Reflecting God – Embrace Holy Living: Recent Episodes

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1 Timothy 4:11-16.

Paul’s words to Timothy are a sobering reminder that our lives and beliefs are not lived in isolation. As followers of Christ, we are always being observed—by family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers. Our example can either draw others toward Jesus or push them away.

To “watch your life and doctrine closely” is a call to intentional living. It’s a call to integrity—making sure our actions align with our beliefs, and our beliefs are rooted in God’s truth. This is a call to integrity, not to perfection. It requires perseverance, consistency, and faithfulness over time.

Integrity includes honesty. Being open about our questions, doubts, or seasons of wrestling is not a sign of weakness. It is a powerful testimony. Vulnerability invites others into a real and authentic faith journey. When we admit that we do not have all the answers but continue to seek God, we model a faith that is both humble and resilient.

When we live out our faith with sincerity, truth, and transparency, we not only guard our own spiritual health, but we also become a living sermon. Our lives speak volumes—sometimes more than our words ever could.

Author: Teanna Sunberg

The post Obey Whom? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Timothy 4:1-10.

In Genesis, God’s first declaration over creation is, “It is good.” This is a foundational truth that echoes through Paul’s instructions to Timothy. It reminds us that God’s creation is inherently good because God has declared it so. However, this affirmation does not imply that anything goes, nor does it ignore the reality of sin’s impact on the world.

It does mean that we must resist the subtle pull of legalism—the tendency to add human-made rules and extra requirements to God’s grace. In the early church, some were adding extra rules—prohibiting certain foods or practices—as if holiness could be achieved through restriction. Legalism distorts the gospel, and it robs us of joy and freedom. It forgets God’s original declaration: Creation is good.

Paul is clear with Timothy: When something is received with gratitude and consecrated by God’s Word and prayer, it is not to be rejected. This is powerfully illustrated in Acts 10:9-16 where God tells Peter, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean” (v. 15). We are to receive God’s gifts with thankful and prayerful hearts—honoring the Giver.

Ultimately, we are not made holy by restriction but by the lavish love of God through Christ. Over us, as over creation, God still declares, “Very good.”

Author: Teanna Sunberg

The post With Thankful Hearts first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 13:11-19.

I am a member of Generation X. A quick Google search will lead you to a list of multiple sources that will tell you my generation is known for being cynical and for questioning authority. I will admit, I possess this quality to a degree. If I see something shared on social media, I often look for an original source to see if what was shared is true or not. I usually want to know that a leader deserves my trust rather than just blindly following the word “go.”

These attitudes aren’t all bad. However, I must also realize that, as a Christian, I submit to a higher authority. That heavenly authority has established human leaders in His church who deserve my respect and trust.

Not that we must blindly follow someone just because of the title behind his or her name, no questions asked; respect and trust still must be fully earned over time. Yet, what if people like me started from a place of trust, rather than cynicism?

To the leader who is sacrificially serving, our trust can become a huge asset in their work of serving the Lord.

Author: Joel Parsons

The post Respecting Our Leaders first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 3:1-6.

Moses is one of the most important figures in all of Scripture. Think about what he accomplished during his leadership tenure. He boldly confronted Pharaoh. He led the Israelites out of slavery. He settled many disputes between fellow Israelites. He supported the troops during military battles. He was the servant through which God’s law was delivered to His people.

And yet, the writer of Hebrews makes it clear that, when held up against Jesus, Moses’s importance paled in comparison. Comparing God’s people to a house, the writer of Hebrews says that Moses was a faithful servant in the house, but God the Father is the builder of the house, and Jesus reigns supreme as Son over the house. That was true for ancient Israel, and it’s true for Christ’s church, the “Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16) today.

Our devotional reflections this week have focused on identifying godly leaders and being godly leaders ourselves. Yet all such leaders recognize as true what the author of Hebrews pointed out: Jesus reigns supreme over His church. It is He to whom we look in all that we say and do as the people of God.

Author: Joel Parsons

The post Jesus Reign’s Supreme first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Titus 2:1-8.

Yesterday, I mentioned that our world loves a leader with a “golden tongue,” one who can captivate and impress audiences with the way they speak. However, have you ever heard someone give a speech who was phenomenal in his or her delivery and really connecting with the audience, but thought, “Wait a minute, something doesn’t quite check out here. This doesn’t seem quite right”?

When we’re talking about Christ’s church, it’s not enough to be a great speaker. The message itself needs to be in line with the teachings outlined in Scripture. Paul told Titus, “You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine” (v. 1). If the teaching is in line with Scripture, then the fruit will be evident in what it teaches the hearers to do. You can read examples of what lives devoted to this doctrine and teaching look like as you read the rest of Titus 2 and other places in Scripture.

If our teaching is in line with sound doctrine, it will lead others to live lives of humility, self-control, generosity, and deference to others. In other words, it will lead others to live a life worthy of Jesus.

Author: Joel Parsons

The post Sound Doctrine first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Titus 1:1-9.

Our world loves a charismatic leader, someone who is able to charm others with their personality and captivate audiences with a golden tongue. Such a person can win political elections or climb the ranks at work.

These can be fine traits, for sure. But when it comes to identifying a godly leader, or being a godly leader ourselves, the apostle Paul’s list of qualifications he gave to Titus goes much deeper than this.

Paul used words to describe the type of leaders he was looking for, such as “blameless—not overbearing, not quick tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain” (v. 7). Instead, such a leader needed to have qualities such as being “hospitable,” “self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined” (v. 8).

Sometimes, rather than having a golden tongue, what a leader needs to be able to do is to hold his or her tongue. A godly leader knows when to be silent, and when to speak. When he or she does speak or act, the words and actions reflect Jesus’ character.

What leadership traits do you value in others? What traits do you demonstrate in your life? Let us value the ones our Lord values.

Author: Joel Parsons

The post Godly Leadership Qualities first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 6:1-6.

The young church in Jerusalem had been growing exponentially. People were continually coming to faith and joining the fellowship of believers. Yet, as is often the case, that growth brought challenges with it: In the church’s desire to meet the physical needs of some of its widows, some protested they were being overlooked. It appears to have been a problem of logistics as much as anything.

This was new territory for Jesus’ apostles, who were tasked with leading the church. What should they do? It was a critical moment in the life of the church. They could have selected a path that brought more division. Instead, they chose to delegate the matter to other godly leaders in the church to work it out. The result: The church continued to grow, and even Jewish priests came to faith in Jesus (v. 7).

It can be easy and pleasant to lead when it’s smooth sailing for the church. But the true test of leadership is, how do we respond when conflicts inevitably arise? If we collectively seek the Lord’s wisdom before responding, we may be surprised at what God can do.

Author: Joel Parsons

The post Leading Under Pressure first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Timothy 3:8-16.

Life is full of tests. Some are formal, even high stakes tests, like a final exam, the SAT, or the book test to get a driver’s license. Most of the time, life’s tests are more informal, but no less important, such as how we respond when our children refuse to obey or how we handle a difficult situation at work. In any case, we can be assured that people are watching.

Serving Christ’s church comes with tests as well. Sometimes, they are more formal, such as when I went before the district credentials board when applying for ordination as an elder in the Church of the Nazarene. Many times, they are more informal, such as how we respond when our opinion is in the minority on a church board decision or when a conflict of some sort (like the color of the carpet!) arises in the congregation. Again, people are taking notice of our speech and character, whether we realize it or not.

When the tests inevitably come, how do you respond? Are you passing the tests with Christlike character that increases others’ trust in you?

May others, and more importantly our Lord, see us passing the tests.

Author: Joel Parsons

The post Passing the Test first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Timothy 3:1-7.

Last year, the school district where I teach posted a job opening for a head football coach. I could have applied, but there was only one problem: I had never coached football or even played a single down in my life. I like to watch football on TV, but I lack an understanding of the more nuanced parts of the game. I would have made a terrible football coach. In fact, for these reasons, they never would have hired me in the first place.

When it comes to church leadership, there are certain standards that a person should meet before being considered for such a vitally important position. Paul lays some of these out for his mentee, Timothy, in today’s passage. If they have family, how do they treat their spouse? How about their children? What is their reputation with people outside the church?

In a day when it can be difficult to find volunteers and leaders, it can be easy to simply assign someone to a leadership role just because they are willing. Even so, before proceeding, we are wise to consider if they truly have the skills and gifts for the position and, just as importantly, if they reflect Christlike character when relating to others.

Author: Joel Parsons

The post Leadership and Family first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 95:1-7a.

Where we live, many young people participate in 4H, a development organization open to those ages 5-19. The program focuses on learning by doing, with projects and activities in areas like agriculture, home economics, natural resources, and leadership. 4Hers lead activities and groups and create all sorts of projects (from cake decorating to building small engines to painting pictures). Many associate the organization with livestock.

If you attend a county fair, you can see why this is: Youth show a variety of livestock, aiming to win the top prize. One of the ways the handlers better their chances at winning the award for, say top Yorkshire gilt (pig), is to work with their animal daily. The youth will feed them, clean the pens, wash them, and exercise them. They spend time together. The animals get to know their handlers.

