THE PAIN OF BETRAYAL

 

April 11, 2025

 

This Week’s Theme:

Seeing with God’s Eyes

Learning to see the world as God does 

and living in hope, renewal, and restoration.

____________________________

John 13:16-30

Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus shared a meal with His closest followers. During this intimate gathering, He made a shocking statement: “One of you is going to betray me.” The disciples were stunned and confused, wondering who it could be.

Jesus then quietly identified Judas as the betrayer by handing him a piece of bread, an act that showed both love and sorrow. I want us to notice that instead of lashing out or condemning Judas, Jesus continued to include him at the table, offering grace even in the face of impending betrayal.

I believe, this moment shows the depth of Jesus’ love, a love that extends even to those who hurt Him. Let me ask, have you ever felt betrayed by someone close to you? If so, you know that it can be a painful heartbreaking experience. I believe Jesus felt the depth and sorrow of Judas betrayal, that says to me that Jesus knows the hurt and sadness of betrayal in our lives. How did you respond when you realized you had been betrayed?

Jesus actions in our Gospel today, challenges us to reflect on how we respond to betrayal. Can we show grace, even when it’s difficult. Take a moment to think about how you’ve responded in such circumstances.

Is there someone in your life who has hurt or betrayed you? Maybe it’s a friend, family member, or coworker. Have you closed off your heart, or have you allowed room for grace and forgiveness? This doesn’t mean ignoring the hurt, but it does mean trusting God to guide your heart toward healing and reconciliation even in the face of brokenness.

This is not easy stuff, is it? Take time today to reflect on the depth of Jesus’ love, a love that extends even to His betrayer, and ask Him to help you extend that same love to others. Ask God to help you respond as Jesus did, with love. Trust that, through His grace, you can find the strength to love even when it’s hard.

HIS LOVE IS GREATER

 

April 10, 2025

 

This Week’s Theme:

Seeing with God’s Eyes

Learning to see the world as God does 

and living in hope, renewal, and restoration.

____________________________

 

John 13:36-38

Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!

 

Have you ever made a promise to God that you couldn’t or didn’t keep? Maybe you said to God that you would trust Him more, that you would pray more, or live differently with more devotion, only to fall back into old habits. If you have, then you will relate to our verses today.

Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, boldly declared, “I will lay down my life for you.” But Jesus knew Peter’s heart better than Peter knew himself. Instead of condemning him, Jesus responded with truth and love, telling Peter that before the rooster crowed, he would deny Him three times.

Don’t be too hard on Peter, you see Peter had good intentions, but when pressure and fear set in, he faltered. Maybe you’ve been there, wanting to follow Jesus but struggling with doubts, weakness, or failure. The good news of the Gospel is that Jesus’ love isn’t dependent on our perfection.

Peter’s story isn’t about failure, it sets the backdrop for an experience of grace. I believe Peter meant what he said, however, he was unable to carry through on his promise. Yet this is not the end for Peter, if you know the rest of the story, Jesus restored him. Even after Peter’s denial, Jesus pursued Peter, extending to him grace and a fresh start.

One of the powerful truths I have discovered in my Christian Walk is that God doesn’t measure our worth by our successes or our failures, rather God looks at our hearts. God’s goodness and love pursues us and calls to fresh starts, reminding us that His love is greater than our mistakes, denials, or unkept promises. 

When we see ourselves as God sees us, we can stop striving for perfection as though God’s promises to us are earned, and instead we can rest in His grace and redemption that tells us we are loved and valued by our creator, that we are on the way to knowing and experiencing all that God intends for us. As we say in worship, as we lift our voices to God, “YOUR GRACE is ENOUGH!” Amen

KNOWN BY OUR LOVE

 

April 9, 2025

 

This Week’s Theme:

Seeing with God’s Eyes

Learning to see the world as God does 

and living in hope, renewal, and restoration.

____________________________

John 13:31-35

When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Let’s begin today with a couple questions.

