Rev. Luke Powell Daily Devotions

The disciples so revered Jesus because of His resurrection! It was their go-to line to prove He was the Messiah - that He rose from the dead. And so they went and told Jesus' story everywhere. We should do the same today! 

Like kids on Easter searching for eggs, we all have a way of seeking pleasures that don't fulfill. Are you looking for life among the dead? Jesus offers something much, much better!

Will you cherish the old rugged cross today? If you do, one day you will be able to exchange it for a crown. Listen here: https://youtu.be/_TqlJigrfxw

The last thing Jesus prays before heading to his cross is for his followers to be united. Can we be united even with our differences? Our common ties make us one as Christians, and they're deep enough to transcend that which divides us. Let's cherish our union rather than our divisions, so that more people come to see Jesus in all His glory through us.

Jesus also prays for his followers to be sanctified - made holy, or set apart for God. Justification is what God does FOR us, and sanctification is what God does IN us. Are you striving to be sanctified, striving to become holy with His help?

Jesus knew that difficult times would come for his disciples, but he prayed for their protection: so that their suffering wouldn't pull them away from their faith.

Jesus' great prayer in John 17 begins much like the Lord's prayer: with a plea for God to be glorified. Pray the same prayer today! For that is the purpose of our lives as His followers.

Why did Jesus teach the disciples all these lessons? For their own joy! We can find joy in Jesus, joy that nothing else can bring.

Jesus' great command to his disciples was for them to love one another - just as he loved them and laid down his life for them. His command to us is the same!

Jesus teaches his disciples to stay connected to Him, because apart from him you will wither. Are you doing all you can to stay close to Jesus?

One thing Jesus wanted his followers to know that night was that He loved them. Up until then he had often spoken about God's love for the world, but now he tells them of his personal love for them. Do you know that He loves YOU too?

John 15 shows us some of Jesus' last life lessons. His words are the words of life! In today's information age there are plenty of life lessons going around... but His are the best of all.

The last gift the disciples are promised on that night to remember was a new power from the Holy Spirit. All the other gifts flow from an infilling of the Spirit. Do you know the Spirit today? Pray for an infilling and receive it in faith, and walk in His power today.

While Christians have the great hope of a place in eternity, Jesus never intended us to be "so heavenly minded that we're no earthly good". He wanted us to live passionate, purposeful lives of love like He did. And this is a gift he promises his followers - a new purpose that can be lived out whatever you do, wherever you do it.

Another great gift that every Christ follower receives is a place in eternity in the presence of God. And so there is no fear of death - why would there be, if we are with Him on the other side?

If you're a follower of Jesus, one wonderful gift he offers is peace that passes all understanding. When we place our trust in him, we can have peace even in troubles come, because our hearts are his.

As the crazy night leading up to Jesus' arrest continues, he stops and tells them all about the wonderful gifts he is leaving them. Stop and look around at the gifts he's given you today... they are many! 

Why did Jesus wash feet? Yes, out of love for his friends, but also to set them an example. He influence them to become servant leaders. Is he influencing you? There's no greater role model for you and I than Jesus Christ. Serve, like He did.

Jesus knew that two of his friends were about to betray him and deny, and yet what does he do? He kneels down and washes their feet. What love! A night to remember. Let's serve people, even those who hurt us.

Jesus knew that he had all the power in the universe at his fingertips... and yet he kneels and washes feet. We need more leaders who know that the power of love is greater than the love of power.

What would you do if you knew you only had hour to live? Would you have a night to remember? Jesus chose to spend his precious remaining time washing feet. What a love He has!

Have you ever had a night to remember? The night Jesus was arrested was surely a night the disciples would never forget... such drama all around. And how does it all start? With their Saviour washing their feet.

Jesus' life was marked by faith, hope and love... and our lives can be too, if we are born again by the Holy Spirit and given new life. Surrender today!

Above all, Christians are marked by love, because God first loved us. When we grasp how deep His love for us is, we can only love others with the same love we've received.

Another birthmark that Christians have is unshakeable hope. Even when the lights go out and we are surrounded by darkness, we can still see Jesus, and we still have hope.