[I]n this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus...both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place.

Acts 4:27-28

 [I]n this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus...both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. Acts 4:27-28

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I complete the devotional by reading reason #50: To Show That the Worst Evil Is Meant by God for Good.  The devotion opens by sharing that "the most profound thing...about suffering and evil...is that...Christ entered into it and turned it into good....The heart of the Bible is not an explanation of where evil came from, but a demonstration of how God enters into it and turns it for the very opposite—everlasting righteousness and joy."  Scripture examples abound, as Piper points us to Genesis 50:20, and 1 Samuel 8:19, 12:19, where we read about how Joseph's suffering was meant by God for good, and how Israel sought an earthly king (Israel felt God was insufficient), was given one (Saul), recognized the err of their ways, but despite all of this we know that through the line David the King of Kings arrives. Piper writes that the "most astonishing thing" about evil and suffering is the method preordained and used by God to bring about victory over evil and suffering.  Jesus' death itself was evil, brutal, violent, and induced unimaginable suffering.  Yet Piper reminds us how scripture shares how "God was in it."  See Acts 2:23, 4:27-28.  Piper then shares that "[t]here is no greater sin than to hate and kill the Son of God. There was no greater suffering nor any greater innocence than the suffering and innocence of Christ. Yet God was in it all."  See Isaiah 53:10 and 5.  The devotion closes with Piper sharing that "God meant to show the world that there is no sin and no evil too great that God cannot bring from it everlasting righteousness and joy. The very suffering that we caused became the hope of our salvation."  Rejoice that we have a God that is able to use all of our circumstances, including evil - for good.  Recognize that God's thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8) are not our own and we can trust Him as our Lord and Savior. 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who reigns over all - including suffering and evil.  You defeated suffering, sin and evil through Your death on the cross.  You equip us to handle what suffering and evil we experience in this life and in Heaven there is more suffering, sin or evil - what a glorious place this will be!  Thank You Jesus for my salvation.  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

...[B]eing found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name[.]

Hebrews 2:9, Philippians 2:7-9, and Revelation 5:12

...[B]eing found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name[.] Philippians 2:8-9

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #49: So That He Would Be Crowned with Glory and Honor.  The devotion today explores Piper's premise that he thinks many find as vanity: that Jesus would die to bring attention to Himself.  Piper opens by referring us to John 17:5, where the text describes how Jesus prays the night before He went to the cross that He be glorified "with the glory [He] had with [the Father] before the world existed."  Hebrews 2:9, Philippians 2:8-9, and Revelation 5:12 are then provided as text to show how the Father affirmatively responded to this prayer.  Piper states: "[Christ's] glory was the reward of his suffering."  At this point, Piper responds to those who might see this act of self-glorification as vanity.  Piper shares that people erroneously assume that love is the result of "being made much of" - what he calls self-saturation.  Yet he challenges this by explaining that "[o]ur happiest moments have not been self-saturated moments, but self-forgetful moments."  These moments are filled with awe and wonder based on displays of majesty - "but not ours."  Examples of such displays include what we experience in nature.  Piper then states that humanity was made for something greater then self-saturation as he moves his emphasis to Christ: "[i]f we are to be as happy as we can be, we must see and savor the most glorious person of all, Jesus Christ himself. This means that to love us, Jesus must seek the fullness of his glory and offer it to us for our enjoyment."  We are then encouraged to read John 17:24. Piper then concludes the devotion by sharing: "Love is the labor—whatever the cost—of helping people be enthralled with what will satisfy them most, namely, Jesus Christ. That is how Jesus loves."  Amen - be satisfied above all by Christ!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me....giving me Your Son Jesus Christ so that I could be filled with awe and wonder, joy, and most importantly, so that I can be saved!  Thank You!  I am not deserving of these blessings and my salvation.  My sin is great and it continues daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