How do people recognize a follower of Jesus?

Is it by what we say, what we do, or how we treat others?

What do you think?



In our Reading from John 13 today we are told that as Jesus sat with His disciples at the Last Supper, He gave them a simple but radical command: "Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Notice, Jesus didn’t say that people would recognize us by our knowledge, our good behavior, or even our acts of service, He said they would know us by our love.

Love is not just a feeling; love as Jesus revealed it to us in the Gospel’s is a commitment, and a way of life. Jesus loved deeply, even when it was costly. As we reflect on His words, today I believe we are invited to examine our hearts asking “Does our love reflect His?”

Ok, let’s acknowledge that Loving others isn’t always easy. We know that there are moments when pride, hurt, or misunderstanding make it difficult. But here is the thing about Jesus’ love, it is not conditional, He loved without limits, He loved without waiting for people to deserve it.

This kind of self-giving love revealed in the Gospel is transforming. This love when experienced changes the way we speak, serve, and interact with those around us. It challenges us to move beyond convenient love into Christ-like love, the kind that forgives, restores, and draws people toward God.

How? You might ask, knowing ourselves as we do.

Well, perhaps Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3 might shed some light on this for us.

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

20Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Clearly, the Apostle is telling us that this love that reveals that we belong to Jesus is a work of grace by the power of the Holy Spirit that roots us in God’s love. Even in the command to love, we see the promise of God to help us.

Let us reflect on our relationships and interactions.

Is there someone you find difficult to love?

Pray and ask God for His strength to love them as Jesus loves, not just with words, but with action, patience, and grace. How might we intentionally show God’s love to someone around us.

 

 

 

AN EXAMPLE TO FOLLOW

 

April 8, 2025

 

This Week’s Theme:

Seeing with God’s Eyes

Learning to see the world as God does 

and living in hope, renewal, and restoration.

____________________________

John 13:16-30

Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill this passage of Scripture: ‘He who shared my bread has turned against me.’ “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am who I am. Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.” After he had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “Very truly I tell you, one of you is going to betray me.” His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them he meant. One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask him which one he means.” Leaning back against Jesus, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the festival, or to give something to the poor. As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

 

On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus did something unexpected: He knelt down and washed His disciples’ feet. It was an act of humility and love, showing them that true greatness comes from serving others. This included Judas, the one who would betray Him. Jesus didn’t withhold His love, even from someone who would hurt Him.

In John 13, Jesus tells His disciples:

"I have set you an example that you should do

as I have done for you."

Jesus calls us not just to admire His love but to live it out. When we serve others, especially those we find difficult to serve, we reflect God’s heart. Loving like Jesus means choosing humility, kindness, and selflessness, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Have you ever struggled to see people the way God sees them? It’s easy to view others through our personal biases, judging them based on their past, their mistakes, or even their differences. But what if God is inviting us to see beyond the surface and love as He loves?

What if this week, as we approach Holy Week, we ask God to help us see with His eyes, seeing the people around us with compassion, grace, and love rather than assumptions or judgment?

Is there someone in your life who may need to experience the love and kindness of Jesus? Maybe it’s a co-worker, a family member, neighbor, or even a stranger you encounter today. Ask God to open your heart and give you the courage to love as Jesus loved.

 

WITH EYES OPEN

 

April 7, 2025

This Week’s Theme:

Seeing with God’s Eyes

Learning to see the world as God does 

and living in hope, renewal, and restoration.

____________________________

Luke 24:13-25

 

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.” He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken!

 

At times it is easy to wonder where God is when things don’t turn out as expected. The disciples on the road to Emmaus were in this exact place, walking away from Jerusalem, away from hope, away from what they thought would be the future. They had believed Jesus was the one to redeem Israel, but now He was gone. Their grief and disappointment clouded their vision, making it impossible to see that Jesus was walking right beside them.

