Monday in the Fifth Week of Lent

 The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not be in want.

(Psalms 23: 1)

Fifth Sunday in Lent

 I press toward the goal for the prize 

of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus

(Philippians 3: 14)

Message - A New Thing in Christ

 

Pressing Forward: A New Thing in Christ

As we approach the final weeks of Lent, we are reminded that this is a time of preparation, reflection, and renewal. Today’s readings point us to God’s transformative work—He is making all things new and inviting us to let go of the past and embrace His future.

Key Questions to Consider:

1. Are we holding onto the past instead of embracing God’s new work?

2. Do we value Christ above all else, as Paul did?

3. Are we willing to pour out our devotion to Jesus, as Mary did?

Let us explore these themes in today’s message.

 

I. God is Doing a New Thing (Isaiah 43:16-21)

A. Remembering God’s Past Deliverance

• Isaiah reminds the people that God parted the Red Sea to save them from Egypt (v. 16-17).

• This event showed that God is a Deliverer and that His power is limitless.

B. Forget the Former Things – A New Exodus

• Verse 18: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past."

• Verse 19: "See, I am doing a new thing!"

• Just as God led Israel out of Egypt, He promises to create a new path—one of hope and restoration.

 Reflection:

• Do we spend too much time looking backward, preventing us from seeing God’s new work?

• How is God calling us to trust Him for a new thing in our lives?

 

II. Counting Everything as Loss for Christ (Philippians 3:4b-14)

A. Paul’s Earthly Achievements Meant Nothing

Paul had every reason to boast:

• He was a Pharisee, a Hebrew of Hebrews, and righteous under the law.

• Yet, he says, all of it is loss compared to knowing Christ (v. 7-8).

B. Knowing Christ is the Greatest Gain

• Verse 9: True righteousness comes not from the law but through faith in Christ.

• Verse 10: Paul’s goal was to know Christ deeply, sharing in His suffering and resurrection.

• Verse 13-14: He forgets what is behind and presses forward toward the prize of eternity with Christ.

Reflection:

• What are we clinging to that prevents us from fully pursuing Christ?

• Are we pressing forward in our faith, or are we stuck in the past?

 

III. Extravagant Love for Jesus (John 12:1-8)

A. Mary’s Costly Act of Worship

• Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume, worth a year’s wages.

• This act showed deep love, devotion, and faith in Jesus as the Messiah.

B. Judas’ Selfish Reaction

• Judas criticizes Mary, pretending to care for the poor, but in reality, he was greedy.

• Jesus defends Mary’s action, saying:

"Leave her alone. She has saved this perfume for the day of my burial." (v. 7)

• Mary understood that Jesus was preparing for His sacrifice.

Reflection:

• Are we willing to sacrifice for Jesus as Mary did?

• Do we give Him our best, or do we hold back?

 

IV. The Joy of Restoration (Psalm 126)

A. Remembering God’s Faithfulness

• The psalm recalls a time when God restored Israel, filling them with joy and laughter.

B. Trusting God for Future Restoration

• Verse 5-6: "Those who sow in tears will reap with joy."

• Even in times of sorrow, we trust that God will bring joy and renewal.

Reflection:

• Do we believe God can restore our brokenness?

• Are we willing to trust Him through seasons of difficulty?

 

Conclusion: Embracing God’s New Work

Each of today’s readings challenges us to let go of the past and embrace what God is doing now:

1. Isaiah 43: God is doing a new thing—will we perceive it?

2. Philippians 3: Our old achievements are nothing compared to knowing Christ.

3. John 12: True worship means giving our best to Jesus.

4. Psalm 126: God brings joy after sorrow, and we trust in His restoration.

As we continue in this Lenten season, let us:
Forget what is behind.
Press forward toward Christ.
Worship Him with all our hearts.
Trust in His power to restore us.

 

 

 

 

Saturday in the Fourth Week of Lent

 Arise, O Lord, in Your anger;

Lift Yourself up because of the rage of my enemies;

Rise up for me to the judgment You have commanded!

(Psalms 7: 6)

Friday in the Fourth Week of Lent

 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,

But the Lord delivers him out of them all.

(Psalms 34: 19)

Thursday in the Fourth Week of Lent

 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

(Joshua 1:9)

Bible Study - God’s Unfailing Love and the Gift of Life Through Christ

 

God’s Unfailing Love and the Gift of Life Through Christ

Scripture Readings:

• Isaiah 49:8-15 – God's promise to restore His people and His never-failing love.
• John 5:19-29 – Jesus' authority as the Son of God to give life and execute judgment.
• Psalm 145:8-19 – A song of praise declaring God's compassion and faithfulness.

 

Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, open our hearts to Your Word today. Help us to see Your unwavering love, the authority of Christ, and the life You offer through Him. Teach us to trust in Your faithfulness and walk in the light of Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen."

 

I. God’s Faithfulness and Love (Isaiah 49:8-15)

A. A Promise of Restoration

Isaiah 49 is part of the "Servant Songs," which prophesy about the coming Messiah.

• Verse 8: God promises to answer His people and help them at the right time.
• Verses 9-12: A picture of deliverance—prisoners are set free, the hungry are fed, and the weak are led by God Himself.

B. God's Unfailing Love

• Verse 13: Creation is called to rejoice because the Lord has comforted His people.
• Verse 14: Israel, in suffering, feels abandoned and forgotten.
• Verse 15: But God responds with a powerful declaration:

"Can a mother forget her nursing child? Even if she does, I will not forget you!"

