1 Peter 4:1-19 – Endure It!

Read 1 Peter 4:1-19

This is one of those passages where it helps to imagine Peter, Jesus’ own disciple, sitting you down to tell you what you can expect as a Christ-follower. It’s not an easy road. And yet it is the most rewarding way to live. When you start living your life, “anxious to do the will of God,” there’s an undeniable shift toward peace.

You may be discovering for the first time that non-believers can be cruel toward you and your devotion to God. Remember, they just don’t understand. Your choice to give up your old, wicked habits may surprise others, but think about the One you are seeking to please. When we act in God-honoring ways, our Creator is pleased. Continue reading “1 Peter 4:1-19 – Endure It!”

Hebrews 11:1 – Faith

“Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Does this statement about faith help you understand what faith is all about? When faced with a difficult situation, we often find ourselves saying, “Just have faith.” What does that even mean? Faith in what? If we cling to this verse when we’re in those tight spots, our hope is certainly to be released from that bondage or be freed from that struggle.

Context: Chapter 11 of Hebrews is full of examples of faithful people, heroes from the pages of Scripture. The author of Hebrews shows us exactly how their faith was revealed. By reflecting on their successes and interactions with God, we can get a better glimpse of what having faith in God looks like. It was “by faith” those regular people accomplished some amazing things. Continue reading “Hebrews 11:1 – Faith”

Psalm 31:2 – While We Wait

“Turn your ear to listen to me;
rescue me quickly.
Be my rock of protection,
    a fortress where I will be safe.”
(Psalm 31:2)

This is a great verse to help us when we are feeling afraid or apprehensive about something happening in our lives. As I’m writing this, we’re approaching the end of Holy Week on Saturday. Jesus’ followers would have been worried and fearful they might be hunted down and executed next. It would have been a time of reflection and crying out to God.

Context: Psalm 31 is a psalm of David with a feeling of lament all the way through. David also reminds us God is who we should trust. Sometimes when we’re stuck in one of those challenges of life, we forget to fully rely on God. In this verse, as well the whole psalm, David cries out for God’s deliverance from his enemies.

Continue reading “Psalm 31:2 – While We Wait”

Isaiah 26:3-4 – Trusting God

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!
Trust in the Lord always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.”
(Isaiah 26:3-4)

Perfect peace sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? We can know that peace when we trust in God. Shalom, shalom is what they say on “The Chosen” television series as a greeting to each other. In one episode, they explained it to a non-Jew as signifying perfect peace. What a beautiful way to greet someone, don’t you think?

Context: The section of Isaiah 26 that sings praise to the LORD. “In that day” everyone will sing praise to the LORD. What a beautiful picture that is for us to imagine the whole world recognizing God for the Mighty One he is. These verses are plucked out of the magnificent imagery that Isaiah uses to paint the picture of when we who trust God will finally know perfect peace. Continue reading “Isaiah 26:3-4 – Trusting God”

Psalm 28 – From Lament to Praise

Read Psalm 28

One of the things I like about this psalm is how it covers the gamut of emotions from lament to praise. It’s a good reminder for us to always bring praise to God even when we are feeling weak or troubled by life’s circumstances.

David opens the psalm declaring it as a prayer to God, his “rock.” David acknowledges God and wants an audience with him. Isn’t that the same for us when we pray. Don’t we often seek God’s counsel, his help, and even his retribution for those who have wronged us, just like David is? Continue reading “Psalm 28 – From Lament to Praise”

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