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06days2easter // Tuesday E-Devotion

word the day
CHOOSE

verse for the day
John 10:10 (nlt) --- The thief's purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

thought for the day
There are choices to make every day. First bumper sticker I saw today said "Keep Planned Parenthood Away From My Child". I'd say that was a huge 'choose' statement. It is not always easy to decide which direction to go, which one to take, what to do...and the list goes on.

At Easter, there are a couple choices I am reminded of.

The first is in the verse for the day and speaks of our choice of death or life, Satan or God, trivial or meaningful life. The choice is ours.

The second reminder is from Jesus the night he was arrested. He was in the garden praying when drops of blood fell from his head. This was an intense time, needless to say. Here is what Jesus said to God:

Matthew 26:39 (nlt) --- He went on a little farther and bowed with his face to the ground, praying, "My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine."

Jesus could have chosen NOT to die for us and the world. But He chose to follow God's purpose and give us purpose by dieing for us. Jesus was set on the best and what made the biggest impact. He put to the side His feelings, comfort, pain and so much more. Why? To give life and to give us a choice.

The third and last reminder comes from Joshua of the Old Testament, and this is our challenge for Easter (and for everyday). Joshua looked at the people around him, the people he was called to lead, and threw their choices in their faces. It was blunt and it was real. We have choices like that, too. Here is what Joshua said:

Joshua 24:15 (The Message) --- "If you decide that it's a bad thing to worship God, then choose a god you'd rather serve—and do it today. Choose one of the gods your ancestors worshiped from the country beyond The River, or one of the gods of the Amorites, on whose land you're now living. As for me and my family, we'll worship God."

The pressure is on. The roads are marked. Either it is time to be set up to fail or set up to succeed. You can either let your life be taken or stolen from you, or you can let life become full of meaning and adventure. Choose. It is your turn.

(Guess you have noticed by now that e-devotions have changed format. It is only for this week as we head toward Easter. Remember, it is all about Jesus, and He gives us LIFE.)

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