GPS – Week of April 29

Monday, April 29 — Matthew 5:1-12

As Christians, we can’t separate the Kingdom from Jesus. According to the Gospels, he proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom (see Matthew 4:17) and in his example and teaching, we discover the shape and character of Kingdom life. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) describes the shape and character of Kingdom life. Jesus’ inaugural sermon starts with the Beatitudes, which insist that the blessings of the Kingdom are also available to people who were excluded by the conventional wisdom of Jesus’ day.

• • • As you read through the Beatitudes, where do you see yourself? Does Jesus make you feel welcome in God’s Kingdom?
    • Prayer: God of Blessings, thank you for opening your Kingdom to everyone, including me. Help me to see signs of your blessings in my life and in the lives of others. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 30 — Matthew 5:17-20

Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to see ourselves, others, and the world from God’s perspective. In other words, he challenges us to look at life through the lens of the Kingdom. What we discover is that God has high expectations for citizens of the Kingdom: “unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). The good news is that God’s grace helps us become the person that God wants us to be and forgives us when we fall short.

• • • How is God helping you grow into a life of greater righteousness right now?
    • Prayer: Merciful God, forgive me for giving in to the temptation to be “good enough” or to compare my life with others. Give me courage to seek your greater righteousness. Amen.

 

Wednesday, May 1 — Matthew 6:25-34

Following Jesus is an invitation to trust God. “Do not worry about your life,” Jesus says, inviting us to live with confidence that God will answer the prayer that Jesus has taught us to pray. (In Matthew 6:11, Jesus teaches us to ask God to, “Give us this day our daily bread.”) He insists that we trust God when we, first and foremost, seek God’s Kingdom and leave the rest to God. For most of us, this is more easily said than done.

• • • What helps you trust God when you are worried about some aspect of your life? Read Matthew 7:7-11 for another one of Jesus’ teachings about God’s promises.
    • Prayer: Eternal God, thank you for the promises you make to provide for my needs. Forgive me for not trusting you fully. Increase my ability to trust you with my life. Amen.

 

Thursday, May 2 — Matthew 7:21-29

Entering the Kingdom of God and living the Kingdom life is far more than saying the right words or even thinking the right thoughts. It’s about more than our heads and our hearts; it’s about living our lives in a way that pleases God. Jesus says that the Kingdom is for, “only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). Later, Jesus says that a wise person is one who, “hears these words of mine and acts on them” (Matthew 7:24). That’s what it means to live a Kingdom life, the life God intends — by doing the things that Jesus teaches us to do.

• • • Based on what you have read this week, which words of Jesus do you need to act on?
    • Prayer: God of Love, today I ask that you help me understand that your will for my life is revealed in the life and teaching of Jesus. Help me be more like him every day. Amen.

 

Friday, May 3 — Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Jesus’ teaching about God’s Kingdom is not limited to the Sermon on the Mount. Many of his parables are Kingdom parables, including the parable of the sower and the seed. Its message is consistent with the Sermon on the Mount. Kingdom collaboration includes spreading the seed of God’s Word in the world. Living a Kingdom life requires that we allow God’s Word to have access to our lives, so that our lives are transformed through hearing and obeying Jesus’ teaching.

• • • Use Jesus’ parable to review your life? How would Jesus describe your life? How well is your life receiving Jesus’ teaching? How well is your life bearing fruit?
    • Prayer: God of Miracles, I surrender myself to you. Cultivate the soil of my life so that I can bear the fruit of living the life you intend for me and help others do the same. Amen.

 

Saturday, May 4 — Matthew 18:1-5

Finish this week by reflecting on what you think Jesus means when he says. “unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). It’s important to note that in Jesus’ time, children didn’t have anything to offer to make them worthy of adult attention or appreciation. This means that entering God’s Kingdom is not about being worthy, it’s about accepting and humbly trusting God’s grace. As you read this passage, don’t forget that there is significant difference between “child-like” and “child-ish.”

• • • What characteristics of children do think Jesus wants to see in you? What aspects of your life needs to diminish so that you become more of the person that God intends?
    • Prayer: Faithful God, help me to maintain the child-like characteristics of Kingdom-life while at the same time growing up in my faith. Show me the life you intend for me. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of April 22

Monday, April 22 — Luke 4:38-44

The beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Luke’s Gospel reveals the tension between our human desire to receive and keep God’s blessings for ourselves and God’s desire that these blessings be shared with others. The crowds wanted Jesus to stay and serve them, but Jesus insisted that he “must proclaim the good news of the kingdom” (Luke 4:43) to others.

• • • Like the crowds described by Luke, we sometimes find ourselves wanting Jesus to serve us alone. How might you resist the desire to keep Jesus to yourself? How might you share the good news of the God’s Kingdom today?
    • Prayer: God of Many Blessings, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Open my heart to receive your blessings through him and then share them with others. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 23 — Luke 9:1-6

The mission of the twelve (in Luke 9:1-6) is an important development in the Gospel. Until this point, the ministry of sharing the good news of the Kingdom has centered on Jesus. Now, the same power and authority — and responsibility — is given to the apostles. (Don’t forget that the word “apostle” means “messenger” or “one who is sent.”) Note how their ministry included “bringing the good news and curing diseases” (Luke 9:6). In other words, the apostles’ served whole persons, body, mind, and spirit — helping them experience life as God intended for them.

