The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

10 / 26 / 2010 / 26 / 20

It's easy to fall into the comparison trap focusing on what's lacking in our lives while envying what seems perfect in someone else's. These tips will help... #ComparisonTrap #Envy #JoyStealer #socialmedia #CountingMyBlessings #WWGGG

I don’t know about you but I have days when my less than ideal attitude can cause me to fall into the comparison trap. I start focusing on what’s wrong in me and around me and before I know it I’m measuring my life against an impossible “ideal.”

I know that’s not God’s plan for me. I know He wants better for me. I know He wants me to focus on the truth . . . what He says about me.

If you can relate to my struggle, I want you to know that God wants that for you too! He wants us to focus on the words of David…

I will offer You my grateful heart, for I am Your unique creation, filled with wonder and awe. You have approached even the smallest details with excellence; Your works are wonderful; I carry this knowledge deep within my soul.
Psalm 139:14 (VOICE)

God made each of us as unique and wonderful parts of His creation made for His plans and purposes to live for His glory.

With that in mind, maybe God wants me (and you too) to think less about who I am and more about whose I am!

We belong to God. We are unique, one of kind, wonderfully complex created for this time and place for a reason.

I was not designed for your life and you were not designed for mine.

I don’t believe God wants us to sit around dwelling on our flaws and faults. He wants us to confess them to Him and repent. He wants us to surrender our lives to Him in faith and invite Him to work in us and through us for His glory.

If you struggle too. If, like me, you need a regular reminder . . . remember you are not alone. He has given us someone to help. We have the Holy Spirit.

But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.
John 14:26 (AMP)

Think about that . . . you and I have the Spirit of the God of the universe with us to teach us and remind us of God’s TRUTH.

Are you ready to quit pushing the Spirit’s voice to the background while you waste time listening to the enemy’s lies that defeat and discourage you? Me too!

It’s time for us to consistently listen to the TRUTH. So, I’m making a list of God’s promises to help us.

Personal promises to help us remember who we are in Christ Jesus and help us avoid the comparison trap.

The Best Way to Avoid the Comparison Trap

Avoid the Comparison Trap – Remember Who You are in Jesus!

♥ You are Known – God Thinks about You

How precious are Your thoughts about ________, O God. They cannot be numbered!
Psalm 139:17

♥ You are Loved

I am writing to ________, who has been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ.
Jude 1:1

♥ You are a Child of God

But to _________, who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become a child of God. You are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
John 1:12-13

♥ You are a Friend of Jesus

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command … Now ________ is my friend, since I have told you everything the Father told me.
John 15:13–15

♥ You are a New Creation

If _________ belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)

Because Christ Lives in You

__________ has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

♥ You are Chosen and Holy

Even before He made the world, God loved ________ and chose _________ in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.
Ephesians 1:4

♥ You are Chosen and Loved

God loves _________ and has chosen you to be His own… 1 Thessalonians 1:4
1 Thessalonians 1:4

♥ You are Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So ________ also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:10–11

♥ You are a Citizen of Heaven

________ is a citizen of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under His control.
Philippians 3:20–21

♥ You are God’s Masterpiece

For ________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created ________ anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.
Ephesians 2:10

♥ You have God’s Peace to Guard Your Heart and Mind

Then ________ will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:7

♥ You have Strength for Life

________ can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13

♥ You are Victorious

Can anything ever separate ________ from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ________ through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35, 37
Romans 8:35, 37

♥ You are Forever Safe in God’s Love

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate ________ from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither ________ fears for today nor _______ worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate ________ from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate _________ from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38–39

You know it’s kind of funny…

When you and I focus on ourselves, on our faults and failures, we get lost in the negatives and we spend precious time caught in a cycle of discouragement and disappointment. But when we take those disheartening comparison trap thoughts captive and surrender them to the Holy Spirit . . . He reminds us of the important truths of God’s promises.

Promises that remind us of who we are in Jesus.

And that truth gives us everything we need to face whatever God allows.

Remember these words today…

Read that again and again until it is firmly planted in your heart and mind.

I know I need to keep it close at hand. With the Spirit’s help, I will remember the truth that—it is well with my soul. And it’s well with my heart and mind, too!

May God bless unique and wonderful you today and always!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

I’m so excited to tell you about my new book!

