“And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life” (John 3:14-15)

May 3, 2012

As the bronze snake was a symbol of suffering, so Jesus foretold His intent to take on Himself the source of suffering for the world, which is man’s sin, by being lifted up on the cross.

“Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me” (John 2:17)

May 2, 2012

Jesus is passionate for God’s house. He burns with zeal for it to fulfill its divine purpose. Those who are filled with the Spirit of Christ know this. Because Christ’s zeal for the Church burns within them too!

“Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord” (Psalm 102:18)

May 1, 2012

I’m glad Moses and the prophets wrote. I’m especially thankful that the apostles wrote. The Bible is the single most powerful reason for worldwide literacy. But much more than that, it is the wisdom of God and contains the Gospel by which we are saved. Are you passing the Book on to your children and grandchildren?

“But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12)

April 30, 2012

The amazing adoption that takes place for us who accept Jesus as Lord and Savior! We become children of God! This transaction not only satisfies legal requirements, making us righteous before the Father. It begins a spiritual transformation within us, making us holy like the Father. Ultimately, making it possible for us to spend eternity with the Father!

“Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures” (Luke 24:45)

April 29, 2012

What Jesus did for the disciples after His resurrection, He will do for us. Understanding Scripture requires more than literary wisdom and intellect. It requires spiritual rebirth. One of the marks of an authentic Christian is that Jesus has opened their mind to His Word. Do you love God’s Word?

“Fools make fun of guilt, but the godly acknowledge it and seek reconciliation” (Proverbs 14:9)

April 28, 2012

Psychologists tell us we shouldn’t feel guilty, saying, “Guilt is a relic of religion.” But the Bible says they are fools. Do you know why we feel guilty? Because we are. Rather than denying or medicating our guilt, why not acknowledge it and let the blood of Jesus remove it?

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34)

April 27, 2012

I wonder how many of these prayers Jesus has prayed for us? How many times have we attacked or defamed His body without knowledge? Even more troubling, what about when we have knowledge and know better?

“Sing to the Lord; praise his name. Each day proclaim the good news that he saves” (Psalm 96:2)

April 26, 2012

Plan for today: 1) Sing to the Lord. 2) Praise the Name of the Lord. 3) Proclaim the Gospel News that Jesus saves. 4) Repeat.

“Without oxen a stable stays clean, but you need a strong ox for a large harvest” (Proverbs 14:4)

April 25, 2012

Do you want a church or home that stays clean? Or one so filled with children and new believers that there’s always a mess to clean up? Healthy homes and churches are messy, loud places, where someone is always shoveling and sweeping to keep it clean. But they are full of life and beauty at harvest-time.

“I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32)

April 24, 2012

That Jesus prays for us should not be underestimated. That the One who died for us also lives to continually advocate for us should give us unbelievable joy and confidence. So, repent quickly and return.