Many non-believers seem to get cross - ironically - about Christians celebrating Easter. Newspapers might commission trendy clerics or academics to bash belief. TV boxes clever with fanciful slants on the life and death of Jesus. And the bestseller booklists itch to get their statistical maulers on the latest exercise in acute 'scepticaemia.'
So it's important for Christians to keep themselves topped up with the spiritual hormones of hope. That's why we are offering here some 'Eastrogen' supplements to help make the bride of Christ more fruitful in the Lister Hill corner of God's vineyard.
The suggested readings can be used as top-ups for folk who already use Bible notes or as basic rations for those who don't. The earlier readings from Psalms cover the Egyptian Hallel (Exodus-focused praise) traditionally associated with Passover and other Jewish festivals. Jesus himself would have most likely sung these as he prepared for Gethsemane and Calvary.
Then the Easter readings focus mainly on the Gospel of Matthew with explorations of Luke and John for the resurrection events. The grand finale is resurrection treasure chest of 1 Corinthians 15. So engross and enjoy!
The Bible Verses can be accessed online at www.biblegateway.com by clicking on individual links:
Monday, March 10: Psalm 113
God specialises in trouble reversals - meditation on God's name.
Tuesday, March 11: Psalm 114
God separated the sea for the Exodus escape - meditation on God's rescue
Wednesday, March 12: Psalm 115
God spiflicates idols - meditation on God's power
Thursday, March 13: Psalm 116
God saves from death - meditation on God's compassion
Friday, March 14: Psalm 117
God sets sights on saving nations - meditation on God's love
Saturday, March 15: Psalm 118
God secures victory for those who trust - meditation on God's goodness
Sunday, March 16 (PALM SUNDAY): Matthew 21: 1-11
How does the quote from Ps 118:26 serve to foreshadow Christ's second coming - to his living church-temple?
Monday, March 17: Matthew 21: 12-22
In what state will Christ find his church-temple when he visits it for the Big Inspection?
Tuesday, March 18: Matthew 26: 1-16
Is the perfume of my praise being poured out on Jesus?
Wednesday, March 19: Matthew 26: 17-30
Is gratitude for full forgiveness filling my life?
Thursday, March 20: Matt 26: 36-46 & Luke 22: 39-46
How can I respond to such sacrificial love?
Friday, March 21 (GOOD FRIDAY): Matthew 27: 32-56
How much do I grasp the truth that Christ was temporarily forsaken so that I might never be forsaken?
Saturday, March 22: Matthew 27: 57-66
Do I trust Jesus' promises in the same way that I can trust the promise of verse 63?
Sunday, March 23 (EASTER SUNDAY): Matthew 28: 1-15
Am I allowing the truth of the resurrection to fill me with joy (verse 8)?
Monday, March 24: Luke 24: 1-12
What stones would I like Jesus to roll away from my life? Why not ask him?
Tuesday, March 25: Luke 24: 13-35
Am I slow of heart to believe all that all the Scriptures have spoken about Christ?
Wednesday, March 26: Luke 24: 36-49
How does the glorified physicality of the risen Jesus thrill me about my own coming resurrection?
Thursday, March 27: John 21: 1-14
Is my obedience a jump-into-the-water-fully-clothed type of obedience?
Friday, March 28: John 21: 15-25
How much do I love Jesus?
Saturday, March 29: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-34
How does the fact that I belong to Christ (v23) affect my daily life, thoughts, words and relationships?
Sunday, March 30: 1 Corinthians 15: 35-58
Is the God of Hope filling me with all hope for what is to come - to bear the likeness of the man from heaven (v49)?