As Cleopas and the other disciple walked, they didn’t recognize Jesus (Luke 24:16). When He asked what they were talking about, they stopped, looking downcast (Luke 24:17). They explained how they had hoped Jesus would be the Redeemer, yet now He was gone, and they weren’t sure what to believe (Luke 24:21).

Jesus responded by opening the Scriptures to them, explaining everything about the Messiah from Moses to the prophets (Luke 24:27). Even though their hearts burned as He spoke (Luke 24:32), they still didn’t recognize Him ---- until He took bread, blessed it, broke it, and gave it to them. At that moment, their eyes were opened, and they saw Him for who He was (Luke 24:30-31).

I wonder, how often do expectations and disappointments keep us from recognizing Jesus in our own lives? Our reading today seems to suggest that the disciples had all the right information, but they didn’t truly see until Jesus revealed Himself through an ordinary act, breaking bread. We are like them at times, don’t you think? Sometimes, we look for God in some grand signs and wonders, but He meets us in the simple, everyday moments.

I believe, seeing with God’s eyes means trusting the truth that the Bible teaches us that God is near, God is with us, even when we don’t recognize Him in our midst.

Today let’s pray for eyes to see beyond our expectations and recognize His presence in the everyday moments. Just as He walked with the disciples, He is walking with us now.

I WILL ....

 April 4, 2025

Letting go of the old to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week’s Theme Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

_________________________________

 

Ezekiel 37:21-28

say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God. “ ‘My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees. They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your ancestors lived. They and their children and their children’s children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever. I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people. Then the nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever.’ ”



Ezekiel 37 captures a beautiful picture of God’s ability to restore what seems lost forever. In a time when His people felt scattered and broken, God spoke of gathering them together and making them whole. He promised to be their God and to care for them as His own. In our reading today the vision presented is meant to remind you and me, that no matter how hopeless things may seem, God’s power can bring life and renewal where we see only brokenness and hopelessness. It’s an invitation to trust that God’s plans are always bigger than our struggles and that His love can restore even the most “lost” situations.

Take this teaching to heart today, we all know that sometimes life’s circumstances can feel so broken that it’s hard to imagine things ever getting any better. What would it mean to believe the message of Ezekiel 37, that even in the darkest moments, when we are longing for God’s restoration, that there is hope for renewal and healing?

Read God's promise again,

 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever. My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.

That is a good GOSPEL for us today!

Take time to pray and ask God to bring new life where there has been brokenness, trusting that His power is greater than any loss.

 

 

 

 

NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING

 

April 3, 2025 

 

Letting go of the old 

to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week’s Theme Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. 

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

______________________________________

Genesis 17:3-9

Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. The whole land of Canaan, where you now reside as a foreigner, I will give as an everlasting possession to you and your descendants after you; and I will be their God.” Then God said to Abraham, “As for you, you must keep my covenant, you and your descendants after you for the generations to come.

 

In Genesis 17, God calls Abram into a new identity as Abraham, promising to make him the father of many nations. But this new covenant required Abraham to let go of his old identity and trust God’s plan, even when it seemed impossible. 

Now, we need to recall that when God delivered this message and call to Abram, his wife Sarai had not given birth to a child. A little further in Genesis 17:15-17 we read this, “God also said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you are no longer to call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah. 16 I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her.” 17 Abraham fell facedown; he laughed and said to himself, “Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah bear a child at the age of ninety?” Do you see how impossible God’s promise seemed to Abraham.

Later in Genesis 18:12 Sarah’s response to God’s promise also elicited a chuckle. "So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?” God asks in verse 14 the deeply searching question “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

The outcome of this account is that Abraham trusted God’s promise, like a seed falling to the ground, Abraham’s surrender opened the way for God’s promises to flourish.

Have you ever had to let go of an old dream or way of thinking to embrace something new, that seemed like it had an impossible outcome? We all know that change can be hard, we are reluctant to let go of parts of our life, however, this act of release is often the start of something beautiful.

