OUR DAILY BREAD Today Devotion 18 April 2025 Friday
OUR DAILY BREAD DEVOTIONAL MESSAGE FOR APRIL 18TH, 2025
Welcome to Today’s Study of Our Daily Bread Devotional Message to inspire and bless you! Read, Study and, Meditate over and over again. Let the blessings of God rest upon you!
OUR DAILY BREAD Today Devotion 18 April 2025 Friday
Topic: Lament to Praise
Bible in a Year: 2 Samuel 3-5; Luke 14:25-35
Bible Verse: He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” – Luke 23:42
Today’s Scripture: Luke 23:32-34,39-43
Insight: As Jesus hung on the cross, He made several statements that are now referred to as “The Seven Last Words (Sayings) from the Cross.” Three are found in Luke 23: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (v. 34); “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43); “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (v. 46). The other four sayings are found in Matthew 27:46 and John 19:26-27, 28, 30. Jesus didn’t lose perspective during His distress, pain, and agony. He remained focused on His Father and His mission. Though the voices around the cross were many, including the criminals crucified with Him (Luke 23:39-42), Christ’s words were clear, focused, and intentional. His conduct under duress remains the standard for those called to endure suffering. “Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:21). By: Arthur Jackson
OUR DAILY BREAD Today Devotion 18 April 2025 Message
Several legends surround the naming of the beautiful five-petaled flower the forget-me-not. Among those stories is one from a German legend. According to the story, as God named all the plants He’d created, one little flower worried that it would be overlooked. So the flower called out, “Forget-me-not, O Lord.” And that’s the name God gave to it.
Though this is only a story, the forget-me-not has become a symbol of love and remembrance. Yet all of us have experienced what it feels like to be forgotten. To be remembered—especially to be remembered by our God—is our heart’s true desire. We find just such a story in the account of the crucifixion of Jesus. Luke tells us, “Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with [Jesus] to be executed” (23:32). As they were being crucified, one criminal next to Christ suddenly understood. He said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (v. 42). Christ’s response was unforgettable: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (v. 43).
What an amazing moment! In his darkest hour, that criminal learned what it meant to be remembered by the Son of God.
We too are remembered in our hour of need. The God who loved us enough to die for us will never forget us. By: Bill Crowder
Reflect & Pray
When have you felt forgotten? How will you turn to Jesus today and permit Him to turn your lament into praise?
Dear Father, in those moments when I may feel forgotten, please remind me of Your abiding, loving presence in my life and encourage me with Your grace.
