The Essential Jesus, Day 81 Jesus Christ rose from the dead. As we looked at day 81 of the Essential Jesus reading plan found on YouVersion.com, we read Matthew chapter 28. Jesus Christ rose from the dead. He was dead and buried and yet on the third day, God raised him back to life, victorious over death. As we think about the power and the might of Jesus, we can realize that if we allow Jesus to work and move in our lives, we have that same power. The power of Jesus has not diminished over time. It continues and it remains. Do we recognize the power of God moving…

The Essential Jesus, Day 80 Forgiveness. As we look at the final days of the life of Jesus in the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we see a man who demonstrates forgiveness. Read Luke 23:26-56. As part of the crucifixion, Jesus suffered terrible things. They treated him like a prisoner and a criminal, even though he had never done anything wrong. Still, Jesus makes the statement asking for their forgiveness. When others treat us unjustly, how do we respond? What does it mean to truly forgive someone? When others treat us wrongly, whether we deserve it or not, the response in order to be like Christ is to offer…

The Essential Jesus, Day 79 Do we believe Jesus. As we look at day 79 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, the question becomes, do we believe Jesus. Read Luke 22:66-23:25. During the trial, Jesus does share who he is, but then asks why he should because they don’t believe anything he says anyway. Do we trust the words of Christ? Do we believe that what he says is true? As we understand Jesus, we see that he allows us the option to believe him or not, but if not, then why? Jesus shares who he is. Will we take the time to believe in all that he…

The Essential Jesus, Day 78 Two men, two choices. As we look at day 78 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com we read Matthew 26:69 – 27:10 and the story of two men and their choices. Peter and Judas. Both men betrayed Jesus. Both men felt deep remorse for what they did. But, only Peter repented. As we see in this story, Judas became consumed in his remorse and guilt but didn’t turn to the one who could save him. Instead, he took his own life. We read later in John about Peter’s restoration and his repentance. We are going to mess up and sin, so the question…

The Essential Jesus, Day 77 Who is Jesus? That is the question that is at the heart of the day 77 reading on the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com. Read Matthew 26:57-67. When we are asked, who do we say Jesus is? Who is he to us? When I think about all that Jesus is and does for me, I have such an amazing Savior. I owe him everything. How do I speak about him to others? I do not have to defend Jesus, but I will not deny anything about who he is and what he has done. In this we see the people accusing Jesus, and many…

The Essential Jesus, Day 75 What are we gaining and what are we losing? Read Mark 8:31-9:1. Today is day 75 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com and we have been learning characteristics of Jesus. Have we ever thought about the fact that when we say yes to something, we are automatically saying no to other things? Are we saying yes to gaining the temporary things of this world? If so, we are also saying no to the eternal. When we think about all that Jesus is and all that he desires to do through us, do we understand that we cannot say yes to both Jesus and…

The Essential Jesus, Day 74 Forgive. Do we forgive others? As we read day 74 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com we are in Matthew 18:15-35. Focusing on forgiveness, we see the emphasis God places on relationship. We are to help keep things focused on the relationship that glorifies God. We are to see truth and understand the holiness that God is, while balancing that with the amazing forgiveness that God provides us. As we forgive, we become more like Christ. As we show mercy and grace, we value relationships like God does. Are we willing to show grace and mercy to others and to forgive them as…

The Essential Jesus, Day 73 Prayer. As we look at Jesus and prayer, he spends a lot of time teaching and explaining about prayer. Looking at day 73 of The Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we are in John 14:1-14. So often we end our prayers with the phrase, “in Jesus’s name.” What does that even mean to ask? Yes, Jesus tells us to pray in his name and that we will receive, but it’s more than just uttering a name in a prayer. To pray in Jesus’s name means we are using his authority as a way to fulfill his purpose. Jesus is God. As he states earlier,…

The Essential Jesus, Day 72 Together in Christ. As we read day 72 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we read through Mark 3:20-35. Jesus is explaining that a kingdom that is divided against itself can’t stand. It will fall into nothing. Jesus is never against God and they are never divided against the Holy Spirit. If God is never divided, then are we divided against other believers? Do we seek to lift them up, no matter where they are or what their circumstances? Are we reaching out and praying for our Ukrainian and Russian brothers and sisters in Christ, as an example from current events? How can…

The Essential Jesus, Day 71 Jesus is the bread of life. As we look at day 71 of the Essential Jesus reading plan on YouVersion.com, we read Luke 6:25-71. As Jesus continues to speak, he is trying to help them ti understand that he is more than just a source of miracles. Jesus is the bread of life and he is the one that God uses to bridge the gap between our sin and his glory. Are we focused on all that Christ is doing in our life? Do we allow him to fill us and nourish us for all that he has for us to do?