... [F]or the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

... [F]or the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #48: To Gain His Joy and Ours.  In today's devotion, Piper gets to it right away: "[t]he path that leads to joy is a hard road. It’s hard for us, and it was hard for Jesus. It cost him his life. It may cost us ours." We are then referred to Hebrews 12:2 where the author of the text shares that Jesus willingly endured the agony of His death on the cross because He was focused on the joy Heaven.  Piper continues by describing "the joy set before Him" as joy on many levels, including "reunion with His Father," "triumph over sin," "divine rights restored," and "being surrounded with praise by all the people for whom He died" - see also Psalm 16:11, Hebrews 1:3, 12:2, and Luke 15:7.  Piper than makes clear that this joy is not just for Him but for all of those who believe in Him - see also John 15:11.  Yet this joy for believers comes at a cost as Piper returns to how the devotion began - our path to joy will be hard.  Piper points us to John 16:33, Matthew 10:24-25, and Luke 21:16-17.  At the same time, the devotion does offer us great encouragement by referring us to how "our hope of joy empowers us to suffer with him."  See Matthew 5:11-12.  This hard path for Christ was the only way that we could have the Good News that Jesus Christ died for us, rose from the dead, ascended to Heaven, and for those who believe in Him they shall have eternal life - see John 3:16.  Piper ends the devotion by pointing us to Romans 8:18 and Psalm 30:5 where the text describes the "glory that is to be revealed to us," and the "joy [that] comes with the morning." Rejoice for the joy set before us!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God that willingly went to the cross so that I could have life with You via the Holy Spirit and for eternity with You in Heaven!  Thank You God - the greatest gift of all time.  I am not deserving of such blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

...Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

Hebrews 9:28

...Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:28

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #47: To Rescue Us from Final Judgment.  The devotion today reminds believers of what awaits those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of Jesus Christ - eternal damnation and destruction "away from the presence of the Lord."  It is a sobering and frightful reality and one that should animate non-believers to turn to Him and believers to live with the end in mind - as we never know when we will be called home or when Jesus returns for a second time (see Matthew 25:13).  Piper refers us to Hebrews 10:27, 12:28-29, Matthew 3:7, 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, and Revelation 14:10-11 for text that gives us a glimpse into this sobering reality.  Even for believers, Piper shares that "[u]ntil we feel some measure of dread about God’s future wrath, we will probably not grasp the sweetness with which the early church savored the saving work of Christ in the future" - see 1 Thessalonians 1:10.  Piper continues, writing that "Jesus Christ, and he alone, can save us from the wrath to come. Without him, we will be swept away forever."  Believers are encouraged to take comfort in knowing that Christ will be our shield and for this we should "exult in [this] future grace."  Amen!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer:  Father God, thank You for my salvation!  I am not deserving of such a gift - the greatest gift of all time!  My sin is great and it continues...please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin and towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[Caiaphas] did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad....And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd.

John 11:51-52 and John 10:16

[Caiaphas] did not say this of his own accord, but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad....And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. John 11:51-52, John 10:16

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #46: To Gather All His Sheep from Around the World.  Piper opens this devotion by sharing how God often uses His creation who unwittingly speak on God's behalf.  His first example is from Numbers 22:28 where a donkey speaks for God.  His next example is from John 11:50-52 where the high priest of Israel - Caiaphas - unwittingly prophesied that "Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad."  Piper then shares how Jesus Himself said the same thing as Caiaphas - see John 10:16.  Emphasizing this specific prophecy, the devotion then remarks how Jesus works as "astonishing [because] [t]hey teach that all over the world there are people whom God has chosen to be reached and saved by Jesus Christ....This means that God is very aggressive in gathering a people for his Son. He calls his people to go make disciples, but he also goes before them. He has a people chosen before his messengers get there."  As the devotion begins to wind down, Piper highlights the importance of missions as he refers us to John 10:3-4.  The devotion then concludes and nets out the key response for those readers who are believers: "Jesus suffered and died so that the sheep could hear his voice and live...He gave up his life to gather the sheep. By his blood he bought the mercy that makes his voice unmistakable to his own. Pray that God would apply that mercy to you, and that you would hear and live."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who is in control and You have a perfect design and plan to reach all nations and peoples. Use me Father God in this plan - help me understand and answer Your call to serve and help.  Thank You for the incredible grace and mercy You poured out for me as shed blood so that I could live now for You and for eternity.  I am not deserving of such blessings...not by a long shot.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation[.]"

