Tears for Easter

 Mary wept when she discovered the body of Jesus was missing (John 20). We're not sure if her tears indicated a lack of faith or understanding that Jesus was risen, but when Jesus does reveal himself to her, he treats her with kindness and reassurance. How do you treat those who don't share your faith?

Are you?

 

Many have commented on how quickly the Palm Sunday (Luke 19) crowd turned on Jesus, but maybe their turning was no different from our willingness to reject Jesus's teachings and instead adopt a mob mentality that demeans empathy, charity, and understanding. Are you willing to live like Jesus for Jesus?  

 John revealed in his gospel that Judas had been stealing from the funds that were set aside by Jesus and His disciples to help the poor (John 12). Oddly, many Christians use words from this chapter to curtail giving to those in need, by declaring that there will always be poor people. Have you stolen from the poor by misapplying Jesus's words to serve your own greed?

Awesome's Treasures

 When the Israelites entered the promised land they found an abundance of food (Josh 5). This provision reminds us of the grace God extends to us through Jesus Christ (Eph 2). Perhaps we should consider how much has been given to us and how having received gifts, we should give to others (Matt 8).

Respectable Sins

 Jesus corrected a group that believed their countrymen were punished by God because they died horrible deaths (Luke 13). Jesus often warned us against believing our sins are less offensive than those around us, and later James reminds us of this truth (James 2:10). Which of your sins do feel proud to own, or consider 'respectable?'

God's presence?

 When God made a covenant with Abraham, the Bible describes a "horror of great darkness" falling on him (Gen 15). The Bible consistently associates God's presence with great fear, reminding us of God's absolute power. When God's people face great evil, they gain courage to act by knowing God is all-powerful.

Fear and Darkness

 When God made a covenant with Abraham, the Bible describes a "horror of great darkness" falling on him (Gen 15). During this time of fear and darkness, the covenant of blessing was established. Where can you find hope in your time of fear and darkness?