In the shadow of healing

 The early Church seemed to demonstrate incredible power in healing and helping others. One of the most unique reports included people being healed just by touching Peter's shadow (Acts 5:15). While the modern church might envy and seek to recreate the marvelous power, we should consider that the real draw of Christianity was the love shown to all and ready acceptance of those the religious elite hated.

Awesome words

 When John the Baptist asked for a clear statement of purpose from Jesus (Luke 7:18-27), the only answer given was to observe the works Jesus had done. The best thing for John's faith was to consider what Jesus Christ was doing instead of what was said. Do you spend more time talking about Jesus than living like Him? How can you demonstrate who Jesus is by your actions?

What to ask...

 What kinds of questions would you ask a person who claimed to be God?  When Jesus claimed to be God the religious leaders decided t to ask meaningless questions in the hope of getting a soundbite useful to their cause or to add to their status (Matt 22). Do you ask questions hoping to elevate your status at the expense of someone else? What kinds of questions could you ask?

Love of law or law of love?

Sometimes it seems like Christians are more in love with Bible commands and laws than they are with Christ. Paul sums up law as loving others (Rom 13:8-10), or popularly known as the "Law of Love." Do you find yourself more concerned with who is doing what than you are with demonstrating the love of Christ to them? How can you fulfill the law of love this week?
 

Loving in-bounds

 Most Christians believe that they are called to love. In his letter, John compares the kind of love we should have to the love Christ showed us (1 John 4:7-12). We might remember that Christ gave His love to everyone, including those who were not behaving in the ways He prescribed. What limits your love for others? What gender, political, or personal expectations do you require to love another?

When your religion requires a temple

 When Christ preached that the temple of God would be desecrated (and destroyed), the religious leaders were so angry the plotted to kill him (Mark 13-14). Their response makes us wonder if they were worshipping God or their ceremonies and artifacts. What would prevent you from worshipping God? 

Judging the sprout

 Jesus warns of those who pretend to be speaking for God, but are really just using God's name to gain wealth or power (Matt 7). In our fast-paced world, we might be a little too quick to judge who is 'good' and who is 'bad.' Jesus speaks of judging the tree, or the person, by what they produce. Farmers know that it takes time for fruit to form, and maybe we would all do well to slow our judgement until the fruit is formed.

The 'help meet' helper

 The word "help meet" used in Genesis 2 has often been used to assign a lesser role to Eve, as though she were an intern or assistant. A closer look at how the same word is used throughout the old testament points a helper as in a rescuer, or like God coming to the aid of Israel like in Deuteronomy 6. Can you think of anyone you consider 'lesser' and with whom you might need to rethink your relationship?

How do you measure God's love?

 Most Christians eventually begin to wonder how much God loves them, and if they should perform certain acts to gain more of Gods' care and provision. In 1 Corinthians, we are reminded that God's ways won't make sense to us, and instead of comparing ourselves, we can accept the love God provides and let it motivate us to act out the gospel everyday. Can you think of times when you thought you needed to win God's love?

Losing that special place

 

Sometimes Christians seem to believe that they have special favor with God and become angry when others share that feeling. When Jesus reminded the synagogue that God had demonstrated His love to those who might be considered unworthy, the crowd became so angry that they sought to kill him (Luke 4). Can you think of anyone you might feel is unlovable to God?

It's not what, but who is at the table

 Christians are known to scrutinize everyone's behavior in order to point out sin and wrong-doing. This kind of judgmental faith is more interested in appearing holy than in caring for those around us. Paul seems to be more interested in loving well than in abstaining from food used in idolatrous worship (I Corinthians 10). Ca you think of ways you can love others who may not fit into your ideology?

Baptism Ends with Resurrection

 Christ's baptism signified His death, burial, and resurrection (Lk 3). Understanding the order, that the pain of death had to come before the joy of resurrection, might bring us comfort in our darker experiences. When you are experiencing pain and discouragement, can you find hope for healing in knowing that God still loves, cares, and plans to pull you back to joy?

Watching John Baptize

 

When the religious elite came to see what John the Baptist was doing, they were greeted with one of his most scathing messages (Matt 3). Rather than accepting the message and demonstrating their repentance, the religious leaders stood by and watched. How do you respond when you are challenged to live better or to own your need to do better?

Have you lost Jesus?

 The popular story of Mary and Joseph losing Jesus (Luke 2) often leads to discussions on how Christians seem to forget (or lose) the teachings of Jesus. While we might not always feel God's presence, we can always rehearse or return to the teachings of Christ and practice His commands to love God and to love our neighbor. How do you search for Jesus?

Finding and Losing Jesus

 Mary and Joseph lost track of Jesus during Passover, only to find Him teaching the masters of theology. (Luke 2) During this time, Mary seemed to understand that Jesus would serve an important role that would take him from her. As Christians, we might note that truly following Christ almost always costs us something, but we also gain so much more in return.

The Women in Jesus' family treee

 When reviewing Jesus' genealogy, Matthew includes 5 women. While we don't know the reason they were included, we might notice that each of these women had been faithful to God during times of abuse and disadvantage. It seems odd that some names, like Sarah or Rebecca are left out, but Rahab and Tamar are included. Perhaps God is reminding us that He is the God of all, even those society deems 'lest.' Matt 2

Ceaser was left out of the loop

 When God came to earth, He did not announce His arrival to the world's leaders, but rather, to shepherds (Luke 2). This was fitting because Jesus never courted the political or social powers of His day. If we follow Christ's example, we will seek to minister directly to the souls around us, rather than use political power to enforce our ideology. How can you minister like Christ this year?

Shepherds and Angels

 The story of Advent includes an encounter between one of the lowest social strata (shepherds) and a celestial host of angels. This unique meeting highlights the universal appeal of the gospel. Both shepherd and angel declare God's majesty and His good gift in the birth of Christ (Luke 2). May we all rejoice in God's gift and care for us.

The lowly are seen

 

Mary's song of praise (Luke 1:46-55) describes her low social standing and lack of political power, but recognizes God's care for her and those like her. When you feel invisible and vulnerable, you are in the perfect frame of mind to see God's might and His care for you. Who do you 'unsee' everyday? Are there people you could 'see' and give hope?

Room in your life

 

The story of John the Baptist's birth reminds us of Issacs's birth. Both were born to parents who were considered too old to have children, but miraculously did (Luke 1:39-45). Understanding that the Advent story makes room for John's story encourages us that we too are important to and part of the story of Jesus Christ and His earthly ministry. Who will you make room for in your story?