That Didn’t Go as Planned – Wk 4

by | Apr 21, 2025 | That Didn't Go As Planned

Day 1: The Power That Changes Everything

Devotional
The empty tomb stands as the most powerful symbol of hope humanity has ever known. When Mary Magdalene and Jesus’ mother Mary approached the tomb that morning, they weren’t just discovering an empty grave – they were witnessing the dawn of a new era where death itself had been defeated. This wasn’t just a historical event; it was the beginning of a revolution that continues to transform lives today. The resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power available to us now, offering hope for every seemingly impossible situation we face.

Bible Verse
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” – Matthew 28:1

Reflection Question
What areas of your life feel like they need resurrection power today? What would it look like to invite God’s transformative power into these situations?

Quote
If God can raise Jesus from the dead, then God can raise you from the death that you’ve created in the life that you’ve chosen.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your resurrection power that’s still active today. Help me to believe that no situation in my life is beyond Your ability to transform. Give me faith to trust in Your power to bring new life to every area of my existence. Amen.

Day 2: Staying Connected to the Source

Devotional
Just as a lamp needs to stay connected to its power source to give light, we need to maintain our connection with Jesus to experience His resurrection power in our lives. This isn’t about religious routine – it’s about building a genuine relationship with the One who conquered death. When we stay close to Jesus, His power naturally flows into every aspect of our lives, bringing transformation, healing, and renewal.

Bible Verse
“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question
What practical steps can you take today to strengthen your connection with Jesus? What distractions might be keeping you from staying close to Him?
Quote
If you want to see resurrection power in your life, you’ve got to maintain your proximity to Jesus.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, draw me closer to You today. Help me prioritize our relationship above all else, knowing that Your presence is the source of true transformation in my life. Amen.

Day 3: Dying to Live

Devotional
Transformation requires letting go of the old to embrace the new. Just as Jesus had to die before His resurrection, there are parts of our old nature that need to die so we can experience new life. This might mean releasing old habits, forgiving past hurts, or surrendering control. While this process isn’t always comfortable, it’s essential for experiencing the fullness of God’s resurrection power in our lives.

Bible Verse
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” – Matthew 28:1

Reflection Question
What aspects of your old nature is God asking you to surrender today? What’s making it difficult to let go?
Quote
There’s a bad version of all of us. There’s a sinful version of all of us. Paul said I have to die to that guy every day because every time I think I’m doing good, I kind of show back up with the old me.

Prayer
Lord, give me the courage to die to my old nature so I can fully experience Your new life. Help me trust Your process of transformation, knowing that You have my best interests at heart. Amen.

Day 4: Love's Transforming Power

Devotional
God’s resurrection power flows through love, not force. When we understand that transformation comes through His gentle, patient love rather than through harsh demands or rigid rules, we begin to experience true change. This same approach should characterize how we share God’s love with others – not through pressure or manipulation, but through genuine care and compassion.

Bible Verse
“Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question
How has God’s love transformed your life? How can you show that same transforming love to others around you?
Quote
Love them into the kingdom, don’t mug them into the kingdom.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your patient, transforming love. Help me to receive it fully and share it freely with others. Let Your love be the power that changes lives through me. Amen.

Day 5: Never Beyond Hope

Devotional
No situation is too desperate, no person too far gone for God’s resurrection power. The same power that rolled away the stone from Jesus’ tomb can break through any barrier in our lives. Whether facing addiction, broken relationships, or seemingly impossible circumstances, God’s power offers hope and the possibility of a fresh start. He specializes in bringing life from death, hope from despair, and beauty from ashes.

Bible Verse
“After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.” – Matthew 28:1

Reflection Question
What situation have you given up hope on? How might God’s resurrection power bring new life to this situation?
Quote
So many people would rather take suicide. They’d rather give up. They’d rather just cut the line than deal with the problem. And what Jesus said was this: I’ve come to deal with the problem, the problem, sin. But I’m the way out.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, help me believe that nothing is beyond Your power to transform. Give me hope for the situations that seem hopeless, and faith to trust in Your resurrection power. Amen.

That Didn’t Go As Planned – Wk 3

by | Apr 17, 2025 | That Didn't Go As Planned

Day 1: The Power of Simple Faith

Devotional
Sometimes we make faith more complicated than it needs to be. Consider the thief on the cross – he didn’t have time for Bible study, baptism, or years of service. His faith journey consisted of a simple acknowledgment of his sin, recognition of Jesus as Lord, and a humble request to be remembered. That was enough. This profound truth challenges our tendency to add requirements to salvation that God never intended. The beauty of the gospel lies in its accessibility to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances. God’s heart is to welcome, not to create barriers. He’s made the path to reconciliation as straightforward as possible because His ultimate goal is relationship, not religion.

