Acts 2:42 – Community Looks Like This

“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42)

I love this picture of a community. When believers gather, it is special. Our weekly church meetings are nice, but this memory verse for our quiver of truth suggests believers should enjoy so much more. When is the last time you shared a meal with another believer, besides your own family?

Context (Acts 2:42-47): The young church is growing, and here we learn about how the new believers start forming clusters to gather. The church was born so that believers could meet, support, and love each other. Seeing the early church in action can be enlightening for us today. Continue reading “Acts 2:42 – Community Looks Like This”

Hebrews 11:1 – Faith

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Does this statement about faith help you understand what faith is all about? When faced with a difficult situation, we often find ourselves saying, “Just have faith.” What does that even mean? Faith in what? If we cling to this verse when we’re in those tight spots, our hope is certainly to be released from that bondage or be freed from that struggle.

Context: Chapter 11 of Hebrews is full of examples of faithful people, heroes from the pages of Scripture. The author of Hebrews shows us exactly how their faith was revealed. By reflecting on their successes and interactions with God, we can get a better glimpse of what having faith in God looks like. It was “by faith” those regular people accomplished some amazing things. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:1 – Faith”

1 John 5:14 – Knowing What to Pray

“And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” (1 John 5:14)

The advantage of this memory verse is clear—the confidence that God hears our prayers. But there is an action step for us. We need to be praying what pleases God. Other translations refer to our prayers being God’s will. So, if we ask God for things that are his will, he hears us. That makes sense, doesn’t it? I’m confident he hears all the other babbling we do, too.

Context: This verse appears during the conclusion to John’s first letter (he writes three letters total). John assumes he is writing to fellow believers, wants them to know about eternal life, and to further assure that when God hears us, he answers us. Continue reading “1 John 5:14 – Knowing What to Pray”

Isaiah 41:10 – Never Alone

“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
(Isaiah 41:10)

This is one of those verses you want to write on your heart for those times when you are afraid of something you’re facing. We know life isn’t promised to be perfect. How much better when we remember we are never alone. Jesus is walking with us through all the valleys, too.

Context: Isaiah had been called by God to wake up the Israelites to their coming doom. Yet Chapter 41 is a beautiful example of how God cares for his children. Amidst discussion of how God will use unlikely enemy sources, he promises hope and provision for his people, Israel. They can put their trust in him. God is hoping the message he gives Isaiah encourages them to do just that.

This comment is so fitting of God’s character. He can discipline and love at the same time. He doesn’t want us to fear, only trust him. Imagine God is saying this to you.  What are you afraid of or discouraged about right now? Doesn’t knowing God is holding you up help you feel more secure?

No matter what, God is there strengthening us. Life may be chugging along on a high note. God is still there. Once we open our hearts to him, God never leaves our side. The promise he made to the Israelites is for us as well. We have been welcomed into the family of God as believers in Christ. This protection is for us, too.

The Israelites would fall and be overtaken at some point after these words were spoken through the prophet. Despite that, God promised he wouldn’t abandon them. The Israelites had given God every reason to disown them by their behaviors and willful disrespect of God’s desires for them. Yet our God is forgiving, isn’t he? He doesn’t abandon us.

Jesus’ death made it possible for us to have better communication with God. Many times the abandonment happens because we leave God behind. God’s closeness can be reciprocated as we have been given access to God as well.

How do you approach God? Is it with reverence, on your knees, with the respect God deserves? I’m confident God’s okay with our on-the-run conversations, too. Sometimes those little pop-up prayers driving down the road can be precious and memorable.

I like when God sends reminders to reassure us he is still working. Sometimes you hear something on the radio that just resonates, like the perfect song. I know I’ve been a puddle of tears on more than one occasion when the lyrics of the song I’m listening to really strike a chord. I like to think those messages are from God and meant just for me.

The bottom line is we are never alone. God doesn’t want us to be afraid or worried because he’s there to strengthen us. He helps us and doesn’t let us fall. Lean into God today and let yourself feel his strength and support.

single cross against sunset with sun burst by crossLet’s pray. Lord, I love you with my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and I want you to be the leader of my life. Thank you for never leaving my side and giving me what I need each day. Thank you for stepping into my mess and making things better. Lead me in the way you want me to go. I love your messages for me, may I keep my eyes open for them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Matthew 28:19-20 – Make Disciples

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Immediately after the resurrection, Jesus’ followers were still unsure of what their lives would look like without Jesus in it. But Jesus’ words called them into their mission, and we are called to the same assignment.  These verses are known as the “Great Commission” and set us up for our kingdom work.

Context (Matthew 28): Matthew’s account of the resurrection flows into a cover-up attempt by the chief priests and elders and concludes with what’s known as the “Great Commission.” We know from the other gospels that Jesus appeared to his followers a few times before ascending to heaven. During one of these visits, Jesus spoke these words, giving his disciples the job he expected them to do. Can you imagine receiving these marching orders directly from Jesus? Continue reading “Matthew 28:19-20 – Make Disciples”

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