Day 107 - April 17, 2025

Scripture: Luke 22:31-71

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.”

34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”

35 Then Jesus asked them, “When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

36 He said to them, “But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don’t have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. 37 It is written: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors’; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment.”

38 The disciples said, “See, Lord, here are two swords.”

“That’s enough!” he replied.

Jesus Prays on the Mount of Olives

39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

45 When he rose from prayer and went back to the disciples, he found them asleep, exhausted from sorrow. 46 “Why are you sleeping?” he asked them. “Get up and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.”

Jesus Arrested

47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

49 When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, “No more of this!” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders, who had come for him, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? 53 Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

Peter Disowns Jesus

54 Then seizing him, they led him away and took him into the house of the high priest. Peter followed at a distance. 55 And when some there had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them. 56 A servant girl saw him seated there in the firelight. She looked closely at him and said, “This man was with him.”

57 But he denied it. “Woman, I don’t know him,” he said.

58 A little later someone else saw him and said, “You also are one of them.”

“Man, I am not!” Peter replied.

59 About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.”

60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

The Guards Mock Jesus

63 The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. 64 They blindfolded him and demanded, “Prophesy! Who hit you?” 65 And they said many other insulting things to him.

Jesus Before Pilate and Herod

66 At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. 67 “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.”

Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, 68 and if I asked you, you would not answer. 69 But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.”

70 They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He replied, “You say that I am.”

71 Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” (NIV)

Observation:

Jesus is the Son of God, coming down from Heaven. He is also the Son of Man who we find in (Daniel 7:13) While being divine, Jesus is also fully human. What he was about to do, suffering torture before going to a painful and torturous death upon the cross, he knew was going to take all of his human strength and eventually his human life. Jesus’ prayed to the Father, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” (Luke 22:42-44) Jesus did not deserve the pain and suffering that he recieved. Although, painful, he chose it willingly saying< “father not my will but yours de done.”

Application:

Can there be a greater testament to God's love than this? Jesus came to serve as the perfect and complete sacrifice for the sins we have committed and will commit. This demonstrates God's extraordinary love for us. It is not fair; it is Grace that Jesus bore the cross on our behalf!

Prayer:

O Lord God, Father in Heaven, and Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit through whom we now pray. We thank You for the forgiveness of our sins through our faith in You—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Though it is not fair that You would endure such immense suffering on our behalf, it is Your Grace, and we are deeply grateful. We humbly ask that as Your followers, we may not only sing Your praises but also walk in the grace You have bestowed, showing grace to all we encounter each day, all for Your Glory. Amen.

Day 106 - April 16, 2025

Scripture: Luke 22:1-30

22 Now the Festival of Unleavened Bread, called the Passover, was approaching, 2 and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were looking for some way to get rid of Jesus, for they were afraid of the people. 3 Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. 4 And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. 5 They were delighted and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and watched for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to them when no crowd was present.

The Last Supper

7 Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 8 Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.”

9 “Where do you want us to prepare for it?” they asked.

10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?’ 12 He will show you a large room upstairs, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

13 They left and found things just as Jesus had told them. So they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. 15 And he said to them, “I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”

17 After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and divide it among you. 18 For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”

19 And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.”

20 In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.[a] 21 But the hand of him who is going to betray me is with mine on the table. 22 The Son of Man will go as it has been decreed. But woe to that man who betrays him!” 23 They began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this.

24 A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. 27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. 28 You are those who have stood by me in my trials. 29 And I confer on you a kingdom, just as my Father conferred one on me, 30 so that you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (NIV)

Observation:

In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is celebrating the Passover with his disciples when he institutes what has come to be known as our Communion with Jesus being the unleavened (sinless) Bread of Heaven. After the supper was finished again Jesus took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” (Luke 22:20) Jesus took the cup which followed the meal. This cup had a name it was called the “Cup of Redemption.” It is this cup that Jesus says is his blood, the Cup of Redemption. Jesus is demonstrating that He himself is their Paschal Lamb who takes away the sins of the world. It is His shed blood that would make atonement for the sins of those who believe in Jesus.

