As Christians we want to do God’s will, and be guided by the Holy Spirit in our actions and decisions. Although we may try to listen, it is not always easy to hear God and know what He wants us to do.

Paul gives us some help in figuring this out, in Galatians 5:22 where he writes, “But when the Holy Spirit controls our lives he will produce this kind of fruit in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

So we know if our thoughts, decisions, and actions lead us to these characteristics, we are heading in the right direction.

Dear Lord, thank you for the guidance you provide us in the bible, and give us the strength to follow your will to produce these “fruit of the Spirit.” In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

As Christians, our ultimate guide to for life is to be like Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 20:28, Jesus says, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

We also should be focused on serving each other.

Paul writes in Galatians 5:13, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”

Dear Lord, what a blessing it is for us that you came to serve and save us, help us follow this example and serve each other in love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today we celebrate Easter, Jesus rising from the dead. This was the event that fulfilled Jesus’ mission on earth. Jesus’ had to suffer, die and rise to fulfill the prophecies and pay the price for the sin of mankind.

“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 NIV

How different this makes Christianity from all other religions, that God saves us, as His free gift. Other religions require the following of rules, rituals, or gaining special knowledge in order to be “saved”.

“Oh the sweet joy this sentence gives, I know that my redeemer lives.” Samuel Medley

Dear Lord, Thank you for the wonderful gift of salvation. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Matthew 8:5-10, is the account of Jesus healing the Roman soldier’s servant. “When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came and pleaded with him, “Lord, my young servant lies in bed, paralyzed and in terrible pain.” Jesus said, “I will come and heal him.” But the officer said, “Lord, I am not worthy to have you come into my home. Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed. I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers. I only need to say, ‘Go,’ and they go, or ‘Come,’ and they come. And if I say to my slaves, ‘Do this,’ they do it.” When Jesus heard this, he was amazed. Turning to those who were following him, he said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t seen faith like this in all Israel!”

The officer came to Jesus to ask for the healing miracle which demonstrated his belief and faith, but the significance that Jesus highlighted, is the Officer’s understanding of Jesus’ power. The officer described this understanding in his own terms, showing Jesus and those around that he understood Jesus’ incredible power, and accepted it.

How does that apply to us? Do we really understand and accept that God can do miracles in our lives and those we love?

Dear Lord, help us truly understand your unlimited power, and accept that in your love for us, you can do miracles in our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

If you have seen the movie The Passion of the Christ, or one of the few others that depict the brutal treatment of Jesus Christ, you may find it hard to watch the treatment of any human that way. It is unimaginable that the most Loving and Powerful human that ever existed allowed himself to experience this.

Why? For you.

Paul writes in Philippians 2:6-9, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”

Today, Good Friday, we remember this ultimate sacrifice Jesus gave so that we may be saved. Let us take some time to appreciate the magnitude of this blessing.

Dear Lord, We are eternally grateful for the sacrifice you made for our Salvation. Help us never forget the words of Paul in Romans 5:8, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” In Your most holy name we pray. Amen.