April 1st, 2024
by Tony Stephens
by Tony Stephens
Day 1: Christ's Lordship Over Our Hearts
The heart's throne belongs solely to Jesus Christ. When individuals attempt to rule their own lives, they usurp a position that is not rightfully theirs, which can lead to spiritual disarray and destruction. True peace and fulfillment come from recognizing that Jesus is the only one worthy of ruling our hearts. By surrendering to His lordship, individuals open themselves to the fullness of His love and grace, which transforms lives and brings about a deeper sense of purpose and joy. This act of submission is not a one-time event but a daily practice of choosing His will over personal desires, acknowledging His rightful place as King.
Matthew 6:33 ESV
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Love
Love is the most potent force on earth, and it is exemplified supremely in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. When Jesus' love reigns in a person's life, it compels them to live sacrificially for others, reflecting His love in every interaction. This love is not passive; it actively seeks the well-being of others, often at a personal cost. It is a love that forgives, serves, and uplifts, mirroring the way Jesus interacted with those around Him. By allowing this divine love to guide one's actions, it becomes possible to impact the world in meaningful ways, creating ripples of kindness and compassion that can transform communities.
1 John 3:16-18 ESV
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in a practical way to someone in your community this week?
Day 3: Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, confirming His teachings and His divine authority. It is the evidence that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, providing believers with the hope of eternal life. This miraculous event is not just a historical fact to be acknowledged; it is a truth that should shape every aspect of a believer's life. Living in the victory of Jesus' resurrection means embracing a life of hope, courage, and purpose, knowing that death has been defeated and that life in Christ is everlasting. As followers of Jesus, there is a responsibility to share this good news and to live in a manner that reflects the power and hope of the resurrection.
Romans 6:4-5 ESV
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace and live out the hope of the resurrection in your daily life?
Day 4: Setting an Example for the Next Generation
The influence of one's life on children and others is profound. It is essential to set an example that prioritizes Jesus above all else. This means aligning actions with faith, creating a consistent testimony that can guide others toward Christ. When children and those influenced see a genuine display of faith, where decisions and lifestyle reflect a commitment to Jesus, it provides a powerful model for them to follow. Living authentically requires intentionality and a willingness to examine one's life critically, ensuring that every aspect aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What is one way you can model the priority of Jesus in your life to your children or someone you mentor?
Day 5: The Significance of Baptism and Communion
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are not mere religious rituals; they are vital practices that signify a believer's trust in Jesus and serve as reminders of His death, resurrection, and the new life found in Him. These sacraments are public declarations of faith, reinforcing the commitment to follow Jesus and embody His teachings. Participating in baptism and communion connects believers with the broader Christian community, past and present, and strengthens their resolve to live out the Christian faith authentically and wholeheartedly.
1 Peter 3:21 ESV
"Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper personally remind you of your commitment to Christ, and how can you honor that commitment today?
The heart's throne belongs solely to Jesus Christ. When individuals attempt to rule their own lives, they usurp a position that is not rightfully theirs, which can lead to spiritual disarray and destruction. True peace and fulfillment come from recognizing that Jesus is the only one worthy of ruling our hearts. By surrendering to His lordship, individuals open themselves to the fullness of His love and grace, which transforms lives and brings about a deeper sense of purpose and joy. This act of submission is not a one-time event but a daily practice of choosing His will over personal desires, acknowledging His rightful place as King.
Matthew 6:33 ESV
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: The Transformative Power of Love
Love is the most potent force on earth, and it is exemplified supremely in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. When Jesus' love reigns in a person's life, it compels them to live sacrificially for others, reflecting His love in every interaction. This love is not passive; it actively seeks the well-being of others, often at a personal cost. It is a love that forgives, serves, and uplifts, mirroring the way Jesus interacted with those around Him. By allowing this divine love to guide one's actions, it becomes possible to impact the world in meaningful ways, creating ripples of kindness and compassion that can transform communities.
1 John 3:16-18 ESV
"By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate sacrificial love in a practical way to someone in your community this week?
Day 3: Resurrection as the Cornerstone of Faith
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of Christian faith, confirming His teachings and His divine authority. It is the evidence that He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, providing believers with the hope of eternal life. This miraculous event is not just a historical fact to be acknowledged; it is a truth that should shape every aspect of a believer's life. Living in the victory of Jesus' resurrection means embracing a life of hope, courage, and purpose, knowing that death has been defeated and that life in Christ is everlasting. As followers of Jesus, there is a responsibility to share this good news and to live in a manner that reflects the power and hope of the resurrection.
Romans 6:4-5 ESV
"We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."
Reflection: In what ways can you more fully embrace and live out the hope of the resurrection in your daily life?
Day 4: Setting an Example for the Next Generation
The influence of one's life on children and others is profound. It is essential to set an example that prioritizes Jesus above all else. This means aligning actions with faith, creating a consistent testimony that can guide others toward Christ. When children and those influenced see a genuine display of faith, where decisions and lifestyle reflect a commitment to Jesus, it provides a powerful model for them to follow. Living authentically requires intentionality and a willingness to examine one's life critically, ensuring that every aspect aligns with the teachings of Jesus.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 ESV
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: What is one way you can model the priority of Jesus in your life to your children or someone you mentor?
Day 5: The Significance of Baptism and Communion
Baptism and the Lord's Supper are not mere religious rituals; they are vital practices that signify a believer's trust in Jesus and serve as reminders of His death, resurrection, and the new life found in Him. These sacraments are public declarations of faith, reinforcing the commitment to follow Jesus and embody His teachings. Participating in baptism and communion connects believers with the broader Christian community, past and present, and strengthens their resolve to live out the Christian faith authentically and wholeheartedly.
1 Peter 3:21 ESV
"Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How do the sacraments of baptism and the Lord's Supper personally remind you of your commitment to Christ, and how can you honor that commitment today?
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