Is there an area of your life where God might be asking you to let go of something old to embrace something new? Pray for the courage to trust His promises and take the next step of faith. We know the answer to the question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Don’t we answer that in the words of the old Worship song, “Nothing, Nothing, Absolutely Nothing is Impossible for thee!!”

NOT GOING TO BOW

 

April 2, 2025 

 

Letting go of the old

to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week's Theme Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. 

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

 ___________________________________________

Daniel 3:14-20

Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

 

Standing up for what matters comes with a whole set of challenges. We often read about people who stand up against corporations for unsafe practices, politicians who cannot in good conscience carry out careless and harmful policies, or Christians whose faith foundations cannot remain silent over injustice in the workplace, or dishonesty toward clients. In all these situations the risk is high for those who take a stand, from job loss to character attacks, maybe even litigation against them.

What does it take to hold on to our values when the cost feels too high? Where do we find the strength to stay true to what we believe?

In the well-known story of Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a seemingly impossible choice: bow to the king’s idol or stay true to their faith and put their lives on the line. They chose to trust God, even though it meant being thrown into a blazing furnace. We read in our Bible account today that though they trusted God, this did not mean that they escaped the fiery furnace. Yet, we also note that God didn’t leave them alone. In the fire, in the blazing furnace, God’s presence surrounded them and protected them, and they walked out miraculously unharmed. God’s power and glory are overwhelmingly revealed so much so, that King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and declares him worthy of worship. It doesn’t end there, does it, no Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego actually receive a promotion in Babylon.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shows us that courage doesn’t come from being strong enough on our own. It comes from trusting that God is with us, no matter what happens. Even when life feels overwhelming, His power and goodness are greater than our fears. Remember, God walks with us through every “fiery” trial, and His presence is your strength.

SET FREE

 

April 1, 2025

Letting go of the old to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week's Theme Bible Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed.

But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

_________________________________

John 8:1-11

… Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”



In John 8, a woman caught in adultery and is brought before Jesus. Instead of condemning her, like her accusers wanted, He says, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” One by one, oldest to the youngest of her accusers leave. Did you notice what Jesus does? Jesus then offers her forgiveness and a chance to start fresh: “Go and sin no more.”

I wonder, have you ever felt the weight of your mistakes, like they might define you forever? What does it feel like to you, to imagine being truly forgiven? Slate wiped clean, the chance to start fresh.

This story in today’s reading, shows us something crucial, that dying to our old ways isn’t about shame, it’s about growth and stepping into the freedom and grace that Jesus offers. 

Is there a mistake or regret you’ve been carrying? Bring it to Jesus in prayer, today. The Bible tells us that we can trust Him to forgive us and show us how to live in the freedom of His grace.

 

 

 

THE "NEW LIFE" of SURRENDER

 

March 31, 2025

Letting go of the old

to make room for resurrection and renewal.

This Week's Focus Verse

John 12:24

“Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, 

it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

_________________________________________

John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. 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. 

But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 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.

“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.”



In John 12, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, an act of deep love and devotion. Others criticized her, 

“Why wasn’t this perfume sold 

and the money given to the poor? 

It was worth a year’s wages.”

but Jesus defended her, seeing it as preparation for His burial.

“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.”

Mary’s action, I believe, reminds us that love often requires sacrifice and letting go. Think about what Judas says, about this pint of perfume that it "was worth a year’s wages." In any age, that is a huge sacrifice!  There is a lot of love and gratitude in this gesture. 

This story in John 12 of course, also points us to the "greater sacrifice" Jesus would soon make for all of us, because of his extravagant love. 

As Jesus' followers, we are invited to let go of the things we hold tightly, trusting that God will use our surrender to bring new life. 

I want to invite you to remember a time in your life when you surrendered something of great value and worth to God. What "New life" growth occurred?  

For example, I was someone who held our family's finances tightly, our financial future I believed was on me to secure. I was not a very peaceful or generous person. I was a sporadic giver. There came a point in my spiritual journey that I "let go" of our financial future and with "palms down" I surrendered that area of my life into God's care and provision. The "new life" pay off of that decision was that I experienced a freedom, and peace and rest in living, the pressure was off, and generosity flowed. What is your story?

