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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 8, 2019 10:34:30 GMT -5
MONDAY, APRIL 8
LUKE 23:32-43
AN OUTLANDISH REQUEST AND RESPONSE
Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
— Luke 23:43
What boldness!
Picture it: a convicted felon, admitting that he is being justly punished, asking in his dying moments to be remembered by God’s Son! A violent robber, nailed to a cross, gasping for air, asking for some kind of reward!
Something about Jesus made an impact on this condemned man. We sometimes hear of “death-bed conversions,” but this was a “cross conversion”! Maybe the man feared meeting God unprepared. After all, the question he put to the criminal on the other side of Jesus was “Don’t you fear God?” Or maybe he was struck by Jesus’ plea asking God to forgive.
Whatever brought the change within his heart, the former robber turned to Jesus and said, “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He didn’t say, “You owe me.” He didn’t say, “I deserve.” Instead he pleaded for mercy: “Remember me.”
And Jesus responded with a mind-boggling promise: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
On that day, the robber learned the greatest of all truths: God’s grace is free to save sinners who offer nothing but their need for mercy. That’s all the criminal had to offer. But that’s all he needed to offer.
Today, that’s all we need to offer as well. No sin is too great that God’s grace and mercy cannot cover it. As it was for the thief on the cross, so it is for us.
PRAYER: Gracious God, remember me. In your mercy, grant me the gift of eternal life today, tomorrow, and forever, when Jesus returns to make all things new! Amen.
— Written by Shawn Brix
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 10, 2019 8:31:02 GMT -5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10
Matthew 27:45-46
THE CRY OF FORSAKENNESS
Jesus cried out in a loud voice …“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
— Matthew 27:46
Jesus’ words from the cross at “about three in the afternoon” were a cry of utter anguish and desolation.
For three years he had taught others to trust God. Again and again, he had encouraged crowds to place their faith in the loving Father.
But now here he was, suffering a horrible death. As he cried this most awful of cries, it may have seemed he couldn’t practice what he had preached. But that was not the case. This was not a cry of unfaithfulness. It was instead the deepest, most guttural cry of misery and abandonment.
These words of agony were spoken after three hours of darkness had passed. This was not the darkness of a passing storm, or even an eclipse. It was the darkness brought on by human sin, the darkness of the torment of hell. The Father’s abhorrence of all things evil was revealed to Jesus in those three hours.
And as the land lay in darkness, Christ felt the full weight of humanity’s sin upon his shoulders. His hands and feet were pierced, but they were pierced for our transgressions and wrongdoings. His body was crushed, and that was because of our iniquities and offenses. (See Isaiah 53:5.)
No wonder Christ felt so utterly deserted and abandoned by his Father. The sin of the world was upon him. Our sin was upon him.
PRAYER: Father, I can’t begin to understand the depth of anguish Christ experienced for me as he hung on the cross. Thank you that, because of him, I will never have to face that kind of suffering. Amen.
— Written by Shawn Brix
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Devotional
Apr 11, 2019 10:01:38 GMT -5
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 11, 2019 10:01:38 GMT -5
THURSDAY, APRIL 11 John 19:28-29 HUMANITY IN THE MIDST OF DIVINITY Knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” — John 19:28 In this statement Jesus expressed a need so human that anyone could have said it: “I am thirsty.” Of all the needs of the human body, water is one of the most basic. More than 60 percent of the human body is water! As we become dehydrated, our blood vessels and other cells literally begin to dry up. By the time Jesus spoke these words from the cross, he had already been hanging there for more than six hours, and his body was becoming parched. Foreshadowing this moment, Psalm 22:15 says, “My mouth is dried up like a potsherd , and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.”
A bruised, beaten man nailed to a cross and murmuring through cracked lips, “I am thirsty,” is not what most of us picture when we think of God. But these details remind us of a great truth. At the center of the Christian faith is not a remote and distant God who lives beyond human pain. At the core of our faith is a person who is not only fully divine but is also fully human: indeed, human enough to be thirsty.
