Easter - 4/5/21

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. 2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

3 For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. 6 After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8

Questions for Reflection:

What does it do for your faith to know the Apostle Paul is so concerned that the Corinthians get the good news of Jesus right and not make things up on their own?

How important is it to you to know that there were hundreds of witnesses to the fact that Jesus rose from the dead?

In what way is your personal confidence in the fact that Jesus rose important for you to authentically live the New Life he makes possible for you?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus, I sincerely receive you as my Life, and I receive all the work and triumph in your resurrection, through which you have conquered sin, death, judgment, and the evil one. Death has no power over you, nor does any foul thing. And I have been raised with you to a new life, to live your life—dead to sin and alive to God.

I take my place now in your resurrection and in your life, and surrender my life to you to live your life. I am saved by your life. I reign in life through your life. I receive your hope, love, faith, joy, your goodness, trueness, wisdom, power, and strength. Apply to me all the work and triumph in your resurrection; I receive it with thanks and I give it total claim to my spirit, soul, and body, my heart, mind, and will.

I bring the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ over my life today, over my home, my family, my household, over all my kingdom and domain. I bring the resurrection and the empty tomb of Jesus Christ against Satan, against his kingdom, against every foul and unclean spirit which may come against me and mine this day.

Jesus, please help me see and seize every opportunity to choose “living life” over “dealing death” this week. I am so excited that you called me to be a Life giver, giving away Life to all around me in creative and simple ways. Thank you Jesus for giving me New Life through Your Resurrection from the dead!

Amen.

Holy Week - 4/3/21

I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths

and did not let my enemies gloat over me.

2 Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.

3 You, Lord, brought me up from the realm of the dead;

you spared me from going down to the pit.

4 Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;

praise his holy name.

5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;

weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

Psalm 30:1-5

Questions for Reflection:

When you find yourself "waiting", especially for God to act, what assurances from this Psalm are helpful?

How is it helpful to know that joy gets the final say in God's kingdom even though weeping may be called for in our temporary circumstances?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus I thank you that you never leave me, not even once, not even in my most difficult moments. In the moments that seem too much for me to handle, you are there.

Lord, This year has been full of overturned tables and change. And yet despite that you have provided, and will provide, many opportunities for joy, peace and healing in my life, and opportunities to share your love with others. I ask that I would not become too focused on the losses of this year, or the things that "could have been." Instead I pray for eyes to see how you are working in new and exciting ways and a heart to follow.

I praise you for being my savior and my king, that you are the one who restores me and all things. You bring healing, restoration and life that only you can bring. I confess that all too often I seek for life away from you and try to do things my own way. I repent! I turn back to you now this day.

Jesus, Just as you asked the blind men "what do you want me to do for you?" You also ask us to come before your throne and ask for our daily bread. As I think now about my day and my coming week I ask that you would go before me and set a path in my life. (at this time you are invited to pause and talk to God about your week)

Jesus fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Today I wave the palm of freedom from sin, death and the devil that was purchased for me by your blood. You are my way, my truth and my life. My risen savior.

Amen

Holy Week - 4/2/21

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split

Matthew 27:45-51

Questions for Reflection:

Contemplate what being "forsaken" feels like. We all have an idea ... but absolute forsakenness in eternity. What comes to mind?

Now think about that "Jesus became forsaken by God so I never have to be!" What does that feels like?

As you contemplate these two realities ...... what does your heart want to say to Jesus?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus I thank you that you never leave me, not even once, not even in my most difficult moments. In the moments that seem too much for me to handle, you are there.

Lord, This year has been full of overturned tables and change. And yet despite that you have provided, and will provide, many opportunities for joy, peace and healing in my life, and opportunities to share your love with others. I ask that I would not become too focused on the losses of this year, or the things that "could have been." Instead I pray for eyes to see how you are working in new and exciting ways and a heart to follow.

I praise you for being my savior and my king, that you are the one who restores me and all things. You bring healing, restoration and life that only you can bring. I confess that all too often I seek for life away from you and try to do things my own way. I repent! I turn back to you now this day.

Jesus, Just as you asked the blind men "what do you want me to do for you?" You also ask us to come before your throne and ask for our daily bread. As I think now about my day and my coming week I ask that you would go before me and set a path in my life. (at this time you are invited to pause and talk to God about your week)

Jesus fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Today I wave the palm of freedom from sin, death and the devil that was purchased for me by your blood. You are my way, my truth and my life. My risen savior.

