BIBLE PASSAGE [Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

How confident are we in our relationships? Can we ever say with finality that we will never disappoint – or hurt – those closest to us? And how would it feel when that loved one knows that we will fall short when they need us most and disappoint them? Jesus knew that all his disciples would desert him as he got closer to the Cross, and even told Peter that he (Peter) would deny him. And it did happen despite their protestations. Two points: First, it is good to have self-esteem, but I believe that it is even better to live with a knowledge of our own weaknesses. We should accept the reality that in our sin-weakened humanness, we are in danger of falling, especially when we think we are at our strongest (in our own strength). Second, be encouraged that Jesus knows our every weakness (that’s why he predicts it to Peter). But he still sticks with us – never giving up on us!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, teach me what Paul learned – that when I know and accept that I am weak, that is when I am really strong…in You (2 Corinthians 12:10). You are, and have always promised me to be my strength. Forgive me for my foolishness when I trust in my own strength and abilities. True, it is you who have given them to me, but I unconsciously begin trusting in the gifts rather than the Giver. Thank you, just as you did with Peter, you never give up on me, even when I fail and disappoint you, as long as I turn back to you. Amen.

Song:  CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, or Eucharist is one of the most meaningful acts of worship in Christianity. But there are two things about this passage that never grow “old” on me. The first is Jesus’ statement that one of his own disciples eating with him at this deeply significant Jewish (family) meal – the Passover – would betray him (v.18). And then (Jesus) goes on to serve that betrayer the bread and wine (which would become the components of the Lord’s Supper) as well, as if to show that the betrayal did not change how much Jesus loved him. (Most probably the washing of the Disciples’ feet in John 13 was also done at this same event, so Jesus washed the betrayer’s feet as well)! The second is when he gives the bread and the wine to those same disciples (betrayer included), and he says, “This is my body… This is my blood.” It was a complete giving of himself – for/to his disciples. Paul would later give deeper meaning to this: this was God giving His forgiveness, His righteousness to us – completely (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Prayer: My Lord, what love is this that pays so dearly, that I, the guilty one may go free! Amazing love, O what sacrifice; the Son of God given for me. My debt He pays, and my death He dies. That I might live, that I might live … (from the song “Amazing Love” by Graham Kendrick).
May I never forget, O loving Lord Jesus, that you died for me even when you knew I would desert you, deny you, betray you. By giving your whole life for my sake, for each of humanity’s sake, you showed that you value each of us as you would yourself. My sin and brokenness made me worthless; your love made me priceless, a treasure. Thank you for your sacrifice, Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your all for me. I cannot live without you. May you always, only, be my life. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Reminder: There will be no daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!

John identifies the woman as Mary (John 12:1-8), Martha’s and Lazarus’s brother. Nothing is mentioned regarding the reason for her deed. What is clear is that the alabaster jar (or vase) contained very expensive perfume, and Mary broke it to anoint Jesus with it. The deed affected everyone in the room. Jesus received it as loving ministry done to him, an act of worship preparing him for the death he knew awaited him. (As an aside: this was a prophetic act similar to the wise men’s gift of myrrh months after Jesus’ birth, the very same substance used to anoint him after his death). Some disciples (and the host) were repelled by what they called a waste and an inappropriate act. And Mary? Anne Ortlund in her book Up with Worship says it best:
“Mary broke her vase. Broke it? How shocking. How controversial. Was everybody doing it? Was it a vase-breaking party? No, she just did it all by herself. What happened then? The obvious: all the contents were forever released. She could never hug her precious nard (perfume) to herself again…The way up is down! The Holy One lives among broken people. Christian, break your vase. Help your brothers and sisters break theirs…Then life will begin to mingle and flow around you and fill the whole church with the fragrance of Jesus…The nard fills the air. Beautiful! Take a deep breath.”
…And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (v.3)

Prayer (written by Anne Ortlund from “Up with Worship”): Lord, break my strong will, my argumentativeness, my quickness to reach decisions ahead of others, and always think I’m right, my desire to have my opinion always considered. I’m sure I’m obnoxious, Lord – maybe embarrassing to those closest to me. Forgive me, and help my fervent spirit be converted into just being fervent in loving you, fervent in joy, fervent in peace… Lord, break me. Thank you for doing it. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE
Anne Ortlund, Up with Worship, Nashville: B & H, 2001.