No matter what a busy week may throw your way, God is with you in every moment. Take a breath and find peace in Him with the 52-Week Devotional Journal for Women, a weekly devotional full of Scripture passages, unique insights, and journal prompts. Strengthen and deepen your relationship with God as you focus on faith over the course of the year.
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You Need to Consider This When You are Heartbroken

4 / 20 / 204 / 22 / 20

The life you planned came crashing down and you're heartbroken. Here are the 5 steps God uses to heal a broken heart. I believe they work. They worked for me! #Heartbroken #BrokenRelationship #Grief #Hope #Faith #BibleStudy #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

15 years ago today, I was curled up at the foot of our bed … I cried until my tears ran dry.

I pleaded and prayed … asking God to change hearts and change the situation. I hoped with faith that it would be days, weeks, even months, but not years. I longed for the time we would look back on things and praise God for His healing grace.

And yet, here we are 15 years later and we’re still waiting and praying and hoping in faith.

There is good news though…

What the enemy of our souls wanted to use for evil … God used for good!

Our situation may not have changed but I have! And that’s what I want to tell you about today…

I want you to know how God is able to take your broken heart and piece it back together with His grace, mercy, and love. How He can remove your life-long fears, gave you strength, and increase your faith.

I want to tell you how … by the power of His Spirit, God took a heartbroken mess and gave me a new life of purpose by making me a life-long SEEKer who’s free to enjoy His peace, trusting that I have everything I need in Christ Jesus.

The change didn’t happen in one miraculous moment; it’s been a long season of growth. But if you’ve got a couple of minutes, I’d love to tell you about the process God used to transform me … one that I believe He would love to use in You and in the people you love.

5 Steps God Uses to Heal the Heartbroken

1. God Pursues Those Who are Heartbroken

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away!
Matthew 18:12–13

I can’t remember a time in my life when I didn’t know and trust Jesus for my eternal future. I knew He was my Lord and Savior, that He died for me, and I believed He would take me to heaven when I died. But…

When it came to daily living … I was afraid.

Afraid of disappointing people and disappointing God. Afraid that if I completely surrendered to Jesus, the cross He asked me to carry would be too difficult and I’d disappoint everyone.

So, I frantically tried to juggle all the parts of my life on my own until all those balls I’d been juggling fell at my feet. And that’s when the Lord came and found me and held me. And gently carried me to His Word.

2. God Speaks to Those Who are Heartbroken

As for God, His way is perfect! The word of the Lord is tested and tried; He is a shield to all those who take refuge and put their trust in Him.
Psalm 18:30 (AMPC)

I needed HOPE!

Not the kind words and assurances of people. I needed hope that would give me the strength I needed to get out of bed each day.

God had given me hope for my eternal future through Scripture; so, I turned to His Word looking for the hope I so desperately needed to get me through each day.

I picked up my Bible and I couldn’t put it down. And by God’s grace, it became my lifeline. I devoured it, Genesis through Revelation, in just three months.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16

And God used the TRUTH of His inspired Word in an interesting way.

In my brokenness, I didn’t relate to the heroes of faith so much as I saw myself in the doubters and the fearful. I saw myself in Eve and the grumbling Wilderness Wanderers, as well as the Pharisees and the fleeing disciples.

The more I read God’s Word … the more I was humbled, ashamed and repentant.

3. God Forgives the Heartbroken Who Come to Him in Repentance

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28–29

I carried all my brokenness, my failures, and my weaknesses … I took my sins to Jesus and asked Him to heal and forgive me.

The Bible says that when you and I carry the heavy burden of our sin to Jesus and ask Him to forgive us and change us … well, He said, “the angels rejoice!”

I tell you, it is the same way among the angels of God. If one sinner is sorry for his sins and turns from them, the angels are very happy.”
Luke 15:10

Praise God!

That’s the blessing of God’s Word. It’s the Law that shows us our sin and then it’s the Good News Gospel that shows us God’s LOVE!

O Lord, you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.
Psalm 86:5

What other god promises unfailing love and forgiveness to everyone and anyone who repents and asks for help to change? What other god is able to give people everything they need to accomplish the change He desires? What other god promises freedom through faith and forgiveness?

If the Son sets you free, you are truly free.
John 8:36

And it’s not just freedom for an eternal future in heaven but freedom to LIVE today with peace, joy, hope, courage, strength, and everything else you and I need!

