APRIL 11, 2026, SATURDAY
Entry: 6:49am, Fairview QC
VERSE OF THE DAY:
1 CORINTHIANS 3:16
Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?
THE CHURCH IS GOD'S SACRED SPACE
Back when the Old Testament stories were still being lived out, God designated sacred spaces for His people to meet with Him.
First, God planted a garden in Eden-a beautiful space in Paradise for His prized creations. Next, the tabernacle was a portable space in the wilderness for the Israelites who'd been rescued from Egyptian slavery. Then, the temple was a permanent space in Jerusalem for the people of Israel.
In all instances, these were specially chosen places of worship, as well as tangible signs of God's presence.
The Creator of everything that exists can 't be confined to a garden, a tent, or a building, but it was in those sacred spaces where heaven and earth could overlap.
Fun fact: Garden Imagery is all over the decorative details of both the tabernacle and the temple: palm trees and pomegranates, water lilies and almond blossoms, lions and oxen, vibrant colors and precious metals. Such designs are meant to point back to the beginning-before things went wrong.
Because a holy God loves sinful people, we have a separation problem. That's why priests were appointed as representatives-mediators for things like worship, sacrifices, and atonement. And though it worked for a while, it was only a temporary solution.
But when Jesus showed up, He not only fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies and temple purposes, but He also bridged the gap. No longer was there a need for a temple made of wood or stone, but of flesh and blood. No longer was there a need for endless sacrifices, because Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, had provided the ultimate sacrifice-Himself. Finally, God's Spirit could now dwell with and inside of His people, the new and improved "temple"
That's why Paul asked the Corinthians.
We serve a God who meets people where they are: in the garden, in the wilderness, in the temple, in themselves.
So if you're a follower of Christ, remember: You are the place where His Spirit now dwells. You are the vessel in which he lives and moves and works and empowers. You are the place where heaven has crashed into earth.
BE ENCOURAGED
We serve a God who meets people where they are: in the garden, in the wilderness, in the temple, in themselves.
SHARE YOUR FAITH
Today, remember that you are God's representative. No matter where you are or what you do, you have been empowered to glorify God.
God, I want to represent You well! Please help me to love people the way You love me. Thank You for meeting me exactly where I am. Replace any selfishness inside of me with a heart that wants to know and serve You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
God hears your prayers.
God, how majestic is Your name! When I look at the sky, I see glimpses of Your glory. When I spend time in nature, I am amazed by Your creativity. And when I talk to the people You place in my life, I see Your beauty reflected in their faces. You are so good, and so worthy of all my honor and praise. In Jesus name, Amen.
LUKE 10:41-42
But the Lord said to her, "My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.
What's worrying you today?
Be honest about how you're doing at the moment, and bring your concerns to God.
1 CORINTHIANS 15:57
But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
What has God given you victory over?
Reflect on His faithfulness as you bring Him your praise.
DAILY BIBLE READING:
1 SAMUEL 17-18
LUKE 11:1-28
GOLIATH CHALLENGES THE ISRAELITES
JESSE SENDS DAVID TO SAUL'S CAMP
DAVID KILLS GOLIATH
ISRAEL ROUTS THE PHILISTINES
SAUL BECOMES JEALOUS OF DAVID
DAVID MARRIES SAUL'S DAUGHTER
TEACHING ABOUT PRAYER
Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2Jesus said, “This is how you should pray:
“Father, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon.
3 Give us each day the food we need,
4 and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation.
But I tell you this—though he won’t do it for friendship’s sake, if you keep knocking long enough, he will get up and give you whatever you need because of your shameless persistence.For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”
JESUS AND THE PRINCE OF DEMONS
“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me
“God bless your mother—the womb from which you came, and the breasts that nursed you!”
28Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.”
PSALM 63
1O God, you are my God;
I earnestly search for you.
My soul thirsts for you;
my whole body longs for you
in this parched and weary land
where there is no water.
2I have seen you in your sanctuary
and gazed upon your power and glory.
3Your unfailing love is better than life itself;
how I praise you!
4I will praise you as long as I live,
lifting up my hands to you in prayer.
5You satisfy me more than the richest feast.
I will praise you with songs of joy.
6I lie awake thinking of you,
meditating on you through the night.