Application:

Whether Jesus partakes in a pre-Passover meal with His disciples, as depicted in John’s Gospel, or the actual Passover meal during the Passover as is represented in Luke’s Gospel, the message remains unchanged, Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed is the one who believes in this and finds forgiveness for their sins. Jesus’ life, death, and subsequent resurrection demonstrate that the Passover is fulfilled in His sacrifice for all who believe in Him.

Prayer:

O Lord and Master, Jesus, You are our Paschal Lamb who sacrificed Yourself for, cleansing us through the blood of Your perfect offering. You, who are without sin, bore the sins of the entire world to reconcile us to God. Through the sacrament of Communion, believing in Your perfect gift, we receive the Holy Spirit, who reminds us of You and the teachings You imparted to Your disciples. Grant us the grace to grow in Your love, to learn Your ways, and to walk in them for Your Glory and the Glory of our Father in Heaven. Amen.

Day 105 - April 15, 2025

Scripture: Luke 20:19-47

19 The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them. But they were afraid of the people.

Paying Taxes to Caesar

20 Keeping a close watch on him, they sent spies, who pretended to be sincere. They hoped to catch Jesus in something he said, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21 So the spies questioned him: “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. 22 Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

23 He saw through their duplicity and said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?”

“Caesar’s,” they replied.

25 He said to them, “Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

26 They were unable to trap him in what he had said there in public. And astonished by his answer, they became silent.

The Resurrection and Marriage

27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?”

34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.”

39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions.

Whose Son Is the Messiah?

41 Then Jesus said to them, “Why is it said that the Messiah is the son of David? 42 David himself declares in the Book of Psalms:

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
43 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’

44 David calls him ‘Lord.’ How then can he be his son?”

Warning Against the Teachers of the Law

45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.”

Observation:

It is interesting that on today’s date, our tax deadline day, Jesus is questioned by spies who tried to trip Jesus up in having him say something against Rome so that he might be arrested by the Roman soldiers who were nearby. “‘Teacher, we know that you speak and teach what is right, and that you do not show partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?’ He saw through their duplicity and said to them, ‘Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. He said to them, ‘Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.’” (Luke20:21b-25) So let us pay our taxes, but first be devoted to the God who owns everything.

Application:

Paying taxes is not inherently evil, as taxes contribute to the welfare of the community, the state, and the nation benefiting the collective citizenry. More significantly, we should prioritize paying homage to God, including tithes, offerings, and free-will gifts, to support the growth of the church, the temple of God

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for all that you do for us. May we acknowledge your provision and your sovereign ownership over all things, including every nation in the world. Guide us to seek you first, your kingdom, and your righteousness, as you have commanded, for you are our ultimate provider and redeemer. Amen.

Day 104 - April 14, 2025

Scripture: Luke 20:1-18

The Authority of Jesus is Questioned

20 One day as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple courts and proclaiming the good news, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, together with the elders, came up to him. 2 “Tell us by what authority you are doing these things,” they said. “Who gave you this authority?”

3 He replied, “I will also ask you a question. Tell me: 4 John’s baptism—was it from heaven, or of human origin?”

5 They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Why didn’t you believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘Of human origin,’ all the people will stone us, because they are persuaded that John was a prophet.”

7 So they answered, “We don’t know where it was from.”

8 Jesus said, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”

The Parable of the Tenants

9 He went on to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers and went away for a long time. 10 At harvest time he sent a servant to the tenants so they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He sent another servant, but that one also they beat and treated shamefully and sent away empty-handed. 12 He sent still a third, and they wounded him and threw him out.

13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my son, whom I love; perhaps they will respect him.’