Revelation 5:9

“Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation[.]" Revelation 5:9

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #45: To Ransom People from Every Tribe and Language and People and Nation.  Building on yesterday's devotion where Piper shared how Christ's death on the cross tore down the wall of hostility between different races and ethnicities, today's devotion emphasizes how Christ came to save people from all nations and tribes.  The devotion opens by describing end times prophesied in Revelation 5.  John shares how he saw a scroll sealed with seven seals - Piper describes this scroll as "signif[ying] the unfolding of world history in the future - and John weeps because he did not think there was anyone  to open the scroll.  John then hears a voice from a heavenly being that Jesus, who is now visible to John, because He has conquered through His death and resurrection, is able to open the scroll.  The heavenly beings then worship Christ and sing a new song - Revelation 5:9 - that "announces that it is the death of Christ that makes him worthy to open the scroll of history. The implication is that Christ’s death was necessary to accomplish God’s global purposes in history....Christ died to save a great diversity of peoples. Sin is no respecter of cultures. All peoples have sinned. Every race and culture needs to be reconciled to God. As the disease of sin is global, so the remedy is global."  The devotion then points to scripture that amplifies this claim - see John 12:32, Psalm 22:27, 67:4, Luke 24:6-7, and Matthew 28:19.  The devotion winds down with Piper first sharing that "Jesus Christ is not a tribal deity. He does not belong to one culture or one ethnic group" - see also John 1:29 and Romans 10:12-13. The final words of the devotion then encourage non-believers to repent, be saved, and to "join the great global band of the redeemed." Amen!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God You are an amazing God who is able to bring about peace and unity like no other - and You are able to bring about peace in my heart such that I can bring my cares and concerns to You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me. My sin is great and it is daily.  Please forgive me, and help me turn from and overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He . . . has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.

Ephesians 2:14-16

He . . . has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. Ephesians 2:14-16

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #44: To Destroy the Hostility Between Races.  The devotion opens with John Piper sharing historical background from when the New Testament was written: "[t]he suspicion, prejudice, and demeaning attitudes between Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) in New Testament times was as serious as the racial, ethnic, and national hostilities in our day."  Piper points to Galatians 2:11-12 where Paul describes antagonism some from the circumcision party had for Peter (Cephas) when they saw him sharing meals with non-Jewish Christians but then Peter backed away from such fellowship when he feared reprisal from more conservative Jews (circumcision party).  Paul immediately recognized this hostility and antagonism and Piper refers us to Galatians 2:14 where the text says "[Paul] saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel."  Piper goes on to state that "[t]his is a crucial statement. Racial and ethnic segregation is a gospel issue! [Peter’ fear and withdrawal from fellowship across ethnic lines was “not in step with the truth of the gospel.” Christ had died to tear down this wall." Galatians 2:14 also describes how Paul confronted Peter from backing down from sharing fellowship with the Gentiles, and Piper describes the scene: "[Paul] confronted Cephas publicly....[Peter's] withdrawal from fellowship with non-Jewish Christians communicated a deadly message: You must become like Jews to be fully acceptable. This was the very thing that Christ died to abolish."  Piper then summarizes for us: "Jesus died to create a whole new way for races to be reconciled. Ritual and race are not the ground of joyful togetherness. Christ is. He fulfilled the law perfectly. All the aspects of it that separated people ended in him—except one: the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is impossible to build a lasting unity among races by saying that all religions can come together as equally valid. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. God sent him into the world as the one and only means of saving sinners and reconciling races forever. If we deny this, we undermine the very foundation of eternal hope and everlasting unity among peoples. By his death on the cross, something cosmic, not parochial, was accomplished. God and man were reconciled. Only as the races find and enjoy this will they love and enjoy each other forever. In overcoming our alienation from God, Christ overcomes it between races." Amen! 

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, thank You for tearing down the wall of hostility among races, ethnicities, nationalities, etc.  Only You provide the basis for peace!  Thank You Father God.  I am not deserving of this blessing, my salvation, nor any of blessings You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...harshness with others.  Please forgive me, and help me turn from such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.... I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

1 Corinthians 1:18 and Romans 1:16

The word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.... I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 1 Corinthians 1:18 and Romans 1:16

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #43: To Unleash the Power of God in the Gospel.  The devotion today opens describing gospel as good news (see also Greek dictionary) and as "something significant [that] has happened that will make people happy."  The gospel of course is that Christ died but rose again. The devotion then refers us to 1 Corinthians 15:1-7, and shares that the "heart of the gospel" from this text is that "Christ died for our sins . . . was buried . . . was raised . . . and appeared to more than five hundred people." Piper uses this text then as he shares that "[t]he fact that he says many of these witnesses are still alive shows how factual the gospel is. He meant that his readers could find some witnesses and query them. The gospel is news about facts. And the facts were testable. There were witnesses of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection life."  As Piper continues, he builds on yesterday's post, which describes how Christ defeated Satan as the "great accuser."  Yet, while Christ did defeat Satan, Piper uses this devotion to share (pointing to 2 Corinthians 4:4) that until Jesus returns again (second coming), Satan continues to exist and for many "blinds the minds of the unbelievers to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ."  1 Corinthians 2:14 provides additional text describing how non-believers cannot see the gospel as good news.  The devotion begins to wind down by reminding believers of the grace and mercy of God, as He removed the blinders, allowing us to see the gospel as good news. In John Piper's words, "satanic blindness and natural deadness must be overcome by the power of God" - this of course was done on the cross and through the resurrection. The devotion wraps by referring us to 1 Corinthians 1:24 as the text describes the "merciful act [of Christ who gave believers] the blood-bought gift" of faith and salvation.  Rejoice in the greatest gift of all time!

