Reading God’s word is one of the most important things we can do as Christians. It’s how we learn about His love for us, the power and authority He has over our lives, and how to live according to His will. But why is it so important that we read the Bible every day? Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits that come with daily reading of Scripture.

A Closer Relationship with God
One of the best ways to get closer to God is through reading his Word. As you spend time in Scripture each day, you become more familiar with his character, his promises, and his teachings. This helps build your faith as well as your relationship with Him. When you have a deeper understanding of who God is, it makes it easier for you to trust Him and rely on Him when life gets difficult.

Increased Wisdom and Understanding
When you read God’s word on a regular basis, it gives you better insight into yourself and your situation. You gain wisdom from Scripture that can help guide your decisions throughout your life. You also gain understanding about what might be going on in someone else’s life or why certain events are unfolding in the way they are. In short, when you spend time reading God’s word regularly, it gives you greater knowledge and discernment about spiritual matters around you.

 Increased Patience and Faithfulness
Reading the Bible each day also helps increase your patience and faithfulness in all areas of life. As you come across verses that speak of patience or faithfulness, they will often challenge you to live out those qualities more fully in your own life—whether it’s being more patient with loved ones or having more faith during tough times in life. By meditating on these verses regularly, they become ingrained into your heart which can then lead to increased patience and faithfulness over time.  
Conclusion:  
Reading God's word every day is one of the best things we can do as Christians because it leads us closer to Him while helping us grow spiritually in many other ways too! By spending time reading Scripture each day, we increase our knowledge of who He is while gaining wisdom and understanding about spiritual matters around us. We also gain greater patience and faithfulness which helps us live out His will more fully in our lives. So if you want to become closer to God or just grow spiritually overall, make sure that partaking in daily scripture readings is part of your routine!

Reading God's word, which is the Bible, every day is important for several reasons:

1. Spiritual nourishment: The Bible is like food for our souls. Just as our physical bodies need daily sustenance, our spiritual lives require regular nourishment. Reading God's word can help us grow closer to God, understand His character and will for our lives, and gain wisdom and guidance for our daily decisions.
2. Building a personal relationship with God: Reading the Bible daily can help us deepen our relationship with God. The Bible is God's primary way of communicating with us, and as we read and reflect on His words, we can better understand His heart and intentions for us.
3. Developing a biblical worldview: The Bible is the foundation for our understanding of God, ourselves, and the world around us. Regular reading and study of the Bible can help us develop a biblical worldview, which shapes how we see and interact with the world.
4. Protection against temptation: The Bible provides us with guidance on how to live a life pleasing to God and avoid the pitfalls of sin. Regularly reading the Bible can help us stay focused on God's will and resist temptation.
5. Encouragement and comfort: Life can be challenging, and we all face trials and hardships. Reading the Bible can bring us comfort and encouragement, reminding us of God's love and faithfulness, and giving us hope in difficult times.

In summary, reading God's word every day is important because it can help us grow spiritually, deepen our relationship with God, develop a biblical worldview, protect us from temptation, and bring us comfort and encouragement.

The role of the Holy Spirit in our daily tasks is to guide us and provide us with the strength and wisdom we need to accomplish them. As Christians, we believe that the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, and He dwells within us to empower and guide us in all aspects of our lives.
Here are a few ways that the Holy Spirit can help us in our daily tasks:

1. Providing wisdom and discernment: The Holy Spirit can give us the wisdom and discernment we need to make good decisions and navigate difficult situations.
2. Giving us strength and comfort: The Holy Spirit can provide us with strength and comfort during times of stress or difficulty, helping us to persevere and keep going.
3. Convicting us of sin: The Holy Spirit can bring to our attention areas in our lives where we need to repent and turn away from sin, helping us to grow in our relationship with God.
4. Empowering us to share the Gospel: The Holy Spirit can give us the words to say and the boldness we need to share the Gospel with others.

Overall, the Holy Spirit is our constant helper and guide in all areas of our lives, including our daily tasks. By relying on Him and seeking His guidance, we can experience the fullness of God's presence and power in our lives.

Happiness is an important concept for Christians, as it is seen as a manifestation of God's presence in one's life. The Bible teaches that God desires for His people to experience joy and contentment, and that true happiness is found in a close relationship with Him.
Scripture verses such as John 15:11, "I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete," and Psalm 16:11, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore," highlight the importance of happiness for Christians.
In addition, Christians believe that joy and peace are fruits of the Holy Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23. Pursuing happiness in a way that honors God and aligns with His will is seen as essential for spiritual growth and maturity.
Ultimately, for Christians, happiness is not just an emotion or temporary feeling, but a reflection of the eternal joy that comes from a relationship with Jesus Christ.

