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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John 12:12-19

John 12:13 NIV — They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

Sunday we celebrated Palm Sunday in Christian churches across the world. Take a moment to imagine the scene the day Christ entered Jerusalem. Think about the sights and sounds. Imagine the excitement. What a day of rejoicing it must have been!

As we walk through this week together I encourage you to examine your response to Christ. Do you meet with him each day with excitement? Are you rejoicing as He enters into worship with you? Joy is the bookends of Holy Week. As we travel with Jesus through His last week on earth, let’s be sure to meet Him daily with praise and thanksgiving.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the opportunity to read and learn about Holy Week. Prepare my heart to be open for new insights and may I respond to Christ with praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Let’s begin our week together by reading the scriptures that will be featured in the upcoming daily posts. Allow God to speak to you through His word.

John 12:12-19 NIV

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

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.

‭‭Mark 15 NIV

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Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week. Spend time praising God and worshipping the King of Kings by listening to The King Is Here by Corey Voss and Glorious Day by Passion.

Read the various versions of today’s scripture.

Psalm 91 KJV

Psalms 91 NIV

Psalm 91 MSG

What do you and I need to be nourished so we will flourish in Christ? As we finish our week on being nourished so we can flourish in Christ, I encourage you to stay dusty. Yes, you read that correctly. I realize that sounds strange so let me explain. In Mark Batterson’s book Draw the Circle he states, “The complete devotion of discipleship is sometimes described as being ‘covered in the dust of your rabbi.’ It was an allusion to the fact that disciples followed their rabbi so closely that the dust of the rabbi kicked up with his heels would literally cover the disciples who followed him.” What a beautiful reason to be dusty. Being covered in His dust is the ultimate goal to being nourished so we can flourish in Christ.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, may I follow You so closely that I am covered in the dust of Your feet. May I always be so dusty that I am nourished and flourish for You! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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John 15:4-5 NIV — Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

How can you and I be nourished so we may flourish in Christ? Today’s scripture instructs us to remain in Christ. Some versions of this scripture use the word abide in place of remain. 

Abiding in Christ is not just praying during our devotion time, but approaching every aspect with prayer and discussing it with Christ as our friend. We must use the lens of Christ to see EACH person. We must work EVERY task with the hands and feet of Christ. Then as a result of abiding in Christ we can better display His image and bear fruit. Abiding in Christ will nourish us so we may flourish.

Let’s pray. Dear God, may I draw close and remain in You. May I be nourished by abiding in You, flourish in Christ, and bear Your fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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