Explore every episode of the podcast The Daily Still Podcast - Guided Christian Meditations and Devotions

On Good Friday we look at the cross and remember the price Jesus paid, as He took our sin upon Himself.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NIV

As Jesus continued his journey through passion week, His throne would be a cross, and his crown would be made of thorns. Jesus could have chosen to stop the journey before the cross, but He didn’t."

God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." NLT Romans 5:8

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

The Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, with production from Soundgood Media.

The Last Supper, shared by Jesus and His disciples, is commemorated on this Holy Thursday also known as Maundy Thursday. This meal was rich in symbolic meaning. We are all invited to come together as one family, to the table of our Lord.

Matthew 26:26-30 (NIV) - "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

This night would end with Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he would ultimately be betrayed, arrested, and deserted by his disciples.

You are invited to remain with Jesus in the garden of prayer where He prayed to the Father.

“My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” - Matthew 26:42

The Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, with production from Soundgood Media.

Matthew 26:6-13 NIV – (Jesus Anointed at Bethany) "While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.

When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” 

This extravagant act symbolized Jesus was Christ, a title meaning “anointed one.” Anointing the head of Jesus was symbolic of anointing a King. God sees the desire and motives of our hearts. And every act of love, faith, sacrifice and obedience is recognized and remembered by our Creator. Also on this day, the Jewish leaders plot against Jesus, and Judas agrees to betray Him.

"Then one of the Twelve—the one called Judas Iscariot—went to the chief priests and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I deliver him over to you?” So they counted out for him thirty pieces of silver. From then on Judas watched for an opportunity to hand him over." Matthew 26:14-16

Jesus was betrayed by a friend in his inner circle. We have all felt the sting of betrayal. And we have all stumbled, wandered and betrayed our Lord in one way or another.

In this space, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart…

The Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, with production from Soundgood Media.

On Holy Tuesday, the religious leaders tried to discredit Jesus' power and ultimate authority. But Jesus clearly states his deity and authority in John 14:6. He is the way, the truth and the life. He died so that we can have personal access to the Father. Jesus invites us to trust in Him. Silence and solitude is a place of resting and trusting in God. We invite you to pause for a few moments of silent reflection. "Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Put your hope in the Lord. Travel steadily along his path." - Psalm 37:7&24

The Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, with production from Soundgood Media.

On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus tells his disciples – “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, 'May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and it will happen. You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” - Matthew 21:21-22

Jesus suffered so all people, his entire creation, could be set free. Lift up your prayers, in faith, for yourself, your family, your community and the world.

"Save me, O God. I pray to you, O Lord, in the time of your favor; in your great love, O God, answer me with your sure salvation.
 Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me. Do not hide your face from your servant, answer me quickly, for I am in trouble. Come near and rescue me.
 I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. 
Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and all that move in them." - Psalm 69

As you walk with Jesus on his way to the cross, ask Him to help you see His great love and mercy for you more clearly.

The Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, with production from Soundgood Media.

Today we offer an encore Palm Sunday Meditation from our Holy Week Series. This meditation focuses on Psalm 121, known as a Psalm of Ascent. These Psalms were sung by Hebrew pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem and possibly while ascending the steps of the Temple. It’s remarkable to note, that Jesus and His disciples would have prayed and sung these same scriptures.

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2

“Faith is the gaze of a soul…upon a saving God.” - A.W. Tozer

The Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, with production from Soundgood Media.

Happy New Year from The Daily Still Podcast!
 
Today’s meditation creates some space to refocus as a new year begins. You may want to pause and journal these prompts:

As we begin a brand new year, where do you find yourself?
What hopes do you have?
What burdens are you carrying?
What was life giving for you in the past year?
What would you do differently?
 

