Are you searching for purpose in life? Try this Bible Study.

Jesus is totally devoted to accomplishing his Father’s will and finally, resolutely begins the journey to Jerusalem. The decision is radical and final. The followers who by now have at least some sense of his plan trudge alongside him, fear mixed with obedience. Do they understand the Savior is “living on borrowed time”?

One definition of that English idiom is “a period of uncertainty during which the inevitable consequences of a current situation are usually postponed or avoided.” If we look into the future that looms ahead of Jesus, we can see him agonizing with his Father, asking if there could not be some other plan: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…” Jesus’ acceptance of that plan (“yet not my will, but yours be done”) eliminates any thought of postponing or avoiding the consequences of the situation.

Shortly after Luke describes the resolute path to Jerusalem, he records a conversation Jesus has with his friends in which he talks yet again about the cost of following the Savior. Some who hear the cost will want to return to the assumed safety and security of what they have become accustomed to. Others, like those trudging disciples, will follow the path to Jerusalem, not understanding all the cost, but willing to live—with Jesus—on borrowed time.

Questions: As you count the cost of following Jesus, what have you decided to do? Has the cost of following Christ caused you to return to the assumed safety and security of what you have become accustomed to?

“As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem.” (Luke 9:51-62)

Jesus is totally devoted to accomplishing his Father’s will and finally, resolutely begins the journey to Jerusalem. The decision is radical and final. The followers who by now have at least some sense of his plan trudge alongside him, fear mixed with obedience. Do they understand the Savior is “living on borrowed time”?

One definition of that English idiom is “a period of uncertainty during which the inevitable consequences of a current situation are usually postponed or avoided.” If we look into the future that looms ahead of Jesus, we can see him agonizing with his Father, asking if there could not be some other plan: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me…” Jesus’ acceptance of that plan (“yet not my will, but yours be done”) eliminates any thought of postponing or avoiding the consequences of the situation.

Shortly after Luke describes the resolute path to Jerusalem, he records a conversation Jesus has with his friends in which he talks yet again about the cost of following the Savior. Some who hear the cost will want to return to the assumed safety and security of what they have become accustomed to. Others, like those trudging disciples, will follow the path to Jerusalem, not understanding all the cost, but willing to live—with Jesus—on borrowed time.

Questions: What does it mean to “live on borrowed time”? Do we alos live on borrowed time?

Have you lost someone in your life? We want to pray for you.

“Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment” (Luke 23:56).

Only Luke - a New Testament author known to include details – offers a glimpse into life on the day after Jesus’ crucifixion and the day before His resurrection. I have often thought that the weather on the Saturday before Easter should always be gray and gloomy; the atmospheric conditions matching what must have been the emotions of Jesus’ friends and family. In addition to grief, they obviously were bewildered because Luke also records a conversation two had as they walked away from Jerusalem, from the scene of broken hearts, ”we had hoped that He was the one who was going to redeem Israel”

I, too, have known the heavy weight of grief, a weight that causes the body to slump into mindless sleep only to awaken in the dark hours, in those first moments, denying the reality of death and then almost immediately becoming aware of all that has happened. But I also have discovered comfort in “obedience to the commandment.”

By faith in the One who loves me, I laid my anxiety at His feet, I thanked Him for His sovereignty and presence, I prayed for myself and the weeping others, and then “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding” put a guard on my heart and mind so that I could go about the daily-ness of life. The women prepared spices and perfumes; I prepared meals and made beds. In a few short hours those women would experience the joy of the resurrection. One day I, too, will fully experience that joy.

It’s not always easy to go about the daily rituals when the heart is heavy, Lord, but I thank you for the balm those rituals bring to sorrowing souls. Thank you for being a God of the daily. Amen.

Questions: How do you respond to grief? What difference has Christ made in your time of grief?

Is there life after divorce? We want to pray for you.

While at seminary one of my favorite character studies was the prophet, Jeremiah – better known as “the Weeping Prophet.” Perhaps, I fell in love with his ability to be authentic about his passion and feelings in regard to Israel and God.   Jeremiah, suffering, praying and writing, kept believing God despite the fall of Jerusalem in 587 B.C and the Babylonian exile that followed.