• • • Where do you think Jesus might be sending you to serve people and help them experience life as God intends for them? Are you willing to go where Jesus sends you?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, grant me wisdom to understand that you not only want the best for me, but that you also want me to seek the best for others. Amen.

 

Wednesday, April 24 — Luke 9:10-17

The account of Jesus feeding the multitude not only demonstrates that the power of God was at work in him, it also illustrates Jesus’ (and God’s) intention to provide for the daily needs of the crowds that were following him. This tells us something about God. After all, Jesus taught his disciples to ask God to “Give us each day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3). We have to believe that God will answer the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. We also believe that God will use us to answer that prayer for others.

• • • Read Luke 9:13 and think about how that verse might apply to your life. How might God be using you to answer the prayers of others?
    • Prayer: God of Abundance, help me remember that you not only promise to provide for my needs, you also want to me to share what I have with others. Amen.

 

Thursday, April 25 — Luke 10:1-12

After sending the twelve apostles on a Kingdom-mission in chapter 9, Jesus sent another, larger, group of disciples ahead of him to minister to the people and announce that, “the kingdom of God has come near” (Luke 10:9). What’s striking is that we know nothing about these disciples. They are anonymous. All we know is that Jesus “appointed them” and “sent them” (Luke 10:1). And they went. The point is that Jesus calls and sends ordinary people like them (and us) to serve his Kingdom purposes in the world.

• • • What call from God are you hearing today? How are you responding?
    • Prayer: Faithful God, when I hear your call, I often make excuses and am reluctant to go where you send me. Give me the courage I need to trust you more fully today. Amen.

 

Friday, April 26 — John 20:19-23

The primary report of how the Holy Spirit came into the lives of Jesus’ disciples is found in the Pentecost story described in Acts 2, but John’s Gospel has a different account. John 20:21-22 says that, “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” Or in other words, Jesus sent the disciples — filled with the Holy Spirit — to continue his ministry in the world.

• • • Have you “breathed in” the power of the Holy Spirit? If so, what is the Spirit empowering you to do? Is it possible that Jesus is ending you into the world to continue his Kingdom work and ministry?
    • Prayer: God of Grace, forgive me for resisting your call and not believing that you have sent me into the world to continue Jesus’ ministry. Fill me with your Spirit today. Amen.

 

Saturday, April 27 — Acts 5:12-16

The New Testament is clear that Jesus’ Kingdom ministry did not end with his ascension to heaven after his resurrection. In fact, the New Testament describes the many ways that Jesus’ disciples, with God’s help, were able to do the same kinds of things that Jesus did: announcing the good news of the Kingdom and helping people live the life that God desires for them. We are expected to do the same.

• • • Review the past week. How have you collaborated with Jesus’ Kingdom ministry? What will you do next week to serve Christ in the world?
    • Prayer: Loving God, thank you for including me in the work of your Kingdom. Thank you for filling me with your Spirit and empowering me to serve your purposes in the world. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of April 15

Monday, April 15 — Isaiah 43:18-21, Revelation 21:3-5

An important aspect of Christian discipleship is believing and trusting that, through Jesus, God is doing something new and special. Sometimes, we think that we are the ones who have to change the world, but when we read Isaiah 43 and Revelation 21, we discover that God is way ahead of us and is already at work in our lives and in the world. In response, we learn to pay attention to what God is doing and trust God with our lives and the world around us.

• • • This week, as you use this GPS, pay attention to when and how you see God at work in your life and in the world around you.
    • Prayer: Ever-Present God, thank you for doing a new thing in my life and in the world around me. Give me the courage I need to trust that you are already at work. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 16 — Isaiah 65:17-25

In the penultimate chapter, Isaiah comes back to the promise that God is doing something new. Revelation 21:1 echoes Isaiah 65:17 and points to God’s plan for a glorious future. However, the promise of God’s new creation is also for us today. This is what God desires for us and for our world. This is life as God intends. This is the shape of life in God’s Kingdom, which, through Jesus, has come already near (see Mark 1:15).

• • • Do you believe that God’s Kingdom has already come near? What signs of God’s Kingdom are you seeing today?
    • Prayer: God of Creation and New Creation, help me to perceive your Kingdom work in my life. Tune my senses and open my heart to notice your presence in the world. Amen.

 

Wednesday, April 17 — Matthew 6:7-15

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches his disciples (and would-be disciples) about growing deeper in their relationship with God through giving alms (to the poor), praying, and fasting. His teaching on prayer provides an outline for what we call The Lord’s Prayer. In it, we are taught to pray for God’s Kingdom to come (both now and in the future). We have to believe that if we pray as Jesus taught us, God intends to answer our prayer. As a result, we pray with our “eyes wide open,” so that we can see what God is doing and help God answer the prayers of others.

