Journey to the Cross

Pause

Close your eyes. Breathe.

Prepare your heart to be welcomed into God’s presence through scripture. Be at peace knowing that God is there even when you feel all alone.

Allow God’s word to challenge and inspire you today.

Listen

Jesus returned from the Jordan River full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There he was tempted for forty days by the devil. He ate nothing during those days and afterward Jesus was starving. The devil said to him, “Since you are God’s Son, command this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

Jesus replied, “It’s written, People won’t live only by bread.

Luke 4:1-4

Think

I sometimes joke that with a little butter, I could live on just bread. What else could I need? Ok, maybe that’s not the greatest attitude to have.

I’m a preacher’s kid, so I have always known about Jesus. Now, that doesn’t mean that I’ve had a perfect life… far from it. But I know Christ has provided peace and comfort in my many times of yuck. In fact, I can’t imagine what my life would be like without knowing and having a relationship with Christ. (I also can’t imagine my life without bread and butter.)

It is my hope that you use this day to reflect on who Christ is to you. Maybe Jesus has played a huge role in your life, or maybe he hasn’t. (Be honest — it’s okay!) Think about creating, maintaining, or improving your relationship with Christ. Ask questions, struggle with God, and look for answers. When you’re awake and aware to being on a journey with Jesus, it makes those wilderness times a little easier and may provide you some peace.

Michelle Phillips

Pray

Dear God, help me to remember that when I am feeling all alone, you are there, not to give me the perfect answer or to fix everything, but to carry me through. Amen.

Go

Love and live this day, knowing that you have the strength of Christ to guide you and keep you during your times of wilderness.