Lent Devotional Twenty-Sixteen

EMMANUEL

LENT DEVOTIONAL Twenty-Sixteen

Lead Pastors Nate + Jodi Ruch

Friends,

I’m so happy to introduce our second Lent Devotional.

Many of you are familiar with Lent and have a history of following a devotional path of preparation for Easter. Others may be completely new to the idea. I’m convinced our faith can be strengthened and encouraged by developing natural rhythms throughout the year that focus our attention on a particular theme or event at the center of the Christian story. Advent, or the Christmas season, is one such rhythm we share. Lent is another.

Lent traditionally begins with Ash Wednesday (February 10 this year) and ends with Good Friday. It’s a time of personal and church-wide reflection that involves repentance, confession, fasting, and generally reminding ourselves that we are created and dependent upon God’s goodness and grace for all things. It’s a great way to recalibrate our sense of identity and destiny, disconnecting from the pull and persuasion of the world around us. Lent ends as we step into celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. I’m so looking forward to celebrating with you this year!

My thanks for staff and others for this Lent Devotional. I’ve asked then to prepare short devotional thoughts of their own to guide your own personal time during these weeks. I hope you take advantage of these days. I’m praying that God will challenge and bless us all as we together search our hearts and welcome the powerful presence of God into our lives each day.

Yours,

Psalm 1 : Tom Belt Monday, February 15

There’s nothing like a good contrast. Bring two very different things into view and take a hard look. That’s what we have here. Notice the stark differences here. The righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season, free from decay, healthy, strong, and alive.

The wicked are everything else— windblown chaff, a bit of tumbleweed, headed nowhere and ending their journey in destruction.

I find a couple things interesting. The righteous are righteous because of the sort of relationship they have to God, not because of a list of good things they do that make them righteous. In fact, there’s no list here at all, no description of particularly righteous behaviors. God is the difference between the righteous and the wicked. The righteous are only what they are because (v. 2) they give themselves to “meditate” and “delight” in God’s Word. They contemplate themselves and their lives in light of the truth God speaks. When we do that our lives are “planted” and we find our proper place in the scheme of things. It is this that roots us in the soil of God’s goodness, turning life into a healthy, fruitful harmony of relations that will never decay (v. 3). And if they never decay, they never end.

We want to be planted, alive, fruitful and never-ending. I think God put that longing in us. Only he can fulfill it. So today, let’s let that longing rise in our hearts. Let’s let it lead us to turn to meditate on God’s words of truth.

Prayer Lord, I turn today to meditate upon Your words.

Speak life to my hungry soul. Plant me by streams of water.

Psalm 5:1-8 | JonCarlos Velez Tuesday, February 16

As shown in Scripture, David was a man after God’s heart. His relentless pursuit of seeking a deeper and wholehearted relationship with God sets a great model for us as Christ-followers, and Psalm 5:1-8 gives us a prime example of that. As found here, David would start each day by praying and crying out to God. He realized the importance of going to God before going to other things in life that have the potential of taking precedence over God. Wholehearted devotion isn’t just adding your God time to your to do list, it’s centering your life in His presence and allowing God to do great things in and through you.

One of the things that sticks out to me the most is how David would bring his request to God and how he would “wait expectantly.” I encourage you friends, start each day off by going after God in prayer, seek Him, cry out to Him and give Him the praise He deserves.

Place Jesus at the center of your life! Ask God to give you clarity for the right path to take in life and I believe that you will begin to see great things take place in and through you.

I challenge you to start writing your prayers and keeping a prayer journal. Take the time each morning and spend it with Jesus. Talk to Him and tell Him what’s on your heart. Let Him speak to you through prayer and meditating on His Word. Write it down so that you won’t forget it and “wait expectantly” for God to lead you down the right path. Then make it a point to look back at those prayers you wrote down and I believe you will begin to see and notice the hand of God working in and through your life.

Prayer Lord, I want to be a person after Your heart. I want Your best for my life, so I come to You in complete surrender. I don’t want to just add You to my to do list, but I want to do all that I do in Your presence, being led by You. May Your will be done in my life.

Psalm 6 | Lori Dykstra Wednesday, February 17

Observing Lent is a new tradition for me, thus, I took a few minutes to research the history and meaning of Lent. I discovered that it was patterned after the 40 days that Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, and that it is to be a time when we refocus our minds and hearts upon Jesus to grow closer to Him. Traditionally people set aside things that could be a distraction so that they could focus upon God’s Word, take time to pray, and practice living differently.

In Psalm 6 we find David in a state of humble surrender to God crying out for healing and deliverance from distress. Theologians believe that David was ill and that the resulting pain reminded him of his sin and need for cleansing. David’s example of sincere repentance is challenging. How often have you or I spent all night groaning and weeping over our sin?

The Psalm ends with a surprisingly different theme altogether. In the last three verses David emphatically declares God’s faithfulness. He sees our weeping, He hears our cries, and He hears our prayers. Throughout the Bible and in this declaration we see this truth at work: if you ask, you will receive; if you seek, you will find; and if you knock, the door will be opened (Matthew 7:7-8).

Prayer Dear Jesus, thank You for sacrificing Your life for me. Thank You for suffering in my place and for offering me forgiveness. Please help me identify the things in my life that are distractions and give me the courage to lay them aside so that I can spend time with You. Thank You for hearing my prayers and for answering them.

Psalm 13 | David Nithang Thursday, February 18

Being forgotten can be one of the most painful experiences we face. It has the capacity to leave us with feelings of rejection, abandonment, fear, or even anger towards the man, woman, friend, foe, coworker,boss, or even God! But it is the truth we know and understand that will set us free. That truth is that God will never leave us or forsake us. He never has and He doesn’t plan on starting any time soon.

God also asks us to cast all our cares on him. Why? Because He desires that we trust in His strong right hand and in His ability to fight on our behalf. The psalmist teaches three key steps or disciplines we need when faced with adversity from people who are against you: (1) Be real and transparent with God when sharing your concerns; (2) Turn to Him and submit your request with full confidence in His ability (right after your pity party); and (3) Praise Him in advance for what He is about to do on your behalf.

We serve a God who deeply cares about all our concerns. We are never forgotten by Him, so let’s not forget to turn to Him in full confidence. He is able to do more than we could ask or think!

Prayer Heavenly Father, I submit to You this day, all my cares and concerns. I turn to You, trusting in your ability, not my own. I praise You and worship You right now because You are already moving on my behalf.

Psalm 14 | Mark Alan Schoolmeesters Friday, February 19

In our world today, there are a lot of people with a lot of things to say. There is no shortage of opinion and conjecture filling the status feeds every second of every day. But how much of that is wisdom and how much of it is noise?

I find it so interesting that Psalm 14:2 speaks of being truly wise not as having an answer for everything or always having something to say. Instead, it speaks of being truly wise as being “one who seeks God.� The reality is we will either be consumed by the foolishness of this world or we will be filled with the wisdom of Heaven. The choice is up to us.

So the question today is where are you seeking wisdom? Whose voice are you listening to the most?

Prayer Lord, help me pause today and quiet all the voices except Yours. May I tune my ear to hear Your wisdom that it would fuel me to live a life filled with wisdom rather than with noise.

