Friday, April 12, 2019

Saturday, April 13, 2019

The best vitamin for a Christian is B1


Today marks the start of Holy Week, the week where we prepare for the death of our Lord and His Resurrection. What are your plans for this week? Are you attending any services? 

Scripture ...
Luke 23:24-25



Reflections ...
Pilate weighs out his options. He could defy the Jewish leaders and the crowd, which grows more and more agitated every moment. He could bring in his Roman troops to quell the rising protest, but what would that mean for his career?

Then he looks at Jesus, standing silently by his side. No one steps forward to defend Him and Jesus doesn’t do anything to defend Himself. If Pilate wants to save his career, he has to sacrifice Jesus.

Luke tells us that Pilate “delivered Jesus over,” using the exact words he used of Judas’ action. Both betrayed Jesus to those Jewish authorities who sought His life. According to Matthew 27:24, Pilate takes water, and in the sight of all the court washes his hands and says, “I am innocent of this Man’s blood. See to it yourselves.”

But Pilate can’t simply hand over his responsibility and shift the blame for this miscarriage of justice. He will go down in history as the one under whose authority God’s innocent Son was crucified.

But Jesus was no helpless victim in this whole process. He didn’t need Pilate’s troops to protect Him. If He wanted, He could have called upon His Father and He would have had vast angel armies at His disposal (see Matthew 26:53). But He permitted this to happen—even taking Pilate’s guilt upon Himself and suffering God’s wrath in His place—as well as yours and mine.

Prayer ... 
Lord Jesus, like Pilate I often try to shift the blame for my sins to someone else, or find excuses for what I’ve done. Through Your sacrifice I can stop and confess my guilt— knowing You already paid the full price in my place. Receive my heartfelt thanks. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Fast from spending money. Walk or cycle to work. Take a packed lunch. Go to the park or the library at lunchtime instead of mooching around the shops. Read that book you never got round to. Visit a friend. Dig out your guitar/flute/paintbrush. Learn to have fun without spending money.


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.



Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Friday, April 12, 2019

The Holy Bible - Gods own GPS system, read it faithfully and you will never be lost!


Scripture ...
Luke 23:17-23



Reflections ...
Pilate offers his compromise. Instead of condemning Jesus to death, he will have Him scourged. But Jesus’ bloody, battered body isn’t enough for the Jewish leaders. They demand His death.

So Pilate tries another tactic; he offers the Jewish people the choice of one of two prisoners he will release in honor of the Passover: Jesus or Barabbas—the worst criminal he has in custody. Matthew, Mark and John record that Barabbas was a notorious prisoner who was guilty of murder in an insurrection. To Pilate’s astonishment the Jewish leaders convince the crowds to call for Barabbas’ release and Jesus’ execution. Ironically, Barabbas’ crime was insurrection and leading the people in revolt against Rome—the very charge these Jewish leaders had falsely leveled against Jesus. But now they demand the release of the true insurrectionist, and the execution of the Innocent One.

Desperately, Pilate addresses the crowd two more times, demanding they give a valid reason Jesus should die. They ignore him and keep shouting for Jesus’ crucifixion. Pilate knew Jesus was innocent and had said it over and over again. Still, he let the crowds drown it out. Luke ends today’s reading with the chilling words, “And their voices prevailed.”

And what was Jesus doing this whole time? He was standing by silently, accepting His Father’s will that He be crucified so that by His death He could give us life, pardon and forgiveness.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You willingly suffered such injustice and hate from the creatures You came to save. Thank You for bearing the punishment for my disobedience. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Clear your table in the café, stack the baskets or trolleys in a shop, put stuff back on the shelves if it has fallen off. Yes, technically you'll be doing a job that someone else is paid to do, but your helpfulness might be making someone's day a little less stressful.


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.



Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Never drive faster than your Guardian Angel can fly.



Scripture ...
Luke 23:13-16



Reflections ...
In the first trial Pilate declared Jesus not guilty but failed to enforce his ruling. Now he has a second chance. Pilate reports that he examined Jesus in open court proceedings, not in secret, and found that Jesus was not guilty of any of the charges against Him. Moreover, Herod had tried Jesus and did not condemn Him.