• • • What are you willing to do today to help someone else experience God’s Kingdom?
    • Prayer: Faithful God, your promise to answer my prayers is one of the greatest gifts you could ever give me. Continue to teach me how to pray with confidence and faith. Amen.

  

Thursday, April 18 — Luke 11:1-13

Luke’s account of Jesus’ teaching on prayer is much shorter than Matthew’s. But it is still focused on asking for and looking for God’s Kingdom to come into the world and into our lives. In verse 13, Jesus teaches us that what God most desires to give us is the Holy Spirit. In a few weeks (on May 19), we will celebrate Pentecost, which is the day we read Acts 2:1-4 and remember that God sent the Holy Spirit into the lives of Jesus’ disciples.

• • • As you anticipate the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, ask God to prepare you to receive the gift once again. Consider what steps you need to take to open yourself to God’s presence and power.
    • Prayer: Merciful God, forgive me for doubting your promises and not trusting in the presence and power of your Spirit. Open my heart to receive the Holy Spirit today. Amen.

 

Friday, April 19 — John 10:22-30

In prayer, we not only tell God everything that is on our hearts and ask God for what we need, we also listen carefully for the sound of God’s voice. What we discover is that God longs to be in relationship with us through worship, prayer, Scripture, Christian community, the Sacraments and other means of God’s grace. Jesus says that he is the Good Shepherd and that his sheep know his voice and follow him (John 10:16, 27).

• • • As you practice the spiritual discipline of holy listening, what prevents you from hearing the Good Shepherd’s voice? What might you do today to hear God’s voice more clearly?
    • Prayer: God of Love, I am humbled by your promises and the gift of eternal life. Help me to listen for your voice, trust what you say, and go where you send me. Amen.

 

Saturday, April 20 — James 1:1-8

Wisdom is a gift from God. That is one of James’ primary messages and he encourages us to ask God for it. After all, James says, God “gives to all generously and ungrudgingly” (James 1:5). James also says that our asking and receiving requires that we trust God and, “ask in faith, never doubting” (James 1:6). James, like all of the Bible’s writers, believes that God is a promise-keeper. That’s how he — and we — can trust God with our lives.

• • • Consider your relationship with God right now. How strong is your faith? Are you able to trust God? Or do you have doubts? In prayer, ask for wisdom, and for faith.
    • Prayer: Eternal God, Thank you for the gifts of wisdom and faith. Remove my doubts and help me grow in my ability to seek and trust your will for my life every day. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of April 8

Monday, April 8 — Mark 1:1-15

The first thirteen verses of Mark’s Gospel serve as a prologue and introduction. They set the stage for the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry in verse 14. Unlike Matthew’s and Luke’s Gospel, Mark does not include any birth narratives. But instead jumps right in with the (adult) ministries of John (the Baptist) and Jesus. Verses 14-15 serve as a summary of Jesus’ preaching ministry: in Jesus, God’s Kingdom is present in the world; this is good news and calls for a response. The rest of the Gospel will describe the Kingdom and God’s desired response.

• • • The question is: does the Kingdom of God sound like good news to you?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, I am thankful that you have sent Jesus into the world to be The King – on earth and in heaven. Help me to trust and believe the Good News. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 9 — Luke 4:14-21

Luke’s account of the start of Jesus’ ministry begins with an appearance by Jesus at the synagogue in Nazareth, his hometown. He read from Isaiah (in chapters 58 and 61) and announced that Isaiah’s prophecy had been fulfilled. Knowing that God’s Kingdom was the primary subject of his preaching, these verses help us understand that the coming of Jesus is indeed good news, especially for people who were typically believed to be excluded from the blessing of God: the poor, the blind, the captive, and the oppressed.

• • • The question is: does this sound like good news to you?
    • Prayer: Merciful God, forgive me for not understanding the scope of your love and your amazing grace. Forgive me for assuming that your love is only for people like me. Amen.

 

Wednesday, April 10 — Luke 4:42-44

The final verses of Luke 4 connect Jesus’ preaching (Luke 4:16-21) and healing (Luke 4:31-41) with the Kingdom of God. In other words, the Kingdom of God is the life that God intended for everyone: free from the power of sin and death, whole, and healthy. This sounds like good news, but not everyone saw Jesus’ teaching and ministry as good news for them.

• • • Read Luke 4:22-30 and prayerfully reflect on why someone might resist or reject the good news of God’s Kingdom.
    • Prayer: Loving God, thank you for the gift of new life through Jesus. Thank you for forgiving me and setting me free from the power of sin and death. Amen.

 

Thursday, April 11 — Isaiah 52:7-10

Over the centuries, Isaiah 52:7-10 has been interpreted in a number of ways and quoted in a number of other passages. The primary message is that God’s messengers take many forms and have the joy of announcing the good news of God’s salvation. We hear God’s messengers announce good news at the birth of Jesus. We hear Jesus announcing the good news of God’s kingdom. Jesus’ disciples are charged with continuing Jesus’ ministry of announcing good news.

