Recent Sermon Reflections

Day 1: The Journey Begins – Mark 11:1-11

• Reading: Mark 11:1-11
• Devotional: As we begin our contemplative journey, let us parallel the anticipation of victory in our own lives with the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem. In this passage, Jesus enters the city not with pomp and circumstance but with humility, on the back of a colt. Reflect on your own desires for success and recognition. How does the humble approach of Jesus challenge the ways you pursue greatness?
• Reflection Question: How can I embrace humility in my personal pursuit of success, as Jesus did in his approach to Jerusalem?
  
  

Day 2: A History of Longing – 1 Kings 1:28-37

• Reading: 1 Kings 1:28-37
• Devotional: The history of Israel’s kings is fraught with human imperfection and a longing for true leadership. Solomon’s anointing as king foreshadows a greater Kingship to come. Consider your own expectations of leadership. Are you seeking after leaders who demonstrate worldly power, or are you looking for leaders who serve with a heart aligned to God’s?
• Reflection Question: In what ways can I pray for and support leaders who prioritize service and humility over power and prestige?
  
  

Day 3: Prophetic Fulfillment – Zechariah 9:9

• Reading: Zechariah 9:9
• Devotional: Zechariah prophesies the coming of a king characterized by righteousness and humility. Today, pause to reflect on the ways Jesus has fulfilled this ancient prophecy. In your life, how can you celebrate and follow this King who brings peace, not through force, but through selfless love?
• Reflection Question: How can I better recognize and celebrate Jesus’s kingship in my daily life, acknowledging his peaceful reign over all aspects of my existence?
  
  

Day 4: The True Nature of Kingship – Philippians 2:5-11

• Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
• Devotional: Jesus’s journey to the cross exemplifies the ultimate expression of humility and obedience. As we reflect on His sacrifice, let us consider how we can adopt the same mindset of servanthood in our own lives. Where can you demonstrate humility and selflessness in your relationships and endeavors today?
• Reflection Question: How might adopting Jesus’s servant-hearted attitude transform my interactions and relationships with others?
  
  

Day 5: The Suffering Servant – Isaiah 53:3-5

• Reading: Isaiah 53:3-5
• Devotional: On this final day of our reflection, we confront the stark reality of the suffering servant. Jesus bore our griefs and carried our sorrows to bring us peace. As you meditate on the cost of our victory in Christ, ask yourself how you can live in response to such profound love and sacrifice.
• Reflection Question: In what practical ways can I lay down my own desires and comfort to serve others, as Jesus laid down his life for me?

Day 1: Embracing Our Spiritual Journey

• Bible Reading: Mark 8:27-30
• Devotional: Today, we begin by contemplating the profound question Jesus poses to His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” As we reflect on this scripture, let’s consider our own response to Jesus’ identity in our lives. Do we recognize Him merely as a historical figure, or do we embrace Him as our Lord and Savior, the Messiah? The sermon challenges us to examine our personal relationship with Jesus and how it shapes our journey of faith.
• Question for Reflection: How does your understanding of Jesus’ identity impact the way you live your daily life?
  
  

Day 2: The Cost of True Discipleship

• Bible Reading: Mark 8:31-38
• Devotional: In today’s passage, Jesus outlines the cost of following Him. He speaks of self-denial, taking up one’s cross, and the paradox of losing one’s life to save it. The sermon invites us to count this cost and consider what it means to be a disciple in both the easy and hard times. As C.S. Lewis reflects in “Mere Christianity,” discipleship is a challenging but also a comforting journey, dependent on our posture with God.
• Question for Reflection: What does taking up your cross daily look like in your life?
  
  

Day 3: Reclaiming Our Faith

• Bible Reading: Ephesians 6:12
• Devotional: The sermon speaks of reclaiming spiritual territories that we have surrendered. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Today, let’s identify the areas of our lives where we may have given ground to negative influences and commit to reclaiming them through prayer, scripture, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
• Question for Reflection: What areas of your life do you need to reclaim for Christ, and what practical steps can you take to do so?
  
