March 31, 2025

RELATIONSHIP OVER ACCOMPLISHMENTS

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him.

Mark 1:9-13 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

As we conclude the month of March and start into April, we are just days away from celebrating the resurrection of our Lord Jesus on Easter, April 20th. For the next three weeks we will focus our attention on the Lord Jesus. 

Our passage today highlights the beginning of Jesus’ ministry on earth. Jesus began by being baptized by John. This act of baptism had nothing to do with His cleansing from sin because Jesus was without sin. This act was to model God’s plan for us. Jesus was submitting to water baptism so that His followers would recognize the significance of such an act. Baptism is a public declaration of a personal decision to follow Jesus. It is also signifying the burial of the old man and coming alive as a new creation in Christ.

As Jesus comes out of the water Father God speaks to Him, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Father God was overjoyed with Jesus. At this time Jesus had done no miracles and preached no sermons. The Father’s joy about Jesus was because of the relationship not because of accomplishments. 

Father God rejoices over us because of our relationship with Him. His love for us is never based on our ability to perform.

After this act of baptism Jesus is led into the wilderness as preparation for His coming public ministry. The scripture says Jesus was tempted by Satan for forty days. During this time of temptation “angels took care of him.”

When we go through times of difficulty, we can be assured that God will take care of us. He will never leave us alone to fight our own battles. He will supply for every need in our lives. We can trust in the presence and provision of our Heavenly Father. 

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TODAY’S PRAYER

I choose to walk in obedience to my Father God. In Jesus name, I ask for the help of the angels of God and Spirit of God as I am daily being prepared for the work God has for my life. I believe all my needs are being cared for today. 

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”