The psalmist notes, “We are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (v. 7). God cares for us even more than a 4H youth cares for his or her animal. God watches over us, provides for us, and spends time with us. We are known by God; we can know God.

Today, be a part of God’s flock.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post We Like Sheep first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 1:1-8.

Some of us tend to worry or doubt more than others. Think of poor Thomas, forever known as “Doubting Thomas,” because he refused to believe the story the others were claiming about the deceased Jesus: He is alive! Can we give Thomas a break? We have the benefit of hundreds of years of Christian faith, history, and tradition. He was in the thick of it.

Still, doubt can creep into our hearts easily enough. James was writing a letter full of wisdom for the early Christians: bits of truths that they would need to hear and learn and live in order to follow Christ. At the beginning of today’s passage, he tells them to “consider it pure joy . . . whenever you face trials of many kinds” (v. 2) because trials produce perseverance and therefore, maturity. Today’s key verse points us to belief over doubt.

What, though are we called to believe? That when we ask God for wisdom, He will provide. Don’t ask as if you aren’t really sure God can do what you ask. Ask knowing that God is able. Ask believing that God wants the best for us. Ask with a willing heart to follow God wherever God guides you. Believe.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post No Doubt! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Numbers 20:1-6.

If you had grown up in church in the 1970s, you may have sung a little ditty that likened salvation to “gumdrop holidays.” Lately, that tune came to mind, and got me thinking: 1) How did that song ever pass a theology test? and 2) The Christian life is not like “gumdrop holidays.”

God’s chosen people were not in a good spot. First, they were in the desert! Hot, no water, one of their major leaders (Miriam) had passed and was buried in a land not their own. Additionally, misery loves company, and the people were in serious complaining mode. What’s a person of God to do?

Moses and Aaron in their grief, in their humility, in their trust, left the presence of the people they loved for the presence of God, whom they loved even more. They sought Him on their faces, and the glory of the Lord appeared to them!

Are you facing life’s hurdles, hurts, and hang ups? Why not leave it for a moment and fall on your face before the King for a new perspective through this season?

Author: Matt Zimmer

The post Seeking God In Trying Times first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 32:1-11.

The child had been accused of breaking the rules. Unknown to him, several other children had witnessed it. When asked by the teacher whether he had indeed broken the rules, the child had a choice to make: Tell the truth and seek forgiveness or not. The teacher assured the child that being truthful upfront would be the best course of action.

Seeking forgiveness without truthfulness or humility misses the point of repentance and forgiveness. When we seek forgiveness, we are submitting ourselves to the grace of God. We are saying that we were headed in the wrong direction and that we now repent—turning ourselves around in the right direction. To turn the direction of our lives, we must be honest. Withholding a part of who we are and what we were doing stands in the way of the forgiveness we are seeking.

Think of a time when someone asked for your forgiveness without sincerity or humility. What was your reaction? How was that situation resolved? Now think of the last time you asked for forgiveness from God. How were those two situations different? Similar?

May you approach forgiveness in truth and humility.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Forgiveness and Humility first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Numbers 14:31-38.

A film from the 1990s depicts two bookstore owners battling to stay in business. Joe owned a large, corporate chain of bookstores. Kathleen owned a small, local children’s bookstore, started by her mother years before. Kathleen was determined not to close her doors just because a big rival opened next door. She drummed up interest, rallied picketers, and drafted editorials in the local paper. One such article compared her to a “lone reed” in the “corrupt sands of commerce.”

While it seems brave and a bit romanticized to imagine ourselves as courageous warriors standing alone, facing the battle of the day all alone, we really aren’t lone reeds. Our lives are woven into the lives of those around us. Like a ripple in a pond, our choices and consequences radiate out, touching others.

The Israelites were spared. They had consequences—the ones who refused to enter would never enter. They received their punishment. However, their lack of faithfulness affected the lives of their children, too.

Take stock of your choices today. How do your choices touch the lives of others? This week be mindful of how your faith and actions reverberate through others.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post You Are Not A Lone Reed first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Numbers 14:20-30.

Moses, as we learned yesterday, stood in intercession between the Israelites and God. His request for compassion and forgiveness did not go unheard or unanswered. God was faithful and just. God loved His people. His mercy extended to the people of Israel, despite their lack of trust and obedience.

What great news that is for us to hear! Yet, our actions are not without consequences. The choices we make have repercussions; God’s faithfulness does not mitigate the consequences.

The Israelites who did not obey God’s command to enter the land would live, but never enter the land promised to them. They had missed their opportunity when they said “No.” The consequence stung, but the grace God gave afforded them life.

Reflect on your own life. What are some of the consequences (good and bad) that you have experienced from the choices you have made? Where can you detect God’s mercy in your life and still see the natural repercussions of your choices?

Take time to thank God for His grace in your life today.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Consequences first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Numbers 14:10-19.

The Israelites have had a rough time of it. They had survived slavery in Egypt. They had made an exodus from that harsh land. Then they had crossed the Red Sea with God’s guidance and protection, even with the mighty Egyptian army racing to catch them. They had wandered through the desert, sustained by God, never lacking for what they needed. Finally, they found themselves at the gateway to their future: They were standing on the doorstep of the promised land.

Fear rippled through them. They forgot all that had happened. God encouraged them: “Do not fear because I am with you.” Yet fear has a strong grip. How could they possibly make the choice to follow God forward into this land?

God had had enough.

Moses, however, stood before God and interceded on behalf of Israel. Moses got between God and the Israelites, and asked God for grace and forgiveness and compassion. The Israelites hadn’t made good choices, yet Moses knew that God’s grace could change their hearts and minds.

Think of a person you know who intercedes for those around them. Perhaps they did so for you. Now, reflect on how you can intercede for those in your life.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post We Are Not Alone first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Numbers 14:1-9.

We have been talking about making choices for the last few days. The Israelites, having been freed from slavery, saved throughout their travels in the desert, and guided to a new homeland, now had a choice to make: Trust God or sin through disobedience. Undoubtedly, they were afraid. I cannot imagine how I would feel facing a land of people stronger and bigger than myself. Yet, God had brought them this far.

More than once the Israelites were reassured: Do not be afraid. God was aware of their response to these strong people. God did not brush it aside or ridicule them for being afraid. Rather God comforted them over and over: Do not be afraid.

Why? Because God is with us. If God had asked them to deal with this all on their own, then we would certainly understand their desire to say “No” to such a request. However, God assured the Israelites that they would not go alone. God was with them.

This is one of the most comforting and encouraging truths: We are not alone. God goes with us. Do not be afraid!

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post You Are Not Alone first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Numbers 13:26-33.

Israel was faced with choices that are harder to make. Canaan was a land “flowing with milk and honey,” rich in resources, and wonderful to live in. Yet, there was a small problem. In fact, the problem was the big, strong people already living there. They were huge and the Israelites were scared!

Remember our devotional yesterday? Sometimes making a good choice is easy. Today, the Israelites had to make another choice—this one had to be based on trust in God, not fear. The choice to explore the land didn’t phase them. They jumped at the chance. Now, however, they were afraid that they would be pummeled by the larger, stronger inhabitants.

Fear was calling the shots. Fear was keeping the Israelites from remembering all the times that God had rescued them, forgiven them, cared for them, and loved them. God wasn’t asking them to do something impossible. God was asking them to choose to trust Him, to choose to obey Him.

Think back to a time when you were faced with a choice and fear was a factor. How did you allow God to help you pass the fear into His hands? Place your faith in His ability to care for you today.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post The Fear Factor first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Numbers 13:1-3, 16-25.

One of the things I talk about with students is making good choices. Every day, my students are faced with thousands of choices to make: Stay in line, raise a hand to ask a question, follow the classroom expectations, and so on. Some choices are easier than others and require very little effort.

The Israelites had a choice to make: Go explore the land of Canaan before them, or not. Moses was sending them ahead to find information about the land: How habitable was the land, what the people were like, how big the towns were, how rich the farmland was. They were even tasked with bringing back some of the fruit.

Not such a hard choice to make. They were tired of the desert. They were ready to be home. To top it off, this land was likely rich in resources—a marvelous new place to live! Sure, they would go, gladly!

At first, saying yes might not seem so hard. Just like these Israelite leaders, you might find yourself with a choice that isn’t too daunting. Take care to continue to lean into God, even when (maybe especially when) the choices are easy to make. This is the time you are building strength in your faith for the next hard choice.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Make Good Choices first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 96:1-13.

We serve a holy God together. Today, let’s simply pray through Psalm 96 as the body of Christ.

Father,

Help us to sing a new song to You, both individually and corporately. We lack the ability to properly praise Your name, so we simply come as we are. We do proclaim Your salvation. For this gift of eternal life, we are truly thankful. We do declare Your glory and Your marvelous works. They are unmatched by any other.

Lord, You are great! You alone are righteous. Only You are worthy to be praised. You are the one, true God. We acknowledge You as the Creator, not just of this world, but also the universe and everything in it. Splendor, majesty, strength, and glory are Yours and Yours alone.

We ascribe to the Lord the glory that Your name demands and deserves. We are an offering as we come into Your courts. We worship You in the splendor of Your holiness; the whole earth trembles before You.