4. God Replaces What is Broken with What is Needed

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.
Luke 12:31

What I began to learn was that the more I completely surrendered myself to the Lord the more intentionally He gave me everything I needed.

And one of the first things I needed was to be lifted out of the pit of despair…

I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the pit of despair,
out of the mud and the mire.
He set my feet on solid ground
and steadied me as I walked along.
Psalm 40:1–2

I’m not going to tell you how many times God lifted me out of the pit that I turned around and jumped right back in. A broken heart for any reason needs to grieve … but Paul wrote:

You have no reason to have sorrow as those who have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13

And that’s truth! Not only grief over death but hope for the heart that is broken for any reason. It’s not a hope that is dependent on our circumstances changing but hope that whatever our circumstances … God will give us everything we need!

5. God Strengthens the Heartbroken with His Promises

Something I didn’t even know I needed but a gift for which I will be eternally grateful … is the blessing of specific promises to encourage me.

The first promise and the one that has become my life verse is…

My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Psalm 73:26

And He has been the strength of my heart.

Remember, I said fear was one of my greatest struggles.

God has been faithful to the promise of my life verse. He has given us what we needed to get through circumstances that before I would have considered “impossible.”

He has been my strength. His presence has given me everything I need each day.

The two verses before my life verse say…

You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth.
Psalm 73:24–25

By God’s grace … I trust that He will guide me each day until I arrive at my “glorious destiny” in heaven. How can I not desire that more than anything else this life has to offer?

If you’re struggling today because of a broken heart … let me share with you one more promise that I hold close. I especially like the way The Message says it…

[God] told me, “My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness.” Once I heard that I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10

And that is absolute unfailing TRUTH!

In the past 15 years, I’ve learned that the more I surrender my fears and frustrations, my brokenness and battles, my weaknesses and worries, my losses and longings to Jesus … the more He fills me up with everything I need to LIVE!

To live free of the things I’ve surrendered to Him and free to enjoy the blessings He wants me to have!

Blessings David expressed beautifully in Psalm 40. He said that God lifted him out of that “pit of despair” and…

He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what He has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord.
Psalm 40:3

And that is my prayer! That’s why I write AT THE INTERSECTION OF FAITH AND LIFE!

I want you to know what God has done for me. I want you to be amazed by His love and grace and mercy. And more than anything, I want you to put your trust in the Lord!

Because if He is able to remove my life-long fears and give me everything I need to live surrendered to His loving care with freedom, peace, and joy … I believe with all my heart that He not only can but He will do that for you as well.

So, what do you say … will you consider prayerfully reading your Bible … getting to know the One who pursues you. The One who wants to speak to your heart and mind. The One who offers you complete forgiveness and everything else you need. The One who promises you freedom to LIVE sheltered in His LOVE!

I’m praying for you today and asking God to bless you and fill you with the transforming power of His perfect love!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

Prayers Inspired by Jesus’ Last Words on the Cross

4 / 10 / 204 / 10 / 20

The Bible recorded Jesus' last words from the cross - the things He said to express His love as He willingly gave His life and they inspired me to pray. #Easter #GoodFriday #Prayer #Jesus #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings #HisGraceGirls

It’s hard to think about the reality of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross.

I’ll never forget the first time I watched the movie, The Passion of the Christ. I’d read the Bible and knew the account well but it was always easier to imagine the scene through cleaned up artwork and Sunday School drawings.

But I don’t want to settle for images that make me feel better.

So I’m taking to spend more time at the foot of the cross, humbly reflecting and praying to the One who suffered pure torture to endure my punishment.

I’d love it if you would join me.

Prayers Inspired by Jesus’ Last Words on the Cross

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Luke 23:34

Lord Jesus, it’s hard for me to imagine myself in the crowd shouting, “Crucify Him!” I want to believe I would have followed You, that I would have been standing with John, your mother, and Mary Magdeleine … but I know the truth. You hung on that cross because of me.

My sins condemned You and yet, through Your pain, You asked the Father to forgive me. I am humbled and overwhelmed by Your gracious love. Thank you isn’t enough. Today, I give you my all as I prayerfully meditate on Your love and how You willingly gave Your all for me. Amen.