• • • Here’s the truth: in order to announce the good news, we must believe the good news. Do you?
    • Prayer: God of Creation, I long to experience your peace and sing praises in response to the good news of salvation. Open my ears to hear the good news. Amen.

 

Friday, April 12 — Luke 1:30-33, Luke 2:8-12

The word “angel” simply means “messenger.” The angels in the Christmas story are messengers announcing that the birth of Jesus is good news, and that “of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:33). The baby born in Bethlehem is “a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Jesus’s birth initiates God’s Kingdom on earth, which is why Jesus’ birth is “good news of great joy for all the people” (Luke 2:10).

• • • How is the coming of God’s Kingdom good news for you?
    • Prayer: God of Joyful Life, thank you for constantly showing me your love and grace. Open my heart to experience the abundant and joyful life you offer me every day. Amen.

 

Saturday, April 13 — Romans 10:14-17

In his letter, the apostle Paul reminds the Romans of God’s great offer of salvation to everyone. He quotes Isaiah as a reminder that God, throughout the ages, has sent messengers with the good news of saving grace. His point is that we experience salvation when we hear and respond to the good news. This promise (that God sends messengers) requires that we pay attention and be willing to listen when the messengers tell us about Jesus.

• • • Are you looking for good news? Are you open to the possibility that God is speaking to you today? Will you listen?
    • Prayer: God of Salvation, grant me the ability to pay attention to your messengers. Help me learn to notice signs of the good news all around me, every day. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of April 1

Monday, April 1 — John 20:1-10

On Good Friday, Jesus was crucified on a cross and was buried in a garden tomb. Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb. When she saw that the stone had been rolled away, she thought someone had stolen Jesus’ body. So, she went to get the disciples. Slowly, but surely, they came to believe that Jesus had been raised from the dead. But they did not yet fully understand the whole story. Sometimes we are like Mary and the disciples. We do not fully understand the meaning of Easter. Thankfully God does not give up on us.

• • • How has God helped you increase your faith and your understanding of the Good News of Easter? How is God helping you grow in your faith right now?
    • Prayer: Living God, help me grow in my faith, and understand the true meaning of Easter. Prepare me to encounter the risen Christ in my life today — and every day. Amen.

 

Tuesday, April 2 — John 20:11-18

In the garden, Mary Magdalene has an encounter with Jesus, but she did not recognize him until he called her by name. Like the Good Shepherd that he is, Jesus knows his flock and calls every one of us by name. (See John 10:3,14.) The Good News is that Jesus knows and loves us before we know or love. or even recognize, him. God’s love and grace are present in our lives before we can know or name them. The living Christ is ready and able to open our eyes so that we can see him and follow him.

• • • Where have you encountered the living Christ today? Will you ask him to open your eyes so that you can see and follow him?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, despite the fact that I all too often do not recognize your presence in my life, I still believe that you know and love me. For that, I am thankful. Amen.

 

Wednesday, April 3 — John 20:19-31

The second part of John 20 includes Jesus’ commissioning of his disciples (John 20:19-23) and his relationship with Thomas, and Thomas’ need to see in order to believe (John 20:24-29). What Jesus tells Thomas is a message for us: seeing Jesus in the flesh, in first-century Israel, is not a requirement for Christian discipleship. If we are willing, we can hear the Good News of Easter — and believe. Even now, 2,000 years after Jesus’ resurrection, we can experience God’s life-changing resurrection power.

• • • What is preventing you from believing the Good News of Easter? Are you willing to believe in God’s life-changing resurrection power? What is the next step you can take?
    • Prayer: Merciful God, forgive me when I doubt the Good News of Easter. Strengthen my faith and help me to believe in the life-changing power of Jesus’ resurrection. Amen.

 

Thursday, April 4 — John 21:1-14

The final chapter of John’s Gospel serves as a transition between Jesus’ earthly life and ministry and the continued ministry of his disciples (the Church). We know that the resurrected Jesus is the one who both commissions the disciples (John 20:21-23) and empowers the disciples to perform miracles (John 21:6). The point is: the power of God that was present in Jesus’ earthly ministry will be available to Jesus’ disciples as they continue to serve in his name.

• • • In light of the resurrection stories in John 20 and 21, how have you experienced Jesus’ commission and Jesus’ power? Where is Jesus sending you? What do you think Jesus is sending you to do?
    • Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for Jesus and for the gift of salvation. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I might respond to your commission and serve you today. Amen.

 

Friday, April 5 — John 21:15-19

Jesus’ final conversation with Simon Peter demonstrates the life-changing power of God’s grace. Peter, who denied Jesus three times, is offered grace. He is able affirm his love for Jesus — and his willingness to serve as Jesus’ representative in the world. The work of the Good Shepherd (see John 10:11-18) is passed on to Peter. This is true for everyone who loves Jesus. We are all expected to fulfill Jesus’ commandment to love and care for one another (John 13:34-35).

• • • Do you love Jesus? Do you really love Jesus? If so, how will you fulfill Jesus’ command to love and care for others? How is your love for Jesus evident in your love for others?
    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, I love you. I love your Son, Jesus. And I love your Holy Spirit. Open a channel in me so that your love flows through me into the world around me. Amen.

