Do You Not Perceive It?
Sunday, April 6
Isaiah 43:16-21
Xuan (Tracy) Wang
Evangelical Covenant Church
Attleboro, Massachusetts
It is interesting to see that immediately after mentioning all the miraculous and wondrous things God has done for the Israelites, God says, “Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old” (v. 18, ESV). Is this an invitation to stop dwelling in our own past failings, or is it a contrast to emphasize how marvelous the future might be? Perhaps a bit of both?
My past is filled with unfinished projects, mistakes, failures, and losses. I am happy to let go of them and begin with a fresh start. God has a clean and faithful record from the beginning and is graciously doing a new thing that is even bigger, better, and more wondrous. We are all invited to be a part of it!
We, who have been shaped and formed by God and for God, will proclaim God’s praise. The question is: Do we perceive it?
Heavenly Father, please help me to leave the burden of my past behind and drop my old, failing ways. Renew me and keep revealing yourself to me so I can sing your praise. Amen.
Deeds And Distractions
Monday, April 7
John 12:1-8
Amanda Willey
Crossroads Community Church
Framingham, Massachusetts
In this passage we see Martha doing a good deed by serving others. We see Mary making a huge sacrifice for Jesus, and we see Judas Iscariot’s sin distracting him from focusing on Jesus. There will always be many needs around us, and many will distract us. Some people like, Mother Teresa, sacrifice their whole life doing good deeds for others, but good deeds alone don’t bring salvation.
Mary made a sacrifice for Jesus by blessing him with her most valuable possession. What can we sacrifice? For many of us, our time is more valuable than ever. How much time do you spend on your relationship with Jesus?
Jesus recognized Martha for serving, praised Mary for her sacrifice, and rebuked Judas Iscariot for allowing his sin to be a distraction. Let us be mindful of not distracting others with our sin; instead, let us encourage them to focus on Jesus who will guide us in serving others.
Lord, help us to keep our eyes fixed you as we serve! Amen.
Heart Check
Tuesday, April 8
Psalm 94:1-11
Beth Abreu
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
“Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word” (v. 67, NIV).
Have you ever read this psalm and thought of a situation where others hurt you and you wanted God to repay them for that hurt? It is a natural human reaction to want to retaliate. Sometimes we take it upon ourselves to do the avenging. However, we have a limited and biased view. God is the judge and avenger. God instructs us against repaying evil with evil (1 Peter 3:9; Romans 12:17). When we take matters into our own hands, we do not trust the One who has shown us mercy and grace countless times. We often become the very thing we judge.
Our human plans are futile (v. 11, NIV). Before we act or react to a hurtful situation or conflict, is it not best to submit our hearts, thoughts, and plans to God’s wisdom first? What grace might God grant us that may bring forth healing? What further damage could be prevented? No matter the outcome, intentionally inviting God’s presence into the situation with us can bring peace of mind and deepen our connection with God.
Lord, your ways are higher. Thank you for being the great I AM, the One who sees, hears, and loves us all. Amen.
Discipline To Run The Race
Wednesday, April 9
Psalm 94:12-19
Emma Healey
Trinity Covenant Church
Manchester, Connecticut
“Blessed is the one you discipline, Lord” (v. 12, NIV).
I often forget that discipline is an expression of love. I still remember vividly my parents talking to me about how my actions as a sixteen-year-old were going to stop right there and then. Within the hour they set new rules for me. In my heart of hearts, I was thankful for being corralled in safety to stop my teenaged rollercoaster choices. Their love and discipline caused me to take a serious look at my friends, my behavior, and what I deemed important in my life.
I hate to say it, because it’s a daily struggle, but I crave discipline. I need to remember that as a believer I am learning from God’s law when I am disciplined. Just as the psalmist called out to God, I continue to call out to God who grants rest and support in challenging times. God’s discipline is an expression of God’s love for us, as a parent disciplines a child. God’s love will fortify us as we run the race.
God, thank you for your discipline, for encouraging me, blessing me, and holding my hand. Amen.
Follow His Lead
Thursday, April 10
Psalm 73:21-28
Dianne Sproul
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
The psalmist Asaph writes of his struggles with bitterness as he compares himself to others. I remember a time when a coworker I had trained was given the supervisor position I was qualified for. I was disappointed and felt the decision was unfair. At the time I wasn’t aware of God’s presence in my life.
When we look in envy at what others appear to have—a successful career, a big house, the perfect relationship or family—we may wonder what they have that I do not. When we focus on what we do not have, we may be ignoring what God wants for us.
When our focus is centered on God, it is God who leads us on the path set for us. All we need to do is humble ourselves to follow God’s lead.
Dear Lord, remind me to open my eyes and heart as I follow you on my daily walk. Amen.
Without Grumbling
Friday, April 11
Philippians 2:14-15
Sara Papetti
Covenant Congregational Church
North Easton, Massachusetts
How often does someone have an idea about how to help our church become stronger but once that idea is shared, the grumbling and arguing begins? Grumbling and arguing is not getting along, which can cause people to fall away, stop working together, forget kindness, and soon become part of a generation falling away from God.
Jesus called us to “Love one another” (John 13:34). There is no room in our hearts for grumbling or arguing if we are focused on Jesus. Paul is spreading the word for the Philippians to understand the goodness and the possibilities of living in peace together, which leads to caring for each other and holding up those who are in need.
Lord, please help me see when I slip into grumbling and arguing. Help me to hold myself in the positive, not the negative, that you may shine in me. Amen.
Growing In Knowing Christ Jesus
Saturday, April 12
Philippians 3:4B-14
Amanda Jensen
Christ Church
East Greenwich, Rhode Island
Today’s text begins with Paul expressing his credentials and highly religious lifestyle. Yet he goes on to say that knowing Jesus matters more than any of those things. He even brings it to an extreme—everything is a loss compared to knowing Jesus. Even Paul, with all his qualifications, exclaims that he has not been able to fully grasp knowing Jesus.
As I reflect on this passage, I feel both peace and fear. Peace is knowing Jesus Christ—our relationship with Jesus will always be enough. Yet this also brings fear. How do we get to a place of not counting what we have, to let it go for simply knowing Jesus and count it a loss?
And that brings me back to a feeling of peace—a peace that comes with grace. After all, even the Apostle Paul confesses to not having obtained the depth of knowing Christ we long for.
We are called to continue this pursuit of forgetting the past and present to know Christ more fully until we are called home to heaven where we will spend an eternity with Christ Jesus!
Lord, help us to grow in grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ! Amen.