  

Day 4: Living as Christ’s Hands and Feet

• Bible Reading: Matthew 25:34-40
• Devotional: As we continue our Lenten reflections, we consider how we can serve as the hands and feet of Christ. Matthew 25 challenges us to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison. The sermon emphasizes our mission to heal, free, and feed others as a testament to our discipleship. Today, reflect on how you can actively live out these commands in your community.
• Question for Reflection: In what ways can you serve “the least of these” in your community this week?
  
  

Day 5: Prioritizing the Eternal

• Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
• Devotional: As we close our week of reflection, we focus on the eternal rather than the ephemeral. The sermon reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly gains compared to the eternal value of our souls. 2 Corinthians 4 encourages us to fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. Let’s consider how we can prioritize our eternal relationship with God over temporary pleasures and successes.
• Question for Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary to eternal matters in your life?

Day 1: Understanding Jesus’ Mission

• Scripture Reading: Mark 10:32-34

• Devotion: Today we focus on the profound prediction Jesus shares about His suffering and resurrection. Reflect on how His disciples reacted with astonishment and fear. Contemplate on the significance of Jesus’ foretelling and what it means to follow Him despite not fully understanding His mission.

• Reflection Question: How can we trust in God’s plan for us, even when it seems beyond our understanding?

• Prayer Focus: Ask God for the faith to trust in His plan and for the courage to follow Him, even when the path is not clear.

Day 2: The Misunderstandings of Ambition

• Scripture Reading: Mark 10:35-40

• Devotion: In today’s reading, we witness the disciples’ desire for glory as they misunderstand Jesus’ teaching on servitude. Reflect on the times when you have sought personal gain over God’s will. Consider what it truly means to be a servant leader like Jesus.

• Reflection Question: Where in your life might you be pursuing personal ambition over humble service to others?

• Prayer Focus: Pray for a heart that desires to serve rather than be served, and for the humility to set aside personal ambitions for the sake of Christ’s example.

Day 3: The True Path to Greatness

• Scripture Reading: Mark 10:41-45

• Devotion: Jesus redefines greatness in the kingdom of God through service and sacrifice. As you meditate on these verses, challenge your own perceptions of power and authority. How does servant leadership manifest in your daily life?

• Reflection Question: How can you practice servant leadership in your community and relationships today?

• Prayer Focus: Pray for the strength to be a servant leader in your daily walk and to embrace the opportunities to serve others selflessly.

Day 4: The Blind Beggar’s Insight

• Scripture Reading: Mark 10:46-52

• Devotion: Bartimaeus, the blind beggar, sees with spiritual clarity the mercy and power of Jesus. As you read this story, think about your own spiritual sight. Are you recognizing your need for Jesus and calling out to Him for mercy?

• Reflection Question: How can you, like Bartimaeus, show persistence in your faith and reliance on Jesus’ mercy in your life?

• Prayer Focus: Pray for spiritual sight to recognize your need for Jesus and for the persistence to follow Him once He has opened your eyes.

Day 5: Seeking God’s Presence

• Scripture Reading: Psalm 27

• Devotion: End this week’s journey with a meditation on seeking and beholding the beauty of the Lord. Psalm 27 invites us to dwell in God’s presence and seek His face amidst life’s trials. Reflect on the confidence and courage that comes from God’s assurance.

• Reflection Question: How can you cultivate a daily practice of seeking God’s presence and reassurance in your life?

• Prayer Focus: Pray for an awareness of God’s presence in your life and for the courage to live out your faith boldly, trusting in His protection and guidance.

Day 1: Jesus is Lord

• Reading: Mark 6:45-51
• Focus: Understanding the Lordship of Jesus
• Devotion: In today’s scripture, we see Jesus’ authority as He walks on water, revealing His control over nature. This act is a profound declaration of His divine lordship. Consider how recognizing Jesus as Lord can influence your daily life and decisions. When you acknowledge His sovereignty, you are placing your trust in His guidance and wisdom.
• Reflection Question: How does accepting Jesus as Lord change the way you face your personal “storms” or challenges in life?
• Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to see You as the one who has authority over every aspect of my life. Give me the courage to trust You through all the storms I encounter. Amen.
  