And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
Luke 23:43

Jesus, Like the men being crucified beside You, I deserve to be punished for my sins.

I want to believe my sins aren’t that bad but all sin, any sin, my sin deserves punishment. Yet, You not only suffered and died for my disobedience but You reclaimed me and promise me a forever future with You in heaven.

I didn’t earn it. I don’t deserve it. You simply gave it.

So once again, I fall at the foot of the cross asking for Your forgiveness through tears of gratitude and a heart full of love as I anticipate the day You will come and take me home to live with You forever. (John 14:3) Thank you, Jesus! Amen.

When Jesus saw His mother standing there
beside the disciple He loved, He said to her,
“Dear woman, here is your son.”
And He said to this disciple,
“Here is your mother.”
And from then on this disciple
took her into his home.
John 19:26–27

Jesus, Your tender words to Your mother and John touch my heart and remind me that You care about even the smallest details of our lives. You fed the hungry and healed the sick both physically and spiritually. You gave sight to those who could not see and sound to those who could not hear.

Nothing in my life goes beyond Your attention, care, and compassion. Lord Jesus, when my days are distressing and I feel like no one understands … You do!

You endured the pain and problems of this world. You experienced the consequences of sin without ever sinning Yourself. Thank you, for allowing me to bring it my struggles to You and for comforting and helping me in times of need. Amen.

Jesus called out with a loud voice,
“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?”
which means
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

Oh, dearest Jesus, this must have been the most difficult thing to endure. I sometimes wonder if this was what caused You to sweat drops of blood as You asked the Father to “remove this cup of suffering?” I can’t imagine how it must have felt to anticipate all You knew You would happen as You endured the separation my sin deserved.

David prophesied these words generations earlier and like every prophesy promised … You faithfully fulfilled it. Jesus, I believe You are the Christ, the Son of God! You suffered the unimaginable to save me.

Simply saying “thank you” is not enough. I give my life to You. I give You my all. By Your grace, may I faithfully live for Your glory as I declare the truth of Your love. Amen.

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished,
and to fulfill Scripture He said,
“I am thirsty.”
John 19:28

Jesus, You spoke these three simple words so Your people might be assured that You understand our humanity.

You were tempted, yet You never sinned. You experienced life through Your senses just like I do. You laughed and cried. You felt anger, joy, and love. Oh, how You love.

Thank you for allowing me to know that nothing in my life is beyond Your understanding. When I am sad and lonely, rejected and betrayed, uncomfortable and tired … You understand. I can bring every burden, fear, and frustration to You confident that You will keep Your promise to help me carry it. (Matthew 11:28) Big or small, it matters to You. I matter to You. Thank you. Amen.

He said,
“It is finished!”
Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
John 19:30

Was this Your victory shout! Jesus,

You accomplished everything You came to do.

You testified to the truth, proclaimed the Good News, and fulfilled the Law and the words of the Prophets. You showed people how very much God loves them. You gave Yourself as a sacrifice to save people from their sins. And You died to give us a forever life with You in heaven.

I can imagine You gathering every bit of strength You had to shout, “It is finished!” Victory! The plan promised in the Garden was accomplished and by Your grace … it is well with my soul. Thank you! Amen.

Then Jesus shouted,
“Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!”
And with those words, He breathed His last.
Luke 23:46

No one took Your life from You. You gave it willingly for sinners … like me.

Perfect love!

Please, Jesus, help me to love like You. My heart’s desire is to “love You, my God, (Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit) with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. I want to love my neighbor as I love myself.” I want to obediently follow where You lead and carry out Your will as You reveal it to me. I believe I can do whatever You ask of me and that You will give me the strength I need. (Philippians 4:13)

Lord Jesus, I surrender this day to You. Help me. Strengthen me. And by Your grace, give me all I need to live this day and every day for Your glory. Amen.

As I read and reread Jesus’ last words on the cross, I am always overwhelmed by His love.

Whatever is going on in your life and mine today … it is comforting to know that we can come to the foot of the cross and give it all to Jesus. We can be assured that by grace nothing in the world can separate us from God’s love given in and through Jesus.

Paul wrote:

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38–39

It’s easy to let busyness distract me and problems discourage me but today I’m setting everything aside to sit at the foot of the cross. I’m stopping to reflect on Jesus’ last words of love and I’m resting in the hope of His miraculous life-giving promises.

