Keeping the heart open

Many of us have learned to close our hearts to new experiences and people. In 2Co 6, we are encouraged to give no offense and to endure what others might think of us. This passage ends by calling us "rich." Have you enriched your life with a variety of people and experiences that remind you of God's great power and love, or in fear of finding sin, have you pulled out of everyday life?

 

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?

An ancient blues song

As Christians we are bound across time and space by our mutual belief in the goodness of God and the redemption available in Christ. One of the most obvious ways we demonstrate this connection is through singing ancient songs. Ps 137 is an example of an ancient song of profound sadness, reminding us that every era has despondency. The words of this song are so powerful, they are still sung today.

Memorial Day, 2021

 This year we have so many dead friends to remember that it might become overwhelming. Over 3.5 million have died from COVID, and many more have died from hate-induced violence led by those who should be promoting peace. Isaiah 40 describes a similar time when even the young men lose their will to fight. May we memorialize our dead with the hope of the gospel, and with our own care and ministry.

Welcome to the Church...Maybe?

 

The Church is comprised of any who confess their absolute helplessness as a sinner and trust Christ to save them by His sacrificial death (Romv10:12-13). Paul reminds us that once this step has been taken, any and everyone is then considered part of the 'body of Christ' and should be welcomed and respected as family (Gal 3:23-29). 

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?