“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16‬:‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is overcome. This photo could symbolize different things. I was able to overcome the challenges of a run. If you live in our area, you may have or have not overcome the pollen. Jesus overcame His journey to the cross. In our key verse, Jesus is talking to His disciples. He is acknowledging the trials we will experience here on earth. He is also saying to “take heart” which means courage and confidence because He overcame the world. I encourage you to read the full passage; John 16:16-33. I also encourage you to take a moment to listen to the Story of the song “Overcome” by Jeremy Camp. Some of the lyrics sing: “We will overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.”

A testimony comes from a test. Jesus knows the trials and tests we are facing. What trial are are you facing today? Do you feel like running from it? God has not abandoned you. What if we courageously ran towards our trial with God? In the message version of verses 31-33: “Jesus answered them, ‘Do you finally believe? In fact, you’re about to make a run for it—saving your own skins and abandoning me. But I’m not abandoned. The Father is with me. I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.’” Let’s pray.

Dear God, I am so thankful You have never left me. Help me to see, even through my trials and tests that You are right beside me. Forgive me for running away. Give me the confidence I need to run towards my trial because I know I can do all things through You. I worship the one that has conquered the grave. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.

“While he was yet speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold, a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭5‬ ‭ASV‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is beloved. In our key verse, God refers to Jesus as His beloved. According to the dictionary beloved means dearly loved. Notice Ray White’s beautiful picture of the sun setting over a church. As you look at this picture I want you to be reminded that we are God’s church and we are His beloved. In 1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭ASV‬‬ we read: “Beloved, now are we children of God, and it is not yet made manifest what we shall be. We know that, if he shall be manifested, we shall be like him; for we shall see him even as he is. And every one that hath this hope set on him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.”

Now read the key verse again. Notice there is a call to action. As His disciples, we are asked to hear God. Hearing involves a relationship with God. Keeping in mind that we are His beloved, I encourage you to really listen to the words of the song, “I Am Your Beloved” by Johnathan David Helser and Melissa Helser. Some of the lyrics sing, “I am Your beloved, You have bought me with Your blood and on Your hand, You have written out my name. I am Your beloved, the one the father loves. Mercy has defeated all my shame.” Let’s pray.

Dear God, I come to You today as Your beloved child. I desire to hear Your voice. Thank You for defeating my shame and loving me. I lift up all those that do not know You. May they see Your love through me. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.” Matthew‬ ‭17‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is dazzling. According to the dictionary, this means extremely bright, especially so as to blind the eyes temporarily. Similar words are extremely impressive, beautiful, or skillful. Have you ever looked into the sun a little too long and then tried to come inside? You start to see spots and are almost blinded for a few minutes. Notice this picture from Ray White. There is a surfer who appears to be staring into the sunrise. If you ask me that is a pretty dazzling place to watch the sunrise.

Over Jesus’ journey on earth, the Disciples had a dazzling view of His life. From His teachings, healings, transfiguration, last supper, death on the cross, and when the Son would rise from His grave. Can you envision the Disciple’s view of Jesus’s transfiguration? This took place just six days after Peter’s declaration of faith in Matthew 16:16 NIV: “Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’” How close is your view of Jesus? Are you on the mountain watching His transfiguration with the Disciples? Are you declaring your faith like Peter? Make today transfiguration Tuesday and be dazzled by Jesus’ light. Let’s pray.

Dear God, Thank You for desiring to have a close relationship with me. Forgive me for the times I have missed seeing and shining your glory. I declare my faith in You. I desire to be so close in relationship with you that I am dazzled by your light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Lord said to Moses, “Tell Aaron and his sons, ‘This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: “‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ “So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.” Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭22‬-‭27‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is shone. This is past tense for shine. Notice the photo by Ray White. A view of the sun rising from a rearview mirror. Rearview mirrors are a great tool for safe driving. However there still can be a blind spot. We might have to turn our heads to the right or left to change lanes. We also have blind spots in our lives where we are trying to connect the dots in the past to understand or figure out what’s next. Good news, we can look to our right and our left with God in Isaiah 30:21 NIV: “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

Looking back at our key verse, we are the Israelites. God has already shone His light on us. He has also given us a new identity in Christ Jesus by putting His name on us. In this season of lent, we are looking back on Jesus’ journey. We are also looking back on our journey. Yes, our past shapes our tomorrow but it doesn’t have to define it. Are you looking to the right and to the left? Are you receiving the grace and peace that only God can give? God has shone His light on our faces. Let’s walk in it and receive it. Let’s go to God in prayer.

Dear God, Thank you for Your light that has shone and continues to shine. Forgive me when I have not looked to You for Your perfect will. I receive Your grace and peace. I make the choice today to walk in it. I will go forward confidently in Your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Today’s Photo-A-Day word is test. Did you always know all the answers on tests in school? Could you predict what the end result of your test would be before you received the grade? I am guessing the answer to both those questions is no. The same principle applies to our everyday lives. You and I cannot see what awaits us at the end of tests and trials. We don’t know what is around the corner or at the end of the tunnel.

So what do we do? We present our requests to God, we trust God, and He sends us peace. Even in the middle of trials, we can count on the promise of peace.

Dear God, Help me to feel Your presence as I endure times of testing. May I hold on to Your promise and trust that Your peace will come. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.