Devotions: The Lord Reigns
Day 1: The Righteous Judge
Scripture Reading: Romans 2:5-11
Reflection: Today's passage reminds us of God's impartial judgment. He rewards each one according to their deeds, showing no favoritism. Reflect on how this understanding of God as a just judge influences how we live our lives, striving to act righteously in His sight, knowing that He judges fairly and righteously.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your justice and fairness. Help me to trust in Your judgment and live a life that seeks Your righteousness, knowing that You will reward each according to their works. Amen.
May 26 Sermon: The Lord Reigns
The news the past several weeks has been filled with stories of extreme weather. Now, the videos and images that we see can cause us to feel empathy for those affected, and it can cause us to be very thankful that we were not affected by it. And there are many in our congregation and in our community who have been deeply affected by events like this in the past, and with this comes a heightened sense of fear about this stuff. And part of the reason for this is because these type of things are not only unpredictable, but these type of things do not discriminate. It can happen anywhere, at any time, to anyone. Now, whether you've been personally affected by a storm or not, when you know that bad weather is coming, you're going to try to find a place to be safe. The better your refuge, the more confidence you have of the safety that you have when the winds and the rains beat against that place where you've chosen to flee for safety. Now, in my years of doing youth ministry, many years ago, I experienced some very interesting shelters between camps and music festivals.
Devotions: From Prophecy to Reality
Day 1: The Promise of the Holy Spirit
Scripture Reading: John 14:15-17, 26
Reflection: Before Pentecost, Jesus promised His disciples the Holy Spirit as a helper who would be with them forever. This promise was to comfort them in His physical absence and empower them for the mission ahead. The Holy Spirit is also our guide today, teaching and reminding us of Jesus’ words and works.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, our Advocate and Guide. Help us to be attentive to His voice in our daily lives, teaching us and reminding us of Your truth. May we live empowered by His presence, faithful to Your commands. Amen.
Devotions: Receive Your King
Day 1: The Sovereignty of God
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20
Reflection: Today’s scripture reminds us that Christ’s sovereignty extends over all creation. As the firstborn of all creation, Jesus holds preeminence in everything, including His authority and power over the universe. His ascension into heaven and seating at the Father's right hand mark the ultimate affirmation of His divine sovereignty.
Devotions: Rich in Wealth, Poor in Spirit
Day 1: Spiritual Temperature Check
Scripture Reading: Matthew 24:12-13
Reflection:
In today's passage, Jesus warns of a cooling in the spiritual fervor of many believers as challenges and lawlessness increase. This prediction aligns with the lukewarm condition condemned in Revelation. Consider your own spiritual fervor: is your faith hot, cold, or lukewarm? How does the state of your heart reflect your relationship with God?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be aware of my spiritual temperature. Stir in me a fervent, enduring faith that does not cool in the face of trials or grow indifferent with comfort. Amen.
Devotions: An Open Door
Day 1: The Sovereign Authority of Christ
Reading: Isaiah 22:22
Meditation: Reflect on how the key of the house of David symbolizes authority and control. Just as Eliakim was granted authority to open and close doors, Christ holds ultimate authority over all aspects of life. Meditate on areas of your life where recognizing Christ’s control could bring peace and trust.
Devotions: Wake Up
Day 1: Spiritual Complacency and Awakening
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13
Reflection:
In today's scripture, the foolish virgins thought they were prepared for the bridegroom, but their lack of oil revealed their unpreparedness at the crucial moment. Similarly, the church in Sardis appeared alive but was spiritually dead. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be spiritually complacent. Are you truly prepared for Christ's return, or are you relying on past spiritual experiences?
Prayer:
Lord, awaken my spirit and help me to live in readiness for Your return. Illuminate areas of complacency in my life and empower me to strengthen my commitment to You daily.
Devotions: Hold Fast
Day 1: The Holiness of Christ
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
Devotional:
Reflect on the majestic description of Jesus in Revelation 2:18, with eyes like flames of fire and feet like burnished bronze. This vision underscores His holiness and purity, emphasizing His authority as our High Priest who understands our weaknesses yet calls us to confidently approach His throne of grace. Consider how Christ's holiness impacts your view of sin and grace in your daily life.
Prayer Focus: Ask God to give you a more profound reverence for Christ’s holiness and to help you live a life that reflects His purity.
Devotions: Repent
Day 1: Faithful Witness Amidst Persecution
Reading: Revelation 2:12-13
Devotional:
Today, let us reflect on the unwavering faith of the church in Pergamum, which stood firm despite being in the heart of opposition. Consider the pressures we face in our lives to compromise our faith. How can we remain steadfast in our confession that Jesus is Lord? As you meditate on this passage, pray for the strength to be a faithful witness in your environment, no matter the challenges.
Devotions: From Mourning to Mission
Day 1: The Empty Tomb and the Unexpected Victory
Bible Reading: John 20:1-10
Today, we reflect on the empty tomb's significance, a powerful symbol of Jesus' victory over death. Mary Magdalene and the disciples' disbelief and confusion when they found the tomb empty echoes our own struggles with faith in the face of the unexpected.
Devotional: As we read about the disciples' early morning discovery, let's consider the times when God has surprised us with hope amidst despair. How does the reality of the resurrection shape your understanding of God's power and promise in your life?
Marked By Grace: Day 47
The Resurrection – A Message of Hope and Commission
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
Reflection:
Mark's account of the resurrection focuses on the women who go to anoint Jesus' body, only to find the tomb empty and an angelic messenger announcing Jesus' resurrection. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith, signifying Jesus' victory over death and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The women's initial response of fear and bewilderment reflects the astonishing nature of the resurrection. Despite their initial fear, they receive a message of hope and a commission to tell the disciples. This passage invites us to embrace the resurrection's joy and hope and share this life-changing news with others.
