Clarity Of The Cross.
The Bride of Christ
This week we are exploring how God and His ways are often confusing, yet it’s in the cross that God’s ways begin to make sense. Jesus laid down His life for the church (His bride). How should this impact your life as a Christ-follower? Take a moment to reflect and begin with a simple prayer.Heavenly Father, sometimes I get confused and wander. Sometimes I don’t take things as seriously as I should...
Love Your Neighbor
John 13:34-35 (NLT)34 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.ReflectionThe idea of loving other people as we love ourselves was not a new command that Jesus was giving here in this passage of scripture. The emphasis here was HOW to love one anothe...
The Sinner’s Prayer
You and I are sinners in need of forgiveness. How’s that for an introduction to today’s devotion?! While it may not be what we want to hear, it’s the truth. In today’s devotion, we are going to look at how God responds to the heartfelt sinner’s prayer, and how His work on the cross allows us to experience forgiveness. Please join me in prayer as we begin:Holy Spirit, would You speak to me today? W...
Children of God
Today we will be talking about fatherly love - the love of a father towards his children. Some of us have had great father figures, but others of us may not have had such men in our lives.Let’s be challenged to think about this topic and seek God’s presence in this area of our lives.God, thank You for today. Thank You for Your love, grace, and mercy towards me. Open and soften my heart. Show me ho...
An “Everyone” Love
This week, we are talking about how the cross brings clarity to God’s love. More specifically, today we will be reflecting on how God’s love for humanity is unconditional because “everyone” removes any conditions relating to past sins in our lives.I want to begin with a simple prayer to invite God to move in our hearts:God, move in my heart today. Let me be open to the things You want to speak thr...
The Cross Brings Clarity of God’s Love
Sunday is the day most churches gather for worship. At the Tree Church, we like to be purposed to take the time to prepare our hearts for what God wants to do through corporate worship. We believe the Spirit meets with us daily, yet something unique happens when we gather to worship together. We want to be attentive to what the Spirit is doing in these moments, because when the Spirit speaks, it h...
Restored
Psalm 71:20-21 (NLT)20 You have allowed me to suffer much hardship,but you will restore me to life againand lift me up from the depths oft he earth.21 You will restore me to even greater honorand comfort me once again. ReflectionAfter my late wife passed away, one of the most unsettling parts of the grieving/healing journey was when people would quote scripture to me about how loving our God is an...
Redeeming Our Pain
Romans 8:28 (NLT)And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.Reflection It goes without saying that if we could be happy all the time, we would choose to be, and a lot of the suffering in the world would be nonexistent. It’s rare for someone to enjoy suffering; I’m sure many of us experience frustration...
Casting Your Cares
Today we explore how to entrust our pain, suffering, and burdens to the Lord. We’ll take time to reflect on this and seek the Spirit for His guidance. As we reach our limitations in dealing with our pain, God is not distant or emotionally detached. Rather, He deeply cares for His children and desires us to trust Him. Let us start with a simple prayer in acknowledgement of these truths.Holy Spirit,...
The Throne of Grace
Hebrews 4:15-16 (NLT)15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.ReflectionHave you ever said to someone, “you just don’t understand”? Maybe it was a time that you were going ...
Praying through the Pain
This week, we are learning how the cross brings clarity to the pain we experience, and today, we are going to focus specifically on praying through the pain in our lives. Today’s time will likely bring up some tender moments, so let’s ask the Lord to walk through our pain with us.Father in heaven, open my heart to the abundance you have for me. Help me trust in Your promises that You are close to ...
Clarity to Pain
We are purposed to set aside Sundays at Tree Church Daily as a special time to prepare our hearts and minds for worship, fellowship, and learning. We desire to feel the Holy Spirit working in our lives, guiding and leading us as we go about our day. We know that through prayer and corporate worship, we will feel His presence and His love. If you are new to prayer and still trying to understand h...