Category Archives: Devotion

April 2, 2026 · 9:00 pm

The Cross Of Jesus

Jesus’ death upon the cross is the defining moment of the Easter story. Without Christ’s sacrifice, we would be lost and undone forever. Why is the cross so important?

The cross reminds us of who we were before we received salvation. As human beings, we were lawbreakers who had sinned against God (Romans 3:23).  Jesus’ sacrifice was absolutely necessary to save us from our sins. Jesus paid the debt we could never hope to pay by absorbing our sins upon Himself (2nd Corinthians 5:21). As we view the cross, let us be cognizant of the fact that we were desperate sinners in need of a Savior.

Let us give thanks and praise to Christ for His sacrifice on our behalf. The proper response to such a marvelous gift is worship. At the cross our victory was achieved through Christ. At the cross forgiveness of sin became possible. And at the cross, Jesus overcame what we could never overcome. Let us be thankful unto Him and give honor to Jesus Christ—the  one who made it all possible.

When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss and pour contempt on all my pride.

Tony French

***

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” Isaac Watts and Lowell Mason

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March 30, 2026 · 9:00 am

Transformative Faith

9When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 

Luke 7:9

It’s important to note that while God can and does perform miracles, faith doesn’t guarantee that every prayer for healing will be answered in the way we hope. God remains sovereign, and His ways are higher than ours. Even when healing doesn’t come in this life, those who trust in Christ have the assurance of ultimate healing and restoration in eternity.

How can we cultivate this kind of transformative faith in our daily lives?

**Immerse yourself in God’s Word: Faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17).

**Practice trust in small things: Build your faith muscle by trusting God in everyday decisions.

**Remember God’s faithfulness: Reflect on times when God has proven trustworthy in your life and in Scripture.

**Surround yourself with faith-filled community: Iron sharpens iron; let the faith of others inspire and challenge you.

**Step out in obedience: Faith without works is dead (James 2:17). Let your belief lead to action.

**Persist in prayer: Even when answers seem delayed, continue to bring your requests to God with confidence.

The story of the centurion’s faith leaves us with a profound question: What would our lives look like if we trusted God’s Word as completely as this Roman soldier did? How would it change our prayers, our decisions, our relationships?

Biblical faith is not a crutch for the weak, but a powerful force that can move mountains. It’s the confidence to believe when circumstances say otherwise, the courage to obey when the path seems uncertain, and the comfort of knowing that the God of the universe holds us in His hands.

Today, let’s challenge ourselves to cultivate a faith that would amaze Jesus. A faith that believes without seeing, that places its trust fully in God, and that receives the gift of salvation with open hearts. For it is through such faith that we truly experience the transformative power of God in our lives.

Tony French

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March 5, 2026 · 9:00 pm

Our Mediator

5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Jesus is the Only Savior.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Jesus’ identity is His exclusivity as the way to salvation. In a world that often prizes inclusivity and multiple paths to truth, the claim that Jesus is the only way to God can be seen as narrow-minded or offensive.

Yet, this is precisely what Jesus claimed about Himself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The apostles echoed this message, declaring, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

This truth calls us to a decision. If Jesus is who He says He is – the Messiah, the standard of righteousness, our perfect example, and the only Savior – then our response to Him matters eternally. It’s not enough to admire Jesus as a good teacher or moral example. He calls us to trust in Him completely for our salvation and to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Reflecting on these truths about Jesus, we’re faced with both a challenge and an invitation. The challenge is to let go of our own attempts at self-justification and to trust fully in Christ. The invitation is to experience the transforming power of His love and grace in our lives.

Tony French

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March 2, 2026 · 9:00 pm

The Confirmed Messiah

22Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Luke 7:22-23

As we consider Jesus as the long-awaited One, let’s ask ourselves:

** How has Jesus fulfilled God’s promises in my life?

** In what areas do I need to stop striving and rest in Christ’s righteousness?

** How can I follow Jesus’ example in loving others while standing firm in truth?

** Have I fully embraced Jesus as my only hope for salvation?

The message of Jesus is as relevant and revolutionary today as it was two thousand years ago. He came to save the lost, heal the brokenhearted, and give abundant life to those who trust in Him.  May we, like those tax collectors and sinners of old, find ourselves drawn to this Jesus – the Messiah, our standard, our example, and our only Savior.

Tony French

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February 23, 2026 · 9:00 am

The Only Mediator

5For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,

Jesus is the Only Savior.

1 Timothy 2:5-6

Perhaps the most controversial aspect of Jesus’ identity is His exclusivity as the way to salvation. In a world that often prizes inclusivity and multiple paths to truth, the claim that Jesus is the only way to God can be seen as narrow-minded or offensive.

Yet, this is precisely what Jesus claimed about Himself. He said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). The apostles echoed this message, declaring, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

This truth calls us to a decision. If Jesus is who He says He is – the Messiah, the standard of righteousness, our perfect example, and the only Savior – then our response to Him matters eternally. It’s not enough to admire Jesus as a good teacher or moral example. He calls us to trust in Him completely for our salvation and to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Reflecting on these truths about Jesus, we’re faced with both a challenge and an invitation. The challenge is to let go of our own attempts at self-justification and to trust fully in Christ. The invitation is to experience the transforming power of His love and grace in our lives.

Tony French

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February 16, 2026 · 9:00 am

Jesus, The Example

29And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John. 30But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the will of God for themselves, not having been baptized by him.