7Because you are my helper,
I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings.
8I cling to you;
your strong right hand holds me securely.
9But those plotting to destroy me will come to ruin.
They will go down into the depths of the earth.
10They will die by the sword
and become the food of jackals.
11But the king will rejoice in God.
All who swear to tell the truth will praise him,
while liars will be silenced.
INSIGHT
The header for Psalm 63 identifies the author and the situation that inspired the song: “A psalm of David. When he was in the Desert of Judah.” There’s good reason to believe that it was written when he fled from his son Absalom, who sought to overthrow him as king over Israel (2 Samuel 15-19). In a time of personal and national stress, David poetically and intensely expressed his dependence upon God. Uncomfortable physical, emotional, relational, or spiritual conditions have a way of showing us our dependence on God. Today, weary, wandering people can go to the psalmist’s “wilderness prayer room” for language that helps to give expression to our prayers of dependence. In times of desperation, we can say, “I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you . . . . I cling to you” (Psalm 63:1, 8). When we confess our sins, we see that God alone brings satisfaction to our own wilderness.
A PORTRAIT OF DEPENDENCE
As I write these words, our Lhasa Apso dog, Winston, lies curled up at my feet. He’d watched me move from where I had been—the chair next to him—to the dining room table. That extra ten feet had been too far away from me.
I’ve been traveling for work a lot lately, and I think it’s getting to him. If I even hint that I’m leaving, or use the word “go,” he’s right on top of me. Practically clinging to me.
In human relationships, someone being “clingy” isn’t normally a compliment. But I see in my dog’s clinginess a vivid portrait of trusting dependence—one that’s mirrored in Psalm 63.
Here, David paints a picture of loving dependence upon God: “You, God, are my God,” he begins in verse 1. “Earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.” In verse 3, he adds, “Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you.” Near the end, we read, “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me” (v. 8).
Like David—and maybe even a bit like my dog depends on me—I want to depend on God with my whole being, earnestly seeking Him. Sometimes, I do. Other times, my heart may be cooler, less trusting. But when I repent of my fickle mistrust and return to Him, I remember that He alone fills me. He alone is the one who will leave me “fully satisfied as with the richest of foods” (v. 5).
REFLECT AND PRAY
What helps you experience God's character as a loving Father most fully? How does trusting Him help us depend on Him?
Dear Father, thank You for Your lavish love. Please help me depend upon You in all that I do. in Jesus' name, Amen.
EVERYDAY EVANGELISM
START A FAITH CONVERSATION
Start a Faith Conversation
Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
John 4:13-14 NIV
We all have conversations every day, it’s a natural part of life. What if we used some of those moments to go a little deeper, and plant seeds of faith?
In John 4, Jesus offers a powerful example when He speaks with the Samaritan woman at the well. What begins as an ordinary exchange turns into a life-changing conversation when Jesus uses what was happening in the moment to share about the hope of eternal life. This opens the door to a profound conversation about living water, true worship, and ultimately, Jesus’ identity as the Messiah.
Jesus didn’t immediately present the full Gospel but engaged her where she was, acknowledging her daily routines, her personal struggles, and her spiritual questions. By asking thoughtful questions and offering gentle insight, He led her to recognise her deeper need for God.
This story reminds us that starting a faith conversation doesn’t mean overwhelming someone with theological arguments. Instead, it can begin with a simple question about their perspective on life, spirituality, or purpose.
The key is to listen more than you speak. Like Jesus at the well, let your words invite trust and openness. People are more likely to share when they feel heard and respected. As you ask questions, pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the conversation and give you wisdom in responding.
Think about someone you interact with regularly, a family member, coworker, or friend. What thoughtful question could you ask to start a conversation about faith? Trust that God can use your curiosity and care to point them toward Him, just as Jesus’ words led the woman at the well to discover the Messiah.
Think of one person you'll see this week. What one question could you ask them that might open a conversation about life, hope, or faith?
Pray:
Jesus, You used questions to open hearts and minds to the truth. Help me follow Your example by listening well and asking thoughtful questions. Give me wisdom to start conversations that reveal Your love and grace. Holy Spirit, guide my words and help me respond with gentleness and respect. Use these moments to draw others closer to You. in Jesus' name, Amen.
