Don’t Block the Blessing

Lenten Daily Devotional March 30, 2024

Matthew 27: 62-66

Let’s talk about some worried guys. Matthew 27:62-66 throws us a curveball. Jesus is dead, buried, case closed, right? Wrong! The chief priests and Pharisees are having nightmares of Jesus’ disciples, like a bad horror movie sequel, sneaking in and stealing the body. So they hightail it to Pilate, begging him to put a guard on the tomb, like a security system for a dead guy.

Seriously, what were they thinking? Jesus, the dude who raised people from the freakin’ dead, is gonna be stopped by a few sleepy Roman guards?

This story cracks me up, but it also holds a deeper truth. Sometimes we, like those paranoid priests, try to control God’s work. We build walls, put up roadblocks, anything to stop the inevitable.

Here’s the thing: God’s gonna God. If he wants Jesus to rise from the grave, a few measly guards ain’t gonna stand in his way. No lock, no amount of worry, can stop God’s plans from unfolding.

What can we learn from this wacky story?

Chill out and trust God. Let go of the need to control everything. He’s got a plan, and it’s way bigger than anything we can cook up.
Don’t be a tomb guard. Don’t try to block God’s blessings or goodness from reaching others. Be a spotlight, not a shade.
Focus on the resurrection, not the worry. Jesus didn’t stay dead. He conquered death! That’s the good news, fam, the reason to celebrate!
So let’s reflect:

Where in your life are you trying to control things instead of trusting God?
How can you be a beacon of God’s love and grace in the world?
How can you celebrate the power of the resurrection in your own life?
Remember, fam, God’s got this. Don’t be a tomb guard. Let the good news flow!

Darkness to Dawn

Lenten Daily Devotional March 29, 2024

Matthew 27:45-56

Matthew 27:45-56 is a tough passage. Darkness covers the land, Jesus cries out in despair, and things seem utterly hopeless. It feels like the worst day ever, on a cosmic scale.

But hold up, because here’s the thing: even in this darkness, there’s a flicker of hope. Let’s break it down:

The Darkness:

• The world literally goes dark when Jesus dies. This symbolizes the weight of sin, the feeling of separation from God. We’ve all been there, in those moments when it feels like the light has gone out of our lives.

The Cry:

• Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This raw emotion shows us that Jesus wasn’t some emotionless superhero. He felt the pain, the doubt, the weight of the world on his shoulders.

But then…

• Even as the earth shakes and the veil of the temple rips, there’s a shift. A Roman soldier, witnessing all this, declares, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” This guy wasn’t exactly known for his theological expertise, but something about Jesus’ suffering opened his eyes.

The Dawn:

• The passage ends with the dead being raised. This foreshadows Jesus’ resurrection, the ultimate sign of hope. No matter how dark things seem, there’s always the promise of new beginnings.

So, what’s the takeaway for us?

• Suffering is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us. Just like the darkness gave way to dawn, our struggles can lead to growth and a deeper connection with God.
• Even in the midst of pain, there are always glimmers of hope. Look for the good, the signs of God’s presence, even in the smallest things.
• Jesus understands our suffering. He walked through it himself. Don’t be afraid to reach out to him, to cry out your pain, and know that you’re not alone.

Hold onto that hope, fam. No matter how dark it gets, God’s light will always shine through. Keep the faith!

Betrayal, Bread, and Bosses

Lenten Daily Devotion March 28, 2024

Matthew 26: 17-30

Today we have betrayal, bread, and a boss move from Jesus.

The Betrayal

First, the low blow: Jesus and the disciples are about to celebrate Passover, a time for family and unity. But Judas, one of the crew, betrays Jesus for a handful of silver . This is a gut punch, a reminder that even the closest people can let you down.

The Bread

But Jesus isn’t fazed (well, not entirely). He shares bread with his disciples, calling it his body. This ain’t just any dinner roll; it’s a symbol of sacrifice, a reminder that Jesus is about to give himself up for us.

The Boss Move

Then comes the moment: Jesus grabs a cup, calls it his blood, and says, “Drink from it, all of you.” Whoa. Talk about a powerful image of unity and love. Jesus isn’t some distant king; he’s one of us, willing to share everything, even his life.

What can we learn from this crazy chapter?

Betrayal happens, but it doesn’t define us. People might let you down, but focus on the love and loyalty that still surround you.
The best meals are shared meals. Jesus’ message is all about community, about sharing our lives and burdens with one another.
God’s love is a sacrifice. Jesus didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk, giving his all for us.
So, fam, let’s reflect:

How can you show love and forgiveness to someone who’s hurt you?
Who are the people you share your life’s journey with?
How can you be a living example of Jesus’ sacrifice in your own life?
Remember, even in the darkest moments, God’s love shines through. Keep the faith, fam, and go out there and spread the love!

Don’t Be Judas

Daily Lenten Devotional March 27, 2024

Matthew 26:14-16

Judas had a bad week, to say the least. In Matthew 26, we see him betray Jesus for a measly 30 pieces of silver (yikes!). But here’s the thing: Judas wasn’t some random villain. He was part of the crew, a disciple who walked with Jesus. So, what went wrong?

