Friday, April 19, 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024
John 20:19b-21
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

After the disciples experienced the crucifixion of Jesus, the last thing they felt was peaceful. Not only was their friend and leader just brutally killed, but now His body was missing, and they were a lot like a boat in the middle of a storm…lost. So, Jesus spoke to the storm in their hearts like He did to the one on the water by saying, “Peace.” His presence brought immediate joy to their hearts, removing their doubts and fears. Yet, Jesus didn’t stop there. He didn’t just offer peace for their own comfort; he empowered them with a purpose.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Thursday, April 18, 2024
Luke 24:15-17
While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.

When Jesus resurrected from the dead, many of His own disciples didn’t truly believe it. In fact, two of them started the long 7-mile journey back home with very heavy hearts. And it wasn’t until Jesus interrupted their walk to Emmaus, that they realized they just went 7 miles in the wrong direction. Thankfully, Jesus gave them a lot to think about on their way back to Jerusalem.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

There’s a saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” And, while He was on earth, Jesus taught His “students” or disciples until it was time for them to step up and follow His example. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, they knew exactly what to do. And it wasn’t to stay in the same place and continue doing the same thing, it was to go into the whole world to make disciples of all nations. Because the Good News wasn’t meant just for the Jewish people, it was meant for all people.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Tuesday, April 16, 2024
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which our faith stands. And Paul is emphasizing here how Jesus chose to make a way for you to be reconciled to the Father by giving up His own life. And for three days, that was the end of the story. But on the third day, just like He said, He rose to new life which changed everything. Now, not even death itself, can separate us from the love of Christ.

Monday, April 15, 2024

Monday, April 15, 2024
Acts 1:3
He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

Luke wrote The Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. The first focused on the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The second, he wrote to complete Jesus’ ministry and to share the Acts of the Holy Spirit through the apostles. Acts 1 is a segue between the two accounts preparing the reader to understand their role in bringing God’s Kingdom to Jerusalem, Judea, and even the ends of the earth. And it starts with Jesus appearing to over 500 people in just 40 days.

Friday, April 12, 2024

Friday, April 12, 2024
Luke 1:48-49
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

This was a song sung by the mother of Jesus. She was overwhelmed by the goodness of God and couldn’t help but sing her praises to the Lord. She may have been from a small tribe in a small town, but God saw her heart and called her highly favored. And then, He allowed her to be the one who, along with Joseph, raised the Savior, the Son of God. Now all generations call her blessed, for she beheld the Messiah face to face.