We declare to the nations, God reigns! All of heaven and earth rejoice—the seas, the fields, the forest, everything in all creation. Let all creation declare Your majesty.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Psalm 96 first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Timothy 2:1-7.

Kids who grew up without siblings missed out on a lot. Sure, there are benefits that come with being an “only child,” but there are also things that simply weren’t a part of their childhood. Siblings often fight like cats and dogs. Siblings annoy each other. Siblings breathe each other’s air, and we all know how that ends!

However, no one has your back quite like a sibling. Often, siblings comfort and console one another. They help each other out. Siblings have been known to share secrets; they share the load as their parents age, and their kids become instant friends.

Even if you don’t have siblings, as a Christ-follower, you’ve got brothers and sisters. Just like traditional siblings, there are times when we don’t exactly like each other. In the body of Christ, siblings still experience conflict. Spiritual siblings still annoy one another and breathe each other’s air.

However, brothers and sisters who choose to follow Christ together have each other’s back. They comfort and console one another. They intercede for one another and share each other’s burdens.

In the body of Christ, we’re only alone if we choose to be.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Esther 8:13-17

Celebrations help us live in the moment of thankfulness.

Finally, the word got out to the Jews and there was celebration! Because of Esther, the king had sent a message and her people were safe! Things were different now. Mordecai came out of the king’s presence with new clothes, looking like a new person. The Jews around the kingdom celebrated. People even became Jews out of fear, seeking protection under the king’s new law.

As Christians, when we meet the King, things change! For such a big occasion, we get dressed up with new clothes. We put on compassion, faithfulness, righteousness, and love; we are clothed with Christ.

We celebrate! What would it look like for celebration of the gospel to spring up wherever we are? Even in times when we struggle, the freedom of Christ liberates us to the place of faithful joy. This new look of joy seen in us just might inspire people to want to know the Lord, not from fear, but out of the love they know through the joy we show.

Author: Austin Troyer

The post Clothed In Christ first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Esther 8:7-12

“It is just too good to be true.” This refrain can be heard as we sift through news stories. It can be hard to discern the truth, even in the good news.

Esther had a king who had to be convinced to do something good. She had to risk much just to see that the king ensured the safety of her people. An edict written to address the oppression of all the Jews in their own language and sealed by the king! Now that was some surprising good news worth sharing!

Here is some good news that we should receive with confidence: God, the King of kings, did not need to be convinced to send salvation to those who were far off. Esther’s story reminds us that God’s desire has always been the freedom of the oppressed. God sent Jesus to accomplish this mission.

The gospel of Christ is an edict over the whole world, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Christ sets free all who turn to Him. God’s message reads, “Glorious freedom!” That is good news worth believing.

Author: Austin Troyer

The post News Worth Living For first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Esther 8:1-6

Esther was in a position of power and Mordecai’s enemy, Haman, had been done away with. She could have ignored the danger to other Jews and not risked asking the king for more on behalf of her people. After all, the king had gotten rid of the previous queen because she did not listen to him. Esther risked herself in telling the king what to do! Yet, it was a risk she was willing to take.

We have had the opportunity to speak, intervene, vote, or protest when we see wrong being done to others. When the bully torments, the boss treats employees unfairly, when laws and politicians speak words that discriminate, we should speak and work on behalf of the oppressed, excluded, and tormented.

Esther could not let a danger to her people stand even though she was secure. God calls us to speak, love, and take the risk. We are called to take up our cross and follow the way of Jesus Christ, who laid His life down for all, including those who would do Him harm.

Author: Austin Troyer

The post A Voice For The People first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 44:1-8

When families get together, it’s common to share stories of the past. Some of these stories might be hilarious situations that a family laughs at for years, some might be full of rich ancestral history. Whatever the content, these stories have shaped and formed the family.

The psalmist describes a piece of the story of God that had been passed down for generations: God is victorious. The psalmist leans on the truth of the past. God is with the people of God, fighting for them and making a way for them! This is good news for the people of God who are reading this story from years’ past.

This same God who was victorious so long ago is still victorious today. Just as the psalmist says, it is not our own weapons, strength, or violence that saves us from our enemies; it is only God.

When you see victory in your life today or in the lives of those around you, praise the name of God! Join with the psalmist in telling this story of victory to the generations that come after us!

Author: Bethany Acre

The post A God of Victory first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 1:1-11

Paul’s prayer for the Philippians might very well be our very own prayer for our children, friends, family, students, or loved ones: that they may grow in love and in wisdom. Paul puts these two things hand-in-hand as he prays for his friends: that their love for others would flourish, and they would grow in knowledge and insight.

Love to care for others well, to selflessly lay down your life for others, sense the needs of those around you, and seek to fill them. Knowledge to know what is appropriate, to make wise decisions, and to discern what is best. These two characteristics together work to form and shape a person who embodies the nature and character of Christ. Love without knowledge or depth creates shallow relationships that lack sincerity. Knowledge without love leads to contractual sorts of relationships.

Take a few moments to pray for someone in your life. Pray that the Lord will continue to do this good work in you, so that you, too, may be “pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (v. 10).

Author: Bethany Acre

The post Love and Wisdom first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Paul begins his second letter to the Corinthians with a word of hope and good news. Our God is the God of comfort and compassion! The Lord draws near to those who are suffering and broken; He provides comfort in the midst of dark circumstances.

The good news for us today is that our God is the same as Paul described so long ago. Our God is still the God of comfort for the hurting. Moreover, God comforts us so that we may offer this same comfort to those around us. This is just in God’s nature, isn’t it? God pours out blessings, but this is not to be hoarded or kept for ourselves, but always to be shared with those around us.

For those who are going through a difficult circumstance, let Paul’s words be of hope to you; even our suffering shapes and forms us to learn to look for and rely on God fully. You are not alone. Turn to the God of comfort, allow God to help you comfort others, and know that your situation, though painful, is molding you into the likeness of Christ.

Author: Bethany Acre

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Luke 18:1-8

The idea of justice is discussed a lot in our society. Superhero movies tell us a story of people seeking justice. Justice, of course, is to make things right.

We all crave justice because we desire for things to be made whole and good again in the midst of broken situations. Collectively, the human race is crying out, just as the widow does in this passage, for justice to be done—for things to be made right, for things to be good.

However, while society may tell us that revenge is the way for true justice to reign, Jesus offers something else. The Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus will not drag His feet in order that justice will prevail.

So, friends, do not seek revenge as justice for the wrongdoing in your lives; rather, trust that our Lord Jesus Christ is working on your behalf. This may look different than we expect, and it may take longer than we hope, but I wonder if our patient trust in the Lord will reveal something greater than we can imagine.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post A Just God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Proverbs 1:1-7

I am convinced that committing to a life of following God is to commit to life-long learning. It seems this is what the author of Proverbs 1 was hoping to tell readers as they approached the book: There is much to learn! A life with God and an understanding of the Holy Scriptures is really only possible when one has a desire to learn, self-reflect, confess, and grow in love and in wisdom. The author of Proverbs encourages the “wise” to listen and add to their learning.

For those who are older—are we still listening and learning? Is our love for others still growing and expanding as we learn more and more about the nature and character of God?

For those who are younger—have we opened ourselves up to the wisdom of those who have gone before us? The author encourages the young and those who are discerning to receive guidance.

Wherever we find ourselves in our journey of faith, we have much to learn. Don’t discount one another. Listen, learn, and walk together toward Jesus.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post Life-Long Learning first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Esther 7:1-10

Esther was finally with King Xerxes at the right time and place and could make her petition for the king to stop the genocide of the Jewish people. The entire narrative has been building for this very moment! Esther risked her life on behalf of the Jewish people in hopes that the king might listen, believe, and take action. Her courage was rewarded, the actions of Haman were brought to light, and the next chapter tells of a new decree that was written that saved the Jewish people.

Esther 7 reveals Esther’s character as one who reflects the nature of God. With the full knowledge that she could be killed for approaching the king and asking such a thing, Esther risked her own life for the lives of others.

This is how God calls us to live. For you and I, this looks very different from Esther’s story. However, the call of God is the same—to lay down our lives for those around us. This often takes courage, inconvenience, and uncomfortableness.

Just as God was faithful to Esther, God will be faithful to you also.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post A Sacrificial Life first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Esther 5:1-8

In Esther 5, the story of Esther is in some of its most tense moments. Esther and Mordecai knew of Haman’s plot to kill all the Jews, and they knew they must act quickly so that their people could be saved. However, this passage leaves the reader with some questions. For instance, why does Esther ask King Xerxes and Haman to a banquet just to ask them to another one for the next day?

Scripture doesn’t reveal why Esther delayed her request to a second banquet. Various solutions to this question have been proposed, among them, that Esther lost her courage or that it was “strategic maneuvering” on her part. John Wesley felt it was divine providence, as that night, the king couldn’t sleep and thus rediscovered Mordecai’s actions in saving his life (see 2:19-23; 6:1-14).*

A life with God is like this sometimes—a bit messy, sometimes confusing, and leaving us with questions. I think we can take a cue from Esther—press on. Press on, persist, and allow God to give us courage in the midst of situations that don’t go as planned.