Psalm 18 | Aaron Gruber Saturday, February 20

Psalm 18 is a reflection of David’s life, a life marked by danger and struggles as well as God’s favor and salvation. God did amazing things through David and handpicked him to be the king of Israel after Saul, but... David’s life wasn’t easy. Throughout his life he struggled with sin, just as we do, with enemies and people, who didn’t want him to succeed. This Psalm starts with praise and recognition of God’s saving power and then goes on to describe David’s view of his fight against his enemies and how God came to his rescue. As David describes it, he “cried out to the Lord,” and God heard his cry, opened the heavens, and came down to rescue him.

Maybe you’ve been in a similar place in your life. Maybe you’ve felt like the whole world is against you and there is nowhere else to run, no one else to turn to. Perhaps you’ve sinned and it feels like your world is crumbling because of the choices you’ve made. Your enemies may not be flesh and blood, but they are as real as anything else. Don’t give up! It’s not over yet!

God rescued David, not because of David’s accomplishments or position, but because of God’s love. God will rescue you too. As David declared it, “You rescue the humble, but You humiliate the proud.”

Just as David described God reaching down from heaven to rescue him, remember God came out of heaven to rescue you! You are that valuable to God. And His rescue isn’t just a one-time or temporary thing. He continues to rescue you today. Humble yourself before God, cry out to Him, and He will show Himself faithful.

Prayer God, You see the struggles I face every day, and You know the enemies I contend with.

Thank You for hearing my cry and loving me. Please rescue me.

Psalm 19 | Terrence Talley Sunday, February 21

Who doesn’t like having money? There’s a sense of accomplishment and security in having it. There’s a sense of defeat and panic in not having it. As I grew up, my parents would always remind me of how broke we were.

“Can I buy a Nintendo game?” Answer: “We ain’t got money for that Terrence! Borrow one from your friend.”

“Can I have some McDonalds?” Answer: “We can’t afford McDonalds! Besides I can make you sandwich just as good.”

“Mom, I have a dream to be somebody important one day!”

Answer: “Sounds expensive! Don’t dream!”

No matter the situation, my parents would remind me of our lack of money and the need for more. So when I became old enough to make my own money I was always scared that I would lose it. I continued the idea in my head that I never had enough. I pushed myself to always make more.

Everything became about how much money I could make. Well, being called into the ministry put me in a paradox. I preached about how money wasn’t our master but I continued to worry about it. I thought if people couldn’t see what my worries were everything would be okay. One day we didn’t have enough money to pay a medical bill. I fell apart! I was depressed. I prayed more about paying it than I prayed about my spiritual life. Then God spoke to me and said, “I am worth more than the bill you have yet to pay.”

You can find a free Bible in every hotel room in the country. You can even find a pretty nice one in the church’s lost & found. In Psalm 19:10, the Bible says the Lord’s words are more precious than pure gold. They’re sweeter than honey from the comb. If my parents would’ve planted that in my mind when I was younger instead of the worry over money, would I have worried later in life? If I would’ve known from an earlier age how sweet the Lord’s words are, how much healthier would I have been as I grew into adulthood? We might not be able to travel back in time, but we can definitely change course today. Next time we see that bill and are tempted to feel sad, we’ll focus on the promise of God. Know that when we obey God’s will He gives us wisdom. Remember when you fear God more than what you don’t have, God gives joy to your heart. Love God’s word more than your need for money.

Prayer Father, grow me. Deepen my trust in You. I surrender my everyday life and all my practical concerns to You. You are my everything!

Psalm 22 | Phil Johnson Monday, February 22

Have you ever had one of those days where you just wanted to look up and ask God, ‘Why’? The car won’t start, the furnace goes out, an unexpected bill arrives. Whatever it is, we all have those moments that bring us to this place of holy confusion. We see this in Psalm 22 particularly in the opening verse: “My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?” These words might sound familiar.

Jesus quoted these words as He hung on that old wooden Cross. Jesus voiced this desperate cry as the weight of abandonment was hitting Him in a way we can’t comprehend. Jesus, the Son of God, had to wrestle with this overwhelming sense of separation from our heavenly Father whose presence is everywhere. We see though that in these final moments God’s protective and redemptive power was at work. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us. (2 Corinthians 5:21) We may not understand God’s timing or reasoning for allowing us to go through certain seasons but what we see throughout the Bible is that faith cannot grow only in a climate of comfort. As the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” It’s okay to make your requests and questions known to God but do not allow the stress and worry of the situation keep you from moving forward. It might be uncomfortable for a season, but just know that the One who has gone before has already bore it all for you. I leave you with two questions: In what ways do you feel God is stretching your faith this week? And then what can you do to take a step out of your comfort zone this week?

Prayer God, I pray that You would continue to call us out of our boats of comfort this week as we continue to discover the power that faith in You looks like. I pray that the life we live will reflect the price that You paid on that wooden Cross.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Psalm 23 | David Belt Tuesday, February 23

A couple of years ago I was in the Middle East to tour the beautiful country of Israel.

This particular psalm came to life for me. I saw a shepherd leading his flock, calling out to his sheep with his voice that his sheep recognized and followed. The sheep were completely dependent on the shepherd for everything, their direction and guidance, their shelter, and their food and water.

I learned that sheep would not lie down if they’re hungry and will not drink from fast flowing streams. Sometimes the shepherd will build a small dam to slow the flow of the stream, allowing his sheep to drink. Psalm 23 is a picture of the shepherd’s sheep being fully satisfied and taken care of.

How has Jesus satisfied you? How has He taken care of you? Take a brief moment to list some of the things the Shepherd has done in your life to show His love for you.

Prayer Jesus, thank You for being such a good shepherd. I depend on You completely. Lead me, guide me, shepherd me. I will hear and recognize Your voice and follow You all the days of my life. You laid Your life down for me, one of Your sheep, as the sacrificial lamb to take away my sin. I’m filled with thankfulness and love for You, Jesus.

Psalm 25 | Dan Wendt Wednesday, February 24

Have you ever read a Psalm out loud? Let me encourage you to read Psalm 25 again, but first spend a few unrushed moments examining your heart before God. When you’re ready, read it again out loud. Don’t just read it like an assignment. Say it like you really mean it! Then, continue reading here for some closing thoughts.

No really, do it. Yes, I’m serious.

Well done! Did Psalm 25 seem different this time? How often does God hear declarations like these come from our lips? Or from our hearts? No condemnation here, just an honest question.

I’ve noticed that I can sometimes come to God’s Word with a desire to study it but miss my opportunity to connect with it. So it was the first few times I read through Psalm 25. I found myself lost in thinking about what David had experienced before writing out this prayer, analyzing the structure of David’s writing, contemplating David’s poor choices that caused him such guilt. I felt like an observer of someone else’s life, as though I’d read a page from King David’s diary.

Then I read it out loud. It wasn’t just David’s prayer anymore. It became my prayer. Sometimes I think God must get bored with “knowing our hearts” and just wants to hear our voices. He can peek into our hearts any time He wants. That’s nothing special. But He only hears our voices when we offer them to Him. That’s irreplaceable.

If ever you need a way to be reminded that God’s Word is alive and active, try reading it out loud.

Listen to your own voice reading the living word. Share it out loud with others. It brings life to them when they hear it. Don’t like the way it sounds out loud? Read from a different translation, one that sounds the way you sound when you talk. (Here’s a hint: you probably don’t speak NKJV!) Try reading God’s Word out loud as an opening to your own prayer to Him. The best way to bring life to the words in the Bible is to proclaim them with the force of your own breath. It’s the breath God gave you, returning it to Him with gratitude is the least you can do.

