Day 40 - Easter Sunday: He Is Risen!
Matthew 28:6
6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.
Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus! It is a momentous day, and one we have the unique opportunity to share with others.
As you head to church this morning, reflect on all we have dived into during these 40 days. Our prayer is that you experience the glory and majesty of His presence and goodness today!
Day 39 - Easter Saturday: The Space in Between
Hebrews 12:1 - 12:3
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
It’s only one day. But what if today was a picture of how we live our life in the in-between? When we can’t see the answer. When it doesn’t make sense. When we don’t have the breakthrough. When we are waiting for the fulfilment of His promises.
There is a purpose in waiting.
This one day between the crucifixion and the resurrection was puzzling to the Disciples. But we can now look back and see the anticipation of what was coming on the next day!
We need to do the same now. Fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Trust that He is working to bring about the power of His resurrection in our lives.
What is an area of your life that you need to wait well in today?
Day 38 - Good Friday: It is Finished
John 19:17 - 19:37
17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha). 18 There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle.
19 Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: jesus of nazareth, the king of the jews. 20 Many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and the sign was written in Aramaic, Latin and Greek. 21 The chief priests of the Jews protested to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that this man claimed to be king of the Jews.”
22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23 When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom.
24 “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.”
This happened that the scripture might be fulfilled that said,
“They divided my clothes among them
and cast lots for my garment.”[a]
So this is what the soldiers did.
25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[b] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.
The Death of Jesus
28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.
31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jewish leaders did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. 32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,”[c] 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”[d]
Have you ever seen the Mel Gibson movie The Passion of the Christ? It is compelling and horrible, all at the same time. To inflict such pain on another human defies reason. To willingly submit yourself to that pain and sacrifice your life for all people does the same.
And yet, that is what Jesus did.
We see the symbol of the cross often, but do we truly consider its ramifications? Jesus endured such suffering and death for our salvation. He bore all our sins before we repented, before we loved Him, before we chose to follow Him.
And He did this for our redemption.
Great power occurred on the cross despite its grim and dark reality. Spend time today in gratitude and repentance, remembering the cost of your redemption.
Day 37 - Holy Thursday: The Last Supper
Luke 22:7 - 22:20
The Last Supper
7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”
9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.
10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”
13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.
14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”
20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a]
Have you put yourself in the room with Jesus and the Disciples at the last supper?
How would you feel if you had one final meal with those you loved the most? Imagine the intensity, the agony, the love and the pain you would feel in your heart.
Jesus had prepared Himself to be the perfect sacrifice, and His focus at this meal was not on Himself but on encouraging and preparing His Disciples for what was to come. He loved them passionately.
Jesus does the same for us today. When we take communion, we remember His encouragement to us. We remember why He went to the cross and what it means for us now. We can hold on to the amazing purpose God has for us in this.
Remember Jesus! Take time today to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice for us and remember what He accomplished through it.
Day 36 - Holy Week: Betrayal in Motion
Matthew 26:14 - 26:25
Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus
14 Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests 15 and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16 From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over.
The Last Supper
17 On the first day of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”
18 He replied, “Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, ‘The Teacher says: My appointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at your house.’” 19 So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.
20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21 And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.”
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?”
23 Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. 24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”
Jesus answered, “You have said so.”
There were many people who hated Jesus. The religious leaders, the Roman soldiers, the crowds. That would have been hard for any human to bear.
But betrayal from within your closest friends, that is often a wound we struggle to recover from, let alone love to the end.
Jesus was betrayed by Judas, one of His inner circle. A man He had poured so much time into and a man He genuinely loved. Yet Jesus remained faithful and obedient to His purpose.
Jesus is not unaware of the pain we experience in relationships. Are you struggling with hurt or pain from a relationship? Take it to Jesus who understands and ask Him to bring healing.
Day 35 - Holy Week: Cleansed Hearts
Matthew 21:12 - 21:13
12 Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[a] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’[b]”
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it,
the world, and all who live in it;
2 for he founded it on the seas
and established it on the waters.
3 Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
4 The one who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not trust in an idol
or swear by a false god.[a]
5 They will receive blessing from the Lord
and vindication from God their Savior.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek him,
who seek your face, God of Jacob.[b][c]
7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory.
John 4:23 - 4:24
23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
God wants to be in relationship with His people. He wants our hearts willingly given to know Him.
When Jesus approached the Temple in Holy Week, He was angry to find it more reflective of man’s interests than God’s worship. He called them out for their hypocrisy and self-centeredness.
A pure heart is essential for worship. What are your motivations when pursuing God?
Ask God to reveal anything in your heart that is hindering true worship of Him. Repent of these and spend time in honest prayer and worship towards God.
Day 34 - Holy Week: Jesus the Humble King
Matthew 21:1 - 21:11
Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King
21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”
4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
5 “Say to Daughter Zion,
‘See, your king comes to you,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”[a]
6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
“Hosanna[b] to the Son of David!”
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”[c]
“Hosanna[d] in the highest heaven!”
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”
11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”
There was a lot of expectation on Jesus.