*Elaine Bernius, New Beacon Bible Commentary: Ruth, Song of Songs, Esther (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City, 2020), 271.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post A Banquet Gone Wrong first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 7:6-11

In Psalm 7, the psalmist asks us to consider God’s anger and wrath. Those are aspects of God’s personality with which we may not be entirely comfortable. There have been battles over whether to change song lyrics about “the wrath of God” to speak of “the love of God” instead.

When considering God’s anger and wrath, it is important to remember that God is different from us. He is wholly other than we are. We are finite beings trying to understand an infinite, transcendent being, so our understanding always falls short. The problem comes in theology. We can be sure that we are no longer worshiping the God revealed in Scripture but are instead worshiping an idol of our own design.

God’s anger and wrath are not expressed as if God sometimes loses His temper. Rather, God’s anger and wrath are aspects of God’s holy nature. At the heart of God’s character is holy love. When God’s anger and wrath are poured out, it is against evil and sin that justice may prevail.

Author: Joe Foltz

The post The Just God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 7:23-28

In The Chronicles of Narnia, it was the mighty lion Aslan who knew with certainty that he needed to go to the stone table in order that his sacrifice would fulfill the freedom for the transgressions of Edmund Pevansie. The scene depicts all the evil of Narnia, including the White Witch, gathered around the stone table making fun and dancing around as if this would be the beginning of their rule of Narnia.

This last portion of Daniel 7 feels like the tale of Narnia played out. There are powerful forces of evil that we all feel strongly in these days. We have the angst of living during the “in between” of Christ’s first advent and His second advent.

This may convey the angst we feel in these present days while we await our Lord’s return, but it does help us reaffirm our faith that His kingdom shall ever reign! We are in Christ! Look beyond the events of “the stone table” to our eternal home in glory where He shall rule forever and ever.

Author: Matt Zimmer

The post His Kingdom Is Everlasting first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 7:15-22

In Daniel 7:16, amidst the euphoria of the entire passage regarding the end of all things in verse 22, we see Daniel wanting to know the truth. Daniel sought the truth of all things because the visions of his head were troubling to him. Well, of course they’d be troubling. Strange beasts, one like the Son of Man coming in the clouds, and a beast burning in eternal flames! Who wouldn’t want to know the truth in all this?

We are a people who know by faith in Jesus as the Son of God who took upon himself the sin of the world that He is the truth and that His kingdom is without end. Yet this truth for Daniel needed to be more than just some tale or legend. It is as if we hear C.S. Lewis echoing those familiar words that “whatever the Gospels are, they are no legends.”

Our human sense of truthful assurance was in Daniel as it was in Pontius Pilate, as it is in us. When we read these words, we know they are indeed the truth.

Author: Matt Zimmer

The post The Truth of All This first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 7:8-14

When we read Daniel 7, we cannot help but think forward to the idea of Messiah! Specifically, we look from the passage in Daniel to Ephesians 1:20-22 and Philippians 2:9-11. Our hearts and minds as believers long for the day when all things will become new and every foe to Christ’s kingdom will be stripped of their power and Messiah’s dominion set for eternal reign.

The Daniel passage helps us see that the word “authority” translates to “dominion” and dominion, or the divine right to rule, is stripped from the beasts and given to another. The other in our passage is indeed “the son of man” and “the saints” (v. 27).

The powers and principalities of this world and the world of darkness will ultimately be stripped of dominion, and the forever dominion of Messiah set to never be exchanged again. We have this hope in our Messiah, Jesus Christ!

Author: Matt Zimmer

The post Messiah’s Dominion Assured first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 7:1-7

In the National World War I Museum and Memorial stand the remnants and stories of the weaponry and destruction brought on humanity as a result of the global upheaval of the first world war (1914—18).

The world then was not unlike the world of young Daniel. Belshazzar was in his first year as the Babylonian king; his father, Nabonidus, had handed over daily reign so he might enter into the Arabian desert to worship the moon god Sin. Meanwhile, nations around Babylon were positioning for power and advantage in the region.

In those days of darkness, Daniel described many beasts arising from the four corners of heaven. Daniel himself had just been delivered from the jaws of lions, so it probably wouldn’t surprise anyone that he would have such dreams.

However, the point today is not to focus on the “beasts of terror” but on the “Ancient of Days” who is on the throne today! He is our God who pierces through the darkness and ensures us today of His presence, power, and peace.

Author: Matt Zimmer

The post A Vision In The Dark first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 10:15-25

“You have my full confidence.” Have you ever heard someone say that? When a person tells another that they have given them their full confidence, it means more than just a surface-level trust. The confidence being expressed—connoting entirety, being “fully” invested—is one which will completely depend on the actions of the one in whom confidence is being placed. To give someone else one’s fullest confidence is to entirely trust their judgment based on prior behavior that has demonstrated the necessary character and patterns.

Chapter 10 of Hebrews calls on the reader to draw near to God with sincerity and full assurance in the person of Jesus Christ. We are told that we can draw near with faith because Jesus, as both the high priest and the sacrifice himself, has mediated our cleansing by His blood. We can have the fullest confidence in Jesus through faith that He is who He says He is, and that He literally laid His body on the line to make a way for us. So, let us draw near!

Author: Grant Miller

The post Confident Children first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Isaiah 30:15-21

There is perhaps no better indication of who a person really is than how they react under adversity. Real adversity, real stress, can bring out the true character of a person, and for people of faith, adversity can also reveal what they truly believe about God’s character. The same is also true for communities of people of faith.

Where do we run when we need help? When Peter was arrested by Herod and kept in prison with a sentence of execution, the Jerusalem church could have scattered, lost and afraid, much as they did before when Jesus was arrested. However, this time, as a Spirit-led and inspired people, the church gathered and did what had become their default response: They prayed!

Praying in earnest and in faith that God would be with Peter was their response. Our default response to the pressures of life must also be shaped out of heart habits that are in line with God’s desires for us: earnest prayer and faith!

Author: Grant Miller

The post A Community Response first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Isaiah 30:15-21

What comes to mind when you imagine a judge sitting in a courtroom? Perhaps it is a formal, stodgy person who is weary of the parade of cases they’ve had to adjudicate. Or perhaps it’s a distinct memory of your own, maybe from arguing a traffic ticket or being selected for a jury. In any case, we usually think of judges as being harsh and shrewd people who are hard-nosed in the pursuit and application of justice.

Isaiah tells us that the Lord is a God of justice. If God were like any of the descriptions in the previous paragraph, that would be a trait worthy of considerable anxiety! However, Isaiah includes the profound truth of God’s character, that the justice that is part of God’s heart is ultimately rooted in—and leads to—compassion.

God’s compassion is not simply to help us feel better about ourselves or to improve our lives in marginal ways. God’s kindness is in fact meant to lead us to repentance (2:4). The Lord who is God of justice will rise up to show you compassion!

Author: Grant Miller

The post A Compassionate Judge first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 6:23-28

Throughout Scripture, we are treated to story after story of God’s miraculous hand guiding specially-appointed men and women into victory. After the euphoria of the moment had passed, some of the Bible’s greatest leaders paused to sing a song of praise to God for leading the people to triumph.

A powerful reminder of God’s incredible faithfulness and worthiness of praise in the book of Daniel is the hymn of praise that was lifted after Daniel was delivered from the lion’s den. We are surprised, however, when we find it was not Daniel who raised this hymn of praise for his deliverance, but King Darius—he issued a decree that included the worship of God.

One of the great opportunities in our own moments of deliverance is the resulting praise that it can foster in those around us. God’s power on display in and through us is not just for our own benefit, but also to make us a living testimony to all about who God is.

Author: Grant Miller

The post A Life of Praise first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 6:16-22

After being brought up on charges by his opponents, Daniel’s response to the situation was not noteworthy because of the brilliant defense he mounted before the king, or the eloquent speech he gave about God’s law before the verdict was revealed. Instead, the text tells us that Daniel did not speak a single word before being thrown into the lions’ den. The king uttered a half-hearted appeal to God on Daniel’s behalf (v. 16), but our hero remained silent.

Silent, that is, until the morning came. Daniel knew that God had responded to the faithful life of his servant, and had shut the mouths of the lions. Where there was doubt and fear in the heart of the king, who could neither eat nor sleep with the anxiety of the moment, Daniel remained calm in the knowledge of the God who saves and responds to our prayers.

If only our own confidence in God would bring us to such composure under pressure! Daniel’s consistency in his own prayer life and complete trust in God mirrored God’s faithful presence; do our habits reflect God’s character in the same way?

Author: Grant Miller

The post Cool Under Pressure first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 6:10-15

There is a special truth that can totally change the way that we live our lives, especially when we are trying to change or implement a new habit in our routine. It is not a special “life hack” or an expensive product, nor is it a groundbreaking strategy. It is simply the commitment to “show up.” Whether it is making the conscious decision to head to the gym, to walk into the classroom or meeting, or to attend the service, a huge portion of the battle has already been won by the mental effort to be physically present in the first place.

If we are committed to developing holy habits of heart and life, we must similarly be willing to “show up” in our actions, especially in our private moments with God. We can all recall moments or seasons in our spiritual journeys where our hearts and spirits just don’t feel like taking time to pray or open the Word.

However, if we are faithful to simply showing up, to posture ourselves to hear from God, we can be fully confident that God will indeed meet us there.

