Held back by fear

 Sometimes we see a need and want to help, but fear prevents us from providing assistance. When Elijah's life was threatened, he hid and began to feel that he was the only person who still worshipped God (1 Kings 19). God's ministry to Elijah motivated the prophet to return to his service to God. How can God use you to encourage others who are too fearful to provide help to others?

The love challenge

Christ summed up the entire Law of God into two commandments, love God and love people (Matt 22). Paul repeats this summation by saying that all of the law can really be summed up as love people (Rom 13). While this sounds basic, it is not easy. When you consider all of the different kinds of people in your life and their different views, can you still open your heart and love them? 
 

Pentecost surprise

When the followers of Christ received the Holy Spirit, Peter described this outpouring as the fulfillment of a prophesy from the book of Joel ( Acts 2:17). The prophesy describes God pouring His Spirit on all flesh. As Christians, we often become suspicious of other believers whose faith practices differ greatly from our own. Are you able to accept any follower of Christ, regardless of their denomination or label?

Mind of Christ vs Mind of Christ

 Many Christians speak of the "mind of Christ" referring to Philippians 2:5. Oddly, it is often used as a way to demonstrate an air of superiority, but the Bible reference describes how humble Christ was and how adopting that mindset would be displayed as humility. Are you able to humble yourself like Christ?

Memorial Day 2022

 Many of us have been experiencing a long, hard, sad, season of death. This Memorial Day we might remember how Jesus spoke of a memorial that would consist of a story told about a woman who ministered to him (Mark 14). This story or memory was meant to inspire and elicit action. While we consider the tragic deaths of this year, may we be inspired to act in ways that prevent such tragedies.

Your Rights vs God's Word

 Many Christians live in areas that provide extended personal freedoms, some of which seem to even cater to our faith. While we may enjoy our freedoms, we should always consider how those freedoms might infringe on others' ability to enjoy their freedoms. Like Paul (1 Co 9), we should be willing to forego our rights when it means that others could be hurt.

Paul bonds with Mars Hill worshippers

 When Paul visited the famous temples on Mars Hill (Acts 17), he used the similarities he had with other philosophers and religiously minded worshippers. Rather than pointing out the differences, Paul began with what they had in common, a desire to worship the previously 'unknown' God who was now being revealed through faith in Jesus Christ.

Exposed to the culture

As Christians, we reject the 'world' described as the lust of the flesh, lust of eyes and pride of life (1 Jn 2:16). Sometimes we also reject the criticism and views of others by calling it 'worldly.' Rather than separating from the culture of his day, Paul used it to gain insight and to preach Christ (Acts 17). Have you ever dismissed someone's viewpoint because you believed you were too good to hear it?

Where do they go?

 

Acts 16 tells of a slave Paul heals and a prison guard Paul saved from suicide. While the stories seem to have a conclusion, the two are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. We're left to wonder what happened to them. Maybe their absence invites to imagine what happens next, or just to consider the people in our lives we've lost track of. Can you think of anyone who's disappeared from your story?

Jesus loved a doubter

 Christians know both the power and importance of faith. However, God seems willing to engage with honest skeptics. Like many of us, Thomas declared he would not believe Jesus rose from the dead unless he could tangibly verify it (Jn 20).  Jesus demonstrated unique love by allowing Thomas a thorough inspection of the crucifixion wounds. Are you honest with God about your doubts?

Embrace the open tomb

 

The cross has long been the symbol of Christianity, but the empty tomb might be more appropriate. The empty tomb reminds us that Christ shares His victory over death with us (I Cor 15). While we might not need to abandon the importance of the cross, where Christ took our punishment for sin, we should also embrace the message of life that over death represented by the empty tomb.

Using power over prayer

 

Jesus did not come to earth with an agenda to force His way or His teachings on others. His methods were in stark contrast to the religious leaders who enforced the law of Moses with political tools such as alliances with Roman leaders. One example is found in John 18, where the religious leaders used Pilate and the Roman law to have Jesus executed. Can you think of ways you might lean on politics over prayer?

What's your wakeup call?

 

When Peter denied Christ, he was given a reminder in the form of a rooster crowing (Jn 18), which caused Peter great sorrow (Matt 26). When we understand our sin it should break our heart, but we can take comfort that God still loves us and will forgive us. 

Where NOT to bring your problems

 When Jesus found a blind man, the religious leaders immediately asked whose sin had caused the man to be blind (Jn9). Jesus answered that sin did not cause the blindness, but the blindness was necessary as a way for Jesus to demonstrate his divinity. When you see someone suffering, do you blame them for some shortcoming, or do you see the miracles God is working through you to help ease the suffering?

The Lord's side

 

Although Christians are united in a unique equality through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26-29), we often create social structures as a way to either dominate others or to demonstrate our perceived importance. Can you think of any ways you may have leaned into pride and thought yourself better than those around you?

BePoorNoMore campaign

Christians argue about ministering to those in need of food or other physical assistance. It might be tempting to abdicate caring for either the physical or spiritual needs by focusing on one or the other. Jesus managed to feed over 5000 people and still deliver spiritual teaching (Jn 6). Do you focus on either of the spiritual or physical needs to the exclusion of other needs?

Nicodemus seems reluctant

 

The Jewish teacher, Nicodemus, seemed to reject Christ's teaching on the need for a second birth (John 3). The quick dismissal of an obvious metaphor might lead us to believe that Nicodemus wasn't really open to new ideas like those Christ was presenting. Do you find some of Christ's hard to accept?

Rebuild this temple

Christ told a group of temple officials that He would rebuild the temple that they would knock down, but the temple He was referring to was His own body  (John 2). This statement marked a huge change in how we consider access to God. Christ, as our sacrifice, is now our advocate and the person who provides us an audience with God. How do you approach God? Are you able to find a sacred space in the love of Christ?

Angry Christians

It might be tempting to use Christ's cleansing of the temple (John 2) as an excuse to demonstrate anger inappropriately. While Christ did display anger at times, it was always directed toward those who were taking advantage of others and anger was not Christ's defining characteristic. Are you considered an "angry person? Does your display of "righteous indignation" seem consistent with the person of Christ?

 

Are you ashamed?

 Jesus's first sign was to turn water into wine (John 2). This miracle pointed not only to the abundance that Christ would bring to the world, but also reminded us of His consideration for a family facing the shame of poor planning. When feeling the overwhelming weight of shame, we can take comfort that God still loves us and that Jesus died to take our shame and sin.