More than Sparrows
April 18, 2020 • Anita Seavey • Matthew 6:25–34
"What will you do after you graduate?" . If Ashlynn heard those words one more time... . She rubbed her forehead with tired fingertips. As the computer loaded yet another search for college options, Ashlynn groaned. If only she knew which way to choose. . “Ash!” The back door slammed, and a set of blond pigtails peeked around the corner. . “What do you want, Gwen?” Ashlynn said as she began clicking results. . “Come and swing,” Gwen said. “You’ve been on there all day.” . Ashlynn paused, her fingers hovering above the keyboard. The thought of researching another college made her want to gag. She relented. “Let’s go.” Both girls darted from the house, bursting out the door and into the warm sunshine. . Ashlynn followed Gwen to the big oak tree with the homemade swing. Fresh air filled her lungs and washed the heated flush from her cheeks as she gave her little sister a shove. Gwen soared into the air. . Just then, a flutter at the base of the tree caught Ashlynn’s eye. She glanced down to see a featherless baby bird huddled in the grass. . “Gwen, look at this,” she said, crouching to take the tiny bird into her palm. . “Oh.” Gwen stopped swinging. “Is it lost?” . Ashlynn spotted an empty nest in the branches above her. “Let’s get it home.” She slipped the baby bird into the pocket of her sweatshirt, then scrambled up the tree and placed the baby bird inside the nest. . “Right where it belongs,” said Ashlynn as they watched the mother bird arrive to care for her baby in a flutter of wings. . "If God cares for the birds," Ashlynn thought, "He cares about what happens to me too. I’m not alone in my college search. Jesus will place me right where I belong." • Anita Seavey . • Do you ever worry about your future? Have you asked God for wisdom (James 1:5)? . • What people in your life can give you Christ-centered wisdom about hard decisions? . 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)
Where Is Jesus?
April 13, 2020 • Janise Anderson • John 20:1–18, Matthew 28:6
Where is He? Where is Jesus of Nazareth? Where is our crucified King? We’ve come to mourn Him, to weep and wail. On Friday, we watched Him die. This world bullied Him, beat Him, broke Him. Man drove cruel nails through His hands and feet, Raising Him on a cross of splintered wood. Our Lord could’ve saved Himself— Thousands of angels waited at His command. But He didn’t call them down. Where is our Jesus? Where is our Teacher and Friend— The One we saw die a horrible death? Have you carried Him away from this tomb? Tell me where His body lays—that I may go to Him. He is not here? He is risen? Our King is risen? Jesus Christ lives! Joy and fear overcome me. I tremble at the thought—our Lord vanquished death. He alone is our hope and salvation. Our King is not here. He is risen! • Janise Anderson . • What does the resurrection mean for you personally? . • Why didn’t Jesus save Himself while on the cross? . • How can you share this story of hope with those around you? . He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying. Matthew 28:6 (WEB)
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)
The Guard
April 12, 2020 • Kevin Zeller • Matthew 28:1–10, Mark 9:31
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’ 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)
Worst Saturday
April 11, 2020 • Kevin Zeller • Luke 24:1–8, Matthew 12:40
It was the worst Saturday ever. . The sun had come up, and the birds were still singing just like any other day. But to Jesus’ disciples, the whole world had been destroyed. Jesus had died on a cross. . The disciples were alive, but their hope was gone. . Of course, their people had felt this sorrow before. Several hundred years earlier, a savage empire had invaded Jerusalem, sacking the city, taking the people captive, and destroying the temple. That day, too, was like the end of the world. . But the prophets had said there would be a restoration. They had said God had promised to save His people from sin and death and restore them to the land. The disciples had thought—had known—that Jesus was the promised King who would restore the kingdom. . All the signs were there. He had performed miracles, spoken and taught with authority, and even raised the dead. . Now He couldn’t do any of those things. What is more, they had lost a friend and the only One who would teach them. Had they misread the signs? Was God angry with them for having followed a false teacher? Or did God even remember His people and His promises? . They didn’t know that the next morning, the story wouldn’t just be continued, but ended. That Jesus would win so unexpectedly and decisively. That He would fulfill all the promises made to His people. That He would do what was literally impossible... and rise from the dead. • Kevin Zeller . • Have you ever felt like your whole world was destroyed? . • What sorts of resurrection promises can you find in the Old Testament of the Bible? . • Read John 11:25, 1 Corinthians 15, and 1 Peter 1:3-5. Because of Jesus’ resurrection, what hope do we have as Christians? . For as Jonah was in the belly of the huge fish three days and three nights, so the Son of Man [Jesus] will be in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. Matthew 12:40 (CSB)