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Children do this well – keeping watch for a parent to come home after some time. The parents' return is anticipated and celebrated, all because of the loving relationship between the parent and child. (The exception is when that parent makes such a habit of being away and shows no reciprocal yearning; their coming or going makes little difference!) Jesus wants his return (what we normally call “the second coming”) to be as anticipated. The only difference is that we will not know when. It will be a surprise, but a pleasing and welcome one. Unless we are prepared for him, it will come as a shock! Jesus actually encourages us to be prepared. In the first place, he lets us know that, as a disciple, he entrusts us with Kingdom responsibility involving other souls. And secondly, he gives us the wisdom (if we ask) to be able to see the signs of his coming that will, in turn, encourage us to be faithful. The question is: how prepared are you?

Prayer: Your Word says that if anyone lacks wisdom, they should ask in faith, and you will give it. I need your wisdom, Lord, to see the times and where our world is heading. I know this is not the time to feel sorry for ourselves or find fault with the world. It is to feel excited about your coming back, so that we will be with the One who loves us more than anyone in all creation. It is also to move us to fulfill our responsibilities as your disciples to a world of lost and neglected souls – to care for them and bring them into your Kingdom. I’m learning to watch for you, Lord Jesus; teach me to wait faithfully. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

This passage is either bypassed or explained away as something in the future that will not affect God’s people. But please pause at this reading. Understand that even now, there are some places in the world where Christ-followers experience the catastrophic events and persecution that are mentioned. Go to www.persecution.com or www.opendoors.org/en-US/persecution/countries/, and you will read how real what Jesus said is happening even now. But Jesus also promises that he will come back to rescue those who are suffering for his name. It may not be immediate. And it may come after an anti-Jesus sentiment has risen to very high levels, but he will return. The question is whether adverse circumstances, unpopularity because of belief in Jesus, or danger will shake our faith and our faithfulness to God’s Kingdom. How do we respond now?

Prayer: Forgive me, Lord, when I grumble about little discomforts and when I don’t get my way. The truth is, I enjoy the freedom to know and worship you, which I rarely take full advantage of. Help me to understand that there are sisters and brothers around the world who have given their lives to you, Jesus, and are paying a bitter price for it. I know that only you can and have given them the power to remain faithful, and therefore I pray that you will do so. Give me a desire to want your Kingdom to grow, beginning where I live – even if it costs me. I look forward to your return, Lord Jesus, but not before many in the world come to a saving knowledge of you. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

We, humans, tend to have an “edifice complex”, i.e., we love to put our faith in the grandeur of the architecture of our buildings, like churches, cathedrals, temples… The disciples were no different. Jesus wasn’t being a “party-pooper” when he prophesied the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem. On the one hand, that really was going to happen, primarily because the Jewish nation gave more importance to the Temple than to God it stood for and was to be worshiped. But he was also pointing to the time when “the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:23). This destruction of the religious place would also happen because there would come a time when the world would reach such a stage of political, social, and spiritual unrest that physical representations of religion like church buildings would no longer be so important. People instead needed to be looking for the transformation that God was going to bring about in individual lives and in society. Where do we put our trust in? What do we look forward to God transforming?