Scripture:
Matthew 11:28-30 NLT, Matthew 11:28-30 The Message
 
Hosted and written by Cindy Helton, Spiritual Director 
Produced and edited by Soundgood Media
 

Merry Christmas from The Daily Still! Today's meditation helps prepare our hearts in anticipation of Christ’s birth. The stories and scriptures may be familiar, but there is always more to ponder. This meditation focuses on Mary’s story and her faithful “yes” to the mystery of God. As you listen, consider with fresh insight the courage of Mary. Consider the fear she must have experienced, the vulnerability and disbelief. Ponder her consent and surrender in saying “yes” to the mystery of the Incarnation. And consider, “Where are you being invited to say 'Yes' to divine appointments in your life?” 
 
Find a quiet space, take several deep breaths, perhaps light an advent candle, and become aware of God with you. 
 
Scripture references are taken from The Gospel of Luke, Chapter 1 NIV

In today's encore episode host Cindy Helton guides us through a meditation on Psalm 105 TPT.
 
Psalm 105 - God’s Wonderful Works, is a call to the people of God to worship and honor Him. Therefore, it is a call to us!
 
As you engage your whole body, soul, mind and spirit in conversation with the Holy One, allow all of your senses to be open to the Divine creative work taking place within you.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

Today's encore meditation focuses on Psalm 27 - living in the Presence of God. As you ponder these scriptures, consider the desires and longings of your soul.
 
“The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.” Psalm 27:4 
 
The Architect of all creation is inviting you to take up residence in the Cathedral of His Loving Presence.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

Today's encore meditation focuses on Psalm 34. This Psalm reminds us to seek God in all of our circumstances, to trust Him and give Him glory. So find a quiet space and tune out the noise around you and within you, as you quiet your soul and breathe in God’s Presence.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

This encore meditation focuses on thankfulness, which is the beginning of a holy and mysterious exchange. You are invited to come to God as you are – with whatever is true about you in this moment. Let us express our lament and remember and count the ways God has been faithful to show up in our life.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

This encore meditation focuses on the spiritual practice of gratitude, as we meditate on Psalm 103 and reflect upon God’s goodness. When we pay attention to God’s activity and abundant blessings in the every day, ordinary moments of life, we cultivate and nurture a heart of gratitude.
 
Scripture References:
1 Thessalonians 5:18 NET, Psalm 103 TPT

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

This encore meditation focuses on Psalm 3 and trusting God for protection and peace during times of adversity. Psalm 3 reminds us that God’s Presence is a protective shield around us.
 
"But in the depths of my heart I truly know
that you, Yahweh, have become my Shield;
You take me and surround me with yourself.
Your glory covers me continually.
You lift high my head. 
I have cried out to you, Yahweh, from your holy presence. 
You send me a Father’s help. 
Selah."
Psalm 3:3-4 TPT

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

Today's encore meditation focuses on Psalm 108 "A Prayer for God's Help" and holds space to pray for the world.

The Closing Prayer is from Father Richard Rohr, The Center for Action and Contemplation.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

Today's encore meditation focuses on Psalm 23 and Psalm 63. Both Psalms are written by David, the shepherd. As you ponder these Psalms, notice the personal nature of the Psalmist’s relationship to God.

Psalm 23 is known as The Shepherd’s Psalm. What beautiful hope is found in the promise of God as our Shepherd and Guide, pursuing us all the days of our lives.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

In today's encore meditation we reflect on various Psalms and practice hearing God while becoming more in-tune with our true selves. So come slow down, pay attention, and surrender to the mystery of God’s transforming Presence.

In this place of loving communion, we let go of our expectations and rest in the grace of our relationship as dearly loved children of God.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

In today's encore episode of the podcast we’ll consider what it looks like to practice the presence of God in the ordinary moments of our life.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

Today’s encore podcast episode emphasizes the important benefits of Christian meditation. Meditation is simply focusing the mind on a particular thing. Christian meditation is focusing the whole self - our body, soul, mind and spirit - on God and God's word.

God invites us to be still and know him. Stillness fosters a greater awareness of God‘s presence with us.

Quietness teaches us to hear and recognize our creator’s voice. 

So what are you focusing on? Are you making worries and concerns your place of meditation? What you focus on grows and begins to dominate your thoughts. 