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)
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’] 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)
Being a Light
March 20, 2020 • Natalie Gilkinson • Genesis 1:27, Psalm 139:13, Matthew 5:14–16, Proverbs 22:2
Bullying. It’s painful to experience. But here’s the thing: I don’t know bullying’s pain because I’ve been bullied. I know its pain because I have been the bully. . I’ve made fun of people. I’ve gossiped about people I didn’t like. I’ve secretly judged the so-called “losers.” But, because I was a Christian, I thought I was different from bullies. I wasn’t one of those people, right? But I was one of those people. I was a bully. . It took a long week—full of conviction, tears, and prayer—for Jesus to help me see that reality, changing my life and outlook. I realized I wasn’t just hurting the people I was mocking, teasing, gossiping about, and hating. I was hurting Jesus, the One who died for my sins, including bullying. I was not acting like I belonged to Him. I was taking God’s creations, made after His own image, and raising myself above them. Like I was better than them. . But I’m not. I’m a sinner, and I need Jesus’ grace—just like everyone else. Bullying is a sin because it forgets that every person was created in God’s image. Basically, making fun of other people is hating on God and His good creation. . As I sought to turn away from the sin of bullying, Jesus was with me—working in me to make me more like Himself. I apologized to the people I hurt. God was humbling me so I saw myself not as better than others but as equal to them in God’s eyes. I started to see people as wonderful, interesting creations of God Himself, even becoming friends with people who were still being hated on by others. . No matter how badly we’ve messed up, Jesus can restore us and use us to become a light to others who are struggling. He redeems us from our brokenness and gives us the opportunity to share His love and truth with others. • Natalie Gilkinson . • Why is it important that (1) God created all people in His image (Genesis 1:27) and (2) we are all sinners in need of Jesus (Romans 3:11-12, 23; 6:23)? How do these truths affect the way we see those around us? . • If you are a bully, are being bullied, or are seeing bullying happen, who is a trusted adult you can talk with about it? . • If you have questions about sin and how it affects all of us, check out our "Know Jesus" page. . Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all. Proverbs 22:2 (NIV)
Worry Wars
March 12, 2020 • Esther M. Bailey • Matthew 6:25–34, Philippians 4:6–7
Maybe you’re like me. If you grew up in the church, it might be second nature to pray about everything. After all, you want to share whatever is going on in your life with Jesus, your Best Friend. . So you ask God to help you face the challenges at school. Will you be able to pass the algebra test? What about physics? English literature? . You pray about your relationships. Why can’t adults remember what it was like to be a teen? Can the misunderstanding be healed between you and a former friend? . Worry steps up with every question. . I have an exercise to help me deal with anxiety. I mentally place my worry in a box and tie the box with red ribbon. I give the package to God and experience a tranquil moment. . But, sometimes, another question pops into my mind, and I grab back my worry. After more prayer, I place the situation in God’s hands to regain a sense of peace. But the cycle repeats. Again and again. . One night, the worry war went into overtime. My exercise wasn’t working. Exhausted, I finally said, “God, I can’t give you my worry. Just take it, please.” Then, the anxiety of that evening lifted, and I drifted off to peaceful sleep. . In the daily battle of worry, turn to Jesus, who walks beside His people, who has experienced the hurts of this broken world, and who promises to one day destroy sin, death, and suffering completely when He returns (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 21:1-5). • Esther M. Bailey . • Anxiety is a complicated and often lifelong issue and sometimes requires counseling, medication, or other treatment. Don’t be afraid to ask for help—from God or from the people He’s put in your life. When you struggle with anxiety, who is a trusted person—such as a pastor, counselor, or friend—you