From a Jewish mindset, their hope was that He was the Messiah, the one who would rescue them, the one who would break all the oppression and put the Israelites on top again.
Yet from the very beginning, Jesus was different. And even as the people welcomed Him to Jerusalem as a King, He did not arrive in the way a King would, nor would He be the conquering ruler they wanted Him to be.
Jesus came in humility, riding a donkey, preparing for the ultimate sacrifice. Many abandoned Him after the cross because He didn’t live up to what they expected.
What are your expectations of Jesus and how He works in your life? Are there areas that you are disappointed or withholding from Him because He hasn’t done what you wanted Him to do? Spend some time surrendering these to Jesus and inviting Him to be Lord over those situations.
Day 33 - Surrender Sees Something Greater
Philippians 3:7 - 3:14
7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 10:39
39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.
What if we really lived out the Biblical truth that says real life is found in surrender?
What if we could see that earthly gains are nothing compared to knowing Christ!?
What if we were free from the temptations of this world because we had something far better?
This is God’s promise to us. What matters is how we respond.
Palm Sunday is the day that people celebrated that Jesus the King was coming- yet it was not as they thought it would be.
What do you need to let go of to grow deeper in your walk with King Jesus? How can you lose yourself in devotion to God?
Day 32 - Deny Yourself
Luke 9:23 - 9:27
23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. 24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self? 26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
27 “Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.”
If we are going to pursue the Kingdom of God as our priority, self-denial will inevitably follow.
We see self-denial modelled in Jesus right up to the cross.
Yet, it is often something we shy away from. We live in an instant gratification world where we don’t like hardship, and we're told we can have everything we want. But it’s not true.
The happiest people in the world are often not the ones who have everything they think they want. Often, great riches are found in self-denial – just not the riches we think we need.
Self-denial will grow us closer to Jesus, and isn’t that what we ultimately want?
What is one way you can practice self-denial to grow closer to Him?
Day 31 - Put God First
Matthew 6:33
33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Jesus lived a life sold out to God’s priorities.
He preached good news. He healed the sick. He put value on the outcasts. He spent time in prayer. He equipped and loved the Disciples. He lived a selfless life.
There is a challenge for us not to get caught up in the pursuit of our own lives but instead surrender them to God’s priorities.
What are you pursuing in your own strength? Finances? Relationships? Work? Family? Fame?
Reflect on Jesus’ life today and repent for any areas that you see you are living for your own agenda. Surrender them to God, and listen for what He is asking you to practically do to put Him first in all things.
Day 30 - Do We Trust Him?
Proverbs 3:5 - 3:6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
Abraham didn’t just suddenly become willing to sacrifice his only son in obedience to God. The story we read yesterday comes after many stories of his failure to trust God. Hagar and Ishmael are prime examples!
Abraham had received a promise from God to be the father of many nations, but he struggled to trust God to provide a son. Surrendering to God always begins with trust.
Do we trust that God is good? Do we trust that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us? Do we trust that He is working even when we can’t see it?
What is an area of your life that you are holding back from God? Ask Him to help you to trust Him fully.
Day 30 - Surrender Every Day
Romans 12:1 - 12:21
A Living Sacrifice
12 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Humble Service in the Body of Christ
3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love in Action
9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.[c] Do not be conceited.
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[d] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”[e]
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
We are wired to think that the big sacrifice is what counts the most.
But did you know that God also values the little things?
Today's Scriptures speak of a life surrendered to God. Our everyday lives can be a sacrifice when we choose to follow Jesus and be obedient to the Holy Spirit in all things.
When we take the time to value our kids and encourage them, to put our spouses' needs before our own, to make a meal for our neighbour, to volunteer, or stand up for someone, to refuse to gossip – all these little things, and the sacrifices that may come with them, add up to a life that is offered to God.
Sacrifice is the lifestyle of a Disciple. How can you offer your life as a sacrifice today in the many things that you will do?
Day 29 - Even Our Most Precious Things
Genesis 22:1 - 22:19
Abraham Tested
22 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.”
3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. 4 On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 5 He said to his servants, “Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you.”
6 Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, 7 Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, “Father?”
“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.
“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?”
8 Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.
9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”
“Here I am,” he replied.
12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.”
13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”
15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring[b] all nations on earth will be blessed,[c] because you have obeyed me.”
19 Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba.
Proverbs 3:5 - 3:6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.[a]
This story in Genesis 22 is breathtaking. If you're a parent, imagine hearing God ask you to sacrifice your own child. This is definitely not an ordinary instruction from God and asks the question “Why would God ask for such a thing?”
The beginning of this chapter tells us that it was a test of Abraham’s faith. God never wanted Abraham to harm his son. But He did want to know if Abraham was willing to give up what was most precious to him out of love for God and faith in His goodness.
That is the definition of true surrender. God gave up His most precious gift, Jesus, for us. Are we willing to do the same?
Abraham didn’t just suddenly become willing to sacrifice his only son in obedience to God. This story comes after many stories of his failure to trust God. Hagar and Ishmael are prime examples!
Abraham had received a promise from God to be the father of many nations, but he struggled to trust God to provide a son. Surrendering to God always begins with trust.
