What Christ left behind

One of the first hints that Jesus Christ was no longer dead, was what he had left behind. John 20 details how the grave clothes were found without the body of Christ. We will leave many things behind when we finally see Jesus, but we don't have to wait until that time to shed some of the trappings of death, like pride or selfishness. What unchristian habits or practices can you give up?

Why Palms?

John 12:12 describes a jubilant crowd waving palm branches and throwing them in front of Jesus as he entered the city of Jerusalem. In modern terms, we might think of these palm branches as a way of saying "Jesus for King" or "revolution now!" Jesus did not manifest a political or military revolution. Those goals were too small for the Son of God, instead he paid for all of the sins of all humanity.

Relief in the valley of weeping

God's people often journeyed several miles to the tabernacle of God, in order to worship. For many, this journey took them through dangerous places, where they would encounter physical threats like robbers or even lack of food. God promised to be with His people as they made this trip. One such 'hard place' was the valley of weeping (Ps 84:6). What is your valley of weeping?

Why not jump?

Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan in a very real and personal way Matt 4:5-7. During this time, Satan tried to persuade Jesus to jump from the top of the temple, claiming that God would be 'forced' to catch Jesus. Christ rebuked Satan with the words, God should not be tempted. Do you take unnecessary risks hoping the God will supernaturally manifest, or do refrain from tempting God?

How much Bible can you accept?

 Jesus accepted the entire old testament as the Word of God. During Christ's time on earth, he also gave authority to his apostles to speak on his behalf and in that capacity they wrote letters and histories that became equal to the old testament as God's word. As Christians, we struggle to reconcile the Bible with our values, but we accept it as inspired by God.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

To See God

If you want to see what God is like, what His love looks like, Jesus says "look at me" (John 12:44-50).  This bold statement demonstrated not only that Jesus was God incarnate, but also that the very God who created us all has the same personality as Christ. God cares for the poor, the social outcast, and any who acknowledge their own weakness, just like Jesus Christ.

Don't edit your prayers

Psalms 13 shows us what a desperate man's prayer sounds like.  The psalmist questions God's care and accuses God of abandoning him. We can take great comfort in knowing that God is big enough to accept our prayers of desperation and that God calls us to talk with him frankly and honestly. Have you ever honestly called out to God and in your own words asked Him to respond?