Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose

Read Ephesians 1:12-14

Have you ever written a “purpose statement” for your life? Many businesses and organizations start with a purpose statement to set intentions and expectations for their goals. God’s purpose for us, then, is that we will bring him glory. God intends for us to be included because we have heard and accepted the Good News.

God’s purpose for Himself is to save us and give us the Holy Spirit. That is definitely Good News! Jesus was sent on that rescue mission so we would be saved from our sins. We were never abandoned because Jesus sent the promised Holy Spirit so we would be empowered and set free. Continue reading “Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose”

Numbers 21:21-35 – Fighting our Battles

Read Numbers 21:21-35

The pattern of God protecting his people and fighting their battles continues here. The Israelites are marching their way through foreign lands on their way to the Promised Land. Two more kingdoms have now fallen as a result of God’s hand of protection.

I never like to dwell on the reality that lots of people died in these verses. Why does it somehow seem okay because that’s what God allowed to happen? It was a means to an end. God’s people were granted victories over these ruling kings because of God’s power, that’s what God wanted them to see. Continue reading “Numbers 21:21-35 – Fighting our Battles”

2 Chronicles 32:1-8 – All Hands on Deck

Read 2 Chronicles 32:1-8

If you were wondering whether King Hezekiah could do no wrong, what’s the answer now? Even under the pressure of attack or threat of one, the King was encouraging the rest of his followers to have faith in God. That’s a rather bold move from a faith standpoint. For Hezekiah, he seemed fearless because of his unfailing confidence in God’s provision. I’m not necessarily feeling fearless these days. Hezekiah gets it right!

In Hezekiah’s own words to encourage his people, he said this about the opposition. “He may have a great army, but they are merely men. We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” Can you imagine what it was like to have such words of faith coming from your ruling king? Imagine! And the uplifting message giving hope. We all face battles in our lives every day. How much different they look when we let Jesus lead us. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 32:1-8 – All Hands on Deck”