Flaming together

Human nature seeks to hurt those we think are hurting us. Often this revenge-seeking leads to a dangerous cycle that only causes us more pain. As Christians, we are to love those who seek to harm us (Matt 5:43-48). While Christians should seek refuge from abuse, we are called to abstain from using the same tactics against our aggressors. How do you respond when you feel 'attacked' on social media? Do 'flame back?'

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.

Passing through the darkness

 When God's people rejected The True God and sought advice from others, they lost sight of why they were suffering and how the suffering would end (Is 9). This blindness was as if they were in a dark cloud that could only be passed through when they accepted the light God offered. Can you think of anything that God might be telling you is harmful, but you don't want to give it up?

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? 

Stomp-on!

     Like many of the Old Testament prophets, Amos recognized that the people who have resources tend to make rules that keep those lacking resources from ever getting them (Amos 8). God judged Israel harshly not just for their mistreatment of the poor, but also for the way they violated the laws God gave them to give the poor help and benefit. Can you think of rules that we use today to keep the poor from gaining wealth?

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).