April 20: NO TOMB COULD CONTAIN WHAT LOVE WAS ABOUT TO RELEASE.

Affirmation: I am compassionate. I care about myself and others.

“When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied.” (Matthew 9:27-31)
Who we come to believe depends importantly on two things:
1. Knowing the person who made the promises or spoke the words;
2. Our actions in response to those promises and words upon hearing them.
Care about yourself and others…you are a reflection of faith, hope and love.
Kindness prayer:
Thank you so much, Lord, for your kindness and love. Today, I cry out for…~~~~~

Ponder, Personalize: We have focused on memorizing the 6 verses of Psalm 23. Today begin to personalize the verses. Verse 1 is written with personal pronouns. As you recite, write or read these 6 verses focus on the implications that The Lord is YOUR shepherd, YOU lack nothing.

1“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ‭‭Psalm‭ 23‬:‭1‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I just read this as we are getting ready to start our day in Nakuru, Kenya, while we are  here with our friend Molly:

The Shepherd’s Provision 

David’s courage and trust stem from his knowledge of who holds it all together. It’s not just blind faith. In every obstacle in his life, he has seen God provide what he couldn’t. David opens Psalm 23 with a declaration of sufficiency. He doesn’t begin with lack, but with abundance. To call God your Shepherd is to say: “I am cared for. I am led. I am restored.” Contentment is not found in having everything you desire, but in trusting you already have everything you need in God. 

Notice the verbs: makes, leads, restores. God is the actor, not David. The Shepherd’s provision isn’t always flashy, it’s often quiet waters and green pastures. That means what you need most is not found in your hustle, but in His hands. 

In a culture of striving, David reminds us: the Shepherd doesn’t drive you with a whip; He leads you with His whisper. He doesn’t exhaust you; He restores you. Like David, if you trust the Lord to be your shepherd, you can trust that He will provide everything you need. 

Reflection Question: What would change if you really believed that, with God as your Shepherd, you already “lack nothing”?

~~~~~

Wholehearted Guidepost from Brené Brown

Cultivate Creativity. 

Let Go of Comparison 

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Mastering the 7 Decisions from Andy Andrews 

The Certain Decision 

I have a decided heart.

It’s not about what it IS…

It’s about what it can BECOME!

What you decide in your heart will be done and the light of God will shine on your ways. Job 22:28

The Certain Decision for personal success is what fuels your actions from the active decision. The clarity of vision you maintain in your mind is directly proportional to the effectiveness of your actions. A decided heart is unwavering in the face of continual challenges and setbacks and that ensures victory and a lifetime of greater fulfillment.

HOPE, DREAMS, ANTICIPATION…DECIDE.

Scripture:

We must quickly carry out the tasks assigned us by the one who sent us. The night is coming, and then no one can work. -John 9:4 (NLT)

~~~~~

Reading for Today

Walk in Grace. Live in Love. by Bob Goff

April 20

NO TOMB COULD CONTAIN WHAT 

LOVE WAS ABOUT TO RELEASE. 

He said to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise." 

MARK 9:31 

I'm a lawyer and keep secrets for a living. But there's one big exception. I'll confess, I'm not great at keeping secrets when it's a surprise for someone I love. When I was a kid, I'd spill the beans the moment I heard about a Christmas gift someone was going to get. I just couldn't contain my excitement. Surprise parties? Forget about it. My grins and leading questions gave it away faster than a viral video. I've grown a little in this area, but only because I've told friends to limit the details they share with me. I'm just too big of a gamble. 

It's easy to get excited when we know something good is about to happen. We do this when we know what's coming will change someone's life for the better. Their future joy is our joy right now, and we can't keep quiet. 

I think that's how the angels must have felt when they knew Jesus was going to burst out of the tomb. They had to stand guard and keep watch as Jesus' friends mourned and accepted the death of a revolution. The angels knew better. I bet they were thinking, The disciples' minds are about to be blown. Just like us, the disciples had lost sight of what Jesus had told them about what would happen next. They returned to life with no imagination for the miracle about to come three days later. 

 

There was no way to ruin the plans God had made since the beginning of time. The Roman soldiers were stationed as guards at the tomb to try to control the outcome. The reason was simple. They wanted to get ahead of the narrative so they could stomp out any sign of a miracle. But Jesus busted through anyway. No tomb could contain what love was about to release. 

What is Jesus releasing in your life today?