Posts with the tag “cross”

Reading: Galatians 2:20; Matthew 16:24-26 The cross wasn't jewelry in the first century, it was an instrument of execution. When Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily, He's inviting us into a lifestyle of continual death to self. This happens not in dramatic moments alone, but in ordinary decisions: choosing integrity when no one's watching, serving when it's inconvenient, speaking truth when silence is easier.  Read More

Weekly Devotional Mark 15:6–13 (NLT) “Now it was the governor’s custom each year during the Passover celebration to release one prisoner to the crowd—anyone they wanted. One of the prisoners at that time was Barabbas, a revolutionary who had committed murder in an uprising… But at this point the leading priests stirred up the crowd to demand the release of Barabbas instead of Jesus.”  Read More

Weekly Devotional Matthew 26:53–54 (NLT) “Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?”  Read More

Devotional Reading: Matthew 26:36–39 (NLT) In Gethsemane, Jesus faced overwhelming pressure. Knowing the suffering ahead, He told His disciples, “My soul is crushed with grief.” Instead of avoiding the moment, Jesus went to the Father in prayer. He honestly expressed His desire, “If it is possible, let this cup pass from me”, yet surrendered fully: “Not as I will, but as you will.”  Read More

Devotional Reading: Zechariah 9:9-10; Matthew 21:1-11  Jesus entered Jerusalem not on a warhorse but on a donkey. This was a deliberate statement of humility and peace. The crowds expected a conquering military leader to overthrow Rome, but Jesus came to conquer something far more oppressive: sin itself. Their expectation bias blinded them to the true nature of their King. How often do we approach...  Read More

Weekly Devotional Devotional Reading: Matthew 16:24-26; Philippians 2:3-8 Jesus made the requirements of discipleship clear: give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow Him. The cross wasn't just about death; it was about public surrender, a visible sign that you now belong to someone else. True discipleship cannot coexist with selfishness. When we promote ourselves, we cannot simultaneously follow Christ.  Read More

Weekly Devotional John 19:28-29 NLT "Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture, he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips.  Read More