Day 9 - The Guard
April 12, 2020 • Kevin Zeller • Matthew 28:1–10
"This is ridiculous,” I said, adjusting my helmet while keeping my spear crooked in my arm. “Why do we need all of these soldiers here. The man is dead, isn’t he?” . The guard next to me shrugged. “They say he made lots of noise about rising from the dead. So they are worried about his disciples coming back and stealing the body.” . “Well,” I said, glancing back at the crowd of soldiers gathered outside the small garden tomb, “Good luck to them. It’s all sealed up, and they would have to get through all that.” . I shifted on my feet, wishing for my cot. “Nice morning anyway.” . He grunted, signaling the end of the conversation. . Resentful, I stepped a few paces away. I looked up into the night sky, seeing a few stars remaining, even as the sky was brightening. Strange, one of the stars was moving... . A roar filled the garden, and the earth shook with an impact. I was thrown to the ground, my spear clattering on some stones. It took me a moment to regain my breath, and, when I did, I shrank back against a tree. . A bright figure, completely clad in what looked like glowing robes, was stalking toward the tomb. His footprints left the ground smoking. . The other guards were shrieking, stumbling over each other to get away even as he raised his bright hand, placed it on the stone, and pushed. . The last thing I remember before fainting was the sound of stone ripping. • Kevin Zeller . • How would you have reacted if you had been one of the guards at the tomb? . • Read Romans 8:11-24, 2 Corinthians 5, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and Revelation 21:1-5. How did Jesus’s resurrection begin the new creation breaking into our world? . He [Jesus] said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies. He will be killed, but three days later he will rise from the dead.” Mark 9:31 (NLT)
Day 4 - Crowns
April 8, 2020 • Melissa Yeagle • Matthew 27:29–37
You’ve probably seen costume crowns made of plastic or cheap metal. But a true king’s crown is usually made of the finest metal and jewels. When it’s not on the king’s head, it is locked up under the highest security. Only the king is allowed to wear it. And kings only become kings by birth or by conquest. . Jesus is God’s only Son. God is the King of Kings, and so His Son should be His rightful heir. Yet, even though He is the rightful King of the universe, Jesus came to this earth as a humble baby, never demanding the riches or wealth He deserved. . Jesus was given a crown while He was here on earth... but it was not fancy at all. As Jesus approached His death on the cross, the authorities mocked Him. They had heard that He claimed to be a king, so they gave Him a crown of thorns. When they pressed it into His head, it caused Him to bleed. . A crown is meant to give a king honor, but this crown was meant to mock the King of the universe. They even made a crude sign that said, “King of the Jews” and put it above His head while He died on the cross to take the punishment for sin. . Yet, even as people mocked Him, King Jesus still sacrificed Himself to provide rescue to a world filled with evil and brokenness. . And here’s the amazing part. The humble King who died to beat sin? He came back to life to beat death. As the risen King, He will return someday to live with His people forever. • Melissa Yeagle . • Jesus could have come to earth and demanded to have a crown, palace, and riches right then. Why do you think He didn’t? . • Read Colossians 2:9-15. How is Jesus King by both birth and conquest? . They twisted together a crown of thorns, put it on his [Jesus’s] head, and placed a staff in his right hand. And they knelt down before him and mocked him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” Matthew 27:29 (CSB)
The Bread of Life
November 27, 2019 • Cheryl Elton • Deuteronomy 8:1–3, Matthew 4:1–4, John 6:47–48
When your stomach growls, nothing satisfies like good food. But what about spiritual hunger? Jesus said if we go to Him, we would not go hungry, for He is the “bread of life” (John 6:35). . It’s easy to feel spiritually full after a great church retreat, an awesome Christian concert, or an exciting time of helping others. But often, when we feel spiritually empty, our default is to go shopping, go to the gym, or eat some chocolate. While these things all have merit on their own, none can replace our daily need for Jesus, the true Bread of Life. . In the Old Testament, the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years on their way to the Promised Land. During that time, God was teaching them to humble themselves, to trust Him, and to hear His voice. Each day He rained down manna (bread) from heaven to feed them. If they tried to save bread for the next day, it would go bad. This was so they could learn to rely on God’s provision one day at a time. . This true story of the Israelites points to Jesus, who was tempted in the wilderness for forty days. During this time, He too trusted God, quoting from Deuteronomy: “Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). . Just as the Israelites and the Son of God trusted God for daily sustenance, we trust God to provide our spiritual nourishment, like the manna, every day. It’s important that we daily feast on Jesus by studying and dwelling on the truths found in His Word, the Bible—both individually and with other believers at church. . Whenever we find ourselves spiritually malnourished, we need only call upon Jesus. He is the Bread we need, and in His presence, we will never go hungry. • Cheryl Elton . • When you feel spiritually depleted, what do you usually do? . • How is Jesus the bread we need (John 6:4-15, 25-40)? Why is it important to make Jesus—and all He has done—central to our lives? . • What are ways you can feast on Jesus by digging into God’s Word regularly? . “Truly I [Jesus] tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life.” John 6:47-48 (CSB)