  

Day 2: The Dual Nature of Christ

• Reading: John 1:1-14
• Focus: Jesus as Fully God and Fully Human
• Devotion: The beginning of John’s Gospel introduces us to the Word made flesh. Jesus is both divine and human, a mystery that lies at the heart of our faith. Today, meditate on the miracle of the Incarnation and what it means for God to dwell among us.
• Reflection Question: In what ways does understanding Jesus’ humanity alongside His divinity impact your relationship with Him?
• Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am in awe of the mystery of the Incarnation. Help me to draw near to Jesus, knowing He is both God and man, understanding my struggles and able to save me. Amen.
  
  

Day 3: The Solid Foundation

• Reading: Matthew 7:24-27
• Focus: Building Life on Jesus’ Teachings
• Devotion: In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus compares those who hear His words and act on them to a wise builder. As we seek to understand His lordship, we must also apply His teachings to our lives. Reflect on the areas of your life that you have built upon Jesus’ words.
• Reflection Question: Are there parts of your life that are built on shaky ground rather than on the teachings of Jesus?
• Prayer: Lord, I desire to build my life upon Your words. Show me where I need to reinforce my foundation in You and help me to live out Your teachings faithfully. Amen.
  
  

Day 4: Surrender to His Authority

• Reading: Luke 9:23-25
• Focus: The Cost of Discipleship
• Devotion: Jesus calls us to take up our cross daily and follow Him, a call to complete surrender. This surrender means recognizing His authority and submitting our will to His. Consider what it might look like for you to give Jesus control over every area of your life.
• Reflection Question: What are the keys to the rooms of your life that you are still holding onto, and how can you surrender them to Jesus?
• Prayer: Jesus, teach me to surrender fully to Your will. Help me let go of my control and trust You as the Lord of my life. May my discipleship reflect a complete commitment to You. Amen.
  
  

Day 5: The Peace of Christ’s Lordship

• Reading: Philippians 4:6-7
• Focus: Finding Peace in Jesus
• Devotion: Paul encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, and the peace of God will guard their hearts. This peace is part of the lordship of Christ—it is found in trusting Him fully. Reflect on how acknowledging Jesus as Lord brings peace into your life, even amidst turmoil.
• Reflection Question: How does Jesus’ lordship provide peace in your life, and how can you more fully embrace it?
• Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your sovereignty offers a peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me to lean into this peace, especially when my heart is troubled. Thank You for Your constant presence and lordship over my life. Amen.

Day 1: Encountering ‘The Other’

• Bible Reading: Mark 5:1-20
• Devotional: Today we reflect on the account of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man. This story reminds us that Jesus calls us to reach out to those society may deem as ‘the other.’ As we read this passage, consider how Jesus approached the man with compassion and authority, crossing societal boundaries to bring healing and restoration. How might we be called to extend the same grace and love to those on the fringes of our own communities?
• Reflection Question: Who in your life or community is considered ‘the other,’ and how can you step out of your comfort zone to show them Christ’s love?
• Prayer Focus: Pray for a heart like Jesus, willing to embrace those who are different from us with compassion and openness.
  
  

Day 2: Jesus’ Intentional Path

• Bible Reading: John 4:3-4
• Devotional: As we follow the path Jesus took through Samaria, we are invited to consider the divine imperatives in our own lives. Jesus’ intentional choice to pass through Samaria illustrates His mission to bridge cultural and societal divides. Reflect on the barriers you might unconsciously uphold and how you can intentionally cross them to embody Christ’s reconciling love.
• Reflection Question: What ‘Samarias’ might God be calling you to journey through, and how can you intentionally follow Jesus’ example in your daily life?
• Prayer Focus: Ask God for the courage to walk paths that lead to reconciliation and unity, even when they are less traveled or more challenging.
  
  

Day 3: A Vision for the Kingdom

• Bible Reading: John 3:16-17
• Devotional: Jesus’ message was one of inclusive love and redemption for the entire world. As we contemplate this global vision, let us challenge ourselves to view others not as ‘us versus them’ but as part of the beloved community Jesus came to save. How can you contribute to a unified vision that celebrates diversity and fosters a sense of belonging for all?
• Reflection Question: In what ways can you promote a sense of inclusion and unity within your sphere of influence?
• Prayer Focus: Pray for the ability to see others through the lens of God’s love and for the wisdom to act in ways that draw people together in Christ’s name.
  
