La Ola Girls Home – Be Still…

Mark 10:17-31 – What’s Possible?

The rich man who approached Jesus showed great respect, calling him “Good Teacher” as he knelt to ask his question. The first takeaway for us to see is this man’s attitude. Do we approach Jesus with the same expectant awe?

The man’s appreciation soon turned to disappointment at Jesus’ response. For those with lots of money, Jesus’ words can be especially hard to swallow. For those living paycheck to paycheck, it can still be hard to fathom giving up everything to follow Jesus. It’s more than just possessions, isn’t it? Continue reading “Mark 10:17-31 – What’s Possible?”

Acts 2:1-47 – When the Holy Spirit Came

Read Acts 2:1-47

This passage describes the time the Holy Spirit made quite a splash with Jesus’ followers and those looking on. This was a pivotal moment, and the Christian church was born! Pentecost is still celebrated today by Christians around the world, and the Jews now celebrate the 50 days after Passover as Shavuot.

Jesus had promised he’d send a Helper, and this is the moment. Don’t you wish you could have been a fly on the wall as the Holy Spirit entered that place? What a memorable experience to see tongues of fire and hear the mighty wind and people speaking in different languages for the first time. Peter’s sermon would have been powerful to hear firsthand, witnessing Peter’s boldness and determination to share Jesus’ life-changing message. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-47 – When the Holy Spirit Came”

1 Corinthians 3:7-8 – It All Starts with a Seed

“It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work.” (1 Corinthians 3:7-8)

We often hear people say they “brought someone else to faith.” These verses would suggest otherwise. We should not take credit for something God is doing, should we? Our job, then, is to plant seeds of faith or water them. It’s God’s work that grows those seeds and brings people to faith.

Context (1 Corinthians 3): Paul is teaching his audience about spiritual growth in this chapter. It’s a process that starts with first hearing the Word of God and then being nurtured as we learn more. As believers, we each have a job to do, and it isn’t we who deserve the glory or attention but God. Paul equates his ministry with laying a foundation of faith. It is on that foundation that we each become the temple of God, also described by Paul in this chapter. Continue reading “1 Corinthians 3:7-8 – It All Starts with a Seed”

Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost

“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.” (Acts 2:1-4)

I love imagining this Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came powerfully upon the believers. The Christian church was born that day. Along with the commotion, there would have been awe and wonder. It’s a day to remember and celebrate. Growing up Lutheran, we always made it a big deal by wearing red to commemorate the fire of the Spirit.

Context (Acts 2:1-41): This particular day of Pentecost would have been the first one without Jesus for his followers. Jesus had promised he’d send the Holy Spirit and had told his friends to wait expectantly. Did they imagine anything like the actual events of this day? Multitudes of people heard them speaking in other languages. Peter was filled to overflowing and preached like never before. Thousands of those hearing the message about Jesus dedicated themselves as followers. Continue reading “Acts 2:1-4 – Pentecost”

Numbers 27:1-11 – Women’s Rights

Read Numbers 27:1-11

I appreciated the boldness of the daughters of Zelophehad. As land was being assigned, they realized they may be left out because their father had died and there was no male child left to inherit God’s provision. They rightfully acknowledged their father’s own sinfulness and would not be entering the Promised Land.

Their situation brought up a very real scenario, and I can’t imagine Zelophehad’s daughters were the only ones left in this position. Rather than act on his own, Moses went to God for the answer. Seeking God’s counsel is always the right move when presented with a new situation. God’s response may have surprised some, but what a fair way to assure these women their rights to land. Continue reading “Numbers 27:1-11 – Women’s Rights”