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What are you doing for lunch on Good Friday?
Mark 15:27–39 (NASB95) tells us that from noon to 3 p.m., Jesus hung on the cross separated from God the Father, dying for every wrong you and I ever committed:
27 They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.
28 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "And He was numbered with transgressors."
29 Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days,
30 save Yourself, and come down from the cross!"
31 In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, "He saved others; He cannot save Himself.
32 "Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!" Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him.
33 When the sixth hour came (noon), darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour (3 p.m.).
34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is translated, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?"
35 When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, "Behold, He is calling for Elijah."
36 Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, "Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down."
37 And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last.
38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
39 When the centurion, who was standing right in front of Him, saw the way He breathed His last, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God!"
The Son of God spent lunch on the cross so we could feast at the table of God's grace (Revelation 19:7–10). When the temple's veil was torn from heaven to earth, we were granted to dine in the fellowship of God's presence for eternity.
Pray now and today at lunch; let's all pray:
Holy Son of God, My Savior and Lord thank you. Christ my Savior, who did not sin, [You Yourself] bore our sins in [Your] body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by [Your] wounds [we] were healed. For [we] were continually straying like sheep, but now [we] have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls... For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit" (1 Peter 2:24-25; 3:18)... "and while being reviled, [You] did not revile in return; while suffering, [You] uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Yourself} to [God the Father] who judges righteously. Our Jesus gave us an example for us t follow in His steps.
Thank you, Jesus, for spending Your Friday lunch so we can feast with You for eternity. In Jesus' name, amen.
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Daily Devotion
Our hurtful words harm other believers and hurt God.
Ephesians 4:29 NASB95:
"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear."
The apostle Paul reminds the Ephesians that the Holy Spirit dwells so closely with us that the ugly words we speak to other believers grieve the Spirit of God's Son, our Lord Jesus. The word "unwholesome" means "spoiled" or "rotten." Rotten speak spoils unity between believers. Speaking hurtful words to each other grieves the Holy Spirit—Slander, gossip, abusive, and obscene language harm the Christian community. Disrupting the unity of the Christian community grieves the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul reminds us, "... not [to] grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:30-32).
Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me Your Spirit to help me "... walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which [we] have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also [we] were called in one hope of [our] calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:1-6).
Holy Spirit, help us, "... [lay] aside falsehood, speak TRUTH EACH ONE of [us] WITH [OUR] NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another. Be ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on [our] anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity" (Ephesians 4:25-27). Today I will make every effort to be an imitator of God, as His beloved child; and live in love, just as Christ also loved us and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma" (Ephesians 5:1–2). I will think before I speak so my words never grieve the Spirit of God. In Jesus' name, amen.
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Daily Devotion
Praise God for training us today for tomorrow's victories.
Psalm 18:32–34 (NASB95)
"The God who girds me with strength And makes my way blameless? He makes my feet like hinds’ feet, And sets me upon my high places. He trains my hands for battle, So that my arms can bend a bow of bronze."
King David praises God for perfecting his military ability and giving Him victory over his enemies (Psalm 18:1–50). Psalm 18 is a victory song. King David reminds us that we will not have challenges today. If the mountain is never too high, the valley too low, or the river too wide, we forget we can't even walk without God holding our hand (Colbert Croft, Joyce Croft). God used David's battles to strengthen him for a lifetime of service. God uses today's obstacles to perfect our ability to serve Him forever.
O, Lord, my God, For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God (Psalm 18:31). Thank You, Jesus, for strengthening me for today's challenges, by making my path free from fault. In a world of obstacles, only my God makes me like a deer who does not stumble; you help me stand in truth even on the slippery slope of today's ungodly culture. Lord God, please train my hand for today's battles so I am perfected for tomorrow's adversities. “I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, And I am saved from my enemies" (Psalm 18:1–3). Thank You, Lord, "For You are my lamp; The Lord my God illuminates my darkness. In Jesus' name, amen.
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Daily Devotion
Jesus became like us so we can become like Him.
Hebrews 2:17 NASB95
"Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."
In the Old Testament, the high priest was the only one who could enter the holy of holies (the presence of the Holy God) in the temple to offer prayers and sacrifice for the forgiveness of the people's sins. God required the sacrifice of a perfect animal to anyone for sin. The Life Application Bible says, "The costly sacrifice of the animal's life impressed upon the people sinner the seriousness of his or her sin before God." God considered the offering of a sacrifice an act of faith and obedience. He took away their sin and regarded them as clean. The high priest stood between Holy God and sinful people.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ took on human flesh to become like us. Entirely human (Son of Man), Jesus became our representative before God (our high priest). Being fully God (Son of God), Jesus never sinned and was also the perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 10:1–18). Instead of punishing all of humanity, God the Son himself took the punishment we deserve. God the Father accepted Jesus' sacrifice for our sins (resurrected Jesus), so we are forgiven, cleansed, and approved to dwell in the presence of our Holy Father God. Jesus became like us so we can become like Him. When we commit our faith to Jesus' high priestly work on the cross, we become children of God. God welcomes us into His holy presence to live, pray, and enjoy His pleasure and blessings.
Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming like me so I can live eternally with you. "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, [we] hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming like me so that every morning when I awake, I can live a new, resurrected day with God. Lord, forgive me for only celebrating Easter once a year. Every day is Easter with my Superior High Priest. Lord Jesus, because you became human like me, I can pray like you, Father God, not my will, but Your will be done in everything I do today. In Jesus', my High Priest's name, amen.
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Daily Devotion
Thank God for giving us the Holy Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 NASB95
and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, [5] so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.
Paul preached about Jesus and Him being crucified. The Jews could not accept Jesus as Lord, and the Gentiles thought the gospel was too simple-minded to save anyone (1 Corinthians 1:18–31). Paul was beaten and jailed in Philippi, run out of Berea and Thessalonica, and laughed at in Athens because he preached about Jesus living sinless, dying for our sins, being buried, and resurrected, so all believers in Him are given eternal life. Paul reminds the Corinthians that he preached the same gospel message, used the same sermon preparation, and used the same sermon delivery. Yet the Corinthians believed in salvation through Jesus, and their lives had changed.
Paul reminds us who believe in Jesus to thank God for the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit made the difference between the people in Corinth and those in Athens, Thessalonica, Beara, and Phillipi (1 Corinthians 2:3–5; 10–12). You can hear my words but do not know what I am thinking. God gives us His Spirit, so we have the mind of Christ to understand God's words as He intends.
Dear gracious, merciful Heavenly Father, thank you for giving me the mind of Christ so that I understand my sinful plight and Jesus' forgiving and the Holy Spirit's regenerating and recreating power. Thank You, Lord, for teaching me that "... a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. [15] But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. [16] For who HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, THAT HE WILL INSTRUCT HIM? But we have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:14-16).
In Jesus' gracious and precious name, amen.
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Daily Devotion
Let's get dressed in the bond of unity.
Colossians 3:12-15 NASB95
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. [14] Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. [15] Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.
God chose Israel to become a holy nation. God also chooses us to become holy people. Because God chose us for salvation, we should make an intense effort live holy. The apostle Paul uses our wardrobe to illustrate the process of becoming people untied in the bond of holiness. God desires we clean out our closets and replace our old wardrobes. God gives us the Holy Spirit as our fashion designer. Ask the Holy Spirit, and He will help you dress for success.
Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to die for my sins. Thank You, Lord, for showing me my wickedness. Thank you, Jesus, for forgiving me, giving me a new life, and giving me Your Holy Spirit to help me put on a new wardrobe of holiness.
Holy Spirit, help me today clean out the closet of my heart. Help me throw out
anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech from my mouth, lying to others, and other evil practices (Colossians 3:8–9).
Lord Jesus, help me dress with a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I want to roll up my shelves, get along with other believers, and forgive them. When I have a complaint against anyone, I will work extra hard to forgive them, just as the Lord forgave me. Beyond all, these things help me put on love, the perfect bond of unity. I will let the peace of Christ rule my heart, which indeed the Lord my God has called us in one body. I am thankful for my new wardrobe.
In Jesus' name, amen.
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Daily Devotion
Remember to teach the ten principles of a great and wise nation.
Deuteronomy 4:7–8 (NASB95)
"For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as is the Lord our God whenever we call on Him?
"Or what great nation is there that has statutes and judgments as righteous as this whole law which I am setting before you today?
Moses used two rhetorical questions to remind Israel why they would become a wise and great nation and how to maintain their status. Like Israel, America has been recognized as an intelligent and great nation because our country was founded on the ten commandments. We were taught to Love God above all else and love our fellow citizens as we love ourselves. The secret to maintaining the status of intelligent and magnificent among other nations is to teach our children and grandchildren that God blessed America because we obeyed his ordinances and statutes.
Dear gracious, holy heavenly Father, may we "Only give heed to [ourselves] and keep [our] souls diligently, so that [we] do not forget the things which [our] eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of [our] life; but make them known to [our] sons and your grandsons" (Deuteronomy 4:9).