In the midst of a chaotic, hopeless period of history for Israel, God rises up.  Jeremiah 33:2-3 says, “This is God’s message, the God who made earth, made it livable and lasting known everywhere as GOD: ‘Call to me and I will answer you. I will tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own” (The Message).

As an Army brat, I love Germany. My father spent many years in Germany and likewise I was able to enjoy plenty of Deutschland as well. One of my most beloved areas to visit is Bavaria. Sloping hills, steep mountains, cobble stoned roads, and cows walking with flower wreaths around their necks—Bavaria is picturesque.   In Garmisch-Partenkirchen, sits the tallest mountain in Germany, Zugspitze, towering at 9,717 feet.

It is known to locals as the “Jewel of Werdenfelser Land.” And when you are at the top, you can view four different countries at once—including Italy.   As a little girl, I was not a particular fan of heights, but the Colonel (my Dad) would not let fear stand in the way of the opportunity to reach the top of the Zugspitze. Clinging tightly to my Dad’s hand we made our way inside of the Eibsee-Seilbahn, a lift.

I gazed outside as we ascended higher. With one abrupt move we landed at the top. As we step outside, we walked towards the edging surrounding the mountaintop. Four countries lay beneath me—and only because I chose to go higher. Had I stayed on ground, I would have missed it.

How many times in our Christian walk, have we held the wrong view all because we chose not to go “higher?” Oftentimes, I am more apt to consult friends and family on a matter, than I am to seek God’s perspective on it.   However, experience has taught me that when I do ascend, my view changes and I am able to see more clearly all that is surrounding my circumstance.

My span of understanding increases, just like my view of Germany (and surrounding countries) did, just by changing my location.  Do you need a location change? A trip to visit the mountain maker? As He said, “Call to me and I will answer you. I will tell you marvelous and wondrous things that you could never figure out on your own.”  I know I do and will ascend there now.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Facing divorce, God changed my perspective

Questions: Are you afraid to ascend higher in your spiritual life? What is keeping you back?

About the Author Elizabeth Withers

“Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business” (Luke 2:49)?

These are the words spoken by Jesus to His Mother, after she had anxiously been looking for Him. It was their custom to go to Jerusalem at the Feast of the Passover every year.  At that time, Jesus was only twelve years old. His parents, not knowing that Jesus had stayed behind, began their journey back home.

An entire day went by, when they discovered He wasn’t with them.  When their own relatives and acquaintances also didn’t know where he was, they went back. After seeking Him for three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

I can only imagine the look on Mary’s face, when she finally found Him, and asked, (I’m sure with a stern voice) “Son, why have You done this to us?  Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously”.

Jesus answered her and with words they couldn’t understand. His words held a profound truth. If we can understand and take it to heart it will have a great impact on us.

When Jesus said “I must be about My Father’s business”, He was not referring to Joseph, but to His Heavenly Father.  In John 5:19 Jesus said that He can do nothing by himself  but only what he sees His Father doing.  Again, in John 6:38 He says that He came down from heaven, not to do His will, but to do the will of the One who sent Him.

Jesus did nothing apart from His Father and longed only to live the purpose His Heavenly Father had for Him.  Only He truly knew what it entailed and all He was called to, likewise, only you know your Father’s purpose for your own life.

Do you know that God created you with purpose? You are His Workmanship and He prepared works for you even before the foundation of the earth was laid.  I believe that if we take the stance Jesus took – living out of a heavenly perspective, being aligned with the will of God our Father, knowing His thoughts towards us for our lives – His purpose will prevail and succeed through us, giving Him glory!

Nothing could stop Jesus from fulfilling His purpose to destroy the works of the devil, set the captives free, bring good news to the people and heal all those who were oppressed by the devil.   No, not even His own earthly  parents.

We must be about our Father’s business.  We must ask Him what it is He created us for and be obedient walking into His perfectly chosen destiny for our lives.

Heavenly Father, I ask that you show me what Your will is for my life.  I ask that You reveal to me what You have prepared for me to do, Lord, and that You would open my eyes to see as Jesus saw what You had for Him to do, and that  You would open my ears to hear Your voice speaking to me the truth of Your will.  Strengthen me to do what you ?have called me to do.  In Jesus’  Name.  Amen.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Find your purpose

Questions: Do you know for what purpose God has created you? Is there something that is keeping you from being obedient to what He wants you to do?

