Daily Devotional Thursday Thoughts | April 23, 2026
It’s Thursday, and time for your daily devotional. Thank God for the True Vine who sustains you. Without Him, your life would spiral like the Prodigal Son’s, who thought he could make it on his own but couldn’t. He thought he’d find friends, but that didn’t happen. In today’s daily devotional, there is no greater friend than Jesus.
Love One Another
In John 15:12, Jesus, who is the True Vine, doesn’t leave His disciples without giving them an important commandment: “That ye love one another, as I have loved you.” Jesus knows they must run their race with love. He knows they’ll face persecution and many challenges in spreading the gospel. And without the love of God shed abroad in their hearts, they won’t make it. To make it to the finish line requires love.
Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” Since faith works by love, Paul was able to keep the faith by walking in love. Bitterness would make the disciples’ race heavy and burdensome. Remaining in the Vine would keep them connected to the Source of love.
As the Prodigal Son neared home, his father didn’t bar his entry. He wasn’t bitter about his leaving. When he saw his son from a distance, he ran to meet him. Welcoming him lovingly with open arms, he restored him to full sonship. In your daily devotional, the Prodigal Son’s father illustrates God’s love and how Jesus loves you.
Greater Love Hath No Man
In verse 13, Jesus says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Jesus reveals that the cross would be a sign of His love. He calls them “friends,” which implies trust and unconditional love. But He qualifies it by saying, “if ye do whatsoever I command you.” In this daily devotional, you must know that your love for Jesus depends on your obedience. Jesus isn’t a harsh taskmaster, so obedience isn’t forced; it’s given out of love and trust.
You are Friends
Jesus goes further in verse 14, telling His disciples they’re more than servants; they’re friends, as He has told them all He has heard from the Father. He has fully embraced them, teaching them to love God and others. He hasn’t treated them as strangers, but has shared His life with them. When Saul was chasing David, a company of 400 men pledged their loyalty to David and were with him in the trenches. They fought alongside him, choosing David as their leader because they believed in him. In this daily devotional, when you abide in the Vine, you believe that Christ is Lord.
Jesus Chose You
In verse 15, Jesus tells His disciples that they have not chosen Him, but He has chosen them. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus called Peter and Andrew, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Later, He said simply to James and John, “Follow me.” He chose each of the twelve personally to be His disciples. In this daily devotion, Jesus chose you, not because you loved Him, but because He loved you.
He Ordained You to Produce Fruit
In Thursday’s daily devotional, Jesus tells His disciples that not only has He chosen them, but He has also ordained them to bear fruit that continues producing. And as His fruitbearers, your prayers are answered by the Father. In today’s daily devotional, stay connected to the True Vine, for there’s no greater friend.
