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?

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?

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?

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?

Do you know where you hurt?

 Richard Rohr Quote: “Pain that is not transformed is transmitted.” We see this thought acted out in the story of Hannah (1 Sam 1). When the high priest heard Hannah praying he accused her of being drunk. Instead of becoming angry, Hannah spills her greatest weakness and pain out to her accuser and is granted a great blessing from God. Are you able to face your own weaknesses?

Are you stepping away from God's love?

 When Christians talk about remaining, or continuing in the "Love of God", it often sounds like a mental exercise in remembering to love God. In the gospel of John (Jn 15:9-17), the phrase seems more related to loving God by loving others. Maybe the best way to remain in love with God, is by showing His love to others. How can you love others this week?

Paul glories in...pain?

 The Apostle Paul, one of the most influential voices of the early Church, did not brag about his position. Instead, Paul acknowledged his ongoing prayer for relief and God's refusal to take the impediment from him (2 Co 12). While we don't know what Paul suffered from, we know that this affliction did not undermine his faith or his work. What weaknesses can you be thankful for?

The Ironic Gift

 

When the affluent Christians of Jerusalem found themselves suffering a lack of status and economic opportunity, the less affluent churches of Macedonia gave what they could to assist their fellow Christians
(2 Co 8:7-15). Demonstrations of love like this caused many communities to understand the transformative power of the gospel and to embrace Christianity.

Growing the Kingdom

Most of us want to do big, memorable acts that will create a legacy of our good works, but Jesus compared the entire Kingdom of God to a very small mustard seed that grows into a large tree  Mark 4. What small acts of faith, hope, or charity can you perform as part of the expanding work of God?

On the way to worship

Psalm 130 was part of a 'playlist' of psalms sung while traveling to the Temple. This Psalm reminds us of the pain we have felt, or might be feeling as a way of preparing the ourselves for worship. Whatever our circumstances, we can choose to be like the psalmist and put our faith in God's love and power to see us through these times. How do your hard times show that God is faithful?

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?

Welcoming EVERYONE - Phillip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

 One of the earliest Christians was a eunuch in service to the queen of Ethiopia. As a eunuch, this servant was discouraged from many religious practices, but was interested in spiritual things. Phillip shared the gospel and immediately welcomed his new brother-in-faith to the church. This was signified with an impromptu baptism. Are you like Phillip, welcoming everyone into the family of God? Acts 8

A dinner announcement

 

While dining with Jesus, Zacchaeus declared that he would give half of his wealth to the poor, and that he would repay anyone he had cheated in business with interest (Luke 19). Zacchaeus's self-sacrifice did not save him, but it did show just how serious he was about following Jesus. How serious are you when it comes to your faith?

Who would you exclude?

Jesus was famous for accepting the least desirable people into his teaching sessions. This often irritated the religious scholars and those who sought to live pious lives (Luke 15). Jesus made it clear that God loves everyone, especially those who are disenfranchised. In Luke 15, Jesus managed to teach both groups at one time, showing that he cares for all.  Who you would exclude from attending church or Bible study? 
 

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.