Day 1
When they came to a place called the Skull, the soldiers crucified Jesus and the criminals—one on his right and the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, because they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:22-34
Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount that anyone can love someone who treats him or her well. But in order to be like God, we must love our enemies and pray for them. He says, “I say to you, love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. If you do this, you will be true children of your Father in heaven…If you love only the people who love you, you will get no reward. Even the tax collectors do that. And if you are nice only to your friends, you are no better than other people. Even those who don’t know God are nice to their friends. So you must be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Matthew 5:44-48). The goal of our faith, after salvation, is to become more Christ like—to imitate God. We are instructed to love our enemies because that’s what God does. Here in Luke 23:33-34, Jesus set the example for us. He prays for the people who are killing him, and he asks God to forgive them.
Loving when you don’t feel like it, but because it’s God’s command—now that’s love. God loves all of us, but hates our sin. Follow his example.
Day 2
In the beginning there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1
This verse will knock anyone who doesn’t believe in the Trinity—that God the Father, Goth the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit are all three in one—right in the head. Verse 14 says, “The Word became a human and lived among us. We saw his glory—the glory that belongs to the only Son of the Father—and he was full of grace and truth.” Jesus is the Word! That’s why Hebrews 4:12 says that the Word of God is “alive and working.”
If you want to get closer to God, start by spending time in his Word. Not only will you learn about him, but you’ll hear from him. Jesus speaks to us through his Word more than any other way. That’s why it’s so important to read the Bible, study it, and memorize verses.
Did you know that as you spend time in the Book, the Word of God, your faith is being increased? It’s vital that you put the Word of God in you when things are going great and you don’t think you need it. Remember, “Faith comes from hearing the Good News” (Romans 10-:17). That message is in the Word of God. Jesus is the Word!
Day 3
People who believe in God’s Son are not judged guilty. Those who do not believe have already been judge guilty, because they have not believed in God’s one and only Son. John 3:18
A person convicted of murder faces either justice or mercy in the courtroom. In some states and in some countries, justice requires that the convicted murdered be condemned to death. Yet the judge or the jury can treat the person with mercy if they choose to.
God has chosen mercy. Everyone deserves to be condemned to death—that’s the penalty for refusing to obey God. But for those who trust in Jesus, God has set aside the sentence that justice demands. For them there is no punishment (see Romans 8:1). The punishment for their sins was given to Jesus.
God’s mercy is for everyone who has faith in his Son. Faith is not having an intellectual belief in God. It’s knowing in your heart that he is real and responding with your life (the things you do) to the gift of mercy he gave you through his Son.
Day 4
God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:24
Those who worship God must be led by the Spirit. This verse isn’t talking about being led by a spirit like the ghosts you see floating around old houses on TV. It’s talking about being led by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit has been sent to guide you into all truth (see John 16:13). You are free to make your own choices, but if you’re going to be successful in life, you must submit to the Holy Spirit and allow him to guide you.
That’s why it’s so important to listen to that still, small voice. The next time you’re making an important decision or stepping out in a certain direction and you don’t feel at peace about it, don’t ignore it! That’s the Holy Spirit. He wants to lead you. He wants to help you. He wants to see you successful in everything you do. God has given us, as his children, the opportunity and the right to be led by the Holy Spirit. Start being led by the Spirit today, and watch what God will do tomorrow!
Day 5
Then you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free. John 8:32
Jesus makes a big deal about truth because only the truth sets you free. Satan is the father of lies, a master deceiver, and he wants you to believe anything other than the teachings of Jesus. The truth is that believing in Jesus saves you from your sin and saves you for eternal life. In this verse Jesus says that the truth will set you free because Jesus frees you from your bondage to sin. Satan will whisper lies to you over and over, hoping you’ll believe his tricks and get confused. Remember that confusion is not from God (see 1 Corinthians 14:33).
When you feel confused or overwhelmed, return to Scripture and read the truth of the words of God. From him you will find direction and clear guidance. Meditate on those words. Let his truth come alive in your mind and in your heart.
The Bible makes a big deal about truth because lies will lead you astray. Stay focused on the truth of God’s Word. Know the truth, follow the truth, tell the truth. It “will make you free”!
Day 6
I have come as light into the world so that whoever believes in me would not stay in darkness. John 12:46
The light that gives light! That’s what you have—light that will disperse darkness. In other words, you’re like a flashlight chasing out the darkness of this world. Don’t let your batteries run out, and you’d better check your bulb. The light that Christians give because of Jesus is the only light this world has.
Have you ever been in a room that was pitch black-no light, no windows, totally dark? What happened when you turned on a flashlight or struck a match? The entire room lit up. You couldn’t believe how much light that one match or flashlight gave off. That’s exactly the kind of effect you can have in your school and everywhere else you go. We live in a dark world, but the good news is that you are the light!
What would you do if you have a friend who was trapped in a cave with a group of people, and they couldn’t get out because they couldn’t find their way? Let’s say that they all died and when their bodies were found, it was discovered that one of the victims had a perfectly good flashlight in his backpack that would have saved all of their lives if it had been used. Wouldn’t that upset you?
You know what? You are like that same flashlight that could have saved those lives. Every day you come across the paths of people who desperately need the light of Jesus. Don’t hide the light. Use it to impact someone’s life forever!
Day 7
You call me “Teacher” and “Lord,” and you are right, because that is what I am. If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash each other’s feet. I did this as an example so that you should do as I have done for you. John 13:13-15
Jesus gives his apostles a lesson in humility when he washes their feet. He tells them that they are to follow his example. And we, as followers of Christ, are to do the same. Meeting the needs of other people and sacrificing your own is the example of Jesus, and we are to be like him. Did you know that when you feel sorry for yourself, one of the best things to help you feel better is to do something food for somebody else? And if you are acting like Jesus, it may cost you something—some time, some energy, some money, maybe even your pride. Sometimes we can serve others secretly, and God gets all of the glory. Jesus came and humbled himself by being as a servant to others. Being Christ-like means that we humble ourselves and do the same. It’s the whole point of our time here on earth—following his example, looking more and more like Jesus.
http://www.fvbaptist.org/stomp/article.php/20071227063108612