In this journey through Hebrews 11, the author celebrates certain people who demonstrated their firm belief in the Lord. Many of the names are familiar, others not so well known. But all of them have something to teach us, and taking a closer look at them can inspire us to move forward in our faith.

In His goodness, God wants to ease our disappointments, allay our fears and soften our grief. And one of the ways He does that is through Scripture. The book of Psalms in particular shows us God’s heart, and how He longs to bring us the solace that we sometimes need.

I used to put all my focus on Easter Sunday and the excitement that the celebration of the empty tomb brings. But as I learned of what led up to that day, it became clear that each day of Holy Week was – and is – significant. Photo credit: ©Getty Images/udra

Intercessory prayer, sometimes called "standing in the gap," is essentially lifting up the needs and concerns of others to God. And it is an expression of agape, or selfless, love.

God may be calling you to become more of a prayer warrior in your church or family. Ask Him to confirm that in your heart. Let Him change your spirit and shift your attitudes to align with Him. Then, be obedient to do your part in the process.

Holy Week is a time for remembrance of the final events in Jesus’ earthly life. It’s a time for reflection, when we consider all that Jesus went through on our behalf.

I used to put all my focus on Easter Sunday and the excitement that the celebration of the empty tomb brings. But as I learned of what led up to that day, it became clear that each day of Holy Week was – and is – significant.

What Is Holy Week?

What is known in Christianity as Holy Week spans from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday. There are many ways this time is commemorated by church congregations, from the waving of palm branches to Passion plays and joyful choir pieces.

But this time can also have deeply personal meaning. As I have meditated and prayed specifically about Holy Week, my sense of gratitude and gladness for what our Lord did has grown. I’ve been reminded of important truths about our Savior and felt a lasting sense of desire to worship Him.

Holy Week, the sacred timeline from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday, offers a profound journey through the final events of Jesus' earthly life. This period provides opportunity for deep reflection and remembrance, inviting us to contemplate the significance of each day leading up to the resurrection. As we Scriptures that tell us the events that happened in the life of Jesus and prayer, we can experience a growing sense of gratitude and worship for the Savior's ultimate sacrifice. 

This article explores a Bible reading plan that illuminates the pivotal moments of Holy Week, from the triumphant entry into Jerusalem to the quiet observance of Holy Saturday and the joyous revelation of Resurrection Sunday. It is our hope that the Bible verses for each day serve as an invitation to ponder the truths of our faith and the profound love Jesus demonstrated, guiding us toward a deeper, more intentional walk with God.

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The benefits of having a positive attitude are pretty easy to see - more enjoyment of each day and stronger relationships, just to name two. But Scripture stresses even deeper results of a right mindset.

The Reverend Billy Graham said, “If a person gets his attitude toward money straight, it will help straighten out almost every other area in his life.” He stated a simple yet powerful truth: the way we handle money says something about how we handle ourselves.

As believers, we know that God provides for us, and works to meet all our real needs. But we can sometimes confuse needs with wants, which leads to wishing either for more money or more stuff.

Thankfully, God provides a way for us to navigate through the tests and temptations the world presents. Scripture has cautions, lessons and examples of dealing responsibly with money. And if we submit to God’s teaching, we’ll rise to new levels of financial, emotional, and spiritual health.

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If we are devoted to the Lord, we become aligned with Him. If we stand against Him, we can be persuaded to turn toward Him. But Jesus claimed that tepid faith leaves us somewhere in the middle - halfway seeking God, and halfway trying to hold on to control of our own lives. And we end up with a compromised form of Christianity.

Christians are called to live and speak differently than those “of the world.” But many believers find themselves worrying that if they fully live out their faith, others will judge or criticize them. So they back off, and their light for Christ is dimmer than it should be.

“So bring him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come, peasant, king, to own him
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him”

(“What Child is This”)

Carols are an integral part of the Christmas season. Whether we’re singing them in church or hearing them as we shop, they often catch our ears and our hearts. That’s because these songs do more than entertain - they celebrate the birth of our Savior.

I’ve wondered why carols seem to touch my heart so deeply. What I’ve discovered is that many of these pieces are true offerings of worship. I appreciate how the composers so openly expressed awe, praise and thanks to the Lord. And their bold adoration inspires me to follow their lead not only in December, but all year long.

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True godly sorrow is founded on the Lord. In order to feel it, then, we first have to know what pleases God. The Bible lays out His standard for us, as well as His Laws. And any success we have in this area is because of God, who provides the renewal, growth, and strength our spirits need. Prayer connects us with The One who is our all-in-all.

According to Scriptural teaching, hospitality is one of the characteristics that God’s people need to cultivate as part of a holy lifestyle.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John” (Matthew 3:13).

The ritual of baptism was familiar to the Jewish people by the start of Jesus’ ministry. At that time, priests were baptized as part of a regular purification process. But in the Old Testament, God had also promised His people this kind of spiritual washing.

“‘I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols’” (Ezekiel 36:25).

But rather than getting sprinkled or poured over with water as in earlier times, people were starting to be immersed in it. God anointed a man named John to lead this ministry of baptism. And when Jesus appeared to receive His own cleansing, John had the honor of performing it.

Where in the Bible Is Jesus Baptized?

All four Gospel books give an account of Jesus’ baptism. It occurred when He was about 30 years old and His public ministry was at hand. John had been announcing the Lord’s coming as he baptized others beforehand:

“‘I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire’” (Matthew 3:11).

John knew that what he was doing was only a shadow of what the Lord would accomplish in the hearts of the faithful.

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