Ascending Calvary | WEEK THREE
Day Fifteen | Wednesday, March 7
Read: 1 John 1:9, Ephesians 1:7-8
Write: 1 John 1:9
Ponder: Sometimes we claim we aren’t hearing from the Lord, but truthfully, we are ignoring the still small voice or promptings from the Holy Spirit. When we ignore the leading of the Lord, it’s easy to become entrenched in our sin and shame from our mistakes.
Ask: Has shame ever driven you towards a place of regret? Are there currently sins in your life that you need to repent of? If you’ve repented of your sins, are you still living in the shame of those mistakes?
Day Sixteen | Thursday, March 8
Read: Psalm 103:10-13, Isaiah 55:6-7
Write: Psalm 103:12
Ponder: The enemy likes to use our memory of past sins against us. He knows that we have a hard time accepting forgiveness when we are constantly remembering all our mistakes. One of the best ways to combat his attacks is to meditate on Scripture, reminding ourselves of the Lord’s unconditional love.
Ask: Are there sins of the past or present which still accuse you? Spend time in prayer over the shame you’ve carried. Read the verses from today and mentally picture what Jesus has done to your sins. Law it all down at the cross, where Christ’s sacrifice is forever sufficient to cover all your offenses. Talk with a pastor, counselor or trust friend if you’re struggling to let the past go.
Day Seventeen | Friday, March 9
Read: Ephesians 4:25-32, Colossians 3:12-17
Write: Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:17
Ponder: The New Testament is full of sound doctrine pertaining to how Christians should treat one another and our world. The Church often does not do a great job of reflecting God’s lovingkindness to one another because the Church is filled with imperfect people. Yet our responsibility is to first examine our own actions within our community before demanding anything from our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Ask: Have you said or done something to hurt another believer? Do you need to seek forgiveness from someone who you have hurt or offended? Is there someone you need to forgive who you have been holding a grudge against? Ask the Lord for guidance in any unsettled relationships.
Day Eighteen | Saturday, March 10
Read: 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Write: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Ponder: Most people will go their entire lives without ever hearing the audible voice of God. We have the Word of God to read and know His will and desires for our lives. John Piper explains, “It has increased my love for the Bible as God’s very word, because it was through the Bible that I heard these divine words and through the Bible I have experiences like this almost every day. The very God of the universe speaks on every page into my mind—and your mind. We hear his very words.”
Ask: What do the passages from today teach about the sufficiency of Scripture? Make it a priority each day to fill your heart and mind with His Truth that equips, guides, and leads the believer throughout this journey of life.
Day Nineteen | Sunday, March 11
Read: Romans 8:31-39
Write: Romans 8:38-39
Ponder: Regret is another one of the enemy’s schemes to keep us chained to our past. When you cling to regret and clothe yourself with shame, there is an unintentional message you are also declaring to yourself: God’s grace is not sufficient to restore the brokenness you have caused. This couldn’t be further from the truth! The blood of Jesus Christ is sufficient to rewrite your past and restore your life.
Ask: What does this passage in Romans teach us about the hope we have as believers who have been justified by faith through Jesus Christ? Allow the power of the Lord to encourage your heart today and free you from your shame.
Day Twenty | Monday, March 12
Read: Look back on the past week and think about some of the highlights of your time with the Lord.
Write: One thing you learned through the Scriptures you read this week.
Ponder: How have you understood forgiveness in light of the truth of Scripture this week? In light of God’s grace to you, how can you commit your life to honor Him?
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