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

Today’s encore meditation focuses on a medley of Psalms expressing a longing for more of God. As you join us in this practice of Christian meditation, know you’re being drawn by Divine Love. So we come as a response to this Divine invitation.

How do we begin? Simple with sincerity of desire. God always gives us His undivided attention. In this space, we take a few moments to give God our undivided attention.

We live in a fast paced, noisy world. Slowing down and waiting on God is hard. It takes patience and practice. But slowly, we begin to see a shifting in our awareness of God. We become more attuned to the still small voice that is whispering to our spirits.

As we read and meditate on The Living Word, we are hearing God! So let these words wash over you and refresh you.

There will be pauses after each verse for your own contemplation. As you listen, repeat the word or phrase that resonates with your soul.

Psalm 48:9, Psalm 62:1, 63:1, 62:6, Psalm 1:2-3, Psalm 105:4, Psalm 89:15, Psalm 31:19-20 Psalm 42:5, Psalm 70:4, Psalm 84:9-11

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media.

In today's Summer Soul Care Series Finale, you are invited to enter into this time of meditation with the imagination and mindset of a beloved child of God. God created you for a unique purpose. Your birth was a celebration! Embrace the loving words of God speaking over you, reminding you of your unique worth and value in this world, and reminding you that you belong and you are forever loved. 

Scripture References: "For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born! Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

Genesis 1:27-31, Psalm 139:13-18, Jeremiah 31:3, Zephaniah 3:17

Reading references:
'On the Night You Were Born' - Nancy Tillman
'A Blessing for Beauty' from The Invisible Embrace - John O’Donahue

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

Today’s meditation gives space to consider some areas and things that might need to be released in this season. Like nature, there are various seasons in our lives - natural seasons of the calendar, spiritual seasons, age related seasons, and seasons of growing, change, and letting go. 

"For everything there is a season. A time to let go." Ecclesiastes 3:5

Scripture Reference - “But forget all that — it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. My people will be refreshed. Because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you." (Taken from Isaiah 43 NLT)

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.” Isaiah 43:18 The Message

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

This meditation invites you to pay attention to what brings you delight. What would you like to hold on to and embrace in this season? 

"God has made everything beautiful for its own time." Ecclesiastes 3:5,11

This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! Psalm 118:24

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

Today’s soul care meditation focuses on Emotional Awareness. Often we don’t give ourselves permission to feel deeply or take the time to be curious about our feelings. This meditation will help give you space and permission to become more aware of your feelings in the loving Presence of God.

Resources: The Feelings Wheel / The Emotions Wheel 

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

Today's meditation focuses on Ecclesiastes 3:2 - "A time to plant and a time to harvest."

Practicing stillness and meditation helps us consider the soil of our hearts.

What are you planting in the garden of your soul?

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

This meditation focuses being present with yourself and with God through the awareness of your breath. One of the easiest and most natural ways to be present in the current moment is to pay attention to your breathing.

Scripture Reference:

God, the LORD, created the heavens and stretched them out. He created the earth and everything in it. He gives breath to everyone, life to everyone who walks the earth. Isaiah 42:5 NLT

Psalm 77:13 TPT
It’s here in your presence, in your sanctuary, where I learn more of your ways, for holiness is revealed in everything you do. Lord, you're the one and only, the great and glorious God!

Mary Oliver quote:
Listen, are you breathing just a little, and calling it a life?

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

This week’s Summer Soul Care Meditation focuses on living freely and lightly in the Company of Jesus.

Scripture Reference: John 8:36 NLT, Matthew 11:28-30 MSG

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

This week’s Summer Soul Care Meditation focuses on taking a Selah moment, a holy pause. A holy pause is soul medicine, keeping us from rushing from one thing to the next.

Life is made up of Selah moments to be enjoyed. The practice of pausing and noticing helps center and awaken us to the beauty of God’s glory and mystery all around us.