 

Saturday, April 6 — John 21:20-25

The Gospel According to John ends where it begins: with an invitation from Jesus to, “Follow me” (John 1:43 and John 21:19, 22). When we decide to follow Jesus, we may not know where he will lead us, but we can trust that he will be with us. We can trust that he will be our shepherd, our guide, and our Savior. And that, through him, we will find eternal rest and peace.

• • • Have you responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow him? If not, what is holding you back? What will help you take the next step on your journey today?
    • Prayer: God of Grace, grant me the courage I need to take the next step in my journey of discipleship. With your help, I will follow Jesus today — and every day. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of March 25

Monday, March 25 — John 12:12-19

All four of the New Testament Gospels describe Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, but only John describes the branches waived by the crowd as palm branches. This is a critical part of the story, because, in the time of Jesus, palm branches represented victory. The paradox of the Gospel is that Jesus would secure victory for God’s people, but not in the way that the Palm Sunday crowds anticipated. If we are honest, we are like the crowds, hoping for a different kind of Messiah, looking for a different kind of victory and a different kind of Kingdom.

• • • Have you ever prayed for a different kind of salvation than the one God offers through Jesus?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, help me to follow Jesus through the events of this Holy Week. Grant me the courage I need to follow his teaching and his example. Amen.

 

Tuesday, March 26 — John 12:20-36

Instead of a royal crown, Jesus will wear a crown of thorns. Instead of being lifted up and celebrated like the Palm Sunday procession suggests, Jesus will be lifted up onto a cross to die a painful and humiliating death. (This is what the phrase “lifted up” is referring to in John 12:32, 34. See also John 3:14 and John 8:28.) Over time, the scandalous nature of Jesus’ death on a cross has faded. Jesus’ death was a stumbling block to many.

• • • How do you feel about Jesus’ death? What does it mean to you?
    • Prayer: Lord God, thank you for Jesus and for the invitation to follow him. Give me wisdom and understanding so that I might choose to trust Jesus with my life. Amen.

 

Wednesday, March 27 — John 12:35-50

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus is clear that God’s kingdom is nothing like human kingdoms and that God’s salvation will be accomplished through Jesus’ death and resurrection. This was difficult for Jesus’ first disciples to understand, and it is difficult for us. We talk about the life-changing power of God’s love and grace but struggle to comprehend how God’s grace changes anything in our lives or in the world. In fact, sometimes we prefer good works and judgment to love and grace.

• • • Has your experience of God’s grace changed your life? If so, how? Do you ever struggle to fully accept that you are saved by grace through faith?
    • Prayer: God of Grace, open my heart and mind to experience the wonder and power of your love and grace this week. I accept your gift of abundant and eternal life. Amen.

Thursday, March 28 — John 13:1-17, 31-35

Today is Holy Thursday. It is also known as Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the Latin word mandatum, which is the first word in the Latin translation of John 13:34, where Jesus gives the disciples a new mandate to love one another in the same way that he loved them. Jesus’ love for his disciples is embodied in his willingness to wash their feet and then in his death. This is the kind of love that Jesus’ disciples are expected to embody in their own lives.

• • • Consider your own life, how might you follow Jesus’ example of sacrificial love and service to others more fully and more faithfully in the coming days?
    • Prayer: Loving God, forgive me for not following Jesus’ example more fully. Help me to love and serve others the way Jesus loves and serves me. Amen.

 

Friday, March 29 — John 18:36-19:16

Today is Good Friday, the day we commemorate Jesus’ death on the cross. On this day, we discover the true meaning of power. In his account of Jesus’ final hours, John is very intentional about insisting that God is ultimately in charge and that Jesus is the one with all of the power. Even though Pilate has political and military authority, God’s power is unleashed most forcefully in Jesus’ death. On Good Friday, what seems like weakness is actually strength and what seems like humiliation is actually glorification.

• • • Spend some time today reflecting on the meaning of Good Friday for your life.
    • Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for expressing your power through the sacrificial love of Jesus. Forgive my sin. Set me free from the power of sin and death. Amen.

 

Saturday, March 30 — John 19:25b-42

The death and burial of Jesus are described in detail as a way of ensuring that readers of the Gospels understand that Jesus physically died. Jesus wasn’t almost dead or pretending to be dead: he was dead and buried. That means that the Good News of Easter is that God has overcome the power of sin and death. God can — and will — raise the dead. We can accept the reality of death because we believe in the resurrection power of God.

• • • Reflect on your mortality today. How do Good Friday and Easter affect the way you think about death? What will help you accept and trust the Good News of Easter?
    • Prayer: God of Everlasting Life, prepare me today — heart, mind, soul, and strength — to experience and believe the Good News of Easter tomorrow. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of March 18

Monday, March 18 — Proverbs 3:5-6

We are instructed to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. This passage emphasizes the importance of relying on God’s wisdom rather than our limited human understanding when making decisions. It challenges us to surrender our plans to God and acknowledge God’s sovereignty over our lives.

