April 10, 2015

Read:  1 Corinthians 15:20-23

There’s lots of shuffling going on in the NCAA  right now.  Basketball coaches are being fired and hired, left and right.  Some delivered this season; some didn’t.  Some get another chance; some don’t.  That’s a lot of pressure for one man – and a lot of responsibility.   Never mind that he has an entire staff, or that he may have inherited a mediocre roster, it’s still his job to deliver the win.
 
Adam blew it back in the Garden of Eden.  It doesn’t seem that a lot was expected of him – just hang out in a beautiful oasis and fellowship with God.  But he couldn’t do it, and this one man’s mistake set us all up for more of the same.  That was quite a responsibility! 
 
Thank God that the One He chose to deliver us is, and will always be, undefeated.  Though the Opponent has quite a bag of tricks, he is never a match for Jesus.  This one man was up for the task and saved us all!   Jesus explained, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”  (John 11:25)
 
How blessed we are to know, despite how the seasons of our lives may go, “That I [we] may know Him and the power of His resurrection.”  (Philippians 3:10)

Pray: 

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.  

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.  

Supplication: Petition God regarding your family and your ministry.  Ask for help and guidance in sharing your Jesus with others and helping others grow in Him.  Offer prayers concerning your activities for this day and any special concerns you may have.  Intercede on behalf of local, national, and world missions.  Pray the Great Commission would be fulfilled and for any special concerns you may have for missions.