WATCHWORD:
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. 29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Luke 24:28-32
20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” Galatians 2:20-21
Meditation:
Rejoice Always!
Jesus tells us that faith in Him will revolutionize your life. Faith in Jesus. Start the day with a great, big “Thank you, Lord!” Give it your all, with rejoicing. Show that you are glad that you are His and that you love Him.
Did you ever praise Him with Psalm 118? Of course, you have. This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Did you? Did you rejoice because of the Joy that filled your heart? I know, it is a rainy and cold day, but rejoice, anyway. You have to work on your taxes? (So do I.) Let’s rejoice, anyway. Your arthritis is giving you trouble and you have muscles you never knew you had that are aching because you over-did it yesterday, or maybe you took a fall? Rejoice and be glad, anyway. You say your “to-do” list overflows? So does your cup of blessings. Don’t ever forget that! Let’s say it together: “Thank You, Lord!”
In Philippians Chapter 4, we read how to praise Him. Always be full of joy in the Lord; I say it again, rejoice! Let everyone see that you are unselfish and considerate in all you do. There is that reminder: Rejoice! Then Paul gives us really good advice: Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs, and don’t forget to thank him for his answers. There is your day-plan. Talk to God and thank Him.
We thank Jesus. We praise Him for the day we have been given. And verse 7 tells us: If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. We are amazed at the spiritual Joy that fills our hearts, as we follow through.
As we praise Him and Rejoice, day by day, our lives become richer, more peaceful. Our hearing of the voice of God improves. Our eye-sight improves as we seek and understand our purpose in God’s plan. Like those apostles on the road to Emmaus, our hearts burn within us as we embrace our Christ. And we experience a deeper sense of joy than we ever could imagine. We are God’s child! Thank you, thank you, Jesus. Amen.
Today’s Lenten Passage to Ponder:
Mark 15:3-4: Then the chief priests accused him of many crimes, and Pilate asked him, “Why don’t you say something? What about all these charges against you?”
Closing Prayer:
Jesus, you were scorned, beaten, mocked, and crucified for our sake. We cannot thank you enough for enduring such cruelty for our salvation. You are God’s one and only son, the greatest sacrifice, our Savior and Redeemer. We praise you and thank you with all we are. Amen