Prayer Lord, I thank You for the truth found in David’s words. I pray that I would know You as he did. Let it begin with a new practice of lifting my voice to You. Then, let me be silent long enough to hear Your voice in return.

Psalm 27 | David Belt Thursday, February 25

Our life is full of ups and downs. One day we’re full of thankfulness and joy, the next we’re hurting, frustrated, and worn out. If that’s you today, King David knows how you feel!

This psalm is separated into two different sections: the ups and the downs. Verses 1-6 are the ups.

David can remember the great things God has done, he’s not afraid. He’s full of praise. Verses 7-14 describe his downs, a desperate cry for God to show Himself and to not abandon him. Ups and downs.

Where are you right now? Are you living in the first or second half of this psalm? When times are up, have a song in your heart and sing loving praise to God (v.6). Hold your head up high and put your delight in Him! When times are down, wait patiently on the Lord (v.14). He will make you brave, courageous, and more mature. Be confident that you will see the Lord’s goodness.

Prayer Father, I never want to miss an opportunity to praise You when my life is full of blessing. I also never want to miss an opportunity to wait patiently and be hopeful when my life is full of difficulty. You are the God who is intricately involved in my ups and my downs. Thank you, Lord.

Psalm 39 | Allison Ayotte Friday, February 26

What is the meaning to life? What am I here for? What is my purpose in this so-called adventure that we call life? Questions like these have plagued the human race for thousands of years. Aristotle claimed, “Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence.” Leo Tolstoy said, “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” And even Arnold Schwarzenegger shared his thoughts, “For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.” People across time and space have been searching, hoping to find some semblance of meaning for their existence. And even as Christians, we sometimes fail to recognize God’s plan for our lives.

In Psalm 39, David writes during a time when he could not understand God’s work in his life.

His life was full of trouble. The wicked prevailed, the righteous suffered, and David was struggling to see the bigger picture. He is then reminded that our present circumstances are merely temporary and all the busyness of life is vain. Compared to an eternal God, our days are but a handbreadth. James even talks about this in the New Testament when He says that our lives are “but a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” And through it all, David chooses to put his hope in the Lord.

When trying to understand the meaning of life, we have to first answer this question: Am I willing to trust God and continue to live for Him even when I am faced with the unbearable? Will I trust Him when all hope seems lost? If we embrace that trust, as Paul promises in Romans 8, “our present suffering is nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Pain, failure, disappointment, and suffering are part of life, but instead of giving up when things get tough, look to the One who is always faithful. Surely every man is vapor, but eternity lasts forever. So don’t waste it.

JESUS help me to live

with ETERNITY in mind.

Prayer Jesus, help me to live with eternity in mind. I realize that my life is but a vapor and it is up to me to make the most of it. Help me to trust You during the hard times.Help me know that You are always steadfast and Your promises never return void.

Psalm 46 | Tom Belt Saturday, February 27

Absolutely one of my favorite Psalms. Imagine the worst possible things happening.

For most of us that shouldn’t be difficult. Most everybody has some measure of pain and loss they can blow up to colossal proportions. That’s what this Psalm does (v 2-3, 6). Then it invites us to compare our worst imaginable nightmares to God (as we think of him) to see what happens.

Can we find God in the nightmare?

The ancient Near East (Israel and her neighbors) had a shared language about the powers of good and evil, a kind of standard poetic terminology. And the “sea” was part of this repertoire of terms.

The “sea” here isn’t the Mediterranean Sea. It’s the surging force of evil and chaos. The “roaring and foaming waters” describe not an actual tsunami offshore. They describe the powers of evil that pervade the cosmos. In v. 6 that evil is viewed in terms of civil and political powers. But the point is the same. Evil rushes in and carries off everything in sight, including the high mountains (i.e., all the worldly goods we depend upon, all we take refuge in, our achievements and accomplishments).

The psalmist is describing absolute, apocalyptic destruction—the end of the world. Everything in sight, including the ground under your feet, the comfort and assurances of civil society, the institutional supports you depend upon, your home, your job, your SUV, your kids’ school, your season tickets your cabin up north, every penny in your bank account—all of it swept off into the churning foam of chaotic nothingness.

Feel better? The psalmist felt better, or at least he didn’t feel any loss of true joy, because in all this chaos he sees (v. 4-5) something not swallowed by the chaos. He sees “a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” A river? In this sea of evil and chaos? And its “streams make glad”?

You mean that in all this loss I can be “made glad”? Yes. The storms and chaos cannot define God. And God defines us. How do I find this river? Verse 10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Take time, regularly and intentionally, to quiet the noise and listen for God’s voice.

Prayer Father, help me transform my hope and dependency from the comforts and accomplishments of worldly things that could disappear today or tomorrow to You. Teach me to quiet my soul, to open myself to You, so I can find the river whose waters make me truly glad in You.

Psalm 51:1-17 | Adrian Falgetelli Sunday, February 28

What a powerful Psalm! I love when God’s Word brings conviction and repentance to me.

That’s what can happen to us. If we humble ourselves and come to God with repentant and sincere hearts, we can also enjoy the confidence and healing that this Psalm describes. We constantly need God’s help to know how we’re living, and we need assurance of His unfailing love.

As we approach Easter, it’s vital to examine ourselves and remember what Jesus has accomplished on the Cross for us. Our hearts need to be tested and examined routinely. In my experience, I know I have to make time to kneel in God’s presence and bring my whole heart to Him, paying attention to His voice and seeking forgiveness and clear direction for my life.

Today is an appropriate time to come near the Lord and ask Him to cleanse our lives and refresh our hearts, committing ourselves to live according to His perfect will. Recognize His sacrifice for you, and give yourself to living in His purposes for you. We need to seek a clean and pure heart and a renewed spirit. Today is a perfect time to do just that.

Prayer Lord, help me today to draw near Your Cross and remember that Your love is priceless.

Your love for me led You to the Cross. Thank You. Cleanse me, give me a pure heart, and lead me in everlasting ways.

“Cleanse me, give me a pure heart, and lead me in everlasting ways.�

Psalm 61 | Mark Alan Schoolmeesters Monday, February 29

When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to a rock that is higher than I.

Over the last few years I’ve seen many people close to me go through countless overwhelming trials. Diagnosis of cancer in a close friend, an unexpected miscarriage in our extended family, loss and change of job for one friend, and the diagnosis of MS in another. Each and every one of these people has found themselves at a crossroads, one that we all face at multiple times in our lives.

What are we to do with the uncertainty that we face?

We are reminded in Psalm 61 that our response shouldn’t be to raise the white flag of defeat but instead to embrace a perspective that clings wholeheartedly to the promises of God. In times of trial we have a choice – will we choose to fix our eyes on Jesus or on our circumstances?

Though we may not always understand, we can confidently assert, as Psalm 61 goes on to assert in the rest of verse 2, that God is a safe refuge. Friends, there is hope for us today! Our deliverance is coming – and it comes when we anchor our feet on the rock that is higher than our circumstance and higher than our earthly perspective.

Prayer Lord, lead me today as I choose to anchor my feet to the rock rather than to be overwhelmed. Meet me in my present circumstance and keep my eyes fixed on You Jesus.

I remember today that my deliverance is coming and I wait patiently for Your help.

