Discovering the Bible – Page 5

John 14:15-29 💛 You Are Not An Orphan

Friends - two stuffed bears sitting in a field one with the arm around the other

Jesus is not going to leave his disciples (or us) alone as orphans. Our reading today kicks off our new theme of “The Holy Spirit & Prayer.” We see exactly when and where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit to his disciples. It was during his last meal with them. He was dropping a lot of truth bombs on them that night. Jesus was cramming some important stuff into this time with them.

You know how it can be when you’re getting ready to leave after a visit. You think of all the things you wanted to say the whole time but either didn’t find the right time to say or simply ran out of time. Either could be happening here. But clearly the disciples are starting to get a little nervous. The things Jesus was saying that night must have left them with more questions than answers.

Colossians 3:1-5 💗 Real Life

Read Colossians 3:1-5

drawing of hot air balloon with words "Life is a Beautiful Ride"

Do you ever feel like you just don’t belong? I remember growing up wishing I was one of the popular kids. I longed to not feel invisible. Yet at the same time I was frightfully shy, hindered by a severe lack of self-confidence. I look back on those years and can hardly believe I’m the same person.

While I still doubt my own abilities much of the time, I have taken these verses to heart and realize that my “real life” is “hidden with Christ.” Does that mean I’m just sort of passing through this life until that day when I meet Jesus face to face? While I’m here, I want to reflect Jesus well so that people see him living inside me. What do you think this means?

Isaiah 55:1-13 💜 Promise of Salvation

Read Isaiah 55:1-13

shadow on a brick wall of man praying at the cross

This chapter in Isaiah is a call out to us, an offer of God’s blessing of salvation. There is so much richness here to reflect on. While the words serve as an invitation, they also promise us forgiveness. What a great reading for our theme of salvation, forgiveness, and new life!

Do you find yourself with an unquenchable thirst or hunger for more of Jesus? With all that is going on in the world around us, we can find ourselves a bit parched. The evil one does a great job in distracting us from the “food” we should be eating. These verses remind us to simply, “come.”

1 John 1:5-10 💚 Be Cleansed, Be Free!

Read 1 John 1:5-10

We all do it. We walk around lugging our baggage behind us while we miss out on the life of freedom God desires for us. Why do we do it? Good question. I’ve got my theories, and I’d love to hear yours.

Our baggage may simply be the lies we’ve told ourselves so long we almost believe them, like we’re not good enough. Perhaps they are doubts we can’t face, sins we can’t forgive ourselves for, excuses for not taking action. Guilt may also be the baggage robbing you of your joy. But there is good news.

Hosea 1-3 💙 A Picture of Forgiveness

Today’s reading is longer than most. The story is a powerful example to bring to life the theme of “Salvation, Forgiveness, and New Life.” I encourage you to read the following text with that lens. What is God’s message to you today in terms of this theme?

Read Hosea 1-3

I am impressed with Hosea’s faithfulness in the first place. We don’t hear how he had to set his own feelings aside as he watched his wife get pregnant time after time. But the story Hosea’s life tells is very significant for the people of Israel.