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus directed him to the Law of Moses. The lawyer, drawing from Deuteronomy and Leviticus, responded:

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)

Jesus affirmed his answer, urging him to act accordingly. But the lawyer questioned further:

“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

In response, Jesus told this parable:

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’” (Luke 10:30–35)

Jesus then asked the lawyer:

“Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” (Luke 10:36)

The lawyer answered correctly:

“The one who showed him mercy.” (Luke 10:37)

Friends, do you understand this story?

We are the ones who fell among the robbers—robbed by this fallen and sinful world, robbed of the divine image God instilled in us, robbed of the righteousness, mercy, and love God calls us to live out.

Jesus is the Good Samaritan, our loving neighbor, our kinsman redeemer. He is the one who shows us mercy. He is the one who laid down His life for us. He is the one who restores our humanity and divine image, offering us not just temporary aid, but eternal life.

That’s what Jesus was trying to tell the lawyer:

“Love me because I am your Neighbor. I am the one who shows you mercy. I am the one who is willing to die for you because I love you. Love me and you will receive my salvation—your eternal life.”

Shall we love Jesus? Let’s pray:

Lord Jesus, you are our true Neighbor. May your love fill us every day, so that we may love you in return and love your people as you have loved us. In your name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 14

Love the Lord Your God

March 20, 2025

The next morning, as my younger daughter and I waited for the bus, my older daughter surprised me. She walked up to a boy who was also waiting and said, “My sister had no one to sit with yesterday. Would you be her friend and sit next to her today?” The boy, with a kind nod, readily agreed.

That morning, I felt blessed. My older daughter didn’t just hear my concern—she acted on it. I felt her love for me and for her sister.

When we truly love someone, we want to know his heart and fulfill his desires.

That is what Jesus asks us to do:

And one of the scribes came up and . . . asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?” Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (Mark 12:28-30)

Loving God is not work—it’s an invitation to intimacy. To love Him is to know His heart, understand His desires, and take actions to fulfill them.

Do you love God? Do you take time to know His heart? Do you seek to understand His desires, revealed through His Word and the Holy Spirit in your life? Do you actively pursue what pleases Him?

Let’s pray:

Father God, help us to truly understand what it means to love You with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Reveal Your heart to us, and grant us the wisdom, courage, and will to fulfill your desires. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 13

Fear Not

March 19, 2025

My younger daughter just turned one year old, and I took her out one day for a walk. I strolled her on a quiet country road when, probably having had a bit too much water, I suddenly needed to use the restroom. We were out in an open field in the middle of nowhere, so I decided to duck behind a large bush a few feet from her stroller, hoping to avoid her seeing me.

I went as fast as possible, but barely a minute passed before she started crying. She did not understand why I had vanished and that she was all by herself. I quickly finished my business and rushed back to her side, calling out, “Daddy is here. Don’t be afraid. Daddy is right here.“ As soon as she saw me, her sobs subsided and she looked relieved.

Many times we fear because we thought we were alone.

Through the prophet Isaiah, God promised His people Israel:

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Centuries later, this promise took on flesh and blood in the person of Jesus Christ, whose very name, Emmanuel, means “With us, God” (Matthew 1:23). Jesus didn’t just offer words of comfort; He became the embodiment of God’s presence. And as He prepared to ascend back to the Father, He left us with this assurance:

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)

While Jesus is not physically walking beside each of us in the way He walked with His disciples, He has provided His abiding presence through the gift of His Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God dwells within us believers in Jesus, a constant companion, comforter, and guide.

Have you experienced God’s company when fear gripped you? Perhaps it was a sudden sense of calm amidst chaos, an unexpected word of encouragement from a friend, a Scripture verse that leaped off the page and spoke directly to your situation, or simply an inner knowing that you were not facing your challenges alone.

Our perception of being alone fuels our anxiety. But God’s Word and His Spirit assure us that we are never alone. Let us continue to lean into the truth that our Lord Jesus is always near, always caring, and always ready to uphold us.

Shall we pray?