Lord Jesus, thank you for forgiving our forgetfulness. Thank you, Jesus, for constantly reminding us we are a country of redemption. Holy Spirit, help us teach our kids and grandkids how far we have strayed from our God, “But from [here if we] will seek the Lord [our] God, [we] will find Him if [we] search for Him with all [our] heart and all [our ]soul. [And like Israel, [w]hen [we] are in distress and [the Lord has scattered us], in the latter days [we] will return to the Lord your God and listen to His voice. For the Lord [our] God is a compassionate God; He will not fail [us] nor destroy [us] nor forget the covenant with your fathers which He swore to them (Deuteronomy 4:29–31). Lord, thank you for asking me this morning, "Has anything been done like the great forgiveness or been heard of like God's compassion for those who seek and follow Jesus ?" (Deuteronomy 4:32).
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Daily Devotion
Understand the value of finding godly wisdom.
Proverbs 3:15-18 NASB95
She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. [16] Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. [17] Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace. [18] She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy are all who hold her fast.
King Solomon instructs his children to remember his teaching because his instruction will give them years of a peaceful life (Proverbs 3:1–4). Solomon desires for his children to search for wisdom and discover the value of applying God's wisdom to every area of life.
King Solomon traces wisdom for a peaceful life to creation and the tree of life in the garden of Eden (Proverbs 3:18–20). God makes us happiest when we understand the value of living by His wisdom (Proverbs 3:13). Solomon personified God's wisdom saying her reward is more significant than gold, silver, and jewels because nothing God created makes us as happy (proverbs 3:14, 18). For in her hand is long life, riches, a good reputation, a pleasant life, peace, and happiness (Proverbs 3:14–18).
The answer to the question, "where do we find this wisdom?" is found in 1 Corinthians 1::22–25). The Apostle Paul writes, "For indeed the Jews ask for signs, and the Greeks search for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power and wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
Dear Gracious Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to wisdom in Jesus Christ, my Lord. Lord, help me "Trust in the Lord with all my heart and do not lean on my own understanding. In all [my] ways acknowledge Him, and He will make my paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5–6). Help me not withhold good from those who deserve it, devise harm against anyone, contend with anyone without cause, not envy people of violence, but live rightly before the Lord who gives me the wisdom to please my God and Savior (Proverbs 3:27–35). In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Daily Devotion
God loves you too much to allow you to do wrong.
All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.
The earthly father who loves his children does not allow them to go unrestrained. He will discipline them to teach them to do right. God disciplines us for our good so we can share in His holiness (Hebrews 12:10).
God uses the Bible, our circumstances, and other believers to train us to live rightly. When we are uncomfortable in our relationships or circumstances or a Bible passage convicts us, we should ask God what He desires to teach us today.
Dear Gracious heavenly Father, strengthen my weak hands and my knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for my feet, so that the limb which is lame may not be put out of joint, but rather be healed. Help me pursue peace with everyone and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord. I pray that I do not come short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled; that I commit no immoral or godless act (Hebrews 12:12–17). Lord, thank You for loving me enough to discipline me. Although discipline is not enjoyable but sorrowful, I know when I have been trained by it, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness afterward.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Daily Devotion
Pray for everyone to be saved.
Verse of the day; 1 Timothy 2:3-4 NASB95: "This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, [4] who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
God desires to save everyone from eternal punishment. God's genuine love allows us free choice. Some people will reject God's offer of salvation and remain hostile toward Him. God's greater desire for His glory will elect some people to understand their iniquity, Jesus' sinless life, Jesus' substitutional death in their place, and Jesus' resurrection proving God the Father accepts Jesus' sacrifice for our sins. God desires everyone to be saved, but not everyone will accept Jesus' offer of forgiveness and avoid eternal punishment (1 Timothy 2:1–8).
Since we do not know whom God elected to accept salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, praying for everyone to be saved is a good and acceptable prayer in the sight of God our Savior (1 Timothy 2:3–6). Everyone includes political leaders we do not like, even those who are hostile toward God, His will, and His Word. The false teachers who oppose the Bible can come to the knowledge of the truth. People we disagree with can still be saved. Praying for people, who are hostile to God and believers, to be saved helps us "lead to a tranquil and quiet life in all goodness and dignity" (1 Timothy 2:2).
Lord Jesus, I pray that as I encounter difficult people today, I will be quick to pray that everyone comes to understand that there is one God and "one mediator between God and them, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time" (1 Timothy 2:5–6). Lord God, I do not know who will choose Your gracious choice for their salvation; therefore, I will pray for everyone everywhere to be saved. Thank you for reminding me I was selected by God, my Savior, to avoid wrath and dissension with all people by praying for their salvation. I know praying for those I disagree with and dislike will be difficult, but this prayer will be acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. Help Me, Lord Jesus, to be more like You and live a tranquil and quiet life in all goodness and dignity (1 Timothy 2:1–2). In Jesus' name, amen