Today’s chapter is a perfect example of a calm before the storm and it’s a moment forever etched into history…
READ MATTHEW 24 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
We’re stepping into the storyline today where, conversations are taking place in the calm before the storm. After “The Triumphant Entry” on Palm Sunday, Jesus had four days left to transfer critical information into His Followers. As evening fell over the city, bringing Him to within 48 hours of His death, instead of thinking of Himself, His mind was on the events in the future – after His sheep would be scattered.[a]
Everything He told them that night [v4-7] has come true in one way or another – but is that “perfect storm” still ahead of us?
Whatever the case, I’m happy that the Creator of this “Stage of Life” knows exactly what’s about to take place on the stage He created. Jesus foresaw a day when “…because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold…” [v13] My job, in the calm, or in the storm, is not to let that happen inside me. Because Father God knows the future, all that I’ve to do is stand firm to the end so that I’ll be saved. [v14]
Read More? …CLICK on “30 March – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak directly to the One who can calm the storm? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[b]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
Lord, I want to shout for joy to God, along with all the earth! I want to sing the glory of Your name and make Your praise glorious. How awesome are Your deeds! Your great power causes Your enemies to cringe before you. All the earth bows down to You and because of that, I’ll sing praise to You, and praise Your Holy name. [Psalm 66:1-4]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
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The World: Pray for Cape Verde Islands[c] and Cayman Islands[d]
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Your Country: Today’s slave trade[e]
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Yourself: Effective use of your time
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Your concerns for today
Whenever I face trials of many kinds, Father, help me to see it positively because I know that the testing of my faith produces perseverance. If I let perseverance finish its work in me, I’ll finally be mature and complete, not lacking in anything. [James 1:2-4]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
In all my daily choices, Lord, help me to remember that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. [Proverbs 9:10]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
Lord, I know that my life is not my own; it’s not for me to direct my own steps. Instead, discipline me, Lord, but only in due measure—not in your anger, or you’ll reduce me to nothing. [Jeremiah 10:23-24]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[f] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Giving God’s Good News
“Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” [Colossians 4:6]
[a] Zechariah 13:7
[b] Matthew 6:5-15
[c] http://www.operationworld.org/country/cape/owtext.html
[d]http://www.operationworld.org/country/caym/owtext.html
[e] https://www.ijm.org/the-problem
[f] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31