Bible Verse
“Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'” – Luke 23:42-43

Reflection Question
What unnecessary requirements or expectations might you be adding to your relationship with God that He never asked for?
Quote
“I’m not making it as hard as I can for you to get to heaven. I’m making it as easy as I can for you to repent.”

Prayer
Lord, thank you for making salvation simple enough for anyone to receive. Help me to embrace the pure simplicity of faith and trust in Your finished work rather than my own efforts. Amen.

Day 2: Beyond Human Understanding

Devotional
God’s mercy operates on a scale that often challenges our human logic. We tend to measure forgiveness with human metrics – weighing the severity of the offense, the sincerity of the apology, or the amount of time that’s passed. But God’s forgiveness transcends these limited parameters. He forgives completely and immediately, regardless of the circumstance. Whether someone comes to faith as a child or on their deathbed, His mercy remains equally powerful and complete. This isn’t because sin doesn’t matter – it’s because His grace matters more.

Bible Verse
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:16-17

Reflection Question
How might your view of forgiveness change if you truly believed that God’s mercy extends beyond what makes sense to you?
Quote
His mercy extends beyond what you think makes sense.

Prayer
Father, help me grasp the magnitude of Your mercy. Teach me to accept Your forgiveness without trying to make it fit within my human understanding. Amen.

Day 3: Breaking Free from the Past

Devotional
Many of us carry chains of past mistakes, dragging them behind us like heavy weights. Even after receiving God’s forgiveness, we continue to punish ourselves, attempting to pay a debt that’s already been settled. This self-imposed penance not only diminishes the power of Christ’s sacrifice but also prevents us from fully embracing our present and future in Him. God’s forgiveness is complete – when He forgives, He chooses to remember our sins no more. Our challenge isn’t earning forgiveness; it’s accepting that it’s already been given.

Bible Verse
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.” – Psalm 23:1-3

Reflection Question
What past mistakes are you still carrying that God has already forgiven and forgotten?
Quote
“I believe that some people are so chained to their past, they can’t live in the present and they can’t see the vision for their future.”

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me release the burden of past sins that You’ve already forgiven. Teach me to walk in the freedom You’ve provided. Amen.

Day 4: Fresh Mercies Daily

Devotional
Unlike human memory, which tends to hold onto past hurts and failures, God’s forgiveness operates on a different system entirely. Each morning brings a fresh start, unmarred by yesterday’s mistakes. This isn’t because God has a poor memory – it’s a deliberate choice born from His infinite love. When we truly grasp this truth, it transforms how we approach each new day. We’re no longer defined by our past failures but by His present grace. This daily renewal of mercy invites us to live boldly and confidently in His love.

Bible Verse
“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.” – Matthew 21:16

Reflection Question
How would your approach to each day change if you truly believed God’s mercies are new every morning?
Quote
“My mercies are new for you every day because I’ve already forgiven you from yesterday. I don’t even remember it.”

Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your fresh mercies each day. Help me to embrace the new start You offer and live in the freedom of Your forgiveness. Amen.

Day 5: Moving Forward in Grace

Devotional
God’s kingdom is not a showcase of perfect people, but a mosaic of redeemed souls. Each person’s story of transformation adds to the beautiful diversity of His family. Our role isn’t to judge who’s worthy or to give up on ourselves or others because of past mistakes. Instead, we’re called to embrace and extend the same grace we’ve received. When we understand this, we become active participants in expanding God’s kingdom, welcoming others with the same open arms that welcomed us.

Bible Verse
“Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question
How can you better reflect God’s welcoming heart to others who might feel unworthy or excluded?
Quote
“The kingdom of God doesn’t look sterile. It looks like this collective of mosaics of black and white and Latino and white rappers and black opera singers.”

Prayer
God, help me to see others through Your eyes of grace. Use me to share Your love and welcome others into Your kingdom. Amen.

