faith – Page 4 – Be Still…

Colossians 1:24-2:5 – Kept Secret for Centuries

black and white picture of a man holding up his index finger as if to say be quiet

What is the secret? Paul says this about it, “And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” If I was hearing this for the first time, my first question would be, “How does it work to have Christ inside me?”

If that’s your question, too, Paul doesn’t get into those details here. But in 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul’s counsel in another setting speaks to the Holy Spirit, a person of the trinity with Jesus. “Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself.” Take a moment to reflect on what shape your temple is in to host God himself!

Jeremiah 11:18-23 – His Chosen Are Protected

Read Jeremiah 11:18-23

image of God looking on the earth with sky and open water tinted orange

It can be dangerous to be chosen by God for service. Jeremiah learns about the threats to his life directly from God who also promises to punish these offenders. Have you ever been fearful to share your faith or do the work you are doing for the kingdom?

I wasn’t concerned until I read recently that I live in one of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted. According to an article in Christianity Today, Mexico is 37^th of the 50 countries on a watch list for extreme persecution. Despite that, I do not feel unsafe. I have confidence in the one who is fighting my battles.

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 – The Mystery of God

Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-16

Our minds are beautiful creations. I love how our innermost thoughts are ours alone. There are all sorts of medical devices that can tell me about my bodily functions like blood pressure, temperature, weight, and many more internal measurements that are pretty mind-boggling how far science has come. But nobody can tell me “what” I’m thinking.

Like us, God has hidden thoughts, and our text reveals he even has a “secret plan.” This just adds to the “mystery.” One of my favorite verses speaks of this plan. “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” I don’t know about you, but I love knowing that God has an agenda for my life. And that plan is better than I could ever imagine!

2 Samuel 15:13-37 – Faith & Strategy

Read 2 Samuel 15:13-37

Hands folded and placed on an open Bible

Making an escape is not new for David. However, taking a whole household and then some takes a lot more planning and strategy. I can just picture the procession. It would have been impressive to be sure. No panic, only calculated strategy.

David seems to be calmly handling this situation. His faith is strong, and we hear him surrender to God. While he wants to be able to return to Jerusalem, he defers that to God. Not sounding fearful of death, David goes on to say, “But if he is through with me, then let him do what seems best to him.”