Hoarding Manna

 God provided grain for the Israelites while they were in the desert (Ex 16), but it was unique in that it only lasted for one day. Attempts to hoard or even save the grain, or manna failed because the grain would become unusable. This meant that no one could profit by another's failure to gather the manna and that each would need to perform this work for themselves. Can you think of a way you might be hoarding God's gifts?

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?

Social Media formation

 Christians have long understood the importance of personal and communal spiritual formation. While we seek to be formed into someone more like Jesus Christ, we will often find other interests that are ready to take the place of spiritual formation and mold us to be less like Christ (Rom 12:2). What forces in your life do find influencing how you behave?

The Burning Bush

 

The Bible describes Moses as curious when he saw the burning bush (Exodus 3). He left off from his work as a shepherd to draw near to the bush and focus on it. What appeals to your curiosity? Are you drawn to God's presence in the everyday life?

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?

Answering in humility

 

Christians often feel we need to answer every critique or question posed about our faith. While Christians are told to "...give an answer..." (1 Pet 3:15) to those ask about our faith, we might do well to remember that being able to relate our personal experience with God and why we believe what we believe is different from being a "know it all" who has all the answers to everything. Are you able to answer in humility?

Life out of chaos

 

God's creation began with a chaotic mass, or void (Gen 1). From this place of confusion God created life and brought a sense of order to sustain that life. In our times of confusion and disorientation, Christians can take comfort that God is still bringing life and the means to sustain that life out of our personal chaos. God not only masters the chaos, but fashions it into something amazing. Let us take heart in times of chaos.

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?

Does your humility outweigh your privilege?

 

Jesus seemed to insult the Syrophenician woman when she asked he heal her daughter (Mark 7). Jesus's response was the way Syrophenicians treated Jewish people. By exposing the possible prejudices, Jesus gave the woman an opportunity to declare herself different. Her humble response was rewarded and her Jesus granted her daughter the healing she needed. How often do you come from a place of privilege?

Privilege and humility

Mark 7 presents us with an unusual story of Jesus refusing a request for healing. The requestor was a woman from a region known for wealth. Jesus removed her apparent privilege by telling her that his ministry was to Israel first. The woman humbly asked that she be granted a "crumb" from the table and in declaring her unworthiness, her request was granted. What expectations do you have for God and for those around you?

Lydia loves God and receives the gospel

 

The story of Lydia reminds us that God loves all kinds of people. Lydia was a gentile entrepreneur who worshipped God and received the gospel when Paul presented it (Acts 16). Like Lydia, there are many who might defy our expectations of what a God worshipper. How do you share the gospel with others? 

The normalcy of hospitality

 

Western culture often struggles with concepts of hospitality for immigrants and vistors. Like many middle-eastern faiths, early Christianity viewed hospitality as part of their faith practice. Lydia demonstrated this when she immediately invites Paul to come stay with her and her family (Acts 16:15). By receiving Paul, she became a part of his story. In what ways do you help non-residents feel welcomed and cared for?

Sisera's misplaced trust

Sisera, trusted his large and sophisticated military to win the battle with Israel (Judges 4).   Sisera's trust proved to be poorly placed when his army was completely destroyed by Barak's men. Seeking refuge, Sisera again trusted poorly, by asking Jael to hide him. She killed him in sleep, further humiliating him. As Christians, we trust in God, not in armies or political powers. Who do you trust to keep you safe?

Leaders lead

 Deborah, the fearless voice for God and a just judge of His people, demonstrated outstanding leadership by accompanying the country's general into a dangerous battle (Judges 4). While the motives of the general, Barak, are unknown, he insisted God's representative stand with him during this crucial battle. Like any great leader, Deborah lead by example and put herself in harm's way before asking others to do so.

The undeserving...

 The core principle of Christianity is that God loved us so much, that He sent His Son to die for us, even though we did not do anything to deserve His love (Rom 5:8). How are displaying love for those who don't seem to deserve it?

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?

Ruth joins the story of the Bible

 

Although no law forced her to, Ruth purposefully tied herself to her mother-in-law. (Ruth 1)The reason for such a strong bond is not truly known, but by Ruth's actions seem to indicate she cared for others and for the God of Israel. By showing unusual kindness, Ruth becomes part of the Bible story and one of Christ's ancestors. What unusual acts of kindness can you perform today?

Dealing with change

 

The Bible often describes crisis moments that required God's people to choose bold, new ways of living or even worshipping. Ruth and Orpah (Ruth 1) face this kind of decision when their husbands die and their mother-in-law decides to leave the country. While facing change is trying and frightening, God's people have always relied on Him to help them navigate the changes and still remain faithful to His word.