Resurrection blessings

EASTER -- RESURRECTION SUNDAY

You will experience all these blessings if you obey the Lord your God: Your towns and your fields will be blessed. ~ Deuteronomy 28:2-3 (NLT)

Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. ~ 2 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)

KEY IDEA:

Jesus, raised from the dead, is the greatest blessing of all.

PRAYER:

Praise, you God, from whom all blessings flow. We are especially grateful for the blessing of new life which comes to us through the resurrection of your son, Christ Jesus. Forgive us for adding all kinds of stuff to the agenda -- stuff about making us feel better and more successful. Use this day to help us refocus on the good news -- Jesus raised from the dead. It is all about him and what you continue to do through resurrection power. Amen.

Hope in dark times

HOLY SATURDAY

But God’s not finished. He’s waiting around to be gracious to you. ~ Isaiah 30:18 (MSG)

He isn’t here, but has been raised. Remember what he told you while he was still in Galilee, that the Human One must be handed over to sinners, be crucified, and on the third day rise again. ~ Luke 24:6-7 (CEB)

KEY IDEA:

In Christ there is hope even at the darkest hour.

PRAYER:

Lord, the Saturday after Good Friday feels dark. Remind me how to push forward with hope -- knowing that tomorrow is Sunday. Amen.

No fear

GOOD FRIDAY

Then Moses raised his hand over the sea, and the Lord opened up a path through the water with a strong east wind. ~ Exodus 14:21 (NLT)

I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us. ~ Romans 8:38-39 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

God's love can drive back waters and raise the dead. We don't have to be afraid.

PRAYER:

Lord God, on this Good Friday I am always refreshed to hear that your love is more powerful than death. It even defeats death. So why am I afraid? Why do I act irresponsibly because I act out of that fear? Help me to see that Good Friday really is good -- that your love always breaks through -- and that I do not need to act out of fear. Amen.

Room for all

MAUNDY THURSDAY

All lives are mine... ~ Ezekiel 18:4 (CEB)

There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. ~ John 14:2 (MSG)

KEY IDEA:

The Lord is responsible for all people -- and has made room in his presence for all.

PRAYER:

Gracious God, no one slips through the cracks because you have a place for everyone. Of course, some of us -- including me at times -- pushback against the way you do things. We're rebellious and would rather have homes where we're totally in control. It's not always that we don't like how you do things but that we'd like to be in charge ourselves. Don't give up on us. Don't let me slip away just because I'm stupid. I going to try to allow you much more access to my life so that I can experience the new life in Christ. Amen.