Have you ever felt abandoned? Left alone to suffer in silence? Jesus prepares his followers for His departure, but He promises not to leave us as spiritual orphans. He promises to come to us and send the Spirit into our hearts so that we always experience His abiding presence and promised peace. In John 14:27, … Continue reading Promised Peace for Troubled Hearts
Good Friday
A Prayer for Good Friday
O Father, at Calvary’s cross, Your grace removes my burdens and heaps them on your Son, who is made a transgressor, a curse, and sin for me. There Christ was all anguish that I might have joy, cast off that I might be brought in, trodden down as an enemy that I might be welcomed … Continue reading A Prayer for Good Friday
Praying through Psalm 23 on Good Friday
Today, my devotional readings brought me to Psalm 23, a most beloved portion of God's Word. On Good Friday, we remember that a sword was awakened against the Chief Shepherd when Jesus was crucified on Calvary's cross (Zechariah 13:7) so that we might experience today and for eternity the intimate, shepherding care of our Lord. … Continue reading Praying through Psalm 23 on Good Friday
A Prayer of Confession for Good Friday
Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and prestige: Be merciful … Continue reading A Prayer of Confession for Good Friday
Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
The cross of Jesus Christ was not something that frustrated God’s plan but served as the ultimate fulfillment of His plan. For who was it that ultimately delivered Jesus to die? Not Judas for money, not Pilate for fear, not the Jews for envy, but the Father for love. The Apostle Peter preaching at Pentecost … Continue reading Owning Our Share in the Guilt and Grace of the Cross of Jesus Christ
Good Friday and The Mystery of the Cross
On Good Friday, it is important to meditate on all that is happening at the cross. We especially need to reflect on the mystery of the cross. Here's one practical lesson on the mystery of the cross from the British theologian, Alister McGrath: "Experience cannot be allowed to have the final word--it must be judged … Continue reading Good Friday and The Mystery of the Cross
Good Friday and Three Truths the Cross Enforces
When the Apostle Peter discovered that Jesus would experience humiliation and suffering, he exploded, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to you." Then, Jesus' offered a devastating rebuke: "Get behind me, Satan, you are a stumbling block" (16:22-23). Jesus reminded him and us that the son of man came to give His life. This … Continue reading Good Friday and Three Truths the Cross Enforces
Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and … Continue reading Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
Psalm 129 sets forth one notable feature of our journey of faith that we’d rather not talk about - suffering. In fact, many religions say that it’s an illusion. For some who profess faith in Christ, it causes them to abandon their journey of faith entirely. Where do we find hope when we suffer? Hear … Continue reading Good Friday – Finding Hope in Suffering
A Worship Guide for Good Friday
Grieving on Good Friday REFLECTIONS O all ye who pass by, behold and see; man stole the fruit, but I must climb the tree; The tree of life to all, but only me: Was ever grief like mine? — From the poem “The Sacrifice” by George Herbert Is it nothing to you, all you who … Continue reading A Worship Guide for Good Friday
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