can talk with? . • What are some things you are anxious about? Talk to God about them in the space below. He cares about you and your needs (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7). . • As Christians, we are never alone (Matthew 28:20). Read Matthew 6:25-34. What truths from this passage stick out to you? . • We live in a broken world where anxiety is a reality. The good news is that Jesus’ death and resurrection were the beginning of the end of suffering for His people. Jesus’ death destroyed the power of sin, and His resurrection destroyed the power of death. Anxiety will not have the last word for those who put their trust in Jesus, who promises to return to complete what He started—to free His people from sin and death (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24; Revelation 21:1-5). How can these promises give you hope during lifelong struggles? . • Come up with an activity to fight worry or anxiety, such as singing a truth-filled song, taking a walk, making a list of things you’re grateful for, or planting a flower and marveling at God’s creativity. . • If you need someone to talk to, you can set up an appointment for a one time complimentary phone consultation with a Christian counselor through the Focus on the Family Counseling Service. . In the United States, call 1-855-771-HELP (4357) weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Mountain Time) to set up an appointment. . In Canada, book your appointment by calling 1-800-661-9800 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and ask to speak with the care associate. . Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6 (NIV)
Where's Your Treasure?
March 4, 2020 • Cheryl Elton • Matthew 6:19–21, Matthew 6:31–34, Colossians 3:1–3
Tales still circulate today of $50,000 in English gold coins buried in the mountains of upstate New York during the French and Indian War. Who doesn’t love a good story of buried treasure? . In Matthew 6, Jesus speaks of treasures too, saying we’re not to store them up on earth, but in heaven: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (verse 21). Treasures are what we value most—often what dominates our thoughts, hearts, and actions. . If our thoughts and hopes are centered on things other than Jesus, our lives will be plagued with worry and despair. Everything other than Christ is ultimately not dependable and—like moth or rust—is in a constant state of change and decay. . So how can God become what we treasure or value most? How can we rest in His promises when we’re tempted to find hope somewhere else? . 1. Make Jesus the center. As Christians, Jesus is the center of our lives because the Holy Spirit is transforming us to be like Christ (Romans 8:9-14). We grow deeper in our knowledge of who He is through prayer and by studying His Word, the Bible—individually and with other Christians. So, as we go about our days—instead of letting sin-fueled, worry-driven choices steal hours of the day—we can focus on Jesus, the only One who can satisfy us. . 2. Be mindful of His presence. Jesus is with us (Matthew 28:20). Remembering His presence helps us stay in tune with Him as He works in our lives. . 3. Serve. Look for ways to love others. An important way to reflect God’s image is to love others through service to them (Matthew 22:36-40). . Jesus is our treasure, and that means all other treasures must be centered on who He is and what He has done. Otherwise, those treasures will become worthless. Therefore, the place to put our hope is in Jesus, the treasure in heaven. • Cheryl Elton . • What things does your heart treasure? Do you rely on these things more than on Jesus? When you’re tempted to find hope and security in your stuff, what promises from Jesus can you cling to (Hebrews 13:5-6)? . But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves don’t break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (CSB)
When the Walls Start Closing In
February 25, 2020 • Rosemarie Pagano • Isaiah 49:13–21, Matthew 10:29–31
My cellphone was set to full volume—there was no way I could miss this call. A small tech company had expressed interest in hiring a freelance writer to create promotional material for a new app, and they were considering me. . What an impressive addition to my writing portfolio! Actually, it would be the only addition so far. I was just starting out. I could pay my electric bill and get a long overdue haircut. My mind was churning out ideas and making plans and… then they called. . They had changed their minds and gone with someone else. No reason, no explanation, just a big *no.