• • • How can you fully trust in God and surrender your plans to God’s guidance today?
    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to trust in you wholeheartedly and lean not on our own understanding. Guide us in all our decisions, and may your will be done in our lives. Amen.

 

Tuesday, March 19 — Psalm 25:4-5

The psalmist seeks guidance from the Lord, acknowledging God’s ways and paths. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and wisdom as we make decisions in our lives. It challenges us to turn to God for direction and to rely on God’s unfailing love and truth.

• • • How can you seek God’s guidance and wisdom in your decision-making process today?
    • Prayer: Gracious God, guide us in your ways and lead us in your truth as we make decisions today. Help us to trust in your unfailing love and seek your wisdom in all that we do. Amen.

 

Wednesday, March 20 — James 1:5

Believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, knowing that God gives generously to all without finding fault. James underscores the importance of seeking God’s wisdom through prayer, especially when faced with difficult decisions. It challenges us to trust in God’s provision of wisdom and to approach God with confidence in our times of need.

• • • How can you cultivate a habit of seeking God’s wisdom through prayer in your daily life?
    • Prayer: Loving God, grant us wisdom as we seek your guidance in making decisions. Help us to approach you with confidence, knowing that you generously provide wisdom to all who ask. Amen.

 

Thursday, March 21 — Proverbs 16:9

Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that in their hearts, humans make plans, but the Lord establishes their steps. This verse highlights the sovereignty of God over our lives and decisions. It challenges us to trust in God’s providence and direction, even when our plans may not align with God’s will.

• • • How can you surrender your plans to God and trust in God’s guidance for your life?
    • Prayer: Sovereign God, help us to trust in your plan for our lives and surrender our own plans to your will. Guide our steps and lead us in the path of righteousness. Amen.

 

Friday, March 22 — Isaiah 30:21

Isaiah 30:21 assures us that whether we turn to the right or to the left, our ears will hear a voice behind us, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah highlights God’s guidance and direction in our lives, even in times of uncertainty. It challenges us to listen attentively to God’s voice and follow God’s leading.

• • • How can you tune your heart to hear God’s voice and discern God’s guidance in your decisions?
    • Prayer: Gracious God, speak to us clearly and guide us in the way we should go. Help us to discern your voice amidst the noise of the world and to follow your leading with obedience and trust. Amen.

 

Saturday, March 23 — Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 urges believers not to conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Paul stresses the importance of aligning our thoughts and decisions with God’s will rather than the values of the world. It challenges us to seek God’s wisdom and discernment as we navigate through life.

• • • How can you renew your mind and align your decisions with God’s will in a world that often promotes contrary values?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, renew our minds and transform our hearts according to your will. Help us to discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect, and guide us in making decisions that honor you. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of March 11

Monday, March 11 — Numbers 6:22-27

Grace — the free and unmerited favor of God — is a central thread that runs through the entirety of Scripture and the whole of human history. It is one of the primary themes of the blessing that God, through Moses, instructed Aaron to speak to the Israelites. The blessing reflects God’s desire for health, wholeness, and salvation, which is not earned by good works or faithful living but is freely given by a loving and merciful God.

• • • In what ways have you experienced the grace and mercy of God? In what ways have you experienced the wholeness and salvation that God desires for your life? What is preventing you from experiencing God’s grace right now?
    • Prayer: Merciful God, grant me your salvation and your peace. Let your light shine in my life. Fill me with your grace and a sense of your Spirit. Amen.

 

Tuesday, March 12 — Psalm 103:1-22

Psalm 103 celebrates the fullness of God’s grace and mercy. The Psalm-writer is willing to acknowledge his sin and his need for God’s grace. He offers thanks to God for divine forgiveness. The Book of Psalms, from beginning to end, teaches us that we can be honest with God and that we should be honest with God. Following the example of the Psalm-writers, we can confess our sin and trust in God’s love and mercy.

• • • When you pray, are you honest with God? Do you acknowledge your sin and your need for grace? Are you able to trust in God’s mercy and willingness to forgive you — no matter what you have done?
    • Prayer: Loving God, though I am reluctant to do so, I confess that I am a sinner who needs your love and forgiveness. By your grace, create in me a clean heart. Amen.

 

Wednesday, March 13 — John 1:14-18

The prologue to John’s Gospel (John 1:1-18) is a celebration of Jesus’ divinity and incarnation — his coming as the “word made flesh” (John 1:14). The entire Gospel is summarized in John 1:16, “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The Good News is that, through Jesus of Nazareth, God has offered every one of us the grace that leads to salvation and sanctification. We don’t deserve God’s grace. It is a gift that we can only receive through faith.

• • • Do you believe that, through Jesus, God has offered you the gift of grace? Have you accepted God’s grace through faith? Have you allowed God’s grace to transform your life?
    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to be my Lord and my Savior. I accept your grace and trust that you will transform my life. Amen.