Prayer: I love my buildings, Lord; my church, my house, my workplace… Maybe love them too much. They are, after all, given by you. And they are temporary, at best for a lifetime. But you are eternal, O God our Creator. And you are doing something in our world to prepare us for that eternity. Help me keep my eyes on what you are doing to prepare us for eternity, rather than being satisfied with the immediate present. Yes, Lord, I realize that you want us to care for what you have entrusted to us. But you are going to “make all things new”. May I yearn for that with all my heart so that I will not get discouraged when I have to “let go” of those things that are “old”. May you be praised in all things. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

I love the fourth verse of the Christmas carol “In the Bleak Midwinter”: What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a Wise Man, I would do my part; yet what I can, I give him: give my heart. The attitude is reflective of the widow – she gave with her whole heart. Jesus showed the disciples what really pleased the heart of God – it wasn’t the “bigness” of the gifts that were given to him. And usually, they were either the surplus of one’s possessions, or a very small percentage of it, what one could “spare”. What Jesus saw was the actual “smallness” (in God’s eyes) of those huge amounts of money the rich gave; and the “bigness” of that widow’s almost negligible amount, because it just wasn’t her giving everything she had, she had given all of herself. I wonder, how will you give to God?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, you remind me again and again that you did not hold back any of yourself; when you gave, you gave yourself completely. How could you be sure that I was/am a “worthy investment”? But that didn’t matter to you, did it, Lord? You gave yourself because you loved me, regardless of whether I would love you in return. Forgive me for my distracted, half-hearted worship. Lord, I give you my heart, soul, mind… everything, especially during difficult times. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion]
It is now Jesus' turn to ask the questions of those so-called religious teachers. Did they really know and understand who this "Messiah" that they were expecting was? Did they really think him to be a human descendant of David, or was he somebody much, much more? I think we can understand what Jesus was trying to say in this way: The way we behave (act) as followers of Jesus is proportional to the way we actually perceive how great and awesome Jesus is. If our perception of Jesus is small, then our behavior is likewise small-minded. Like the religious teachers' perception of the Messiah was small - they thought he would be a human descendant of David. They definitely didn't believe he would be divine (as Jesus was). And so, their behavior was likewise so much less than divine - they craved attention and took advantage of the weak; what earthly leaders often tend to do. The person who knows (and experiences) Jesus as He truly is - awesome, almighty, amazing - will behave in like manner. Their thoughts, desires, and actions will be far higher and more meaningful than those of the religious teachers in Jesus' day. In fact, it is such people who are witnesses for Christ and bring Him pleasure. How big is your perception of your Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for often perceiving you as no greater than a remarkable human. But you are much more than that. You are God; awesome, almighty, glorious. And you have given me the privilege of calling myself your child - a child of the King! I want to represent you in every way, O Lord. Teach me to act worthy of my Parentage. I want my desires, thoughts, actions/behavior to show that I belong to a Great God - the God who loves unconditionally, who acts on behalf of the voiceless, who identifies Himself with the marginalized and outcast, who forgives again, and again, and again... Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Reminder: There will be no daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!
What really is this "Great Commandment"? We know it as “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” Jesus went on to say, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But he wasn't asking us to make a priority list. We as humans love to "mechanize" our lives with checklists and priorities so that we can check them off one at a time with a sense of satisfaction, “Done! Now for the next thing…” However, Jesus actually did mean love God with… all of ourselves – our desires, thoughts, actions, relationships… So, where do church, family, job, pleasure, and all those wonderful things that He has given us fit in? And that's just the point. I believe we are to love our God more than any of them (he once even said we need to "hate" our family, if we were to follow him – obviously an exaggeration/hyperbole; cf. Luke 14:26). Thus, there would be times we would love our families as an expression of loving Him. There would be other times when our love for God's people (church) would be that expression – even to the apparent detriment of our families. Jesus does not want us to compartmentalize our loves, our lives; instead, our lives need to be grace-filled by his Love. How do I know when to love whom as an expression of my love of God? I believe it keeps changing (that's how Grace works!), but I would think He would show that too. And some of it is obvious - like when I have to go to work, or when my child has a fever, or when there's a fire in the neighbor's house...

