Settle in

 

Like the children of Israel during their captivity, many of us find ourselves living in a place/time that seems to undermine our identities (Jer. 29). During this time false prophets declared that the captivity wasn't real and that they would soon return to their old way of life. God used Jeremiah to help the people settle into their homes by telling them to plant gardens and seek the good of their new cities.

A great place to grow

 Isaiah 9, one of the great Advent verses, speaks to our joy at leaving the darkness of sin and ignorance. As we consider the great Light that came into our world (John 1), we might do well to remember the areas of growth we experience while waiting. How has God prepared you for the Light by allowing you to experience a time of darkness? 

Amos and the truth of sin at home

 The prophet Amos was a shepherd and didn't seem to possess any political or religious power. However, God used this man to show Israel that they were guilty of the very same sins as the nations that Israel often considered "heathen" or inferior (Amos 1-2). How often do we consider those who disagree with us as inferior, when we are in actually just as guilty as they are?

 Like many countries, the United States of America sets aside a day to reflect on and give thanks for the many good gifts (like good crops, etc) God gives to us. While we are enjoying our benefits, we should also remember and give to those who have less than we do (1 John 3).

Leaving your cave

 God called Elijah out of his cave of despair so that he could receive a final mission (1 Kings 19). God seems to have consoled Elijah by reminding him that God is still all-powerful and that He still had work for Elijah. Are you able to find consolation in God's mission for your life?

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.

Hiding Out

 

After his greatest victory, Elijah feared for his life and went into hiding (1 Kings 19). In his cave of despair, Elijah rehearsed all of the evil his country was facing and began to see an exaggerated version of the problem, where he was the only one left who loved God and that God had abandoned him. Do you have exaggerated versions of your problems? Are you feeling abandoned by God? Can you tell God how you feel?

Political power of having a king

 

Samuel warned the Israelites that a king would take their children for his labor force, but Israel persisted that they wanted the political status that having a king would provide. Samuel’s prediction came true, and soon Israel regretted their request. Desire for political power can be very real danger for God’s people.

Hiding the truth from the king

 

Samuel feared for his life when God called him to anoint King Saul's replacement. Rather than chastise Samuel for his reluctance, God gave Samuel an excuse for visiting the village where the anointing would take place (I Sam 16). God's care for Samuel's legitimate fear is the opposite of Saul's evil leadership (Prov. 29:2). May God save us from leaders who love power more than their constituents. 

Political power in our pulpits

 

When Samuel came to anoint David king of Israel, the people in the town became afraid (I Sam 16:4). Considering the political power he represented, it was no wonder people were concerned. As we see politicians given place during our worship times, we also might want to consider the political power presented and if truly aligns with our faith and practice.

Are you ashamed?

 David was called a "man after God's heart (1 Sam 13:14) but was later guilty of adultery and murder. He loved God deeply, but still fell to the most vile sins of his day. David's redemption came a steep price, but during those times of shame, he humbled himself and wrote stirring Psalms begging God for forgiveness. How do you respond when your sins are exposed? Are you able to humble yourself and beg God for help?

Allowing abuse

 Eli was once God's great high priest, called by God to keep the Ark of the Covenant and to minister to the people of Israel. While it seemed like God's plan was for Eli's sons to succeed him as high priests, they used their positions to take advantage of those they were called to serve. Because Eli allowed this kind of abuse, God took the priesthood from him and his family. How do you stand up to abusers? (1 Samuel 3)

Remembering the Good Old Days - or not

 

Many of us are tempted to rewrite our histories to be happier or somehow better than our current circumstances. Even Gods' people began to feel nostalgic for their days of slavery, because of the food that was available (Ex 16). As Christians, we might be tempted to think that a particular decade was more moral, or more spiritual because we fail to recall all happened in that time.

Who are you listening to?

 

During times of transition and turmoil, it might be tempting to find comfort and counsel in the many voices that demand our attention. We might do well to consider the advice given to the child, Samuel (1 Sam 3), when he was advised to answer God's call with attentive listening.  How do you listen to God?

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?

Waiting on God

 

God's miraculous call of Moses to service (Exodus 3) occurred when Moses least expected it. Before receiving God's word and a commission to do God's work, Moses had to remove his shoes and come closer to the burning bush. We often try to force God to respond to our need for instant attention rather than waiting on Him in daily prayer and mediation. How do you wait on God?

Jacob's Ladder

 Jacob's dream of the ladder (Gen 28) reaching to Heaven and accommodating angelic movement might remind us of the way Christ bridges the mundane and ordinary bits of life with full presence of God Himself (1 Tim 2:5). How is God trying to break into your life today?

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?

Finding God on the run

 

The Bible often describes its heroes as flawed sinners on a journey toward reconciliation and relationship. For example, Jacob's first encounter with God occurred while he was running away from his brother, who after being cheated by Jacob was now intent on killing him (Gen 28).  After many years of God's presence, Jacob becomes able to face his wrongdoing and his brother. What are you running from?

Finding God in His word

 

Psalm 137 provides a glimpse into what Israelites felt when their nation was dismantled and they were taken into captivity. In a time when everything they knew to be true was being undermined and their connections to the God of their fathers was being lost, they held the words and stories sacred. Do you take comfort in God's faithful words in the Bible, or do you read it as legal or scientific document with no special power?