Extending radical kindness

 

The early church was known radical care and kindness. Often reaching beyond the bounds of ethnicity or even religion, the early church was known as a group who would literally give the shirt off their back for anyone in need (Luke 6). How would others respond to modern Christianity if we considered their needs above our own needs? Can you think of a way to put others first this week?

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?

Pushing through to Jesus

A desperate woman pressed through the ever-present crowd surrounding the Lord Jesus Christ and touched his clothing (Mark 5). This act of faith drew Jesus away from his urgent mission of saving a child's life, long enough to commend the woman for her faith and to give her comfort. Can you be comforted to know that Jesus is never too busy to stop for you?

 

An ancient blues song

As Christians we are bound across time and space by our mutual belief in the goodness of God and the redemption available in Christ. One of the most obvious ways we demonstrate this connection is through singing ancient songs. Ps 137 is an example of an ancient song of profound sadness, reminding us that every era has despondency. The words of this song are so powerful, they are still sung today.

Memorial Day, 2021

 This year we have so many dead friends to remember that it might become overwhelming. Over 3.5 million have died from COVID, and many more have died from hate-induced violence led by those who should be promoting peace. Isaiah 40 describes a similar time when even the young men lose their will to fight. May we memorialize our dead with the hope of the gospel, and with our own care and ministry.

Welcome to the Church...Maybe?

 

The Church is comprised of any who confess their absolute helplessness as a sinner and trust Christ to save them by His sacrificial death (Romv10:12-13). Paul reminds us that once this step has been taken, any and everyone is then considered part of the 'body of Christ' and should be welcomed and respected as family (Gal 3:23-29). 

Paul confronts Peter with his hypocrisy

Paul was quick to confront Peter's favoritism and hypocrisy (Gal 2). Peter willingly accepted the rebuke and corrected his behaviors. As one of Christ's 'inner circle', Peter had enough influence to dismiss Paul, but by embracing Paul and the gentiles, the church has grown into a worldwide movement of faith. How do you respond when you are found doing wrong?

Who saw the resurrection first?

The first to learn of our Lord's resurrection were not the disciples or the religious leaders. It was the faithful women who were willing to tend the 3 day dead body of Jesus (Luke 24:1-12). While the greatest miracle ever performed was unfolding, Jesus included those of the lowest social order and gave them a significant place in the eternal story. How are you including others in the greatest story?

Bargaining with God

 

In our attempts to avoid suffering, we often try to bargain with God or find some key activity that will ensure our safety or success. In Luke 13, Jesus teaches that hardships are not the result of a person's specific sin, but a result of our fallen world. The hope of the Christian is not for an easier life, but rather for the hope to come in the resurrection of our souls and of the world itself.

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?

Healing that angers religious men

 

Rather than waiting for another time, Jesus chose to heal a man on the Sabbath day (Lk 6). In doing this, he reminded the law-keepers that God's law was given for our good, not as a way to find fault with each other. Jesus saw a man in need, and in healing that man, he gave those around him an opportunity to receive his forgiveness and instruction. Are you able to rejoice when underserving receive blessings?

The journey begins now

When Christ calls his first disciples(Matthew 4:18-22), he asks them to "follow" but he doesn't say where he is going. Instead, Christ tells the prospective disciples what they will become, "fishers of men." When we answer Christ's call to accept his sacrifice and receive his gift of forgiveness, we begin a journey that is worthy of our attention. Are you focusing on the end of your journey with Christ, or on Christ himself? 

God's man

 

King Saul appeared to be everything Israel wanted in a king, but lacked character and a strong moral compass. God determined to remove Saul after many of Saul's inappropriate and ungodly actions. While searching for the new king, God pointed Samuel to the least likely candidate, a boy named David. During this time, God warned Samuel to look at the new king's heart, not his physique. (1 Sam 16:7).

The secret origin of shame

 Shame is first found in the story of Adam and Eve. When they broke God's commandment in the Garden of Eden, they immediately felt shame and hid. God didn't force them to feel shame, they felt it before being confronted. God then provides a way to alleviate their shame, and through Jesus Christ, we have been given the ultimate remedy for our shame. Do you bring the hope of Christ, or the shame of sin?

Holding it together

Hebrews 1:1-3 tells us that was central to the creation of the universe and is still bearing the weight of all things. You might say he is holding everything together for us. Can you trust the one who holds all things to hold your life together and to give you grace to face each new personal crisis? 

All-encompassing awe

Isaiah 6 depicts God on his throne, surrounded by powerful beings who pale in contrast to the almighty. The first verse of this passage says the God's train, or part of his garment fill the temple. As God's presence fills the vision, there is no room for anything else. Does God's awe fill you today? Are you so in awe of God's power that everything else is pushed out of sight? What would that be like for you?

 

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?

The Mustard Seed parable and you

 

Christ once described His kingdom as a "mustard seed" that becomes a mighty tree (Luke 13:18-19). The seed seems small and insignificant, and even "dies" by being buried and giving up it's initial nature. The invisible work of God alters the self-contained individual piece into a mighty tree that provides for others and produces more of itself through new seeds. In what way is God calling you to change?  

Considering Hell

 

Jesus told a story of a man who finds himself suffering in Hell (Lk 16). The suffering described all stems from the man excluding God from his life. While considering the horrors of Hell, we should also consider that God loved us so much that He allowed His Son to suffer the pain of Hell of for us. Jesus took the Hell we deserve, Rom 3:25. The darkest punishment you can conceiver has been applied to Jesus for you.

Listen up!

  

Jesus often used the words, "He who has ears, let him hear," but while using those words, he also used stories that were not easily understood by the religious leaders (Lk 8:10). It seems like Jesus held back truth for those who really wanted it and were willing to seek him out in private to get it. Do you seek out Jesus today for truth?