About the Author Brigitte Straub

Is your life a mess? Talk to us.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EST.

“The LORD redeems His servants; no one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him” (Psalm 34:22).

Relief fills my heart when I read the heartfelt words penned by Prophets long ago. I realize we are made from the same cloth, with the same frustrations, and the same thoughts.  Recently, I have been reading in the Book of Lamentations.  What a pickle these people from Jerusalem were in!  Their unwise choices had dug a great big hole and the process of climbing out was overwhelming to say the least.

In all this, it reminded me once again of the wonderful characteristics of our God. Let me share them with you so you can rejoice with me that even despite the messes, He Blesses!

1.     God’s Mercy
“We sinned, we rebelled against you, and you haven’t forgotten us.”

Despite the choices we make in our lives, God never forgets us and never abandons us.  He is just a prayer away.  This should give us a heartfelt desire to move from any rebellious spirit we might harbour and hear His heart.  I am so grateful that He never forgets and is interested in every aspect of my life.  Friends and acquaintances may forget or may even let us down, but not our God! God’s mercy is a blessing.

2.     God’s Help
“You told me, “don’t worry!” You rescued me and saved my life, you saw them abuse me, Lord, so please makes things right.”

God’s got it covered.  He desires our heart, our trust, and our dedication.  He doesn’t only blot out my messes but He rescues me!  So often we try and fix things on our own or try and figure it all out.  This can only magnify the mess.  Call out to Him, be honest with Him, and give Him all your ordained days.  Let God take your life and ‘make things right’. God’s help is a blessing.

3.     God’s Revenge
There are people who took it upon themselves to get revenge by themselves and unfortunately, our prisons are filled with people who have done just that.  We watch people become bitter and jealous making their life miserable, angry, all the while plotting to get revenge. It is a hard lesson to learn that life is filled with injustices.

The prophet in Lamentations knew the correct solution. “Pay them back for everything they have done, Lord.”  The Prophet was angry, hurt, and totally overwhelmed.  Yet he chose the right avenue to deal with it.  He cried to God to take care of it.  Give your painful situation to God, let Him deal with it and ask Him what part you need to play in all this. God’s revenge is a blessing.

When we recognize that God takes the messes of our lives and molds them to a better future, we can then begin to confidently walk this path.   When we allow God to work at the situation, we recognize we have made the best choice.  That is a blessing.

What are the messes you are dealing with now?  Have you asked God to take control of it? Take time to listen to what He wants you to do about it.  Don’t let anger and bitterness control your next steps.  Do as the prophet did by asking God to do His work.  Then you will be blessed.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP: Awaken: Time to start dreaming

Father God, we are so thankful that You know our life messes.  Please give us wisdom as we work with You to overcome, conquer, and see the blessings You will bring to us.  Comfort us in our messes and give us Your wisdom.  Thank you.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Questions: What are the messes you are dealing with now?  Have you asked God to take control of it?  Are you allowing anger and bitterness to control you?

About the Author Linda Goodhand Rodgers (McCutcheon)

Feeling discouraged? Don’t go it alone. We care. Talk to us.

“The LORD has taken away your punishment; He has turned back your enemy. The LORD, the King of Israel is with you; never again will you fear any harm. On that day they will say to Jerusalem, “Do not fear, O Zion, do not let your hands hang limp. The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing” (Zephaniah 3: 15-17).

These words from Zephaniah speak truth and hope into our lives right now. Are you continually giving in to temptation? Though temptations differ from one person to another, each of us is in a battle for control over our minds and bodies. Lust, greed and gluttony call out to us, offering satisfaction they cannot deliver. Laziness, discontentment, judgmental attitudes, worry and fear whisper lies to our minds.

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

Are you discouraged? Sometimes every day life weighs down our hearts. It is a struggle to provide for our families; to care for the emotional, physical and spiritual needs of our children; to complete all the tasks that need to be done and have the energy to get up tomorrow, to do it all again.

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

Are you carrying a heavy burden? Caring for young children or aging parents demands incredible energy.  Moving to a new city or country, experiencing serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or breakdowns in relationships produce a strain in life that may make you feel you will be crushed by its weight.