 

Thursday, March 14 — Ephesians 2:1-10

Each of the New Testament writers describes and interprets, in their own way, God’s gift of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. They not only affirm that we have been given a gift that we must receive by believing and trusting in God’s faithfulness; they also insist that when we have received God’s grace, our lives are transformed. The effect of God’s grace in our lives is that we become the person God made us to be. By grace, we are “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10).

• • • Where do you see evidence of God’s grace in your life? How is God’s grace making you the person you were created to be? What “good works” has God created you to do?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, by your love and grace, transform my life. By your love and grace, create in me the desire and ability to do your good works. Amen.

 

Friday, March 15 — Jonah 4:1-11

Many of us struggle with God’s willingness to offer grace to people (we think) are undeserving. Like Jonah, we can be resentful and even angry with God (even though we might not want to admit it). We begin to embody grace as a word to live by when we celebrate the ways God’s grace is making a difference in the lives of others — including our friends and our enemies. Jesus warned the Pharisees (and us) about this in Luke 15. Read Luke 15:1-2, 11-32 and think about the ways you are more like the older brother than the prodigal son.

• • • Can you relate to Jonah’s resentment? How do you respond when others receive grace and mercy that they don’t deserve? How do you respond when you receive grace and mercy that you don’t deserve?
    • Prayer: God of Grace, forgive me for angry and resentful thoughts and actions. Teach me to celebrate when others receive the grace you freely offer to everyone. Amen.

 

Saturday, March 16 — 1 Timothy 1:12-18

One of the Gospel promises is that when God’s grace overflows in our lives, we are transformed and become witnesses and ambassadors of the risen Christ: “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, … and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So, we are ambassadors for Christ, …” (2 Corinthians 5:19-20). This means that we will be an example for others. And like Timothy, we will be able to “fight the good fight” (1 Timothy 1:18).

• • • Are you an ambassador of God’s grace and love? How do your words and actions witness to the grace and mercy and forgiveness of God?
    • Prayer: God of Love, let my life overflow with your grace. Make me your ambassador to the world. Let my life witness to your love, so that others can see you in me. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of March 3

Monday, March 4 — Exodus 3:1-12

When Moses experienced a dramatic call from God to go to Pharoah and demand the freedom of the Israelite people, understandably he was afraid. Courage failed him. So, he asked God “who am I that I should go to Pharoah?” But God replied, “I will be with you”. Even though Moses came up with many more excuses why it should not be him to go to Pharoah, God answered all his concerns and continued to assure him that he would be there to help.

• • • Have there been any times in your life when you have felt afraid to answer a nudge from God? Have you ever felt inadequate for the task? Or that someone else would be better suited? Have you come up with excuses not to be involved in ministry?
    • Prayer: Faithful God, help me to remember that wherever I go, and whatever task or challenge I attempt, you will be there with me as my Guide and Strength. Amen.

 

Tuesday, March 5 — Mark 5:25-34

Jesus had been asked by Jairus, a leader of the synagogue, to come to his house and heal his daughter who was very ill. On the way Jesus is surrounded by a large crowd who wanted to see what he would do. The crowd pressed in on him from all sides. Then we learn about a woman who has been hemorrhaging for twelve years. She is sure that all she needs to do is touch Jesus’ clothes and she will be cured. So filled with the courage of faith, she does just that, and is healed. Jesus commends her faith.

• • • Can you remember a time when you leaned on your faith in a difficult situation to give you courage and strength? What helps you have faith to trust in the presence and love of God?
    • Prayer: Lord God, strengthen my faith so that I face all situations. Help me to trust you with all parts of my life. Amen.

 

Wednesday, March 6 — Esther 2: 5-11, 15-18

The Old Testament book of Esther tells how Esther, a Jewish orphan who was raised by her cousin Mordecai, was chosen by King Ahasuerus and crowned Queen. It is a dramatic story of courage, with many twists and turns. One of the themes is “ironic reversal”; the expected outcome is reversed. No one would have predicted that a Jewish orphan would be selected to be a Persian queen. But this is the way God works.

• • • How have you experienced “ironic reversals” in your life? Have there been any times when God did something unexpected?
    • Prayer: Almighty God, I know you work in mysterious and unexpected ways. Open my eyes to see and my heart to trust. Amen.

Thursday, March 7 — Esther 3:1-6

Every good story requires a villain. In the book of Esther, the villain is Haman, who conspires to destroy all the Jews—all of Esther and Mordecai’s people—throughout the kingdom of King Ahasuerus. This is exactly the kind of situation that calls for heroic action. It calls for someone to have the courage to do the right thing.

• • • Most heroic actions don’t look very heroic at all. Doing the right thing is often doing the little things to obey God and bless others. How many heroic actions have you taken today?
    • Prayer: God of grace, forgive me when I fail to do the things I know I should do. Give me the courage to obey you more fully each day. Amen.

 

Friday, March 8 — Esther 4:1-17

With Mordecai’s encouragement, Esther agrees to act on behalf of her people. Mordecai’s words in verses 13-14 are profound. They demonstrate unwavering faith in God, and confidence that God can call and prepare anyone to be an instrument for His purposes in the world. Esther had come to power for just this kind of situation. The orphan Queen would save her people (see Esther 8:1-8).