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for removing the blinders from my eyes so that I could see the good news.  I am not deserving of this gift - the greatest gift of all time.  My sins are great and they continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He set aside [the legal brief against us], nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him....The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.

Colossians 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8

He set aside [the legal brief against us], nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him....The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. Colossians 2:14-15 and 1 John 3:8

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #42: To Disarm the Rulers and Authorities.  The devotion today right away dispels any thoughts one might have upon reading the title of the devotion.  Piper is not referring to human governments but of "demonic powers that afflict the world."  We are referred to Ephesians 6:12 where the text describes how believers are not battling "flesh and blood," but instead "cosmic powers" and "spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  John 12:31 is also highlighted as the text describes "Jesus' last hour of his life" on the cross as He says that "now will the ruler of this world be cast out."  Piper then moves to share that although Satan and his other fallen angels are defeated, Christ allows them to exist until He returns (second coming). Piper shares: "[n]ot that they were put out of existence. We wrestle with them even now. But they are a defeated foe. We know we have the final victory. It is as though a great dragon has had his head cut off and is thrashing about until he bleeds to death. The battle is won. But we must still be careful of the damage he can do."  Peter warns us about how sin continues to exist and how we should be "alert and sober" - see 1 Peter 5:8.  While this is true, Piper wants us to see his main point, where he points to Colossians 2:14 and shares that "if God’s law no longer condemns us, because Christ canceled our debt, then Satan has no grounds to accuse us."  We are referred as well to Revelation 12:10 where the text describes Satan as the accuser and that during the final battle of end times Satan (the accuser) is "thrown down."  Piper shares: "[t]his is the defeat and the disarming of the rulers and authorities."  Piper then concludes the devotion by then pointing to Romans 8:33 and offering encouragement in light how Satan is disarmed: "now in Christ no accusations can stand against God’s people....Neither man nor Satan can make a charge stick. The legal case is closed. Christ is our righteousness. Our accuser is disarmed. If he tries to speak in the court of heaven, shame will cover his face. Oh, how bold and free we should be in this world as we seek to serve Christ and love people!" Amen!  Rejoice!

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for willingly going to the cross to defeat sin and death, disarming Satan and his angels.  Yes I know sin exists and it will continue to be a struggle but You give me freedom over the sting of sin and death.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor eternal life.  My sins are great and they continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Romans 6:5, 8:11 and 2 Timothy 2:11

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #41: To Secure Our Resurrection from the Dead.  The devotion opens with Piper writing that "[t]he resurrection of Jesus is God’s gift and proof that his death was completely successful in blotting out the sins of his people and removing the wrath of God."  We are referred to Philippians 2:8-9 and John 19:30 where the text shares how "therefore" Christ is highly exalted and humanity's penalty for sin was paid (in entirety) by Christ's death on the cross, accomplishing via the second Adam what could not be accomplished by the first Adam (1 Corinthians 15). The devotion then shares what all believers should understand, even though many - including myself - overlook: "[i]f sin is paid for, and righteousness is provided, and justice is satisfied, nothing can keep Christ or his people in the grave."  See also Revelation 1:18.  Because He has the keys to Death and Hades, believers have assurance in the promise of their own resurrection - see also Romans 6:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:14, and 1 Corinthians 6:14.  The devotion concludes by first pointing to 1 Corinthians 15:56-57, 52, and 54 where the text describes how our sin condemns us to death but Christ's life and death removes the sting of sin and death as "death is swallowed up in victory."  All are then pointed to John 11:25 and invited to repent of sins, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, have faith, and receive the gift of forgiveness of sin and everlasting life. 