Back to Life
November 26, 2019 • Deb Gardner Allard • 1 Corinthians 15:20–28, Romans 10:9, Matthew 27:45–54
"Look at all the zombies coming out of the ground!” said Spencer, tossing a handful of popcorn in his mouth while watching the final minutes of his new favorite show, "Living Zombies." . He tossed a pillow at his sixteen-year-old sister who sat curled up with a book on the sofa. “Man, this show is fantastic, Izzy. You should watch it. There’s this Gleaner who can bring zombies back to life.” . “He might raise zombies, but I know someone who will raise us from the dead.” . As you probably guessed, Izzy meant Jesus, who died on the cross for our sins. Three days later, He came back to life again, proving He’s God. Five hundred people saw Him after He rose from the grave. He told His followers He was going to heaven to prepare a place for us so that we’ll be with Him there when we die (John 14:1-3). And, one day, when He returns to make all things new, He will raise us back to life. . But how can we get this forever (or eternal) life? . Eternal life comes from God, the source of life. Death is caused by sin because sin separates us from God—and we all sin (Isaiah 59:2; John 14:6; Romans 3:23). The Bible, God’s Word, tells us that we must trust Jesus alone as our Savior from sin and death. He offers salvation as a gift to us by the power of His resurrection (Romans 10:9; Acts 17:30-31). Many times, when we’re given something, we have to give something back in return, but this gift of life is free (Romans 6:23). . So, the good news is this: if we trust Jesus, He will always be with us, and when we die, it won’t be permanent. We will live with Him forever with resurrected bodies made new by Him. • Deb Gardner Allard . • Because of Jesus, death isn’t permanent. How does this truth affect your view of the future? . • What questions do you have about today’s reading? Who is a trusted Christian in your life you could bring those questions to? . • Have more questions about eternal life? Learn more on our "Know Jesus" page. . If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 (CSB)
Heart Transplants
November 19, 2019 • Rosemarie Pagano • Jeremiah 17:9–10, Ezekiel 11:19–20, Matthew 15:19
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Just follow your heart!” or “Listen to your heart!” These seem like cheerful, loving sentiments, don’t they? The only problem is, apart from Jesus, our hearts are sinful, and they are definitely not worth following or listening to. . In Jeremiah 17:9, the human heart is described as “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” Later, Jesus said that it isn’t what goes into a man that defiles him, but what comes out of a man (Matthew 15:11). And these are not the only verses in the Bible that refer to the heart! Ultimately, some of the meanest and most evil things in the world come out of the human heart. That means we all have a kind of heart trouble because our personalities come from the heart, the center of our being. . Similar to how cardiac surgeons can remove a failing physical heart and replace it with a healthier donor heart, our Lord can give us new hearts through the Holy Spirit. When we come to Him through faith, He gives us new life. We are born again and given a new nature—a heart transplant (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Great Physician replaces our sinful and stony heart with a heart of flesh. He has been performing spiritual heart transplants for a long time, so no case is too complicated for Him! What good news! • Rosemarie Pagano . • What surprised you in today’s reading? . • If you have questions about what it means to have a new heart through Jesus, check out our "Know Jesus" page. . Then I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 11:19 (NKJV)
Powerful Prayer
November 14, 2019 • Cara Campbell • Exodus 32:7–14, Matthew 6:5–13, John 5:14
We’ve all heard stories of miraculous things happening when people pray. We know from God’s Word that prayer “is powerfully effective” (James 5:16). But perhaps your experience with prayer feels silent. Or maybe God has answered your prayers differently than you expected. So how do we pray in a way that really is “powerfully effective”? . In today’s reading, Moses approached God to plead for his people to be spared after they had sinned against God by building an idol to worship instead of worshiping the one true God. But here’s the interesting part: Moses’ prayer was not just asking for mercy for the people. His prayer was not even for himself, for his reputation as a leader, or for the sake of comfort. . His powerful plea and prayer was for God’s honor and glory to be known. Moses prayed, focusing on God’s faithfulness to the people. He prayed, remembering God’s promises to them. And he prayed his people would be spared from God’s just wrath so that the nations could look on and see God’s powerful hand and marvel at all He had done in and through His people. . What would happen if our prayers were focused on God’s glory rather than our own comfort? What if we prayed with this expectation: “God, I cannot wait to see what You’re going to do here, even if it’s not the answer I want. Show Your strength through me”? . Praying this way takes our eyes off of ourselves and brings them to the One who works mightily on our behalf, even when the outcome isn’t what we hope for. He works in all things and His glory shines, even in our darkest days (Romans 8:28). . So, we can remember what He’s done for us in the past, His faithfulness walking beside us now, and the wonderful hope of His coming kingdom in the future. We can pray expectantly about what He’ll do to show His faithfulness— and His glory—to all who see. • Cara Campbell . • What things are you praying about right now? . • How could you pray for these requests differently by focusing on God’s glory and promises? . This is the boldness which we have toward him, that, if we ask anything according to his will, he listens to us. 1 John 5:14 (WEB)