14 “But when the tenants saw him, they talked the matter over. ‘This is the heir,’ they said. ‘Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours.’ 15 So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“What then will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and kill those tenants and give the vineyard to others.”

When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”

17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written:

“‘The stone the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone’?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

Observation:

After Jesus taught the Parable of the Tenants, he asked the Pharisees, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone’? Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.” (Luke 20:17b-18)

Jesus was revealing to the Pharisees that they were the subject of the parable He had just shared. Showing in their rejection of Him, the Stone that the builders rejected would become the cornerstone most important stone supporting all the others. Jesus is our cornerstone upon which our faith is established.

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus, You are our Rock and the cornerstone of our faith. When we trust in You and follow Your guidance for our lives, we become spiritual stones forming the new temple built upon You. You are the foundation of our faith, and we are living stones, consecrated to growing in You. Amen.

Day 103 - April 13, 2025

Scripture: Luke 19:28-48

Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

28 After Jesus had said this, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 As he approached Bethphage and Bethany at the hill called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 30 “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

32 Those who were sent ahead went and found it just as he had told them. 33 As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?”

34 They replied, “The Lord needs it.”

35 They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt and put Jesus on it. 36 As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road.

37 When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen:

38 “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39 Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40 “I tell you,” he replied, “if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”

41 As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it 42 and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. 44 They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.”

Jesus at the Temple

45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

Observation:

“Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (Luke 19:30-31) This was done fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9) "which says: “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.”

Application:

Jesus entered Jerusalem as a peaceful king, riding on a donkey's colt rather than a war horse. His purpose was to bring eternal peace through his sacrificial death on the cross. The significance of his actions remained unclear to all until after his resurrection. Contrary to the expectations of some of his followers, Jesus did not come to overthrow the Roman occupiers. Instead, he triumphed over humanity's true enemies: sin and death.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, we are blessed with the resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to discern Jesus' work in liberating us from the bondage of sin and death. As Easter people, we share in the triumph of Your victory and are guided by Your Spirit, who reminds us of all You taught the disciples. Grant us the strength to live victorious lives, rejoicing in Your abiding presence. Amen.

Day 102 - April 12, 2025

Scripture: Luke 19:11-27

11 While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. 12 He said: “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. 13 So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Put this money to work,’ he said, ‘until I come back.’

14 “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’

15 “He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it.

16 “The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’

17 “‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’

18 “The second came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned five more.’

19 “His master answered, ‘You take charge of five cities.’

20 “Then another servant came and said, ‘Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. 21 I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.’

22 “His master replied, ‘I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then didn’t you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?’

24 “Then he said to those standing by, ‘Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.’

25 “‘Sir,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

26 “He replied, ‘I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what they have will be taken away. 27 But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them—bring them here and kill them in front of me.’” (NIV)

Observation:

As Jesus approached Jerusalem, the people believed He would immediately establish the kingdom of God. To address this, He shared a parable about a king who entrusted his servants with a sum of money, approximately three months' wages. The king expected them to use what they had received to generate a return on his investment by the time he returned. Those who were diligent and productive with their entrusted resources were rewarded while the one who hid the money and failed to produce a return was reprimanded. What had been given to him was taken away and entrusted to the servant who achieved a tenfold increase.

Application:

Jesus calls us to be fruitful and multiply, granting us the grace to extend that same grace to others. Through our faithful witness, we are entrusted with the mission of guiding people into God’s kingdom.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for the sacrifice of your life for ours. We thank you for granting us forgiveness of our sins and the gift of salvation in your name. Guide us to be fruitful disciples of Jesus, so that others may come to know you and grow in their love for you as your followers. Amen.

Day 101 - April 11, 2025

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Jesus and the Tax Collector

19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Observation:

The whole theme of Luke’s Gospel can be summarized in one verse:  “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) Jesus, who is the Son of Man from Daniel 7:13, came on a mission from his Father God, to seek and to save that which was lost.