Author: Grant Miller

The post The Strength of Habits first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 6:1-9

Holiness people are a peculiar people. Throughout the history of the movement, going back to its early Methodist ancestors, the ways that Holiness people have gone about their lives in steady devotion to God have stood out in common society. Holiness people are a peculiar people because of their habits of heart and mind.

Throughout Daniel’s story, he had experienced numerous changes of fortune. From political prisoner and exile to provincial governor, Daniel had experienced it all. When his political opponents looked to criticize his performance of royal duties, they discovered quickly that Daniel’s integrity was sound.

A consistent faith—one that is not shaken by the waves and winds of life or the dizzying speed of cultural change around us—can see us through the toughest of seasons, but it also might make us easier targets for criticism from those looking to hurt us. May our steadfast faith in the God who protects always cause us to stand out rather than blend in.

Author: Grant Miller

The post A Peculiar People first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 71:1-5

The value of hope cannot be measured: It sustains us when times are troubled, lightens the load we carry, and empowers us to make right choices.

We have hope in the Lord because of who the Lord is: refuge, righteous, rescuer, deliverer, rock of refuge, and fortress. The psalmist cries out to the Lord, “Let me never be put to shame” (v. 1). He echoes that sentiment later, “Deliver me, God, from the hand of the wicked” (v. 4). God is the psalmist’s hope; God sustains in times of trouble, lightens the load, and empowers us to live justly. Hope does not come from within our own selves, but from God.

Recall the moments in your life when hope sustained you through difficulties. How was God the center of that hope? Now think about your current circumstances. Where do you see glimpses of hope? Share with someone your story of hope today.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Expecting Positive Outcomes first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 4:1-10

Before I could complete my degree to become a licensed school counselor, I had to participate in three internships under the guidance of experienced, licensed counselors. One of the lessons I took from my supervising school counselor I’ve carried with me: You are who you hang out with.

While we might like to think that we are above such influences, the reality is that those we spend time with shape who we are. Think back to your childhood. Do you recall how friends would act similarly to those they spent time with? The friend who never played sports joined the soccer team with her friends. The boy who never cared about art spent time drawing every day with his artist friend.

The good thing about this aspect of human nature is that it can be positive as well as negative. When we choose to spend time with God, we become more like Christ. If we spend time with healthy, mature Christians, we are shaped into a healthier, more mature Christian.

With whom are you spending time?

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Who Shapes You? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 2:1-8

One of the characteristics I’ve never understood is when people obviously do not consider others around them. Standing in line and someone jumps ahead. Sitting at a restaurant and the person behind you crowds your space. These actions just do not compute in my mind because I was raised to always consider those around me. How do my actions affect those around me?

Paul encourages the Christians in Philippi to “consider others above yourself” (2:3). This isn’t because it will make all the Christians of Philippi look good to their neighbors, but because it is a product of “being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind” (v. 2). Being considerate is possible if we are “like-minded” in love and in spirit.

No, this does not mean we are “cookie-cutter” Christians or that we are all brainwashed so we think exactly the same thoughts. Rather, we are so shaped by Christ and His love that we form a community that is immersed in the love of Christ, that values others over self.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post You Before Me first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 5:22-30

You would think that being able to identify an idol would be easy. After all, the Old Testament describes a variety of idols that the people of God stumbled over again and again.

Yet, I think we have idols more often that we would believe possible. “Ridiculous,” you say. “I don’t worship other gods, objects, or false religions. I go to church and tithe and even volunteer with the youth group. I do all the right things. How could I be worshiping an idol?”

We must first consider what idolatry is: placing anything above God. Sure, we may not be worshiping the Canaanite god Baal or following the teachings of another religion, but can we say there is nothing in our lives that we focus on more than God? To what or to whom do we spend most of our time listening? For whom do we sacrifice time, energy, and resources? What, when it comes down to it, do we cling to most? If any of these things are not God, then we have an idol that has taken the place of God in our lives.

Allow God to examine your heart and reveal anything that comes before Him.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Idols first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 5:18-21

Scientific studies propose that feeling powerful may suppress the part of the brain that helps us connect with others referred to as the “mirror system.” This mirror system is a group of neurons that become active both when you experience something (say, drink a cup of good coffee) or when someone you see experiences something (say, drink a cup of good coffee). In a sense, the mirror system helps you empathize (including their motives) with the other person drinking that coffee. Feeling powerless seems to boost the mirror system. However, a boost of power suppresses the mirror system, making it more difficult to empathize with another.

Nebuchadnezzar received “sovereignty and greatness and glory and splendor” from God. If he wanted to elevate someone, he did. If he wanted to dispose of someone, he did.

This all worked out until “his heart became arrogant and hardened with pride” (v. 20). He forgot how to empathize with the people around him. He certainly forgot that the power he did have came not from him, but from God.

Don’t let power go to your head.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post High And Mighty first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 5:10-17

I know a staff member who was wrongly accused at her workplace of misconduct. It caused a stir in the workplace. Ultimately, evidence proved that the staff member was in the clear and had acted honorably.

The thing that most impressed me through this situation was the calmness of the accused staff member. As a believer, she put her trust in God. She knew God had called her to the work, she had done her job properly, and God would take care of her.

She didn’t do any of this for praise or accolades. She remained true to her God. She trusted God to bring her through. Daniel, known for his abilities, was called before the king to interpret the incredible events that had transpired. The king wanted to know: Could Daniel interpret this astounding message? If so, he would have riches lavished on him.

Daniel, however, did not do these things for his own good. He was faithful and true to God, and therefore able to witness to those around him through his God-given abilities.

What is your life saying about God?

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post God Sees Us Through first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 2:24-28

King Nebuchadnezzar, an evil tyrant who has already sentenced others to die for their inability to tell him his dream and its meaning, demands of Daniel, “Can you tell me my dream and what it means?” Notice that a key word is omitted from Daniel’s response to the evil king. That word is, “I,” as in, “I can do this.”

Beware of those who would take credit for what only God can do. Daniel says no human can accomplish the miracle, but there is a God who can. He humbly gives all the glory to a God the king has never met.

Whatever we think we have accomplished and whatever lofty goals we have for the future . . . these are really all illusions.

There is a God in heaven who accomplishes great things each moment of every day, but nothing has been accomplished around Him, behind Him, or without Him.

Author: Tyler Blake

The post There Is A God Who Can first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 2:12-23

Daniel’s subtle wisdom in chapter 2 is often overlooked. Instead of panicking as the astrologers and soothsayers did when they were told by the king to perform an impossible task, Daniel stayed calm. The pagan fortunetellers were in despair and wailed, “It can’t be done!”

Who can blame them? After all, the king not only demanded an interpretation of his dream, he also insisted that his counselors tell him what the dream was!

Daniel, however, faced with the same dilemma, gave an unexpected response and one that we might well imitate. When pushed into a corner, he was neither dismayed nor overconfident. He didn’t say, “I can’t do it,” any more than he said, “I’ve got this!” Instead of an “all or nothing” or hurried response, Daniel simply asked for more time.

Are you facing a temptation? Try walking around the block. Feel like screaming at a family member or sending a “scorched earth” email? Put it off until tomorrow. Does all seem lost with your life? Give it another day. Things always change.

Author: Tyler Blake

The post Ask For Time first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 2:1-11

True story: A friend of mine called the other day to tell me he was quitting his job, selling his house, and moving to another state because of a dream he had. What would you tell him?

Nebuchadnezzar makes two mistakes in the book of Daniel. The obvious one is that he turns to sorcerers for answers. The second might be that he trusts dreams at all. Years ago, I read a devotional by a renowned Christian writer. He said we should ask God to speak to us through dreams. After trying it for several years, I’m not sure it’s a good idea.

While there are examples in the Bible of God speaking through dreams, the Bible also warns against trusting dreams.

My advice to my friend? Think it over first. Talk to your pastor. If you think God is speaking to you through a dream, don’t act upon it until you consult wise Christian counselors, the Scriptures, and your own God-given sense of reason.

And by all means, keep the sorcerers out of it!

Author: Tyler Blake

The post Can We Trust Our Dreams first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-17

Second Thessalonians 11-12 describe what happens when people give themselves to the ways of this world that oppose God’s deep love for God’s creation and its flourishing. These are people who become “lawless” (vv. 7-10.

Living in a world where some oppose God can feel threatening. As you look around you, do you sometimes feel anger, fear, discouragement, sadness? Are you sometimes tempted to react with those same loveless tactics? God understands and wants to encourage you with God’s grace and a “good hope” (v. 16). We need to continually welcome the faith, hope, and love that God offers in order to “stand firm” (v. 15) in the good gifts we’ve received in Jesus.

The good gifts of God’s grace that you’ve received include adoption: God chose you, loves you, saves and sanctifies you, and calls you to share in the good news that is our gospel (vv. 13-14). So, don’t give in to the loveless ways of the world. Continue to witness to God’s love through “every good deed and word” (v. 17).

Author: Doug Hardy

The post Sufficient Grace first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

In a popular story from my upbringing, a trio of heroes would shout, “All for one, and one for all!” In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul insists we need understanding about unity in diversity and diversity in unity—that there are “different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (v. 4).

