God’s promises – Be Still…

2 Peter 1:1-21 – All We Ever Need

Don’t you wish everyone could read this letter from Peter? It puts so many things into perspective. God’s provision for us is amazing! Unfortunately, most aren’t “ready” to accept the wisdom Peter is sharing. Not everyone is open to growing in faith and drawing closer to their Creator. Peter’s prayer for us is powerful. “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord.”

We are all a work in progress when it comes to our faith. Readings like this confirm for us that we are on the right track. It invigorates us to know “God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.” Period. We don’t need to be distracted by seeking riches or fame. God has supplied us for the mission he assigned us. Figuring out what our mission is becomes what we are seeking. Continue reading “2 Peter 1:1-21 – All We Ever Need”

Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Jesus’ Promise

Read Zephaniah 3:14-20

The entire book of Zephaniah is only three chapters, so it’s a quick read. Zephaniah paints a harsh, maybe even terrifying, picture of how the people in Judah are facing doom. The tone of messaging changes in today’s reading to bring hope. It’s time to “be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!” It’s a good reminder for us to rejoice amidst our temporary pain and affliction.

Oh, how wonderful those words would have sounded. At last, a prophecy the people would want to hear. Imagine hearing that your dread and fear would be taken away. The people who had suffered so long had something to hold on to—their hope for a savior. This prophecy even tells them to “cheer up!” Continue reading “Zephaniah 3:14-20 – Jesus’ Promise”

Isaiah 35:4 – What Are Your Fears?

“Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.” (Isaiah 35:4)

For me, one fear I can’t shake is my fear of heights. I’ve gotten past my fear of spiders by living in Mexico. That’s a good thing – they’re giants down here! But this verse isn’t limited to fears of that nature, but to our overall dread of the testing and temptation we will face in life.

Context (Isaiah 35:1-10): As a remedy for fear, Isaiah was given such a beautiful prophecy picturing the day of the Lord when all will be restored. We don’t have to fear when we remember what God’s victory looks like. For the Israelites also hearing of the coming doom, words of hope and everlasting joy would sound great. Isaiah’s own heart would be rejoicing from the promise. Continue reading “Isaiah 35:4 – What Are Your Fears?”

Numbers 6:22-27 – A Blessing for You

Read Numbers 6:22-27

“Then God said to Moses,” is such a full statement in and of itself. The word “then” suggests something particular has happened before this moment. The mere thought of God speaking to a human like this is another whole story to unpack. And God’s choice to give this message to Moses for his own brother and family. That is a lot for just one sentence.

What God told Moses to tell his brother Aaron becomes something beautiful we can all be blessed by. God meant it here to be a priestly blessing for Aaron and his sons to give to the people, themselves included. God knows the job of priest is not for the faint of heart and will take great devotion and sacrifice. More than ever, they themselves will need to cling to these words of blessing. Continue reading “Numbers 6:22-27 – A Blessing for You”