Who's your daddy?

Rom 8 describes our relationship with God as a legal adoption. As a child of the most high, we have the privilege of relating to God as our loving Father. Do you rejoice to meet with your Father, or like so many of us, do you run from your Father's side distracted by the petty devices of the world?

Jesus washed the feet of his enemy

The powerful story of Jesus' washing the feet of his followers in John 13 demonstrates an unprecedented humility. As we consider this act we might forget that one of those who received this demonstration was Judas, the one who had already betrayed Christ and would later that day deliver Christ to be crucified. Do we treat our enemies the way Christ treated his enemies?

Handling God

When the apostle John describes his time with Jesus Christ, he remembers being able to touch and handle the Son of God 1 John 1:1. It's hard to imagine the God who created us came to us in a form that was so accessible and welcoming. When you think of Christ, do you think of him as this inviting? Do you imagine someone who let you shake his hand or give him a hug?

God sent His Son into poverty

When Mary and Joseph gave their offering as part of their presentation of Jesus to their religious community Lk 2, it was also a public declaration of their poverty. Not having the money to purchase a lamb, they presented a pair of doves. God gave provision for the poor and identified with them in a unique way by placing His Son in their care. How does this identification influence your thinking?

What do your prayers say about you?

The story of the proud religious man in Luke 18 might make you feel better about your prayers. Compared to this obviously proud man, we might be tempted to feel superior in our own faith and in the way we express it, but if we look closely enough, will we see a little bit of even this caricature in ourselves? May we find the courage to face our inner hypocrite.

Happy Thanksgiving

1 Thessalonians gives us this simple command, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

Do you think God is your servant?

Luke 17 provides insight into how we think of God. While referring to ourselves as humble, our requests show that we expect God to do be our servant and to perform according to our timetable. How are you treating God? As master or servant?