Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Colossians 1:16-17
For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

In the beginning, Jesus spoke into existence everything that is seen, like animals and bugs, and everything that is unseen like viruses and atoms. And now, after all these years, even though nothing new is created, He is the One who holds it all together. If He didn’t, our entire universe would disintegrate into chaos. But just like you can trust Him to hold the cosmos together, you can trust Him to hold your life together as well. After all, it’s all for Him anyway.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Tuesday, April 23, 2024
Psalm 104:5
He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved.

Perfect tension. It’s what keeps gravity from the sun pulling one way and the rotation of the planets pulling the other way. That tension keeps every celestial body in its place within the entire solar system. In fact, if we were just a smidgen closer or farther from the sun, the results for life on our planet would change drastically. And since God is the one that set it all in motion, He’s the one that will not allow it to be moved. Which means, if God can work out the very complex details of the universe, He can be trusted with the rudimentary details of your day-to-day life.

Monday, April 22, 2024

Monday, April 22, 2024
Genesis 1:1-3
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.

Light. It was the very first thing God chose to speak into existence in the dark and formless world. And that light pierced the darkness and started to bring form and structure into the void. And now, in your life, when it’s dark and you don’t see clearly what to do…in those moments of confusion and despair, His Spirit will hover close and speak those familiar words to your heart, “Let there be light.”

Friday, April 19, 2024

Friday, April 19, 2024
John 20:19b-21
Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”

After the disciples experienced the crucifixion of Jesus, the last thing they felt was peaceful. Not only was their friend and leader just brutally killed, but now His body was missing, and they were a lot like a boat in the middle of a storm…lost. So, Jesus spoke to the storm in their hearts like He did to the one on the water by saying, “Peace.” His presence brought immediate joy to their hearts, removing their doubts and fears. Yet, Jesus didn’t stop there. He didn’t just offer peace for their own comfort; he empowered them with a purpose.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Thursday, April 18, 2024
Luke 24:15-17
While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?” And they stood still, looking sad.

When Jesus resurrected from the dead, many of His own disciples didn’t truly believe it. In fact, two of them started the long 7-mile journey back home with very heavy hearts. And it wasn’t until Jesus interrupted their walk to Emmaus, that they realized they just went 7 miles in the wrong direction. Thankfully, Jesus gave them a lot to think about on their way back to Jerusalem.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Matthew 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

There’s a saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” And, while He was on earth, Jesus taught His “students” or disciples until it was time for them to step up and follow His example. When the Holy Spirit came upon them, they knew exactly what to do. And it wasn’t to stay in the same place and continue doing the same thing, it was to go into the whole world to make disciples of all nations. Because the Good News wasn’t meant just for the Jewish people, it was meant for all people.