  

Day 4: Overcoming Prejudices

• Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:14-18
• Devotional: Paul reminds us that Christ came to break down the walls of hostility that divide us. As you meditate on these verses, consider the prejudices and biases that may exist within your own heart. Seek God’s guidance in overcoming these barriers and becoming an agent of peace and reconciliation in a world that is often marked by division.
• Reflection Question: What steps can you take to dismantle the walls of hostility in your life and to build bridges of peace?
• Prayer Focus: Seek forgiveness for any harbored prejudices and ask God to replace them with a spirit of unity and peace that reflects Jesus’ heart.
  
  

Day 5: Love in Action

• Bible Reading: 1 John 3:18
• Devotional: John urges us to love not with words or speech but with actions and in truth. Reflect on the transformative power of active love and service, as illustrated in the story of the church welcoming the struggling woman. Consider how your actions can demonstrate Christ’s love in tangible ways to those in need around you.
• Reflection Question: What are practical ways you can put your love into action for someone who may feel marginalized or excluded?
• Prayer Focus: Commit to taking concrete steps to love and serve ‘the other,’ asking God to work through you to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Day 1: Trusting God in the Wilderness

• Bible Reading: Exodus 13:17-22
• Devotional: Today we reflect on the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after leaving Egypt. As you read about their path to the Promised Land, consider the times you have faced uncertainty in your own life. The wilderness represents seasons of trial and reliance on God’s guidance. How is God leading you in your current ‘wilderness’ experience? Are you trusting in His divine direction?
• Question for Reflection: How can you actively practice trust in God during times of uncertainty, as the Israelites were called to do?
• Prayer Focus: Ask God for the faith to trust Him, even when your path seems unclear, and for the strength to follow His lead, as the cloud by day and the fire by night led the Israelites.

Day 2: The Testing Ground of Faith

• Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 8:2-5
• Devotional: As you read about the reasons behind Israel’s time in the wilderness, consider the tests and humbling experiences in your life. The wilderness was a place of teaching for the Israelites, where they learned to depend not on bread alone but on every word from the mouth of the Lord. Reflect on what it means to rely on God’s word in your daily life.
• Question for Reflection: What has God taught you through your own ‘wilderness’ experiences? How can you lean more into His word for sustenance?
• Prayer Focus: Pray for a heart open to learning from God’s word, and for an understanding of how it can nourish you beyond physical sustenance.

Day 3: The Temptation of Christ

• Bible Reading: Matthew 4:1-11
• Devotional: Jesus’ time in the desert presents a profound example of resisting temptation. His responses to Satan’s temptations show the importance of knowing Scripture and relying on God’s truth. Reflect on how you can use God’s word to confront the temptations and trials in your own life.
• Question for Reflection: How can the example of Jesus’ responses to temptation help you in dealing with your own temptations?
• Prayer Focus: Pray for wisdom and discernment to recognize temptations and for the power to overcome them using God’s word as your defense.

Day 4: Our High Priest Who Understands

• Bible Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16
• Devotional: Reflect on the truth that Jesus, our High Priest, understands our weaknesses and has faced every test we encounter. Consider how this knowledge affects your approach to God in prayer, especially during tough times. We can approach God’s throne with confidence, knowing that Jesus empathizes with our struggles.
• Question for Reflection: How does understanding that Jesus has faced the same tests as us change the way you approach God with your struggles?
• Prayer Focus: Approach the throne of grace with confidence today, asking for mercy and help in your current trials, and thank God for the empathy and understanding of Jesus.

Day 5: The Lord is My Shepherd

• Bible Reading: Psalm 23
• Devotional: On the final day of our devotional, meditate on the serene trust and confidence David had in God, even when he was in the wilderness. As David declared the Lord as his shepherd, he expressed a profound trust in God’s provision and care. Consider the ways in which God has been a shepherd in your life, leading you to still waters and green pastures even when you walk through the darkest valleys.
• Question for Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to more fully embrace the truth that ‘the Lord is my shepherd’?
• Prayer Focus: Thank God for His shepherding presence in your life. Pray for the peace and trust that comes from knowing He is guiding you, no matter what wilderness you may be walking through.