Galatians 1:10 NIV — Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

What God-given titles do we share? We are children of God, chosen, loved, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, strong, and accepted. How often do we sacrifice our titles because of indiscipline, pride, and hate. Are we trying to please people? Or seeking the applause of One. The Apostle Paul gives us clear instruction in today’s key verse.

Is people pleasing a stumbling block? Consequences can include, it may not be an assignment from God or overwhelmed to the point that important areas of our lives get neglected. If it is for our own applause, we can be left disappointed. We should seek to please no one other than the creator of this beautiful beach displayed in today’s photo. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, I call upon Your name and humbly come before You. I surrender my Earthly titles over to You and ask that You help me to walk in the titles You have given me, child of God, chosen, loved, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, strong, and accepted. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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Jesus was given a written title for His charge against him before he hung on the cross for our sins. In Matthew 27:37 NIV it was “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” In Mark 15:26 NIV it was “The King of the Jews.” In Luke 23:38 NIV it was “This is the King of the Jews.” In John 19:19 NIV it was “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.” His title was on trial that day.

Jesus could have easily come down from the cross to prove it all. He was mocked to do so in Matthew 27:42 NIV — “‘He saved others,’ they said, ‘but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him.’” 

In order for us to testify and truly believe His title, the scripture had to be fulfilled. The soldier that pierced his side after death testified to His title in John 19:35 NIV — The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. 

Our sins were nailed to the cross that day. Once we have asked Jesus to live in our hearts and forgive us of our sins, it is our job to declare and share our new titles as we read in Romans 10:9 NIV — If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, I call upon Your name and humbly come before You. I surrender my Earthly titles over to You and ask that You help me to walk in the titles You have given me, child of God, chosen, loved, blessed, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, strong, and accepted. In the Name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

Easter Sunday is a day of celebration that Jesus has risen and is alive. How do you celebrate? Gatherings have changed over the years as the family has gotten older and many have passed away. For many years now we have gathered in a family member’s home for an early evening potluck with all the family favorites. 

Take a moment to think about what an empty grave personally means to you. How is this a celebration in your life? The following verses are a personal invitation to see Jesus’ empty grave in Matthew 28: 5-6 NIV —  The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” 

Take a moment to enjoy Ray’s photo. With every rising sun, we are blessed to receive an invitation to celebrate our Risen Lord. I encourage you to worship and celebrate with the following songs:

Empty Grave by Zach Williams

No Body by Elevation Worship, ft. Jonsal Barrientes

‭‭Mark 15 NIV

Take a moment to read this article by Christianity.com titled What Is So Good About Good Friday? for an explanation.

Today I encourage you to spend some time mourning the death of Christ. Reflect on the reality that Jesus suffered and carried your sins to the cross. What does that mean for you? Do you live your daily life in a way that exhibits your appreciation for this gift from Jesus? Have you shared the gift of Christ with someone else? Without Good Friday there would be no Easter Sunday. Watch this video for a Good Friday Prayer. Be sure to finish out Holy Week by joining us on Sunday for the resurrection of Christ.

Dear God, Thank You for Good Friday. Thank You for sacrificing Your only Son for me to have eternal life. Keep the image of the draped cross in my mind today so I may experience a small portion of Your grief. May all that I say and do today reflect the love of the cross. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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In John 13:34-35 NIV Jesus said to His disciples — A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Today is Maundy Thursday. Have you heard this term before? Do you know what it means? Take a moment to read this article from Christianity.com titled What Is Maundy Thursday? for an explanation. Watch this video for a Maundy Thursday Prayer.

As you go about your day, reflect on the events that happened thousands of years ago. Remember the promises Jesus made to us and hold on to the hope we have in Him.

Dear God, Thank You for the hope I have in Christ. Guide my thoughts today as I remember the events of the Last Supper. Continue to usher me through the events of Holy Week that ultimately lead me to eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭33‬ ‭NIV — But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

What is Holy Week? Holy Week is the week leading up to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Over the next few days we will walk with Jesus through the events that led up to His crucifixion, death, and resurrection. I invite you to be looking closely at the face of Christ as He walks towards the cross to die for you. Seek God’s insight and wisdom as God also watches His only Son suffer. As you give thanks, step out of your personal comfort zone and share the Good News with someone in your life. As you walk on water today, be looking toward the cross of Christ for courage and strength.

Dear God, may I always be looking toward You. Thank You for what this Holy week means to me as a Christian. May I continually seek Your strength as I step out and share Your love and mercy with others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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