Herod had a better understanding of the Jewish religion than the Roman Pilate. Yet even on religious grounds Herod had not found Jesus guilty, and he certainly would have punished Him if he had. Besides that, most of Jesus’ preaching and miracles had been done in Herod’s jurisdiction, yet not once over all those months had Herod found a reason to arrest and try Jesus.

Two courts had reached the same verdict. He concludes, “Look, nothing deserving death has been done by Him.” Again at this point, Pilate should use his full authority as Roman ruler to protect the innocent. But instead of freeing Jesus, Pilate offers a compromise: he orders Jesus scourged—a savage, crippling whipping. Surely, the Jewish leaders will be satisfied that Jesus is no longer a threat, and accept it in place of Jesus’ death.

What a strange decision when you have declared a man innocent of all the charges leveled against Him. It is also odd that Pilate shrinks from killing a Man he knows is innocent, but can justify crippling Him. Jesus yields Himself to such suffering and injustice to pay for your sins and mine. But He knows God will not be satisfied with mere earthly punishment and suffering; the Son of God will have to die to save us from our sins.

Prayer ... 
Lord Jesus, I marvel at Your loving sacrifice. Fill me with such love and gratitude to You that I will sacrifice myself for others. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
People from villages, walk 2-3 hours a day to find a river or stagnant pond so that their families have water to drink.  Whisper a prayer every time you feel thirsty and have the gift of a glass of water to drink without any problems.


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.



Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

Wednesday, April 10, 2019

God listens to knee-mail.



Scripture ...
Luke 23:12



Reflections ...
Jesus came to be the great Reconciler. In His death He restores the relationship between God and sinner. But His sacrifice also works to bring human enemies together. We see this in the case of Pilate and Herod, whose enmity toward each other ended with Jesus’ trials.

Before this time they hated each another. For Herod it was probably nothing personal. He wanted the territory that Pilate ruled, seeking to add that jurisdiction to his own. But an incident Luke relates in 13:1 might have had some bearing on it. The verse references something that took place at an earlier event. “There were some present at that very time who told Him (Jesus) about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.”

Some Galileans evidently started an insurrection that Pilate had efficiently put down with force and bloodshed. Since these were Herod’s subjects, he could have seen it as a grievous offense. On Pilate’s side, his hatred for Herod may well have stemmed from Herod’s plotting and scheming to drive him out and take his jurisdiction. But in Jesus the two rulers find common ground. Herod buries the hatchet with Pilate because Pilate grants his wish to see Jesus. And Pilate is reconciled because Herod did him the honor of returning the case to Pilate’s court. It was no small thing for a ruler to entrust the fate of one of his subjects into someone else’s hands.

Pilate was probably not happy to see the return of Jesus and His accusers, but at least Herod would no longer be a nuisance and a threat.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, in Your suffering and death You reunited us with Your Heavenly Father. Unite us to one another through forgiveness, peace and love. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Does God continue to work miracles?  Think of all the miracles you have witnessed or experienced.  Say a “Hail Mary”.


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.



Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Monday, April 8, 2019

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

God is like..Scotch Tape: You can't see Him, but you know He's there.



Scripture ...
Luke 23:10-11



Reflection ...
The Jewish leaders are not happy with Herod. They want him to condemn Jesus, but he’s not interested in a trial. He’s holding an audition for a court magician. The scribes are vehement, trying to force his attention back to the trial at hand, but he totally ignores them.

Jesus’ silence speaks volumes. He won’t even dignify Herod’s childish fascination with an answer. But the governor is deaf to Jesus’ silent message. He doesn’t take a moment to think about his behavior, his guilt in having John the Baptist beheaded. He doesn’t think of what he owes this Man who stands trial before him—or what he owes the God to whom he will one day have to answer.

Finally, Herod gives up on Jesus. Since Jesus is giving him the silent treatment, he will return the favor. He begins mocking Him and treating Him with contempt, and his soldiers quickly join in. Since Jesus claims to be King of the Jews, He needs royal robes. So Herod dresses Him in splendid clothing.

