Tag Archives: Jesus

Keep in Step

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Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25, NIV*

Not just “keep step” as in “walk beside” but “keep in step”, which to me speaks of pattern, maybe even choreography, as well as pacing.

I’ve always thought of these verses about God directing our steps in terms of His leading. With dance in mind now, I see it means more than leading us to our destination, it includes any side-steps along the way.

He is LORD of the Dance, after all. And when couples dance, one leads and the other follows. At least when they dance well. My trouble is, I’ve never learned how to follow my partner’s lead.

I like the image of the spiritual life as a dance with God. All week, I’ve been reminding myself, “Keep in step with Him.”

LORD, please help me remember to listen to the music, feel the rhythm… and let You lead.

Here’s a Casting Crowns song that’s new to me, from their first CD: “Praise You With the Dance.”

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Living by Faith

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I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20, NIV*

“The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God….” And Paul mentions two specific things: Jesus loved me, and He gave Himself for me. I’m to live by faith in Jesus… live confident in Him:

Confident in His love. “We know and rely on the love God has for us.” (1 John 4:16, NIV)

Confident in the power of His sacrifice. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9, NIV)

I’m not alone, trying to live a good life in my weakness. Jesus has paid my debt, cleaned and forgiven me, restored me to relationship with God the Father.

I can live confident in Him today because He loves me. I can choose to live His way, with His help. And when I blow it, I can trust in His justice and not despair. He has already paid the price. He will clean and forgive me, and set me back on track with Him.

What a wonderful God!

Our song today is a duet by Todd Agnew and Rebecca St. James: “Our Great God“

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Our Good Shepherd

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He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
And he will be their peace.
Micah 5:4-5a (NIV)*

This seems to be one of those prophecies with different stages. Ultimately, Jesus will return. Every knee will bow, and every tongue confess to God. (Romans 14:11) The world will know He is LORD.

But today, He rules in Christians’ hearts and lives. He stands – a warrior who cannot be overcome – and shepherds us. He stands in strength, majesty and power. Despite our circumstances, our hearts can be secure – we can live securely – because He is shepherding us.

And He will be our peace.

Be our peace, Jesus, even in the storms. Nothing can separate us from You, and You’ll never abandon us. Strengthen our faith to trust You.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.