Power in the Living God

Scripture Readings (NLT)

Mark 12:26-27
"But now, as to whether the dead will be raised—haven't you ever read about this in the writings of Moses, in the story of the burning bush? Long after Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had died, God said to Moses, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' So He is the God of the living, not the dead. You have made a serious error."

1 Peter 2:24
"He personally carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By His wounds you are healed."

2 Timothy 1:7
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline."

The Living Hope

We often view our mistakes, fears, and past wounds as permanent fixtures in our lives. We allow yesterday's pain to dictate today's strength. Yet today's Scriptures remind us that our God is not a God of stagnation, decay, or death. He is the vibrant, powerful God of the living. Because He is alive, our faith, our healing, and our purpose are meant to be fully alive as well.

Jesus willingly submitted Himself to the Father's plan. In perfect obedience and immeasurable love, He fulfilled all righteousness. He did not come to accomplish His own will but the will of the Father who sent Him. Through His sacrifice, He made a way for us to live in freedom, hope, and victory.

Healed for a Purpose

In 1 Peter 2:24, we see the foundation of our faith. Jesus carried our sins to the cross so that we could be free from the grip of sin and past failures. His wounds purchased our healing.

This healing is not reserved only for eternity—it is meant to transform the way we live today. Through Christ, we are forgiven, restored, and made alive in righteousness. Because of that, we should continually seek God's will for our lives and walk in obedience to His leading.

Amen!

Armed with Courage

Because you have been healed and made alive in Christ, you no longer have to live in fear. Praise God!

2 Timothy 1:7 declares that God has not given us a spirit of fear or timidity. Instead, He fills us with power, love, and self-discipline through His Holy Spirit.

When anxiety whispers that you are not enough, the Spirit reminds you that the power of the living God dwells within you.

I have struggled with feelings of unworthiness for much of my life, rooted in childhood trauma. Yet even in those moments of struggle, I remember the words Jesus spoke to me when I was nine years old. When He came to me and held me, He told me that He had a great work ahead for me.

Though feelings of inadequacy occasionally return, I know this truth: I was worth enough for Jesus to love, comfort, and call. If I am precious to Him, then I am precious to the Father and cherished by the Holy Spirit, for the Triune God is perfectly united in love.

When the enemy tries to knock me down, I return to that memory of Christ's love—a Savior who left Heaven's glory to comfort a frightened child. That truth reminds me that I am still worthy of His love.

And so are you.

No matter what mistakes we have made, when we repent and turn to God, He receives us. He teaches us, guides us, and helps us live in this world without becoming part of its brokenness.

Amen!

Serving the Living God

In Mark 12:26-27, the Sadducees questioned the reality of the resurrection. Jesus corrected them by declaring that God is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of the living.

This means our relationship with God is not based on a distant historical figure or a forgotten memory. We serve a living Savior who is actively involved in our lives today. He guides our steps, strengthens our hearts, and walks beside us through every challenge.

The same God who spoke to Moses still speaks today.
The same God who raised Christ from the dead still works today.
The same God who sustained Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob still sustains His children today.

Daily Reflection

Take a moment today to lay your fears, anxieties, and past hurts at the foot of the cross.

Step boldly into the power, love, and self-discipline that the Holy Spirit provides. Lean on Him when you do not understand. Listen for His gentle voice. Do not ignore it; embrace it and allow God's truth to reign in your heart, mind, and life.

Even when circumstances are difficult, God remains faithful.

Personally, despite having no running Jeep, no electricity, and no running water except what we can bring home from church, I still find joy. I am grateful for the kindness of God's people, including Karen for allowing us to use her van this week.

I pray. I read. I study. I serve.

Life is still good because God is still good.

I know that my Heavenly Father holds me securely in His hands. He cares for me, provides for me, and walks with me every step of the way.

Because of that, I have nothing to fear.

Amen.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for being the God of the living. Thank You that through Jesus Christ we have forgiveness, healing, and eternal hope. Help us release the fears, failures, and wounds that try to hold us captive. Fill us with Your power, love, and self-discipline through the Holy Spirit.

Teach us to trust You completely, even when circumstances are difficult. Remind us daily that You are present, active, and working all things together for good. Help us walk in obedience, serve with humility, and live boldly for Your glory.

Thank You for Your endless love and faithfulness. Strengthen our hearts and guide our steps today.

In Jesus' name,

Amen.

The Lord's Prayer

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in Heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.

For Thine is the kingdom,
And the power,
And the glory,
Forever and ever.

Amen.

BELIEVE. OBEY. BE BLESSED. AMEN.

BOBBA ❤️ 

Love, Penny 💛