Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” (Matthew 26:38)
Lord, I can’t begin to imagine how overwhelming the thought of the cross, the separation from the Father, and the weight of our sins were. Lord, thank You for not giving in to how You felt that day. Thank You for moving forward even when the weight of the world was on Your shoulders.
Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: ‘Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?’ (John 12:37-38)
Lord, please help me to remember that my responsibility is to be a witness for You. To share the light of the Gospel through my words and actions. I can’t force anyone to believe in You, that is on them. May I just walk out my days for You and live to make You known through every step I take.
On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. (Mark 11:15-16)
Lord, please help me to remember not to sin in my anger. I see that you had a righteous anger as You saw people mistreat the temple. Lord, I pray that my anger will not be spurred by personal insults, rejection, petty frustrations, or minor irritations.
Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
While He was in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, and reclining at the table, there came a woman with an alabaster vial of very costly perfume of pure nard; and she broke the vial and poured it over His head. But some were indignantly remarking to one another, “Why has this perfume been wasted? For this perfume might have been sold for over three hundred denarii, and the money given to the poor.” And they were scolding her. But Jesus said, “Let her alone; why do you bother her? She has done a good deed to Me. For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you wish you can do good to them; but you do not always have Me. ~Mark 14:3-7 (NASB)
Lord, I pray that I will pour out my life as a constant offering for You. I pray that my heart will be so filled up with the things of You that my mouth naturally speaks only what is pleasing in Your sight. Oh Lord, may I worship You with my days. May I not take a breath without expressing extreme gratitude to You for giving it to me.
May my steps be ordered by You. May my words be used to bring You glory! May my heart be steadfast in the things of You! May my life be an offering to You. May I worship You with my moments! May You receive all the honor that You are due from me. I pray that I will live my life to honor the death Jesus died.
May I not live a single day in haste or waste. May I make the most of the moments I am given. And may I cherish every sweet day that You give me Lord. Lord, please increase my ability to worship You. May I bring You the best of what I have today and every day!
Read more of Mark 14:3-11.
What will be your offering to the Lord this week? How will you serve him with your moments?