Amen

Holy Week - 4/1/21

26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body.”

27 Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. 28 This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. 29 I tell you, I will not drink from this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.”

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Matthew 26:26-30

Questions for Reflection:

In what way is the Lord's Supper a personal application of the grace and presence of Jesus? What need in your spirit does that reality fill today?

Contemplate why "forgiveness of sins" seems to be so important to Jesus.

Notice that before He shared both the bread and wine he "gave thanks"? How does "giving thanks" properly prepared our hearts for God's presence and movement in our lives.

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus I thank you that you never leave me, not even once, not even in my most difficult moments. In the moments that seem too much for me to handle, you are there.

Lord, This year has been full of overturned tables and change. And yet despite that you have provided, and will provide, many opportunities for joy, peace and healing in my life, and opportunities to share your love with others. I ask that I would not become too focused on the losses of this year, or the things that "could have been." Instead I pray for eyes to see how you are working in new and exciting ways and a heart to follow.

I praise you for being my savior and my king, that you are the one who restores me and all things. You bring healing, restoration and life that only you can bring. I confess that all too often I seek for life away from you and try to do things my own way. I repent! I turn back to you now this day.

Jesus, Just as you asked the blind men "what do you want me to do for you?" You also ask us to come before your throne and ask for our daily bread. As I think now about my day and my coming week I ask that you would go before me and set a path in my life. (at this time you are invited to pause and talk to God about your week)

Jesus fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Today I wave the palm of freedom from sin, death and the devil that was purchased for me by your blood. You are my way, my truth and my life. My risen savior.

Amen

Holy Week - 3/31/21

7 How beautiful on the mountains

are the feet of those who bring good news,

who proclaim peace,

who bring good tidings,

who proclaim salvation,

who say to Zion,

“Your God reigns!”

8 Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices;

together they shout for joy.

When the Lord returns to Zion,

they will see it with their own eyes.

9 Burst into songs of joy together,

you ruins of Jerusalem,

for the Lord has comforted his people,

he has redeemed Jerusalem.

10 The Lord will lay bare his holy arm

in the sight of all the nations,

and all the ends of the earth will see

the salvation of our God.

11 Depart, depart, go out from there!

Touch no unclean thing!

Come out from it and be pure,

you who carry the articles of the Lord’s house.

12 But you will not leave in haste

or go in flight;

for the Lord will go before you,

the God of Israel will be your rear guard.

13 See, my servant will act wisely;

he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted.

14 Just as there were many who were appalled at him —

his appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any human being

and his form marred beyond human likeness—

15 so he will sprinkle many nations,

and kings will shut their mouths because of him.

For what they were not told, they will see,

and what they have not heard, they will understand.

Isaiah 52:7-15

Questions for Reflection:

1. As we approach Easter, what are some ways that you might 'bring good news' that 'your God reigns?'

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus I thank you that you never leave me, not even once, not even in my most difficult moments. In the moments that seem too much for me to handle, you are there.

Lord, This year has been full of overturned tables and change. And yet despite that you have provided, and will provide, many opportunities for joy, peace and healing in my life, and opportunities to share your love with others. I ask that I would not become too focused on the losses of this year, or the things that "could have been." Instead I pray for eyes to see how you are working in new and exciting ways and a heart to follow.

I praise you for being my savior and my king, that you are the one who restores me and all things. You bring healing, restoration and life that only you can bring. I confess that all too often I seek for life away from you and try to do things my own way. I repent! I turn back to you now this day.

Jesus, Just as you asked the blind men "what do you want me to do for you?" You also ask us to come before your throne and ask for our daily bread. As I think now about my day and my coming week I ask that you would go before me and set a path in my life. (at this time you are invited to pause and talk to God about your week)

Jesus fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Today I wave the palm of freedom from sin, death and the devil that was purchased for me by your blood. You are my way, my truth and my life. My risen savior.

Amen

Holy Week - 3/30/21

As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

5 “Say to Daughter Zion,

‘See, your king comes to you,

gentle and riding on a donkey,

and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

Matthew 21:1-5

Questions for Reflection:

1. What feelings or thoughts does it bring up in you that Jesus has already done everything that we need for salvation, and yet he still is lovingly on the move pursuing His people?

2. What ways have you seen Jesus, either in scripture or your own life, embody being a "Gentle King?"

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus I thank you that you never leave me, not even once, not even in my most difficult moments. In the moments that seem too much for me to handle, you are there.