“I am thirsty.” These words remind us that “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Jesus was human, like us.
PRAYER: O God, when I think you don’t understand my hardships and pain, remind me again that Jesus took on human flesh, became one of us, and suffered in my place. Thank you that he knows all about being human and that he identifies with my needs. Amen.
— Written by Shawn Brix |
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 12, 2019 10:07:55 GMT -5
FRIDAY, APRIL 12
John 19:28-30
NO QUITTER
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
— John 19:30
Were there times when Jesus simply wanted to quit? Is it possible there were moments when he was ready to simply say, “Thanks, but no thanks?”
Maybe you’ve never thought of Jesus wanting to throw in the towel. But isn’t that what Jesus was expressing when he prayed in the garden on the night of his arrest? He said, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me” (Luke 22:42). Jesus was in anguish, praying so earnestly that “his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground” (Luke 22:44). He was looking into his Father’s heart, asking if there was some other way. He was looking up to the heavens, searching for another way to replace the path of suffering that he knew lay ahead.
Of course, we now know that he didn’t give up. He followed through. In the end, he was able to pray, “Yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
Jesus may have been on the verge of quitting, but he obediently pressed on so that his Father’s will was accomplished through him.
That’s what makes his words from the cross “It is finished” so magnificent. Despite every obstacle, Jesus fulfilled his mission. He had resolutely completed what the Father had sent him to do. He was no quitter; he was a finisher.
PRAYER: God, my Father, thank you that Jesus never gave up. He was determined to see your plan of salvation through to the end, for my sake and for your glory. Amen.
— Written by Shawn Brix
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 12, 2019 12:17:00 GMT -5
When a man compromises the Truth of the Gospel for the sake of peace in his family he makes a big mistake. Do not fall into this trap. Be the one to stand for the Truth, no matter what it cost you. If no one will stand with you, stand alone with the Truth...
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, & the daughter against her mother, & the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me." Matthew 10:34-37 KJV
Joey Dugas
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Devotional
Apr 13, 2019 10:16:23 GMT -5
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 13, 2019 10:16:23 GMT -5
SATURDAY, APRIL 13
JOHN 10:11-18
A WILLING SACRIFICE
“I lay down my life….No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”
— John 10:17-18
“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When Jesus offered that prayer from the cross, he willingly gave up his life. He wasn’t fighting back, or resisting it. He was simply entrusting his spirit to the care and keeping of God.
Luke says that Jesus called those words out with a loud voice. But it wasn’t a cry of desperation like we heard earlier, when he said, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). Nor was it a shout of triumph, like his words “It is finished”! No, these were simply words of trust, calmly spoken in a loud, confident voice.
Earlier, Jesus had told his disciples, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep….The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life, only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”
Jesus wasn’t forced to do anything for us. What he did for you and me, he did willingly.
He chose on his own to lay down his life as a sacrifice for his people everywhere. We see that willingness in his final words from the cross: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”
What a Savior!
PRAYER: Lord God, thank you that Jesus gave his life for us without reservation, even while we were yet sinners! Thank you, Jesus, for choosing obedience so that we may have life! Amen.
— Written by Shawn Brix
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Devotional
Apr 14, 2019 11:04:50 GMT -5
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 14, 2019 11:04:50 GMT -5
Palm Sunday. Maundy Thursday. Good Friday. Dark Saturday. Easter. These are very important days in the life of the Christian church and for individual Christians. This week is the culmination of our Lenten journey. For weeks, we have been preparing our hearts to consider anew the meaning of the cross. Join us as we walk through Passion Week, from the joyful crowds of Palm Sunday to the deep sorrow of Good Friday and ultimately to the triumph of Easter Sunday. On that Resurrection Sunday, we will rejoice in union once again as we say “Christ is risen! He has risen indeed!”
PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 14
John 12:12-19
THE PALM PARADE
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!”
