Author: Dana Hagstrom

1 Chronicles 16:11 – What Are You Searching For?

“Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.” (1 Chronicles 16:11)

Sometimes, we find ourselves searching for things that don’t matter. We get caught up in get-rich-quick schemes or weight loss fads, with differing levels of success. We can easily fill our days with activities that entertain but don’t do anything to draw us closer to God.

Context (1 Chronicles 16:7-36): Our short memory verse comes from a prayer of praise King David gave to his fellow Levites to worship before the Ark of the Covenant. You may recall the Ark was God’s presence among the people. This prayer is full of many beautiful images of God’s supremacy and instructions for how we should respond. Gratitude is a major theme, and to never forget all that God has done. Continue reading “1 Chronicles 16:11 – What Are You Searching For?”

Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” (Acts 2:1-4)

I love imagining this Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon the believers. The Christian church was born that day. Along with the commotion, there would have been awe and wonder. It’s a day to remember and celebrate. Growing up Lutheran, we always made it a big deal by wearing red to commemorate the fire of the Spirit.

Context (Acts 2:1-41): This particular day of Pentecost would have been the first one without Jesus for his followers. Jesus had promised he’d send the Holy Spirit and had told his friends to wait expectantly. Did they imagine anything like the actual events of this day? Multitudes of people heard them speaking in other languages. Peter was filled to overflowing and preached like never before. Thousands of those hearing the message about Jesus dedicated themselves as followers. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost”

Romans 8:38 – Security

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” (Romans 8:38)

The first time this verse hit me like a ton of bricks was during a funeral service. I’ll never forget my pastor husband was preaching on this text. Meanwhile, I had an overflow of guests in the church basement listening as the service was transmitted via speakers. When a verse strikes you with such intensity, you pay attention.

Context (Romans 8:31-39): Paul’s words comfort us, assuring us that God has chosen us, set us apart, and made us right with himself. Furthermore, nothing can separate us from God’s love. Paul was convinced of this, and he wanted the believers in Rome to know that. Those early believers would have been facing all sorts of adversity. Hearing that as believers we have God’s favor, his protection, his unwavering love, and ultimate victory in Christ would have fueled their confident hope in their salvation. Continue reading “Romans 8:38 – Security”

Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit’s power is available for you and me, too. Without it, witnessing about Jesus can be daunting. When we call on the Spirit’s power, we tap into the resource Jesus promised, and we receive exactly what we need to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. We all share this same request—to tell everyone everywhere about Jesus.

Context (Acts 1:6-11): Jesus’ final moments with his followers before his ascension to heaven are powerful. Even though they still didn’t get what Jesus’ true mission on earth was, Jesus stayed patient and told them about the real power. I can’t even imagine what his followers must have been thinking. What a whirlwind of emotions, and just like that, Jesus was gone again! But Jesus did not leave them, or us, without a job to do and the power to do it. Continue reading “Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action”

Isaiah 53:6 – All Have Sinned

“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

That’s a true statement. All have sinned, not just those other people. We have all sinned and strayed away from God’s perfect plan for our lives. It’s inevitable, but our doom is not forever because of the promise we can claim in this verse.

Context (Isaiah 53): This chapter of Isaiah’s prophecies speaks of Jesus, pointing directly to the one who gave himself for us. The truths that Isaiah was given to share can break our hearts when we read them and picture Jesus doing all of this for us. This chapter contains so many images that would play out and be fulfilled by our king Jesus. How do we respond to such a sacrifice? Continue reading “Isaiah 53:6 – All Have Sinned”

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