Application:

What the Pharisees failed to comprehend was the profound Love of God, capable of reaching even those deemed unreachable. Furthermore, the Pharisees appeared unable to recognize their own need for salvation, failing to see that they too were among the lost. For all have sinned and short of the Glory God.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your love of us and for your search for us because even our faith is a gift from God so that no one can boast. Grant us the faith that moves mountains and grow us in your love and grace that we might recognize our own need for your salvation. Then allow us to share with others what you have done for us. Amen.

Day 100 - April 10, 2025

Scripture: Luke 18:18-43

The Rich and the Kingdom of God

18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not commit adultery, you shall not murder, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’”

21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.

22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was very wealthy. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”

27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

28 Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!”

29 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus said to them, “no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come eternal life.”

Jesus Predicts His Death a Third Time

31 Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32 He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; 33 they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.”

34 The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

A Blind Beggar Receives His Sight

35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. 36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”

38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

39 Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”

40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.” 43 Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God. (NIV)

Observation:

Sandwiched between Jesus encounter with the rich young ruler and the healing of a blind man, Jesus tells his disciples about his upcoming death saying, “‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.’ The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.” (Luke 18:31-34)

Application:

Unlike the disciples of Jesus, we have the benefit of the historical account of Jesus’ death upon the cross. Imagine how it must have been for the disciples to hear and understand Jesus’ clear and repeated predictions of his upcoming passion and death. The meaning of Jesus’ death and resurrection was hidden from the apostles until it happened and became a reality for them. We, have no excuse for not recognizing its significance. We should embrace and receive Jesus’ gift to us, his forgiveness through his perfect sacrifice. Let us embrace the gift of salvation that Jesus extends and live within the grace that He has provided.

Prayer:

O Lord Jesus, we cannot imagine the pain and the suffering that you endured for our salvation. Thank you for your amazing grace and love. Help us to live into your loving grace, and help us to be extenders of that grace to a world who has not yet received it. Help us to help others accept your loving grace, all to your glory. Amen.

Day 99 - April 9, 2025

Scripture: John 12:1-11

Jesus is Anointed at Bethany

12  Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. 2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

4 But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold, and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

7 “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.”

9 Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. 10 So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, 11 for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believing in him. (NIV)

Observation:

Jesus defends Mary, Lazarus’ sister, for her extravagant outpouring of love while she anointed his feet with expensive perfume. After Judas’ protest of this act saying, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold, and the money given to the poor?” Jesus responded, “‘Leave her alone,’ Jesus replied. ‘It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” (John 12:7-8)

Application:

Providing alms for the poor is always commendable, but expressing our love for Jesus in extravagant ways is an act of worship. Mary worshipped Jesus with her whole heart, and whenever given the opportunity, she was always at his feet, absorbing his teachings. We should emulate her actions in our own lives.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, Lazarus' sister Mary consistently demonstrated her love and devotion to you, attentively listening to your every word and sitting at your feet to be filled with your wisdom and love. We ought to emulate Mary in our own lives by sitting at the feet of your Word, worshipping you to the glory of God the Father, through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen.

Day 98 - April 8, 2025

Scripture: John 11:45-57

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin.

“What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

49 Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! 50 You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

51 He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, 52 and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life.

54 Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea. Instead he withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples.

55 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, many went up from the country to Jerusalem for their ceremonial cleansing before the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and as they stood in the temple courts they asked one another, “What do you think? Isn’t he coming to the festival at all?” 57 But the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who found out where Jesus was should report it so that they might arrest him. (NIV)

Observation:

After hearing about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, the Sanhedrin convened, concerned that many people would now believe in Jesus and that the Romans would come and take away their temple and their nation. “Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, ‘You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.’” (John 11:49-50) As the high priest that year, Caiaphas, whether knowingly or unknowingly, was prophesying Jesus' death as a sacrifice for the Jewish nation and all the scattered people of God.