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My Prayer: Heavenly Father, God, how awesome are You that You defeated sin and death and promise me resurrected and eternal life.  Thank You Father God.  I am not deserving of my salvation nor eternal life.  My sins are great and they continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[He] died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

1 Thessalonians 5:10, Philippians 1:21, 23, and 2 Corinthians 5:8

[He] died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 1 Thessalonians 5:10

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #40: So That We Would Be with Him Immediately After Death.  The devotion opens by making it clear that "[t]he Bible does not view our bodies as bad."  We are referred to 1 Corinthians 6:13 where Paul is clear when he writes the Lord is "for our body."  Extending his reasoning in the devotion, Piper shares that "death is an enemy," and that "we lose something precious" when we die.  At the same time, we should be clear that when we die, we gain eternity in Heaven with Christ. This is of course incredibly hopeful, building on yesterday's devotion which focused on how Christ gives us freedom over the fear of death. The devotion directs us to Philippians 1:21, 23 where the text describes the tension Paul felt between living for Christ in an earthly body vs living eternally with Christ in Heaven.  We are also directed to 2 Corinthians 5 where Paul shares how early believers looked forward to Heaven, being with Christ, and feeling more "at home."  The devotion concludes, pointing us to 1 Thessalonians 5:10 and stating that "[t]his is one of the great reasons Christ suffered" - that a believer's death brings one home to Christ.  For sake of clarity in summarizing this devotion, I omitted the devotion's discussion and references to the "in-between" state where believers who pass and are buried are merely "asleep" awaiting bodily resurrection - for more on John Piper's views on this topic, go here.  Rejoice in how Christ bring us home after death!

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is full of grace and compassion for us - thank You Jesus! Thank You for saving a place for me in Heaven.  I am not deserving of how You save and bless.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Hebrews 2:14-15

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #39: To Free Us from Bondage to the Fear of Death.  The devotion explores how Satan uses fear to keep believers from living boldly for Christ.  We are referred to John 8:44 where John describes Satan as a "murderer" and "the father of lies."  Satan is further described in the devotion as not someone whose chief aim is to kill us but instead to deceive us into believing that "that self-exaltation is more to be desired than Christ-exaltation, and sin preferable to righteousness."  If we don't we repent and seek forgiveness of sin from Christ, than we are eternally damned - hence why the devotion refers to deception as Satan's "one lethal weapon."  If we do repent and seek forgiveness of sin from Christ, than we are eternally saved (see Romans 10:10) and Satan is neutralized.  Piper shares: "[i]f [Satan's power to deceive] could be taken out of his hand, he would no longer have the power of eternal death. That is what Christ came to do—take that weapon out of Satan’s hand....[Once we are believers], [t]ry as he will, Satan cannot destroy us. The wrath of God is removed. His mercy is our shield. And Satan cannot succeed against us."  The devotion then moves to describes in more detail how Christ neutralized Satan: "[t]o accomplish this deliverance, Christ had to take on a human nature, because without it, he could not experience death. Only the death of the Son of God could destroy the one who had the power of death."  We are referred to Hebrews 2:14-15.  When Christ was nailed to the cross, He also nailed our sin to the cross.  The devotion winds down by sharing that "freedom from fear" was Christ's aim in His death.  Fear of death is described as enslaving us and preventing us from living boldly for Him which is what Christ ultimately seeks - that we glorify Him in our lives.  We stop seeking "big headed self-preservation," and instead seek what Christ desires (serving one another - see Galatians 5:13), even to the point of death.  Believers know that our mortal and earthly bodies may decay and pass, Christ is saving a place for us in Heaven - see also Romans 8:11.  Rejoice in Christ who gives us true freedom!

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves me, saves me and gives me true freedom!  Thank You Father God.  I am not deserving of how You save and for the unbelievable blessings You pour out for me every single day and for eternity.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me....And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me.

Luke 9:23 and Matthew 10:38

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me....And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Luke 9:23, Matthew 10:38

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #38: To Create a Band of Crucified Followers.  The devotion opens by emphasizing how during His last days, Jesus was focused on His God-given mission - to die on the cross.  Nothing could stop this plan - not even Herod. When He was arrested Jesus reminded the disciples that this was always part of the plan - fulfilling prophecy from long ago (Old Testament). See also Luke 9:51, 13:32, and Matthew 26:56.  As the devotion continues to unfold, it provides the image of the road to Calvary and how Jesus had to carry his own cross on this road as He was led to His death. We are then referred to Luke 9:23, Matthew 10:38, and Romans 6:11 as the devotion pivots from Christ's death to Christ's command we must also pick up our own cross and follow Him, as  our old selves must die and we must be born again.  Piper describes the verse in Matthew as having a "terrifying effect" as it specifically shares that if we don't pick up our own cross and follow Him - denying ourselves - we are not worthy of Jesus.  Pointing to Romans 6:11, the devotion then moves to describe this death [leading to rebirth] we must experience: "the old self-determining, self-absorbed me must be crucified. I must every day reckon myself dead to sin and alive to God. This is the path of life[.]"  The devotion concludes by pointing to Hebrews 13:12-13 and Revelation 12:11 as these verses share how believers are called to follow Jesus's example of "bearing the reproach" He endured, even if that means to the point of death and martyrdom. A sobering devotion this morning indeed....yet this is what Jesus calls us to do when He calls us to follow Him.  Our life will not be easy, yet He will be with us every step of the way and He is saving a place in Heaven for us - rejoice! 

