Philippians 2:1-4 NIV — Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

This past Sunday was Easter. We have just walked through the death of Jesus for our sins and His resurrection which promises us everlasting life. In today’s featured scripture Paul tells early Christians that they should be “like-minded” and “one in spirit and of one mind.” How does that apply to you and I today and what does that look like? Paul goes on to explain that Christians should put others first. Does this not echo Jesus’ commandment in Matthew 22:39 NIV to “Love your neighbor as yourself?” As we walk through this week and move farther away from Easter Sunday, may we not forget the value Jesus placed on relationships. May we each give thanks for the opportunities we have to witness to others by serving Christ through our relationships.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessing of relationships. Help me to be mindful today to put the interests of others above my own. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Spend some time reading and meditating on the scripture for this week.

Philippians 2:1-11 NIV

Philippians 2:1-11 MSG

@biblegateway

Matthew 28:2-7 NIV — There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. 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. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

Spend some time celebrating the risen Savior while listening to these songs. 

Christ the Lord is Risen Today by NCC Worship

Graves Into Gardens by Elevation Worship

Grave Clothes by TRIBL and Maverick City Music

Still Rolling Stones by Lauren Daigle

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭27‬:‭54‬ ‭NIV — When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”‬

Why is today called “Good Friday?” Today shows the greatest love you and I will ever know. Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We have the joy knowing in three days the stone will roll away and the grave will let Him go. Thanks to Jesus washing our sins clean, we are blessed to walk in God’s favor as His children. 

Are you mourning the loss of Jesus? Do you feel the anticipation and excitement of Sunday? This day tends to be an emotional day for many. Do you have stones in your life that need to be rolled away? Don’t know where to start? We can start rolling stones by practicing gratitude. One way of practicing gratitude is keeping a daily gratitude journal and daily writing five things for which you are grateful. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for sending Your son to die on the cross for my sins. Thank You for rolling away the stone and emptying the grave. Help me to roll away the stones in my life so that I can remain close to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

You can read about Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection in Matthew 27: 45-66; 28: 1-10 NIV @biblegateway

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

Why is today called “Maundy Thursday?” It means the washing of feet. It is also known as Holy Thursday. This day Jesus and His disciples shared the last supper, had communion, and Jesus washed the disciples’ feet before going out into the garden to pray. 

During the season of Lent, I started a rock garden. Each day I write a word on my rocks from my Lent devotion book, Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson. When I envision a garden, I think of vibrant flowers, delicious vegetables, and yummy fruits. I imagine the Garden of Gethsemane to be a dirt and rock terrain with some greenery. Each day as I write on my rocks, I am reminded that Jesus walked this earth before me. I desire to remain so close to Him that I feel the dust from His sandals as we walk this life together. How about you? What do you desire? 

Let’s pray. Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Your son to walk this earth before me. I desire to feel the dust from Jesus’ sandals as I daily walk in relationship with Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

I encourage you to listen to “Back to the Garden” by Crowder.

You can read of The Lord’s Supper and The Garden of Gethsemane in Matthew 26: 17-46 NIV @biblegateway

God tells the sun when to rise in ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —  God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Jesus tells the storm to be still in Mark‬ ‭4‬:‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

Through Moses Jesus tells the sea when to split in ‭‭Exodus‬ ‭14‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided.‭‭

Will you allow God to use you like He did Moses? Seeking God’s will can be scary. Just like Moses, God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. He is waiting for you to stand at His door and knock.  

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, thank You for giving me the example of Moses. I desire to do Your will. I stand confidently today and knock at Your door. Here I am Lord, use me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.