This is it! This is the single event that every belief we as Christians hold dear is contingent on. Without the resurrection of Christ, our faith is powerless and pointless. Without this miraculous and redeeming victory we are without hope and without purpose. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:14, “If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Praise God we have a hope and a purpose! Our faith in Him ensures a victorious eternity lies ahead!

As we read these ten verses in Matthew 28, one interesting aspect is the responses to Jesus’ resurrection from the two types of people mentioned. The guards and those who thought they put an end to Jesus and his movement experienced great fear. The guards literally fainted from their fear, while the women and the followers of Christ experienced great joy. While the guards and their authority experienced failure, believers were victorious due to Jesus’ victory over death once and for all! 

Jesus’ great victory leads His believers to a response of worship. These women responded in a very interesting way. Verse 9 tells us that they grabbed Jesus’ feet. We may find this reaction strange, but they were communicating their lowliness in offering their worship to The Most High. Still, their lowliness did not inhibit their immense joy of seeing their risen Savior. 

We routinely celebrate Resurrection Sunday every year. Sometimes we are so busy with family events we neglect to offer a time for reflection and praise. How might you respond to the victory of Jesus in a way that leads you to worship Him? Will you speak of this good news to a friend or coworker? Will you respond to a calling that He has put on your heart for some time now? Will you surrender an idol in your life to the feet of Jesus? Will you praise the name of Christ today for His greatness in the lives of the lowly, like us? How will you respond to a victorious and risen Savior?

By: Wesley Coleman

SILENCE 

To me, it is a word with dual meanings. Sometimes it brings me a quiet sense of peace and provides space for my thoughts. However, there’s another type of silence, the kind that can be so loud it’s deafening. That’s the type of silence I imagine they felt on that Saturday following the crucifixion of Jesus. It was a Saturday spent reflecting on and replaying Friday’s devastation, Friday’s disappointment. 

I spend too much of my life in that “Saturday” mindset. I focus on all the disappointments and shortcomings I experienced that week, overshadowing all the blessings from God. Good news though! My wife is way more intelligent than me, so when I give myself a pity party focusing on the negatives, she encourages me to do as the women who travelled with Jesus from Galilee did.  What did the women do on that Saturday? In Luke 23: 54-56, scripture says they went home and prepared spices in preparation for the Sabbath. I can imagine they thought all hope was lost…that death had won. Even through their devastation, they continued to honor God as they prepared for the upcoming Sabbath. 

What do we need to do when we feel as though we are stuck in the silence of Saturday? Honor God! In my role, worship is one of the most life altering ways we can honor God. To quote one of my current favorite worship songs Rattle, “Saturday was silent, surely it was through, but since when has impossible ever stopped YOU!” That line stopped me in my tracks that absolutely NOTHING is impossible for God.

But that’s not all, because there’s more good news, no, GREAT news for Christians.

SUNDAY. IS. COMING.

By: Brent May

As Christ hung on the cross, He was fast at work completing the goal for the salvation of man.  All the intricate aspects of cruelty and suffering that Christ experienced was carefully played as a part of the whole plan of the Father.  Every pain, every grimace, every drop of sweat and blood screamed out, “I love you!” to a lost and dying world.  There was great sacrifice involved and it all pointed to the love of God for destitute, decaying, and sin diseased humanity. It pleased the Lord to suffer all that we deserved.  What words could He say to express Himself more clearly?  It would only be words, and His works spoke volumes.

The scene at the bottom of the cross might as well be a metaphoric picture of our world today.  The Roman guards were unaware of what was taking place just above their heads as they played tiddlywinks at the foot of the cross by casting lots for Jesus’ clothes.  Time is marching on and lives hang in the balance over the edge of hell itself.  Maybe we should take a moment and reflect upon our lives and motives.  Are you praying for family and friends that might be lost?  Do you take the opportunity for action in witnessing when the Lord provides it?

With a swallow of sour wine, Jesus takes a breath and shouts, “It is finished!”  We sometimes see that as a pitiful way of saying I give up My Spirit.  No!  That was a victory shout!  

Spurgeon has said, “Has He finished His work for me?  Then I must get to work for Him, and I must persevere until I finish my work, too; not to save myself for that is all done, but because I am saved.” Now, just as Christ has done, take a breath and be about the Master’s plan for we work from victory to victory!  Praise His holy name!

By: Pam Thompson

Several years ago, I read the book, “One Thousand Gifts”, which led me to a challenge to list the blessings in my life.  I started with a dollar store journal turning it into my daily list of things for which I was grateful.  I took the time to notice small and large gifts, as well as good and bad. It was life-changing!  What does that have to do with the Last Supper?  

