Daily Read

Lamentations 3:19--33 (NIV)

Dr. Soong Chan Rah, in his book Prophetic Lament says, "lament and praise must go hand in hand."

1 - In what ways have you been afflicted lately? In what ways have you been wandering? Pause and without rushing, recall to your mind the things that have caused you to be downcast and grieved.

2 - Pause and express thanksgiving to the LORD for his compassions. Not disregarding your suffering, but through lament bringing those things before the LORD.

3 - What is the Holy Spirit's invitation to you through this reading today?

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Genesis 22:1-18 (NIV) 

- Abraham's trust in the LORD is inspiring. But that kind of trust comes at a high cost. Are we willing to pay that cost?

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Psalm 1 (NIV) 

For trees to be healthy, they need healthy roots, to have healthy roots, you need good soil.

Reflect & Respond

1 - This psalm invites us to imagine ourselves like trees. Today if you were a tree, would your leaves be withered, or would you be bearing fruit in season?

2 - The Law of the Lord in this passage could be understood as God’s word in scripture. Pause and take stock of your relationship with God’s word. How does it line up to this psalm? What adjustments could you make to delight in the “law of the lord” and meditate on it day and night?

3 - Think of all the things you’re doing today or tomorrow. Let the list come to mind, or make on if that’s helpful. Know this. The LORD cares about all of the ways we spend out time. From your work, to your rest, to your play, pray… and ask the lord to watch over you on your way.

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John 20 - Holy Week Pt. 7/7

1 - In what ways to you rejoice in the hope of new creation today?

2 - Who might the lord send you to today to tell of the ways that you have seen him?

3 - What hope does the physical resurrection of Jesus give you?

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John 19:1-24 - Holy Week Pt. 5/7

The Cross both enables Jesus to empathize with the pain we’ve suffered, and qualifies Jesus to absolve us from the the pain we’ve caused.

Consider the follow questions as you remember the cross this Good Friday.

2 - Think of pain you’ve caused. Given your shame, given your guilt, how might you take comfort in the justice of the Christ’s Cross today? How has his bearing your shame and guilt liberated you?

3 - There is a tragic irony in this passage. The story is set up as a kind of upside down enthronement of a King.

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John 13:1-12 (Holy Week Pt. 4/7) --- Maundy Thursday --- Jesus turns the picture of power and influence on their heads, and he does it even before the one who would betray him. We must learn to receive this kind of love from Jesus and love others like Jesus.  Reflect 

First - Jesus knew Judas would betray him, yet he washed his feet. How has Jesus washed your feet even in the midst of betrayal.

 Next - If you’ve put your trust in Jesus, you have already been washed and you belong to him. But we need a daily washing of those parts of us that get dusty and dirty… our personalities, our bodies, our minds. In what ways do you need Jesus to wash your feet today? 

Finally - All things had been put under Jesus power, yet he took the lowly place of servant. How does Jesus use of his power and influence challenge your relationship with power and influence. How can you do as Jesus does in your life today?