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who willingly went to the cross, suffering and dying for me so that I could have life now....and for eternity in Heaven with You.  I am not deserving of my salvation.  My sin - including harshness towards others - is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from this sin towards You. Help me love with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

1 Peter 2:19, Hebrews 12:3-4, and Philippians 2:5-8

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Philippians 2:5-8

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #37: To Call Us to Follow His Example of Lowliness and Costly Love.  In today's devotion, John Piper opens by clarifying that "imitation [of Christ] is not salvation...[b]ut salvation brings imitation."  Piper then compares Christ's suffering to the suffering we are called to follow as a believer.  Christ's suffering and the "pattern of love" He seeks for us to imitate happen together, yet for believers we must first be justified/pardoned/saved before we can imitate/follow Christ.  Piper explains: "[Christ's] sufferings are unique. They cannot be imitated. No one but the Son of God can suffer “for us” the way Christ did. He bore our sins in a way that no one else could. He was a substitute sufferer. We can never duplicate this. It was once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous. Divine, vicarious suffering for sinners is inimitable."  The devotion then moves to share that while we can imitate Christ exactly, as we follow Jesus, sanctification makes us more like Him "in loving...in suffering to do good to others...in not returning evil for evil...in lowliness and meekness...in patient endurance...[and] in servanthood."  Piper then refers us to Philippians 3:9-10 for scriptural support that explains how this sequence of salvation then causes imitation. The devotion concludes by then sharing how believers' suffering "is crucial" to show Christ's power in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9) and ultimately to point others to Him - see also 2 Timothy 2:10.  Rejoice in how God saves, makes us more like Him, and uses us to point others to Him.

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and suffered and died for me, so that I could be forgiven of sins and have eternal life.  Thank You Jesus for my salvation - the greatest gift of all time.  Of course I am undeserving of such a gift.  My sins are great and they continue...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us point Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:14

He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. Titus 2:14

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #36: To Create a People Passionate for Good Works.  In today's devotion, Piper opens by sharing that "[believers] are forgiven not because we have done good works, but to make us able and zealous to do them....Good deeds are not the foundation of our acceptance, but the fruit of it."  The devotion highlights Titus 2:14 as the key verse for the day, then reminds us that we are saved by grace and our salvation is a gift not something we earn (Ephesians 2:8-9). Ephesians 2:10 echoes Titus 2:14 to share how believers are created by God "for good works." As the devotion continues, Piper then describes how Christ's aim "is not the mere ability to do them, but passion to do them. That’s why the Bible uses the word “zealous.” Christ died to make us “zealous for good works.” Zeal means passion. Christ did not die to make good works merely possible or to produce a halfhearted pursuit. He died to produce in us a passion for good deeds. Christian purity is not the mere avoidance of evil, but the pursuit of good."  Piper then connects the devotion back to Easter and Holy Week by stating that "[t]here are reasons why Jesus paid the infinite price to produce our passion for good deeds."  Of course, the primary reason is to bring Himself glory through us as Piper points to Matthew 5:16.  Believers exist to glorify God and we do this by loving and serving others as God loves and serves us.  Going back to Titus 2:14, Piper then describes how believers are redeemed from all lawlessness, particularly how we are freed from "fear, pride, and greed." In so doing, "we are filled with a zeal to love others the way we have been loved. We risk our possessions and our lives since we are secure in Christ. When we love others like this, our behavior is contrary to human self-enhancement and self-preservation."  Remaining in Titus by moving to 3:14, Piper concludes the devotion by helping define "good works" as helping those in urgent need.

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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for redeeming me, saving me, and for never leaving or forsaking me.  I am not deserving of how You love me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
 

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her[.]