Unhealthy Healthiness
November 6, 2019 • David Shorts • Colossians 3:2–4, Matthew 6:19–33
I don’t mean to brag, but I’ve had a six-pack (abs, not sodas) on and off for about twenty years. Exercise has become part of my lifestyle. But something I realized about ten years ago was that my weight training had become an obsession. It slowly moved from low priority, to medium priority, to high priority, and finally to, “Life, get out of the way, because I’m working out no matter what!” . This is called an obsession. Even if you don’t work out, I’m still talking to you because obsessions come in many forms. . My obsession may have been about health, but it wasn’t healthy. You see, an obsession is when something takes God’s place as the decision-maker for all other areas of your life—rather than Christ being at the center of all of your decisions. Obsessions can be about anything: appearances, video games, sports, clothes, relationships, etc. Schoolwork can even become an obsession. (No, you don’t get to skip homework tonight.) . The bottom line is this: What do you place your identity in—Christ or something else? Is belonging to Jesus and His kingdom the central reason behind everything you do? If Christ is not your identity, then your life is built on sand (Matthew 7:21-29). . Sure, your obsession may not be about an evil thing, but it can become evil when you believe the lie that it can ultimately satisfy you. Hope, identity, and satisfaction are only found in the Person and work of Jesus Christ (Psalm 107:9; John 14:6; 1 Peter 1:3). • David Shorts . • What obsessions have taken the place of Jesus and His kingdom in your decision-making? . • How can you honor Christ in the activities you enjoy without placing your identity in them? . But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Get Some Rest
November 5, 2019 • Alexis Wohler • Matthew 11:28, Genesis 2:2, 1 Kings 19:1–8
"There will be a test over the material later this week,” Ashley heard the professor say as her class ended. "Will I even have time to study for that test?" she wondered. . She was taking college classes while in high school and working part-time to pay for them. Just as she felt the stress close in on her, her friend Ryan caught up with her in the hallway. “Ashley, wait up. I’ll walk you to your next class,” he offered. . Ashley tried not to show how stressed she was, but Ryan figured it out. “You’re working all week. You don’t think you’ll have time to study for this test, do you?” . When Ashley nodded, Ryan asked, “How about we get coffee after school and quiz each other on the material?” . “Count me in,” said Ashley. . Later that afternoon, Ryan quizzed Ashley at the coffee shop. But her eyes kept closing. . “History records dictate that... Ashley is asleep from exhaustion,” Ryan said, laughing lightly as he touched her arm to wake her up. . “Huh... What? Did I seriously fall asleep? Sorry about that.” . Ryan finally asked her what was wrong. Ashley admitted she was having trouble keeping up with the demands of classes and said she had no one to lean on. . “You’ve got me, Ash. I’m always here for you. If you really need rest, go to sleep early tonight. God can give you rest too, like it says in Matthew 11:28.” . As Ashley studied later that night, Ryan’s kind words and the verse he had mentioned kept coming back to her: “Come to me, all of you who are weary... and I will give you rest.” . She let the words sink in, praying, "Lord, if I’m going to pass this test, I need rest. Please fill me with Your peace." As she finished praying, she felt calmer. She closed her books and finally got some sleep. • Alexis Wohler . • Sometimes it feels like everything in the world depends on us. How does it bring you peace knowing that your life depends on Jesus, not you? . • God created us to need rest, which is why He gave us the Sabbath. What are some ways you can practice intentional rest in your own life? . • Who can you talk to when you feel overwhelmed and exhausted? . Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT)
He Gone
November 3, 2019 • Heather Risher • 1 John 4:10, Exodus 26:31–33, Matthew 27:35–37, Romans 8:39
