community of believers

Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in This!

“Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” (Romans 12:12)

As believers, we don’t just have confidence; we have “confident hope.” Instead of just hoping things work out, our confident hope gives us assurance because of what Jesus did for us. We don’t have to worry; we place our trust in Jesus, who always keeps his promises. Doesn’t having that kind of confident hope bring you peace and comfort, too?

Context (Romans 12): This verse is one of many gems in the 12^th chapter of Romans talking about our lives as Christians. This verse comes right after Paul talks about being part of the Body of Christ, each of us having our own gifts to offer to the kingdom. Let this verse remind you of your allegiance as well as your community of faithful believers. Continue reading “Romans 12:12 – Rejoice in This!”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – Motivating Others

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

How creative are you? Some people are masters at being imaginative and memorable. Being a children’s ministry leader, I’ve gotten pretty good at accomplishing that, but this verse doesn’t have that requirement at all. There are plenty of ways we can motivate others without being cutesy and fun. The main idea is to be in community.

Context: In general, the book of Hebrews reminds us of Jesus’ supremacy and how to remain faithful. Jesus is all we need, but sometimes we get mixed signals from the world. The section in which this verse falls is all about how to persevere in our faith when life throws those curveballs. Continue reading “Hebrews 10:24-25 – Motivating Others”

Ecclesiastes 4:7-12 – Community

Read Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

“It takes a village.” If you haven’t heard that phrase before, it’s another way of acknowledging the communities of support we have in our lives. It’s especially helpful when it kicks in for parents of young children. We never have enough hands or time for carpooling when you can’t be in two places at once!

Solomon is also troubled by those who don’t have a community around them. He questions how they can muster up the motivation to work if they don’t have a community to support. Everyone will have a different motivation for working, it’s not always a race to have great wealth. I suppose that’s easy for me to say as a missionary and pastor’s wife. Wealth is certainly not my motivation.

Zechariah 1:1-6 – Return to God

Read Zechariah 1:1-6

The book of Zechariah is often viewed in three sections because of stylistic differences. The first includes Chapters 1-8, the second Chapters 9-11, and the third, Chapters 12-14. The latter sections are thought to have been added to this book but not necessarily written by Zechariah. Don’t be surprised when we get to those later chapters and the style and focus changes a bit.

Like Haggai, Zechariah first speaks to the Israelites returning to Jerusalem from their exilic captivity. This was a chance for a new life, and God wanted to make sure they were secure in the hope that only he provides. Have you ever moved to a new city? You know the adjustment period can be challenging.

1 Peter 4:7-11 – Bring Glory to God

Read 1 Peter 4:7-11

That first line sure grabbed me, did it for you? I had to stop and just nod my head. I’d love to think that Jesus was coming soon. And then I remember all the people I know and love that don’t know Jesus yet, or if they do, they aren’t nurturing their relationship like Jesus deserves. So when you wonder why Jesus hasn’t come yet, remind yourself there are still people who need to know about him and be saved.

We’re a lot closer to Jesus’ return than Peter was when he wrote this letter. Thousands of years have already passed. In every generation, people have been getting ready. I don’t suppose any of those who love Jesus mind when they get to heaven. We have the confidence he’ll return when the Father says so. He promised. It’s our job to be ready.