WATCHWORD:
10 This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:10
53 So from that time on, the Jewish leaders began to plot Jesus’ death. 54 As a result, Jesus stopped his public ministry among the people and left Jerusalem. He went to a place near the wilderness, to the village of Ephraim, and stayed there with his disciples. 55 It was now almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration, and many people from all over the country arrived in Jerusalem several days early so they could go through the purification ceremony before Passover began. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, but as they stood around in the Temple, they said to each other, “What do you think? He won’t come for Passover, will he?” 57 Meanwhile, the leading priests and Pharisees had publicly ordered that anyone seeing Jesus must report it immediately so they could arrest him. John 11:53-57
Consider This:
The Ordeal – Lenten Week #5
The Hero faces tests, makes allies, and confronts enemies. Obstacles and fears cause the journey to teeter on the brink of failure.
How has God demonstrated that He is love? What is the connection between God’s love for us and the love we are to have for others? Do you call on God to help you stay focused on your journey? Who are your allies and what are the roadblocks on your journey? What allows us to emerge from an ordeal as better people? How can your ordeal be an opportunity for growth? See Crossing the First Threshold – Lenten Week #4
Closing Prayer:
Oh wondrous God, You give us the priceless gift of grace, not because we have done anything to deserve or earn it, but just because. Just because you love us. May we live in the faith of that. Amen.
God, help me stay focused on your call, Grace filled toward what ever challenges I encounter, and centered in prayer knowing you are with me. Amen.
