Be Still… – Page 37 – Relevant Reflections to Let God's Word Back Into Your Hands and Heart

John 13:1-17 – The Servant

You’re invited into a very tender moment between Jesus and his closest followers in this reading. We find ourselves with Jesus and his disciples on the last night they’ll spend together before his death on the cross. All four gospels mention Jesus’ last supper, but John’s gospel is the only one that reveals Jesus’ character as a servant washing his disciples’ feet.

What does this tell us about who Jesus is? Jesus wants us to see another side of his leadership style, that a of a servant. Jesus wants us to model after him, so it’s good to see him in action. As Christians, we seek every day to be more like Jesus. Getting to know Jesus helps us figure out how to act. Even though Jesus is God’s son, he is approachable and loving with the heart of a servant.

Continue reading “John 13:1-17 – The Servant”

Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?

Read Luke 2:1-21

We often overlook the significance of this birth announcement. Jesus wasn’t just some baby who was born over two thousand years ago. Instead, quite a “somebody” because we’re still talking about him all these years later. People who know and love Jesus understand that he is way more than just a baby from the history books. This Bible passage is golden to help us see the “truth” be born.

Jesus is the truth that guides and shapes our lives. Jesus said of himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” When you think of Jesus’ birth, think of who he is and why it matters. Jesus shows us the way. It’s such an honor to know the life-giver as our way to the Father. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?”

James 1:19-27 – Don’t Just Listen, Do!

Read James 1:19-27

Here’s yet another source, Jesus’ little brother James, teaching us the importance of God’s Word. James was a Christian leader, supporting his brother’s mission in the early Jerusalem church. His message here is clear that God’s Word is to be trusted and followed.

James put an exclamation point on how we should read the Bible. By that, I mean that rather than just read the words and agree that they are nice and well-intentioned, we are to live them and act on them. Simply going through the motions of life doesn’t count. Continue reading “James 1:19-27 – Don’t Just Listen, Do!”

2 Timothy 3:14-17 – Inspired by God

Read 2 Timothy 3:14-17

This is such a great Bible text talking about itself. What a great way to focus on God’s Word, seeing it as the great resource it is for our lives! Who can you thank for introducing you to the Bible? Hopefully, they are a trusted friend who shares your desire to know God more.

The teachers referred to here are those Christian guides who have come alongside us during our lives, pointing toward the truth. For me, I remember many Sunday School teachers who shared Bible stories with the class. I can’t imagine not having them in my life, but I recognize that other people have had entirely different upbringings. I thank God for you, that we are now on the same path toward God. Continue reading “2 Timothy 3:14-17 – Inspired by God”

Acts 9:1-9 – Whom God Chooses

Read Acts 9:1-9

God doesn’t always choose the people you expect. Look at me! I’m a retired paralegal from the Midwest now serving as a missionary in Mexico and writing Bible devotions to help people connect with God. But Saul’s story is extraordinary, and it’s one we should pay attention to.

We’re not told here what becomes of Saul after he’s blinded by the light. Saul’s conversion story is powerful, and you can read more about it and how God uses other people to help Saul here in Acts 9. But for our reflection today, let’s consider what this tells us about our theme of listening to God’s Word. Continue reading “Acts 9:1-9 – Whom God Chooses”

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