One year ago was our family’s out west trip. It was amazing how everywhere we looked, we saw the Creator’s handiwork, and yet no mention of Him on the signs or in the literature. And so I am remembering our trip with pictures of God’s amazing creation, and adding Scriptures to keep the focus on our amazing Creator. Today was our third day out west – in Ouray, CO.
One year ago was our family’s out west trip. It was amazing how everywhere we looked, we saw the Creator’s handiwork, and yet no mention of Him on the signs or in the literature. And so I am remembering our trip with pictures of God’s amazing creation, and adding Scriptures to keep the focus on our amazing Creator. Yesterday was our second full day out west – in Ouray, CO.
One year ago was our family’s out west trip. It was amazing how everywhere we looked, we saw the Creator’s handiwork, and yet no mention of Him on the signs or in the literature. And so I am remembering our trip with pictures of God’s amazing creation, and adding Scriptures to keep the focus on our amazing Creator. Today was our first full day out west – in Ouray, CO.
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
Big Thanks for Little Things – Trevin Wax
Grief is good. Lament is appropriate. But gratitude-infused grief and hopeful lament—that’s even better. So, think twice next time you pour that cup of coffee, or slice that delicious pineapple, or open that God-breathed Book on your desk. And give God thanks. He sees you. He loves you. And every good and perfect gift comes from him.
My Gratitude List – Tim Gombis
Each morning I take a very long walk and I begin it by mentally rehearsing my gratitude list. This is important because it reminds me of my identity and the narrative I inhabit. I live in a world of plenty, filled with rich gifts. And I am someone dearly loved by God and I am the recipient of so many good things.
Embracing Fragility – Y. Bonesteele
Have we forgotten that we are not all-powerful? That we are not all-knowing? That we are not in control? Only God is.
Gentleness Amid the Germs – Kristin Pichura
We can and must speak and act with gentleness: with a humble spirit that is strengthened by God’s grace (Heb. 13:9) and motivated by His amazing love that has been poured into our hearts (Romans 5:5).
10 Ways to Thrive in Quarantine – Mark Oden & Stefano Mariotti (TGC)
Here people are finding various ways to survive, but wouldn’t it be good to not only survive, but to redeem it as a gift from a generous heavenly Father?
How to Care for Friends with Anxiety and Depression – Emma Scrivener
“Social distancing” has become the phrase of the day, but what we really need is physical distancing. Socially, we need to be reaching out, more than ever before.
Church, Don’t Let Coronavirus Divide You – Brett McCracken (TGC)
In such a precarious and polarizing environment, how can churches move forward in beautiful unity (Ps. 133) rather than ugly division? It won’t be easy. But by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit working to unify us in ways our flesh resists, the opportunity is there for us to be a countercultural model for the rest of the world.
Hope you have a good Lord’s Day!
Here are some good posts for your weekend reading:
Uncertainty Is Certain: Trusting God for Every Tomorrow – Marco Silva (DG)
We Never Had Control – Robert Cutillo (TGC)
Don’t Waste Your Ruined Plans – Gaye Clark (TGC)
Normal Again, Thanks to COVID-19 – Ric Rodeheaver (TGC)
It’s Not Often in Life You Get a Do-Over (So Take the Do-Over!) – Tim Challies
Don’t Let Coronavirus Steal Your Corporate Worship – Rob Hill (TGC)
Hope you have a good Lord’s Day gathered as best you can with your local church.
Sunday: Power – He Is Risen!
Read: Mark 16:1-8
Prayer: Father, thank you for the resurrection – your seal of approval for the sacrifice Jesus made. Thank you for the joy and wonder of a new life with my risen Savior. Thank you for the hope of my own resurrection when Jesus returns. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: Why is each sentence in this prayer a reason to rejoice? How can you express your joy today?
Praise: Sing “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today”
Saturday: Pain of Loss and Failure – Struggling Without Hope
Read: Mark 14:26-31, 14:66-72, 15:40-47
Prayer: Father, I cannot imagine this day for Peter. What was it like for him to lose Jesus and fail him all in one day? To struggle without hope? And Father, if Jesus had remained in the grave, I too would be without hope. All would be lost. Help me today to remember how hopeless life would be without the glorious news that tomorrow brings. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: What would your life be like if Jesus had stayed in the grave?
Praise: No singing today. Wait with anticipation for tomorrow.
Friday Evening: Passion – Remember the Cross
Read: Mark 15:16-39
Prayer: Father, they hit him, and spit upon him, and mocked him. They nailed him to a cross, and mocked him some more. He bore my sins, and your wrath for my sins, that I might go free. My words are so cheap, but thank you for the cross. Thank you for forgiveness. Thank you for Jesus. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: How does reflecting on Christ’s passion fuel your love for him? How will you respond to his sacrifice?
Praise: Sing “When I Survey The Wondrous Cross”
Friday Morning: Plot – The Plans of God and Men
Read: Mark 14:1-2, 14:10-11, 14:43-65, 15:1-15
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. Pilate gave in to the crowds. And yet all their plots were part of your bigger plot to save me. Thank you for my Savior. Amen.
Reflect/Discuss: In what current situations do you need to trust in God’s greater plan? How does it help to know God has a plan?
Praise: Sing “All The Way My Savior Leads Me”
Brian J. Mikul 