“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10‬:‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s Rethink Photo-A-Day word is hold.

Look at today’s photo by Ray White. The piece of wood appears to be old. It has probably weathered many storms in its life. A tree has roots to hold it in place and keep it grounded as it endures harsh weather or storms.

To what are you holding? Do you have roots holding you in place and keeping you grounded? Today’s scripture reminds us to hold on to the hope we have in Christ.

Today is Maundy Thursday. Have you heard this term before? Do you know what it means? Click here for an explanation of Maundy Thursday. Click here for an example of why the word Maundy is used.

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.

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

Today’s Rethink Church Photo-A-Day word is looking. The definition of look is “direct one’s gaze toward someone or something or in a specified direction”. Which direction are you looking and for what are you looking?

Jesus preached that we should be looking towards God. Over the next few days we will walk with Christ 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 towards the cross of Christ for courage and strength.

Dear God, May I always be looking at 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.

“You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Remove: eliminate or get rid of.

Today’s Rethink Church Photo-A-Day word is removed. Today’s scripture exemplifies how Jesus is in the removal business. As He walked the earth He worked to remove barriers and obstacles.

Often in life, we must have something removed before we can truly see. The story of Paul is an example. Take a moment to learn about this conversion. Click here to read.

As we wind down this season of Lent I ask you to reflect. Did you “give up” or remove something from your life? When you removed it, did you use the loss to remind you of the sacrifice Jesus made for you? If not, it’s not too late. Today ask God to reveal to you a distraction or obstacle that is prohibiting you and your witness for Christ. Ask God to give you the guidance needed to have that distraction removed.

Dear God, Thank You for the sacrifice You gave for me. Open my eyes to any distractions or obstacles that need to be removed. Guide and direct my actions and attitudes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s Rethink Church Photo-A-Day word is early. What do you think of when you hear the word early? Do you think of completing a task prior to the expected time? Do you think of arriving somewhere before you actually need to be there? The word early reminds me of the beginning of each day. Unlike many people, I truly enjoy early morning because that is the hour that I spend in prayer and devotion with God. Do you think Jesus liked the early morning hours when He was here on earth?

I chose today’s photo because the beautiful sunrise reminds me of my love for early mornings as well as my love for the beach. Today’s photo also happens to be the first photo from Ray White that I have saved in my album of his photos. It is a reminder to me of the early days of our partnership and the blessings that have resulted.

Today, spend some time reflecting on what the word early means to you. I also encourage you to remember the early days of your faith and give thanks.

Dear God, Thank You for all the blessings that come from being early. Thank You for the early days of my faith and the blessings that have grown from those early days. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. 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!’” John‬ 12‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s Rethink Church Photo-A-Day word is celebrate. Today many of us will be celebrating Palm Sunday. Click here to read an explanation of Palm Sunday. As you read in the link, some people who were present that first Palm Sunday didn’t understand the significance of Jesus or the significance of the day. We have the privilege of knowing the full story and for that, we can celebrate. Let us celebrate Palm Sunday today and let us celebrate each day of this Holy Week that will lead us to Jesus’ crucifixion, death, and resurrection.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for this Palm Sunday. May I be mindful of Your presence as I celebrate this special day that will lead me to the ultimate Good News of Easter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’” John‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬

Today’s Rethink Church Photo-A-Day word is live. Reread the scripture above and focus on the word live. Do you believe this promise? Do you live your daily life in a way that reflects your belief in Christ and in your promise of everlasting life? Are you sharing the Good News so others can also have eternal life? Spend some time today praying about ways you can share with others the road to everlasting life.

Dear God, Thank You for your Son who gave His life so I can live forever. Show me opportunities today that I can share the Good News with others so they too can live forever. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—”. Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s Rethink Church Photo-A-Day word is give. Monday, as I traveled to Mount Pleasant towards uncertain circumstances, I prayed for God’s strength and comfort. As I glanced up at the sky I saw that the sun and clouds were creating a glimpse of a rainbow. For me it was a gift of hope to remind me of the promises of God. I was reminded of the grace and mercy God so freely gives you and me.

What do I give? What do you give? Today, look for reminders of the grace and mercy God gives you and in turn, examine ways that you can give in His name.

Dear Heavenly Giver, Thank you for the grace and mercy You continuously give me. Open my eyes to ways I can give and reflect Your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.