Promises that assure me that even as I reflect on Good Friday, as I pause and pray … the Good News is – Sunday is coming.

Jesus’ Resurrection is a reality and so is ours!

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

It would bless me so much if you’d take a moment to subscribe to Counting My Blessings so you never miss an update!

Subscribe to Blog via Email

You can also…

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

Check out our new Facebook Page/Group – #WWGGG – What Would Give God Glory. We’d love for you to join the movement!

And always remember – I LOVE hearing from you! So, please take a minute to say ‘hi’ by leaving a comment.

If this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Send it to a friend, family member, coworker, or share it through the links below…

I’m asking God to bless you today!

A Holy Week Bible Study that will Help You Focus on Jesus

4 / 6 / 204 / 6 / 20

A Holy Week Bible Study for individuals and families - Walk through the Gospels and spend time with Jesus. Questions and prayers to help you experience His love #HolyWeek #Jesus #PassionofChrist #God'sLove #PalmSunday #MaundyThursday #GoodFriday #WWGGG #CountingMyBlessings

Anne Graham Lotz wrote…

Why did Jesus have to die?

If there was any other way to offer us forgiveness of sin, to reconcile us to God, to give us eternal life, and to open Heaven for us when we die, God would have found it. He never would have sent Jesus to die on the cross. There simply is no other way.

I’m taking closer look at Holy Week because I want to make it personal. I want to see myself standing with the cheering crowds, sitting at the table in the upper room, asleep in the garden, and standing at the foot of the cross.

I’d love for you to join me and maybe even spend some time talking about the questions with your family.

I don’t want to rush through the pain to get to the promise. This year, I want to pause and see myself with His disciples … fully experiencing the Jesus’ gift of love that gave me the freedom to LIVE in LOVE!

A Holy Week Bible Study

Palm Sunday

Let’s start with a prayer…

Help me stop this week and look at my heart. Show me where I’m wrong. Show me my sin. Forgive me and help me change.

Thank you for saving me through Jesus. Thank you for saving the words of those who walked with Him. Thank you for allowing me to look closely and marvel at amazing grace. Teach me. Guide me. Draw me close in Jesus name. Amen.

So they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their garments over it for Him to ride on.

As He rode along, the crowds spread out their garments on the road ahead of Him. When He reached the place where the road started down the Mount of Olives, all of His followers began to shout and sing as they walked along, praising God for all the wonderful miracles they had seen.

“Blessings on the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in highest heaven!”
Luke 19:35–38

Pause with me for a moment and let your heart and mind imagine the scene.

What do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you smell?
Who are you?
- A follower?
- A Pharisee?
- A bystander?
- A fan?

Are you being swept along by the excitement? Are you skeptical of the man they say can raise the dead? Are you angry? Are you confused?

Do you believe?

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–40, John 12:12–19

Later that day, Jesus said…

“Now my soul is deeply troubled. Should I pray, ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But this is the very reason I came!Father, bring glory to Your name.”
John 12:27

What would you like to say to Him?

Holy Monday

Back in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifices. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves, and He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
Mark 11:15–18

Pause for moment…

What do you see?
What do you hear?
How does it smell?
Who are you?
- A worshipper?
- A priest?
- An observer?
- A disciple?
- A buyer? A seller?
How do you feel?

Do you believe?

My prayer…

Father, forgive me. I’m ashamed. I’m afraid I would likely stand in the courtyard surprised by Jesus’ passion and conviction. It’s probably I would find normal and satisfactory the way things have “always” been done. I wonder if I would even realize that a place of prayer had become a marketplace.

I’m challenged to ask if I’ve allowed subtle changes in culture to distort my perception of holiness and worship.

I want a passion for Your holy presence. I want to cherish what You call holy. I want to give the highest value to truth and honesty. I want to know Your truth. I want my heart to break for those things that break Your heart and I want to hold sacred that which is precious to You.

Please help me, Father. Forgive me. Guide me by the power of Your Spirit. Draw me close. Hear my prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 12:12–17, Mark 11:15–25, Luke 19:45–48,

Maundy Thursday

In the Upper Room…

He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel He had around Him.

