relationship with God – Be Still…

John 10:1-21 – Being a Good Sheep

Jesus identifies himself as the gate and as the shepherd. Jesus is clever to come at his identity from two different angles. He is the way to salvation and also our protector and guide. Jesus is more than capable of handling both jobs well.

Even though Jesus used a common example for His time, using sheep and shepherds, the people weren’t grasping the message. To others, it made perfect sense. Those people would follow Jesus anywhere. Perhaps it was hard for some to imagine themselves as a sheep, and that’s why people took offense to Jesus. Continue reading “John 10:1-21 – Being a Good Sheep”

1 Peter 2:1-10 – What Do You Crave?

Read 1 Peter 2:1-10

The first verse can send a shiver down most of our backs when we realize we are guilty. “So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech.” It’s this same evil behavior that breaks down friendships, families, and especially our relationship with God. We’re all guilty and need to be cleansed. I’ve often said I’m glad Jesus must have a big eraser because he washes away our sins.

Peter is “spot on” with his counsel about life. Verse 5 is a doozy. “And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God.” It’s not often that we think of ourselves in terms of “living stones” or “holy priests.” At least I don’t. But Peter calls us out as being just that! Continue reading “1 Peter 2:1-10 – What Do You Crave?”

Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid

Read Luke 21:25-36

The Gospel of Luke shares more details about what to look for when Jesus returns. People have been noticing such signs for many years, but I’m guessing that what Jesus describes is more intense than any changes we’ve seen.

Even though we’re walking through Advent together, it’s easy to get caught up in the distractions of the Christmas season. Magnificent as Jesus’ birth was, that was only the beginning. We must never forget Jesus is coming again, too, and that’s something to be ready for! Continue reading “Luke 21:25-36 – Don’t Be Afraid”

Psalm 23 – God is My Shepherd

Read Psalm 23

What a reading to close this week’s focus on our majestic and gracious God! Psalm 23 is one of those cherished psalms that many turn to in times of struggle, loss, and confusion. Understanding the significance of God being referred to as our shepherd is key.

Shepherds are one of those professions that used to be very common, and the psalmist’s audience would be very familiar. David, the psalmist, was a shepherd boy before he became king. David would know firsthand that the shepherd is the hero of every sheep. The relationship between sheep and shepherd is extremely close. Sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd, and shepherds are very careful to never misplace one of their sheep. For David to describe God in this way is powerful. Continue reading “Psalm 23 – God is My Shepherd”

Psalm 8 – God the Creator

Read Psalm 8

As we embark on our “Discovering the Bible Challenge,” we’ll focus first on Our Majestic and Gracious God. Each reading has been carefully selected for our Bible adventure together. Our opening theme helps introduce us to who God is. What does our psalm speak to your heart about God’s character? Have you ever thought about God like this?

For me, I am comforted in knowing I was not created and then left to fend for myself. We all know this world to be a dark, cruel place underneath all the beauty and glorious display of God’s hand. There is peace knowing God created me to be in a relationship with him. His instructions are available for all of us. Continue reading “Psalm 8 – God the Creator”