Marked By Grace: Day 46
The Burial of Jesus and Acts of Devotion
Scripture: Mark 15:42-47
Reflection:
This passage describes the burial of Jesus, a significant act undertaken by Joseph of Arimathea, a council member, who displays courage and devotion by requesting Jesus' body from Pilate. The careful preparation of Jesus’ body and its placement in a tomb, witnessed by Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, are acts of respect and love. This account contrasts the honor given to Jesus in death by these individuals with the rejection and humiliation He faced before His crucifixion. It challenges us to consider how we honor Jesus and the importance of devotion and respect in our relationship with Him.
Marked By Grace: Day 45
The Death of Jesus and Its Significance
Scripture: Mark 15:33-41
Reflection:
In these verses, Mark describes the final moments of Jesus' life, including the darkness over the land, Jesus' cry of abandonment, His death, and the temple curtain tearing in two. Jesus' cry, quoting Psalm 22:1, expresses the depth of His suffering and alienation as He bears the weight of humanity's sin. The tearing of the temple curtain symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humankind, granting direct access to God through Jesus' sacrifice. The centurion's recognition of Jesus as the Son of God underscores the irony that a Gentile sees what many Jews did not. This passage calls us to reflect on the profound spiritual significance of Jesus' death and its impact on our relationship with God.
Marked By Grace: Day 44
The Crucifixion – A Display of Love and Sacrifice
Scripture: Mark 15:21-32
Reflection:
This segment of Mark's Gospel narrates the crucifixion of Jesus, a pivotal moment in the Christian faith. Simon of Cyrene's compelled involvement symbolizes the shared burden of the cross. The crucifixion scene, with the inscription of the charge against Jesus, “King of the Jews,” and the division of His garments, fulfills Old Testament prophecies. The mocking and taunts from bystanders, religious leaders, and even the criminals crucified alongside Him contrast sharply with Jesus’ silent endurance, highlighting His profound humility and sacrificial love. This narrative challenges us to reflect on the magnitude of Jesus’ suffering and the depth of His love for humanity.
Marked By Grace: Day 43
Mockery and Suffering as Part of the Passion
Scripture: Mark 15:16-20
Reflection:
This passage describes the brutal mockery and suffering Jesus endures at the hands of the Roman soldiers. Crowned with thorns, clothed in a purple robe, and repeatedly struck and insulted, Jesus experiences profound humiliation and pain. This display of cruelty highlights the depth of human depravity and the extent of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sake. The mockery of Jesus as a king, though meant to belittle, ironically affirms the truth of His kingship in a way the soldiers do not understand. This episode invites us to contemplate the gravity of Jesus’ passion and the love and humility embodied in His journey to the cross.
Marked By Grace: Day 42
Injustice and the Sovereignty of God
Scripture: Mark 15:1-15
Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus is presented before Pilate, where He faces accusations from the chief priests. Recognizing Jesus' innocence and the chief priests' envy, Pilate attempts to release Him. However, the crowd, influenced by the chief priests, demands Jesus' crucifixion and the release of Barabbas. This event showcases the tragic miscarriage of justice and the fickle nature of public opinion. It also reveals God's sovereignty, as even through these unjust actions, His redemptive plan is being fulfilled. This narrative challenges us to reflect on how we respond to injustice and to recognize God’s overarching purpose amid human failings.
Devotions: Your King Is Coming
Day 1: Prophecy and Expectation
Bible Reading: Zechariah 9:9; John 12:12-16
Devotional:
Today, we reflect on the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy through the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. As you read Zechariah's prophecy, consider how it speaks of a king who brings peace, not war. Then, in John's account, witness how Jesus' entrance on a donkey contrasts sharply with the crowd's expectations of a political liberator. Reflect on areas where your expectations of God might not align with His plans. Are there ways in which you might expect God to act according to your desires rather than submit to His will? Spend time in prayer, asking God to align your heart with His purposes.
Marked By Grace: Day 40
The Trial and Testimony of Jesus
Scripture: Mark 14:53-65
Reflection:
In this passage, Jesus stands trial before the high priest and the council. The false testimonies and accusations highlight the injustice of the trial. Jesus remains silent, embodying the prophecy of being like a lamb led to the slaughter. His admission of being the Messiah and the Son of God, in response to the high priest’s question, leads to charges of blasphemy. This pivotal moment reveals the stark contrast between human injustice and divine truth. Jesus' steadfastness in the face of false accusations and His clear testimony about His identity challenges us to consider our faithfulness in proclaiming and standing for the truth.
Marked By Grace: Day 39
Betrayal and Desertion
Scripture: Mark 14:43-52
Reflection:
This passage recounts the betrayal of Jesus by Judas and His subsequent arrest. The betrayal with a kiss, a symbol of friendship and respect, makes the act more poignant and treacherous. The disciples' desertion, fulfilling Jesus’ prediction of their scattering, demonstrates their fear and the fragility of human commitment under pressure. This event underscores the loneliness and human vulnerability Jesus faced on the path to fulfilling His redemptive mission. It invites us to contemplate the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and examine our faithfulness in times of trial and fear.
Marked By Grace: Day 38
Surrender and Strength in Gethsemane
Scripture: Mark 14:32-42
Reflection:
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus experiences profound anguish as He anticipates the suffering of the cross. His prayer, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will,” reveals His deep distress yet complete submission to the Father’s will. This moment highlights the human vulnerability of Jesus and the strength found in surrendering to God's plan. The disciples’ inability to stay awake serves as a reminder of human weakness and the need for spiritual vigilance. This passage invites us to reflect on our response to difficult situations and the importance of aligning our will with God's.