19 April 2021 – Acts 4:12 (NIV)
Scripture
12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Reflection
In our ever eroding understanding and view of holiness, society’s measure of right and wrong is becoming increasingly warped. This general apathy has led to many believing that there is no need for salvation. For them, heaven surely holds no authority in their lives. The second half of this verse clearly states, however, that “we must be saved.” How then can we share the good news to those whom will not even acknowledge there is nothing wrong? The answer is simple. People need revelation; to see Jesus as Lord. When a person encounters the living Jesus they will be like the man in the parable who found the hidden treasure in the field (Matt 13:44). They will see what they currently possess has no real worth at all and will sell all of their possessions to buy that field knowing the true worth of that plot of land. As a believer in Christ, it is our duty to be a witness (a person with an actual account of something) to the unbelieving world. To testify that Jesus is Lord is to first be a witness of him as Lord.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Lord, we ask you to shield all doctors, nurses, first responders and vulnerable people from contracting COVID-19
16 April 2021 – Luke 24:38 (NIV)
Scripture
38 He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?
Reflection
Jesus appeared to the Disciples after His resurrection and had just greeted them with the words “Peace be with you” (v.36); that’s when He addressed the doubts that were going on in their minds. Unbelief snuck in.
How often, as Christians, we, just like his disciples, are troubled and caught in our doubting thoughts?
It might be time to step back. What is the difference that living for Jesus makes in my circumstance? Am I doubting God’s words, promises and/or character?
Take some time today to ask God to search your heart. If you have found hints of unbelief, confess, repent and repeat the words that the father who came to Jesus for help said in Mark 9:24 – “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Lord we ask you to shield the world from panic and despair as Your Church boldly proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. In this uncertain time, may people find true comfort and peace in their souls as they call upon Your Name.
15 April 2021 – 1 John 3:1 (NIV)
Scripture
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Reflection
In 1 John 2:29, John had just mentioned that those who do what is right have been born of God. “See”, “look”, “behold” … observe intently the great love God has given us – what God has done for us wasn’t just about the salvation of our souls; it was about adoption. You and I are called sons and daughters of the Almighty God! How did that happen? It’s written in John verse 12: 12 ” Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—”
What does it mean to you, to be called a child of God? May God help us to understand that truth in a way that shows in our lives, in our own relationship with Him and in our relationship with others.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Pray this prayer throughout the day, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
14 April 2021 – Psalm 4:7-8 (NIV)
Scripture
7 Fill my heart with joy
when their grain and new wine abound.
8 In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.
Reflection
What does it mean to be filled with the joy of the Lord? David gives us a hint in today’s verses:
– It is not about abundance of grain and new wine; in other words, it is not linked with outward material blessings.
– it’s connected with having confidence in God; a confidence that brings peace and sleep – no anxious thoughts that would keep him awake.
– In God alone we can find it; no one (or nothing) else could keep us in safety.
When was the last time you could honestly say you had joy in your heart? Are you looking for it in the wrong places?
Like David- ask, trust and rest in Him!
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Today, take a moment, wherever you are, to ASK God to move in your life: Share what’s on your heart, asking God to provide, protect and encourage you.
13 April 2021 – Psalm 4:1(NIV)
Scripture
1 Answer me when I call to you,
my righteous God.
Give me relief from my distress;
have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Reflection
In today’s verse David takes on a pleading posture towards God. To call God a righteous God is not much for God’s reminder, but for our own, and to come to Him asking to answer to his needs is to imply that He is the defender of David’s righteousness.
Our God is a righteous God and He is the defender of our righteous cause!
In our time of need and distress we can come to Him. Maybe this word is for you and me today, or maybe it is for us to plead on behalf of those around us.
“If you look at the world you’ll be distressed. If you look within you’ll be depressed. If you look at God you’ll be at rest.” – Corrie Ten Boom
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Think of another person in your life who needs God to move in their situation. Ask for God to be at work. Approach the Lord of all with boldness today, knowing that he delights in you, and those you love.
12 April 2021 – Acts 3:19 (NIV)
Scripture
19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord,
Reflection
If you consider yourself a follower of Christ, at some point in your life you prayed a prayer similar to this one:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Your Name. Amen.”
When we repent, we acknowledge that our way is wrong and that God’s way is right.
Even though Christian conversion is a unique time in someone’s life, our willingness to repent when sin is revealed in our lives and turn to God are a crucial part of our spiritual growth; it affirms the power of the Cross in our lives (the forgiveness of our sins), and it brings time of refreshing from the Lord.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Today, take a moment, wherever you are, to REJOICE in God’s goodness: Read a Bible passage or listen to a song that helps you to connect with God