— John 12:13
Today is one of my favorite days on the church calendar. This morning in many churches children will march up and down the aisles, singing praises and waving palm branches to remember the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Perhaps your child or grandchild will be part of such a group. I find that each year, there’s always some delightful mishap, such as one child who sings more exuberantly than the rest, or a youngster who tries to take someone’s bigger branch.
Recently, I learned that the palm branches in Jesus’ day had patriotic meaning. Rebels rising against Rome would mint coins stamped with palm branches on them. So, as Jesus entered Jerusalem to the waving of palms, the scene spoke of the Jewish people’s national hopes that were pinned on Jesus.
Jesus chose to make his entry on a donkey, a humble symbol of both kingship and peace. But Jesus’ message wasn’t that he was the political king the people expected. His message was for the entire world. Jesus came not to save one nation but to offer salvation to all people. “He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:17).
It isn’t by way of weapons or war horses that Jesus saves. Instead, on Palm Sunday, Jesus ushered in the humble message that he would lay down his life so that all people might claim him as Lord and King. Hosanna in the highest!
PRAYER: Blessed are you, my Lord and King, for you came to bring peace and salvation to all people. Equip me to join you in that great calling. In your name I pray. Amen.
— Written by Ruth Boven
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Devotional
Apr 15, 2019 11:00:37 GMT -5
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 15, 2019 11:00:37 GMT -5
MONDAY, APRIL 15
Mark 11:1-11
NOTHING TO DO?
Since it was already late, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.
— Mark 11:11
We have to know a couple of important facts before we understand what is happening in our reading for today. First, Bethany was a small village on the other side of the Mount of Olives. This was where Jesus’ friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived. Jesus often went there for some quiet rest among friends.
Second, the Palm Sunday triumphal entry had been the public proclamation of Jesus as the King “who comes in the name of the Lord.” As the procession circled down the Mount of Olives and then up into Jerusalem, it ended right in the temple!
The fact that Jesus went to the temple should have resulted in an eruption of praise and celebration. The king had arrived! This was the very day for which the temple had been built!
But nothing happened! The whole thing fizzled! Jesus went to the temple, looked around, and then went to Bethany to visit with friends for the night! How awful! What a failure to recognize what was happening! The whole crowd had missed the point.
But if you and I had been there, would we have done better? Would we have recognized Jesus and given him the reception he deserved? As you think about that, can you think of other times when Jesus must have been equally disappointed with a response we’ve given him?
PRAYER: Dear Jesus, forgive me for those times when I should have received you with joy and welcomed you eagerly, but instead I failed to acknowledge you. Open my eyes to recognize you always. For your name’s sake, Amen.
— Written by Howard Vanderwell
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 16, 2019 6:09:48 GMT -5
TUESDAY, APRIL 16
John 13:1-9
WHEN FEET ARE WASHED
He poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet.
— John 13:5
Maybe you’ve seen pictures of this beautiful scene. Jesus humbly and considerately washes the feet of each of his disciples as a part of their Passover celebration. Foot-washing was a gracious act of hospitality that was usually received gratefully by guests.
I can think of several reasons why this should never have happened. Jesus was the Master at the head of the table, not the servant of the house. Jesus was on his way to Gethsemane and Golgotha, and his followers should have been washing his feet instead of Jesus washing theirs. Judas the betrayer and Peter the denier were both there and would also be exposed that evening, so why should he wash their feet? Besides, when you rented a room, the owner usually included a servant so that menial tasks like this could be covered. Where was the servant?
Nonetheless, Jesus picks up the task. He pours water into a basin and wraps a towel around his waist, while his disciples gawk in disbelief. Then he washes their feet, drying as he goes; even over the objections of Peter, who just doesn’t understand.
It proves, doesn’t it, that a lot of humble Christian service doesn’t make sense to our way of thinking. It shows that Christians who think they are above certain “lowly” tasks toward one another haven’t watched their Lord very carefully.
Do we willingly take on challenges and seemingly menial tasks that the Lord puts in our path?
PRAYER: Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the humble way you have served me and my brothers and sisters. Help me to be humble enough to serve them and others in the same way. For your sake, Amen.