Ephesians 5:25

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her[.] Ephesians 5:25

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. While Holy Week and Easter have passed, I do want to read to completion John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #35: To Give Marriage Its Deepest Meaning.  In today's devotion, Piper describes how Christ's death should be seen as model for marriage, reflecting His design for marriage that "preceded the union of Adam and Eve and the coming of Christ."  See also Ephesians 5:31-32 (quoting Genesis 2:24). At the outset of the devotion, Piper shares that "God's design for marriage in the Bible pictures the husband loving his wife the way Christ loves his people, and the wife responding to her husband the way Christ’s people should respond to him."  Christ's death on the cross reflects a love that husbands should have for their wives.  Piper immediately clarifies that it's "not that husbands should suffer at the hands of their wives."  The point is that God wants marriage to reflect Christ's love for His people, and to make this love more "visible to the world."  Piper continues: "[a]ll [Christ's] sufferings were meant to be a message especially to husbands: This is how every husband should love his wife."  Piper then elaborates as he concludes the devotion: "[h]usbands are not Christ. But they are called to be like him. And the specific point of likeness is the husband’s readiness to suffer for his wife’s good without threatening or abusing her. This includes suffering to protect her from any outside forces that would harm her, as well as suffering disappointments or abuses even from her." 

My Prayer: Thank You Father God for the blessing of my marriage to Lisa! I am not deserving of such a blessing...my sin continues...daily.  I am often not the husband You design me to be.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me be the husband You designed me to be and command me to be.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

 Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week, which is to read John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #34: To Enable Us to Live by Faith in Him.  In today's devotion, Piper starts by unpacking what he describes as a "paradox" in Galatians 2:20 that is not at the same time a "contradiction."  Paul writes in this verse how he died with Christ but he now lives.  For believers this is known as being born again or for theologians such as RC Sproul regeneration.  See also 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Ephesians 2:5-6 where Paul describes this death and rebirth. Our "old self" dies and we put on our "new self" and this new self is made progressively more like Jesus through sanctification by the Holy Spirit.  Piper expands on this new self by pointing us to Galatians 2:20 and then sharing how this verse "describes the new self in two ways" first as Christ living in us providing His "presence and help at all times." See also Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:29, and Romans 15:18. The second way believers are new selves is how we live by faith (per Galatians 2:20) "trusting Christ moment by moment."  Both ways we are these new selves go hand in hand per Piper as he states that "[w]ithout this second description of the new self, we might wonder what our part is in experiencing Christ’s daily help. Now we have the answer: faith. From the divine side, Christ is living in us and enabling us to live the way he teaches us to live. It’s his work. But from our side, it’s experienced by trusting him moment by moment to be with us and to help us. The proof that he will be with us and will help us do this is the fact that he suffered and died to make it happen."  Thank You Jesus for my salvation so that I could die to my old self and put on my new self - and that You are with me to bring about this transformation!

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My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and passion for me, making me new and being with me at all times to help me become more like You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor any of the blessings You pour out for me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose you as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

P.S.  Happy Easter!  All Glory to God!

...[F]ar be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

 Galatians 6:14

...[F]ar be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week, which is to read John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #33: To Make His Cross the Ground of All Our Boasting.  In today's devotion, Piper unpacks Galatians 6:14, Piper by sharing that, while the Bible shares that believers are only to boast in the cross, and this for some may seem "over the top" to non-believers.  Yet this is indeed what the Bible says, not just in Galatians 6:14, but also in Romans 5:2, 3, 2 Corinthians 12:9, and 1 Thessalonians 2:19.  While these verses seem to describe boasting about things, they all point to honoring the cross.  Piper then connects the dots for us as he shares that "every good thing—indeed, even every bad thing that God turns for good—was obtained for us by the cross of Christ. Apart from faith in Christ, sinners get only judgment. Yes, there are many pleasant things that come to unbelievers.  But the Bible teaches that even these natural blessings of life will only increase the severity of God’s judgment in the end, if they are not received with thanks on the basis of Christ’s sufferings."  We are referred to Romans 2:4-5.  Piper then goes on to share that "everything that we enjoy, as people who trust Christ, is owing to his death. His suffering absorbed all the judgment that guilty sinners deserved and purchased all the good that forgiven sinners enjoy. Therefore all our boasting in these things should be a boasting in the cross of Christ."  Piper encourages all believers to be "radically cross-focused."  We do this by recognizing that when we truly trust in Christ, our old self is dead and we are born again and we belong to Christ.  We also recognize that all of our enjoyment is sourced by God and we seek what God seeks because we love Him and therefore love to please Him.  See yesterday's post.  Piper concludes by sharing that "every legitimate pleasure in the world becomes a blood-bought evidence of Christ’s love and an occasion of boasting in the cross."  Trust in Jesus and experience everlasting joy in Jesus as he becomes "the ground of all our boasting."