Give consideration today to what "something" you are holding tightly, that might be keeping you from fully following Jesus, and the newness of life he offers? Ask God to help you release it in faith, knowing He will bring something even greater into your life and the life of others through your surrender.

 

ROCK SOLID

 

March 28, 2025

 

Even in our darkest valleys, God is with us, 

offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration.

 His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verses

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles

so that we can comfort those in any trouble 

with the comfort we receive from God."

_________________________________

 

John 7:1-12

After this, Jesus went around in Galilee. He did not want to go about in Judea because the Jewish leaders there were looking for a way to kill him. But when the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles was near, Jesus’ brothers said to him, “Leave Galilee and go to Judea, so that your disciples there may see the works you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world.” For even his own brothers did not believe in him. Therefore Jesus told them, “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil. You go to the festival. I am not going up to this festival, because my time has not yet fully come.” After he had said this, he stayed in Galilee. However, after his brothers had left for the festival, he went also, not publicly, but in secret. Now at the festival the Jewish leaders were watching for Jesus and asking, “Where is he?” Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.”

 

John 7:25-30

At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own authority, but he who sent me is true. You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” At this they tried to seize him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come.

 

Yesterday we noted the experience of the Prophet Jeremiah and the increasing hostility toward him and his prophetic ministry. Today our reading shows us that Jesus often faced threats and was mistreated, long before he was crucified. In these verses, we are told that leaders were planning to kill him, just as we saw in the Jeremiah story.

Jesus demonstrated that even in the face of such rejection and opposition from people, he was able to center on God and respond to these experiences with a radical love. What is striking, I believe, in both Jeremiah and Jesus is that they were not distracted from their God given calling, even under great pressure. In the face of strong external pressures their trust and commitment to God did not waver.

By contrast, our outside influences can often knock us off course. Have you ever felt misunderstood, mistreated, or judged unfairly? If you have then you are aware that experiencing opposition, especially when we’re trying to do what’s right, can be deeply painful. If we are honest about it these experiences often can leave us questioning whether standing firm in our faith is worth the cost.

What we see revealed in the scriptures is that when we live into our relationship with God, when we trust the promises of God, when we remember how God has faithfully led us and protected us and provided for us in the past, we can find a firm foundation beneath us. We often sing in worship, “On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other Ground is sinking sand.” So, with Jesus we pray “not my will but yours be done” even as we face our moments of suffering and opposition.

As we conclude our week of devotions let us pray for strength to endure trials and center ourselves with faith and humility on our Covenant God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A SHELTER IN A TIME OF TROUBLE

 

March 27, 2025

Even in our darkest valleys, God is with us, 

offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration. 

His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verses

 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

who comforts us in all our troubles

so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we receive from God."

_________________________________________

 

Jeremiah 11:18-20

Because the LORD revealed their plot to me, I knew it, for at that time he showed me what they were doing. I had been like a gentle lamb led to the slaughter; I did not realize that they had plotted against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree and its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name be remembered no more.” But you, LORD Almighty, who judge righteously and test the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.

 

Jeremiah faced significant threats, often referred to as the "weeping prophet," he faced numerous plots against his life and ministry throughout his prophetic career. These plots were primarily orchestrated by those who resisted his message of impending judgment and calls for repentance. 

Here is a list of the threats God’s prophet Jeremiah encountered

Jeremiah's first recorded encounter with a plot against his life comes from his own hometown of Anathoth. The men of Anathoth conspired to kill him, saying, "Do not prophesy in the name of the LORD, or you will die by our hand" (Jeremiah 11:21).