Psalm 62 | Phil Johnson Tuesday, March 1

Have you ever found yourself in a jam? A situation that you just couldn’t seem to see a way out of? I can remember as a student finding myself in many of those situations, but I always knew that I had an advocate in my parents. It’s nice knowing you have someone in your corner, an advocate for you in times when you need it most. This is what we find in Psalm 62: “Truly my soul finds rest in God. My salvation comes from him. Truly He is my rock and my salvation. He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

As believers, we should be able to say I will not allow my present trials or troubles to shake my confidence in an unshakable God. In times of worry, I will cling to Him. A wise professor of mine would constantly remind us, “People will fail you, but God will never fail you.” This Psalm serves as a reminder that it is God, not things or people, in whom our faith is rooted. If you give a person the extra burden of having to carry your hopes and dreams, you are bound to be disappointed.

People were never meant to carry that weight. An unshakable hope can only be found in the unshakable God, not in temporary people.

Prayer God, may we continue to turn to You, our rock and fortress rather than to the temporary things of this world. May we continue to build on the promises of Your Word this week.

Psalm 84 | Adrian Falgetelli Wednesday, March 2

There is nothing more beautiful than being in God’s presence, in His Sanctuary, experiencing the power of His Spirit. That’s the place where we find our true home, prostrate before Him, worshiping him withour whole heart. We’re approaching a time when Christians have stopped considering history’s central event: the Cross. In Christ, the Cross becomes an instrument of life, not a curse, where Jesus’ blood was shed on the Cross out of love for humanity.

I remember when I first came to Christ. I was weighed down with a history of horrible experiences.

His sweet love came into my heart and a new song was birthed in my life. That heavy load disappeared. My problems didn’t all disappear, but hope filled my heart and the worries and concerns for the future were lifted off my shoulders. God’s power taught me to conquer all sorts of problems that previously bound me. The chains fell that day and I was completely free. I was home! The journey was, as this psalm described, a “weeping valley.” But I found rest in God’s presence as a place of refreshing springs of water.

After so many years, the story remains the same. God’s power has not weakened. Anyone who comes to Him can experience a supernatural touch. Today, let’s raise our hands to Heaven and thank God for His Son Jesus, and His sacrifice on the Cross. Jesus promised to come back for His Church, for all who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We must nourish ourselves with hHis words and promises and continue to seek His presence.

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for the wealth found in Your words. Thank You for the experiences of others who have left us the stories of their struggles and victories. Today I humble myself inYour presence and recall these testimonies and Your promises. Be by my side today.

Psalm 90 | JonCarlos Velez Thursday, March 3

Sometimes we need to be reminded of who God is. I know I’ve been there before. I can remember times in my life when I would go about my own way, rebelling against God and His will for my life and going down a path of sin that would only lead to death. I’m sure most of us have lived through times when our unbelief led to doubting God and doubt led to rebellion—much like the Israelites after escaping slavery in Egypt. Psalm 90 is a prayer penned by Moses around the time when God sentences them to 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, not allowing them to enter the Promised Land. (Numbers 14:1-45) Moses most likely wrote this prayer to be prayed by everyone in order to teach them again how to pray to God and to remind them all of who God really is.

Each verse in this chapter serves either as a reminder or a request that we pray just as the Israelites did after they rebelled against God. God has and will always be faithful to us. His grace is sufficient for us and His mercies are new every morning. He is our safe refuge and our rock to hold on to. His love towards us never changes, even when ours does. And we can rest assured that He will always forgive our rebellion. Though our sinful nature may fail Him, He will never fail us!

So be encouraged today as you read this knowing that God’s eternity is greater than the lives we live here on this earth. His love is eternal friends! It’s never too late to turn from our sinful and wicked ways and turn to Jesus who paid the price for our sins on the cross. Also, keep praying for others around you who may be away from God. I pray that they would allow God’s great love to grab ahold of them. Let God satisfy you with His unfailing love each day so that you may sing praises to Him for the joy we receive in Him.

Prayer Lord, I pray that I may be constantly reminded of who You really are. Thank You for Your unfailing love that satisfies me daily. I love You, Lord!

Psalm 119:9-16 | David Nithang Friday, March 4

Have you ever had a special person in your life that has stepped onto the other side of eternity and you wish you could hear their voice again? Maybe you wish you would have somehow recorded their words of wisdom, comfort, counsel and care? For me, that would have been my grandma, June. She was a fully devoted woman of God who gave me piggy back rides, walked me to school, knitted special stockings for me, gave me change to put in my piggy bank and when needed, spanked my behind. I sure miss hearing her voice. If I could only have her here now to seek her advice regarding the cares in my life today. Unfortunately that’s impossible. We cannot bring back those who have gone before us.

This is why God’s written Word is so amazing. His Word is eternal and is also eternally relevant to every generation. We don’t ever have to wonder if He desires to give us counsel. We don’t ever have to wonder how He feels about us, if He cares or whether He has provided a way to have an eternal personal relationship with Him through His Son Jesus.

I urge you brothers and sisters to love God’s Word, learn God’s Word, and live God’s Word. Start today and encourage a friend to join you.

Prayer Heavenly Father, Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Your Word is the key to experiencing eternal life here on the earth and one day in Heaven. Give me a daily craving and hunger for it.

Psalm 127 | Lori Dykstra Saturday, March 5

Psalm 127 was written by Solomon. Solomon was the King who was entrusted to build the Temple of God. He had plenty of experience in building things. He not only built the Temple but was also one of the richest men in the world and amassed a great fortune.

Modern theologians consider this Psalm to have been written for the workaholic. However, I wonder if it wasn’t a de-brief from Solomon’s experiences. We can make great plans and work on accomplishing all of them, but if God isn’t a part of the plan or the process, it is all in vain. In Proverbs 16:9 Solomon says, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” How often have you put something together ignoring the directions in the package only to discover you missed a key step? So you take it all apart and start over.

Psalm 127 is not telling us to stop working, it is encouraging us to stop, pray and ask God to give us creativity and wisdom. If we do this, we won’t have to stay up later and get up earlier because our anxiety is driving us, but we can rest confidently as we trust in Jesus to assist us and equip us to get the job done correctly.

Prayer Dear Jesus, thank You that You care about every aspect of my life. Please help me to trust You with everything that I have. Give me wisdom and equip me to do the things You have placed in my pathway to accomplish. I choose to depend on You.

Matthew 4:1-11 | Becky Meyerson Sunday, March 6

A three year old entered the kitchen when his mother was busy elsewhere in the house.

She had told him not to get into the cookies. But in her absence he pulled a kitchen chair over to the counter and climbed up. Then he took the lid off the cookie jar and had just gotten a cookie in his mouth when his mother entered the room and demanded to know what he was doing. The three year old looked at her with big, innocent eyes and said, “I just climbed up here to smell the cookies, and my tooth got caught on one of them.”

In this passage Jesus is about to start His ministry. He has been baptized, the Spirit has descended on Him, God the Father has recognized Him as His Son, and now the Spirit has led Him into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Jesus starts this testing season with fasting 40 days, and now He finds himself very hungry, just like each one of us would be. The hunger Jesus was experiencing was physical, but hunger can also be emotional and spiritual. When we are hungry, we are vulnerable and exposed to an attack of the enemy. Being hungry can mean being weak, tired, sick, frustrated, lonely, or isolated. It can also mean you may have missed church for a few weeks, or you’ve gone several days without praying or reading your Bible, and you’re disconnected from God.

