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

Read Ephesians 1:1-8

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”

Psalm 8 – God the Creator

Read Psalm 8

As we embark on our “Discovering the Bible Challenge,” we’ll focus first on Our Majestic and Gracious God. Each reading has been carefully selected for our Bible adventure together. Our opening theme helps introduce us to who God is. What does our psalm speak to your heart about God’s character? Have you ever thought about God like this?

For me, I am comforted in knowing I was not created and then left to fend for myself. We all know this world to be a dark, cruel place underneath all the beauty and glorious display of God’s hand. There is peace knowing God created me to be in a relationship with him. His instructions are available for all of us. Continue reading “Psalm 8 – God the Creator”

Jeremiah 31:25 – For the Sorrowful

“For I have given rest to the weary and joy to the sorrowing.” (Jeremiah 31:25)

As I write this, my heart breaks for the families dealing with grief in Texas following deadly flooding over the holiday weekend. Many others around the world are struggling with sorrow in deep and profound ways as well. It is my hope and prayer that this verse can be a beacon of hope in those dark moments. God wants to bring joy to our sorrow.

Context (Jeremiah 31:15-25): Jeremiah uses all of chapter 31 to speak of hope for the restoration to come. Jeremiah’s earlier prophecies spoke of God’s judgment toward the stubborn Israelites who had angered God with their indifference. This condensed section deals specifically with God’s desire to protect and restore his children, hoping they will cling to the future promise. Continue reading “Jeremiah 31:25 – For the Sorrowful”

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