That Didn’t Go as Planned – Wk 2

by | Apr 8, 2025 | That Didn't Go As Planned

Day 1: When Plans Go Sideways

Devotional
Life rarely follows our carefully crafted plans. Whether it’s a Monday morning commute disrupted by unexpected traffic or a major life event that catches us off guard, we often find ourselves navigating uncharted waters. These moments can leave us feeling frustrated, anxious, or even questioning God’s presence in our circumstances. Yet, these unexpected turns often become the very pathways through which God demonstrates His faithfulness and wisdom. Just as the crowd’s choice of Barabbas over Jesus seemed to derail God’s plan, it actually fulfilled His perfect purpose for salvation. When our plans crumble, God’s purposes prevail.

Bible Verse
“Now it was the governor’s custom at the festival to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. At that time they had a well-known prisoner whose name was Jesus Barabbas.” – Matthew 27:15-16
Reflection Question
How do you typically respond when your plans don’t work out as expected? What might God be teaching you through these moments?

Quote
“Every Sunday we come to church and things don’t go as planned. Every Monday I get up and Things don’t go as planned. And every Tuesday when I get up, things don’t go planned because life just doesn’t go the way we think it should.”

Prayer
Lord, help me trust Your perfect plan even when life takes unexpected turns. Give me the faith to see Your hand at work in every circumstance. Amen.

Day 2: Standing Against the Crowd

Devotional

Following Jesus often means walking a different path than the majority. The crowd chose Barabbas over Jesus, demonstrating how popular opinion doesn’t always align with God’s truth. In our own lives, we frequently face situations where following Christ requires us to make choices that others might not understand or support. This journey isn’t about winning popularity contests or seeking others’ approval – it’s about remaining faithful to God’s calling on our lives, even when it means standing alone.

Bible Verse

“Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question

In what areas of your life might God be calling you to take a stand that differs from the crowd’s expectations?

Quote

“If you’re gonna really do what God wants you to do in your life, you’re going to have to figure out that generally it’s going to be opposite of what the crowd does.”

Prayer

Father, grant me the courage to follow You faithfully, even when it means going against the crowd. Help me find my identity and approval in You alone. Amen.

Day 3: Embracing God's Mercy

Devotional

Like Barabbas, we all stand guilty before God, deserving punishment for our sins. Yet through Jesus’s sacrifice, we receive something extraordinary – mercy. This isn’t about earning God’s favor or achieving perfection; it’s about accepting His incredible gift of grace. When we truly understand the magnitude of what Jesus did for us, it transforms how we view both ourselves and others. We’re all recipients of undeserved mercy, which should humble us and inspire us to extend that same mercy to others.

Bible Verse

“But Pilate asked them, ‘Why? What crime has he committed? But they shouted all the louder, ‘Crucify him!'” – Matthew 27:23

Reflection Question

How has understanding God’s mercy changed the way you view yourself and others?

Quote

“Grace is the unmerited favor of God. You didn’t do anything to do it. God just blesses you, right? But mercy is when you’re guilty and should be punished. But God let you off the hook because of what Jesus did on the cross.”

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless mercy. Help me to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness and share that mercy with others. Amen.

Day 4: Living in Freedom

Devotional

The story of Barabbas reminds us that Jesus’s death wasn’t just about religious ritual – it was about setting prisoners free. When we accept Christ’s sacrifice, we’re released from the burden of our past sins and future failures. This freedom isn’t a license to sin but an invitation to live fully in God’s purpose. Jesus knows we aren’t perfect, yet His blood covers all our mistakes – past, present, and future. This truth should fill us with joy and peace, knowing we’re completely accepted and loved by God.

Bible Verse

“‘Which of the two do you want me to release to you?’ asked the governor. ‘Barabbas,’ they answered.” – Matthew 27:21

Reflection Question

How does knowing that Jesus’s blood covers all your sins impact how you live your daily life?

Quote

“Jesus knows you’re going to screw up. So what does the blood of Christ do? It covers all your sins, past, present and future. It’s not a license to sin, but is forgiveness for sin.”

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for the freedom You’ve given me through Your sacrifice. Help me live in that freedom while honoring You with my choices. Amen.

Day 5: Simple Salvation

Devotional

Sometimes we complicate what God has made simple. The path to salvation isn’t about perfect performance or complex religious rituals – it’s about accepting Jesus’s gift of grace. Just as Barabbas simply walked free because Jesus took his place, we too can experience freedom through Christ’s sacrifice. We don’t need to earn it or deserve it; we simply need to accept it. This beautiful simplicity of salvation is available to everyone, regardless of their past or present circumstances.

