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?

Breakers and builders

 

Christians have been known to disrupt or dismantle political power structures. One example is the healing Paul provided in Philippi (Acts 16), which resulted in the loss of economic gain provided by a young girl. Christians are also known for creating and rebuilding. While you are considering deconstruction, do you also consider what structures you can build to more fully realize the love of God to those around you?

The courage of faith

 Ananias demonstrated great faith and courage by ministering to Saul, the persecutor of the Church (Acts 9). Although Saul was certainly a threat to any follower of Christ, Ananias followed God's command to find Saul and teach him about the way of Christ. Saul was healed of his physical and spiritual blindness and became one of the most important figures of the New Testament.