April 2018 Passages
April 1, 2018
Hallelujah Jesus is risen! Happy Easter! Jesus became like us,shared in our humanity, took upon himself our sin and then took our punishment to destroy death so we might live eternally with him. He is our high priest making us righteous .
"After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."
April 2, 2018
By Jesus death and resurrection, He forgave us our sin and extends grace to us to leave behind our former selves to begin new life in Him.
"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
April 3, 2018
To be new in Christ is to pray for strength to be able to resist speaking to others in ways that prevents Him from being seen in us.
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord ; keep watch over the door of my lips. Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.
April 4, 2018
Each day we start again and are reminded of our need to depend on Jesus to continue learning and doing what he expects.
"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
April 5, 2018
The peace of our ever present Lord is ours to receive when we push aside our stress, anxiety, need to be perfect, feelings of inadequacy then quiet our hearts and minds to focus on Him.
"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!”
April 6, 2018
On days when you feel invisible as though no one sees or cares what you do, cling to the hope and knowledge that,
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
April 7, 2018
Words can cut like a sword through the heart. Think before you speak.
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
April 9, 2018
Yielding to the Holy Spirit for self control can prevent the breaking of relationships
"A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel."
April 10, 2018
True joy is of God and it is sustained through peaks and valleys of life- the fruit of our hard work in Jesus brings peace.
"Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord , make me dwell in safety."
April 11, 2018
Even with thoughts that run through our mind and the challenges we have with people and situations that create angst, our safe place is the refuge we take in Jesus.
"But you, Lord , are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high."
April 12, 2018
Made in his image- your talent, ability to learn, opportunities given and places you go each day presents to you the choice to Glorify him.
"“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..."
April 13, 2018
Do not look at your weakness as though you can't, but see the strength you have in Jesus.
"“Alas, Sovereign Lord ,” I said, “I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am too young.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord .
April 16, 2018
Abiding in Jesus, like the strong foundation of the place you live, He is your home the sure hope and protection from the storms of life.
"I love you, Lord , my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold."
April 17, 2018
Getting caught up in the details of your human thoughts can cause hopelessness, frustration, and fear. So with confidence pray to be rescued.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters. He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me. He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me."
April 18, 2018
Sometimes like a flashlight seeing only a little bit while other times like the sun powerful and bright God orders our steps with his light moment by moment.
"You, Lord , keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light."
April 19, 2018
We are not defeated! Regardless of our thoughts or what we think we know, we are victorious in Christ Jesus.
"You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way."
April 20, 2018
As hatred rises among people and selfishness the tone of our day, through acts of kindness and love, we stand radiant glorifying God.
"The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes."
April 21, 2018
To resist the dominance of our thoughts/ ideologies/ and desires so to be filled to the measure of the Holy Spirit, we are blessed.
"“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."
April 22, 2018
Jesus is given to each of us to bind up our broken hearts, to heal us from our sadness, and be our everlasting joy.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
April 23, 2018
Our sphere of influence rests soley with the Holy Spirit. His gentleness through us is more powerful than perceived human dominance.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth."
April 24, 2018
Decide today to desire the righteousness of God to pour forth from you to all he sends your way and in his strength refrain from godless chatter.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
April 25, 2018
With the power of the Holy Spirit in humility offer forgiveness to the ones whom you've been offended. Great is your reward.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
April 26, 2018
Our minds are a constant battleground of competing thoughts. Pray to focus on what is right, what is good, what is of God.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
April 27, 2018
The enemy will use people as pons to try to destroy your faith and hope in Jesus. Stand firm in Christ who is your rock! Great is your reward!
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.
April 28, 2018
Conflict is a part of being human, yet your response can instill peace when the Holy Spirit leads.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
April 30, 2018
Obedience to God is a reflection to others of the Christian Life. Our choices matter, our words matter, the people we associate with matter, you matter and why you are here matters!
“You are the salt of the earth......"