What to do?

 

Christians agonize over what is the right or God-honoring action needed in many circumstances. Sometimes it seems like we know what we should do, but look for ways to justify doing something else. Paul reminds us that the entirety of the old testament law is summed up in simply loving others as we love ourselves (Gal 5:14). How can you love your neighbor today?

Pastor Awesome meets Uncle Sam

Western Christianity enjoys great freedom to practice the love and teachings of Christ. In our zeal to protect those freedoms, we may forget that our first allegiance is to Christ, and that no earthly kingdom is truly His kingdom (John 18:36).  Our actions may begin to reflect our selfish nature and undermine our desire to follow Christ's example of love and patience. How are you demonstrating the love of Christ to others today?

Elijah, back to it...

After a miraculous success, Elijah felt the sting of political repercussions for his actions. Discouraged, desperate, and feeling defeated, Elijah ran away from the work of God. While in hiding, God ministered to Elijah and then called Elijah back to the work (1 Kings 19). While we might want to end our ministry before its time, God calls us back to the work. Elijah was not allowed to quit, until his work was done.

Held back by fear

 Sometimes we see a need and want to help, but fear prevents us from providing assistance. When Elijah's life was threatened, he hid and began to feel that he was the only person who still worshipped God (1 Kings 19). God's ministry to Elijah motivated the prophet to return to his service to God. How can God use you to encourage others who are too fearful to provide help to others?

Barnabas the encourager

 

Barnabas demonstrated true Christian care by continuously encouraging the early church. In Acts 4, he provides funds for his fellow Christians who are suffering financial hardship. Barnabas also endorsed a former political terrorist (Paul) in Acts 9, and advocated for the reinstatement of a failed missionary (John Mark) in Acts 15. In what ways are you encouraging the church?  

The love challenge

Christ summed up the entire Law of God into two commandments, love God and love people (Matt 22). Paul repeats this summation by saying that all of the law can really be summed up as love people (Rom 13). While this sounds basic, it is not easy. When you consider all of the different kinds of people in your life and their different views, can you still open your heart and love them? 
 

Pentecost surprise

When the followers of Christ received the Holy Spirit, Peter described this outpouring as the fulfillment of a prophesy from the book of Joel ( Acts 2:17). The prophesy describes God pouring His Spirit on all flesh. As Christians, we often become suspicious of other believers whose faith practices differ greatly from our own. Are you able to accept any follower of Christ, regardless of their denomination or label?

Mind of Christ vs Mind of Christ

 Many Christians speak of the "mind of Christ" referring to Philippians 2:5. Oddly, it is often used as a way to demonstrate an air of superiority, but the Bible reference describes how humble Christ was and how adopting that mindset would be displayed as humility. Are you able to humble yourself like Christ?

Remember that time?

 When Paul wrote to the Philippians, he reflected that all of his memories of them were happy (Phil 1). What kinds of memories do you have of your brothers and sisters in Christ? What kind of memories do they have of you? Are you living out the joy of Christ in a way that uplifts others or are you keeping busy with your own interests?

Your Rights vs God's Word

 Many Christians live in areas that provide extended personal freedoms, some of which seem to even cater to our faith. While we may enjoy our freedoms, we should always consider how those freedoms might infringe on others' ability to enjoy their freedoms. Like Paul (1 Co 9), we should be willing to forego our rights when it means that others could be hurt.

Exposed to the culture

As Christians, we reject the 'world' described as the lust of the flesh, lust of eyes and pride of life (1 Jn 2:16). Sometimes we also reject the criticism and views of others by calling it 'worldly.' Rather than separating from the culture of his day, Paul used it to gain insight and to preach Christ (Acts 17). Have you ever dismissed someone's viewpoint because you believed you were too good to hear it?

Where do they go?

 

Acts 16 tells of a slave Paul heals and a prison guard Paul saved from suicide. While the stories seem to have a conclusion, the two are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. We're left to wonder what happened to them. Maybe their absence invites to imagine what happens next, or just to consider the people in our lives we've lost track of. Can you think of anyone who's disappeared from your story?

The courage of faith

 Ananias demonstrated great faith and courage by ministering to Saul, the persecutor of the Church (Acts 9). Although Saul was certainly a threat to any follower of Christ, Ananias followed God's command to find Saul and teach him about the way of Christ. Saul was healed of his physical and spiritual blindness and became one of the most important figures of the New Testament.

My Damascus Road Experience

 

Many Christians look for a special sign from God to provide assurance of God's love and salvation. While some Christians, like the apostle Paul, did receive this kind of sign (Acts 9), most do not. We are often asked to simply trust in the work Christ has done (Eph 2) and expect a change of heart (James 2). Do you spend more time trying to be saved, than living as if you are saved? 

Death's wrappings left behind

 When the disciples examined the empty tomb, they found the wrappings that had covered the dead body of Jesus (Jn 20). In His resurrection, Jesus no longer needed death's attire. As Christians, we might consider if we are still attempting to wear the attributes of our old life which has been made 'dead' in Christ (Rm 6:6).

Using power over prayer

 

Jesus did not come to earth with an agenda to force His way or His teachings on others. His methods were in stark contrast to the religious leaders who enforced the law of Moses with political tools such as alliances with Roman leaders. One example is found in John 18, where the religious leaders used Pilate and the Roman law to have Jesus executed. Can you think of ways you might lean on politics over prayer?

What's your wakeup call?

 

When Peter denied Christ, he was given a reminder in the form of a rooster crowing (Jn 18), which caused Peter great sorrow (Matt 26). When we understand our sin it should break our heart, but we can take comfort that God still loves us and will forgive us. 

God seems to be moving slowly

Christians believe that God is actively involved in our daily struggles, but sometimes He seems very distant and uninterested. For example, when Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not immediately go to him with healing but waited until Lazarus was dead (Jn 11). Jesus was able to demonstrate his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. What pain are you suffering through now? Can God gain greater glory through it?

Where NOT to bring your problems

 When Jesus found a blind man, the religious leaders immediately asked whose sin had caused the man to be blind (Jn9). Jesus answered that sin did not cause the blindness, but the blindness was necessary as a way for Jesus to demonstrate his divinity. When you see someone suffering, do you blame them for some shortcoming, or do you see the miracles God is working through you to help ease the suffering?

The Lord's side

 

Although Christians are united in a unique equality through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26-29), we often create social structures as a way to either dominate others or to demonstrate our perceived importance. Can you think of any ways you may have leaned into pride and thought yourself better than those around you?