Maybe Judas got discouraged. The road with Jesus wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. There were tough moments, rejections, and let’s be real, following someone who upsets the religious authorities isn’t exactly a recipe for popularity. Perhaps Judas saw the writing on the wall and decided to cut his losses. Sound familiar?

Ever felt like giving up on your faith? Maybe life throws curveballs, prayers seem unanswered, and the Christian walk feels more like a crawl. It’s easy to fall into the “Judas Trap,” thinking it’s better to ditch the whole thing than keep going.

But here’s the good news: Jesus knows what it’s like to feel abandoned. He was betrayed by his closest friend! But even in that moment of despair, Jesus didn’t give up on his mission or on us.

So, how do we ditch the ditch effort?

• Remember the Why. Why did you start following Jesus in the first place? Reconnect with that initial spark, that feeling of hope and purpose.
• Find your crew. Surround yourself with positive people who will support your faith journey.
• Talk it out. Don’t bottle up your doubts and frustrations. Talk to a pastor, friend, or therapist.
• Focus on the small wins. Every act of kindness, every prayer, is a victory. Celebrate those little steps forward.

Following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. Don’t be a Judas. Keep the faith, fam, and remember, God’s always got your back. Now go out there and be a light in the world!

An Empty Tree

Daily Lenten Devotional March 26, 2024

Matthew 21:19

In Matthew 21:19, we encounter a curious scene: Jesus approaches a fig tree, expecting to find fruit, but finds only leaves. Disappointed, Jesus curses the fig tree, causing it to wither away.

On the surface, this seems like a harsh reaction. But this story is more than just about a hungry Jesus. The fig tree, in Jewish tradition, symbolized Israel. It was a reminder of God’s blessings and the expectation that the people would bear fruit – live according to God’s will.

The barren fig tree represents a lack of faithfulness. The people of Israel were all show and no substance. They went through the motions of religion, but their hearts weren’t in it. They weren’t producing the good works that God desired.

Here’s what we can learn from this passage:

• God expects us to bear fruit. Just like a tree is judged by its fruit, we are judged by our actions. Our faith should be evident in our daily lives.
• Going through the motions isn’t enough. Religious rituals and outward piety don’t impress God. He desires a genuine heart transformation that leads to good works.
• God disciplines those He loves. The withering of the fig tree can be seen as a form of discipline, a wake-up call to the people of Israel. God desires our growth and sometimes uses difficult circumstances to get our attention.

Reflection:

• How is the “fruit” of your faith evident in your life?
• Are there areas where you’re going through the motions but your heart isn’t fully committed?
• How can you cultivate a more genuine and fruitful faith?

Catch-22

Lenten Daily Devotional

March 25, 2024

Matthew 21:23-27

It is the Monday of Holy Week, Jesus enters the temple, stirring things up as usual. The religious leaders confront him, questioning his authority to do the things he does.

Jesus, never one to shy away from a good challenge, throws the question right back at them: “Tell me, John the Baptist’s baptism – was it from heaven or of human origin?” (Matthew 21:24)

The leaders are stuck. If they say it was from heaven, Jesus might expose their hypocrisy for not following John’s teachings. If they say it was human-made, they risk angering the crowd who revered John as a prophet.

So, what’s the lesson here?

• Sometimes, the truth can be tricky. Following Jesus can challenge our comfortable assumptions and force us to confront our own inconsistencies.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Jesus himself uses questioning to spark critical thinking and encourage people to seek truth.
• True authority comes from authenticity. Jesus’ power didn’t come from titles or positions; it stemmed from his connection to God and his genuine love for people.

The challenge:

• Examine your own beliefs. Do your actions align with your faith?
• Welcome honest questions. Don’t be afraid to wrestle with tough topics or have your beliefs challenged.
• Live your faith authentically. Let your actions speak louder than words and show the world what it means to truly follow Jesus.

Matthew 21:23-27 reminds us that faith isn’t about blind acceptance. It’s about asking questions, seeking truth, and living a life that reflects the love and compassion of Jesus. So, let’s embrace the challenge, have those honest conversations, and grow stronger in our faith together.

The Parade we all belong in

Daily Devotional Reading March 24, 2024

Luke 19: 28-40

There is a murmur growing and excitement is building. Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem, and the crowd goes wild. People throw palm branches and shout praises, calling him king.

Now, there’s a twist. This king isn’t riding a mighty warhorse; he’s on a donkey! Jesus’ arrival is a challenge to the status quo, a sign that his kingdom is different.

Here’s the beauty: the crowd isn’t an exclusive VIP section. Everyone joins in – from the excited children to the curious onlookers. This is a parade for the people, a celebration of hope and a message of inclusion.

But wait, isn’t Jesus here for the religious elite? Nope. Jesus came for everyone, regardless of background or social status. The religious leaders might grumble about the commotion, but Jesus welcomes the cheers of the crowd.

