​4-30-23
He has Risen! Alleluia!
Today's devotion is based on John 10:4,5, "When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers."
Jesus talks about himself as the Good Shepherd looking after his sheep. The only responses required of the sheep are to recognize Jesus' voice and follow where he leads them. He promises a rich and fulfilling life. It raises the question of how we identify the voice of our Lord Jesus and recognize it amid other competing voices, the false shepherds that Jesus talks about in the New Testament.
We recognize our Good Shepherd's voice through reading the Bible. Are you finding time to regularly and systematically read through the Bible so that you readily recognize the voice of the Good Shepherd as he leads you?
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for revealing yourself through the Word, your Son. Thank you for the Word written down so we can read it and grow in knowing you. Thank you for your Spirit who keeps speaking your Word into our life situations. Amen.
 

4-29-23
He has Risen! Alleluia!
Today’s devotion is based on Psalm 23, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”
This most well-known of psalms is both introduced and summarized in its first verse: The Lord is my Shepherd, I lack nothing. This simple sentence holds profound and deep meaning – God is with me; I need nothing more.
Without trust in God, we, like sheep who don’t have a good shepherd, are uncared for, living in the shadow of death and fearful about what may happen next. Instead of guidance from a good shepherd, we fall back on our resources and have the potential to lead a ragged life, always wanting more and not knowing how or where to find it.
By trusting the Lord as our Shepherd, we live with his promise, ‘I am with you.’ We know where our lives are headed as we are refreshed, guided, protected, and comforted by God’s love, as shown in God’s Word. Nothing more is needed.
Please pray with me; Dear God, we thank you that you shepherd us through our lives during difficult times and times of peace. We want to feel your goodness and love for each of us as we travel through life to live with you forever. Amen.

​4-27-23
He has Risen! Alleluia!
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 24:25-27, “[Jesus] said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?’ Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.”
On the first Easter evening, two of Jesus’ disciples were traveling to a town called Emmaus. They were sad because Jesus had been killed. They had lost hope. Suddenly, the risen Jesus joined them. But they did not recognize him. Jesus used the opportunity to explain to them that what had happened to him was what God had predicted through the Old Testament prophets. He wanted them to know that their hope in Jesus rested on the solid foundation of God’s Word.
Hope is only as good as the foundation on which it stands. I can hope all I want that the air will hold me up when I jump off the top of a ladder. But since the foundation on which that hope stands is as thin as air, that hope will fail me. On the other hand, when I hope that the concrete sidewalk I’m walking on will support me. The foundation on which that hope is built is as strong as concrete.
The hope that God has given us is built on that same solid foundation. We are not walking on air when we trust that Jesus died and rose to pay for all our sins. We are walking on something far more substantial than concrete. We are walking on God’s Word and his promises cannot be broken.
Please pray with me: Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me a solid hope grounded in your Word. Amen.

​4-26-23
He has Risen! Alleluia!
Today’s devotion is based on 1 Peter 1:18,19: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.”
God says, “You were redeemed . . . with the precious blood of Christ.” How much does God think you’re worth? God thinks you’re worth the blood of Jesus!
Think about it. Something’s value is always determined by what someone is willing to pay. So, what did God pay for you? He paid the blood of Jesus for you. Proving what? Proving that God thinks you’re priceless! Proving that God not only likes you but also loves you! Yes, right now! And that he’ll keep on loving you forever!
Please pray with me: Lord Jesus, I marvel that you were willing to pay the price for my sins, even though it cost you your precious blood. Thank you. Amen.

​4-24-23
He has Risen! Alleluia!
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 24:17-21, [Jesus asked his two disciples who were walking to the village of Emmaus on Easter,] “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?” “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”
Cleopas and his friend lost hope because what they saw was not what they expected. When we are tempted to lose hope because God isn’t doing what we expect him to do, we need to look even more intently at what God truly has promised us. God never fails to do what he has promised. God has forgiven all our sins in Jesus, just as he promised. God always works all things for the good of those who love him, just as promised. God will take all who believe in him to heaven, just as he promised. When we cling to God’s promises, we will always have sure hope in God’s promises.
Please pray with me: Heavenly Father, help me cling to your promises so I never lose hope in what you have promised. Amen.