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for choosing the easy way and loving you with only that part of me that seems convenient. Your love was not partial. Thank you Jesus, that when Scripture says you loved us, you gave all of yourself for us, to us. May I do the same to you. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The Sadducees, a Jewish religious sect that did not believe in the resurrection of the dead, came to Jesus with their trick question. What they described was known as Levirate marriage, where a sonless dead man’s family name would be carried on by his widow marrying his younger brother and having a son by him. The Sadducees' theoretical question was meant to put Jesus in knots, but as usual, Jesus didn’t just “floor” them; he went to the heart of their misunderstanding and disbelief. Jesus replied, “Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?” (v.24). But I think that’s true about many of our own questions, doubts, misgivings, impatience with God. Do we really know the Scriptures? Do we really know the power of God? If Scripture is all about God saying, “This is who I am – know about me; know me;” if through Scripture and circumstances God has been trying again and again to show us that He works His power on our behalf, for His children’s good… could it be that it is we who are deaf…and blind?

Prayer: Lord, have I been deaf to your voice, blind to your mighty acts of love? Your Word does say, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). Why then do I question your love so often? Forgive me, Jesus, if I have neglected your Word, and that neglect has led to ignorance. And that ignorance has led to deafness. It is even possible that neglect has blinded me to your acts of love because I have been so absorbed in the world. Forgive me, Lord. I know deep within me that every promise in your Word is true. Please teach me so that I can see past my own walls to your face of love. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

I wish I could be so wise in giving such replies to people when they try to trap me. But Jesus wasn’t trying to be clever when he answered, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” Sure, that strange but convenient alliance of the super-religious and the pro-establishment was out to trap Jesus with their trick question of who to pay taxes to. The super-religious would emphasize giving only to the Temple (and thereby to the Jewish nation) and denying Rome; the pro-establishment would say the opposite to maintain the status quo (and peace with Rome). But for Jesus, it wasn’t a case of just fulfilling your duties or the Law. It never is for God (more later in verses 30 & 31). The deeper question is: How do you see yourself and your possessions in relation to the world, and in relation to God? Yes, to be part of the world, we need to fulfill our responsibility to society. But we can best do that by first fulfilling our responsibility to God. And what do you think that is? (Does yesterday’s devotion give a hint?)

Prayer: Father, I remember reading in Proverbs 9:10 that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” You really don’t want me to show the world that I belong to you by giving people clever answers to their (cunning) questions, do you, Lord? Help me to be a witness to them by my genuine (authentic) devotion to you in all that I am (my identity), and through all that I have (my possessions). I know that only by doing this will I reveal my love, respect, and awe of you, and strangely, I will also want to fulfill my responsibility to the society I live in – for your sake! Teach me, change me, and work through me, my Savior, Lord, and Holy One. Amen.

Great Matt Redman song : CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus’ parable is pretty straightforward. The man clearly owned the vineyard. He also did most of the work – put a wall around it to presumably protect it against animals, dug the wine-press pit, and built the watchtower. All that was needed were farmers to actually grow the crop, or grapes. And so the man leased out the land, with the only payment being some of the fruit (I’m sure it was a pre-arranged, mutually agreed-upon share). Yet you see how strangely the tenant farmers behave with the man’s servants; they even go to the point of killing the owner’s son to take ownership of the land. Why? It’s easy to exclude oneself and explain away that Jesus was speaking only about the Jewish people. But as I look at the larger picture, I see myself as one of the tenants as well. As part of a world that is not comfortable with this radical Jesus and his Kingdom methods, have I not also kept from Him what truly belongs to Him? Have I not also turned a deaf ear to His Voice (through His Word and servants) because it interfered with my own plans? Do I not reject His sacrifice every time I reject His mercy and forgiveness from working in me and through me?