Here’s what this passage teaches us:

• God’s love is for everyone. No matter your past or your position in life, you have a place in God’s kingdom.
• True celebration is inclusive. We should create spaces where everyone feels welcome to join in the joy.
• Jesus welcomes our enthusiasm. Don’t be afraid to shout your praises and show your excitement for your faith!

The challenge:

• Spread the message of inclusion. Welcome others into your faith community, regardless of their background.
• Celebrate the diversity of God’s creation. Everyone brings unique gifts and perspectives to the table.
• Let your faith be a source of joy. Shout your praises from the rooftops (or at least your living room)!

Luke 19:28-40 reminds us that God’s love is a parade for everyone. Let’s break down the walls, open our hearts, and celebrate the beautiful mosaic of humanity that God has created.

From Ho-Hum to Hallelujah

Daily Devotional Reading March 23, 2024

John 2: 1-12

Everyone likes a wedding, right?!? Well, today we read about Jesus attending a wedding in Cana, and things get interesting when the wine runs out. Talk about a party pooper, right?

But Jesus’ mom, Mary, steps in and tells him about the situation. Jesus, though initially hesitant, performs his first miracle – turning water into wine.

Now, this miracle isn’t just about saving the party (although that’s pretty cool too!). It has a deeper meaning. Water is a symbol of everyday life, the ordinary. Wine, on the other hand, represents celebration, joy, and the abundance of God’s blessings.

Here’s what we can learn from this story:

• God is present in the ordinary. Even the most mundane moments can hold significance when we invite Jesus in.
• God wants us to be joyful. Life can be tough, but Jesus offers us hope and a reason to celebrate.
• God’s blessings are abundant. Just like Jesus turned water into a seemingly endless supply of wine, God’s love and grace are ever-flowing.

The challenge:

• Look for the extraordinary in the ordinary. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty and wonder in your everyday life.
• Embrace joy. Find reasons to celebrate, big or small. Let your happiness overflow!
• Trust in God’s abundance. Never feel like you lack what you truly need. God’s love and provision are always there for you.

John 2:1-12 reminds us that Jesus came to bring not just salvation, but also joy and abundance to our lives. Let’s invite him into our everyday moments, and watch as he transforms the ordinary into something truly extraordinary.

Light up your world

Daily Devotional March 22, 2024

John 1: 1-5

The beginning of John’s Gospel shares an important truth and packs a powerful punch, introducing Jesus as the eternal Word who was “with God in the beginning” and is “the true light that gives light to everyone in the world.” (John 1:1, 4)

Imagine a world shrouded in darkness. That’s kind of how things were before Jesus. People struggled to find their way, both literally and figuratively. Then comes Jesus, the light that pierces through the darkness.

Here’s the cool thing: this light isn’t just for some chosen few. John 1:4 says this light “gives light to everyone in the world.” That means you, me, and everyone we know!

So, how does this light apply to us today?

• Jesus can bring clarity to our lives. Feeling lost or confused? Seek guidance from Jesus through prayer and scripture.
• We can reflect the light. Just like the moon reflects the sun’s light, we can share the love and hope of Jesus with the world.
• The light overcomes darkness. Facing challenges? Remember, Jesus, the light, is always with us, even in the darkest of times.

The challenge:

• Let your light shine! How can you share the kindness and compassion of Jesus with those around you?
• Turn to the light when you need guidance. Is there something confusing you? Spend time in prayer and reflection, seeking wisdom from Jesus.
• Be a beacon of hope. The world needs more light! Let your actions and words reflect the positive impact Jesus has on your life.

John’s Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the source of all good things. By embracing his light, we can illuminate our own lives and the lives of those around us. So, let’s go out there and shine brightly for the world to see!

Nobody Knows, But Be Ready

Daily Devotional Reading March 21, 2024

Mark 13:32-37

Hey everyone, let’s look at Mark 13:32-37. Jesus is talking to his disciples about the end times, and he throws out a surprising statement: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Mark 13:32)

Hold on a sec – Jesus doesn’t know? Isn’t he, like, all-knowing? Well, that’s a theological debate for another day. The main point here is that the exact timing of the end isn’t important.

What is important? The next verse: “Be on guard, be alert at all times. Pray that you may have strength to escape all that is about to happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Mark 13:33)

Here’s the takeaway:

• We don’t need to know the exact date. Focusing on that can be distracting.
• What matters is being prepared. Are we living our lives in a way that reflects our faith?
• Prayer is key. We need God’s strength to face challenges and live faithfully each day.

This passage can sometimes feel scary, but it’s not meant to be. It’s a call to action:

• Live each day to the fullest. Don’t put things off because you think you have all the time in the world.
• Stay connected to God. Prayer and reflection are essential for maintaining a strong faith.
• Spread kindness and love. The world needs it more than ever.

Remember, even though we don’t know the future, we can control how we choose to live in the present. Let’s focus on being the best versions of ourselves, trusting that God will guide us through whatever comes our way.