— Written by Howard Vanderwell
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 17, 2019 9:07:52 GMT -5
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17
John 13:31-38
EXPOSED
“Will you really lay down your life for me?....You will disown me three times!”
— John 13:38
What a distressing time Jesus must have had that night in the upper room. First the disciples were embarrassed at the fact that Jesus washed their feet. Then Jesus exposed Judas as a betrayer, and Judas left. After they had eaten, Jesus also exposed Peter as one who would disown him three times that very night.
The shock was not only that Jesus would be disowned by one of the disciples, but that it would be Peter! Peter was the unofficial group leader. He was the one who first confessed Christ as the Son of God. He was the one who walked on water. He was the one who just now had said, “I will lay down my life for you.”
Peter was the strong one. And if Peter was capable of a failure like that, what about the rest of us!
I wonder what Peter thought when Jesus exposed him. Was he embarrassed? Did he deny it? Did he feel shame? Did he understand his own personal dark side?
I wonder what you think as you read about Peter. If you had been there, what do you think you would have done or said or felt? Do you think you would have had the overconfidence that says, “I would never do anything like that!” Or would you have the realism that admits, “There but for the grace of God, go I”?
PRAYER: Gracious Lord, hold and guide me when I face times of trial. Like Peter, I am often so weak that I fail you in matters that mean the most. In your name I pray. Amen.
— Written by Howard Vanderwell
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 18, 2019 6:49:35 GMT -5
MAUNDY THURSDAY, APRIL 18
John 13:31-35
JESUS’ NEW COMMAND
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
— John 13:35
Let’s take a moment to review the story of Jesus and his disciples in the upper room. They were eating the Passover meal: lamb, bitter herbs, and unleavened bread. As they shared this time together, only Jesus knew this would be his last night with his followers. Only he knew he would soon be arrested and killed.
Suddenly Jesus got up, wrapped a towel around his waist, poured water into a basin and began washing his disciples’ feet: their rough heels, hammertoes, bunions, and blisters. We read only of Peter’s stuttering objections, but no doubt all the disciples were confused as Jesus performed this servant work.
Setting aside the basin of dirty water, Jesus returned to his place at the table. Then he explained, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.” Later he added, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Today is Maundy Thursday. The name comes from the Latin word “mandatum,” meaning “command.” On this night Jesus gave his disciples the “new command.” They were to love one another as servants.
Like servants? That is a difficult command. But Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Loving others by humbly committing yourself to their service is no easy task. It is certainly not inherent to our human nature. But by the example of Jesus and with the power of the Holy Spirit, God assures us that we are able.
PRAYER: Dear Teacher, thank you that you came to earth and became an example for me. Grant me the wisdom to be who you call me to be. Amen.
— Written by John Van Schepen
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Devotional
Apr 19, 2019 10:02:47 GMT -5
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 19, 2019 10:02:47 GMT -5
GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 19
John 19:28-37
“IT IS FINISHED”
When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.”
— John 19:30
“Are you finished with your chores yet?” a mother asks her teenager. Parents know their children are pulled in many directions by their friends, jobs, sports, and other activities. But following through on chores while we’re young can help us learn to meet goals and complete important tasks in life.
Often as adults, however, we may find that we have regrets. Middle-aged parents may wish they’d spent more time with their children. People who become crippled by disease may wish they’d spent less time building a career and more time traveling with friends and building relationships. Some difficulties can’t be avoided. Life has struggles and setbacks. Still, we do well to make the most of the opportunities we have each day.
Jesus, the Son of God, died one day long ago with the satisfaction of having completed his life’s purpose. He came to seek and save the lost, and he accomplished everything needed for our redemption. Jesus meant it when he said, “It is finished.” He made forgiveness and eternal life a reality for all who trust in him. “There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). That’s why today is Good Friday.
As you look to the cross today, be sure to give thanks that Jesus completed his work and fulfilled God’s mission.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for this Good Friday, for making my salvation possible. Thank you for loving me. Hallelujah! Amen.