Lord, This year has been full of overturned tables and change. And yet despite that you have provided, and will provide, many opportunities for joy, peace and healing in my life, and opportunities to share your love with others. I ask that I would not become too focused on the losses of this year, or the things that "could have been." Instead I pray for eyes to see how you are working in new and exciting ways and a heart to follow.

I praise you for being my savior and my king, that you are the one who restores me and all things. You bring healing, restoration and life that only you can bring. I confess that all too often I seek for life away from you and try to do things my own way. I repent! I turn back to you now this day.

Jesus, Just as you asked the blind men "what do you want me to do for you?" You also ask us to come before your throne and ask for our daily bread. As I think now about my day and my coming week I ask that you would go before me and set a path in my life. (at this time you are invited to pause and talk to God about your week)

Jesus fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Today I wave the palm of freedom from sin, death and the devil that was purchased for me by your blood. You are my way, my truth and my life. My risen savior.

Amen

Holy Week - 3/29/21

29 As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. 30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

31 The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”

32 Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

33 “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”

Matthew 20:29-33

Questions for Reflection:

1. If Jesus could do one thing for you today, what would it be?

2. If you asked Him to do it? What do you think He would say?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

Jesus I thank you that you never leave me, not even once, not even in my most difficult moments. In the moments that seem too much for me to handle, you are there.

Lord, This year has been full of overturned tables and change. And yet despite that you have provided, and will provide, many opportunities for joy, peace and healing in my life, and opportunities to share your love with others. I ask that I would not become too focused on the losses of this year, or the things that "could have been." Instead I pray for eyes to see how you are working in new and exciting ways and a heart to follow.

I praise you for being my savior and my king, that you are the one who restores me and all things. You bring healing, restoration and life that only you can bring. I confess that all too often I seek for life away from you and try to do things my own way. I repent! I turn back to you now this day.

Jesus, Just as you asked the blind men "what do you want me to do for you?" You also ask us to come before your throne and ask for our daily bread. As I think now about my day and my coming week I ask that you would go before me and set a path in my life. (at this time you are invited to pause and talk to God about your week)

Jesus fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit. Today I wave the palm of freedom from sin, death and the devil that was purchased for me by your blood. You are my way, my truth and my life. My risen savior.

Amen

Letters from Jesus - 3/27/21

Search Me, O God, and Know My Heart

To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

139 O Lord, you have searched me and known me!

2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the morning

Psalm 139:1-10

Questions for Reflection:

How does it make you feel that God knows us so intimately? Is that comforting or stressful?

As we step forward each day into new normals what would it look like to take each of those steps in full dependence on Jesus?

Prayer of the Week:

Jesus, I love You! I worship You! I trust You! I give myself over to You today in my heart’s search for life. Restore me in You! Renew me in You and lead me in this time of prayer.

I thank and praise You for placing before me the open door of opportunity in Your kingdom. I now enter that door by faith surrendering myself completely to You – my spirit, soul and body, my heart, mind and will. I now receive all the belonging that comes with being in Your kingdom. I Belong to You, I Belong to Your Church and I Belong to Your Mission.

I ask You to give me eyes to see the open door of opportunity for Your Mission to advance, this day, through me and my church. I truly want to join You in Your mission today. I deeply desire to walk with people who are far from You on their journey closer to You. Use me Jesus. But I confess… much of the time I don’t want to or am indifferent. Jolt my indifference out of complacency so I can see and seize every opportunity you give me to be a witness for you. Lead me in the part of the I Belong Challenge to pray for, invite and bring someone to the Alpha Course this year.

I want to Jesus … and when I don’t want to… help me want to want to.

Jesus, Your Word in Revelation 3:16 convicts me of apathy and lukewarm-ness towards You, Your Church and Your mission which sometimes creeps in. I repent! Search me, know me and reveal any apathy and complacency so that I might be open to Your presence there, in me, to heal and make whole. I thank You for loving me so much that You knock on my heart’s door. I desperately need Your healing hand in every crack and crevice of my soul. Come in Jesus. I place my whole self and my whole story in Your presence for healing, wholeness, redemption and resurrection. I am a new creation in You and I surrender to Your ongoing transformation of Me!

Jesus, You are my First and Highest Love and I love You now! Fill me afresh with Your Spirit so that I might live today as Your beloved, loving my first love first!

Amen!