1 Peter 1:13-25 – Holy Living

Read 1 Peter 1:13-25

God has chosen you and set you apart to do mighty things. You may not feel all that special, and you might wonder what you could ever do to make a difference. I know, because I’ve questioned, too. I have never felt worthy to be used by God. However, when he does use me, there is no better feeling of accomplishment. My life matters. My purpose was for moments like those. Then I ask, how can I make more of them happen? When will God use me again?

The important thing is to never stop serving. We must seek holiness, and God will set us up for success in the kingdom. His word is clear. “You must be holy because I am holy.”  We can often fall back into our old habits, so we need to take care to not do that. We have seen and felt what being holy feels like. We should never want that feeling to go away. Yet some stray. It’s inevitable. Even though we know better now.

Continue reading “1 Peter 1:13-25 – Holy Living”

Ephesians 6:10-24 – Be Strong

Read Ephesians 6:10-24

Verse 10 is one of my go-to verses when I’m feeling weak and unsure of myself. Those times come more often than I’d like to admit, but having the assurance God is protecting is all I need to feel energized. “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power!” We can all call upon this mighty power to help us stay strong and courageous during the storms of life.

The verses that follow have always been important to me, too, because they speak of how God equips us, the broken sinner, to be ready for the world each day. The armor of God was fun to teach children as well because it was so easy to act out. While the “armor” we had available, shoes, shield, helmet, and belt we used for our dramatization look completely different than what the 1st century Christians were using, the visual is still very helpful in making an impression. Continue reading “Ephesians 6:10-24 – Be Strong”

Acts 28:1-10 – Hand of Protection

Read Acts 28:1-10

For being a prisoner, Paul seems to get along pretty well. He doesn’t have total freedom, but I don’t get the impression he’s in shackles or chains. I loved the snake bite story. The people jumped to conclusions that justice would prevail – death for his bad deeds. But miraculously God saved him again.

This just goes to show us how God’s hand of protection was on Paul’s life to complete the purpose he had for Paul. That same hand of protection is on our life, too. This brings to mind people who are killed by accident or in a mass tragedy. You might ask if their missions were complete or if God is now moving on to plan B to make something good out of the tragedy.  Continue reading “Acts 28:1-10 – Hand of Protection”

Luke 4:1-13 – What Tempts You?

Read Luke 4:1-13

Does it make you feel better to know that even Jesus was tested? What can we learn from his response to the devil’s schemes?

We see Jesus in this passage from the perspective of knowing who he is and how his life played out. Imagine if we were only seeing him for the first time in these few verses. What if we didn’t understand or realize he was the Son of God? Read the passage again through that lens (yes, I know it’s hard).

What are your impressions now? Here are some of my observations.

  • The devil knew Jesus was the Son of God. I wonder how?
  • I can’t imagine not eating for 40 days! I definitely would be hungry, I’d want to eat everything in sight!
  • Boy, Jesus was strong to resist that bread!
  • The devil tried to use Scripture, too, to fool Jesus. Crafty. Some people try to use it for their own purposes, too.
  • Why didn’t Jesus run away from the devil?

Continue reading “Luke 4:1-13 – What Tempts You?”

Luke 1:67-80 – What a Prophecy!

Read Luke 1:67-80

What powerful words God gave to Zechariah. It’s almost like an answer to the question in our previous passage. You will recall the people were amazed at the events and wondered what John would “turn out to be”.

After Zechariah, the priest and father, spoke, the people gathered knew exactly who John was and what his destiny was to be. They also knew that their Lord and Savior would soon be on the scene.

This is the second of four “songs” in the book of Luke. Like Mary, Zechariah speaks of God’s marvelous deeds. Both make reference to the covenant promise with Abraham.

Did you have a favorite line from this one? I liked vv. 74 and 75, We have been rescued from our enemies so we can serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness for as long as we live.”  In those days, there was a fear of God that we don’t see much today. The people had not yet met Jesus, God in the flesh, and gotten to know the true heart of God. Yet even knowing how much God loves us, so much  that he sent his one and only Son, we sometimes discount the immensity of that very act. We downplay God’s power, his might, and sovereign rule over our lives. The fear is gone.

The mere fact that he has rescued us over and over again from our enemies has also gone unnoticed. God works behind the scenes to keep us safe. When we stumble or find ourselves under enemy attack, many times it is because we have stepped outside of God’s will for us.

Being a follower doesn’t mean life will be easy. It means we have a protector and friend walking beside us. It means we are doing our best to stay connected and be righteous despite the obstacles.

Zechariah’s prophecy is beautiful in it’s form. It exalts God, lifts up his own child’s destiny as intended by God, recognizes God’s perfect plan, and assures people of God’s peace.

Take a moment to rest in God’s peace today. Let your heart reflect on God’s goodness around you.

Let’s pray. Lord God, I thank you for your promise to protect me and redeem me. Thank you for accepting me despite my failures and flaws. Use me and my story to reach others for you. Give me a bold spirit to stand unafraid before my enemies. Clear my vision so that I can see what you intend for me. As John’s destiny was set even before his birth, I know you have a plan for me, too. Help me to stay on the path you have for me. Bless all that I say and do this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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