April 14th-18th Devotional
5 Day Devotional
Listen to devotional podcast here
Day 1: The King's Humble Entry
The sermon begins by referencing the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. This event fulfilled a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, proclaiming, "Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey". The people responded by taking palm branches and waving them, and others laid their coats on the ground. This act was a customary gesture of respect in ancient times, symbolizing submission and celebration as they welcomed Jesus as a king or revered figure.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we reflect on your humble entry into Jerusalem, a King riding not on a war horse but on a donkey. Thank you for fulfilling prophecy and showing us the path of humility. Help us to recognize your kingship in our lives and to offer you the honor and respect you deserve. Amen.
Declaration: Today, I recognize Jesus as my King and Lord, and I willingly submit to His reign in my life.
Day 2: True Honor and Respect
The speaker notes a lack of honor and respect in our culture today, contrasting those who praise God with those who disrespect others. The waving of palm branches and laying down of garments during Jesus' entry was a sign of honor.... This act was a way the people welcomed Jesus as a king or revered figure. The speaker shares a story of reconciliation in a church service as a sign of restoration and honor....
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we confess that we sometimes fall short in showing true honor and respect, both to you and to others. Help us to bridge the gap between our worship and our daily interactions. May our lives be a constant reflection of the honor due to you, extending that honor to those around us. Amen.
Declaration: I will strive to show honor and respect to all people, recognizing the image of God within them, just as the people honored Jesus upon His arrival.
Day 3: From Donkey to Cross: A Shift in Understanding
The sermon's title is "From a Donkey to the Cross: Truth Unveiled", indicating that the triumphal entry was just the beginning of a significant week. The speaker uses the story of Judas to draw parallels, highlighting that Judas, like some today, might have had a perceived truth that blinded him to the actual truth of Jesus' mission. Judas might have expected Jesus to usher in a military reign and overthrow Rome..., missing Jesus' divine purpose as the Savior.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our eyes to your true purpose and mission. Forgive us when our own preconceived notions and limited perspectives blind us to your reality. Help us to see beyond our perceived truths and embrace the truth you reveal, even when it leads to the cross. Amen.
Declaration: I will seek to understand God's truth beyond my own limited perspective, recognizing that His ways are higher than my ways.
Day 4: The Danger of Misplaced Priorities
Judas, one of the twelve disciples and the treasurer, was dishonest and stole funds.... He ultimately betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.... The speaker suggests Judas believed his talents could help Jesus establish a military reign, illustrating the danger of thinking our gifts should replace God's will. The enemy exploited Judas' greed. This story serves as a warning about the consequences of prioritizing worldly gain over loyalty to Christ....
Prayer: Father God, we recognize our own tendencies to be swayed by worldly desires and to rely on our own understanding. Forgive us for the times we have allowed greed and misplaced priorities to lead us astray. Help us to surrender our gifts and talents to your service, knowing that they are meant to be used by you, not to replace you. Amen.
Declaration: I will guard my heart against greed and worldly desires, choosing instead to prioritize my loyalty to Jesus Christ and His will for my life.
Day 5: Surrender and the Promise of Easter
Judas' story is a tragic example of failing to truly surrender to Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that if we have not truly surrendered our past struggles, they can resurface in ungodly ways.... However, the sermon concludes with the hope of Easter, reminding us that despite betrayal and failure, Jesus rose to redeem us. We are called to lay down our pride and surrender our weaknesses, crowning Jesus as king of our lives.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we lay down our palm branches of pride and humbly surrender our weaknesses to you. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and your victory over sin and death. Reign as King in our hearts, transforming us and leading us into your perfect will. May the hope of Easter fill us with renewed strength and purpose. Amen.
Declaration: Today, I surrender my life fully to Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the King of my life. I embrace the hope and redemption offered through His resurrection.
Listen to devotional podcast here
Day 1: The King's Humble Entry
The sermon begins by referencing the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey. This event fulfilled a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9, proclaiming, "Behold, your king is coming to you, righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey". The people responded by taking palm branches and waving them, and others laid their coats on the ground. This act was a customary gesture of respect in ancient times, symbolizing submission and celebration as they welcomed Jesus as a king or revered figure.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we reflect on your humble entry into Jerusalem, a King riding not on a war horse but on a donkey. Thank you for fulfilling prophecy and showing us the path of humility. Help us to recognize your kingship in our lives and to offer you the honor and respect you deserve. Amen.
Declaration: Today, I recognize Jesus as my King and Lord, and I willingly submit to His reign in my life.
Day 2: True Honor and Respect
The speaker notes a lack of honor and respect in our culture today, contrasting those who praise God with those who disrespect others. The waving of palm branches and laying down of garments during Jesus' entry was a sign of honor.... This act was a way the people welcomed Jesus as a king or revered figure. The speaker shares a story of reconciliation in a church service as a sign of restoration and honor....
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we confess that we sometimes fall short in showing true honor and respect, both to you and to others. Help us to bridge the gap between our worship and our daily interactions. May our lives be a constant reflection of the honor due to you, extending that honor to those around us. Amen.
Declaration: I will strive to show honor and respect to all people, recognizing the image of God within them, just as the people honored Jesus upon His arrival.
Day 3: From Donkey to Cross: A Shift in Understanding
The sermon's title is "From a Donkey to the Cross: Truth Unveiled", indicating that the triumphal entry was just the beginning of a significant week. The speaker uses the story of Judas to draw parallels, highlighting that Judas, like some today, might have had a perceived truth that blinded him to the actual truth of Jesus' mission. Judas might have expected Jesus to usher in a military reign and overthrow Rome..., missing Jesus' divine purpose as the Savior.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, open our eyes to your true purpose and mission. Forgive us when our own preconceived notions and limited perspectives blind us to your reality. Help us to see beyond our perceived truths and embrace the truth you reveal, even when it leads to the cross. Amen.
Declaration: I will seek to understand God's truth beyond my own limited perspective, recognizing that His ways are higher than my ways.
Day 4: The Danger of Misplaced Priorities
Judas, one of the twelve disciples and the treasurer, was dishonest and stole funds.... He ultimately betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.... The speaker suggests Judas believed his talents could help Jesus establish a military reign, illustrating the danger of thinking our gifts should replace God's will. The enemy exploited Judas' greed. This story serves as a warning about the consequences of prioritizing worldly gain over loyalty to Christ....
Prayer: Father God, we recognize our own tendencies to be swayed by worldly desires and to rely on our own understanding. Forgive us for the times we have allowed greed and misplaced priorities to lead us astray. Help us to surrender our gifts and talents to your service, knowing that they are meant to be used by you, not to replace you. Amen.
Declaration: I will guard my heart against greed and worldly desires, choosing instead to prioritize my loyalty to Jesus Christ and His will for my life.
Day 5: Surrender and the Promise of Easter
Judas' story is a tragic example of failing to truly surrender to Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that if we have not truly surrendered our past struggles, they can resurface in ungodly ways.... However, the sermon concludes with the hope of Easter, reminding us that despite betrayal and failure, Jesus rose to redeem us. We are called to lay down our pride and surrender our weaknesses, crowning Jesus as king of our lives.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, we lay down our palm branches of pride and humbly surrender our weaknesses to you. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice and your victory over sin and death. Reign as King in our hearts, transforming us and leading us into your perfect will. May the hope of Easter fill us with renewed strength and purpose. Amen.
Declaration: Today, I surrender my life fully to Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as the King of my life. I embrace the hope and redemption offered through His resurrection.
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