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.
April 21 Sermon: Wake Up
External appearances can be deceiving, can't they? I think we can all relatively quickly come up with an idea of something that seemed to be unshakable based upon its appearance, but then ended up not holding up. We wouldn't have too much difficulty, I don't think, brainstorming a few different examples of this. Arguably the most obvious example, and probably the example that is probably running through your mind, is the world-famous ocean liner, the Titanic.
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.
April 14 Sermon: Hold Fast
There's been a repetitive theme so far in our time in the book of Revelation. The original audiences of this book, particularly these seven churches that are talked about that, are in Asia. In the second and third chapters of Revelation they are facing coming, tribulation and persecution, and for some of them we've seen that this persecution has already arrived.
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.
April 7 Sermon: Repent
On Friday morning there was a 4.8 magnitude earthquake in the New York City area. Now, 4.8 on the Richter scale is rather mild, and the earthquake originated near Lebanon, new Jersey, and it was felt in the Northeast. Now, the reason I heard about it was because of a news article about how long it took for the emergency notification of the emergency alert system. You know the one that comes to our loud. Messages went out from people's phones letting them know that an earthquake had occurred in the New York City area, and in the message residents were advised to remain indoors and call 911 if they were injured. Now, by the time, 45 minutes had passed I'm guessing they were long past that point of what that notification told them to do. People had likely long since left their homes. You know, asking the question, did you feel that? You know, you want to know if it was just in your mind or if it was something other people experienced, something other people experienced, and if you were injured beyond anything that you could take of yourself, or if you could get yourself to the emergency room, you would have long since called 911, right Now you've probably gotten late news yourself and had the thought well, that information would have been much more useful before this happened to me.
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?
Resurrection Sunday 2024: From Mourning to Mission
Easter is unexpected. The resurrection is unexpected. The truth of what we celebrate this morning, what we remember, it's familiar to us and so I think we struggle to fully wrap our minds around how extraordinary the story is. But put yourself in the story and as you do this, you can see just how amazing the resurrection is. Because the hopes that the followers of Jesus had for who he was and who he was going to be, they were dashed.
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.
Maundy Thursday 2024: He Gave, They Drank
We mark time with the events of our lives, with the holidays and the family celebrations that we use on an annual basis or on a regular basis. This sort of helps us to keep track of the progression of our lives, of the progression of our lives. For example, we will remember the last Christmas dinner that a loved one was present at. We think of those things. Well, what year was that? Well, that was the last year that Grandma was at Christmas. We also use things to remember whether someone was born, not just on the other end of life, but at the beginning of life.
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.
Marked By Grace: Day 41
Peter's Denial and the Challenge of Faithfulness
Scripture: Mark 14:66-72
Reflection:
This passage details Peter's denial of Jesus, contrasting his earlier declarations of unwavering loyalty. Peter's failure under the pressure of fear and the immediacy of the rooster’s crowing after his third denial fulfills Jesus' prediction. This incident exposes the vulnerability of human courage and the ease with which one can falter under societal pressure. Peter's bitter weeping upon realizing his failure illustrates the pain of recognizing personal weakness and betrayal. This narrative invites us to reflect on our faithfulness to Christ, especially when confronted with the fear of rejection or persecution.
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.
Palm Sunday 2024: Your King Is Coming
While parades aren't quite the big deal that they maybe were in the past, parades are still a significant thing, aren't they? They are quite a spectacle. You arrive early, you wait for it to start and you just make conversation with the people. You just happen to be around and there is a sense of anticipation that the parade is about to start. But it's different because it doesn't have the excitement of a tip-off of a basketball game or the kick-off of a football game, for example. Instead of cheering in anticipation or waiting for something like that to start, instead, a parade normally starts with reverence and respect because the flags come and you stand in your quiet as the flag comes by. But then you have that moment where the flag has passed by and you're not sure how long you're supposed to stand in reverence, but, pretty quick, the people around you sit as well, and then the spectacle of sight and sound begins. There's marching bands, there's people throwing out candy, there's politicians making their way around to shake as many hands and kiss as many babies as they possibly can, and then you see old tractors and new tractors, a variety of floats, people waving at you.
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.