"But in the depths of my heart I truly know that you, YAHWEH, have become my Shield; You take me and surround me with yourself. Your glory covers me continually. You lift high my head. Selah." Psalm 3:3 TPT

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

Today’s episode focuses on Ecclesiastes 3:1-13. As you listen to this meditation, pay attention to the season of life you are currently in, and notice if you are being invited into a new season. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecc. 3:1

The Daily Still meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton, Certified Spiritual Director. 

Podcast production and music by SoundGood Media. 

Today we celebrate our 5th Anniversary of the Daily Still Podcast. Thanks to all our Daily Still listeners from around the world!

Five years ago, we began this podcast with the question - “What will practicing stillness do for you?” In this episode, host and Spiritual Director, Cindy Helton, shares the many benefits of practicing stillness. 

We invite you to join us on an 8 week “Summer Soul Care” series, as we reflect together on the movement of God’s Spirit in our lives, and cultivate a growing awareness of Divine Love within us. 

The Daily Still Podcast is written by Cindy L. Helton and produced by SoundGood Media.

Today we complete our Journey through Lent with a focus on Patience. We consider the question: What tests my patience?

Prayer reference: "Patient Trust" By Teilhard de Chardin

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our Journey through Lent with a focus on Forgiveness and making space for confession.

Scripture Reference: John 8:36 

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our Journey through Lent with a focus on Surrender. We consider the question: What stands between me and surrender?

References: Matthew 16:24 and The Wesleyan Prayer of Surrender

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our Journey through Lent with a focus on Service. We consider the questions: Who do I find difficult to love or serve? What is one way I can overcome indifference by serving someone today?

Scripture references: 1 Peter 4:10 and Matthew 25:35-40

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

Today we continue our 6 episode Journey through Lent with a focus on Lament and Psalm 42. We consider the question: Where is my heart discouraged?

Daily Still Meditations are written and hosted by Cindy L. Helton with podcast production by SoundGood Media.

An invitation of Returning - A Journey through Lent
 
During this season of Lent, you’re invited to join The Daily Still Podcast each Monday for a Journey of Returning to God through meditation and personal reflection. We will offer six meditations that correspond with the six weeks of Lent.
 
A great place to start this journey, is to ask yourself:

Where do I feel distant from God?
What practices will deepen the love of God in me?
 
Scripture Reference: “‘And yet even now,’ says the Lord, ‘return to me with all your heart.”’ - Joel 2:12-13 NLT
 
Meditations written and hosted by Cindy Helton, Spiritual Director
 
 Podcast Production by SoundGood Media
 
 Thank you for listening to The Daily Still Podcast. If you enjoy the podcast, please take a moment to follow, subscribe and rate our show. Your reviews help others find us and are an encouragement to our team.

Today, as we complete Season 7 of The Daily Still Podcast, we offer you space to ponder and rediscover Christ’s presence in your life as we reflect upon our continuing journey of faith.

In Luke 24 we read the story of two disciples walking along the road together discussing Jesus’ death and questioning what they believed. Then a divine encounter occurs. Jesus appears and begins walking with them, but they don’t know who he is. In this story, we are reminded that Jesus walks with us in our doubts too. 

If Jesus was to join you on the road, what questions would you have for Him?

We invite you to find a quiet place, as you imagine walking down the street with Jesus, discussing your faith and questions.

"Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he walked with us on the road?" Luke 24:32 NLT

"Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life." Isaiah 55:3 NLT

May you walk through each day with your eyes and ears wide open to Divine encounters on your journey.

In the Church calendar, the time from the Monday after Pentecost until the first Sunday of Advent is called ordinary time. We can look at this season as a time of living out our faith in the ordinary or routine moments of life.

Today we look at a familiar story in Mark 16 where three women are going to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. An angel greets them saying, “You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth. He isn’t here. He is risen from the dead! Now go and tell his disciples… including Peter.” The special mention of “Peter” by name is so important. In the ordinary days that followed, perhaps the disciples doubted that Peter, or any of them, could still be called disciples after denying and doubting Jesus. 

In living out our faith in ordinary and routine days, we will face doubt. But there’s this beautiful invitation inviting us back into relationship with the One who pursues us on our pathway of faith.