Lord Jesus, thank You for being Emmanuel, “with us, God.” Help us to be more aware of Your nearness, to recognize Your hand at work even in difficult circumstances, and to trust in Your unfailing love and strength. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 12

The Power of the Word

March 18, 2025

The day after my father passed away, I experienced the longest morning of my life. My mom and I sat in the living room, completely stricken by grief. Sorrow filled our hearts and pain gnawed at our bones; we could hardly move. I watched the clock ticking, waiting for time to pass—but it didn’t. Each second felt painfully long. I never realized how slow time could be.

There was a Bible on the table next to my couch—my dad’s Bible. I wanted to read it, but I couldn’t bring myself to open it. I knew that inside, I would see my dad’s handwriting—his notes, his underlines, the traces of the moments we had spent reading it together. Seeing them would remind me of the sweet times we shared and, meanwhile, of the painful reality that I could no longer sit with him and do that again.

The weight of grief crushed me. I felt devastated and lost. A big part of my life had been torn away. Desperate for relief, I picked up my phone, opened the Bible app, and played the audio of Psalm 42:

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.
(Psalm 42:11)

As the audio played, something changed. The weight on my heart lifted. The crushing sorrow eased. I glanced at my mom—her face was uplifted too. I knew, in that moment, that the Lord had ministered to us through His Word. His Word comforted us, strengthened us, and reminded us that even in the deepest sorrow, we have a living hope.

Moses testified:

“Man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” (Deuteronomy 8:3)

God’s Word is more than ink on paper. It is alive, active, and powerful (Hebrews 4:12). It speaks into our hearts when nothing else can. It breathes hope into lifeless situations and shines light into the darkest valleys. Have you experienced the power of God’s Word? If not, I encourage you to open your Bible today. Read, listen, and meditate on Scripture. It is the inspired, living Word of God—able to strengthen, heal, and transform. No matter what we are facing today, His Word is our refuge and strength.

Let’s pray:

Father God, thank You for the power of Your Word. Help us to seek You daily through Scripture, to find comfort in Your promises, and to rely on Your truth in every season of life. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 11

Seek First God’s Kingdom

March 17, 2025

The new president’s trade wars seem to change everyday. When he raises tariffs, the stock market crashes; when he cancels them, the market rebounds. Wall Street analysts, fixated on these shifts, find themselves chasing a moving target. Frustration and anxiety grow as uncertainty clouds their economic forecasts.

If we get hung up on the stock market’s volatile ups and downs, we, too, will be filled with worry. The uncertainty of tomorrow can easily consume us.

But Jesus wants us to take a different perspective:

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Matthew 6:25, 32–34

How do we seek first the kingdom of God?

It means recognizing God’s rule, His sovereignty, and His will—both for the world and for our lives. It means aligning our values with those of His kingdom: love, justice, humility, and faithfulness. It means seeking His good purposes and living in step with them. It means trusting Him completely and prioritizing Him above all else.

When we put God first, He takes care of us.

Still anxious about tomorrow? Let’s ask for His help:

Father God, remove our worries. Help us trust that tomorrow is in Your hands. Lead us to make decisions based on faith, not fear. In Your Son’s name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 10

Rest in Christ

March 15, 2025

Two Stanford engineering students worked in the same lab. One attended church on Sundays, while the other stayed behind, believing that extra hours in the lab would give him an edge. More time at work meant faster progress—right?

Surprisingly, after a few months, the second student began attending church as well. Later, he gave his reason:

“My lab mate always went to church on Sundays, while I stayed in the lab. Yet, my project didn’t advance any faster. It seemed like he wasn’t losing time at all by spending Sunday in church. I realized that working on Sundays was kind of pointless, so I decided to come to church too.”

His testimony reveals an important truth: God calls us to rest.

The early church transitioned from observing the Sabbath on the last day of the week (as in Jewish tradition) to worshiping on the first day—the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Yet, the principle remained the same: God invites us to set aside a day for rest, just as He did after creating the world (Genesis 2:2).

As people created in His image, we are not meant to run endlessly without pause. Rest is not wasted time. It is an act of trust. When we stop striving and honor God with our time, He provides for us in ways we cannot always see.

Rest is acknowledging God’s faithful provision. Rest is believing. Rest is worshipping.

