"Prayer Changes Everything" Devotion for Today

Y.E.S. Jesus Youth Encountering Savior Jesus

Listen to Daily Devotion Podcast by Y.E.S. Jesus of Jesus Christ 1God 1Gospel Church Youth Ministry. It is a daily prayer devotion to start your day. It's purpose is to spread Scripture reading in a daily basis to begin your day. Join us every morning and let us all be the light and salt in today's Christian generation. Follow us on our public Podcast Platforms

  1. “The Intense Contrast”

    9 HR AGO

    “The Intense Contrast”

    January 31, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Intense Contrast” John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  Life often feels like a tug-of-war between two opposing forces. Today we will come into terms how Jesus draws a sharp contrast between the "thief" and the "Shepherd," helping us identify whose voice we are following. In this verse a life defined by abundance, Jesus presents uswith two diametrically opposed visions for our lives. He warns us about "the thief." The thief doesn't always show up with a loud entrance because more often than not, he works through subtle whispers of inadequacy unannounced, the slow drain of comparison, or the heavy weight of regret. His goal is singular to subtract from your joy, divide your focus, and ultimately destroy your sense of purpose. ​ But then, Jesus pivots to His own mission. He doesn't just promise "existence" or "survival." He promises life to the fullest. But what is an "Abundant Life"? We often mistake"abundance" for material wealth or a life free of conflict. However, the word Jesus uses for "full", which means "exceeding some number or measure" or "over and above." This isn't about the quantity of things we possess, but the quality of our connection to the Creator. It speaks volume of peace that passes understanding even when the world is chaotic, encompassing a capacity to love others out of the overflow of being loved by God. It is an eternal perspective that looks beyond today’s struggles toward an everlasting hope. Where do you feel "depleted" today? Is it in your patience, your faith, or your energy? Is there a specific worry, habit, or lie that has been "stealing" your peace lately? In what area of your life do you feel "empty"? How can you invite Jesus into your space today and receive His fullness? ​ The abundance Jesus speaks of isn't something we manufacture by working harder. It is a gift we receive by staying close to the Shepherd. He is the source and weare the branches. When we lean into Him, the life-force of the Creator begins to repair what the thief has tried to break.

    11 min
  2. “Finding Calm in the Chaos”

    1 DAY AGO

    “Finding Calm in the Chaos”

    January 30, 2026 Daily Devotional: “Finding Calm in the Chaos” John 14:27 ​ "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." ​ In a world that defines "peace" as the absence of trouble. We think we’ll find it once the bills are paid, the health report is clear, or the conflict at work is resolved. But the world’s peace is fragile because it depends entirely on our circumstances. ​ Jesus offers something radically different. When He spoke these words, He was hours away from the cross. His disciples were about to face the most chaotic and terrifying moments of their lives. Yet, He didn't promise to remove the storm; He promised a supernatural stillness that exists inside the storm. "Peace I leave with you": This is an inheritance. You don't have to manufacture it; you simply have to receive it. he world gives "peace" through distractions or temporary fixes. Jesus gives not as the world gives, a kind of peace through His presence. So do not letyour hearts be troubled, this is a gentle command. It suggests that while we cannot control what happens around us, we have a say in what happens withinus by leaning on Him. ​ ​ Today, identify the "troubler" in your heart. Is it an upcoming deadline? A broken relationship? A fear of the unknown? ​Take a moment to realize that Jesus is standing in the middle of that situation right now. He isn't waiting for the problem to be solved to give you His peace, He is offering it to you in the midst of the noise. ​

    10 min
  3. “The God of the Valley”

    2 DAYS AGO

    “The God of the Valley”

    January 29, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The God of the Valley” Psalm 136:23 ​ "He remembered us in our low estate His love endures forever."  ​ Psalm 136 is a masterpiece of repetition. Twenty-six times, the writer declares: "His love endures forever." The song begins with the high notes of creation of the sun, the moon, and the stars, as it moves through the triumphant history of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt. ​ But then, the song takes a tender, intimate turn in verse 23. It transitions from the God who "spread out the earth" to the God who "remembered us in our low estate." This psalm is often called the "Great Hallel" or a Jewish prayer. It is a rhythmic, liturgical song where every single verse ends with the same refrain of "His love endures forever." It walks through the grandest moments of history in the the creation of the stars, the parting of the Red Sea, and the shattering of powerful kings. ​ But then, the perspective shifts. In verse 23, the Psalmist moves from the "cosmic" to the "communal" and "personal." He praises God for remembering us in our "low estate." It refers to a state of being brought low, humiliated, or weakened. It describes the times when we are at the bottom of the mountain, stripped of our pride, our strength,or our resources. ​Here is the beautiful truth of the Gospel: God does not wait for you to climb back up to Him before He notices you. Many of us feel that when we are in a "low estate", perhaps due to grief, failure, or exhaustion, we are invisible to Heaven. We think we need to "get it together" to earn God’s attention. But this Psalm argues the opposite. God's memory is mostactive when we are at our lowest. He doesn't just look down at us; He moves toward us. His love is not a fair-weather friend; it is an enduring presence that meets us in the valley, the drowning rock bottom pit. Being "remembered" by God doesn't just mean He knows you exist. In the Bible, when God "remembers," He acts.​  It is easy to believe God is with us when we are winning at our highest peak in the mountain, but it is much harder when we are in the lowest of valleys, be it through loss, a mistake, or simply a season of exhaustion.   If you feel "low" today, don't try to mask it in your prayers. God’s memory is specifically tuned to your current valley. Don't hide it from God. Honesty is the bridge to intimacy. Acknowledge the low places of valley in your life. When your circumstances or inner critic scream that you are forgotten, answer back and recite the refrain of this Psalm: "His love endures forever." God’s remembrance often shows up in small ways, whether a timely text, a moment of peace, or the strength to take just one more step. Look for the small mercies, your feelings may change, but the endurance of His love is a historical and eternal fact.

