Read: Philippians 2:5-11
This passage is teaching us how to allow his mind to be in us, which is also in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God. The thought of being equal to God may not robbery: but made himself a reputation, to make himself a servant, made in the likeness of men. and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, on the cross. God also hath highly exalted him and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Sam Dina Read: Psalm 31:9-16
This Psalm focuses on David’s feelings of suffering and brokenness. He prays to God asking for his grace and mercy. As we enter Holy Week, we remember the suffering that Jesus endured during his ultimate sacrifice on the cross, a genuine gift of his love for us. As Jesus hung on the cross, he fully placed his trust in God the father. What suffering and anguish he must have felt. His thoughts were like David’s, who wrote about his afflictions, sickness, and persecution, at the hands of his enemies. David petitioned God to be merciful and generous to him. Despite David’s failings, he puts his faith in God, as Jesus did, and as we must also do. We must always trust him completely. As we enter Holy Week, let us remember to place our faith and trust in him, through our advocate Jesus, and remember his unfailing love for us. Most merciful God, we thank you for the gift of Jesus and His sacrifice of love. Amen Michelle Coleman Read: Isaiah 50:4-9
I teach and support adult learners who speak English as a second language. The curriculum we use helps me with instruction and provides students with the tools needed to achieve success in their daily life in a foreign land. The curriculum offers multiple ways to reinforce lessons and there are exercises for individual learning, working with a partner or practicing in a small group to develop new language skills. When lessons become challenging for some students and discouragement tries to creep in, we review what we have learned, and I encourage them to keep practicing until their language skills become a natural part of who they are. Today’s reading from Isaiah 50:4 (NIV) “He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed”, reminds me of my work as a teacher and of my own Christian walk–God is my teacher and those whom he anoints to teach his Word; the Bible is my textbook; and I am encouraged when I stay connected to other believers and put my faith into practice. Although I may be weary and discouraged at times, I know who sustains me–God Almighty! And when I am sustained, I too can be an encouragement to others. During this Lenten season, may we all be encouraged to keep learning about God and sharing his love with others–each one, teach one. Prayer: Lord, thank you for standing beside me and guiding me. For helping me in my work and teaching me what I need to know so, I may serve you and others and be worthy of your grace. Amen Sophie Dunbar Amer Read: John 12:34-39
God Offers Eternal Life “Die” I asked the crowd. “We understood from Scripture that the Messiah would live forever. Why are you saying the son of man would die? Who is this son of man you are talking about?” Jesus replied, “My light will shine out for you just a little while longer. Walk in it while you can, so you will not stumble when darkness falls. If you walk in the darkness, you can not see where you are going.” Believe in the light while you still have time; then you will become children of light. After saying these things Jesus went away and was hidden from them. Lessons from His Life God uses even the twisted motives and actions of his enemies to bring about his will. When we cover selfish motives and spiritual objectives and words, God still sees our intentions. Michele Jackson Read: John 12:29-33
Today’s advanced technology in communication gives us Facebook Live, YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and the likes, allowing people, called influencers, to have followers from all over the globe. They are called followers, disciples, tribe, and other titles for the people who subscribe to be followers of an influencer and they participate in whatever the influencer is doing. Advanced technology also allows us to enjoy hologram performances from long-dead and buried entertainers such as MJ, Tupac, Whitney Houston, and Maria Callas. These performances can be seen instantaneously and even allow for interactions between followers and the holograms. The Scripture for today is an excerpt from a larger story of Jesus addressing a crowd. God spoke audibly to the crowd, but they didn’t comprehend. Some thought it was thundering while others thought it was an angel speaking to Jesus. This happened long before the social media frenzy or any thought of a hologram. Jesus is the greatest influencer and his followers, disciples, and tribe are now called Christians cannot be matched. He is the only one God sent to redeem his lost creation, to give new life to the redeemed, and to restore a right relationship with the Creator God. He lights the traveling path for his followers on their faith journey. He is the gate and only way to God. We still hear the voice of God through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and we are drawn to Jesus through the cross that he took on our behalf. As we journey through this Lenten season let us remember what Jesus accomplished for us by taking the cross. Let us recommit ourselves to God and the mission of the Church. Holy and gracious God, we give you thanks for your love, your mercy, and your grace. May your spirit dwelling in us guide us on the path you have prepared for us and please strengthen us to do the task that you have set for us. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ your Son and our redeemer. Amen Pamella Miller |