Do we trust that God is good? Do we trust that He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us? Do we trust that He is working even when we can’t see it?
Ask God what He may be calling you to surrender. What is an area of your life that you are holding back from God? Ask Him to help you to trust Him fully.
Day 28 - Even When It's Long
James 1:2 - 1:4
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Short-term pain for long-term gain. It’s a nice idea and one we can usually commit to.
But what if suffering is long-term pain for long-term gain?
Not so inviting! We may grumble and complain. We may start to claim that God is absent or doubt His promises to us when suffering endures.
James had a different perspective. He saw suffering as a testing of our faith: As how genuine we are as followers of Jesus.
Are we in it for just the blessings and good times? Or are we genuinely sold out for Him?
Suffering is often how we mature in our faith. Being mature in Faith looks like seeing beyond the trials and genuinely being joyful in hardship because it brings us closer to God.
What challenge do you need to embrace today as an opportunity to grow your faith? Talk to the Holy Spirit about it and ask Him for strength to endure it well.
Day 27 - Even When It's Hard
2 Timothy 2:1 - 2:13
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
2 Corinthians 11:23 - 11:28
23 Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.
Paul experienced significant suffering in his life as a Disciple of Jesus. Yet he did so with an attitude of grace and humility. He counted it an honour to suffer for Jesus in the same way Jesus has suffered for him.
That attitude is admirable... and not easy.
We don’t like suffering. We will often do anything we can to avoid it! But what if this avoidance pulls us away from God and how He is working in our lives or the lives of other people?
Are we willing to surrender even when it’s hard? Are we willing to follow the example of the many Disciples who have gone before us? Ask God to strengthen you so that you can embrace hardships and suffering for His Kingdom.
Day 26 - The Cost of Discipleship
Luke 14:27 - 14:33
27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, 30 saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
Galatians 2:20
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
We all have expectations. Often, we don’t realise this until they are not met.
What were your expectations of what life would look like following God? Was it the good life? A protective superhero in your corner? Riches and blessings and power?
God promises that we will find abundant life in Him, but the picture of what that looks like is not always as we expect it to be.
Jesus was very honest about the cost of discipleship. In fact, this was a theme throughout his teaching. Following Jesus is costly – the question is, have we stopped to acknowledge that? Are we willing to count the cost?
Are you willing to surrender your version of “the good life” and follow God’s plans for you, trusting that He is good? Take some time to consider your expectations today and surrender any that don’t align with God’s call for discipleship.
Day 25 - It's Not About Me
Philippians 2:1 - 2:11
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
7 rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
8 And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
9 Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Surrender requires humility, a trait that isn’t often celebrated in our world.
Instead, our society tends to focus on the question “What about me?” It becomes ingrained in us to think of ourselves before others, to look to our needs and wants, and to protect our Kingdom.
Jesus lived a life that looked very different to this. He did not use his divinity for his own interest, but gave it up to save us!
Imagine for a moment that you were given divine power for a day. Would your first reaction be to fix your own life, or would we sacrifice it to help others?
Consider the plans for your life that currently fill your time. Are there any that you are putting ahead of God’s will? Pray for humility to lay them down before God today and choose His way instead.
Day 24 - Back to This Love Again
John 15:13
13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
We have talked a lot about God’s love. It is amazing! Unfathomable! Gracious and unending.
As we head closer to Easter, it is good to slow down and remember that God’s love was also seen in sacrifice. God gave His Son for us. Jesus gave His life for us.
The call to surrender comes from a genuine heart of love. For God so loved the world that He sent (sacrificed) His only Son for us. His action was driven by His love.
This same love now lives in us and every day we have opportunities to show it. How can you show sacrificial love to those around you today?
Day 23 – The Ultimate Surrender
Matthew 26:39
39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”
Luke 22:42
42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”
Imagine Jesus on the night before the crucifixion. He knows what is about to happen, and He knows why it must happen, but in His humanity, He still hurts.
We can be quick to forget that Jesus was a person like us. In this intense moment, we see Him ask God if there is any other way, though He knows there isn’t.
Perhaps we have this interaction to remind us that it was costly for Jesus to be our sacrifice. Yet, He still chose to surrender – even to the point of a painful, humiliating death and spiritual separation from God.
Spend some time reflecting on how Jesus felt in His moment of surrender. Thank Him for His sacrifice and ask God to help you surrender your own will to Him.
Day 22 - Our Mandate
Matthew 28:19 - 28:20
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
The great news of Easter is that Jesus died for our sins. But Easter also speaks of His resurrection and the new life He plans for every one of His creation.
When we are saved we receive a new purpose. The Bible calls it the ministry of reconciliation. God desires to be reconciled with everyone, and He works through us to do that.
He wants to have a relationship with each member of your family, your neighbours, your co-workers, your schoolmates, everyone in your world - one where His transformative love shines through and radically changes their lives.
Now is the time to start praying for the people we know by name. To be aware of the Holy Spirit’s prompting to talk with them about Jesus and invite them to know Him this Easter.
Jesus died for you... but He also died for them.
Who will you pray for? Who will you invite?