It is a natural and self-preserving instinct to fear death, and especially the potential pain that might come with dying. Even Jesus prayed to avoid death, and He knew what comes after better than we ever will. He went so far as to precede us in death, a bitter, torturous death. But of course that is not the end of the story – He also preceded us into life. “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  

Questions for further thought:
1. Do you fear death, or the pain preceding death?
2. Have you ever known someone whose faith is so strong that he or she really does not fear death?  

Challenge: Thank God that Jesus went before you into the unknown country of death. Ask Him to give you the insight, the courage, and the faith to think about death in the way He wishes instead of from a starting point of fear.

Jesus bled real blood. He suffered stripes from a brutal whipping, thorns in his brow, nails in hands and feet … even the feeling of abandonment from God! He also knew beforehand in excruciating detail the pain that lay ahead of him. We often fail to focus on His pain because we know the end of the story, that He conquered death. But Jesus knows. He knows what suffering is. The Son of Man absolutely can identify with you in your suffering.

Questions for further thought:
1. What does it mean to you that Jesus suffered, too?
2. Maybe your pain doesn’t seem as great as what Jesus had to endure; does that make a difference in how He can identify with you?  

Challenge: Think about the pain that you’ve experienced. Have you ever been able to help someone else because of that experience? If not, try to think of how you could use the wisdom you gained to do so. Either way, thank God that something good can come out of tough times.

Pain is real. Do you know any people who have suffered zero pain? But it’s hard for us to understand. It doesn’t seem fair of  God to let Paul suffer a thorn in the flesh. Or your friend to have ALS. Or a child to die. We want to apply our human reasoning, and it is just insufficient to explain things this side of heaven. The very word “disease” embodies our problem: we are in “dis-ease” when it comes to pain.

Questions for further thought:
1. Has someone’s suffering ever caused you to doubt God, maybe even doubt his existence?
2. What brings you back around to faith in the presence of pain, whether your own or others’?

Challenge: Mentally observe a current instance of pain, great or small, for you or someone else. Take a good look at the reality of it. It’s OK to mourn for that pain, because we are human. Now ask God for the strength to truly surrender control of that pain to His everlastingly loving care.

God gave us curiosity to explore and discover things about the natural world. Some of us may be more curious than others. Thank God if you have a curious mind. He wants you to look at what’s around you, question things and see new possibilities

Questions for further thought:
1. What are you curious about when it comes to God and science?
2. How has God given you wisdom in this area?

Challenge: Write down the science-related things you’re curious about, pray for wisdom about them and wait to see how God answers your prayers.

When I think about the skies proclaiming the work of God’s hand, it reminds me of how the northern lights (or aurora borealis) have been visible around this area lately. This spectacular light show is a phenomenon that displays the beauty of God’s creation and gives a lot to think about regarding science.

Questions for further thought:
1. What is your favorite part of God’s creation?
2. How can you point others to God by talking about His creation?  

Challenge: Take advantage of the nice weather this time of year and go out in God’s creation. Spend time reflecting and praying as you enjoy the beauty.

Maybe our thoughts about science were meant to go hand in hand with our faith life after all. If we trust God’s Word, we can believe He did what He said He did. Isaiah described the train of God’s robe filling the temple. Think about that. That’s only the train of his robe. God is mighty and awesome! 

Questions for further thought:
1. How will you make more time to study God’s word? 
2. Who is someone you can study the Bible with?

Challenge: Ponder the majesty of God and His amazing creation. Dive deeper into the Bible by joining a group study or doing a study on your own.

​We know from the book of John that the Word became flesh, but we may wonder how this is possible. God works in mysterious ways that we often can’t fathom. Isaiah says that God’s thoughts and ways are beyond our comprehension. This explains why we can’t possibly know everything about how God and science work together. Thankfully, we can trust that God is wise, loving and faithful.

Questions for further thought:
1. What questions do you have about God and science?
2. How might God be speaking to you through His word to give you understanding?

Challenge: Think about the different questions you have about God and science. Pray for wisdom and pray for peace about whatever he reveals.

The Bible verse for today talks about two of God’s attributes. Regularly thinking about God’s attributes gives us a firm foundation. When we praise Him for all that He is, it allows the Holy Spirit to transform our minds and give us the right perspective when it comes to God and His creation.

Questions for further thought:
1. How often do you praise God for who He is and focus on His attributes?
2. How does reflecting on His attributes bring clarity to your life?

Challenge: Write or type a list of God’s attributes. A good reference point is the book of Psalms. Your list will provide a good foundation as you pray.

If God has forgiven us for our sins because of Christ’s death and our putting our faith and trust in Jesus Christ, why must we confess our sins? In admission of our sin and receiving Christ’s cleansing, we are (1) agreeing with God that our sin truly is sin and that we are willing to turn from it, (2) ensuring that we don’t conceal our sin from Him and ultimately from ourselves, and (3) recognizing our tendency to sin and relying on His power to overcome it. Moreover, our obedience to His commands provides external, visible proof and assurance that we have indeed been regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you received forgiveness of sin through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross? If not, what is preventing you from doing it today?

Questions for further thought:
1. How do you view confession and repentance of known sin? Do you see it as necessary? Why or why not?
2. In what ways have you felt God’s cleansing as you entered into a time of confession and repentance? Do you sense your relationship with God being restored through this process?

Challenge: Take some time this week and genuinely confess and forsake your sin. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you combat the temptation to lie or present half-truths. Watch as He works!

Paul summarizes the content of the Gospel in terms of Christ’s death for our sins and His burial, resurrection, and post-resurrection appearances. The fact that Jesus died “for our sins” reminds us that Jesus endured God’s judgment in our place in order to save us. He did this “in accordance with the Scriptures,” which means that Christ’s work was the main point of the Bible. Everything is the Scripture ultimately points to the grace of God in Christ. Jesus’ burial confirms that He really died, and His appearances to eyewitnesses confirm that He truly rose. Therefore, we are not building our lives on myth or legend when we look to Him for grace to forgive and strengthen us. We can trust Jesus and His goodness will be ours if we put our faith in Him!!

Questions for further thought:
1. How does Christ’s resurrection impact me?
2. In what ways am I trusting Christ and His finished work in my everyday life?

Challenge: Christ’s sacrificial death tells us that He is eager to cleanse us from our sin. Don’t let unconfessed sin linger in your life. Turn and seek Christ’s forgiveness quickly and be cleansed!