• • • Think back over the years of your life. How has God prepared you for service? What are you uniquely qualified to do in the name of Jesus? How can you bless others?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, sometimes I forget to look for your presence in my life. Forgive me. Help me to see you at work. Amen.

 

Saturday, March 9 — Esther 9:18-23

The Jews responded to their deliverance from Haman’s scheme to destroy them by having “days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor”. This custom continues to the present day in the Jewish community and is called the Festival of Purim (this year it will be celebrated March 23-24). Esther’s courage led to the saving of her people, and their response was to give thanks to God (who loves, protects, and provides) by showing love and compassion to others.

• • • Think about how you give thanks to God for His love and presence in your life. Do you celebrate? Have you ever thought of showing your thanks by giving to others?
    • Prayer: Loving God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for all that you have done for me and given to me. Help me to live out my thanks and faith by loving others. Amen.

 

GPS – Week of Feb. 26

Monday, February 26 — John 15:1-17

Love is the binding agent for our most important and vital relationships (Ephesians 4:16, Colossians 3:14). According to Jesus, God’s primary commandments are to love God with our entire being and love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40). The image of the vine and the branches is a powerful reminder that we will be able to obey God’s “love commandments” only when we stay connected to God (through worship, prayer, Bible reading and study, … etc.).

• • • Consider the strength of your connection with God. How do you express your love for God? How does your love for God affect your ability to extend God’s love to others?
    • Prayer: God of Love, strengthen my relationship with you this week. Help me grow in faith and trust. Increase my ability to love you and my neighbors every day. Amen.

 

Tuesday, February 27 — 1 John 1:1-10

The First Letter of John is written to a church (or possibly a group of churches) in the midst of conflict and division. Through the letter, the church is reminded of God’s salvation, which is offered through Jesus. In the first century (and today), God’s salvation included the forgiveness of sins, which was (and is) received by humble and honest confession. Even though it is not easy, confessing our sins is an essential spiritual discipline.

• • • Spend time confessing your sins today. Take everything to God. Trust in God’s grace. What do you need to bring before God? Are you shielding any part(s) of your life from the light of Christ?
    • Prayer: God of Grace, I confess my sins today and acknowledge my need for your grace. In the name of Jesus Christ, forgive me and lead me into new life. Amen.

 

Wednesday, February 28 — 1 John 2:1-17

When we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, we are expected to obey God’s commandments, beginning with the commandment to love one another. In several parts of the letter, John emphasizes that our relationship with God is expected to affect our human relationships. We cannot separate Jesus’ commandments to love God and love our neighbors. The message is clear: if we are in a right relationship with God (by grace through faith in Jesus), we will live an obedient life, seeking perfection in love.

• • • How does your relationship with God affect your human relationships? How is God perfecting you in love?
    • Prayer: Eternal God, transform my life by the power of your grace. Teach me to seek and obey your will and follow the example of Jesus. Perfect me in your love. Amen.

 

Thursday, February 29 — 1 John 3:1-24

The heart of John’s message to the churches is found in the second half of chapter three: “that we should love one another” (1 John 3:11). He asks: “How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?” (1 John 3:17). He says: “let us love [one another], not in word or speech, but in truth and action” (1 John 3:18). For John and other New Testament writers, love was more than an emotional feeling, it was, and is, the impetus for loving action — actively and intentionally seeking the best for others.

• • • Use John’s message in chapter three to reflect on your life. Do you love in truth and in action? How does God’s love abide in you?
    • Prayer: Compassionate God, open my eyes to see clearly when others need my help. Teach me to love the way Jesus loves — in truth and action. Amen.

 

Friday, March 1 — 1 John 4:1-21

One of the most familiar verses in the Bible serves as a summary of the Gospel: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16). This verse reminds us that the best definition of “love” is not found in a dictionary; it is found on the cross. The death of Jesus Christ on the cross is the ultimate embodiment of God’s love, which is, at its heart, sacrificial love. Jesus’ death is the ultimate example of love “in truth and action” (1 John 3:18).

• • • As a disciple of Jesus, how are you following his example of perfect, sacrificial love? What act of sacrificial love can you perform today?
    • Prayer: Merciful God, thank you for the sacrificial love of Jesus and for the gift of salvation. Help me to follow his example and witness to his sacrificial love for me. Amen.

 

Saturday, March 2 — 1 John 5:1-21

The purpose of The First Letter of John was (and is) to strengthen the faith of, and nurture the confidence of, children of God. Even in the midst of difficult or uncertain circumstances, God’s children can be confident in God’s faithfulness and God’s ultimate victory over evil, sin, and death. Even in the midst of difficult or uncertain circumstances, God’s children must have faith in God, not in the idols of the world, and put their faith into action.

• • • How do you maintain your confidence in God in the midst of difficult circumstances? What are some of the idols that tempt you to turn away from God? How do you resist these temptations?
    • Prayer: Heavenly Father, keep me safe within your love and care today. Protect me from temptations and the lure of everything that prevents me from following Jesus. Amen.