eternal life – Be Still…

Matthew 19:26 – What’s Possible?

^“Jesus looked at them intently and said, ‘Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.’” (Matthew 19:26)

We humans tend to think too small. Although I am always amazed when I hear of a new gadget on the market solving some problem I never would have thought of myself. You can probably think of examples of this as well. When we look at the Creator and the intricacies of nature, we are again stunned of the limitless possibilities. God has such great plans for us.

Context (Matthew 19:16-30): It’s interesting to understand how Jesus was using our verse as a teachable moment. Jesus had just finished responding to a rich man who was asking about eternal life. Jesus had told him what he needed to do, but the man wasn’t ready to take those steps. After the disciples wondered who could ever be saved, Jesus told his disciples that it would be impossible to get into heaven, but with God’s help, everything would be possible. Continue reading “Matthew 19:26 – What’s Possible?”

Jeremiah 29:11 – Whose Plans?

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.’” (Jeremiah 29:11)

God’s plans and our plans don’t always match up, but when they do, it’s golden. We often get so caught up in our own planning for the future that we lose sight that God is doing the same for us. I’m always thrilled when I remember to stop for a moment and ask, “Hey, God, are these plans yours or mine?” It’s good to check ourselves because God’s plans are always better.

Context (Jeremiah 29:1-23): This is a great text of promise found in a letter Jeremiah writes from Jerusalem, on behalf of the LORD, to the people exiled to Babylon. It’s in this letter that God tells his wayward Israelites to get comfortable in Babylon because they’re going to be there for a while, for seventy years. God takes responsibility for their being taken away into exile in the first place and warns them about listening to prophets there. Our memory verse falls right after God promises to bring them home in the future and make good on all the promises not yet fulfilled. Among other blessings, that means sending Jesus, doesn’t it? Continue reading “Jeremiah 29:11 – Whose Plans?”

1 John 2:17 – This World

“And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.” (1 John 2:17)

We live in this world and may think we see it fading away, too. It’s good to remember that this world is not our destination. That thought can bring you comfort if your heart is breaking along with God’s over some of the horrific things people are dealing with these days. With hope in Christ, the “fading away” part doesn’t have to be as scary.

Context (1 John 2:15-17) These few verses speak of the world and remind us of an important truth. The world is not what we should be trusting. We should expect the world to disappoint us and not put blind faith in it but in God alone. What are some of your “cravings” in this that entice you away from your relationship with God? The world is good at deceiving us, so beware. Continue reading “1 John 2:17 – This World”

John 10:27-28 – His Sheep

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.” (John 10:27-28)

I don’t often think of myself as a sheep, but when I read and reflect on this verse I want to be one. Well, at least I’d like to be as Jesus describes them. To be totally devoted to Jesus is how I want to live my life, and this verse has some great promises.

Context: In Chapter 10 of John’s gospel, Jesus has identified himself as the “Good Shepherd.” It would have been a very interesting comparison back in those days because shepherds were not revered highly in society. Yet, the relationship between a shepherd and his sheep would have been unique and almost intimate. These verses follow that discussion when the people were pressuring Jesus to confirm he was the Messiah. His response is priceless and worth memorizing. Continue reading “John 10:27-28 – His Sheep”

Numbers 21:1-20 – The Bronze Snake

Read Numbers 21:1-20

News must be getting out that the Israelites are on the move. If there was any doubt whether God was with them, what happened to the people of Arad should speak volumes. The Israelites were attacked, they asked God to deliver them, and God gave them victory. That type of pattern seems to follow God’s people throughout Scripture.

Then we have the story of the deadly snakes and yet another account of how the Israelites grumbled against God and their leader, Moses. It’s easy for us to point fingers at them, wondering why they seem to never be satisfied with life. Have you ever blamed God for something less than desirable that happened to you? This time, God sent their rescue as a lesson in the form of poisonous snakes. Continue reading “Numbers 21:1-20 – The Bronze Snake”