Application:

When we observe the circumstances in our lives and the events that surround us, we should look for God's hand at work. Just as the circumstances surrounding that year's Passover set up God's plan for Jesus to be the unblemished perfect sacrifice, it also established the plan for the salvation of all who believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Son of Man.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, people make plans, but Your plans prevail. Help us, as Your children, to cooperate with Your plan for our lives. Help us to recognize Your hand of grace and allow us to be agents of that grace in the world. Bless us, O Lord, to be a blessing to all the people we encounter in our lives, all to Your glory. Amen.

Day 97 - April 7, 2025

Scripture: Jonh 11:28-44

11:28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”

33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

35 Jesus wept.

36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”

37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.

“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”

40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”

43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (NIV)

Observation:

Jesus knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet, when invited to come and see where Lazarus had been laid, we encounter the shortest verse in the Bible "Jesus wept" (John 11:35). Jesus joins us in our human condition and is moved to tears by the pain and reality of our death. He came so that we might have life and have it to the fullest. Jesus truly loves us, even to the point of His own death on the cross.

Application:

Since Jesus loves us so much that He gave His life as a ransom for all who believe in Him, let us trust our Lord and God with our whole selves. Let us conform to His will for our lives, for He knows the plans He has made for us, plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you for your immense and unconditional love for us. We thank you for being the Resurrection and the Life. Help us to live in the grace that you provide for us by being gracious to others in our lives. Amen.

Day 96 - April 6, 2025

Scripture: John 11:17-21

17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” (NIV)

Observation:

While Jesus was comforting Marha, he said to her that her brother would rise again, she replied, “‘I know he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ ‘Yes, Lord,’ she replied, ‘I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.’” (John 11:24-27) Jesus is the resurrection and the life.

Application:

Martha had come a long way from the time she demanded that Jesus ask her sister Mary to help her in the preparations for a meal. Notice now that it is Martha who is awaiting Jesus and meets him first as Jesus is coming to comfort both Martha and Mary. Out of Martha’s mouth comes the testimony that she believes that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the Living God.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into the world in human flesh to redeem and forgive us. You are the Resurrection and the Life in which our lives, move, and have our meaning. Help us to remain in You and in Your love as we live our daily lives. Amen

Day 95 - April 5, 2025

Scripture: John 11:1-16

11 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”

4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”

11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”

12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”

16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” (NIV)

Observation:

When Jesus receives word that Lazarus was sick, he intentionally waits two days until he tells his disciples that their friend Lazarus had fallen asleep and that he was going to wake him up. But his disciples said if he sleeps, he will get better. But Jesus was talking about his death and not natural sleep. “So then he told them plainly, ‘Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’” (John 11:14-15) Jesus would use the death of Lazarus so that his followers would believe that Jesus had the power and authority to restore a person back to life.

Application:

Jesus has the authority and the power to restore and transform our lives, giving us true life. “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5) Since Jesus is Messiah and since Jesus is our true life, let us believe in him and follow his commands.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer, in you is life and light. Shine your light upon us, O Lord, and help us to follow you in every circumstance of life. We acknowledge your power and authority to grant us eternal life and enable us to become children of God as we believe in you and adhere to your ways and teachings. Amen.

Day 94 - April 4, 2025

Scripture: John 8:48-59

48 The Jews answered him, “Aren’t we right in saying that you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

49 “I am not possessed by a demon,” said Jesus, “but I honor my Father and you dishonor me. 50 I am not seeking glory for myself; but there is one who seeks it, and he is the judge. 51 Very truly I tell you, whoever obeys my word will never see death.”

52 At this they exclaimed, “Now we know that you are demon-possessed! Abraham died and so did the prophets, yet you say that whoever obeys your word will never taste death. 53 Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”

54 Jesus replied, “If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me. 55 Though you do not know him, I know him. If I said I did not, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and obey his word. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing my day; he saw it and was glad.”

57 “You are not yet fifty years old,” they said to him, “and you have seen Abraham!”