— Written by John Van Schepen
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 20, 2019 9:47:06 GMT -5
DARK SATURDAY, APRIL 20
John 19:38-42
HOPE IN THE GARDEN
At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden.
— John 19:41
Today is sometimes called Dark Saturday. It’s the day Jesus’ body lay lifeless, breathless, in a dark garden tomb. It’s a strange in-between kind of day. Perhaps our hearts still mourn the stinging reality that Jesus’ death was about our sin and about our wandering away from a loving God.
But perhaps our hearts are also beginning to thrill at the hope of what tomorrow will bring. When you think about it, that’s where we live our lives. We live between what’s been already accomplished for us in Christ, and the hope of what is yet to come.
The truth is that while Jesus’ body lay in the grave, the world still turned, children played, families sat down to eat, and life, for many, went on as usual. The same is probably true for us, even as we take note of this day and week, in the twenty-first century.
How will you live this day? Likely you will eat and laugh and perhaps enjoy some leisure time. Will you also spend some time in expectant hope? Consider that in a garden tomb lay the hope of the entire world. Give thanks that the One who gave his life, out of love for us, has won the victory over death and hell. Let your heart anticipate tomorrow, a day of wonder. There’s resurrection hope in that garden!
PRAYER: God of wonder, my heart both grieves and hopes. Forgive my ways of wandering from you. Help me to celebrate with joy the resurrection hope that is mine through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.
— Written by Ruth Boven
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 21, 2019 9:23:53 GMT -5
EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 21
John 20:1-10
A DAY LIKE NO OTHER
Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb.
— John 20:1
Perhaps in church this morning you will greet one another with these words: “Christ is risen!” And the response might be “He is risen indeed!” We join centuries of Christians in marking this day as the day that changed everything. We celebrate the amazing truth that although Jesus was dead, he’s now alive forevermore. Christ Jesus rose victorious over death. He is risen!
It’s interesting to notice how John, the gospel writer, anchors the resurrection event to a day, a time, and a witness. On a particular day in history, early in the morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene saw that the stone had been moved away from Jesus’ tomb. John wants to be clear. The resurrection of Jesus happened on earth’s soil, in our time, for the benefit of us humans whom God created and loves. Because Jesus arose, life for us is forever anchored in good news.
Christ’s resurrection gloriously demonstrates that God’s sovereign love has the last word. As a glorious hymn puts it, “No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from his hand.” We now live in the joyful assurance that because Christ lives, we too will live for all eternity.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah! Rejoice in Easter hope today!
PRAYER: Living God, my heart is lifted to you in praise and thanks that the grave could not hold my Lord Jesus. He is risen! Help me to live joyfully, hopefully, and boldly in the power of his resurrection. Amen.
— Written by Ruth Boven
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Post by Jim Pate on Apr 22, 2019 5:32:09 GMT -5
Keep Singing!
By George Vink — Monday, April 22, 2019
Scripture Reading: Romans 8:31-39
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:37
It seems to me that we often stop celebrating Christ’s resurrection too soon. Yesterday, as we celebrated Easter, many of us sang, or even shouted, with excitement, “Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes,” and, “Christ the Lord is risen today! Alleluia!”
What are we excited about today? Does our worship on the first day of the week motivate us to live for the risen Lord in the other days of the week? Does it help us focus on what life is all about? How can we share this good news with the people around us today?
As we have seen earlier this month, the book of Romans includes lots of life-giving truths. It’s also a letter in which Paul often breaks into a doxology— a hymn of praise to God. Our reading today from Romans 8 is an example. Paul piles reason upon reason for our rejoicing: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” And “who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” No one! “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” And we remember this is all based on Christ’s triumph over sin, death, and the grave for us.
Again, as the Canons of Dort say, “It is the promise of the gospel that whoever believes in Christ crucified shall not perish but have eternal life.” So let’s keep rejoicing this week, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God shown in the risen Jesus. We can keep singing today too! There are people who need to hear it.
Jesus, help us to rejoice each day in all you have done for us. We thank and praise you, Lord! Amen.
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