Why didn’t Herod reach a verdict? He could certainly have scored points with the Jewish leadership in Jerusalem if he condemned Jesus. But he’d been down that road before. Back when he had John the Baptist executed, he took a huge hit with his subjects up in Galilee who held John to be a prophet (see Matthew 14:5). There was no way he was going to order Jesus’ execution, too. Instead, Herod sends Jesus back to Pilate.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You didn’t come for my entertainment, but for my eternal salvation. When I enter Your house for worship, give me a heart that seeks Your grace, not my own selfish enjoyment. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Smile – it’s free, it's contagious, and it brings feelings of warmth and happiness. Share your smile with everyone you meet today. Even smiling on your own is known to release endorphins and bring a sense of joy, so flash those gnashers and get your grin on.


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.





Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Sunday, April 7, 2019

Monday, April 8, 2019

God gives every bird it's food,
But He does not throw it into it's nest.



Scripture ...
Luke 23:8-9



Reflections ...
Herod Antipas has no interest in religion. His sole ambition is to reacquire the former kingdom of his deceased father, Herod the Great. At this time he is ruling a quarter of it: Galilee and Samaria. His sights are set south on Jerusalem and Judea. To add that territory to his rule he needs to ingratiate himself to the Jewish leadership, which is why we find him in Jerusalem at this feast.

But Herod has a special interest in Jesus. When the stories about Jesus’ miracles first came to his ear, he thought his executed criminal John the Baptist had been raised from the dead (see Matthew 14:2). Since then reports have kept spreading, Herod is anxious to see Jesus for himself (see Luke 9:9).

The ruler questions Jesus at length, but Jesus remains silent. When Herod had gone to speak with John in prison, John spoke at length about sin and righteousness, and God’s kingdom (see Mark 6:20). But Herod has no interest in discussing these issues with Jesus. He wants to be wowed. It was this same love of spectacle that led him to behead John the Baptist (see Matthew 14:1-12). Now it leads him to squander his one chance to talk face-to-face with the Son of God.

Not a single question is judicial. He isn’t interested in making a fair ruling. He only sees Jesus’ value as an entertainer who could impress other dignitaries and help Herod achieve his political goals. Not a single question was spiritual, or about how to be right with God.

How sad that Herod squandered this great opportunity to listen and learn from his Lord, his God, and his Savior.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I ignore Your precious Word for me. Open my ears that I may hear and believe. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
It's tempting sometimes to make our conversations a tool for self-expression rather than genuine consideration for what the other person is saying. Remove interruptions and that natural inclination to queue up what you are going to say next, and actually listen to people.  Make an effort to switch off devices or screens if you're around others today..


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.



Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Fifth Sunday of Lent, April 7, 2019

A rich person is not one who has the most, 
but is one who needs the least.



Passion Sunday - This Sunday marks the beginning of Passiontide, a deeper time of Lent and the final Sunday of Lent before the beginning of Holy Week. The Liturgy of the Word of this day speaks of re-creation, resurrection, and new life. Today, statues and sacred images (except for the Stations of the Cross) are veiled with purple cloth beginning at the Vespers of Passion Sunday, and they remain covered until the Gloria of Holy Saturday, at which point Lent ends and Eastertide begins. Catholics cover statues and icons, etc., in their homes for the same time period (the cloth shouldn't be transluscent or decorated in any way).

Scripture ...
Luke 23:5-7



Reflections ...
The judge pronounced his verdict, yet permits the prosecution to challenge that verdict and continue raising objections. Clearly, Pilate is intimidated.

The Jewish high priest is urgent. He has brought along the full high court and a large company of guards and servants. But not even their sheer number is enough to convince Pilate of the seriousness of this matter. Perhaps Pilate thinks Jesus only has a local following that his Roman squads can easily put down. So they report the wide scope of Jesus’ ministry to convince the governor that Jesus is a greater danger. They claim Jesus has been stirring up people all over Judea, from Galilee, even here to Jerusalem.