We are all human and we all sin, so, until we see Jesus face-to-face, there will be times when we mess up (Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 3:18). . When we stumble, slip, and fall, sometimes it seems impossible to find our way back. We let our failures keep us from going back to our forgiving, loving God, giving them far too much influence in our lives. . Have you ever thought any of the following? . • God could never love me after everything I’ve done. . • He’ll never take me back now. . • He’s probably looking down on me now, thinking, “Well, he gone.” . • What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I just get it right? . My friend, let me tell you some truth: you are never too far gone. There is nothing you can do to separate yourself from God’s love in Christ. . We have sinned and will continue to sin; there is no avoiding it. But the good news is that Jesus Christ, who is God, came to live here as a human and die for our sins. When He died on the cross, He took all our sin with Him. He paid the price for our sins so we don’t have to. . Jesus loves us so much that He died for us and will never leave us. Because of what He did, we find our new identity in Him, not in our sinfulness. He will go to the ends of the earth to find us and love us with all His being. . Jesus tore the veil (our sin) that separated us from God (Isaiah 59:2). He rose from the grave and gave us a way to live with Him eternally. . Think about it. We can look at our sin and at that empty tomb and gladly say, “He gone.” • Heather Risher . • What has made you feel like you are too far gone? . • When have you felt this way? Is there anything connecting these times? . • What can you do to remember how loved you are in Christ? . Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 (CSB)
Family Matters
November 2, 2019 • Hope Bolinger • Matthew 12:46–50
If anyone understands messed up families, it’s Jesus. . Imagine the ridicule He received growing up when His neighbors and friends assumed His mother had Him out of wedlock. People at school probably muttered about how neither Jesus nor Mary deserved to live. Their cruel words could have rivaled some of the insults I received from bullies in middle school. . Add to that, His father likely died before He began His ministry. With few occupations available for widows back then, taking care of Mary became Jesus’ responsibility as the firstborn (John 19:25-27). No pressure there, especially on top of the whole Messiah gig. . Not to mention His mother and siblings stormed one of His sermons, likely to tell Him to keep quiet. Even James, Jesus’ brother, doubted Jesus’ true identity as the Messiah until long after His death and resurrection. You heard that right: His own brother didn’t believe in Him. . Growing up, when confronted with constant sibling fights and my parents’ divorce, I hated the meaning of family. To me, family meant slamming doors and shouting matches. I would forget that I have a family bigger than the one in my house. Even though my biological mother and brothers may cause disappointment, my family in Christ gives me hope because, in Him, I always have a family—one that lasts forever, rooted in His promises. . Sure, we mess up. Our Christ-family still slams doors and causes deep hurts. But we all take part in a restoration process. Messed up? Sure. Storming Jesus’ kingdom to tell Him He’s not doing a good job? Guilty as charged. . But Jesus calls us family, walking with us and restoring our broken selves through His death and resurrection. If anyone can turn a messy family into something beautiful, it’s Him. • Hope Bolinger . • Everybody has some brokenness in their family. What kinds of brokenness do you see in your family? Pray for Jesus to restore your family and heal your hurts. . • Maybe your family is also part of your Christ-family. Wonderful! Praise God for that here. But maybe your family doesn’t believe in Jesus. Take time here to pray for them and to ask God to show you how to tell them about Jesus. . For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother. Matthew 12:50 (CSB)
When Fear Takes Hold
November 1, 2019 • Kristi Dennis • Mark 4:35–41, Matthew 6:25–34
"It’s scary.” . “How can I feel safe when all of these things keep happening on the news?” . “What if it happens here?” . “It’s not safe out there. Maybe I should just stay home.” . These are all things we begin to think when fear takes hold. And we’re not the only ones. Jesus’ disciples had a moment when fear was all they saw too. . The storm was raging around their tiny little fishing boat. And what was their Teacher doing? SLEEPING! . The disciples had watched Jesus heal incurable diseases and go toe-to-toe with the religious leaders of the time. But now, in the midst of the storm, while they ran around trying to keep the vessel above water, they said, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” (Mark 4:38). They were so afraid that they forgot that Jesus had called each of them by name (Matthew 4:18-22). When fear took hold, all they saw was the storm. . With just a few words, Jesus calmed the storm. He asked His disciples, “Why are you afraid?” (Mark 4:40). In that moment, the words of His Sermon on the Mount may have echoed in their ears: “Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they?” (Matthew 6:26) . So, when fear takes hold, know that Jesus is the sovereign God in control of even the wind and waves. He is the One who is always with us (Matthew 28:20). And He is the One who promises to one day destroy all that is fearful (Revelation 21:1-5). • Kristi Dennis . • When was the last time fear took hold of you? How did you respond? . • If you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are one of God’s people, who He promises to care and provide for. What are some examples of God’s provision and faithfulness in your own life? What about from history (Hebrews 11:1–12:3)? . • How can you focus on Jesus—and His promises to make all things new—the next time fear tries to take hold? . Consider the birds of the sky: They don’t sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you worth more than they? Matthew 6:26 (CSB)