what is God’s will – Be Still…

Hebrews 10:1-18 – Old vs. New

It’s a big deal that Jesus is our High Priest. The preacher has kept with this topic for several chapters so that we would understand how Jesus has changed everything. While Jesus’ role ushers in the new covenant, he clarified that he wasn’t doing away with the old laws but simply bringing them up to date, given his role in our lives. But Jesus did cancel the old covenant promise, replacing it with a better promise.

In fact, the Holy Spirit declares here the message we heard a few verses ago. “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” We don’t have to worry about what laws God wants us to pay attention to because he will put them into our hearts and minds. We won’t be able to miss them, and hopefully we’ll be more obedient. Continue reading “Hebrews 10:1-18 – Old vs. New”

John 18:28-19:16 – What a Horrible Day!

Read John 18:28-19:16

Jesus had a horrible day. We’ve already read how he was taken from his prayer time by an army. He was questioned, beaten, and heard the chants to “crucify him!” Jesus may have known what was coming. Scripture even foretold some of the details, but to have it happen had to be dreadful.

As a follower of Jesus, it’s hard to read, much less try to visualize, these final hours of Jesus’ life. All of this was happening to the Son of God! I can barely wrap my head around that. The divine plan was playing out as if it had been scripted. Continue reading “John 18:28-19:16 – What a Horrible Day!”

Mark 14:32-52 – At Gethsemane

Read Mark 14:32-52

Jesus knew what was about to happen. His soul was crushed. He wanted his closest followers near him during this difficult time. Our hearts should start to break, too, as we lament with Jesus. What Jesus endured, he did for you and me. Jesus wanted the suffering removed, and yet he said, “I want your will to be done, not mine.”

Jesus models for us such restraint in surrendering his desires to the will of God. This is one lesson we can learn simply from observing Jesus’ response to his situation. Praying for God’s will to be done should be our “go-to” as well. It’s even a petition in The Lord’s Prayer, the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. Continue reading “Mark 14:32-52 – At Gethsemane”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You

^“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

As believers, we’re always seeking God’s will for our lives. In in our head, we know God’s will is perfect, and we want to be living in it. The Lord’s Prayer even has a petition that says, “Thy will be done.” That’s what we pray for, but do we know what it is? Do you ever question God about it? And then we encounter a text like this, reminding us so simply.

Context: In Chapter 5, Paul is setting expectations for the Thessalonians about Jesus’ return. He wanted them to be prepared, even though nobody knows when that day will come. We are still waiting all these years later. Our memory text comes from Paul’s final words of advice. He speaks of how we should relate to others and how we should live our lives while we wait. Continue reading “1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – God’s Will For You”

Numbers 24:10-25 – God’s Will

Read Numbers 24:10-25

After all of that, Balaam received no reward from the king. That promise of riches was taken away when Balaam didn’t deliver the curse Balak wanted. The reward we receive is for doing good and having faith and trust in our God. I wonder if God extended that grace and mercy to Balaam as well.

We may not always understand what God’s will is for our lives, but we can clearly see here that it was his intention to protect his people Israel and give them victory over the people who would stand in their way. Even Balaam, an outsider, realized that and was used by God to further God’s will. Continue reading “Numbers 24:10-25 – God’s Will”