Satan most often waits for one of these opportune, “hungry” times to launch one of his fiery darts at you. (Ephesians 6:11, 16) His goal is to test, try, and devour you. Remember he is the father of lies and he seeks to destroy your life and get you to doubt the love and care of God the Father. (John 8:44, 10:10) So at the end of dart he places the sin – deception, anger, offense, bitterness, sexual immorality, etc. Then he sugar-coats the tip with an element of truth so you don’t catch the tactic right away: “It’s OK to get angry, that person hurt me,” “I deserve this,” “I can take on offense because that person is wrong,” “why wait until marriage, I really love him,” or perhaps “my needs and desires should be satisfied.”

The same way Satan attacked Jesus is the same way he attacks us. And the same way Jesus responded is the same way we should respond. Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit and answered Satan with the Word of God. We need to do the same. Every morning ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with power. Read and memorize Scripture. Deposit the Word of God in your heart. It is your sword and it silences the deceitful voice of Satan. (Ephesians 5:18, 6:17)

Prayer Heavenly Father, help me recognize when I am the most vulnerable to the attack and lies of the enemy. I know that Satan’s purpose is to capture and control me, and when I follow him I walk into a trap. So I take the Sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word, into my hand and I declare Your truth over my life. Your Word promises that when I submit to You and resist the devil, he will flee. (James 4:7)

Matthew 6:1-21 | Dan Wendt Monday, March 7

When I was about seven years old, there was a new kid in our neighborhood who, for whatever reason, propagated a lie that he was related to a famous racecar driver. For months he frequently referenced his supposed “step-uncle-in-law” Bill Elliott. He concocted stories of what Elliott was “really” like and even provided false autographs and pictures from him. His efforts paid off for a time too, because we looked to him as a sort of guru of all things NASCAR. After all, who could know more about the sport than the step-nephew-in-law of a famous driver? But it was all a lie. There was no relationship. All his efforts to deceive became things that would haunt him, for weeks actually. He was a hypocrite, and our trust in him, in fact our understanding of who he even was, changed completely.

In Matthew 6, Jesus warns us not to be like the Teachers of the Law and Pharisees He would later condemn in Matthew 23. In Jesus’ time, these people claimed to know God. They concocted stories of what God was “really” like, and with great theatrical performance they spoke and behaved like spiritual superstars in the synagogues and on street corners. But there was no relationship. Jesus said multiple times in this passage, “do not be like them.” It’s tempting to think of our “treasures in heaven” as gold or gems or jewels, but look again at the cautions leading up to verses 19-21. Jesus says over and over that the hypocrites will receive no reward from God, their only “treasure” is the temporary admiration of those they’ve deceived. Their treasure is on earth.

Don’t be like them.

Although it took a while, the boy in our neighborhood eventually became a trusted friend to us.

He owned up to his lies and built real relationships, instead of relying on one that didn’t actually exist. Saying you’re related to a famous person is cool, I guess, but only if it’s true. Giving, praying, and fasting are all rewarding, but only if they come from a genuine desire to know and honor God. Examine your heart today. Do you take your relationship with God (your treasure in Heaven) as seriously as the image of your relationship with God (your treasure on earth)?

Prayer Lord, forgive me for being more concerned about other people’s impression of my relationship with You than my actual relationship with You. Forgive me for going through the motions and using Your name to make myself look good or spiritual. Those who seek You will find You, and there is no greater reward. Thank You for Your sacrifice that made a way for me to have this true, incomparable relationship with You. It’s all about You, Jesus.

John 4:1-26 | Susie Larson Tuesday, March 8

A religious leader invites Jesus to a dinner party. Jesus attends and reclines at the table with the other guests. Imagine the sudden jolt to the conversation when a woman approaches Jesus. She wraps her trembling hands around His feet and kisses His toes. Tears pool in her eyes and spill down her face. She pours her most prized possession,expensive perfume, over His feet.

The dinner host is aghast. Which was worse? Her rude interruption of his dinner party? Or that his guest, Jesus, didn’t discern that this sinner had just defiled Him?

Humble submission, worshipful gratitude.

Prideful posturing, judgmental assessments.

We see these same attitudes in the church today. Some pride themselves on their critical eye and their acute assessment of every situation. Status goes to their head. Outsiders are suspect. But for others, God’s mercy, kindness, and forgiveness only inspire humble gratitude and extravagant worship.

Jesus defended the sinful woman and confronted the sinful man. Why? Because God will always draw near to the humble and distance Himself from the proud. The woman’s faith saved her. The man’s pride blinded him.

Prayer Lord, I humble myself today. Thank You, from the bottom of my heart for Your kindness.

You’ve forgiven my sin, healed my soul, made me whole. I will worship You all the days of my life. Help me to see others the way You see them. You are my soul’s greatest treasure.

Romans 3:9-20 | Allison Ayotte Wednesday, March 9

In reading through Paul’s letter to the Romans (ch. 3), we almost get slapped in the face with how broken and sinful the human race is. He reminds us that “there is no one righteous, no not one.” Whether we like to admit it or not, all of us have failed to live up to the standard God demands. All of us have sinned. All of us have fallen short. And all of us are unworthy to stand in His presence.

About two years ago, I had the great privilege of being able to travel to Israel with a study group in college. We toured the entire country, learned all about ancient Jewish culture, and literally walked where Jesus walked. It was an experience of a lifetime that I’ll never forget. One of the more fascinating things we learned was the process of ritual cleansing. Throughout the trip, we learned that a person would use a “mikveh” that flowed with living water to cleanse themselves. Only after they had gone through this process would they be allowed to enter the Temple and stand in the presence of the Lord. This symbolic act made them righteous and worthy to meet with God. If we are going to enter into the presence of the almighty Creator of the universe where there is no darkness at all, we need to be cleansed from all unrighteousness. Just like the Jewish people in ancient times, we need living water to purify our hearts. Christ is that living water. As we head into this Easter season, we all need to be reminded that without Jesus we are wretched, corrupt, and selfish people. We need to recognize our need of a Savior. We are lost without Him. The only way we are made holy and righteous is through Jesus Christ.

Prayer Jesus, I ask today that Your living water would flow into my life and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I ask that You would make evident to me the areas where I need Your touch. Create in me a pure heart and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

1 Corinthians 1:18-25 | Nathan Grams Thursday, March 10

“God in His wisdom saw to it that the world would never know Him through human wisdom.” From the time we are born, we are driven by the desire to explore and to understand.

It’s almost as if we conquer that which we can comprehend. The desire to know is at the core of our humanity.

As kids develop they enter a questioning stage. Parents know exactly what this looks like. “But why?” is quickly posed after every single argument offered by mom or dad. Some kids grow out of that stage. Most of us don’t. And we shouldn’t. God gladly invites our questions. Often He patiently and lovingly answers them, and often times He chooses to patiently and lovingly not answer them.

When it comes to the Gospel, the questions of a humble heart can lead us to a personal saving knowledge of Him. Questions birthed out of pride and a desire to control through knowledge will never manage to tame our sovereign God. Our hearts must make room for mystery and take steps of trust. It’s through simple trusting faith that we step into good news, not through human wit and cleverness. And this is good news. He is accessible to all of humanity, not only the brilliant.