Prayer: My loving Lord Jesus, how many times have I grieved you when I became so much more engrossed in the gifts rather than the Giver? You love me so much that you give me every good gift. Oh yes, Lord, I know and acknowledge they come from you. I may even thank you for them. But I find it so hard to give some of them back to you. I become obsessed with my gifts – my family, my job, my possessions, my abilities – and I want to hold on to them. Help me understand that by denying you a share of those gifts (which you gave me in the first place), I am actually denying you a part in my life and rejecting you as Lord. Forgive me, Jesus; I want to love you as Abraham did, who was willing to give back to you the Isaac You gave him. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus is back in the Temple courts. The Jewish hierarchy challenges him to prove the authority with which he cleared the Temple courts (and maybe the royal, Messianic way he entered Jerusalem). Jesus turns the question on to them by asking them about how they viewed (the now dead) John the Baptist’s authority – was John’s authority human-initiated or divine? In refusing to give an honest answer, the Jewish leaders did what a lot of us do – and end up being the losers for it. They allowed their prejudice to blind their senses to the very blessing they had yearned for so long – the Presence of the Messiah! It’s what Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “The god of age has blinded the mind of the unbeliever…” And all because Jesus did not fit their image of Messiahship; they missed the blessing. What about you?

Prayer: Forgive me Lord when I let my prejudices and personal preferences blind me to the times you pass me by or even stand in front of me – and I don’t see you! I do want to see you clearly Lord, so I shed all that hinders me from doing so. Open my eyes that I may see… You. In the beauty of your holiness. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE ONE
BIBLE PASSAGE TWO
[Please read and meditate on the passages before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The fig tree was in full leaf, which promised at least some fruit on it, even if they were to be unripe, underdeveloped figs. But a hungry Jesus found absolutely no trace of figs on the tree. And so he “judges” the tree, that it would never have another opportunity to bear fruit and meet a person’s hunger again. Is this a Jesus that we never knew? Actually, this is the same Lord of love, yet it reminds the disciple/believer of a dire responsibility that is part of love. Jesus didn’t just come to save us from sin and hell, so that we would go to heaven. He wants to come into our lives and transform us from dry, thorny bushes into fruit-filled trees that feed the hungry. Two of these fruits are faith (that believes that God can feed the driest soul) and forgiveness (that cancels others’ wrongs against oneself just as God canceled our wrongs against Him), which are not meant for the tree (disciple) itself, but are meant to be given away to those who need it the most. Every opportunity to keep God’s fruit from showing in us is a missed opportunity. And one day, there will be no more opportunities.
 
Prayer: Gracious and loving God, this is a hard saying. It even frightens me a bit. But that’s not what you intend, do you, Lord? You want me to be reassured that you will always love me, but it’s a love I need to consciously and intentionally receive into my life by allowing it to work in me – because You are that Love. Your Word reminds me repeatedly that when I allow you to work in me, you will bear fruit in and through me. It’s as natural as a fig tree that, at the appropriate time, brings forth figs. Lord, forgive me when I don’t allow you full control of my life. Maybe those are the times fruit does not show. So my prayer is: More of you, less of me. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Reminder: There will be no daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!
A lot of emphasis has been put on Jesus’ clearing the temple because of what he saw happening there. There were booths set up to change the commonly used Roman money into the Jewish/Temple money required for offering. There were also sales of sacrificial animals/birds for those who came without them. But I believe Jesus’ focus was on what was not happening in the Temple – prayer! Hence, his quoting from Isaiah, “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations…” I wonder how passionate we are about our church(es) being primarily known as a “house of prayer” – and, consequently, we being known as “people of prayer”. What Jesus did by disrupting the “business proceedings” in a house of worship was more than a “clean-up” job; after all, they would have come back the next day! Jesus was prophetically showing what would happen to a worship place that did not manifest, or live out its primary reason for existing – worship and prayer! Are we mindful of this?

Prayer: Father, you have often reminded me of the promise you gave Solomon and the Israelites when they dedicated the Temple: “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). I know it’s not the same for us; yet the challenge is similar for us as well: we who have beautifully created structures we call churches. We too are called to use our “holy” structures for prayer – so that grace would flood down on us and from us to a world of need outside. Give us a passion to be a people of prayer so that your house will be known primarily as a “house of prayer for all nations”. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus went into unusual detail about how he would ride into Jerusalem in that final week of his human life, sending 2 disciples to procure a specific mode of transportation. Thus, when he rode into Jerusalem, he was intentionally fulfilling the Messianic symbolism of Zechariah 9:9, “Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Jesus wanted people to know that he had no doubt about who he was (the Messiah), and what his (divine) purpose was (deliverance). True, everybody misunderstood both, trying to make him fit into what they wanted of him. But Jesus knew. What about you? Do you really know who you are? Do you know your divine purpose?

