Easter: Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Old Testament Lesson

Exodus 15:1-21

The battle had just been won, and the people celebrated. Their celebration was not focused on themselves, but rather on what God had done. He was the one that was victorious. He was the one that had won the battle. He would go before the people as they went into the Promised Land.

Quite often, we come to God in the bad times, asking for mercy, or strength, or hope, or peace. What about in good times? Do we take credit for the good that happens and lay the blame for the bad upon others? It should be the other way. And good that happens in our lives, God deserves the credit. He is the one that is strong and mighty, He is the one that is to be praised.

New Testament Lesson

1 Peter 1:13-25

We are to be holy. There are too many biblical statements about holiness for us to believe that God doesn’t care about our sin. There are too many warnings about sin for us to think that it is alright if we allow a little sin into our lives. The text today tells us to Be Holy as our Father is Holy.

We cannot make excuses. Today, are you chasing after God’s holiness? Now, we are not yet what we shall be, but we must be striving toward what God wants to make us. We must not be content in our sin, content in our disobedience, content in our lack of faithlessness. How do we do this? Guard your minds (v 13), stay away from the old sins (v 14), and stay bound to Jesus Christ.

The moment we feel temptation coming, we must go in prayer to God. We cannot allow temptations to lie upon our minds and our hearts, and we must stay away from the old sins. Is there something in life that continually causes you to enter into sin? Then stay away from it. We must be holy, as God is. And that holiness is true life. Our sins lead to death, now and eternal, but holiness, God’s life, it leads to life right now, and in the life to come.

Gospel Lesson

John 14:18-31

Peace is what He has left with us. He had promised to give us peace and strength through the power of the Holy Spirit. Today, in what areas of your life is there no peace. . .

No hope. . . .

No joy. . . .

He came that we may have life. Today, what area of your heart, or your life, is there no peace? Today, give that to Him, and receive His peace.