The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

Almighty God and loving Father, we thank and praise You – You are mighty to save! Thank you for promising to be with us. Rescue us and carry us through the situations we face.  Amen.

TAKE THE NEXT STEP:  The Wisdom of depending on God

Questions: How have you experienced God being mighty to save, in your life? How does the reminder that God is with you, help you face the challenges of the day?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Is your best never good enough? Talk to a mentor.

Join us for our Daily Devotional Chat today in our Women’s Chatroom at 10:30 am EDT.

“You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into the province of Asia” (Acts 20:18).

On his way to Jerusalem, Paul asks the elders of the church at Ephesus to meet with him. The Holy Spirit had warned him that he faced prison and hardship where ever he went. And in his heart, Paul knew that he would never see them again.  In this farewell address, Paul expresses how he has faithfully discharged the duty God gave him.

Both my husband and I have been working on our résumés lately. In a résumé, one provides an outline of work history and experience. Maybe that is why to me, the latter half of Acts chapter 20 reads like a summary of Paul’s life’s work:

•    “I have served the Lord with great humility and with tears” (v19)
•    “I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you” (v20)
•    “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.” (v21)
•    “I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (v27)
•    “I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears” (v31)
•    “I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing” (v33)
•    “I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak” (v35)

Why did Paul choose these phrases as his parting words to the Ephesians? To remind them of how he lived among them, so that they might follow his example and carry on the work of Christ.

Heavenly Father, I want to demonstrate the same passion and diligence and humility as Paul. Amen.

Questions: What can you include in your résumé for God? How can you begin to add humility, diligence and passion for Jesus to your résumé?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

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Are you feeling ready to walk away from a relationship – are you possibly even considering divorce? We want to pray for you.

“News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts” (Acts 11:22, 23).

Persecution had scattered the early believers, so they began to preach the good news about Jesus wherever they had been dispersed. Most of them spoke to Jews, but some who went to Antioch preached to Gentile Greeks and a great number of them believed and turned to God. This was the situation that the church leaders sent Barnabas to investigate.

Curiosity filled my mind when I read this story. What exactly did Barnabas see? What was the evidence of God’s grace that was so compelling to him?  God reminded me of the evidence of His grace in my own believing community:

•    A man humbling himself and asking for forgiveness after speaking rashly
•    A community of believers gathering around to love and forgive and support a woman broken by sin
•    Hungry people being fed
•    New life being celebrated
•    A seventy-eight year old woman spending her days discipling new believers
•    Friends gathering together to pray for each others’ children
•    Those of a different language and culture being embraced, accepted and assisted as they entered a new land

God is still at work. And wherever He is, there will be evidence of His grace.

Holy God, Thank you for Your work in my life and the lives of those around me. Thank you for how You encourage us by showing evidence of Your grace. Help me to remain true to You. Amen.

Questions: What evidence of God’s grace have you seen this week? How can we encourage each other to remain true to the Lord?

About the Author Suzanne Benner

Are you afraid to ask for help? Talk to us.

“This day…I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

A man was lying on a mat beside a pool in Jerusalem. It was said that an angel came to stir up the waters once in awhile and the first one in was healed. So, here he lay year after year waiting for his turn. Somebody always beat him to it. (John 5:1-15)

One day Jesus walked up to him and asked, “Do you want to be made well?” (The Amplified version reads, “Are you really in earnest about getting well?” (John 5:6)
Of course! Isn’t it obvious?

Not necessarily. He’d lived this lifestyle for thirty-eight years. He had his mat. His spot by the pool. He knew his hierarchy among the sick folk by the pool. He knew the routine of each day. Boredom and uselessness was just part of it.

Being weak and ill had become his identity.

Jesus’ question hinted at another possibility. You can choose to leave your mat –your comfort zone– and begin to walk into a potential zone a zone of other possibilities of health.

Every choice we make takes us into one particular direction. We can choose to stay stuck in our situation or we can choose to begin a new life.

“Choose life!” Joshua exhorts the Israelites. “So that you and your children may live.”

Remember: “You are not born a winner; You are not born a loser. You are born a chooser.”

Dear God, I choose to follow you into new life and health today.

Questions: What choices have you been making recently? Are you afraid to walk out of your comfort zone? Why?

About the Author Helen Grace Lescheid