Suddenly, Pilate sees an opening, an opportunity to get rid of this whole sorry affair. If Jesus is a Galilean, the trial can be switched to Herod, the Roman governor over Galilee. Fortunately, he is staying in Jerusalem for the feast. Let Herod deal with the Jewish high priest and Jesus.

Pilate watches the procession head over to Herod’s palace. As the footsteps die away in the distance and silence descends over his courts, Pilate may well breathe a sigh of relief. But by taking this action he has completely undercut his own verdict. He declared Jesus not guilty, so why is He still on trial? Why is His life still in jeopardy?

And one more thing Pilate fails to consider: if somehow Jesus is returned to him, it will be clear to the Jewish leaders that all they have to do is keep pressing, and Pilate will eventually give in.

Prayer ... 
Lord Jesus, You suffered such injustice to fulfill God’s righteous plan and set free sinners like me. Give me a grateful heart, and genuine love for the people around me that need to hear of Your love. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Stop texting or scrolling through FB or Instagram when someone is talking to you.  It’s rude. Do it as a sacrifice today but it’s a good idea to continue this habit always.


Hymn ..


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.




Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Friday, April 5, 2019

Saturday, April 6, 2019

Give God what's right ... not what's left.



Scripture ...
Luke 23:1-4



Reflections ...
Even though the Jewish high court condemned Jesus to death, it has no authority to execute criminals. Their decision must be ratified by Pontius Pilate, the Roman military governor. Perhaps worried that Pilate is unlikely to condemn Jesus for a religious matter, they bring three political charges against Him.

The governor quickly dismisses the first two: Jesus is no insurrectionist inciting the crowds to rise up against Rome. Nor is He teaching the Jews to stop paying taxes to Caesar: “He said to them, ‘Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s’” (Luke 20:25).

The only charge worth investigating is Jesus’ claim to be the Christ. If Jesus were to exploit the Jewish desire for their Christ to come and drive out the Romans, He would be a threat to Caesar’s empire and Pilate would have to act.

Jesus’ answer again may sound elusive, but He knows Pilate’s biggest interest is ending this trial with as little fuss as possible. The governor is ignoring his Savior who stands before him. Jesus answers, “You have said so” (Matthew 26:64b). This deflects the question back to Pilate, inviting him to think about what those words really mean. Pilate isn’t interested. He returns to the Jewish leaders and reveals his findings. He finds no threat, no guilt in Jesus.

But that’s when he makes a fatal flaw: he doesn’t enforce his verdict. He should rule the case closed and disburse the crowds—even with his troops, if necessary. Instead, he leaves an opening which the Jewish leaders will be quick to exploit.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You graciously reached out to the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. Give me the concern and the words to share my faith with people who do not yet know You. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
It's often said that the way to tell whether someone loves you is to see whether they'll give you their last bit of Cadbury. Whether it's our last Cadbury or our favourite jumper, sometimes we get a bit clingy about the stuff we have. When the stuff we own starts to own us, it's time to re-evaluate the situation. And the best solution to hoarding? Giving it away. The choice is yours. Live today with an open hand.


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.






Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Friday, April 5, 2019

Praise is like champagne; 
It should be served while it is still bubbling.



Scripture ...
Luke 22: 66-71



Reflections ...
When Jesus stands before the Jewish high court they ask if He is the Christ. His answer sounds elusive, but He is laying bare their dark hearts and forcing them to look at their motives. If He utters the truth that He is God’s Son, they will not believe. If He asks what more He can do to prove He is the promised Messiah, they will refuse to answer. They’ve already closed their minds and aren’t interested in searching for the truth.

So He points past the cross. After His suffering and death are complete He will be enthroned at the right hand of God. That is the kind of Christ He is: a saving Christ—a Heavenly King, not an earthly king. It is a powerful confession and testimony—and a dire warning of their future. Today, they sit in judgment on Him, but on the last day He will be their judge—and their eternal destiny will rest in His hands.