Luke 22:14-23 is the story of Jesus and His disciples eating the Passover meal together.  We’ve heard and read the familiar words, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” and “This is my blood which is poured out for you.”  There is a very interesting phrase in that passage, “After taking the cup, He GAVE THANKS.”  That phrase can be translated into the Greek word Eucharisteo which means—to be grateful, to feel thankful, to give thanks.

WAIT!  Was Jesus thanking God for His body that in less than a few hours would be beaten, bloodied, and hung on a cross?   Was He thankful for His blood that He was about to shed in a most horrific way?  

Let’s look closer at that word Eucharisteo.  Right in the middle you will see the root word “charis” which means grace.  Jesus regarded His suffering as grace and He gave thanks for it.  How can suffering be thought of as grace and be worthy of our thanks?  This is when we must look to Jesus as our example to be thankful in ALL things—small, large, good, and bad.   

Even in trials, God is still good, and His grace is always sufficient. Sometimes God uses the most painful moments to bring gratitude to our lives through His grace.  Jesus gave thanks for His eminent suffering which led ultimately to the gift of salvation for us all.  Take some time today to give thanks for His gifts, even the hard things in life, and especially give thanks for His body and blood given for us.   Eucharisteo = grace and thanksgiving.    

By: Cindy Teel

In Matthew’s Gospel we see that as the time for Jesus’s crucifixion approaches, those who oppose Him are looking for ways to bring about His end.  Jesus is aware of their schemes and informs His friends that the time is near. Matthew even tells us that the elders and chief priest plotted some “sly way” to seize Jesus.  It is important to remember Jesus telling His friends what was going to happen because Jesus was not caught off guard.  He fully understood what was being planned and what was going to happen; yet, He still allowed it to transpire!   

As Jesus’s enemies were plotting, a friend decides to betray Him.  Judas felt compelled to deny his friend, to ignore the past three years and turn Jesus over to those who sought to silence Him.  Why?  We know he sought money but were there other reasons?  Maybe Judas was fearful of what would happen if he continued to walk with Jesus.  Maybe Judas wanted some fame and glory for himself.  Whatever the reason, Judas decided that the love Christ extended to him was not worth as much as what others had to offer.                   

Can you relate to Jesus?  Most of us can answer “yes!”  The wounds from a betrayal often linger for years, and sometimes forever.  It is hard to invest your life into someone else’s, only to have them reject you.  In that moment it can seem as if all is lost.  You may even be tempted to withdraw from people.  It is important for you to understand that Jesus understands the pain caused by betrayal and He is encouraging you not to quit.  

This Easter I challenge you to follow Jesus’ example.  Devote yourself to things of God.  Love others and put their needs above yours.  And seek out that one person who may need your forgiveness.  God emptied Himself for our sake.  Why would we do less?        



By: Bobby Parnell

Authority: the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
In scripture we read that Jesus was in the temple teaching and the chief priests confronted Him about His teachings there. They wanted to know what authority He had to do these things and in return Jesus asked them what authority John had to baptize.  He questioned them – did it come from God or was it from people?  The priests and leaders refused to answer Jesus’ question because the fear of not believing John’s baptism came from God.  So, they answered they didn’t know. 
 
Have you ever thought about “by what authority” Jesus did everything He did in His ministry?  The only authority of power that Jesus had was given by God.  It was evident that the priests and elders were too afraid to believe this.  If they believed, they would not have questioned Jesus, and could have answered the question He had for them.  They were afraid of what the people would do.

Do others know who has authority over you?  Are you afraid to allow God to be the authority in your life because of what others may think?  You either recognize Jesus as Lord, with all authority, or you don’t.  You must recognize that His crucifixion was for you.  He is our ultimate authority.

Tell God today that He has all authority in your life.  Commit to Him that you want to live each day under His authority. Commit yourself to do the work He would have you to do in the world.  

“Then I won’t tell you what authority I have to do these things!”  Matthew 21: 27


By: Sherrie Albritton

Have you ever considered the Temple of The Lord? There were many different sections for different purposes and different people. The portion of the Temple that is mentioned in this passage is the Outer Court (Mark 11:15,) also known as the Court of the Gentiles. Some of the things that took place in the Outer Court was buying and selling. Animals were often sold here because the Jews needed them for their sacrificial offerings, and it was easier than running the risk of not passing the high Priest’s inspection. Money was also exchanged because they could only use shekels for currency. The High Priest and the other church officials were profiting off of the sacrifice and the people were taking advantage of one another in the Temple courts. Jesus said to them, quoting from Isaiah 56:7, “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations. But you have made it a den of robbers.”  -Mark 11:17
 
When we come to worship on Sunday, have we spent time with the Lord preparing our heart for worship? Are we surrendering all and letting God cleanse us, or are we bringing our sin, our idols, our expectations and holding on to them instead of laying them at the Father’s feet? If we are not careful, we will become like the people in the outer court. We may not sell pigeons or exchange money, but we do sell ourselves and exchange our devotion for things that are temporary. 
 