Prayer: Lord, I know you created me in a very special way (Psalm 139:13-14). Added to that, there must also be some deeper reason why you redeemed me, saved me for yourself. Yet I am not always sure about who I am. Sure, Lord, I know my name, my family, but sometimes I believe things and behave in ways that make me a stranger even to myself. I live my life without any higher purpose. Reveal to me, O Lord, the person that you want me to be. Show me your purpose in living that transforms not just me, but also touches every other person I meet in a positive (Godly) way. I want my choices to be meaningful because of what you are doing in my life. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

“Your faith has healed you.” We sometimes think that it means we need to have “x units” (or some God-calculated quantity) of faith to make things happen for us. But the Bible is clear that nothing we can do can make things work in our favor. Grace means that it is all God’s initiative, all His work; and He does it purely based on His love for us, and not on what have done/can do for Him. So what about blind Bartimaeus? I believe Jesus healed him by his power because of his love for him. But Jesus also wanted Bartimaeus to desire something he could not do himself, which only God (Jesus) could do for/to him. In a way, that is faith, because it is desiring the impossible from the only One that can make it happen. However, will God give us every impossible, faith-filled desire, like he did to Bartimaeus? Not necessarily. But with each of those desires comes a dependency on a loving God who surely reciprocates with a love that meets us at the point of our need, even if not always in the way we want.

Prayer: Lord, give me the faith to keep desiring the best that you have in store for me. I know that I may not always get what I want. But the more I desire from you, the more I will learn to depend on you for what is best for my life. I know you are a God of love. Your giving of Jesus for me shows me that if you did not spare your only Son, you will surely not hold back anything else that is good for me. So I will keep desiring you, and asking you, my Lord, because only you have what I really need. And if I have to learn to wait, give me the patience to be faithful even in the waiting. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Imagine a (power) pyramid. Worldly achievement and authority/power dictate that success is measured by the extent to which you go higher, reaching the tip, or “apex”. As you get closer to the apex, there are fewer people above you and more people below you. Until you reach the tip, you’ve made it – you’re the top boss! Jesus changed this picture of greatness, giving new meaning to spiritual success, and he showed the way. Yes, it is good to have an ambition to reach the tip; but Jesus’ pyramid is inverted – upside-down! The closer he got to the apex, the more he felt the weight/burden of the world on him. Until reaching the tip, there was a cross on which “the Lamb of God carried the sins of the whole world”. The measure of “Christ-greatness” is following his kind of ambition – downward on an inverted pyramid toward the tip, where greatness is manifested in being the servant of all. How ambitious are you?

Prayer: Give me an ambition, Lord Jesus, to be just like you. I know the world looks up to people who achieve much, people who crave recognition. Forgive me when I sometimes “slip” and want the same things too. But when I look at your life, Lord Jesus, I see someone who had so many opportunities to use your “fan following” for your own ends, yet you walked away and instead became a servant to wash your disciples’ feet and even give your precious life as a ransom, a payment, for ours. Teach me to be a servant Lord, just like you. And when the burden, the weight of those I carry for you, seems too much for me, please grow your strength in me. I cannot do this by myself. I need you, and the sisters and brothers you’ve given me. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

I’m sure that Jesus is a little amused by our heroic ambitions to do great things for him. James and John must have had such ambitions – after all they had left everything to follow Jesus, and now they wanted to be in positions of authority so that they could get things done for Jesus. I’m sure their reason for asking Jesus what they did had the best of intentions. But Jesus knew they were not ready for the “Kingdom way” of doing things. They would need to come to a place where they would willingly offer their very lives and embrace the suffering Jesus embodied. Jesus knew they would, eventually. But that would happen after his death, resurrection, and the sending of the Holy Spirit into them. The question he lovingly asked them was, “Are you able..?” They didn’t really know what that question entailed, but they were sincere in their willingness to respond “Yes, we are able.” History shows that God did the rest. The question for us remains the same: “Are you able…?”

