The first climate change prophet?

 

Like modern climate activists, Noah believed a great ecological disaster was coming because of humanity's actions Gen 6. While we might see pollution as the physical/direct cause, we might do well to consider that God brought the flood because of the violence (v13) or cruelty inflicted by and on the entire world. Are we unconcerned with violence to the world, like the Noah's contemporaries?

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).

Jesus and the blind man

When Jesus and his disciples saw a blind man on the street, the disciples saw suffering as a direct result of sin (Jn 9). Jesus declared that no sin had been involved, but redirect the disciples to the idea that God had created the blind man for God's own glory. Are you able to see God's glory in those around you, or are you busy looking for sin?

While we might enjoy the Christmas season, we also know that there are other seasons of worship that we must be ready to embrace. John the Baptist exemplified this willingness to move on by embracing the popularity of Jesus (John 3:30). Can you move on to new seasons of living and worship? 

Look at me?

Christians often refer to themselves as "witnesses" of Christ. Like John the Baptist (John 1), we are not meant to call attention to ourselves, or assert our rights and privilege. We are called to "bear witness," or tell about the great things Jesus has done for us. In what ways are you bearing witness of what Jesus has done?

 

Jesus lived before he was born

 

As we consider the birth of Christ, John reminds us that Jesus Christ existed before the incarnation. John points us back to a time before Genesis 1, to a time before anything was created, and John ascribes all of the creative acts to the pre-existing Jesus, referred to as the "Word" (John 1). This description of Christ leaves us in wonder that the very creator of all things slipped into His creation to demonstrate His love for us.

Super Awesome Mega Pastor...Rides Again!

 We are naturally drawn to exciting and powerful speakers who, like Elijah  (1 Kings 19), seem to do the impossible. Jesus warned of those who try to worship God by teaching man's commandments instead of understanding the heart of God (Matt 15:9). We would do well to seek God first and test what we hear against what we know to be true of God.

Following the popular politicians

 

Elijah became an "enemy of the state" when he began the process of reinstating his country's original Theocracy (1 Kings 19). The queen's state religion derived its power from a political state and a charismatic leader, Elijah showed that the one true God is not bound by state politics or human popularity. Are you able to trust God over leaders, political parties, or even your favorite political issue?

Hoarding Manna

 God provided grain for the Israelites while they were in the desert (Ex 16), but it was unique in that it only lasted for one day. Attempts to hoard or even save the grain, or manna failed because the grain would become unusable. This meant that no one could profit by another's failure to gather the manna and that each would need to perform this work for themselves. Can you think of a way you might be hoarding God's gifts?

Saving vs hoarding

 While most Christians consider it wise to set back a portion of wealth for use in case of an emergency, there is a difference between saving and hoarding. The Israelites had to trust God every day for their provision of food while in the wilderness (Ex 16), and were unable to accumulate wealth by holding it back. How tightly do you hold onto your savings? Do you trust God for your well-being or are trusting in your savings?

The miraculous in the mundane

 Jacob experienced an unusual revealing of God while he slept in the desert (Gen 28). This miraculous vision caused Jacob to understand that the land he had slept on was special, and deserved his attention. Are you able to see the wonders God is showing you in the seemingly mundane moments of your life?

The normalcy of hospitality

 

Western culture often struggles with concepts of hospitality for immigrants and vistors. Like many middle-eastern faiths, early Christianity viewed hospitality as part of their faith practice. Lydia demonstrated this when she immediately invites Paul to come stay with her and her family (Acts 16:15). By receiving Paul, she became a part of his story. In what ways do you help non-residents feel welcomed and cared for?

My pain is greater than your pain

 

We all suffer different kinds of pain, and sometimes it might be tempting to dismiss someone's pain, because we feel it's not like our pain. Satan argued with God that physical suffering was more distressing than emotional or financial loss (Job 2).  Can you find a way to let others share their pain without judging them or minimizing their suffering?

The problem with the cheering section

 

While entering Jerusalem, a crowd of excited followers cheered Jesus. The religious leaders were terrified that the occupying Roman army would overhear the crowd calling Jesus "king" and then kill everyone in the assembly (Lk 19). Jesus asserted that the crowd had to proclaim this, even though their proclamation would certainly result in Jesus' death. What stops you from praising Jesus with your words and life?

Mary participates in Bible study

When Jesus visited the home of Mary and Martha, Jesus commended Mary for choosing to listen to Jesus rather than participate in the activities usually associated with a woman of that time (Lk 10). Martha was left to perform the tasks that Mary neglected, and we have to wonder, why was Martha not invited to leave her work to join the disciples in this time of learning? Is there anyone you have not invited to Christ?

Powerful words

 When asked to heal a Roman military leader's servant,  (Matt 8:5-13) The leader declared that Jesus need not physically attend to the healing, but could simply speak the healing into existence. The request revealed just how power Jesus is, that his word could, by itself, heal the servant. Our words can't heal physical ailments, but our words are still very powerful. How do you use your words? To heal or to hurt?

Blinded by power

 

Psalm 146 warns God's people not to trust in political power, but to trust God for all of our needs. Christians have often been tempted to compromise our core values of love, compassion, and caring to gain power over others. Can you think of a time you've been more interested in "winning" or gaining power than in reaching out to help others?

Could you share your love in the face of hate?

 When asked, who we should love (Luke 10), Jesus responded with a story about the "good Samaritan." In the story, Jesus described a man who generously cared for another man, who should have been considered his natural enemy. The story emphasizes the care we should take in loving our enemies. How have you been able to show love to those who seem to hate you?

Fear in the calm

In troubled times, it's easy to forget the absolute power of God. One reminder can be found in Mark 4.  After Jesus calmed the storm, the people became frightened of him, because he was even more powerful than the storm they just survived. Have you come afraid of reaching out to God, because of His power? Can you think of a time you were in awe of God's power?

The Gospel and the "Other"

The Apostle Peter was reluctant to believe that God had the same regard for believers who differed in race or ethnicity. (Acts 10) God provided a unique vision to Peter and then demonstrated how loved the "others" are. As Christians, we are called to understand this and embrace and support those who do not look like us. How are you carrying the good news to those who seem "other?"