Prayer Lord, give me a humble heart as I approach You. Help me to listen and trust. Keep me from pride and arrogance as I come before You. Cultivate faith and trust in me as I marvel at Your limitless love and mercy. Let Your good news be seen in me and made evident to all those around me.

Mark 9:33-37 | Bryan Talso Friday, March 11

Sports fans will know that Muhammad Ali is often referred to as “the Greatest.” Ali used to “float like a butterfly” and “sting like a bee.” He would dodge a punch while he used a very unconventional style, with hands held low, as he bobbed and weaved. Ali became the only person in history to win the heavyweight boxing title three times. Because of his accomplishments, the world calls him “the Greatest.” And while Ali’s story is inspiring and should stir the emotions of our heart, what the world calls the greatest and what the Lord calls the greatest are often two very different things.

In our Scripture reading for today, Jesus becomes aware that some of His disciples are arguing about which of them was the greatest. Jesus turns their world, and ours,upside down by saying, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” This is contrary to everything the world teaches. The world teaches us that to be the greatest we must aim for the best things, achieve the highest honors, climb the corporate ladder, and have the ideal relationship. We set our goals, and then we charge after them, tracking our accomplishments and defining our self-worth by how we stack up against our neighbors, friends, and colleagues.

The disciples had their priorities all turned around. Instead of seeking to know the Lord better and understand His will for their lives, they became preoccupied with their own ambitious desires to become the greatest. Jesus completely changes the yardstick! His words can’t be any clearer in this passage, “if anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” May this be a reminder for us today that Jesus encourages us to step out of the rat race of life, out of our selfish ambitions and focus on the simple command God gave us: to do our best to love and serve one another in His name.

Prayer Heavenly Father, I pray that my eyes will be open to the people around me today. Help me to be the servant that You have called me to be.

Mark 12:41-44 | Paul Kelly Saturday, March 12

This wasn’t just a casual observation from Jesus or a passing comment. It is important to notice He took the time to gather His disciples to teach them a principle of God’s kingdom. We are called not to give out of our abundance but give all of who we are to God, keeping nothing back.

This may look different to each of us as we all have different areas of our lives we are tempted to hold back on. We are given many opportunities throughout our lives where we have the ability to practice this principle.

I was given this opportunity during a transition time between jobs. During this transition, we still felt strongly we were supposed to continue to tithe even though we did not have an income. We did not know how the math would work because we still had all the bills we did before but no income.

We knew as we stepped out in obedience to God and gave all we had for that day, God would provide for the next day. For us, this step of faith in giving all we have to God has always come with an element of faith and no promise of what is next, but time after time God has provided.

Reflect on what you have to give and ask yourself, “am I giving out of my surplus or am I giving as the widow gave?” We will not grow in the times where we are not relying on God for all we need.

God desires to bless every area of our lives, so let’s not hold anything back from Him!

Prayer God, examine me and show me the areas of my life I still need to give over to You. I desire to be a living sacrifice, giving all of who I am over to You to be used for Your kingdom purposes.

Luke 7:36-50 | Susie Larson Sunday, March 13

Woman. Samaritan. Immoral.

No respectable Jewish man would publicly associate with someone under one of these circumstances. None, but Jesus. He spoke to the Samaritan woman with honor and kindness. He met her in her mess. He didn’t want what other men wanted from her. But He asked for honesty about her predicament and her need so He could give her life more abundant than she ever imagined.

The enemy seduces, then accuses. He baits us into busyness and tempts us to hide from uncomfortable situations. We learn to make rules around our insecurities. We hem ourselves in by our fears. We make excuses for our sin. A perfect recipe for soul-captivity.

We can’t heal if we’re determined to hide.

Jesus came to set us free.

May we know the gift God has for us. May we dare to ask Jesus for that life-giving, soul-stirring power that saves, heals, redeems, and restores. Read the rest of the Samaritan woman’s story.

Almost a whole town is saved because one woman dared to stop hiding, face her fears, and trust Jesus.

Prayer Father, I open my hands before You today. Forgive me for my tendency to hide my sin and manage my insecurities. You are the One my soul longs for and needs. Set me free today that I may forever walk openly and honestly with You.

Luke 11:1-4 | Stephanie Sample Monday, March 14

Quick, how many times have you said or heard the Lord’s Prayer? If you’re anything like me, a count would be impossible, no matter how much time you were given. I grew up attending the Catholic Church, so between mass and rosaries the words of the “Our Father” (as I called it) were as familiar to me as my own address. I think I actually had the entire mass memorized by 6th or 7th grade. Still, I would have been hard pressed to explain to anyone what it meant. We’ve said it in church, at weddings and funerals, at dinner tables and children’s bedsides, but how about alone? How often have we slowly, reverently prayed the prayer Jesus taught his disciples?

One of the most striking aspects of this simple prayer is just that: its simplicity. Begin by acknowledging and praising God. Next, ask for today’s needs to be met, today’s sins to be forgiven, and for protection from today’s temptations. Today’s. Here and elsewhere, Jesus asks us to commit each day into the Father’s hands. He makes no mention of future goals, nest eggs, or answers about our ultimate path. Not that it’s wrong to take those concerns to God—He wants to share all our burdens—but the things that are the most important are the things of today. When we consider Jesus’ ministry—He knew His days were numbered—it makes perfect sense that He chose to focus all His attention on the day before Him.

How might this awareness of the Lord’s Prayer reshape your prayer life? How much freedom could you find in letting go of tomorrow, next summer, and your 10-year plan, and laying just this one day before your Father? Maybe letting go of your worries is scary. Here’s the good part: you don’t have to hang them up forever. Just today.

Prayer Father God, Yours is the name above all names. May it always be so. May Your kingdom rule here on earth, and may I be provided today with the sustenance, grace and protection I need to walk with You.

Luke 14:25-35 | Jodi Ruch Tuesday, March 15

When reading the gospels, it’s not unusual to read about the crowds of people listening to Jesus. Crowds wanted to hear the good news and witness the miracles Jesus performed. The people had varying levels of commitment to Christ. Many enjoyed the excitement of being in the crowd, but not as many were deeply committed to the cause of Christ. This is still true today. There are many people in churches who enjoy the benefits of Christianity: the community, the generosity of others, the great music, and the teaching. They enjoy the excitement of being a part of something big – they enjoy the crowd. However, just like in Jesus’ day, there are many people who have not fully considered the cost of being a disciple of Christ.

Jesus said to the crowd in verse 25, “If you want to be my disciple, you must hate everyone else by comparison, your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, even your own life. Otherwise you cannot be my disciple.” These are strong words, but Jesus wanted to make a point. Following Christ is more than the latest trend. There is a personal cost and self-denial for those who really want to follow Christ.

Fitness is huge in our culture today. Year after year, people make New Year’s resolutions to get in shape. The gyms are packed in January. It’s so exciting to be a part of the fitness movement. But then the excitement wears off when eating right and working out gets old. Soon the gyms are empty again and people return to their old habits. I wonder how the crowd responded to Jesus’ words that day. Did they leave when Jesus made this tough statement? There is a cost to being a disciple and Jesus admonishes us to consider the cost.

Prayer

Lord, help us not to be motivated by the crowd. Help us follow You, fully knowing the cost, so we can deny ourselves and fully surrender. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Mark 10:35-45 | Aaron Gruber Wednesday, March 16

Have you ever been talking with someone about something very important only to find out later they weren’t paying attention to you at all but were preoccupied with something else?

