Refreshing Our Spirits With Scripture

The Place   of “marriage” in Jesus’ teaching. -A place of healing because we are led by the greatest healer of all. -A place of security because we don’t give up on each other easily. -A place of independence from parents to grow up into Him on our own paths. -A place of soft hearts from being forgiven and forgiving our family members. -A place of limits where right and wrong are established and consequences are made clear. Still, forgiveness is an option. -A place of joy, pleasure and the celebration of life’s fruitfulness with God’s blessing. -A place of appreciation for those who are single. -A place where children are conceived, born and nurtured while being kept safe from harm. -A place where parents aligned with God’s ways are honored and respected. -A place where sacrifices for the good of the whole family are made constantly. -A place where the poor and rich can have a relationship with God and other people

Day of Year: 106 Date:4.16.14 Favorite Verse: Matthew 26.38 38  Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Thought for the day: As good Friday approaches, we must remember how hard the day of Jesus' death would be for Him.  He knew what physical cruelty He would endure. He would also have the emotional and spiritual burden of carrying the sins of the whole world for all of time on His shoulders.  He is the Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world.  He was committed to do the will of His Father and not His own even though He wanted the cup to pass.  He was alone.  His close friends went to sleep and could not stay awake for one hour with him.  Do you feel burdened and alone?  Jesus understands. Jesus Reading (Ten Minutes): Matthew 26.36-46 + Rest of New Testament:Romans 15.14-21 +Psalm of the Day: Psalm 71.13-24 +Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 13.25 +Rest of Old Testament: Judges 8,9

Day of Year:107 Date:4.17.14 Favorite Verse:Matthew 26. 52  “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Thought for the day: All his life Jesus had seen violence and power to be the answer for the religious and politically powerful.  Hate doesn't work.  An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind.  Jesus had another way.  Love even for enemies.  Peace that passes all understanding. Jesus Reading (Ten Minutes): Matthew 26.47-56 + Rest of New Testament: Romans 15.30-33 +Psalm of the Day: Psalm 72.12-20 +Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 14.1 +Rest of Old Testament: Judges 10,11

Day of Year: 104 Date:4.14.14 Favorite Verse:Matthew 26.24 24  The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born. Thought for the day: Betrayal ruins one's sense of peace. It gives a person regret for a lifetime.  If you have betrayed someone, the best thing to do is to receive the forgiveness that God extends through Jesus Christ. Jesus Reading (Ten Minutes): Matthew 26.20-25  + Rest of New Testament: Romans 15.1-13 +Psalm of the Day:Psalm 71.1-12 +Proverb of the Day: Proverbs 14.23 +Rest of Old Testament:Judges 4,5