    10 min
  4. “The Purpose of the Blessing”

    3 DAYS AGO

    “The Purpose of the Blessing”

    January 28, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Purpose of the Blessing” Genesis 12:2 "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."  In Genesis 12, God asks Abram to leave everything familiar; his country, his people, and his father’s household, for a land he has never seen. It is a radical call to displacement. However, immediately following this difficult command is a staggering promise of blessing. When God spoke these words to Abram, He wasn't just offering a promotion or a comfortable life. He was initiating a covenant. In our modern world, we often view "blessing" as the end goal, a final destination of security, health, or success. We pray for God to bless our finances, our families, and our careers. While God deeply cares about those things, Genesis 12:2 reveals a shift in perspective; God’s blessing is not a reservoir to be hoarded, it is a river meant to flow through us. We often focus on the first half of the verse: God’s favor. We love the idea of God making our "name great" or expanding our "territory." But the heartbeat of this verse lies in the final four words: "...and you will be a blessing." Notice the progression in the verse; "I will make you into a great nation... I will make your name great." This clearly indicates the promise.  "...and you will be a blessing." While this states the purpose. Abram was being called out of his comfort zone and into the unknown so that God could use him as a conduit for grace. The "great name" God promised wasn't for Abram’s ego; it was to establish a reputation for God’s faithfulness that would eventually reach every corner of the earth.  There is a profound theological pattern here; God blesses us to make us a blessing to others. If we view God’s favor as a destination, we become like the Dead Sea, constantly receiving water but never letting it out, eventually becoming stagnant and lifeless. But if we view favor as a stewardship, we become like a river. In the Kingdom of God, resources, talent, and grace are meant to pass through us, not just to us. Abram was not chosen so he could feel superior or comfortable, he was chosen to be the vessel through which the entire world would eventually meet the Savior. It can be easy to get caught up in asking God for "more". More time, more resources, more peace. But today, try asking "Why?" If God grants you success in your workplace, it’s so you can advocate for others. If He gives you peace in a storm, it’s so you can comfort someone else in theiranxiety.   Identify one "blessing" you have, it could be a skill, a bit of extra time, or a positive word. Think about the "assets" in your life today. This could be your financial stability, but it could also be your temperament, your specialized knowledge, or even a spare hour in your schedule. Shift your prayer through intentions and begin to ask, "Lord, bless me," try asking, "Lord, who can I bless with what You’ve already given me?" Your unique gifts and current "blessings" are the tools God has given you to serve the person standing right beside you.

    10 min
  5. “The Divine Detour” ​

    4 DAYS AGO

    “The Divine Detour” ​

    January 27, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Divine Detour” ​ Proverbs 16:9 ​ "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." ​ We are a species of planners. We make five-year goals, color-coded calendars, and mental checklists of how our lives "should" look by a certain age. There is nothing inherently wrong with this, in fact the first half of thisverse acknowledges that we should use our hearts and minds to consider our direction. However, the beauty and often the frustration of the Christian walk lies in the second half of the verse; the "but." ​ Think of your life like a GPS. You enter the destination you think is best, but God is the one aware of the road closures, the accidents ahead, and the scenic overlooks you didn't know existed. When your plans fall through, it isn'tnecessarily a sign of failure or a lack of faith; it is often the sovereign hand of God "establishing" a better path. ​ To "establish" means to make firm, stable, or secure. While our human plans are often built on shifting desires, God’s steps for us are grounded in His eternal perspective. He is more interested in who you are becoming on thejourney than how fast you reach your self-appointed finish line. Planning is a responsibility; while outcome is sovereignty. Do your part to prepare, but keep your hands open. Because at the end of the day, delays aren't denials. A "no" or a "not yet" from God is often His way of protecting you from a path that leads to a dead end. Take one "closed door" or "delay" you are currently facing and write it down. Next to it, write: "I don't see the full picture yet, but I trust the One who does." Trust the Guide, not just the map!  Peace comes from knowing the One who holds the compass, even when the terrain looks unfamiliar.