This has happened to me on more than one occasion with my kids, and I have been guilty of it more than once with my wife! When Jesus was walking to Jerusalem with His disciples, and telling them about what was to come (His betrayal, beating, death, and resurrection), He experienced this same scenario. James and John, two of Jesus’ most trusted friends and disciples, came to Him right after he finished speaking and asked for a place of honor in His kingdom. Their attention couldn’t have been farther from what Jesus had been talking about.

But when the other disciples heard about it and became upset, Jesus brought them back to what was really important. He called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.” In the end, it’s not about me. It’s not about us. It’s about loving others for Jesus.

Have you been distracted by selfish desires? Has your attention been focused more on yourself than on Jesus? He set the example of serving others through His life and death and has called us to serve others too. What is God specifically calling you to? Listen for His voice today.

Prayer

God, please help me to hear Your voice and not be distracted by my selfish thoughts. How can I serve others to reflect Your love today?

John 17:1-5 | Terrence Talley Thursday, March 17

It’s weird to think Jesus prayed for himself. He’s the Messiah and He’s praying for Himself?

If Jesus prayed for himself then how much more do we need to pray for ourselves? When I read this I have to ask myself why he prayed for himself and why He prayed what He prayed.

The answer reminds me of my Mom. I have to admit, I was a momma’s boy growing up. From birth to twelve years of age, wherever my Mom went, I went. I even took naps with Mom. I loved being with my Mom. She would always make me feel loved and safe no matter the situation. When I got into sports, she was always the loudest person cheering me on. Even when I did badly I could hear her scream, “Come on Terrence! You can do it.” I heard her scream the loudest when I was wrestling. Wrestling is both a team sport and an individual competition. You can bring all your points together to win a meet against another team, but when it’s time to wrestle it’s just you and your opponent on the mat. It’s very easy to feel alone in those moments. But with my Mom in the stands, I never felt alone.

With Jesus knowing what was about to happen to Him I’m sure loneliness was trying to creep in.

But Jesus didn’t merely accept his situation, he brought his Father into it. When you feel alone it can lead you to panic and do something that you usually wouldn’t do, but when you have somebody in your corner it gives you a new confidence. So many times when things happen we retreat back into a corner by ourselves, but I think God is asking us to invite Him in. Let Him guide you through the wrestling match of life.

Prayer

Thank You God for always cheering me on! Thank You for being there to coach and support me in every struggle. Be my strength and my victory today I pray.

“I think God is asking us to invite Him in.�

John 15:1-8 Emily Keymon Friday, March 18

My husband Seth gave me a little bamboo plant to celebrate Valentine’s Day two years ago. It was actually two stalks that were mostly straight, but the tops were curved and met in the middle to create theshape of a heart. I named it our “love bamboo” after the “love fern” in a certain romantic comedy movie. Seth watered it more than I did, because he is good at remembering things like that. However, after a year or so, the top of one of the stalks started to brown. Then the whole stalk died. We pulled it out, threw it away, and watered the other stalk. It had a few leaves sprout from it, but a few months ago it started to brown too. We watered it some more, but it withered anyway. We threw the whole thing away. Our love bamboo had died.

I will never say that I am a gardener. I do not naturally have a green thumb, with the patience to tenderly cultivate a garden. And yet that is what I need to do with my relationship with Jesus. In verse 5 of our passage today, Jesus says, “I am the vine. You are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit. Apart from Me you can do nothing.” In order for me to remain in Jesus, I must tenderly cultivate my relationship with Him. I cannot throw water onto the bamboo once every few weeks and hope for the best. I want to bear much fruit. I want to do great things for Christ!

In order to remain in Jesus, we must discipline ourselves to read the Word and let its seeds be planted in our hearts. We must spend time praying and seeking the Lord, watering the soil and the plant that is taking shape. We must assess what is growing and prune what is dead, and then we will see fruit. Take time today to look at your heart. In what stage of the gardening process are you? What step do you need to take next in order to remain in Jesus?

Prayer Jesus, I want to remain in You always. Reveal to me what I need to do in order to grow and bear much fruit.

John 2:13-22 | Becky Meyerson Saturday, March 19

It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the temple area He saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices. He also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, He told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace!” His disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”

David McCullough in his book Mornings on Horseback tells a story about young Teddy Roosevelt.

Roosevelt’s mother Mittie found him so afraid of the Madison Square Church he refused to set foot in it. He was afraid of something called the “Zeal.” Teddy thought it would hide in the corners. He thought this “Zeal” might be a large animal like an alligator or a dragon. Teddy said he had heard the minister talk about it from the Bible. Mittie checked her concordance and found John 2:17, which in the King James version describes the verse the disciples remember as “The zeal of the thine house hath eaten me up!”

Jesus is a passionate Lord and Savior. This portion of Scripture shows His passion for the Temple in Jerusalem. It was a huge, magnificent structure that took 46 years to build. But in Jesus’ day it had become a shopping mall. Pens of sheep, goats, doves, and other animals for sacrifice were everywhere. Moneychangers operated their tables. But what had started out perhaps as a convenient service had turned into a profitable money making scheme. Jesus stands surveying the whole affair and He is angry. He is passionate, and His “zeal” for God’s house consumes Him. So He cleans house! What can this teach us about the need for purity and holiness in our personal lives?

The real temple, the real place God wants to live, the real place of worship and prayer is the human heart. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) Jesus is passionate about you and me, the “temple” of the Holy Spirit.

And He cares just as much about our lives being clean and pure as He did about the physical temple in Jerusalem. He has a passion that your heart not be cluttered with the world but be set aside as a place of prayer and worship.

Prayer Heavenly Father, I don’t want the things of the world in my heart. I don’t want the busyness or even the convenience of temporary things filling the rooms of my life. I ask that you would purify me and set my life apart only for your purpose.

John 12:1-11 | Emily Keymon Sunday, March 20

Have you ever felt like you did not belong? Like everything you are doing is just wrong?

When reading this passage of Scripture, it is clear that Mary is the one who is out of place. She is not serving the men like her sister Martha. She is sitting at the feet of Jesus, where only the male disciples sat. She poured out a jar of perfume onto Jesus’ feet, seemingly wasting an entire year’s worth of pay. Then she wiped His feet with her hair when it was against their culture for a woman to show her hair at all.

But then we look back to the first verse of this chapter: “Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.” I don’t know about you, but if my brother was raised from the dead like Mary’s was, I would also do something extraordinary to show Jesus how grateful I was. She probably felt so unworthy to be in Jesus’ presence, so small in the midst of His mighty power. She gave up all she had to glorify him and be in his presence.

Take a minute. Think about all that Jesus has done for you, all that He has saved you from, and the new life that He has given you. Spend time in His presence today, thanking Him for His faithfulness.

Move out of your comfort zone to praise Him, and offer everything you are to Him.

Prayer Jesus, let me never forget all that You have done for me. I worship You for who You are, and I thank You for all that You have brought me through. I love You, Lord!

John 13:1-17 | Jodi Ruch Monday, March 21

Jesus was given authority over everything and yet chose to wash His disciples’ feet.

Washing feet was reserved for the lowly servant. In today’s terms, it would be as if Jesus offered to come scrub our toilets, not for money but because of love! Doesn’t that sound absurd? In Bible times, washing feet was just as absurd! However, Jesus wanted to demonstrate love through humbly serving. I know my kids love me, but deep cleaning for the sake of love would be a stretch!