Jeremiah faced further opposition from the religious leaders of Judah. The priests and prophets conspired against him, saying, "Come, let us devise a plan against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words" (Jeremiah 18:18)

Pashhur, the priest and chief officer in the house of the LORD, was particularly hostile towards Jeremiah. After Jeremiah prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem, Pashhur had him beaten and put in stocks (Jeremiah 20:1-2). This was intended to intimidate Jeremiah and discredit his prophetic ministry.

The princes of Judah sought to put Jeremiah to death after he prophesied against the city and the temple. The priests and prophets accused him before the officials, declaring, "This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears" (Jeremiah 26:11)

King Jehoiakim's animosity towards Jeremiah is evident in his reaction to the prophet's scroll, which contained words of warning and judgment. After hearing the scroll read, Jehoiakim brazenly cut it with a knife and threw it into the fire (Jeremiah 36:23). The king then ordered the arrest of Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch.

During the reign of King Zedekiah, Jeremiah was falsely accused of deserting to the Babylonians and was subsequently imprisoned in a cistern, where he sank into the mud (Jeremiah 38:6). This plot was orchestrated by officials who were angered by Jeremiah's continued prophecies of Jerusalem's fall.

Yet, even with all these threats and pressures, Jeremiah placed his trust in God as his defender and refuge.  He remained faithful to his divine calling with unwavering commitment to proclaiming God's truth. His prayer above in today’s reading, reflects both honesty about his fears and a deep dependence on God’s justice. Jeremiah’s example encourages us to bring our struggles to God, trusting that He is our shelter in times of trouble and the One who works all things for good in His perfect timing.

Let's apply these teachings to our lives today by taking time to name any fears or worries weighing on your heart. Bring them to God in prayer, asking Him to be your refuge and strength. Trust Him to provide protection and peace, even in the face of uncertainty.

 

 

 

 

 

 

DOWN THE MOUNTAIN THE RIVER FLOWS

 

March 26, 2025

 

Even in our darkest valleys, 

God is with us, offering comfort, hope, and the promise of restoration.

His love sustains us through every trial.

This Week's Theme Verse

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 

the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 

who comforts us in all our troubles 

so that we can comfort those in any trouble 

with the comfort we receive from God."

______________________________________

 

Ezekiel 47:1-10

The man brought me back to the entrance to the temple, and I saw water coming out from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. He then brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and the water was trickling from the south side. As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?” Then he led me back to the bank of the river. When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea.

Ezekiel 41:12

Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

 

I would imagine that most of us have experienced “seasons of suffering” that leave us feeling empty, disconnected, and in need of renewal. Often during these experiences we use words of feeling “spiritually dry”, or in the “desert place”, the “wilderness”, or as St, John of the Cross called it the “dark night of the soul.”

What we are saying in these life moments is we feel as if we’re just going through the motions of spiritual practices, there is no sense of God’s presence, we feel disconnected from our Creator. These moments can come because of sin in our life, or because of weighty circumstances of trauma, or grief, illness, or discouragement about our life situation. 

In these periods in our spiritual lives we find that praying is difficult, maybe boring, or even unfulfilling and we wonder whether we’re just wasting our time with these spiritual practices. Our efforts to find connection with God seem to be missing the mark, it feels as if God has withdrawn from us. All the spiritual devotions and forms of prayer that we used to find helpful or engaging are no longer helpful it seems. In these moments, we may wonder if life can ever flow back into the places that feel so dry and desolate.

Today in our account of Ezekiel’s vision of water flowing from the temple that brings life and healing wherever it goes is a promising and hopeful truth. This living water is a symbol of God’s Spirit, renewing and reviving even the driest places. The river represents the abundance of God’s provision and the transforming power of God’s presence, reminding us that nothing is too broken, too dry, too dark, for God to restore.

Jesus promised, “Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). Living water that Jesus offers us is a sure remedy for experiences of spiritual dryness. God promises through Ezekiel’s words a beautiful outcome.

Look again at Ezekiel 41:12 “Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”


Spend time in prayer throughout today asking the Holy Spirit to pour out fresh life into any areas of dryness or despair.