Jesus invites us to find rest in Him:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30

What heavy burdens are you carrying right now? Are you willing to lay them at Jesus’ feet? He may lift the weight entirely, He may transform your heart to let go of it, or He may give you the wisdom and strength to carry it in a much easier way.

Shall we enter that rest now?

Lord, I come before You weary and burdened. I lay my worries, fears, and struggles at Your feet. Help me trust in Your perfect provision and deliverance. Teach me to pause, seek You, and find my strength in You. Thank You for the rest that only You can give. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 9

Thy Will Be Done

March 14, 2025

In his book The Great Divorce, C.S. Lewis wrote:

“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, ‘Thy will be done,’ and those to whom God says, in the end, ‘Thy will be done.’ All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell.”

In other words, Hell is where people insist on having their own way, completely separated from God. Those who go there do so by choice, prioritizing their own will over His. In rejecting Him, they ultimately choose to be apart from Him forever.

But Jesus calls us to something different. When He taught His disciples to pray, He included these words:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:9-10

Heaven is the place where God’s will is always done perfectly. When Jesus asks us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth, He invites us to participate in bringing the reality of heaven into our earthly lives. To pray this way is to embrace God’s infinite wisdom, His goodness, and His perfect design for all things.

Yet, we all face moments when life doesn’t go as expected—setbacks, disappointments, and seasons of uncertainty. In those times, it can be tempting to question God’s plan. But it is precisely in those moments that we learn patience, deepen our trust, and witness His faithful providence. Over time, we come to understand what the apostle Paul described as God’s “good, pleasing, and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

Are there areas in your life where you resist God’s will? Are you clinging to your own plans instead of surrendering to His? True peace is not found in controlling our own destiny, but in yielding to the loving will of our Father.

Let us pray:

Father God, help me to trust You completely. Teach me to desire Your will above my own, knowing that Your ways are always higher and betters. Let Your kingdom come and Your will be done in my life today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 8

Follow Jesus

March 13, 2025

In most religions, people don’t listen to their god—they expect their god to listen to them. They want their prayers answered, their desires fulfilled, and their problems solved. So, they build temples and place statues of their gods, shaping them according to their imagination—whether in the form of a man, a woman, or an animal. Then, they enter into a transaction with it:

“Look, I will offer sacrifices, pay for the temple’s upkeep, and perform religious duties. In return, you must bless me, protect me, and give me what I ask.”

What happens when their god doesn’t deliver? They either try harder—offering more, praying louder, performing additional rituals—or they simply abandon that god and look for another one that better suits their needs.

This is how most people approach religion: a negotiation, a contract, a deal. The underlying message is always the same: “God, you exist to serve me.”

Imagine how shocking Jesus’ words must have been to His first listeners:

“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.” — Luke 9:23–24

Following Christ is not about making demands or striking bargains. It’s about total surrender. Jesus doesn’t call us to manipulate God to serve our ambitions. Instead, He calls us to abandon them. In fact, He calls us to follow Him into death!

In Jesus’ time, the cross was not a religious symbol—it was an instrument of brutal Roman execution. To carry a cross meant walking toward a humiliating death. Yet, Jesus told His followers to take up their cross daily. He was calling them to live as though they had already died—to their own will, their own desires, and their own control.

This is no metaphor. This is real. I have followed Jesus for more than twenty years, and there have been times when I felt like the world had executed me. Times of suffering, rejection, and loss—moments where following Jesus cost me more than I ever imagined.

But here’s the Good News: death is not the end.

Yes, dying to ourselves may feel like the end. Losing control may feel like the end. Sacrificing our plans, our comfort, and even our reputation may feel like the end. But it is not the end.

Jesus didn’t just die on the cross—He was raised to life on the third day. He is the Lord of the Resurrection!

And that means His followers, though they may endure death-like suffering, will also experience resurrection. They will experience a renewed, re-created, and repurposed life ordained by the good will of God.

Are you willing to follow Christ—not to get what you want, but to lose everything for His sake? Because if you lose for Jesus, you will gain in Him. And the rewards? A hundred times more—both now and in eternity. (Mark 10:30)

Pray with me:

Lord Jesus, I surrender my life to You. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross daily, and follow You. Even when it costs me, even when it feels like death, I trust that You are the God of resurrection. Yes, let me walk in the power of Your risen life! Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 7

Be Holy

March 12, 2025

In our church kitchen, the communion trays are stored separately from all other utensils. They are kept in a different pantry, not mixed with common kitchenware. Why? Because they have a dedicated purpose—to serve the sacraments during communion. That is their sole function, their holy mission. They are set apart, not to be used for anything else.