Creating intentional space to quiet our souls prepares an environment that is imperative for a healthy inner life, as well as our external lives. Stillness births transformation, a process that cannot be rushed. Change takes place slowly as we surrender to our Maker’s loving Grace.
 
SCRIPTURES
Psalm 131:2 ESV
Psalm 46:10 CEV
John 14:8 NIV
Psalm 119:114,119 The MSG
Acts 17:27-28 NIV
Romans 8:26-28 MSG

We are honored to offer a special encore guest meditation by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley. Cole is the New York Times best selling author of “This Here Flesh - Spirituality, Liberation, and the Stories that Make Us.”

In today’s podcast episode, Cole shares a meditative reading from the chapter of her book on Rest.

We invite you to enter into a place of centering stillness, becoming aware of the Divine within. Feel the wind of the Spirit blowing, as you settle in and listen to this beautiful meditation by Cole Arthur Riley.

And be sure to check out my in-depth conversation with Cole, as part of our Conversation on Stillness Series. (Episode dated May 12, 2022)

Cole serves as the spiritual teacher in residence with Cornell University’s Office of Spirituality and Meaning Making. She is also the creator of Black Liturgies, a space that integrates spiritual practice with Black emotion, Black literature, and the Black body; and a project of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation where she serves as Curator.

For more on Cole and her work, visit www.colearthurriley.com

@colearthurriley and @blackliturgies

Today's meditation focuses on Psalm 96, Declaring the Glory of God, as we reflect upon the resurrection of Christ and make space for joy and celebration. We are in the Easter season of the Church called Eastertide, a period of 50 days of celebration that spans from Easter to Pentecost, proclaiming Christ’s victory over death. Christ is risen! Our Savior lives. And the Kingdom of Heaven is now! This is the Church’s great season of joy!

“He is risen! He is risen indeed!”

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said." - Matthew 28:5-6

On Easter Sunday, all sorrow of holy week is turned to joy and praise.

Holy Week reveals contrasts:

The crucifixion and the resurrection, death and life, sin and salvation, sorrow and hope.
Pause for a few moments and breathe in this holy exchange….
Breath in salvation/Exhale sin
Breathe in freedom/Exhale bondage
Breathe in hope/Exhale sorrow
Breathe in faith/Exhale doubt
Breathe in LIFE
---------------
Thank you for joining us on this Holy Week journey. We hope your spirit has been encouraged and filled with renewed hope.
If you have enjoyed our podcast, please subscribe and rate us. And if you know someone who would benefit from listening, please share it with a friend.

"Wait on the mercy of your Lord Jesus Christ." - Jude 21

On this day, the Lord Jesus Christ lays in the tomb after his death on the cross. But God is always at work behind the scenes and beyond what we can see or imagine. And so we wait in hope of the glorious resurrection.

What are you waiting for in your life and hoping to be true?

"I wait quietly before God…for my victory comes from him." - Psalm 62:1 NLT

If Jesus did not give up on us and abandon us before going to the cross, He will certainly not abandon us now. God will never leave you or forsake you, even in the silence.

For He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” Hebrews 13:5 - The Amplified Bible

Faith looks up in hope to the God who keeps His promises.

Be with us now Lord, in the waiting.

Today we look at the cross and remember the price Jesus paid, as He took our sin upon Himself.

"But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed." Isaiah 53:5 NIV

As Jesus continued his journey through passion week, His throne would be a cross, and his crown would be made of thorns. Jesus could have chosen to stop the journey before the cross, but He didn’t."

God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners." NLT Romans 5:8

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:16-17

The Last Supper, shared by Jesus and His disciples, is commemorated on this Holy Thursday. This meal was rich in symbolic meaning. We are all invited to come together as one family, to the table of our Lord.

Matthew 26:26-30 (NIV) - "While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.'"

This night would end with Jesus going to the Garden of Gethsemane, where he would ultimately be betrayed, arrested, and deserted by his disciples.

You are invited to remain with Jesus in the garden of prayer where He prayed to the Father.

“My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” - Matthew 26:42