Bible Verse

“‘What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?’ Pilate asked.” – Matthew 27:22

Reflection Question

In what ways might you be making your relationship with God more complicated than it needs to be?

Quote

“We try to make being right with Jesus so hard and Jesus tries to make it so easy.”

Prayer

Lord, thank You for making salvation so accessible. Help me embrace the simplicity of Your grace and share this good news with others. Amen.

That Didn’t Go as Planned – Wk 1

by | Apr 1, 2025 | That Didn't Go As Planned

Day 1: The Promise of Purpose

Devotional

We often make grand promises to God, declaring how faithful and devoted we’ll be. Like Peter, we genuinely mean these promises in the moment. Yet when challenges arise, we sometimes fall short of our own expectations. The beauty of God’s love is that He already knows every step of our journey – including our missteps – and He calls us anyway.

Bible Verse

“But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same.” – Matthew 26:35

Reflection Question

What promises have you made to God that you’ve struggled to keep, and how has that affected your relationship with Him?

Quote

When God saved your soul or will save your soul, he knows every sin you’re ever going to make, past, present, future, and you’re going to make them. But it’s what you do after that. It’s what you do when things just don’t make sense, that matters.

Prayer

Father, thank You for loving me even when I fall short of my promises. Help me remember that You knew every step of my journey when You called me, and that Your love isn’t dependent on my perfect performance. Amen.

Day 2: Beyond Behavior

Devotional

Many of us have reduced our faith to a checklist of dos and don’ts, measuring our spiritual worth by our behavior. But God isn’t looking for perfect performers; He’s seeking authentic relationship. When we focus solely on our actions, we miss the heart of Christianity – a transformative connection with our Creator that changes us from within.

Bible Verse

“Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” – Luke 14:23

Reflection Question

How might your relationship with God change if you focused more on knowing Him personally rather than just following rules?

Quote

Christianity is not behavior modification. Christianity is a relationship with God that changes you from the inside out.

Prayer

Lord, help me move beyond mere behavior modification to pursue a genuine relationship with You. Draw me closer to Your heart, knowing that true transformation comes through intimacy with You. Amen.

Day 3: The Power of Proximity

Devotional

Just as spending time with a close friend naturally influences our behavior and perspective, drawing near to God transforms us organically. We don’t need to force change through willpower alone. Instead, as we cultivate closeness with God, His character naturally begins to shape ours.

Bible Verse

“Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, ‘Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?'” – Matthew 26:51-52

Reflection Question

In what ways have you noticed your character naturally changing as you’ve grown closer to God?

Quote

The closer you get to him, the more your behavior changes. Not because of modification, but because of proximity.

Prayer

Dear God, draw me closer to You each day. Let Your presence transform me naturally as I spend time in Your company. Thank You for the gift of relationship with You. Amen.

Day 4: Embracing Your Calling

Devotional

God’s calling on your life isn’t a mistake. He didn’t overlook your flaws or miscalculate your potential. Every struggle, every failure, and every victory is part of the journey He’s designed specifically for you. Don’t let past mistakes convince you to abandon your purpose.

Bible Verse

“Again Jesus said, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ He answered, ‘Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Take care of my sheep.'” – John 21:16

Reflection Question

What calling or purpose has God placed on your heart that you’ve been hesitant to pursue because of past failures?

Quote

Stop discounting and disqualifying what God has qualified and called you to do. That’s a bigger mistake than the sin that you’re struggling with now.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, give me courage to embrace the calling You’ve placed on my life, despite my imperfections. Help me trust that You’ve qualified me for the purpose You’ve given me. Amen.

Day 5: Grace for the Journey

Devotional

Sometimes the hardest person to forgive is ourselves. We can accept God’s forgiveness intellectually while still holding ourselves hostage to past mistakes. But when we truly grasp God’s grace, we understand that our failures don’t define us – they refine us. Each stumble becomes a stepping stone toward greater dependence on God.

Bible Verse

“The third time he said to him, ‘Simon son of John, do you love me?’ Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, ‘Do you love me?’ He said, ‘Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.’ Jesus said, ‘Feed my sheep.'” – John 21:17

Reflection Question

How might your spiritual journey change if you extended the same grace to yourself that God extends to you?

Quote

Some of us can’t remain sons and daughters of God because we’re too busy kicking ourself out of the family.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your endless grace. Help me accept the forgiveness You freely give and stop disqualifying myself from Your family. Let me walk confidently in Your love today. Amen.