Be Still… – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

1 John 3:16 – Real Love

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters.” (1 John 3:16)

We are weeks away from celebrating Easter as I reflect on this verse. How powerful its significance while walking with Jesus to the cross. I can’t fully wrap my head around God’s love for us, can you? Jesus’ actions define real love in a way nothing else could.

Context: John’s teaching here is all about love, but he is focusing on how we are to love each other. For us to know how to do that, we need only look to Jesus and his example on the cross. That’s why this verse is so important. It helps keep us on track, putting into perspective what love looks like. Continue reading “1 John 3:16 – Real Love”

Acts 4:12 – No Other Way

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

The name of Jesus is powerful. It saves us awful sinners from death and eternal destruction. Nobody but Jesus can save us. This verse is a bold declaration to boost our trust and assurance. Why is it that so many people don’t understand this truth? Do you ever feel like you are the only one?

Context: Peter and John had been busy healing and teaching people that through Jesus there is resurrection of the dead. This upset some priests and Sadducees, who then confronted Peter and John and threw them in jail. When brought before the religious leaders to defend themselves, the Holy Spirit took over, and Peter called out the name of Jesus, giving him all the credit for such healings and salvation. The religious leaders were amazed yet knew they had to take control of the situation. Continue reading “Acts 4:12 – No Other Way”

2 Timothy 3:5 – Watch Out!

“They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3:5)

There are times when God uses Scripture to educate us. This is one of those times. This world is not without dangers. What a blessing we have these warnings! We may encounter people like this who act religious and all high and mighty. God looks at their hearts, their motivation. So should we.

Context: In this section, Paul warns us about the dangers of end times. Lately, I’ve heard many people discussing their opinion that we are in the “end times.” As I’ve cautioned before, we have been in the end times since Jesus returned to heaven as we await his return. However, these warnings are not to be ignored. Paul is talking about the regular, everyday kind of people we are likely to encounter. Continue reading “2 Timothy 3:5 – Watch Out!”

Isaiah 55:11 – Always Fruitful

“It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” (Isaiah 55:11)

God’s Word always bears fruit and gives us exactly what we need. This verse is a good reminder of that truth. There’s a lot more to this promise for us to rely on and glean wisdom. I just love how peaceful it makes me feel to hear about God’s intentionality in accomplishing his will in our lives.

Context: Isaiah 55 speaks of how God meets and cares for his people. For Isaiah to be sharing such truth would be a bit different from the gloom and doom messages God had been giving him about the punishment to Israel for their disobedience. This chapter is full of hope, and this verse fits in beautifully to point us toward the benefits and importance of paying attention to God’s word, the truth. Continue reading “Isaiah 55:11 – Always Fruitful”

John 17:17 – Jesus Prays for You

“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.” (John 17:17)

Jesus declares that God’s word is truth, so there can be no question. People go around today throwing the word “truth” out there as if it suggests their own meaning of life. I wish they’d find a different word because, for me, the only truth is God’s word. And God’s word points to Jesus as the truth. Any other truth is only fiction.

Context: This verse is only one tiny excerpt of Jesus’ prayer for us found in John 17. I suggest you take some time to read the whole prayer and be blessed by how Jesus cares for you. There are plenty of other gems there to hold on to and memorize as encouraging insight. To know that Jesus prayed this for his disciples and us is powerfully comforting. Continue reading “John 17:17 – Jesus Prays for You”

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