This Easter, take some time to prepare your heart and truly seek the Lord. Carve out some time in your everyday life to pray to God and dig into scripture. Some have said, “If you don’t schedule time for God in your life, your life will schedule God out.” It is very important for us to be intentional in our Faith. Many have sited this quote, “We don’t naturally drift toward holiness, we naturally drift toward sin.” Let us be a people who lean on God and put our faith and trust in Him. 

By: Casey Moore

The sound of people shouting “Hosanna” filled the air as Jesus entered Jerusalem. A road covered with coats and lined with waving palm branches marks His path through the Holy City. Everyone is in awe as they bear witness to prophecy fulfilled, "at last the King has come!" The day of Jesus's arrival marks a special day as the Jews begin making preparation for Passover. The story told by their forefathers lays heavy on their minds of the great rescue from Egypt. The descriptions of God's deliverance from death through lamb's blood over doorposts have drawn them to Jerusalem. (Exodus 12:23)

The "Shabbat HaGadol" or "The Great Sabbath" as described by the Jews, is the Sabbath before Passover. On this day, the Jews were instructed to select and take home their sacrificial lamb to be inspected for any spot or blemish. Great care is taken to ensure that the lamb is a "worthy sacrifice" for the day of Passover. On the very same day, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem (Palm Sunday.)  Do you see the foreshadowing? Do you see how God's plan of salvation was on display all those years ago? Jesus not only enters the city as The King but also as The Lamb. The road covered with coats and lined with waving palm branches isn't a path to a throne but a path to a cross. They believe He is there to put an end to Roman tyranny, instead, He is there to put an end to the tyranny of sin! They believe He is there to establish an earthly kingdom, instead, he is there to establish an eternal kingdom! They believe He is there to deliver them with a display of force, instead, He comes to deliver them by a display of life laid down!

Hebrews 9:22 tells us, "...without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." Jesus is our perfect Passover Lamb and it is by His blood smeared cross that He has delivered us from the slavery of sin. Let us shout "Hosanna" as we remember his great love for us! ("He who did not spare his own Son but gave Him up for us all..." Romans 8:32.)

 By: Chris Bryant

Imagine that God said to you, “I have prepared a place for you at my table tonight.” How would you prepare? Would you run around trying to find the perfect thing to wear? Or perhaps go out and find the perfect gift to bring with you? I think all of us would kick it into high gear in prepping to share a meal with our Creator! 

The awesome thing is, God has provided a table for us and place for all eternity through Jesus (Psalm 23). As we enter Holy Week, we have an opportunity to prepare our hearts together as a church and reflect upon God’s incredible plan that opened the gates of Heaven for all sinners. It is our hope that during this week you can take time to daily reflect on the events leading up to the Resurrection. 

While Easter is certainly the biggest celebration for Christians, some of the events leading up to the cross are difficult to reflect upon. The betrayal of Judas, Jesus’ agony in the garden, the walk to Calvary, and the silence on Saturday are all events that demonstrate how much our Savior suffered. However, woven through the suffering of Jesus, God created a beautiful plan for our redemption. In every story, we see God’s unwavering love for humanity.

So how do we prepare our hearts for Holy Week? We prepare as if God has extended an invitation to sit at His table. Spend time in prayer each day over the events leading to the Resurrection. Give thanks to God that He has prepared a place for us through Jesus!  Finally, gather with your family to reflect on the significance of every step that led Jesus to the cross. 

Let’s pray together as we direct our focus on the events surrounding Holy Week.

Dear Lord,
Give us fresh eyes and fresh hearts as we spend each day remembering the events leading up to the greatest story of your love for us. Help us to remember that even through some of the painful things Jesus endured, you were making all things beautiful. Give us the wisdom to see that in our own lives when we experience hardship. Lord, thank you. Thank you for making a way for all of us to live in communion with you through your Son. Thank you that we live in a time where we have the complete story of salvation through the Bible. And thank you for the love for us that you so beautifully demonstrate from Genesis to Revelation. In Your name we pray, Amen!

By: Amanda May