Dana Hagstrom – Be Still…

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”

Matthew 4:19 – Gone Fishing!

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19)

Can you imagine being on the shore that day when Jesus said these words? Following Jesus seems like the right thing to do for us today, but what about back then? Since we know how the story plays out, we know Jesus had twelve disciples who all listened and obeyed the request to follow Jesus. Now it’s our turn.

Context: This verse is found in Matthew’s gospel just as Jesus’ ministry is beginning. It was in this moment that Jesus chose his first disciples. Simon and Andrew, his brother, were fishermen, so this invitation would have given them reason to be curious. Up to this point, fish had been their livelihood. How in the world would they fish for people, they must have wondered. Continue reading “Matthew 4:19 – Gone Fishing!”

Romans 5:8 – What Love!

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8)

Don’t you feel loved when you read that verse? Being loved by God is a luxury we often take for granted. It’s the most fantastic, yet hard to fathom love there is. Think how many people alive in our world don’t realize that God loves them, much less what that love feels like. We sometimes have a hard time believing ourselves.

Context: Paul talks about the benefits of having faith. When we know who is by our side cheering us on, it’s a lot easier to face the tough stuff that is going to give us character and endurance. When we trust God, we acknowledge our need for his rescue as lost sinners. We should also keep in mind that God loves us no matter how unlovely we might be. That goes for our neighbor, too! Continue reading “Romans 5:8 – What Love!”