This is what holiness means. To be holy is to be set apart—not mixed up with what is common, what is profane. The Hebrew word for “holy,” קָדוֹשׁ (qadosh), means “set apart for God,” “dedicated to God,” because God alone is the source of all holiness.

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” — Leviticus 19:2

Are you holy? Do you live a life set apart for God? Do you allow yourself to be mixed with what is unholy?

The Apostle Paul warns us:

“The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality.” — 1 Corinthians 6:13, 15–18

Let us flee from sexual immorality! We were created by God, in His image, to reflect His holiness. Let us dedicate ourselves to God. Let us be holy.

Let’s pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, sanctify us through and through. Set us apart for You. Deliver us from sexual immorality and any unholy use of our bodies. Unite us with Your Son, that we may be holy and blameless before You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 6

Ask, Seek, Knock

March 11, 2025

My first two quarters in business school were stressful. Adjusting to an all-English environment, I struggled to keep up with reading assignments and team projects while also updating my résumé and attending job interviews. Securing a summer internship was crucial, as it often determined the likelihood of a full-time job offer after graduation.

But there was a problem. I had no offers. Not even one. The only opportunity still available was with a consulting firm that had an office in Taipei. I thought my interviews had gone well, but weeks passed with no response. Anxiety consumed me.

At the time, I was a new believers in Jesus. So I prayed every day. Every time the thought crossed my mind and worry crept in, I turned to God in prayer.

And then came that evening.

I was walking back to my dorm after dinner with classmates when suddenly, a thought came to me: You got the job. An overwhelming sense of peace washed over me—so real and undeniable, as if God Himself had whispered those words. The anxiety that had gripped me for weeks dissolved instantly.

I returned to my room, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. The weight of uncertainty was gone. I lay down in bed, completely at ease, and drifted into a restful sleep.

Then, in the middle of the night, my phone rang. Half-asleep, I reached for it. On the other end was the head of Greater China from the consulting firm. With a cheerful voice, he offered me the summer internship.

Jesus reminded us:

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” — Matthew 7:7-8

Are you searching for a job? Update your résumé, knock on doors, and—most importantly—pray. Are you hoping to buy a house? Go house hunting, make offers, and—most importantly—pray. Are you longing to meet your future spouse? Prepare yourself, join Christian communities, and—most importantly—pray.

Shall we pray now?

Father God, remind us to pray consistently and persistently, without ceasing, knowing that You will answer in Your perfect timing and in Your perfect way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 5

Don’t Be a Hypocrite

March 10, 2025

During my college years, a classmate and I were walking down the street when a man holding a stack of flyers tried to hand me one. I shook my head and kept walking—I didn’t want to take it only to throw it away later.

My friend looked at me with disapproval. “I always take one,” he said. “I have compassion for them! I used to do this kind of job, and I know how hard it is to stand there all day, trying to get rid of those flyers.”

I didn’t argue, but in my head, I thought: “Good for you. But you don’t get to impose your personal standards on me.”

Looking back, I now realize my friend was virtue-signaling.

Virtue-signaling is when someone publicly expresses moral values or performs good deeds—not necessarily because they care, but to appear morally superior. Today, it happens all the time: posting a hashtag or changing a profile picture to support a cause, making sure others see our donations, or criticizing people for not doing enough—just like my friend did to me. Some even go out of their way to remind everyone how kind, generous, or socially aware they are.

In Jesus’ time, fasting was often used for virtue-signaling. People would make a show of their suffering to appear extra religious and earn the admiration of others. But Jesus warned against this:

“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” — Matthew 6:16-18

Do you ever virtue-signal? Do you showcase your good deeds? Is it because you truly care, or are you seeking approval and admiration from others?

Jesus calls us to do good in secret, not for applause, but for God—because He alone sees what truly happens in our hearts.

