faith journey – Be Still…

Mark 8:27-9:1 – What Would You Say?

Peter was quick to comment, but what would you say if asked, “Who is Jesus?” Have you ever thought about that? It’s a question we, as believers, should be ready to answer at any time. The answer defines us and our relationship with Jesus. It’s okay to be unsure, but it’s an important declaration to have on the tip of your tongue. Jesus’ message to us would be the opposite of keeping his identity a secret.

Next, our reading turns a bit dreary. We already know how hard it has been for the disciples to fully grasp what they are witnessing Jesus accomplish. Now, to hear him speak of his brutal death must have seemed unthinkable. We never want to hear news from friends or family about their death or mortality. Jesus’ departure sounded a lot more dramatic, and I can’t imagine what the disciples were thinking. Were they perhaps in denial? Continue reading “Mark 8:27-9:1 – What Would You Say?”

Galatians 6:4-5 – Our Responsibility

“Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.For we are each responsible for our own conduct.” (Galatians 6:4-5)

What a great reminder to take a self-check right now. Paul is giving us permission, encouraging us to do so in this moment. Each time we claim this verse and live it out, we can make sure we’re taking care of our own faith business before we try and change the world or, worse yet, compare ourselves to others.

Context (Galatians 6:1-10): Paul is handling some sensitive subjects here in chapter 6. Namely, the harvest of those seeds we plant both in ourselves and in others. We’ll face temptation and plenty of opportunities to do the wrong thing in God’s eyes. Paul is hoping to help us thwart those inevitable missteps. Continue reading “Galatians 6:4-5 – Our Responsibility”

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”

2 Chronicles 27:1-9 – Stay the Course

Read 2 Chronicles 27:1-9

Congratulations to King Jotham! He remained faithful for his entire sixteen-year reign. That’s a feat his own father and several generations of kings before him could not accomplish. The Chronicler points out, “King Jotham became powerful because he was careful to live in obedience to the Lord his God.”

Despite having a faithful king, the people Jotham ruled were still disobedient to the LORD. How do you think that made Jotham feel? The Chronicler doesn’t go into any detail about what measures Jotham may have tried to bring the people around on a spiritual level. Perhaps he hoped that his own faithfulness would be a good model for his subjects to follow.

2 Chronicles 24:1-16 – The Good Years

Read 2 Chronicles 24:1-16

We read several times that these good years lasted while the priest, Jehoiada was alive to mentor King Joash. Accordingly, this reading recognizes King Joash as having pleased the LORD. The Chronicler wants to showcase Joash’s restoration plan for the Temple as one of the God-pleasing actions. Many generations had passed since the temple was built by Solomon, and not all of Judah’s kings had taken good care of God’s residence.

Joash was fortunate to have a spiritual leader in Jehoiada. Do you have a mentor like that who keeps you grounded and focused on your obedience to the LORD? We should all be so lucky.