58 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59 At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. (NIV)

Observation:

“Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.” (John 8:58-59) Jesus is the eternal Son Of God, who existed before creation.

Application:

As eternally God’s Son, Jesus is also Creator God along with the Father and the Holy Spirit. John tells us earlier in his Gospel, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.” (John 1:1-3)

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, Son of the Living God and God the Son, we thank you for your unconditional agape love for us. We thank you for taking on human flesh and becoming our atoning and perfect sacrifice. Help us to obey your words that lead to everlasting life. Help us to be faithful followers of you so that others might come to know you as their God. All this is to glorify the Father by the active participation of the Holy Spirit in our lives, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

Day 93 - April 3, 2025

Scripture: John 8:31-47

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”

34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word. 38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.”

39 “Abraham is our father,” they answered.

“If you were Abraham’s children,” said Jesus, “then you would do what Abraham did. 40 As it is, you are looking for a way to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God. Abraham did not do such things. 41 You are doing the works of your own father.”

“We are not illegitimate children,” they protested. “The only Father we have is God himself.”

42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I have come here from God. I have not come on my own; God sent me. 43 Why is my language not clear to you? Because you are unable to hear what I say. 44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. 45 Yet because I tell the truth, you do not believe me! 46 Can any of you prove me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe me? 47 Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.” (NIV)

Observation:

Jesus said to those who were his followers, “…If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) But those in the crowd who had no room in their hearts for Jesus’ teaching argued with Jesus that because they were descendants of Abraham, they have never been slaves, so they would not need to be set free. Jesus was speaking to them about spiritual things of God, yet they could not comprehend as they had closed their minds to the truth.

Application:

Jesus is who he says he is, The Son of Man and the Son of God. His words are true, and we can follow him with confidence for Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life that we should be following.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, help us to be open to your teaching, so that we might be set free of our sins and be free to follow you. Show us your ways and guide us by your Word and your Holy Spirit who is always with us. Convict us where we need correction and reconcile us to yourself, that we might be faithful followers of the living God. Amen.

Day 92 - April 2, 2025

Scripture: John 8:21-30

Dispute Over Who Jesus Is.

21 Once more Jesus said to them, “I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.”

22 This made the Jews ask, “Will he kill himself? Is that why he says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?”

23 But he continued, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”

25 “Who are you?” they asked.

“Just what I have been telling you from the beginning,” Jesus replied. 26 “I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is trustworthy, and what I have heard from him I tell the world.”

27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” 30 Even as he spoke, many believed in him.

Observation:

Jesus speaks of his own death in a way that the Pharisees and the teachers of the law did not understand. He said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.” (John 8:28-29)

Application:

Jesus is who he said he is, the Son of Man and the Son of God. Whoever believes in him as Messiah, has forgiveness of sins and life eternal. The “Son of Man” is a reference to Daniel 7:13-14, which describes the Son of Man, saying: “In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.” Jesus is the Son of Man described in Daniel 7:13-14.

Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for our salvation which is ours by believing in you as Messiah, The Son of Man from Daniel 7:13-14. Thank you for forgiving our sins and for showing ius The Way, The Truth and The Life in which we should follow. Bless us as your people to be faithful followers of the Living God. Amen.

Day 91 - April 1, 2025

Scripture: John 18:12-20

12 Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus. They bound him 13 and brought him first to Annas, who was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14 Caiaphas was the one who had advised the Jewish leaders that it would be good if one man died for the people.

Peter’s First Denial

15 Simon Peter and another disciple were following Jesus. Because this disciple was known to the high priest, he went with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard, 16 but Peter had to wait outside at the door. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty there and brought Peter in.

17 “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.

He replied, “I am not.”

18 It was cold, and the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm. Peter also was standing with them, warming himself.