* . The disappointment washed over me like a mini tsunami. I didn’t know what to do, so I called out to the Lord. He reminded me of Isaiah 49:16: “Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.” . My walls were closing in on me. Fear gripped me. I didn’t know how I was going to pay my rent or bills. I didn’t even know whether another opportunity was around the corner… or miles down the road. . What I did know was in God’s Word: His promises in Christ. The Lord knows exactly what is going on with me. Every detail. Every moment. He has helped me through tough times and disappointments before and will again because He loves me. He is in control and will work out the details. Nothing can stop His good purposes; His kingdom will never be shaken, and His people will never be outside of His loving presence and care (Romans 8:28, 37-39). . So, when the walls start closing in, we can go to the Word—God’s love letter to us, His people. • Rosemarie Pagano . • In Isaiah 49, God comforts His people who are in exile. He promises to be with them in their hurt and to one day restore them from their sin and brokenness. Read Matthew 28:20 and Acts 3:19-21. As Christians, how do Jesus’ promises to be with us and to restore us from sin and death affect the way we view the tough circumstances we face? . • How can you remember these promises when you are overwhelmed by a mini tsunami of disappointment, fear, or sadness? . Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Isaiah 49:16 (CSB)
Burnout
February 23, 2020 • Naomi Zylstra • Matthew 11:28—12:8, Genesis 2:2–3, Exodus 20:8–11
Life’s busy—we all know that. Between school, friends, and extracurriculars, by the end of the day, we’re burned out. And then we have to start homework. . God knows our lives are busy. That’s why He created Sabbath. God invented all kinds of rhythms in nature. Night and day, the different seasons, and the tides of the ocean all show patterns in creation. The cycle of work and rest is another one of those patterns. . In the beginning, God showed us how to schedule rest into our hectic lives. In Genesis 2, it says God not only rested on the seventh day of creation but also “blessed the seventh day and made it holy” (Genesis 2:3). God even takes it one step further: rest gets its own commandment in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:8-11). . Jesus did not save us so we could work until we burn out. Instead, He died and rose again to save us so that we could live joy-filled lives in the rhythm of God’s grace—because of what *He* did. We are made to live in a rhythm of rest and work, acknowledging that, as created humans, we are dependent on God the Creator and Jesus our Savior. . So, how do we practice Sabbath? The simple answer: plan ahead. It sounds difficult to think a whole week ahead, but it makes finding time to sabbath much easier. . Next, find something that is restful to you. That might mean taking a nap or going for a hike, but it should be rooted in restfulness. . Finally, seek God in your rest. The Sabbath is a great day to recenter yourself on Jesus, trusting in Him enough to take a break. This is why Christians typically gather together on their Sabbath day—to remember together that Jesus is the One who gives them rest. • Naomi Zylstra . • What things do you find restful? What would a Sabbath look like for you? . • Different Christian churches get together on different days of the week, and your Sabbath day might fall on a different day than the day you go to church. Read Colossians 2:13-17. Why are we free in Christ to rest and gather on different days? . Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
Bird Food
January 26, 2020 • Melissa Yeagle • Matthew 6:25–34, Philippians 4:6
Did you know that all birds do not eat the same kind of bird food? Some birds don’t even eat birdseed! . Woodpeckers prefer to eat suet cakes as opposed to plain birdseed. Finches don’t like plain birdseed either. They prefer thistle seed or black oil sunflower seeds. Hummingbirds and orioles prefer to eat bugs, and they also like sweet treats like grape jelly, nectar, and orange slices. Crows and ravens prefer not to go to the bird feeder at all. Instead, they prefer to eat from a compost pile, or they will sometimes eat nuts scattered on the ground. . God created each bird a little bit differently, and He knows them all personally. He knows what they like and want to eat. He puts them in areas of the world where they can get it. They don’t have to worry about where they’re going to eat. . What do you worry about? Do you worry if you will have enough to eat, pass the test, or have someone to sit with at lunch? It’s normal to worry about some things, but it’s what we do with our worry that matters. We need to take all of our worries to Jesus, who is God the Son. He knows what we need and wants us to depend on Him. We can come to Him first with our problems, believing He is loving, trustworthy, and good. . In today’s Bible passage, Jesus talks about how God the Father takes care of the birds and makes sure their needs are met. In turn, He will take care of us, His people. Just like different birds eat different kinds of food, each Christian has different needs. God knows each of us personally and will provide for our needs. We can trust Him to care for us and to make every wrong right in the end, knowing He is with us no matter what we face. • Melissa Yeagle . • What are some of your needs right now? Talk to God about them in the space below. . • Reread today’s Bible passage. What promises does Jesus make to His people? . Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6 (NKJV)