Luke 7:29-30

Jesus is our Example

Luke 7 goes on to describe how Jesus interacted with various groups of people, including tax collectors and sinners. This aspect of His ministry often drew criticism from religious leaders, but it exemplifies a crucial truth: Jesus meets people where they are while calling them to something higher.

We see Jesus willing to associate with those considered outcasts by society, showing love and compassion without compromising truth. He didn’t condone sin, but He also didn’t let it be a barrier to reaching people with the good news of God’s kingdom.

This challenges us to examine our own attitudes and actions. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zones to reach those who are different from us? Can we love unconditionally while still holding fast to the truth of God’s Word? Jesus shows us it’s possible to do both.

Tony French

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February 12, 2026 · 9:00 pm

Jesus, The Standard

28For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

Luke 7:28

Jesus is the Standard

As we continue reading, we see Jesus speaking about John the Baptist, praising his character and role. But then He makes a startling statement: “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he” (Luke 7:28).

This declaration underscores a fundamental truth: Jesus Himself is the ultimate standard by which we are measured. It’s not about comparing ourselves to others or trying to achieve a certain level of goodness. The bar is set at perfection – the perfection of Christ.

This realization can be both humbling and liberating. We can stop trying to measure up to impossible human standards and instead rest in the righteousness of Christ imputed to us through faith. Our standing before God is not based on our own merits but on the finished work of Jesus.

Tony French

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February 9, 2026 · 9:00 am

Messiah

18Then the disciples of John reported to him concerning all these things. 19And John, calling two of his disciples to him, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” 20When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?’ ” 21And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits; and to many blind He gave sight. 22Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things you have seen and heard: that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the gospel preached to them. 23And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Luke 7:18-23

In a world filled with uncertainty and confusion, we often find ourselves searching for answers, direction, and hope. The Gospel of Luke offers us a powerful glimpse into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, the long-awaited One who came to fulfill ancient prophecies and bring salvation to humanity. Let’s explore a crucial aspect of Jesus’ identity and mission that can transform our understanding and deepen our faith.

Jesus is the Messiah

From the very beginning, God promised a Savior who would come to redeem His people. Throughout the Old Testament, prophets spoke of this coming Messiah, building anticipation for generations. In Luke 7:18-23, we see an intriguing exchange between Jesus and the disciples of John the Baptist. John, imprisoned and perhaps experiencing a moment of doubt, sends his followers to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”

Jesus’ response is both profound and practical. Instead of a simple yes or no, He points to the evidence of His ministry: “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.” These miracles and acts of compassion were not random acts of kindness but the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.

In our own lives, we may sometimes question God’s plans or presence. Like John the Baptist, we might need reassurance. The lesson here is to look at the evidence of God’s work in and around us. Where have we seen His hand moving? How has He fulfilled His promises in our lives and in the world?

Tony French

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February 5, 2026 · 9:00 pm

Not Of The World

14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

John 17:14-16

As followers of Christ, we’re called to be “in the world but not of the world” (John 17:14-16). This means engaging with our culture and society while holding fast to the values and truths of God’s Kingdom. It’s a delicate balance, but one that leads to a life of purpose, impact, and eternal significance.

So how do we navigate this tension? Here are a few practical suggestions:

  1. Cultivate gratitude for God’s provision, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him.
  2. Seek satisfaction in Christ above all else, making time for prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.
  3. Find joy in serving others and building God’s Kingdom, rather than pursuing selfish pleasures.
  4. Prioritize pleasing God over gaining human approval, even when it means standing alone.

Remember, the path of following Christ may not always be easy, but it leads to true life, both now and in eternity. As Moses challenged the Israelites, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Today, we face a similar choice. Will we chase after the fleeting promises of this world, or will we embrace the abundant life found in Christ? The decision is ours, but the invitation is clear: Choose life. Choose Christ. For in Him, we find a joy, peace, and fulfillment that the world can never match.

As we go about our daily lives, let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, “the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Let us strive to focus on long-term values and priorities rather than material possessions.  For where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also (Matthew 6:21).

Tony French

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February 2, 2026 · 9:00 am

Righteousness of God

God is righteous. This fact is learned very early in the cycle of Christian maturity. Righteousness is an attribute of God that is unchanging and perpetual.

What do we mean when we say God is righteous? The dictionary defines righteous as “characterized by uprightness or moral character.” God’s righteousness is not simply something He does, it is who He is. Righteousness is a component of God’s character.

The Bible speaks often of God’s righteousness. Psalm 7:11 declares “God is a righteous Judge.” Psalm 33:5 relates the truth that God loves righteousness and justice. These examples are only two of many throughout the entirety of the Bible that speak to this attribute of God.

May we consider the implications of this truth? God is righteous all the time. He is in a perpetual state of being “right.” Such a truth is impossible for us to comprehend in our limited, sinful state and yet we know it is true.

God is righteous when things don’t go well in this life. He is righteous when my prayers are answered in the way I desire and when they are not answered as I had hoped. God’s righteousness in not contingent upon the circumstances of our life even when do not understand His ways or His will.

Ultimately, God is righteous in saving sinners. What is the reason for this? God punished Jesus in our place. (2nd Corinthians 5:21) Jesus was condemned so that we could go free.  (Romans 8:1) We are justified in God’s sight and given the righteousness of Christ through salvation. (Titus 3:7) 

May we give thanks today to the God is always righteous and just!

Tony French

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