Read Matthew 26:47-54 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Jesus, Part IV
“My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Matthew 26:39 Read Matthew 26:36-45 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Jesus, Part III
“They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”Matthew 14:16 Please read Matthew 14:13-21 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Jesus, Part II
“When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick.” Matthew 14:14 Before reading today’s devotion, please pray: Dear Father, Please open my eyes to what you would have me glean from today’s reading of Your words. Amen For background, please read Matthew 14:6-14. But when Herod’s birthday was…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Jesus, Part I
“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 Read Luke 2:41-52 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Mary, Part V
Read John 19:25-27 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman,[a] here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.”…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Mary, Part IV
Read Luke 1:50-55 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. 52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. 53…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Mary, Part III
Read Luke 1:46-49 46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. Reflect…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Mary, Part II
Read Luke 1:39-45 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she…
Bloom Where You’re Planted: Mary, Part I
“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:38 How many of us receive commands and unquestioningly do as told? Please read Luke 1:26-38 26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town…