Dana Hagstrom – Page 3

Psalm 19:1-6 – Nature Speaks About God

The book of Psalms contains a poetic style of writing. We can learn a lot about God from the poet’s lyrical way of describing God’s power and might. The Psalms are a good source of learning more about the character of God. As believers, we continually seek more of God.

Our life has more meaning when we understand who our Creator is. It’s golden when we understand our “roots” and realize the same God who fashioned the heavens also created us. I love how the apostle Paul puts it in Ephesians 6:10: “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Continue reading “Psalm 19:1-6 – Nature Speaks About God”

Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose

Read Ephesians 1:12-14

Have you ever written a “purpose statement” for your life? Many businesses and organizations start with a purpose statement to set intentions and expectations for their goals. God’s purpose for us, then, is that we will bring him glory. God intends for us to be included because we have heard and accepted the Good News.

God’s purpose for Himself is to save us and give us the Holy Spirit. That is definitely Good News! Jesus was sent on that rescue mission so we would be saved from our sins. We were never abandoned because Jesus sent the promised Holy Spirit so we would be empowered and set free. Continue reading “Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose”

Ephesians 1:9-11 – The Plan

Read Ephesians 1:9-11

Moving on from the praise in our last reading, Paul shares a truth that will surely give us reason to rejoice. We’re given inside information about what God’s plan is for our lives and for the world. It is a glorious future we all share.

As followers of Christ, we are part of God’s plan. How God’s will plays out remains a mystery to us, but now we know what the plan is. Paul tells us, “At the right time he (God) will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth.” The puzzling part of this statement is what God deems to be the “right time.” Continue reading “Ephesians 1:9-11 – The Plan”

Ephesians 1:1-8 – Praise

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Paul opens this letter to the Ephesians by introducing himself as chosen by God, acknowledging the faithfulness of the believers there, and giving them a blessing. As an apostle of Jesus, Paul was given the mission of making sure people understood what it meant to be followers of Jesus.

From the start, Paul sets a great example for a life of faith by giving “all praise” to God. It is good for us to regularly sing God’s praises, remembering all the blessings he has given us. We don’t need to wait for our quiet time of prayer and reflection to exalt him for what he has done. Paul is praising in the middle of this letter! Continue reading “Ephesians 1:1-8 – Praise”

Genesis 1:1-2:4 – Creation is Good

Read Genesis 1:1-2:4

The best place to get to know our majestic and gracious God is to look at the creation of the world. We can learn so much from the Bible account of creation. Yet, it can be hard when we hear about the millions of years the earth has been in existence. How are we supposed to understand what Genesis tells us?

It’s important to remember that the Bible is God’s Word to us. This holy book has a purpose in our faith journey. While it’s full of history and stories God wants us to know, it doesn’t cover every single moment. It’s best when we think of the Bible as God’s message to us, so we can understand how God and man intersect in this world. Continue reading “Genesis 1:1-2:4 – Creation is Good”