Daily Devotion: The Acts of the Apostles - The Jerusalem Council by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Acts 15:1-10 KJV 

Key Verse:  "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they." - Acts 15:11 KJV

The early church had reached an important crossroads. The gospel was spreading rapidly among the Gentiles, but a disagreement arose over a fundamental question: Did Gentile believers have to follow the Law of Moses in order to be saved?Some believers insisted that circumcision and obedience to the Jewish law were necessary for salvation. The apostles and elders gathered in Jerusalem to consider the matter. This gathering became known as the Jerusalem Council.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Triumphal Entry by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: John 12:12-19 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord."
- John 12:13 KJV

As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Crowds gathered, laying down palm branches and garments along the road, shouting praises: “Hosanna… Blessed is the King!” This moment fulfilled prophecy and publicly revealed Jesus as the promised King. Yet, the way He entered was unexpected. He did not come riding a war horse, but a humble donkey, symbolizing peace, not political conquest.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 20:16-19 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death," - Matthew 20:18 KJV

As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, He began preparing His disciples for what was ahead. He spoke plainly about His suffering, rejection, death, and resurrection. This was not a surprise ending, it was a divine plan unfolding exactly as God intended.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Rich Young Ruler by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Mark 10:17-24 KJV

Key Verse:  "Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me."
- Mark 10:21 KJV

The rich young ruler comes to Jesus with what seems like the perfect question: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” He is sincere, respectful, and morally upright. By outward standards, he appears to have everything together. Yet Jesus sees deeper.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Teaches on Humility by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 18:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
- Matthew 18:4 KJV

Even after witnessing Jesus’ miracles and hearing His teaching, the disciples struggled with a very human question: “Who is the greatest?” Instead of correcting them with harsh words, Jesus gives a powerful illustration. He brings a little child into their midst. In that culture, children had no status, no power, and no influence. Yet Jesus points to this child and says that greatness in God’s kingdom looks like this.

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Boy by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Mark 9:17-25 KJV 

Key Verse:  "Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth."
- Mark 9:23 KJV

Coming down from the mount of Transfiguration, Jesus enters a scene of chaos, a distressed father, suffering child, confused disciples, and a watching crowd. The disciples had tried to cast out the demon, but failed. The father’s plea is raw and honest: “If thou canst do any thing… help us.” Jesus gently turns the focus back to faith: “If thou canst believe…”

Daily Devotion: The Life of Jesus - The Transfiguration by J.E. Smith

Bible Reading: Matthew 17:1-8 KJV 

Key Verse:  "While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him."
- Matthew 17:5 KJV

The Transfiguration is a moment where heaven touches earth, and the true glory of Jesus is revealed. Up on a mountain, away from the crowds, Peter, James, and John witness something extraordinary, Jesus transformed before their eyes, His face shining like the sun and His clothing radiant with light.