The biggest threat to unity is idolatry (v. 2), where I can be “led astray” from the Lordship of Jesus by narrowing my focus to only what I think God is doing in me or people like me. I lose sight of the big picture. What do you find to be the biggest challenge to unity in the church? What narrow focus (fundamentalisms) can draw you away from seeing others as Jesus sees them?

God is a giver of gifts, not simply for the betterment of an individual or one group, but for “the common good” (v. 7). A God-gifted, diverse community of faith (vv. 8-10) will be wise, knowledgeable, full of faith, prophetic, a place of healing and miracles, and will speak (and interpret through the lens of) more than one language.

Author: Doug Hardy

The post Unity and Diversity first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Jeremiah 17:7-14

Trusting in the Lord is foundational to a growing faith. Using language very similar to Psalm 1, the prophet Jeremiah paints a picture of the blessed way of life that flows from trust: “like a tree” that can “bear fruit” (v. 8). Sounds good, doesn’t it?

And yet Jeremiah also warns those who trust in the Lord: “The heart is deceitful above all things” (v. 9). We may think we are trusting and growing in faith, but actually, our attitudes, thoughts, or behaviors may exhibit a lack of trust or an immature faith. When this is the case, our lives may not bear fruit as God intends. If our desire is to deepen trust in God, yet our hearts are deceitful, what are we to do?

If we are willing to be open and honest with God about our thoughts, feelings, intentions, and actions, we can have “hope” (v. 13) that God will “heal” us and “save” us (v. 14). This is our true reward.

Author: Doug Hardy

The post God Examines Hearts first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Isaiah 50:4-10

“The Sovereign Lord helps me” (v. 7). This little phrase makes a gigantic claim. Read it again. Is this your testimony? Have you heard other people make this claim? When part of our story, it can make a significant difference in how we see ourselves in whatever situation we may be in. If the Sovereign Lord helps me, then . . . what?

According to the prophet Isaiah, we can “listen like one being instructed” (v. 4), we no longer need to “hide” (v. 6), we will not be “disgraced” or “shamed” (v. 7) or “condemned” (v. 9), and we can “face each other” (v. 8). These are just a few of the ways the Lord can help us. What would you add to this list?

Needing the help of others, including God, can feel scary. What if my request is rejected? What if nobody cares? Jesus faced such vulnerable feelings as He suffered and approached a death like what Isaiah describes in this chapter. Remembering how God (and others) have helped in the past can inspire us to trust in God, to rely on God again. As our trust deepens, what has felt like darkness becomes light in the Lord (v. 10).

Author: Doug Hardy

The post God Will Help first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 1:15-21

Daniel’s experiment (vv. 11-14) was successful. The Chaldeans faithfully witnessed to their God, the God of Israel—creator and lover of all.

This God, revealed even more fully in Jesus, is a giver of good gifts (cf. James 1:17). Notice the gifts God gave to the four young Israelites: knowledge and understanding of literature, learning, visions, and dreams. Why these gifts? Because the context in which they were placed valued these things, and God’s intention was that His representatives would serve and contribute to that which mattered in that context. In what context has God placed you? What gifts has God given you that will serve and contribute to your context?

God certainly seems to value wisdom and wants leaders to be wise (Dan. 1:21). Wisdom and understanding are things you can confidently ask God for. Pause right now and ask God to make you wise in how you handle your relationships, your resources, and your work.

Author: Doug Hardy

The post Gifts That Contribute first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 1:8-14

Jesus prayed to His Father for His disciples: “Not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (John 17:15). The four young Israelites did not need to be removed from their new Chaldean culture and its influences to be faithful to their God. In fact, because the God of Israel created all, they were open to learn from others’ languages, literature, wisdom, and knowledge (Dan. 1:4).

Daniel, like Jesus, practiced discernment while living life in the cultural context where he had been placed. He determined what to say yes to and what to say no to. In what “world” are you to be in, but not of? What is God inviting you to say yes to? To say no to?

Notice how Daniel went about saying his no to what he believed would defile him: He asked those in authority over him to allow him to follow his conscience (v. 8), listened to their concerns (vv. 9-11), and devised an experiment that held the potential to bring good outcomes for himself and for them (vv. 11-14). How might you express your convictions to others in a way that values them?

Author: Doug Hardy

The post Living Your Convictions first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 1:1-7

Each of us bears a name given by our parents or other caregivers, but also by peers, culture, enemies, and our roles. Take a moment and recall the various names that you have accumulated. What do they say about you? Which ones make you sad? angry? happy? proud?

The four Israelite young men in today’s story experienced what many of us do: When something changes in our circumstances, our location, or the people around us, we come under new influences. This is not, in itself, a bad thing. It’s an important part of “education” (vv. 4-5). Sometimes it raises the question, “Who am I?” Again, this is not in itself a bad thing. Having multiple names can help us examine our identity more closely, to discern what is worth keeping.

Who are the most influential people in your life, and what names have they given you? Which of these best reflects your true identity in God? “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).

Author: Doug Hardy

The post What’s In A Name? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 22:15-21

It isn’t always easy to drop a child off in a classroom, even if they love their teachers and their classmates. After the third “last hug” and the second reassurance that their grown-up will return for them, sometimes it’s necessary to gently take the child from the parent or grandparent and to just hold them until they no longer wish to fly out of the classroom. In the end, the child calms and begins to enjoy themselves. Deep down, they have the assurance that they will not be forgotten. They know that a loving adult always returns to take them home.

Likewise, we have been dropped off in a classroom. It isn’t always easy. We might wish we could zoom off like a child chasing its mother down the hall. Other times, we just need to be held. Words are insufficient, tears flow. It’s in those moments that we’re reminded that God hasn’t forgotten us.

God hasn’t forgotten any of His children—including you. You can rest in the deep assurance that you are loved by the King.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Not Forgotten first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 22:8-14

I’m all about the little extras that come from every day purchases. Purchasing ground beef, taco shells, and queso translates into points that save on gasoline. Stylish shorts and T-shirts bought online using a credit card translates into cash back that will make the holiday season bright. Shopping smart has its rewards.

Living Christlike has its rewards as well. Revelations tells us that eternal life walking the streets of gold is a Christ-follower’s reward. It also tells us that each of us will be rewarded according to what we have done. The Bible doesn’t tell us exactly what this might entail, but it does say that if we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our heart (Psalm 37:4, paraphrased). This tells me, along with the fact that God knows us intimately, that we will be pleased with what we receive.

Things done today for Christ have eternal value—not just for the recipients of those good deeds, but for us as well, as we look forward to an eternity with our Savior.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Revelation 22:1-7

I have a friend who, every time she sits down to tell a Bible story to children, holds up a Bible. Chances are, she’ll read the story from a kid-friendly script, or tell it herself in her own words. However, she wants the children hearing the story to know that the story she’s telling isn’t made up. The narrative came from the Bible, God’s Holy Word. She wants them to understand that if it is in the Bible, the story is true.

Every syllable, every word, every line of Scripture is divinely inspired by our holy God. Internalizing its message is how we get to know who God truly is. It’s one of the ways by which we build a relationship with the Father.

Sometimes, as Christ followers, especially if we grew up believing in God, it’s easy to gloss over the basics. We often don’t think about the fact that God’s Word is truth and that the words of the Father can indeed be trusted.

The next time you open your Bible, remind yourself that the words you’re about to read are true and divinely inspired.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Trusted Truths first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 118:15-24

Perhaps you have come face-to-face with death: War. Cancer. Depression. You name it. If you have, you may know what it is to turn the corner and confess, “I will not die, but live!” There is a kind of resurrection in this realization. The psalmist acknowledges the mighty hand of the Lord involved in his suffering—that he was brought low by God. Nevertheless, God saved him from death, and now he deeply desired to be in the presence of God. You can feel the joy of his thanksgiving.

Maybe you are facing death now. Because Christ led the way for us through death into eternal life, you can be assured of the hope of new life. It may come as a new day dawning among the familiar people and places of your life here and now. Or it may come as you follow Christ through death into everlasting life.

Be assured of this: Emmanuel, God is with us. We cannot escape the loving hand of the Lord. May this hope lead us to rejoice!

Author: Lori Ward

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James 4:1-8

Scheming. Killing. Fighting. Waging war. Certainly, we are not doing these things. Are we? James is so to-the-point that we might flinch and cower away, sure that we are not involved in his accusation. Yet let us consider, is it possible that we want what we don’t have? Or are we jealous of what others have? Well, yeah, but isn’t it “the dream” to pursue happiness? James admonishes us to be seeking God for our supply.

Remember the words of Jesus, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find” (Matthew 7:7). Do not be fooled into asking God to satisfy your temporal pleasures. This is not God’s intention. The pursuit of happiness, which is not the same as the joy of the Lord, is the wrong pursuit.

Can we identify the pleasurable pursuit that motivates our side of the fight? What would it take for us to humble ourselves? To exchange the pursuit of that pleasure for the pursuit of God? What peace and restoration might come if God came close to us?

Author: Lori Ward

The post Come Near To God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Luke 14:15-24

We often hear Jesus welcoming the people on the margins of society—those who have been cast aside as unclean and unwanted. They sit along the side of the road begging. They are dependent on the mercy of others to feed and clothe them. They are excluded from the social world and are the recipients of jeers and upturned noses.

