GPS-More Than Luck

MAR 31  / Sunday – Read John 20:1-23

Overview: The defeat of death was not just good luck. The resurrection of Jesus was a part of God’s plan from the beginning. Find out why luck has nothing to do with God’s love for us.

APR 01 / Mon – One word changed everything  |  Read John 20:15-16

Mary was the first to see Jesus after his resurrection. Wrapped in grief because Jesus’ body had ‘been taken,’ she did not recognize the man standing in front of her. Not until he said her name. Has this happened to you? Was there ever a time when you could not see Jesus because your mind was overwhelmed by tumultuous circumstances? Maybe you are in a place like that now. If so, Jesus is calling your name. Can you hear him? When he speaks, everything changes.

02 / Tue – Opening ‘blind’ eyes  |  Read Luke 24:13-35

“We had hoped that he was the one…” These disciples had put their trust in Jesus. They had been following him. They believed he would bring deliverance to their people. Now he was dead. Have you been in a situation where it seems God’s will for your life has disintegrated before your eyes? What did Jesus do in v 32 to restore hope for these two men? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to help you see things from God’s perspective?

03 / Wed – Honest admission  |  Read John 20:24-29 / Mark 9:21-24

Thomas was not present on Easter Sunday evening when Jesus appeared to the disciples for the first time since his crucifixion. And he could not believe what they told him. Why do you suppose that was his reaction? Had his life been filled with repeated disappointments? Did his grief run so deep, he could not let himself believe again? Whatever the case, Jesus understood and came back to show himself to Thomas personally. Do you struggle to believe at times? God is not offended by your honest doubt. Consider praying this man’s prayer in Mark 9:24 and see what God will do.

04 / Thu – Believing without seeing  |  Read Acts 1:1-3 / 1 Cor 15:3-8 / 1 Pet 1:7-9

What would you give to spend one more day with someone you love who has died? What would you talk about? What questions would you ask? This is the gift Jesus’ followers received when they were granted 40 more days with him after his resurrection. Do you wish you had been there? Do you think  your faith would be stronger if you had been? The fact that you weren’t and yet still believe in him is precious to the Lord. How does Peter describe your faith? Why is this important?

05 / Fri – Implications  |  Read 1 Cor 15:12-18 / John 17:3

The resurrection is central to the Christian faith. If Christ was not raised from the dead, nothing he taught can be trusted. He was simply a good, but deluded, man and the promises he made are empty. But he did rise again and you can trust what he said. When life gets tough, remember that eternal life is not just something to look forward to when you die. It has already begun. The more you get to know the Lord, the more Life you will be filled with here and now. What can you do to facilitate that process?

06 / Sat – Something new waiting for you  |  Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (New Living Translation)

Life can be quite wonderful, even ‘perfect’ at times, but it doesn’t last. Bodies betray us. Minds become forgetful. Even when we have done everything we know to live a healthy lifestyle, we can’t always accomplish the grand plans we have made. It’s true God has given you a new heart and your spirit has been reborn but sin has taken its toll on this physical world. What a precious promise that you’ll have a new body when this one gives out. God still has more for you to do. Will you let this encourage you when life isn’t always what you hope for?