Prayer: Lord, I want to be somebody that you would be proud of; I want to do great things for you. But I mistakenly think I can do it on my own. But you have your way of preparing your servant for your purposes, don’t you, Lord? The way to victory is always through a valley of some sort…often of suffering. Lord, hold my hand as I walk through those dark valleys. I know you are alive, ever-Present, with me. In fact, you have given me your Holy Spirit when I first made you my Savior and Lord. So, when my heart fails, and I am afraid, and the pain is too much for me to bear, hold me close to yourself. Give me the strength to be faithful so that I will indeed be able to say, Yes, I am able, because of you. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Why did the Gospel writers record Jesus talking about his death (and resurrection) three times to his disciples/followers? Some were beginning to fear as they neared Jerusalem, so why would Jesus keep telling them what they did not want to hear? Maybe Jesus saw his calling very clearly, a calling that involved death. But the event of death was not the only thing that he wanted his disciples to remember. I believe that Jesus wanted them (and us) to know that he knew what awaited him in Jerusalem, and willingly went to it, because it involved yours, mine, and humanity’s destiny! Jesus wanted us to know that his love for us was so great, not even the worst kind of death would stop him – in fact that was the only way he could bridge the gap between a sinful humanity and a holy God (cf. John 10:15, 17-18). And besides, note that each time he ends the prediction with the promise of his rising – something he wants us all to look forward to.

Prayer: Thank you for loving me so deeply, Lord Jesus, so that “no one took your life from you, but you laid it down of your own accord…” for me, your sheep. Remind me, Lord, that the deepest expression of love is to give your all, something that you did for a world of undeserving broken people, sinners, including me. Forgive me for the times I have doubted your love and allowed fear to choke me. You did not intend for me to be a victim of my circumstances, but a victor over them. That’s the message of your death and resurrection – your love will always win in the end. In the meantime, grow my faith so that through my own times of suffering, I will be reassured that you were there first. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Reminder: There will be no daily devotion tomorrow, Sunday. Hopefully, most of you will be in a House of Worship listening to God yourselves. Go prepared with open hearts, though!
Jesus was not really saying that riches prevent a person from entering the Kingdom of God. He was really saying that anything and everything in this world prevents us from doing so. Unless God took the initiative, we humans really were doomed! And God did just that. He made the impossible possible by doing the impossible – Creator becoming a creature, and actually dying as a creature. (How could Someone like God actually die? By being Jesus!) But even after all the work is done by God, we do need to respond. That’s all that’s needed- our response. And the man walked away. The disciples didn’t. And I guess that’s why they’re called disciples – they followed and the returns far outweighed the investment. That’s Jesus’ promise. Always.

Prayer: May I never put anything before you, Lord. Not even the good things you have given me. Thank you for your promise that what I will receive from you will far outweigh what I can ever put into our relationship. But I don’t really want to follow you for the rewards, Lord. I want to follow you because I love you. You did not give yourself for me, Jesus, because you thought of me as a “good investment”. Because I am not. You did it because you loved me, and your Word says that you will always love me. I want to follow you because I love you, Jesus. And no other reason. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The young man who came to Jesus was rich and sincere in the way he lived out his Jewish faith. Though I wonder whether he asked that question of Jesus because he actually felt he lacked something, or because he was trying to “cover all his bases”. But Jesus took his question at face value; Jesus never pre-judges people, even though he knows what is in each person’s heart (John 2:24). Jesus answered the young man and told him what he lacked. I’m not sure if the man felt he lacked anything. Remember? He’s rich. And that emptiness could be filled only if he (ironically) emptied himself of what prevented him from receiving true treasures – a relationship with Jesus himself. Do you know what you lack? And do you trust Jesus’ prescription to fill it?

