Category: PASSION Resources

Passion Week Devos: Friday

On By BrianIn Holidays

Good Friday (in 3 parts)

Morning: Plot – The Plans of God and Men
Read Luke 22:1-6, 22:47-53, 22:63-23:16

Prayer: Father, how shamefully they treated your Son.  Judas plotted against him and betrayed his friend.  The religious leaders plotted against him and made a mockery of justice to have their own way.  And yet all their plots were part of your bigger plot to save me.  Thank you for my Savior.  Amen.

Noon: Pardon – In My Place
Read Luke 23:17-25

Prayer: Father, Barabbas should have died that day, but Jesus died in his place.  The cross should have been mine, but Jesus died in my place.  He died for my sins, for my rebellion.  He who was perfect paid the penalty for my sins that I might go free.  Jesus, thank you for taking my place.  Amen.

Evening: Passion – Remember the Cross
Read Luke 23:26-49

Prayer: Father, words are so cheap, but thank you for the cross.  Thank you for forgiveness.  Thank you for the hope of paradise.  Thank you for Jesus.  Amen.

Reflect/Discuss: How does reflecting on Christ’s passion fuel your love for him?

Praise: Spend some time singing songs about the cross.

 

Passion Week Devos: Thursday

On By BrianIn Holidays

Thursday (in 3 parts)

Morning: Passover – The New Covenant
Read Luke 22:7-23

Prayer: Father, thank you for the new covenant you have made with me through Jesus Christ.  Thank you that his body was broken and his blood poured out to pay for my sins that I might walk with you.  Thank you for the regular reminder given to us in the Lord’s Supper.  Amen.

Noon: Perfect Servant – Follow His Example
Read Luke 22:24-30

Prayer: Father, your Son came to serve, and too often I join the disciples seeking to be the greatest, seeking to exalt myself.  Help me to humbly serve as Jesus served.  Help me to be a servant to my family, to your church, wherever I go.  Amen.

Evening: Prayer – God’s Will, Not Mine
Read Luke 22:35-46

Prayer: Father, like the disciples I too am weak, and I need your help to overcome temptation.  Awaken me from my spiritual slumber that I might pray.  Let me join my Savior in seeking your will.  Too often my way is not your way.  Help me to submit to your way no matter what the cost.  Dear Father, not my will, but yours be done.  Amen.

Reflect/Discuss: In what current situations do you need to submit to his will?

Praise: Sing “Have Thine Own Way Lord”

 

Passion Week Devos: Wednesday

On By BrianIn Holidays

Wednesday: Prophecy – Be Alert
Read Luke 19:41-44, 21:5-38

Prayer: Father, your Son predicted the Fall of Jerusalem, and it happened.  Your Son predicted his return – help me to be ready.  Help me to be alert.  While I wait, help me to be ready and watchful for opportunities to bear witness for Christ.  Help me not to get so weighed down with the cares of this life that I fail to be alert to your opportunities and your return.  Even so, come Lord Jesus!  Amen.

Reflect/Discuss: What keeps us from being more alert to his coming?

Praise: Sing “Christ Returneth!”

Passion Week Devos: Tuesday

On By BrianIn Holidays

Tuesday: Predictions – Take Up Your Cross
Read Luke 9:18-27, 18:31-34

Prayer: Father, your Son knew what was coming, yet he willingly gave himself up for me.  He was rejected, mocked, shamefully treated, spit upon, flogged, and killed for my sins.  Let me give myself for him.  Help me deny myself – stop living for myself, and take up my cross – be willing to suffer for Christ, and follow him wherever he leads.  Amen.

Reflect/Discuss: What are some practical daily examples of what it might look like to deny yourself for Christ?

Praise: Sing “Am I A Soldier of the Cross”

Passion Week Devos: Monday

On By BrianIn Holidays

Monday: His Preaching – Give all to Him
Read Luke 19:45-21:4

Prayer: Father, they dragged buying and selling even into your house. How easy it is for me to get caught up in the buying and selling of our culture. Help me be like the widow who willingly gave all to you. All that I have is from you; it is yours – do with it as you please. Even my life is from you, and you made me in your likeness, so help me give myself to you – even as your Son gave himself for me. Amen.

Reflect/Discuss: What would it look like to live according to this prayer?

Praise: Sing “Take My Life”

New Year’s Collection

On By BrianIn Holidays, PASSION Collections

It is time to ponder some new year’s resolutions!  Here are some good posts as you reflect upon your life this past year, and how God might be leading you to grow in 2016:

Ten Questions to Ask at the Start of a New Year – Donald Whitney

One Big Tip to Make Your Resolutions Stick – Tim Challies

Striving for a More Intentional Life of Prayer – Erik Raymond

The Church Comes First – Nick Batzig

Declaring the Glory

On By BrianIn Declaring the Glory

IMG_3656

Lake Superior

The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.
– Psalm 19:1

For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature,
have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,
in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
– Romans 1:20