Exodus 19-20 – History of The Ten Commandments

Read Exodus 19-20

Don’t worry, having faith in Jesus is not all about the rules. But it’s important to know the 10 Commandments because this decree from God was given just weeks after his people had been rescued from slavery in Egypt. They had already seen some unbelievable things in those fourteen days, but now God was giving them rules to guide their lives so they could live a God-honoring life.

How fitting our new theme of Bible readings focuses on “Living as God Desires” and kicks off with the dramatic story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments from God. We can really sum all of these up into two: Love God and Love Each Other. But there is so much richness and history in this passage, I hope we don’t miss. Continue reading “Exodus 19-20 – History of The Ten Commandments”

Philippians 4:4-7 – When to Pray

Read Philippians 4:4-7

This wisdom from the apostle Paul to the Philippians closes out our theme of “The Holy Spirit & Prayer.” The message that rings out for me is, don’t worry, simply pray. Trust that Jesus will bring his joy and peace. It sounds like it should be easy, but it’s not.

People worry. We can’t help it. Whether it’s something simple like figuring out what to have for dinner that will make everyone happy, to the crazy thoughts that fill your head as you wait up for your child who is way past curfew, to wondering how your family will ever survive after you’re gone. Sometimes our thoughts just get the best of us, and that’s when we should bring this text to mind and cling to its truth. Continue reading “Philippians 4:4-7 – When to Pray”

John 17:1-26 – When Jesus Prays

Read John 17:1-26

After all that Jesus shared with his disciples, he closes in prayer. This is significant because usually Jesus would go off by himself to pray. Here, his disciples are an audience to hear how Jesus prays to the Father. In this instance, Jesus prays for himself and for others.

Jesus knows what is coming next, such a pivotal time in history. Jesus’ work on earth will soon be finished, and his emotions are on high alert. He opens the prayer with his cry of intent to bring glory to God in these final moments, while at the same time craving the glory of the LORD, his accustomed surrounding. Jesus anticipated great pain before that moment in glory. Continue reading “John 17:1-26 – When Jesus Prays”

Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray

Read Luke 11:1-4

This reading moves us to the second half of our theme of the “Holy Spirit & Prayer.” The idea of prayer can be foreign to new Christ-followers who wonder what it means to pray. Isn’t Jesus the best source to teach us to pray? The disciples thought so, too. They had often seen Jesus go off on his own to spend quiet time with God. Talking to God is what prayer is all about.

I imagine the disciples wondered what Jesus would ask the Father. For folks who grew up in a Protestant church like I did, these words in our text are familiar. Known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” we find another teaching of Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:9-13. The Lord’s Prayer is read weekly by congregations as part of the order of service. What a great prayer to pray in community as well as individually! Continue reading “Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray”

Galatians 5:16-26 – Who’s In Charge?

Read Galatians 5:16-26

Do these verses give you a clearer picture of the phenomenon of having a conscience? It’s a lot more personal than that when you imagine the Holy Spirit guiding your direction. In fact, as you get to know the Holy Spirit, you’ll begin to recognize the help you’re receiving. I’ve been known to say something like, “The spirit inside me is suggesting another way for me.”

I can almost picture the little devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. When situations warrant, these two fight it out. Just like verse 17b says, “These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.” As believers, we want the angel to win and protect us from making bad choices. We want to be listening to the Holy Spirit and letting him control. We’re much more likely to succeed and avoid temptation. Continue reading “Galatians 5:16-26 – Who’s In Charge?”

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