Ignoring His warning they demand, “Are You the Son of God, then?” (Luke 22:70b). Again, His answer might sound evasive to us, but not to the Jewish leaders. He calls their own words as witnesses against them; they are confessing the truth: He is indeed the Christ, the Son of God. Without giving it another thought, they pounce on His words and condemn Jesus to death.

He has done all He can at this time. He has made the great confession. After His death and resurrection, Jesus will send strong men of faith to once again share the story of His salvation and offer them His complete and free forgiveness.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, in love You persistently reached out to stubborn men who hated You for no valid reason. Break through my stubbornness and lead me to repentance and faith. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Today check your phone only 5 times a day.  Don’t waste time pouring over the lives of others when your life is pretty sweet.


Hymn ...


Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.






Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Thursday, April 4, 2019

God is like..Tide: He gets the stains out that others leave behind.




Scripture ...
Luke 22:63-65


Reflections ...
For months the Jewish authorities have held a deepening grudge against Jesus. Now they unleash their pent up frustration and hatred. Luke the physician tells us their blows bruised and tore Jesus’ skin. Matthew and Mark add that they struck Jesus with their fists and spat in His face. All the Gospels point out that this abuse—both physical and verbal—went on and on. These were the dignified, high officials of Judah lashing out against a bound man.

But the abuse takes on a mocking tone which we will see repeated many times this day. They blindfold Jesus and take turns striking Him, asking the Prophet which of them had struck Him. They condemn Jesus for blasphemy because He claimed to be God’s Son, but they are unaware they are the guilty ones, blaspheming the Son of God who stands meekly before them.

Jesus knows full well who is hitting Him, yet He remains silent. Yet Jesus patiently bears it all in our place. He does not retaliate or curse; instead, He remains silent.

Prayer ...
Lord Jesus, You endured the abuse and mistreatment I deserve. Forgive my sins against You, and give me patience when I suffer wrongly for Your sake. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Find small ways to delight someone today. If someone asks for a cup of tea, give them biscuits too. If you are in a restaurant, leave an extra-generous tip or a glowing review online. Forget the cost and find your joy in the smile on someone else’s face. Whatever you choose, do it cheerfully.


Hymn ...



Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.


Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Working for God does not pay much, but His retirement plan is out of this world.



Scripture ...
Luke 22: 61-62


Reflections ...
While Peter is still uttering his third denial, the rooster crows. And immediately the Lord Jesus turns and looks at Peter.

How does Jesus happen to be here right at this very moment? He was first tried before the high priest and Jewish high court in the middle of the night (see Matthew 26:57-68). It is likely He has been held in a place of confinement and now is being brought back before the court so it can render a legal verdict.

Jesus’ greatest concern is for Peter. He has already prayed for him, and now He looks upon him. Not with anger, judgment and retribution, but with loving concern for His disciple’s salvation. With a look He brings Peter back to repentance and faith.

Peter sees the haunting face of Jesus, and hears the rooster’s crow. Suddenly, the Lord’s words come flooding into his mind: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times” (Matthew 26:75b).

Peter is cut to the heart and dissolves into tears. Not just tears, Luke’s word describes loud, audible sobbing. It may seem strange that the guards don’t close in, but they are busy moving Jesus. Once again, Jesus offers Himself to protect His disciple, providing Peter the opportunity to escape to safety. But He didn’t just save Peter from the soldiers—He saved him from Satan’s trap, and through His suffering and death He will save Peter and all of us from God’s wrath.

If Jesus can forgive Peter’s denial, be assured He can forgive your worst sins.

Prayer ... 
Lord Jesus, with Your glance You brought about Peter’s repentance. Look upon me, that I may turn from my sins with repentant tears—and follow You. Amen.

Lenten Challenge for today …
Do a job that needs being done without being asked. 

Hymn ...

Quiz ...
1. Click the correct option.
2. Click Submit
3. Scroll up and click View Accuracy to see your result.
4. Have fun while you learn your faith.



Credits:
Thanks to various sites for the ideas .  I have tailored the materials accordingly to suit my needs.
Countdown calendar - https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html
Reflections and prayer – https://www.lhm.org/

Advent Checklist