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy for me.  Thank You Father God - Jesus - You are deserving of all my boasting.  I am not deserving of the grace You pour out for me...which of course started on the cross and continues though today and ultimately to Heaven where You are saving a place for me.  Thank You for these gifts for which I am undeserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

...[H]e died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

 2 Corinthians 5:15

...[H]e died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. 2 Corinthians 5:15

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week, which is to read John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #32: To Enable Us to Live for Christ and Not Ourselves.  In today's devotion, Piper unpacks a truth that he says troubles some - that "Christ died to exalt himself."  Some may view this as vanity but Piper dispels this thought.  To unpack this truth, the devotion first shares that "[t]he very essence of sin is that we have failed to glorify God—which includes failing to glorify his Son (Romans 3:23). But Christ died to bear that sin and to free us from it. So he died to bear the dishonor that we had heaped on him by our sin. He died to turn this around. Christ died for the glory of Christ."  The devotion then continues by sharing that Christ's death on the cross should be viewed as "the supreme act of love."  As such, it is both an act to exalt Himself and to show His love for this He seeks to save.  Piper then shares: "Christ is unique. No one else can act this way and call it love. Christ is the only human in the universe who is also God and therefore infinitely valuable. He is infinitely beautiful in all his moral perfections. He is infinitely wise and just and good and strong....To see him and know him is more satisfying than having all that earth can offer."  See also Hebrews 1:3.  Paul describes this in Philippians 3:7-8.  When scripture states that "we might live for Him," Piper emphasizes that God does not need our help - see Acts 17:25 and Mark 10:45 - "[w]hat Christ died for is not that we might help him, but that we might see and savor him as infinitely valuable. He died to wean us from poisonous pleasures and enthrall us with the pleasures of his beauty. In this way we are loved, and he is honored. These are not competing aims. They are one." The devotion concludes by pointing us to John 16:7, 14 and John 17:24, which describe how (1) Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to help believers glorify Him, and the Holy Spirit is the "greatest help in the world" and another act of love and (2) how Christ's love for us is so great for us that He prayed that those who have faith in Him would join Him in Heaven.  Rejoice in Him who loves us so much that He died for us and gave us help to glorify Him (we exist to glorify Him) and to give us "everlasting enjoyment."

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God that gives us Your Son and the Holy Spirit so that we can enjoy You now as infinitely valuable and for eternity with You.  Incredible - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of my salvation nor the blessings You provide for such everlasting enjoyment.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

...[Y]ou also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.

Romans 7:4

 ...[Y]ou also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. Romans 7:4

I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week, which is to read John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #31: So That We Would Die to the Law and Bear Fruit for God.  In today's devotion, Piper  describes how not only did believers' old way of life die on the cross with Christ (see yesterday's devotion), but so did the law of God.  To unpack this claim, Piper first refers us to Romans 4:15 and 3:19 where the text shares that if there is "no law there is no transgression," but in the Old Testament there was law and this law demanded accountability from God.  Piper then points us to Galatians 3:13 where the text describes how Christ became a "curse for us" to free us from "the curse of the law." Piper summarizes this and its implications: "[t]herefore, God’s law cannot condemn us if we are in Christ. Its power to rule us is doubly broken. On the one hand, the law’s demands have been fulfilled by Christ on our behalf.  His perfect law-keeping is credited to our account....On the other hand, the law’s penalty has been paid by the blood of Christ."  Romans 3:20, Galatians 2:16, and Romans 3:28 are then provided in the devotion to emphasize that believers' justification by God and reconciliation with God is not based on works - it is by faith in Christ alone.  Piper continues by first highlighting how believers belong to God vs the law (see Romans 7:12), then by rhetorically asking how we please God if we are "dead to his law and it is no longer our master?"  He answers his own question by stating that unlike the OT law that was primarily written "outside" and in stone (ten commandments), believers in Christ have the Holy Spirit within them.  Piper shares: "now righteousness rises within us as a longing in our relationship with Christ. He is present and real. By his Spirit he helps us in our weakness. A living person has replaced a lethal list."  See also 2 Corinthians 3:6-7.  Piper concludes the devotion by leading us to an important implication of no longer belonging to the law as we are referred to Romans 7:4 where the text says that believers died to the law so that we can "bear fruit for God."  Rejoice in no longer belonging to the law and how Christ and the Holy Spirit are within us to please and glorify Him - this is why we exist!

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and mercy for me - freeing me from the law so that I could belong to You, You can live in my heart, and You can help me please You - and I know this is why exist - to bring You glory.  Thank You Jesus for saving me and for all of the blessings associated with this salvation.  I am not deserving of my salvation and these blessings.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.