I wonder, who then are those beyond, “behind the hedges?” They are unseen. Invisible. They hide in the shadows and only come out at night. Their existence evokes fear in the people of the day. Yet notice: These are the welcome ones in the kingdom of God. Don’t miss it! There is no mistake.

While the people of the day are trying to be good and earn their way, the invisible ones of the night will be gathered into the banquet of the Lord, feasting with the Risen Christ. It is not that the landowners and producers and family folks are unwelcome; it is simply that they are pursuing other interests in lieu of the invitation to worship.

May we be among those who welcome the invitation to “come.”

Author: Lori Ward

The post All Are Invited to Worship first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Deuteronomy 32:36-43

The Scriptures reveal the endless depths of God’s desire and patient pursuit of us. Sometimes we are so caught up in trouble and sin that we cannot return to the Lord without the bottom dropping out from under us. At times, God in wisdom gives us over to our false supports and misguided relationships. We suffer misery as a result of our faithful trust in empty gods. We are emptied by our pursuit of shiny pleasures. Even then, our Savior attends to us.

The Lord waits patiently for the time when we are ready to be released from whatever principalities and powers have their hold on us. Sometimes we are caught up until we reach the very depths of despair. Nevertheless, the Father watches and waits for our time to come home, to be restored to our relationships as we were created to be, and to rest under God’s watchful eye.

The sin that so easily entangles us is no match for the righteous salvation and devoted love of our Great Redeemer.

Author: Lori Ward

The post The Lord Will Vindicate first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 19:17-21

I have had a lifelong fear of birds. For me, the trouble is more with their wings fluttering and flapping than it is with their beaks. Perhaps you could insert the creature of your nightmares into John’s image. Let’s face it, this scene in Revelation is just plain gory! It’s terrifying!

Those of us living contentedly in warm (or cooled!) homes, sleeping in comfortable beds, and making choices about which kind of food we prefer to eat to fill our bellies don’t know what to do with a Christian image this raw and shadowy. However, there are plenty of our sisters and brothers around the world who live day-to-day in the ravages of war, under the oppression of tyrants, or face-to-face with the horrors of sin’s personification.

It is for these enduring ones that we proclaim the hope of Christ: God’s enemies will be dealt a final blow! God’s justice will make everything right again! Let us carry these beloved ones in our hearts today.

Author: Lori Ward

The post God’s Enemies Permanently Defeated first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 19:9-16

We don’t often talk about the fear of God because it doesn’t seem to communicate well in our culture. Yet, it is the fear of God which is immediately aroused in me when I imagine John’s vision. What can we do with a vast army on horseback ready to break through the sky and descend on the nations? What else but fear can be evoked by a sharp sword, an iron scepter, and the fury of the wrath of God? Surely it is meant to cause trembling!

Let us not miss the victory in John’s vision! For those who have been under the steel grip of the enemy, a savior on a white horse has arrived. He comes as a righteous warrior to protect those in trouble, and His very name is “Faithful and True.” He will reign with victory as the King over all the kings of the earth and Lord above all other lords.

When we recognize this fierce leader of heaven’s army as Jesus, we trust that fear is only necessary for those who would oppose Him. We who are in Christ exchange fear for joy as we celebrate His triumph.

Author: Lori Ward

The post Christ The Ultimate Victor first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 19:1-8

I wonder what might be weighing on you in this moment. Perhaps there is a deep struggle in your heart. Maybe you feel in battle with someone you love. You may feel trapped by something that has tempted you or hurt by someone who should have cared for you. Take a moment to breathe in the Holy Spirit. Invite the Almighty to encounter the heaviness with you.

The Revelation of John gives hope precisely in the midst of struggles. It is written to people who were enduring the most unimaginable suffering. John saw a crowd worshiping the Lord, who came to their rescue and saved them. They celebrated God’s victory over the powers that had lured them away from faithfulness. They praised God for overturning oppression with justice.

While we live in the tension and ache of present circumstances, we put our hope in the God who has already brought about our salvation in Jesus Christ. We anticipate the day when we shall see our full salvation and rejoice in the victory into which we will live fully.

Author: Lori Ward

The post Worship As Hope first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 24:30-35

Jesus refers His disciples to Daniel, where Daniel was pointing toward the Son of Man, the Messiah, who was to come. Jesus took Daniel’s words to point to himself. These things were right at the door, because Jesus was with them. He is the Messiah that was promised. He is the One who is bringing about the day of the Lord and the kingdom of God to earth. These things were happening in their midst.

This truth that the Messiah is going to make all things right is a truth that won’t pass away. While everything we know and experience is temporary, the things of God, including the words that Jesus spoke, will last forever. The words of Christ are trustworthy, because He is trustworthy. We are again reminded that even in the midst of whatever may come—hardship, pain, trial, or tribulation—God is, and will remain, faithful.

Create a list of the ways in which Christ has been trustworthy and true in your life. Consider sharing that list with another as a testimony to God’s faithfulness.

Author: Robbie Cansler

The post Now and Forever first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 24:22-29

When reading Matthew 24:22-29, it would be easy to get caught up in the metaphor. Is this a literal warning, for a literal time? Yet when we get caught up in all of these questions, we may miss a bigger, more important picture.

We are called once again to be discerning people–a people who aren’t turned away from Christ by smooth talkers or charismatic leaders, but a people who are firmly rooted in who Christ is and who Christ is calling us to be. These are words that echo Daniel, and we again remember how he refused to bow down to the powerful leaders of his time. Rather, he held fast to God, in trust and in hope. He was able to discern the powers at play because he spent so much time in the presence of God.

We are called to do the same. When we follow the Lamb closely, trust God to be faithful, and are in turn faithful to God, we are able to discern and guard ourselves against things that look or sound good, but will ultimately lead to destruction.

Author: Robbie Cansler

The post The Bigger Picture first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 24:9-21

Jesus references the book of Daniel in the verses for today. This was a time when the people of God were in exile in Babylonia. The Babylonians were particularly ruthless foes, who not only kidnapped many of the Jewish people, but also desecrated the temple, scorched the land so crops wouldn’t grow, slaughtered people among other horrors. Being exiled from home among such a vicious enemy was likely distressing.

It is these horrific images that Jesus seems to be bringing to mind. However, it would be foolish to think only of the horrors of those days. When the listeners heard the connection to Daniel, they also would have been reminded of Daniel himself and his faithfulness to God in the midst of incredible hardship and, ultimately, the faithfulness of God to Daniel.

This reference is a reminder to Jesus’ listeners: Regardless of the hardships that will come, they—and we—should remain faithful to God, because God will remain faithful to them—and us.

Author: Robbie Cansler

The post Remaining Faithful first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 24:1-8

Even though there have always been wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes since the beginning of time, we still look around us at times with a great amount of fear. However, this is really just a way of saying, “The whole earth is experiencing brokenness, and we don’t know the day/time when Christ will return to make things right.”

These things are equated with birth pains, and while contractions can bring fear, if you know someone who has given birth, or if you have given birth yourself, you know that by the time the contractions come, there is also a great sense of relief, hope, and joy that the long-awaited baby is coming.

When we look around our world at the ways in which things have gone wrong, we can have confidence and hope. While we do not know the day or the hour of Christ’s coming to make all things right, we know that He will come someday. We can sigh with relief, hope, and joy that, while there is still pain to be endured, Christ is coming.

Author: Robbie Cansler

The post He Will Return first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 14:1-5

A beautiful image unfolds in Revelation 14. We see the Lamb of God and the 144,000 (a number that likely represents an uncountable amount) who are sealed by the Lamb. It is a stark contrast to the image of beasts from the previous chapter, because instead of deception and deceit, we get an image of grace and love. While a very different image, it echoes the same sentiment of the previous chapter: Don’t be deceived by others; rather, follow the Lamb.

The seal talked about here is like the seal that royalty would have used on a decree to show that it was their official decree, or one that marked something as the property of the royals. So what we are seeing here in this image is that the sealed ones are those who belong to God.

It is our challenge and desire to be sealed as those who belong to God as well, and the key is to follow the Lamb closely wherever the Lamb goes. This week, ask God to guide and encourage you to follow the Lamb closely.

Author: Robbie Cansler

The post Follow The Lamb first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 13:11-18

Much like the verses that precede it, Revelation 13:11-18 are a call to wisdom. Another beast shows up, this time out of the earth, and it gets its authority and power from the first beast. There is at the heart of this passage a call to give allegiance and worship only to the One who is worthy, the lamb of God (an image we see in Revelation 5 and 14).

In order to not be deceived, Christians must be people who are wise. There are people who seek to deceive, but their authority comes from a place other than the Lamb, and their goals are destruction. Deception is a particularly insidious type of dishonesty that causes people to lie to themselves. Wisdom is the antidote to that type of deception, and it takes patience, intention, and time to foster. Gaining wisdom takes spending time, above all, with the source of wisdom, Christ.

When we spend time with Christ and know Him so well, it becomes easier to identify deception when it surfaces.