• Have you ever felt like God has forgotten you?
• How does this passage encourage you in difficult times?

 

II. The Authority and Power of Jesus (John 5:19-29)

This passage comes after Jesus heals a paralyzed man on the Sabbath, which angers the religious leaders. In response, Jesus reveals His divine authority.

A. Jesus Acts in Complete Unity with the Father (John 5:19-23)

• Verse 19: Jesus says, "The Son can do nothing by Himself; He can only do what He sees His Father doing."
• Verse 21: Just as God gives life, so does the Son.
• Verse 23: Jesus deserves the same honor as the Father.

B. Jesus Gives Life and Brings Judgment (John 5:24-29)

• Verse 24: Those who believe in Christ have eternal life and will not be condemned.
• Verses 25-26: Jesus has the power to raise the dead, both physically and spiritually.
• Verses 28-29: A final resurrection will come—some to eternal life, others to judgment.

• How does knowing Jesus has authority over life and judgment affect our faith?
• Have you accepted the eternal life Jesus offers?

 

III. The Lord is Gracious and Merciful (Psalm 145:8-19)

This psalm is a beautiful reminder of God’s character:

• Verses 8-9: The Lord is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love.
• Verses 10-13: His kingdom is eternal, and all His works praise Him.
• Verses 14-16: God upholds those who fall and provides for all creatures.
• Verses 17-19: He is righteous and near to all who call on Him.

• How does Psalm 145 encourage you to trust in God’s goodness?
• How can you reflect God’s grace and mercy in your daily life?

 

God's Love and Christ’s Life-Giving Power

Today's passages remind us that:

1. God's love is unwavering—He never forgets us (Isaiah 49:15).
2. Jesus gives eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 5:24).
3. God is gracious, compassionate, and near to those who call on Him (Psalm 145:8-19).

This Lent, let’s trust in God’s love, embrace the life Jesus gives, and praise Him for His mercy and faithfulness.

 

Prayer:

"Lord, thank You for Your everlasting love. Help us trust in Your promises, follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and reflect Your mercy in our lives. Strengthen us in our faith and guide us in Your truth. In Jesus' name, Amen."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wednesday in the Fourth Week of Lent

 The Lord is good to all,

And His tender mercies are over all His works.

(Psalms 145: 9)

Message - Repentance and Holiness

 

Repentance and Holiness: A Call to Transformation

Scripture Readings:

• Joel 2:12-13 – “Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments.”

• 2 Corinthians 7:1 – “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”

• 1 Peter 1:15-16 – “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

• Luke 15:11-32 – The Parable of the Prodigal Son.

As we step into a new month, we are reminded of God’s call to His people to walk in repentance and holiness. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continuous process of turning away from sin and drawing closer to God. Holiness is the fruit of a repentant heart, a life set apart for God’s glory.

Today, we will explore the importance of repentance and holiness, why they are inseparable, and how we can live them out daily.

The Meaning of Repentance

The Hebrew word for repentance is “Teshuva”, meaning to return. The Greek word “Metanoia” means a change of mind. Repentance is more than just feeling sorry for sin; it is a decisive turning away from sin and toward God.

• The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) – He did not just regret his actions but made a decision to return to his father.

• King David (Psalm 51:10-12) – After his sin with Bathsheba, he cried out for a clean heart and a renewed spirit.

• Nineveh (Jonah 3:5-10) – When the people of Nineveh heard Jonah’s warning, they repented, and God spared them.

Repentance is not about empty words but about a heart that genuinely seeks God’s mercy and desires change.

The Call to Holiness

God’s desire is not just that we repent but that we walk in holiness. Holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes and reflecting His character in our daily lives.

• God is Holy (1 Peter 1:15-16) – We are called to reflect His holiness in all we do.

• Holiness is the evidence of true repentance (Matthew 3:8) – John the Baptist said, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.”

• Holiness brings us closer to God (Hebrews 12:14) – “Without holiness, no one will see the Lord.”

Holiness is a lifestyle, not a moment. It requires daily surrender to God and obedience to His Word.

Repentance and Holiness: Walking the Path of Transformation

Steps to a Repentant and Holy Life:

1. Examine Your Heart (Psalm 139:23-24) – Ask God to reveal any hidden sin or areas that need transformation.

2. Confess and Forsake Sin (1 John 1:9) – True repentance involves admitting our sins and turning away from them.

3. Renew Your Mind (Romans 12:2) – Holiness begins with a mind transformed by God’s Word.

4. Live by the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-17) – Walking in holiness is possible when we are led by the Holy Spirit.

5. Seek Accountability (James 5:16) – A strong community of believers helps us stay on the path of righteousness.

6. Pursue God Daily (Matthew 6:33) – Seeking God’s kingdom first ensures that we walk in His holiness.

Take practical steps toward holiness by eliminating anything that draws you away from God (e.g., sinful habits, ungodly influences, etc.).

A Call to Action

God is calling us to a life of continual repentance and holiness. He desires that we return to Him, not just with our words but with our hearts. Today, let us renew our commitment to live in holiness and surrender fully to His will.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there any sin in my life that I need to repent of today?

2. Am I actively pursuing holiness in my daily life?

3. How can I grow deeper in my walk with God?

Take time today to repent sincerely and ask God to strengthen your walk in holiness. Let this be the beginning of a transformed life in Christ.

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a humble heart, asking for Your mercy and grace. Forgive me for my sins and lead me in the path of holiness. Help me to live a life that pleases You, walking daily in righteousness. Strengthen me through Your Holy Spirit to turn away from sin and reflect Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen