Grow strong

by Tatiana Overduin

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[Be] strengthened in faith as you were taught … overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:7b).

Read Colossians 2:6–15

These days, I try to intentionally take media-free days. I don’t check the news, turn on the TV or keep my mobile phone nearby. Instead, I leave my phone on charge as far away as possible for much of the day. I begin by reading God’s word and prayerfully remembering those who are suffering – both people I know and those I’ve never met. I stop to enjoy God’s peace in this noisy world. It’s lovely to hear the birds in the garden (instead of a mobile phone). I can then engage in my art, craft or other activities with gratitude in my heart for what God has done for me. I give thanks and remember that I am alive in Christ because of his triumph on the cross.

‘Hollow and deceptive philosophy’ that depends on human tradition (verse 8) is rampant in our media-frenzied world. Paul warns us of this in the text. It was present then, just as it is now. We continue to encounter teachings that are not grounded in the truth of Christ. The elemental spiritual forces of this world remain ‘fashionable’. Yet we are taught in verses 9 and 10 that in Christ all the fullness of the deity lives in bodily form, and in him, we have been brought to fullness. Christ alone is the head over every power and authority.

A world without Christ is dead in its sins (verse 13). The calamity, destruction and chaos that fill our screens are empty powers that seek to threaten our peace. But Jesus has disarmed these powers and authorities (verse 15).

So may we be reminded today that the cross of Christ reigns forever. May we take time away from the noise of our screens and be comforted by God’s word. May we pause and listen to the teaching that brings eternal peace. May our hearts be strengthened in faith and love toward Christ alone.

Dear Triune God, help us to trust in you each day. Teach us to know that you alone are the power and authority over this world, especially when trials and threats seek to unsettle us. Empower us to share the comfort of your word with others, because it is truth. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Tatiana is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide, where she enjoys singing on the music roster. She is married and has two adult children and six grandchildren. Now retired from full-time secondary education, she pursues her creative interests in fibre arts, taking inspiration from God’s hand evident in the beauty of creation.

Heart faith

by Tatiana Overduin

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I say these things so you might be saved (John 5:34b).

Read John 5:31–40

This text offers an amazing insight into Jesus’ own testimony as the one sent from his Father. The preceding verses reveal a conversation between Jesus and the Jewish leaders, who are seeking validation of who he is – his authority and authenticity. Jesus rebukes the leaders because they look for human validation through witnesses rather than trusting in his teachings and miracles (verse 36).

Jesus reveals the truth of who he is, testifying that it is God the Father who has sent him (verse 37). It is also important to note that they do not believe his message because they do not believe in their hearts (verse 38). They search the Scriptures for eternal life, yet refuse to believe that Jesus is the one sent from the Father – the one to whom the Scriptures point (verse 40). Jesus continues to rebuke them, saying that he knows they do not have God’s love within them because they have rejected him (verse 42).

Heart – faith. As I reflect on this text, I think about ‘heart faith’. How often I lose heart over what are, in hindsight, insignificant things. To lose heart is to become discouraged. If I place my trust in earthly things, such as other people’s approval, it is no wonder I lose heart. Jesus himself says in verse 44: ‘No wonder you can’t believe! For you gladly honour one another but do not seek the honour that comes from the one who alone is God.’

What is our measure of success, faith and trust in God alone? It is so easy to become caught up in the troubles and cares that fill our lives, or in what others think. Our guide should always be to live lives pleasing to God: trusting him for all our needs and trusting him even when we are prone to doubt.

Heart faith grows as we read the Scriptures daily, because the whole of Scripture points to Jesus. Jesus tells the Jewish leaders that ‘Moses wrote about him’ (verse 46), and goes on to say, ‘If you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’

The whole Bible is a testimony to Jesus. It is a story that points to him: ‘The Scriptures point to me!’ (verse 39). In heart faith, we read the word, trusting, knowing and believing wholeheartedly in the truth, who is Christ Jesus. He says these things so that we may be saved (verse 34).

Believe in your hearts. Believe in him who has taken away the sin of the world. Believe in his promises. And when you find yourself ‘losing heart’, fill your heart with his truth and be saved.

Dear Lord Jesus, help us to have heart faith: a faith that doesn’t waver when we feel overwhelmed or discouraged. Lead us to seek you in all things so that we can be strengthened to encourage others and witness to the hope we have found in you. Amen.

Tatiana is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide, where she enjoys singing on the music roster. She is married and has two adult children and six grandchildren. Now retired from full-time secondary education, she pursues her creative interests in fibre arts, taking inspiration from God’s hand evident in the beauty of creation.

What the Lord will do for you

by Tatiana Overduin

Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.

‘Yes,’ says the Lord, ‘I will do mighty miracles for you’ (Micah 7:15a).

Read Micah 7:14–20

One of the things I struggle with in my daily walk with God is the impact of media. Whether it’s watching Australian or world news, scrolling on Facebook or watching films and shows on Amazon Prime while engaging in a craft activity such as spinning wool or knitting, it’s easy for me to have the TV on.

We know that engaging with media has become a huge part of our lives: it’s often difficult to ‘switch off’. It’s habitual and, at times, necessary. But I do find myself getting so wrapped up in a TV series, or worse still, deeply affected by the news, that I can find myself easily falling into despair. Yes, it is important to know what’s going on in the world, but this daily bombardment of information can cause fear and distress.

God’s word is the antidote to this fear and distress. Engaging daily with Scripture brings a different result. Today’s reading from Micah contains key words that offer great comfort that the news cannot give.

Protection: God speaks to us and promises protection for his people, leading them as his special possession (verse 14).

Provision: Even though they are alone (verse 14), he provides fertile pastures.

In a time of dramatic world unrest and increasing lack, God’s assurance of safety and abundance comforts us: ‘The Shepherd cares for his flock’ (verse 14). And he continues to say ‘yes’ to you and to me. Daily, despite the noise of modern life, we can give thanks and remember that ‘Yes,’ says the Lord, ‘I will do mighty miracles for you’ (verse 15).

God calls us to trust in him for all we need. He does not want us to doubt his promised goodness. ‘Where is another God like you?’ (verse 18). Today, we are exposed to so many ‘gods’ (you know the list), yet none can ‘pardon our guilt’ or ‘retain anger forever’ (verse 18).

This text instead reassures us of God’s promises: his unfailing love, compassion and faithfulness (verses 18 and 19), just as he showed to Abraham and Jacob. God’s word continues from of old; it remains true and everlasting. Though we may be surrounded by personal trials, confronting media images and disturbing news (both real and imagined), we are encouraged by the gift of being able to turn daily to the best and only source of truth – God’s word.

Dear Triune God, help me daily to turn to your holy word for consolation and comfort. May I pray for those who are suffering in these difficult times to also seek you for protection and provision. In Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Amen.

Tatiana is a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide, where she enjoys singing on the music roster. She is married and has two adult children and six grandchildren. Now retired from full-time secondary education, she pursues her creative interests in fibre arts, taking inspiration from God’s hand evident in the beauty of creation.