    11 min
  6. “When the Heart Grows Bitter”

    5 DAYS AGO

    “When the Heart Grows Bitter”

    January 26, 2027 Daily Devotional: “When the Heart Grows Bitter” Psalm 73:21–22 ​ "When my soul was embittered and I was pierced within, I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You."  ​ ​ Have you ever looked around and felt like the "wrong" people were winning? Have you ever felt that living a life of integrity was a waste of time because those who cut corners seem more successful, happier, or more comfortable? If so, you are in good company. The writer of this Psalm, gets raw and honest here. He admits that he let his heart become embittered. The word in context for"pierced" in this verse refers to a sharp, stinging pain, the kind of resentment that eats at you from the inside out. The confession is a powerful warning that bitterness blinds us. ​ When we focus on what others have or how unfair life seems, we become "senseless." We lose our spiritual perspective. It says he acted like a "beast", relying on raw emotion and instinct rather than trust in God’s sovereignty. He was so focused on the temporary prosperity of others that he forgot his own eternal security. ​ The beauty of Psalm 73 is that it doesn't end in the pit of bitterness. Later, the writer enters the "sanctuary of God" and remembers the big picture. But first, he had to admit exactly where he was hurt, bitter, and struggling tounderstand.​  In pure honesty with God, He can handle our frustration. The author didn’t hide his bitterness; he confessed it, which opened the door for healing. There is danger in comparison. Comparing our "behind-the-scenes" with someone else’s "highlight reel" is a fast track to a pierced heart. Bitterness makes us "ignorant" of God's presence. When we feel bitter, it’s a signal that we need to shift ourgaze back to the Sanctuary. ​ ​ Is there a situation or a person you are currently resentful toward? Does it feel like your heart is "pierced" when you think about their success or your own struggle? ​ Today, take that bitterness to God. Admit it plainly, just as the author in the psalm did. Ask the Holy Spirit to move you from the "beast-like" reaction of envy to the spiritual peace of knowing that God is your portion. Remember: their "win" is not your "loss" when your treasure is in Heaven.

    11 min
  7. “The Discipline of Love”

    6 DAYS AGO

    “The Discipline of Love”

    January 25, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Discipline of Love” Hebrews 12:6  ​"For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." ​In our modern world, we often equate "love" with constant comfort and "discipline" with punishment. However, Hebrews 12:6 invites us to look at our hardships through a different lens; the lens of divine adoption. ​ The writer of Hebrews reminds us that God's discipline is not a sign of His anger, but a profound proof of His affection, a mark of belonging. If God were indifferent toward us, He would leave us to your own devices. But because He isa devoted Father, He is committed to our growth, our character, and our holiness. ​ Think of a master gardener pruning a vine. To the untrained eye, the cutting looks like destruction. But to the gardener, it is the only way to ensure the vine reaches its full potential and produces the richest fruit. When you feel the "pruning" of the Lord, whether through a conviction of heart or adifficult season of refinement, remember that the shears are in the hands of a Father who loves us too much to let us stay as we are. ​  Discipline is evidence when our struggles are often a sign that we are a true child of God, not an outcast. The goal in God's correction is Growth, it is never meant to break our spirit, but to break our bond with things that harm us.   Is there a current challenge in your life that you have been viewing as a punishment? How does it change things to see it as "training"? What "fruit" might God be trying to produce in your life through that current circumstances? When we view challenges, perspective matters, as "training" rather than "punishment," we can respond with trust instead of resentment.​

    10 min
  8. “The Golden Rule in Action”

    23 JAN

    “The Golden Rule in Action”

    January 24, 2026 Daily Devotional: “The Golden Rule in Action” Matthew 7:12  ​ "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." The heart of the matter in Mathew 7:12 is often called "The Golden Rule." It serves as a beautiful, high-definition summary of how we are meant to live. After teaching on prayer, judgment, and God’s goodness, Jesus provides thissimple yet profound compass for human relationships. ​ Notice that Jesus doesn't say, "Do to others as they have done to you." That would be reactive living in letting other people’s moods or mistakes dictate your character. Instead, He calls us to be proactive. He asks us to use our owndesires for kindness, respect, and patience as the blueprint for how we treat everyone else. ​If you want to be listened to, listen. If you want to be forgiven when you mess up, offer forgiveness. If you want to be encouraged, be the one who speaks life into others. By doing this, Jesus says we fulfill the heart of the scriptures.​ It’s easy to be kind to those who are kind to us. The challenge and the invitation of the Gospel is to apply this rule to the difficult people. To the impatient driver, to the critical coworker, or to the family member who knows exactly how to push your buttons. ​ Ask yourself today, If I were in their shoes right now, what would I be longing for? Is it grace? Is it to be seen? Is it just a moment of patience?​ Think of one person you find it difficult to get along with. What is one specific way you can "do to them" what you wish they would do to you this week?

    11 min

About

Listen to Daily Devotion Podcast by Y.E.S. Jesus of Jesus Christ 1God 1Gospel Church Youth Ministry. It is a daily prayer devotion to start your day. It's purpose is to spread Scripture reading in a daily basis to begin your day. Join us every morning and let us all be the light and salt in today's Christian generation. Follow us on our public Podcast Platforms