The gospels depict the story of Jesus’ disciples arguing over who was the greatest in the kingdom (Matthew 18:1-5, Mark 9:33-37, and Luke 9:46-48). The disciples wanted a place of honor. Jesus points out that the lowly child and the servant are the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus responded the same way when the mother of the sons of Zebedee requested they have a place of honor.

(Matthew 20:26-28) “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant” Jesus said, “and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

Jesus demonstrated servanthood to His followers. By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus was doing much more than housekeeping. He was teaching them the keys to the kingdom. John 13:14-17 says.

“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.

I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” The kingdom of God is different than the world we live in. The way up in the kingdom is bowing down and humbly serving others. As we have seen Jesus do, we should also do.

Prayer Lord, please help us to be servants. Help us to be great in your kingdom by putting others before ourselves. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Matthew 27:11-26 | Paul Kelly Tuesday, March 22

I have always struggled reading through this passage. I would think to myself, why would Jesus remain silent and allow this to happen?

Everything in me would cry out, “Defend yourself! Tell them who You are!”

After all, Jesus was popular among the people, a persuasive speaker, and had a growing movement of supporters. It goes against everything in us not to defend ourselves and take matters into our own hands. We are taught if you are strong you rely on your own ability to get yourself out of a situation.

What I see now is Jesus draw His strength and confidence from knowing who He was in God. We see just a couple passages earlier Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with His purpose and saying the classic line “Not as I will, but as You will.” He knew His purpose and He knew humankind would find victory in this act of sacrifice. You see it was not only Barabbas that was spared that day but you and I. Are you being falsely accused of something? Are you wrestling with something that seems out of your control? Are you seeking to find purpose in your life? We have all we need in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

The strength you need for anything you are facing now is found in Christ.

The confidence you need to move forward is found in Christ.

Prayer God give me eyes to see myself as You see me. Give me Your strength to walk forward in the full confidence of Your will for my life.

Luke 22:54-62 | Stephanie Sample

Wednesday, March 23

Jane Mulligan. My heart hurts to hear her name. We were church friends all through grade school, seeing each other every Sunday, until our families went in different directions. At the end of 7th grade, our mothers decided to send us to YMCA camp together for a week. Though I hadn’t seen her for nearly two years, I was really looking forward to camp and reconnecting with her. As her mother’s station wagon pulled up at camp, my excitement peaked. Then, all at once, it plunged.

Quiet and withdrawn, she barely met my gaze, barely mumbled hello. I literally didn’t recognize her.

She’d grown from a bright, happy little girl into a painfully awkward teenager, uncomfortable in her own skin.

As soon as the popular girls in our cabin showed an interest in me, I left Jane in the dust. “Did you come with her? Are you guys friends?” they asked. “Not really,” I answered. “I used to play with her when we were little. My mom set this up.” All week long I ignored her. Caught up in the attention of a few pretty strangers and the boys in Cabin 3, I repeatedly turned my back on my sweet, childhood friend. I felt moments of remorse, but the shame didn’t really hit me until I saw her mother and her twin sister at church a few weeks later. Their eyes told me exactly what I’d done.

Imagining our camp experience through Jane’s eyes, I was devastated by my selfish behavior.

What had I been thinking? How could I care more about the approval of strangers than the feelings of one of my oldest friends?

Every time I come across this passage of Scripture, I think of Jane. Then I think of Peter. Imagine the depth of his pain when he realized what he’d done! For three years he’d dedicated his life to Jesus, following Him everywhere and swearing his undying allegiance. But then fear took over, and Peter chose to distance himself from Jesus and become one of the crowd. As Lent draws to a close and Jesus’ death and resurrection draw near, spend some time in contemplation. In which situations or areas of your life do you distance yourself from Jesus, choosing the easy route of blending into the crowd? Together, let’s meet His gaze in those moments and allow His love to fortify our courage to take the harder way. Let’s forego the fleeting approval of the crowd in exchange for the eternal love of the Savior.

Prayer Lord Jesus, You know me so well. You know each and every time I will choose the easy way—deny my identity in You—and still, You love me. Still, You died for me. Thank You for Your sacrifice, Your forgiveness, and Your perfect love.

Matthew 27:32-61 | Nathan Grams Thursday, March 24

How can you describe the darkest moment of the most difficult day of your life? This is perhaps a glimpse into what Jesus experienced at the most painful instance of His existence.

Hours before He had cried out in prayer at Gethsemane sweating drops of blood out of the intense stress he was enduring. He asked to skip this assignment if at all possible, but ended his prayer saying “Your will be done, not mine.” And it was time to drink the bitter cup of sacrifice.

So much noise and so many voices surrounding Him as He hung on the cross. Simon, an innocent bystander drafted to carry the beam He would be hung on. The scorning insults of the soldiers who had pinned Him up there mocking Him and casting lots over his belongings. The insults from the thief at his side and from all those passing by. Golgotha was a place filled with loud harmful voices. And yet all of those noises were drowned out by a deafening silence.

“My God, my God, why have You abandoned me?” Why can’t I hear Your voice in the midst of my suffering? Why do I feel alone and isolated at my weakest most vulnerable moment? I’ve followed Your path and accepted Your will, but now I feel that You are far from me.

The hardest silence to endure is that which comes from Heaven. Each of us will face our own Golgotha because we have decided to take up our own cross daily and follow Jesus. There will be moments of pain when we will feel deserted by God. But even then, remember: His silence is never forever. He may seem far, but He is closer than you could ever know. Golgotha is not the end of the story. Sunday is on the way! He will lift you up and fulfill His redemptive plan in you yet.

You will overcome!

Prayer Father, help me to always hold on to the words and promises You’ve given me. Help me to walk the path of obedience, even when it is the most difficult. Help me to stay the course and trust You, even when I can’t hear You in the midst of destructive shouts. Redeem me, Lord, and show Yourself to be my savior.

Luke 23:26-56 | Bryan Talso Good Friday, March 25

The last words of a dying person are normally never forgotten. A peson’s closing comments often reveal their pain and agony. Some enter eternity without saying anything, while others utter sentiments that disclose their values, priorities, and innermost thoughts. The gospel of Luke takes an up-close look at one of Jesus’ last sayings from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

According to Roman historians, it was very common for those who were crucified to utter blasphemies and words of wrath toward those who were involved in the execution. Jesus could have rightly prayed, “Father, consume them and wipe them from the face of the earth.” Instead, when His persecutors hurled their insults at Him, mocked and spat upon Him, the blessed mouth of Jesus formed His words into a prayer for pardon. His request was not for Himself but for them and us. In His agony, His first thought is to plead in prayer for those who are in desperate need of forgiveness. When man had done his worst, Jesus prayed, not for justice, but for mercy.

Notice that Jesus doesn’t pray that the Father would just forget about what they were doing, but He specifically requests “forgiveness.” This is a forgiveness that acts as a pardon releasing them from their debt to God. Jesus loves the sinner, even in horrible pain and exhaustion He has love and compassion for those who don’t deserve it. Today, let’s remember that Jesus didn’t die just for the loveable people, but also for the unlovable. His forgiveness extends to all mankind. May we also forgive as Christ has.

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sacrifice and the forgiveness You have extended to me. Help me to love others as You have loved me and to forgive others as You have forgiven me.

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