After washing their feet, He put on His robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing?You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right because that’s what I am.And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.
John 13:4–5, 12–15

Let’s pause…

What do you see?
How does it smell?
What do you hear?
How do you feel?
Who are you?
- Matthew?
- Nathaniel?
- James or John?
- Judas?
- Peter?
- An observer watching from the corner?
Are you humbled? Are you ashamed? Are you confused or embarrassed?
Are you willing to serve those with stinky feet?

Do you believe?

Father, I picture myself with teachers I’ve respected and admired; and I can’t imagine one of them washing my feet. It seems awkward and embarrassing. It’s easy to relate to Peter’s word, “You will never wash my feet.”

But then I hear Jesus’ words and I see His humble love and I want to follow His example and love like Him.

Please forgive me. I fail repeatedly. I allow “self” to get in the way of love and service. I’m self-protective and self-righteous. Help me. Open my eyes to see those who need me to love them with humble love. Help me to follow Jesus’ example. Help me trust and obey. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 26:17–30, Mark 14:12–26, Luke 22:7–30, John 13:1–17

In Gethsemane’s Garden

Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”

He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

He went on a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not mine.”

Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?Keep watch and pray, so that you will not give in to temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak!”
Matthew 26:36,38–41

And again, let’s pause…

What do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you smell?
Who are you?
- Peter?
- James?
- John?
- Thomas? Philip? Matthew?
- Judas?

Are you embarrassed? Are you trying to stay awake? Are you confused by Jesus’ emotion on this night of celebration? Are you afraid?

Do you watch and pray?
Do you believe?

Lord, I can’t imagine the anguish of that hour. The pain of knowing what was about to happen. The pain of knowing the beginning to the end. Knowing the pain, the betrayal, denials, lies, rejection…

I am so sorry. Please forgive me. My sin. My shame. My punishment.

Help me to live by the power of Your Spirit. Help me to embrace the freedom you’ve given. Help me to love You with all my heart, mind, soul, and strength. Help me to love like Jesus. In His name and for His sake I pray. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 26:36–46, Mark 14:32–42, Luke 22:39–45,

Good Friday

Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put a purple robe on Him. “Hail! King of the Jews!” they mocked, as they slapped Him across the face.
John 19:1-3

Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away.Carrying the cross by Himself, He went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha).There they nailed Him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them.And Pilate posted a sign on the cross that read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.”
John 19:16–19

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. Then at three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Mark 15:33–34

Jesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.”

When Jesus had tasted it, He said, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
John 19:28,30

And finally, let’s pause to make it personal one more time…

What do you see?
What do you hear?
What do you smell?
Who are you?
- John?
- Mary Magdalene?
- A Soldier?
- Mary, His mother?
- A Mocker?
- An Observer?
- A Thief?
- A Priest?
How do you feel?

Are you afraid? Are you appalled? Are you ashamed? Self-righteous? Devastated? Confused? Satisfied?

Who is this man? Who is Jesus to you?
Do you believe?

Father, Jesus said, “When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.”

Draw me close, Father. Pull me to the foot of the cross. I don’t want to look away . . . to shrug off hard to face truths. That my sin caused Jesus suffering and death. My hand held the hammer. I stand with the mockers and Pharisees.

I want to see myself as John or one of the Marys. But that’s just my foolish pride. It allows me to judge those who history credits as causing your death. It allows me to separate myself. It makes it possible for me to think—at least I’m not as bad as…

But, I’m wrong. Forgive me. I am a sinner. As hard as I try, I will always fall short of Your perfect will for me. I’m so sorry.

Thank you for never giving up on me. Help me to keep my eyes, my heart, and my mind focused on Jesus—the One who authored and perfected my relationship with You through faith. I come to the cross that brings me to You. Thank you, Father. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Read each Gospel account – Matthew 32 27:32–56, Mark 15:21–41, Luke 23:26–49, John 19:16–27

I’m praying for you this Holy Week.

I’m asking God to bless you and remind you once again of how very much He loves you…

God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, “I love you.” ~ Billy Graham

And I’d love for you to join me on Friday when I’m going to God with prayers inspired by the things Jesus said from the cross.

May God encourage you and hold you close as you SEEK Him.

Don’t forget to bookmark this Holy Week Bible Study so you can refer back to it throughout the week and focus your heart and mind on Jesus.

Thank you so much for joining me today.
And a thank you to BibleGateway.com for sources.

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