Dream Big
January 13, 2020 • Abby Ciona • Proverbs 3:5–6, Matthew 28:19–20, 1 Corinthians 10:31
A lot of us had big dreams as kids: to be astronauts, singers, chefs. But where do those dreams go when we’re older? As Christians, we have a great calling: to follow Jesus wherever He leads us, including using the talents and dreams He has given us for His kingdom. . God often uses our dreams and talents to show us where He wants us to go. God has put dreams in many of our hearts. Maybe you’re thinking of one right now. You can use that dream to bring glory to Him. . My whole life, I’ve dreamed of being an author. In the past few years, I’ve discovered how perfectly this dream aligns with the gifts and abilities God has given me. And while I love writing, it takes a lot of effort and struggle to write a book. Often I find myself thinking, *Am I even the right person to be doing this?* . It’s hard stepping into the unknown, but God never said it would be easy. Instead, He promised to be with His people wherever we go—in the successes and the failures—as we use the gifts He has given us for His kingdom. . My writing, like any dream, will involve hard work and highs and lows. But I can trust God through it all because He is the greatest Author, He is the Creator, and He has a plan more incredible than any story we could ever write. . Someday we’ll look back on the trials we face in seeking to serve God, and we’ll see His incredible handiwork. Following God in the dreams He has given you will be hard but so worth it...because His kingdom will never be shaken. • Abby Ciona . • What are some of your talents and gifts? . • As a Christian, when you fail or face disappointment, how does Jesus carry you through (Ephesians 2:8-10)? . • Whether your God-given dream is to become a missionary to a foreign country, a world-class chef, a stay-at-home parent, or a hard-working plumber, you can use your talents for God’s kingdom. How is God glorified in all of these callings? . So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
Peter's Perspective
January 8, 2020 • Natalie Crowe • Matthew 16:13–17, Matthew 17:1–8
Peter finished climbing the mountain. He glanced at the other three with him: John, James, and Jesus. What will the Lord show us this time? he wondered. . All of a sudden, Jesus’ skin and hair and garments started to glow, shining like the sun. He looked even more powerful than He usually did. Even His face glowed in royal glory, like a prince. . In a flash of light, two more men appeared at Jesus’ side and started to converse with Him, as though He shined so dazzlingly every day. Somehow, Peter knew they were the legendary Jewish prophets Moses and Elijah. The three talked with one another as though they were old friends, while the disciples cowered on the ground. . Peter had an idea. He stood up. “Lord,” he said, “it is a good thing that we are here! We shall build three tents for you, Moses, and Elijah to stay in!” . Suddenly, a deep voice boomed from the sky: “This is my Son with whom I am pleased! Listen to Him!” . Peter fell to the ground again, trembling with the other disciples. They stayed there for a moment, shaken. Then, Peter felt Jesus touch his shoulder. “Stand up, and do not be afraid,” He said. Although Peter was still terrified, he trusted the Lord and stood up. The first thing he noticed was that Jesus was no longer glowing—and, the second, that Moses and Elijah were gone. . The Lord had truly shown His glory and magnificence to the three disciples. Peter knew in that moment that Jesus was the long-prophesied Messiah and the fulfillment of every precious promise from God. • Natalie Crowe . • In Matthew 16, Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, acknowledges Jesus is the Son of God (a name pointing to His divinity) and the Messiah (or Christ), the promised Savior from sin and death. Then, Peter witnesses the event in today’s devotion, known as the Transfiguration. How do the events in today’s Bible passages show that Jesus is God and the promised Savior? . • Do you acknowledge Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior? To find out more about what this means, check out our "Know Jesus" page. . Simon Peter answered and said, “You [Jesus] are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:16 (NKJV)