Let us pray:

Lord Jesus, deliver us from hypocrisy. Help us to seek Your approval and Your reward above all else. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 4

Find God

March 8, 2025

When my daughters were little, we often played hide-and-seek together. Our flat in Hong Kong was tiny, but I managed to find a way—slipping under a bed, behind the shower curtain, or inside a closet. Then, with a playful call, I’d shout, “Can you find Daddy?”

They would search eagerly, checking a few places before finally discovering me. Their laughter filled the room and I would scoop them into my arms, laughing along with them.

I always wanted to be found.

In the same way, our Creator God is our loving Father. And He longs for us to find Him. Though our human eyes may not see His glory, He continually invites us to seek Him.

The Apostle Paul said:

“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him.” — Acts 17:26–27

Look around your life—what signs of God’s love, mercy, and kindness do you see? Do you recognize His hand in the blessings that surround you? Are you curious to know more about the good God behind them all?

“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.“ — Jeremiah 29:13

Let’s begin our search today:

Dear God, You are our loving Father. You desire our trust, fellowship, and worship. Lead us daily to seek You and to find You. In Your Son’s name, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 3

Confess Our Sins

March 7, 2025

At least once a year in elementary school, we had a dasaochu (大掃除)—a deep cleaning. We’d pull everything out of storage, sweep every hidden corner, and scrub every surface. Without fail, as we emptied the dark, forgotten spaces, cockroaches would scurry out in a panic. Exposed to the light, they had nowhere left to hide. And once we could see them clearly, we’d stomp them out or sweep them away for good.

And honestly? It felt pretty satisfying.

Confessing our sins works the same way. Like those cockroaches, sin thrives in darkness. But when we confess, we drag it into the open, expose it to the light, and name it for what it is. With God’s help, we can confront our sins and clear them away, one by one.

Scripture reminds us:

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:8–9

When we bring our sins into the light and surrender them to God, we can breathe easier. The guilt and shame that once weighed us down begin to lose their grip. We step into freedom—free to walk in the light.

Pray with me:

Spirit of Truth,
Lead us into honest confession.
Give us the courage to bring our sins into the light,
And with Your help,
Sweep them away for good.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 2

A New Heart

March 6, 2025

If you’re an engineer or scientist familiar with the second law of thermodynamics, you know that in a closed system isolated from external energy, order inevitably collapses into disorder, ultimately leading to complete chaos—that is, death.

This principle explains why our New Year’s resolutions often fail, despite our best intentions and sincere desire for change. Left to ourselves, our efforts wane, and we fall back into old patterns. We need an external source of strength to sustain us. Willpower alone is not enough. We need help—a Helper beyond ourselves. We need God.

Therefore, the psalmist cries out:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10)

As we turn to God—repenting, mourning our sins, and asking Him to cleanse and rebuild us—we must also ask Him to remain with us and complete His work in us. We need His Spirit, His very presence within us. And that is exactly what Jesus promised to all who believe in Him:

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” — John 4:15–17

So let us ask God: 

Father, send Your Spirit to us, just as Your Son Jesus promised. Let Your Holy Spirit remain in us to complete the good and recreating work You have begun—until the day we see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By Jeremy Liou

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Day 1 (Ash Wednesday)

Return to God

March 5, 2025

Tearing garments, or kriah (קְרִיעָה), is a Jewish tradition of expressing grief by rending one’s clothing. It symbolizes the pain of loss and the broken heart of the mourner. Reuben tore his clothes upon discovering that his younger brother Joseph had been sold into slavery (Genesis 37:29). King Josiah, upon hearing the words of the Law and realizing the sins of his people, did the same (2 Kings 22:8). But over time, what began as an outward expression of true sorrow became just that—outward. A ritual. A performance.

Yet God desires more than symbolic gestures. He seeks authenticity, not spectacle. He calls for a transformation of the heart, not just the fabric.

“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;  and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster. — Joel 2:12–13

True repentance is more than an outward display—it’s a surrender, a breaking open of the heart before God. Are you willing to expose the dark corners of your heart and let Him come in to cleanse, heal, and restore you?

Lord, search our hearts and reveal those hidden places where sin lingers. Lead us into true mourning, that we may return to You wholeheartedly. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

By Jeremy Liou