The High Priest Questions Jesus

19 Meanwhile, the high priest questioned Jesus about his disciples and his teaching.

20 “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. (NIV)

Observation:

Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life, he speaks openly and there is no deceit in him. He is an open book of truth. When Jesus was on trial about his teachings, he said, “I have spoken openly to the world, …I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret.”

Application:

Truth never needs to be hidden. It should be spoken openly without restraint in the marketplaces, in the courtyards, in places of worship, on the hilltops. Truth should be open to everyone at all times. Jesus spoke plainly to the world and in the open and we should do the same.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us to speak the truth at all times and in all places, in the open as you did. Help us not to fear the world, or what people think about us, for truth will set us free in you. Amen.

Day 90

Scripture: Psalm 143

A Psalm of David

Lord, hear my prayer,
    listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
    come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
    for no one living is righteous before you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
    he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
    like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
    my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
    I meditate on all your works
    and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
    I thirst for you like a parched land.[a]

7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
    my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies, Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

11 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;
    in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
    destroy all my foes,
    for I am your servant.

Observation:

“Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:8b-10)

Application:

Like David, let us allow the Lord to show us the way in which we should go, trusting in the Lord.

Prayer:

Lord God, we place our trust in you, the Living Lord, show us and teach us your ways that we might walk in them. Help us to trust you in every circumstance that we might find ourselves.

Day 89 - March 30, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 139

For the Director of Music, A Psalm of David

1 You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down;
    you are familiar with all my ways.
4 Before a word is on my tongue
    you, Lord, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before,
    and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
    too lofty for me to attain.

7 Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.

13 For you created my inmost being;
    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
    your works are wonderful,
    I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
    when I was made in the secret place,
    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
    all the days ordained for me were written in your book
    before one of them came to be.
17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!
    How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
    they would outnumber the grains of sand—
    when I awake, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked!
    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!
20 They speak of you with evil intent;
    your adversaries misuse your name.
21 Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,
    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?
22 I have nothing but hatred for them;
    I count them my enemies.
23 Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting. (NIV)

Observation:

David, the psalmist had sojourned so long with God that he came to know that God knows us fully. He writes: “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24) David realizes that God has always known David’s inmost thoughts even his sinful thoughts and desires. David decides why not invite God in to shape his paths that he may walk in God’s ways leading him to eternal righteousness.

Application:

Why not invite God into our thoughts and everyday actions. Like David, let us invite God to shape our days and enlighten our paths. Allow God’s word and the presence of his Holy Spirit to mold us and shape us after God’ way, that we might dwell in the hous of the Lord forever.

Prayer:

Lord, teach us your ways and guide our decisions that we might honor you in everything we think, say and do. Allow us to be vessels of your love and grace that others might come to know you and love you. Amen.

Day 88 - March 29, 2025

Scripture: Psalm 131

A Psalm of Ascents of David

1 My heart is not proud, Lord,
    my eyes are not haughty;
I do not concern myself with great matters
    or things too wonderful for me.
2 But I have calmed and quieted myself,
    I am like a weaned child with its mother;
    like a weaned child I am content.

3 Israel, put your hope in the Lord
    both now and forevermore.

Observation:

A very short Psalm of Ascents, written by David who reminds Israel to place their hope in the Lord, always. He writes, “…put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.” (Psalm 131:3b) As David counsels Israel to place their hope in the Lord, he also speaks to us, the People of God.

Application:

David speaks with authority, for the Lord came to his aid on numerous occasions throughout his life. Despite David's grievous sins, God forgave him when he approached God with a sorrowful and contrite heart, placing his hope in the Lord, and we can do the same. Therefore, hope in the Lord. Maintain a close relationship with the Lord your God, and you will find favor in His eyes.

Prayer:

O Lord, our God, we come before you aware that we have fallen far short of your best intentions for our lives. Our sin separates us from you, but you are a forgiving and merciful God. Cleanse our thoughts and minds and forgive us of our sinfulness, that we might place all our hope in you now and into eternity. Amen.