What are YOU doing?

 When Mary and Joesph find the 12-year-old Jesus in the midst of a group of religious scholars, Mary asks, why did you do this? (Luke 2) Although Jesus does obey Mary and follows her back to the family, we might consider His words in this story and ask ourselves, are we learning, teaching, and growing in a place that encourages us to become more like Jesus, or are we simply getting on with our lives?

Christmas of Me

This Christmas season, it might be easy to see our friends and family make the holidays all about themselves. But all of us tend to tend to rewrite Christ's story (Luke 2) in ways that support our political or social views. We may even do this without realizing it. How do your presuppositions tailor Christ's life and teachings to better support your own views on society and politics?

Helping Hand...or...NOT?

 Christians universally look to a time of absolute peace and combability (Isaiah 11). We might be tempted to wait for Jesus by abandoning the call to love our neighbor and dismantle systems of power that cause pain and suffering. However, Jesus warned us of those who do not 'wait' with their "lamps" burning bright (Matt 25). Does your waiting include good works, or do you simply say you are waiting?

Sure, I'll repent...of what?

 John the Baptist condemned his audience for their sins and called them to repent (Luke 3). While the sins are not named, the remedy is to remember God and who He is. How had they forgotten God? Do we consider the great sin of Israel their lack of temple attendance, or do we recognize the Old Testament prophet's call through John as a need to cast off greed and provide relief to those suffering around us?

Look at the Signs!

When Jesus announced that the great temple would be completely destroyed, his audience asked when(Luke 21)? What signs will proceed this event? Jesus answered with a list of signs, but also pointed out that they didn't need signs. After all, they could tell when it was time to pick fruit because of what they saw. Are you we so busy trying to figure out when Jesus will return that we fail to live for Him everyday?

Turkey Time 2024

Christians use Bible verses like Rev 1:6 to act claim ownership of lands they 'conqueror' forgetting that the Christ they are trying to follow taught us not to love this world's riches more than the souls we encounter. While we might see the cracks and faults of the holiday we call Thanksgiving, we might also consider this a time to show gratitude and seek forgiveness for our sins.

Last Days or Not, What Are You Doing?

 While many readers believe that the Jesus' sermon on Mount Olivet (Mark 13) was meant to describe signs of the end times, we might consider His words as a call to live steadfastly in His teachings. As our world entrenches in hate, bitterness, greed, and inhospitality, do we continue to show faith, hope, and charity? Do we continue to love, accept, and care for those around us?