23/2/21 Day 6

TODAY'S VERSE: 23/2/21 Day 6

“The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.” - Mark 1:13-14

 

TODAY'S DEVOTION:

For 40 days we fast, pray, and prepare for the pain and grief of Good Friday, but also the joy and glory of Easter. For 40 days, Jesus also fasted, prayed and prepared. What does it mean that the Holy Spirit compelled Jesus toward something so painful, lonely, and dangerous — life-threatening, if we are being honest about it? Suffering goes hand in hand with doubt. The Spirit’s compulsion into the wilderness comes just as Jesus’ ministry is ramping up; immediately after his big entrance comes retreat. What? He has buzz, he has momentum; the time to strike is while the iron is hot, right? Does it ever feel that the Holy Spirit is pulling you against sense, wisdom, convention, and knowledge? Does the Spirit ever pull you against even yourself? Shouldn’t the way of a loving God lead us into more peace, more contentment, more harmony? Shouldn’t we feel better about life when we follow God’s call?

This thinking can lead to great confusion when life comes crashing down around us. In Hebrews 5:7-9, Scripture offers insight into Jesus’ suffering—that he spent his time here pleading with God in “loud cries and tears.” Even Christ learned obedience through all he suffered, and we learn that life’s value isn’t found in ease, but often ease is the temptation that draws us away from the meaning of life. We know this anecdotally; which is usually the right thing, the easy or the hard one? Praise God, Jesus didn’t take the easy way, and our salvation is won because if it.

Pastor Ben

TODAY'S PRAYER:

Gracious God, as we wander in the wilderness, send angels to attend us. Remind us that we are not alone in our suffering, and that our suffering does not mean that you no longer love us. No, it means that life is real, but also that Christ gives us victory against everything that we suffer. We look to the day when the old order has passed away, and every tear is wiped from our eyes. Be our way through, but not away from difficulty. Be our hope, our source of life, and the one who redeems our struggles. Amen.



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

18/2/21 Day 2

Image
TODAY'S VERSE:  18/2/21 Day 2 "When Jesus heard this, he told them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor – sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who now they are sinners.” Mark 2:17   TODAY'S DEVOTION: Have you ever wondered what the qualifications are for being a part of what God is up to? Maybe more specifically, have you ever questioned if you are (or someone else is) a “good enough person” to share the Good News of Jesus? If so, you aren’t alone. But, here’s the good news … Early on in his ministry, there were a lot of people who were more than a little surprised by Jesus. In fact, a lot of religious people were down right offended by what he was doing and who he was doing it with. Not only was Jesus reaching out to those who were on the fringes, but he started to call those same people to be a part of the movement he was starting. Today we are living in the response to Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday we are re
Read more

27/3/21 Day 34

Image
TODAY'S VERSE: 27/3/21 Day 34 “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But it’s death will produce many new kernels- a plentiful harvest of new lives. Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” John 12:24-26   TODAY'S DEVOTION: Tomorrow marks Palm Sunday, the day when we celebrate Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. It’s a strange thing to celebrate the day Jesus enters the city where he will die; but when Jesus entered Jerusalem that day he was welcomed by a crowd who had heard that he had raised Lazarus from the dead after 4 days in the tomb. They desperately wanted to see the man who could do such a thing and find out if he was the one to rescue the nation of Israel from Roman rule. As soon
Read more

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE FOR LENT SEASON 2021

Image
The Lent season begins from Ash Wednesday and lasts till Easter, for a period of 40 days excluding Sundays (Sundays are not included in the 40 days because Sunday is always remembered as the day of Christ’s resurrection). Since the old days, believers would fast and pray, repent and reflect on the sufferings and death of Christ.   During this period, the Sunday sermons of the liturgical churches would usually mention such personalities like Moses, Elijah and Jesus. For Moses, he fasted 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai before receiving the Law and Commandments; Elijah, who challenged the false prophets, ran away to a broom tree when he was pursued by Jezebel to be killed. When the angel of the Lord strengthened him with food, he travelled 40 days and 40 nights without food and water.   As for Jesus, he was led into the desert where he fasted 40 days and 40 nights; he drew close to the Father and was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit before he was tempted by the devil. Wit
Read more