​4-29-22
Today’s devotion is based on John 20:26,” Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
Wouldn’t it be helpful if Jesus would appear while sitting in the ICU waiting room to assure us that dad is in good hands? Wouldn’t it be great if Jesus was there at our side in our lonely, quiet moments, when all others have left us or forgotten about us? Wouldn’t it be beneficial if Jesus was there for us when we’re at our lowest? You know, those times when we start recalling all our mistakes and the internal guilt is tearing us apart.
We might sometimes think the original disciples had it so easy; Jesus was right there, standing in the same room. But keep in mind, in just a matter of weeks, Jesus would ascend into heaven, and his disciples would no longer have his physical, visible presence to assure them. They would have to rely upon his promises. And those promises are just as comforting and dependable for us today as they were for the disciples then.
So, while Jesus may not put a hand on our shoulders, he has put his Word in print, and he puts that printed Word, the Bible, into our hands. There in the Bible, he promises peace—the peace of sins forgiven, the peace only the living Lord Jesus can give.
Please pray with me, Lord Jesus, when I feel weak or alone, remind me that you are near. When I am pressed by a guilty conscience, remind me that you have already paid for my sins. When I hurt, remind me of your love. Help me to share that same love with others. Amen.

​4-28-22
Today’s devotion is based on John 20:26,27 “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”:
Easter evening, Jesus appeared to the doubting disciples and set their minds and hearts at ease. But Thomas wasn’t there. So, Jesus appeared to him a week later. He didn’t have to, but our patient Savior reached out to Thomas and gave him what he was looking for: proof. What was unbelievable wasn’t so far-fetched now that Thomas could see Jesus with his own eyes.
We have doubts, fears, and struggles too. Our patient Savior comes to us with promises that are always reliable. He points us to the cross—proof our sins are forgiven. He points us to the empty tomb—evidence that he lives and that the Father has accepted and approved his payment for sin. He holds out his scarred hands and assures us we have peace with God. No need to act now or make a payment; Jesus already has!
Please pray with me, Lord, strengthen me with your promises in my times of doubt. You died for me. You rose again. You are with me always! Amen.
 

​4-27-22
Today’s devotion is based on John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid.”
Jesus spoke the verse above during a time of great hardship. The Jewish people were living under the strict Roman Empire, and the hearts of many people were far away from God. If Jesus could give his peace to them in their terrible existence, then he can surely offer it to you now.
Because Jesus has also given you his peace, you have good reasons to be hopeful and optimistic about your life during this time. His peace transcends any trouble you might be having, for his peace is eternal.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Lord Jesus, ruler of all the universe, open my heart and mind to accept your peace. Help me be hopeful and trust in your love more and more. I pray for all those living in fear and anxiety that your holy word would lead them to know your peace. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray. Amen

​4-26-22
Peace is so elusive that most people can never find it, no matter how many Christian books they read, films they watch, worship services they attend, no matter how much they pray, read the Bible, or listen to that favorite national preacher. The reason why they can’t is pretty simple. They believe that “God helps those who help themselves.” Most Christians believe that is a quote from the Bible or at least God’s word implies that concept.
God does the opposite. He helps, thus giving peace, to those who are helpless before him. We don’t like that we don’t have anything to do with finding peace in our lives, so we go running after the latest things to help us find peace even though that race to find peace will always fail. Tomorrow I will share what I believe is the most wonderful Gospel statement in the Bible. It might surprise you.

Today’s daily devotion is based on Colossians 3:4, “When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Do you see the personal pronoun in Paul’s words from Colossians 3? “When Christ, who is your life, appears.” Jesus is your life! History shows that even if Jesus had not risen from the tomb, he would still be a wonderful role model and teacher for you. But a living Jesus, who is no longer in the tomb, is by far better. For you see, a living Jesus can keep his promise that you, too, will conquer death. A living Jesus can keep his promise to be with you always, till the very end of the age. A living Jesus can bless you today with his power and presence. Because by faith, he’s your Jesus. He is your life
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Please pray with me the prayer for today: Risen Jesus, my Savior, amid sadness and death in this world, thank you for remaining in my life. When I become anxious and fearful, remind me through the Holy Spirit that you live and that you are my Savior. In your blessed name, we pray. Amen. ​

4-22-22
He has Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
Today's daily devotion is based on Colossians 3:1,2, "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."

When they think about the resurrection of Jesus, many Christians believe that it will pay off in the future, but it does not have a lot to do with their lives as they live them today. That is a shame, for Easter doesn't just mean future good things when we die. It means good things for God's people today. Having an "alive" Jesus leads to us having an "ascended" Jesus, and having an "ascended" Jesus means that right now, today, as we speak, we have a friend in high places! A friend who sits at the very right hand of God himself.

Easter changed the people who experienced it. You can bet that the women at the tomb were never the same after seeing the angels and hearing their message. You can bet that Peter and John were never the same after seeing that Jesus had risen. So also Easter changes us. That leads to a new perspective on our lives right now, for knowing that Jesus is alive changes our focus from downward and inward to outward and upward. We now look to a higher life that's not just waiting for us when we die, but also affecting the way we look at our lives. That is good news, for in him we live as God created us to live.
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Please pray with me the prayer for today: Risen Savior, remind me daily that you sit at the right hand of God, and help me to live my life, setting my mind on things above instead of things below. In Jesus' name. Amen.​

​4-20-22
He has Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
Today's daily devotion is based on 2 Corinthians 9:8,9, "And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
You only need to glance at the news to see that the world, for the most part, is gripped by fear. Prophecies of doom and gloom are pouring all over us from every direction. In the face of such catastrophe, the love of our Lord is needed more than ever.
Now is the time for God's people to rise and shine the Light of God's love to those who are hurting. As God's people, we will not drown in fear but rise above it like an eagle. We may never again in our lifetime have a better opportunity to reveal the grace of God and his generous, all-encompassing love. Make the most of it. Make it count.
Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, help us to remember that you are ultimately in control in these times of crisis. Help us to share that good news with those who are hurting. In Jesus' blessed name, I pray. Amen.