The Cross – Matthew 27

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Matthew 27:35-44

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“And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.  Then they sat down and kept watch over him there.  And over his head they put the charge against him, which read, “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” “
Matthew 27:35-37

  • Just in a physical sense – write about being crucified.
  • Now imagine feeling, even experiencing every sin ever committed – write about what that would feel like.
  • The bystanders mocked the authority of Jesus. Yet, He knows there is a greater purpose! He could save Himself…instead what does He do for you?
  • Jesus Himself tells us, “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Because of this, we too can overcome. 1 John 5:4 tells us, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” Do you feel like an overcomer? Alone you are not…but with Christ you have the power to overcome the world. Write about it!

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HAVE YOU HEARD IT?
Jeremy Camp
“Overcome”
http://jeremycamp.com/news/overcome-official-music-video-426

He has overcome the world! And in His power you can too!  I will be praying for you!

The Cross – Luke 23

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Luke 23:26

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“And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country,
and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. “

Luke 23:26

  • What condition do you think that Jesus was in as he carried His cross (Matthew 27:27-31)?
  • Put yourself in the place of Simon of Cyrene. What would you have felt as you helped Christ to carry His cross?
  • What insight does this give you as you carry the cross of Christ every day?

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Remember – Christ carried that cross for you!  I will be praying for you!

The Cross – Mark 8

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Mark 8:31-38

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““If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”

Mark 8:31-38

  • As Jesus begins to teach, He shares with His disciples about His death and resurrection. record each of the events Jesus foretells.
  • Peter has just confessed that He believes Jesus is the Christ (Mark 8:29). Yet, he still rebukes Jesus. What is Jesus’ response?
  • What was Peter’s mistake in thinking?
  • Instead, Jesus gives us exactly how we need to think and live our lives…Make a TO DO list using His commands written here.
  • How do we know that Jesus’ call to action is not only for the disciples (see the beginning of verse 34)?
  • Jesus gives you 3 warnings – what are they?
  • How does this effect the way you look at life and what changes do you need to make today to follow Christ as He calls us?

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Take up your cross! I will be praying for you!

The Cross – Isaiah 53

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Isaiah 53:5-6

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“But he was pierced for our transgressions;
he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah 53:5-6

  • According to Isaiah 53:5 why was Christ pierced?
  • Define the word “chastise”.
  • Using the information you gained from defining the word chastise, paraphrase  Isaiah 53:5 b.
  • What phrases convey the entirety of the world’s transgression?
  • What phrase conveys the entirety of what Christ has done for  us all!
  • Within “us all” – is you! He died for YOU! Write a praise thanking Jesus for what he did for you!

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By His wounds you are healed! Live as a redeemed – new creation in Christ! I will be praying for you!

ALL the Days! Psalm 23

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 23:6

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“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”

Psalm 23:6

  • What do you think that is means to have God’s goodness and mercy (Titus 3:3-7)?
  • Surely if you know Christ, you too will dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Read John 14:2-3 and record what Jesus shared about His Father’s house.
  • God’s goodness and mercy extends all the days of your life. Think about that, and  your eternal destiny…does that change the way you look at your life/circumstances (see also Romans 8:28-30)?

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ALL your days are His – from now to eternity! His goodness and mercy follow you! I will be praying for you!

Overflow! Psalm 23

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 23:5

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“You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.”

Psalm 23:5

  • Here David records some of God’s acts of mercy toward him and us. Write them down.
  • When God prepares a table for you in the presence of your enemies, what do you think that says about how He cares for you.
  • Each act of God revealed here is so personal and intimate. What is the result of these blessings.
  • Record some of God’s blessings in you life. You may be overwhelmed, lost, or broken…but God’s abundant life is yours if you will accept it. (see  James 1:17, John 3:16, Matthew 28:20, Psalm 139:13-16)

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When we trust in God, our glass is not half full…but overflowing with blessing!   I will be praying for you!

Saturday Proverb

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Proverbs 3:5-6

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths”

Proverb 3:5-6

  • Write about what it means to truly trust in the Lord.

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Trust!  I will be praying for you!

Do Not Be Afraid!

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 23:4

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“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4

  • When you know Christ, are you ever alone (Matthew 28:20)?
  • For this reason, as we walk through difficult times, trials, evil, and even death what should our attitude be?
  • Read Romans 8:9-11, Write the reasons that you should have no fear.
  • He is with you…pour out your heart to Him – His rod and staff comfort you. Trust in Him – nothing can snatch you out of His hand. (John 10:27-28)

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Say it – “I am not afraid” ! Say it again! Remember Christ is with you!  I will be praying for you!

Which Path Do You Choose?

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Ask the Spirit to guide you as you read God’s word for today. Remember to read the entire passage

Psalm 23:2-3

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“He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.”

Psalm 23:2-3

  • Picture your day yesterday, then picture yourself being led by the Lord as in verse 2. Where does He take you? What is the difference?
  • He is the shepherd, you are the sheep. Which path specified here does he walk you down?
  • What is the purpose in His  path of righteousness?
  • When people choose not to walk in His ways it is not peace that results (Romans 1:21-23). Consider the Israelites who did not trust God on the path He chose for them. What is the result (see Deuteronomy 1:26-35) of either of these paths?
  • God’s path brings rest, renewal and righteousness and you bring Him glory when you walk in His will. You have a choice today…which path do you choose? Write about it. Ask God to take charge of your day…today and every day!

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May His path of righteousness and still waters be yours today and every day!  I will be praying for you!