Prayer: Father, you have blessed me with so much. And yet I keep running after “things.” After all, if I was filled, satisfied, why would I want more – more “things”, more clothes, more food, more money, more respect, more power? Is it that I don’t know my own lack? Can it be true that the very same things I use to fill my “lack” are really what’s preventing me from being filled by you? Lord, show me myself. Show me what I lack. Then give me the faith and courage to follow your prescription. After all you are the Great Physician! Amen.

Song:  CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus’ love for children is obvious in this passage. He refused to be too busy for them; in fact he took the time to bless them. As adults, do we find time to “bless” the children that God gives to us, whether as parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents, or teachers? Do we impart God’s fullness and goodness in ways that they understand that they (the kids) are actually receiving a gift – a gift from God? But Jesus went further. He used them as the standard for entry into the Kingdom of God. It was the simplicity, trust, and whole-heartedness of the little child that implicitly trusted God that Jesus wanted to see in His followers.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I remember the days when, as a child, I used to enjoy hearing stories about you. I remember how I would be filled with wonder on hearing about your miracles. I felt sadness when I heard they put you on the cross to die. Why is it that I no longer feel that way? When I “lost” my childhood, did I lose you, too? Have I become so sophisticated that I no longer think you’re the greatest – King, Ruler, Creator? Forgive me, Lord. I make myself as a child before you. I want to feel the wonder and amazement once again of who you really are. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

The marriage relationship was completely God’s idea! He built it into Creation when He made everything else, and it is that same “creation perspective” that Jesus reminds us of when we bring up any issues related to marriage. Jesus was reminding people that marriage was as much to do with a new identity as it had to do with procreation. It is true that in the Creation narrative, marriage was to bring a woman and a man together in order to do what the rest of Creation Days #5 & #6 living creatures were to do: to be fruitful and increase. But for humans, it is so much more. Marriage would be the formation of a whole new identity – one from two. It was within this kind of marriage relationship that two individuals were to experience and behold a mutual transformation and pleasure of each other that God intended. So, before we find fault with any other person or relationship, let those of us who are spouses ask ourselves: What have I given of myself to contribute to this “new identity/creation” that God wants me to be an integral part of? How has every facet of our relationship – physical, emotional/intellectual, social, spiritual – been geared towards a “oneness” that grows…and shows?

Prayer: Thank you, Almighty God, for making us humans to be and grow in relationship with each other. You gave us the abilities and gifts to enjoy these relationships; most importantly, you put inside us an essential ingredient – love. You know that the only way we can “grow up” is to use this love in our relationships – as you intend us to. But sin has messed up the love you created me with. I see relationships for what I can get out of them. I may not admit it, Lord, but so often even my marriage is tainted with a selfishness that subtracts from that growing oneness and newness you intend for all married couples to have. Forgive me, Lord. I need your love in my heart so very much. Only with your love in me can I give of myself to another as you would want me to, according to your plan to make “two” a whole new “one”. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE

BIBLE PASSAGE
[Please do read the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]

Jesus gives a curious contrast. First, on the one hand, he warns how even one aspect of a person can bring ruin to that person if he/she does not control it. Much like an over-fondness for food can lead to the body’s overall ill health. Jesus’ solution? Be harsh/stern in our self-discipline regarding that one aspect. But it’s even more dangerous when one person in a Christian fellowship, by ungodly attitudes and actions, causes spiritual harm to another, especially when that other person is a “spiritual child”. It just goes to show how careful we must be when it comes to others’ faith and our own sense of righteousness: we can never be overconfident in ourselves and must always trust in God instead. Second, Jesus reminds us that when it comes to being a godly influence, we can never do it alone – we need other godly people in some way. Just like one grain of salt brings very little taste; you need many ‘grains’ of salt together to do that.

Prayer: Lord, save me from myself, especially when I’m over-confident in my own sense of righteousness. I know I should take nothing for granted, because the devil “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Not only can I cause myself spiritual harm, I can well cause it to others too. Help me to depend completely on you, and on the other godly people you place me among, even as you use us together to influence others for your sake. May we as your ‘body’ be effective, fruitful, and humble as you build your church. Amen.

Song: CLICK HERE