Obey and Sacrifice

 1 Samuel 15, is often misquoted and removed from its context to give us the idea that absolute, unquestioning, blind obedience is the greatest act we can perform. While obedience to God is important, we should remember the commendation of the Bereans (Acts 17) for their questioning and searching. Are you curious and willing to seek truth, or do you accept what you hear from newscasters, preachers, and others?

The Church made me (maybe)

When Christians seem proud of their label, or identity as Christians or as members of a particular church or denomination, they are not living out the values of Christ. The Apostle Paul refers the need for humility and for not being proud of one's affiliations in 1 Corinthians 4. Are you proud of your identity or are you grateful for a God who loves everyone and gave His only Son to redeem you?

We ARE the Church

 Peter describes the followers of Jesus as a building that relies on the foundation of Christ (I Pet 2). What does it look like when Christians follow Christ's commands and example to love and give rather than to hoard, seek power, and marginalize others? Do our critics have good reason to call the Church hypocritical when we fail to live like Jesus? Are we acting like the Church or are we playing church?

Two vulnerable women

Ruth 4 brings us comfort by describing the moment a kinsman claims two unwanted and vulnerable women. While the story is a great metaphor for Christ's love and redemption, we might wonder why the world Naomi and Ruth lived in was so uncaring and why the women's well-being was so easily endangered. Maybe we could wonder if our current society is endangering others? How would Christ redeem the vulnerable now?

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?
 

Wait for it (Him)

 After His resurrection, Christ instructed His disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Ghost to be given to them (Acts 1). As followers of the risen Christ, sometimes the hardest thing we have to do is to just wait. Can you think of a time when you've tried to do God's work without the Holy Spirit's guidance? When you are moved to action, do your actions seem like the actions Christ would take? 

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?

What it's really about

 Christians spend much of their time focused on how to please God, instead of understanding that God already loves them and wants them to feel the courage and safety of that great love. We are reminded of this theme in Zephaniah 3, where after hearing of all the judgements coming, the prophet encourages God's people by telling them what God desires for them (Zephaniah 3:14-20).

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?

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.

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?

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?

Who's Christlike?

 

Christians often look for 'big' things to please God. While we say that our awesome works for God's glory, they are often for out own betterment or to boost our pride. Micah 6 asks if we should provide a huge sacrifice to please God, but the response is do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. How do you demonstrate Jesus Christ's sacrifice and God's grace in everyday life?