Author: Robbie Cansler

The post Only One Worthy first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 13:1-10

Revelation 13 reads like something straight out of a fantasy novel. It would be easy for us to get caught up in the fantastical imagery of it all, and many have, but Revelation is apocalyptic literature. At the very heart of this type of storytelling is a revealing of truth.

While Revelation was written to the early church to bring hope in challenging times, we can grasp truth for our lives, too. At the heart of Revelation 13, we see that the dragon gives the beast authority, and with that authority, the beast utters proud words, wages wars, and slanders God.

Our world has a lot of beasts, people, and systems who are given power and authority by dragons: wealth, prestige, family name, political affiliation. This authority enables them to wage wars, to wreak havoc, to slander, and to destroy. As followers of Christ, we must always ask where their authority comes from so we don’t fall prey to the beasts.

Author: Robbie Cansler

The post Who Gives The Authority? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Colossians 3:12-17

What a person wears can say a lot about him or her. Imagine a surgeon. She is wearing medical scrubs as she prepares for surgery. Now imagine this same surgeon at her daughter’s choir concert. Now she is wearing “civilian” clothing appropriate for the location and occasion.

Many vocations have clothing associated with them in order to keep the person safe, keep the person comfortable while performing the job, and identify what the job is.

We are called by God to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). This clothing helps us live a holy life, identifies us to those around us, and makes performing our job/calling possible. The writer states we are to bear with one another, forgive as Christ forgave, put on love, let Christ’s peace rule our hearts, be thankful, teach, admonish, and give thanks to God in all things.

Only by clothing ourselves in God’s uniform will we be able to live like Christ!

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post What’s In Your Wardrobe? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 111:1-10

My paternal grandparents lived in a cozy little home most of their marriage.

While there are many things that come to mind when I think of that home, one of my memories includes a large picture that hung over their couch and now hangs in my own home. This picture features a calm, clear lake surrounded by a striking mountain range set against a bright blue sky. The picture is breathtaking and one I know my grandparents appreciated.

Life doesn’t always involve breathtaking sights or amazing adventures. We can be burdened by the violence and hate in our world. A variety of struggles (financial, relational, medical) can make each day feel like you are swimming upstream.

However, God’s great works are still there to be “ponder[ed] by all” (v. 2). Among the amazing things of God that the psalmist shares is this: “He remembers his covenant” (v. 5). What is God’s covenant? Immanuel: God with us. No matter the view, God is with us and that is truly breathtaking!

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Picture Perfect first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 98:1-6

My oldest child participates in marching band, playing percussion in what is called the “pit” or auxiliary percussion. Practicing technique, learning the correct notes, and knowing where to be (if you’re marching on the field) is of utmost importance.

You can be technically correct in all these and still not have the best performance. You have to “sell” the show. You have to feel the music. Play the music. Help the audience feel the music also.

I think the psalmist knew this when he penned Psalm 98. It’s one thing to know the right words, correct actions, and suitable look of Christ-followers. It’s another thing to live that to the very core of who you are.

We are to “sing a new song” and “shout for joy” (vv. 1, 4). Our lives are to be permeated with the goodness and faithfulness of God to the point that we help those around us “feel” God’s goodness and faithfulness too. Our joy in response to God’s goodness is to be saturating our lives, overflowing, and soaking in those around us.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Live God’s Goodness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 86:8-13

Do you remember the activities, often for children, where you compare two pictures to find the differences? Sometimes the differences pop right out at you. Other times you have to hunt to find them. The process can be particularly frustrating when you are given the number of differences but fall short in the number you can find.

David notes in Psalm 86 that there is no other god like the Creator God. You can compare them all day long, and you will never find anything equal to God. Perhaps you think it is a silly task—after all, golden calves and foreign religions are obviously no match for God.

Have you really considered all the other gods that can be compared to God? What about the idols we can find in our lives and cultures? Fame, power, control, money, selfish ambition, vanity, career, family . . . literally anything that takes the place of God in the very center of our lives becomes an idol. How do those compare? The obvious answer is, “These idols don’t compare.”

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Unique first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 15:1-8

Last summer I had the opportunity to teach a college-credit speech class to a group of high school seniors. It was a learning experience for them and I also learned quite a bit of new things as I listened to the variety of speeches. We were presented with a lot of information.

One such speech was presented by a student who plans to become a nurse. For her demonstration speech, she choose to show us the proper way to wash our hands. Having just attended a weeklong camp focusing on learning nursing skills, she applied what she learned and taught us how to get our hands clean. A quick swish with a bit of water and soap might make your hands look cleaner, but a liberal amount of hot water, suds, and scrubbing is needed to really get rid of grime and germs.

God is holy. Not one speck of anything unholy is associated with God. God doesn’t just look holy; God is holy. That is something to rejoice over and shout about: God is holy and we are God’s children, invited to be a part of God’s kingdom.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Hands and Holiness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 12:7-12

Have you ever asked yourself, “What would I save if my house caught fire?” Perhaps you have had the unfortunate experience of actually having to make that choice. As a child, I would sometimes lay awake at night and think about the items in my room that I would want saved. My list consisted of the things I considered precious.

As John records his vision in Revelation, he notes that the dragon (also known as Satan) began a war he couldn’t finish. Michael and the angel army of heaven defeated Satan and his angels.

The victory didn’t stop there; the accuser of our brothers and sisters was “triumphed over” by the “blood of the Lamb and by the word of their [brothers and sisters] testimony” (v. 11). What an amazing feat! Christ’s blood and the testimony of the faith triumphed over the accuser.

How is this possible?! The faithful “did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death” (v. 11). Many of our brothers and sisters know this in a way we in the West do not. We would do well to reflect on what it is in our lives that we consider more precious than Christ.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Most Precious first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 11:15-18

Stefanie recently applied for an opening in a local school district to be their kindergarten-through-second-grade school counselor. The interview went well. She was told that her name would go before the school board. Other employees of the district approached me and offered congratulations. She was fairly confident that the board approved her hire and people were congratulating her. However, she hadn’t heard an “official” word on the decision. She was living in limbo.

We Christians also live in a sort of limbo. We live in the “already, and not yet” of the kingdom of God. You see, Christ’s resurrection ushered in the kingdom (think back to how often Christ spoke about the kingdom). However, the kingdom isn’t in its fullness on earth right now. We are waiting for Christ’s return when He we bring about the completion of the kingdom here and now.

We know that while God’s kingdom isn’t fully known here on earth, yet, it will be. Even more than my joy on hearing my acceptance as the new counselor, we will rejoice at the kingdom of heaven on earth!

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Kingdom Come first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Isaiah 45:20-25

As seminary students, Stefanie and her husband quickly discovered the “store brand” while shopping. Whatever grocery store you shop at will have their own brand featuring a variety of products. You need some crispy cereal? You can either buy the “national name brand,” or you can purchase the store brand for much less. When your budget is small, you find ways to make it stretch.

Most of the time the store brand was equal to the name brands (or at least a fairly good replacement). However, they discovered there were some things that were just not as good as the original name brand. One of those things was tea bags. It only took once, but they decided that tea was a product that needed a bit more of a splurge.

God is the one and only. There is no substitute for God, no matter how hard we humans might try. These substitutes are not comparable. If anything, the substitutes—known as idols in Scripture—are a disappointing and dangerous replacement for God. Only God cares. Only God redeems.

Choose the original, authentic God.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post The Real Deal first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 12:22-28

As I’ve worked with a variety of elementary school students over the last couple of years, it has been fascinating to notice manners. The child that says “thank you” unprompted is always a pleasant surprise, and unfortunately, doesn’t happen often enough. It always catches me a bit unaware, and leaves me feeling a sunny bit of happiness.

Gratitude can do that—it creates pockets of warmth, goodwill, and more gratitude. Think of a time when you received a sincere, heart-felt thanks. How did it make you feel? You may not have been motivated by the idea of reciprocation, but it can be a pleasant side effect.

Now think of God and all that God has done, is doing, and will do for you through God’s love. Amazing, right?! What do you say to that? Thank you, of course! I imagine that our gratitude is welcomed by our Creator. Just as we appreciate a sincere gesture of gratitude, God also appreciates our thanks.

Make a list of all the grace, love, and joy that God has bestowed on you and give thanks!

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post With A Grateful Heart first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Romans 3:9-18

It has been said that comparison is the “killer of joy.” We may look at another person and think, “I’m smarter, better looking, and wealthier than him.” When we place our lives in comparison to another, we can forget about our own faults in light of the faults of another.

We are called to take a clear, steady review of ourselves. People who do this are fairly easy to spot in the midst of life’s bumps: They are the ones who are self-aware. They understand who they are, whose they are, and how that guides their actions.

Paul shares with the church in Rome that “There is no one righteous, not even one” (v. 10). While some were tempted to look around and think about how horrible everyone else is (unlike them), Paul reminds us that no one is righteous on his or her own. Only through the grace found in the resurrection of Christ can anyone become righteous. It is not our doing; it is Christ through us.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Juxtapose first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 17:24-31

Have you heard the saying, “The proof of the pudding is in eating it”? We can assess the value or quality of something when we judge it based on direct experience with it or its results. When you eat the pudding, you can determine the quality (or lack thereof) of said pudding.

What sort of situations do you find yourself in where proof is important? Perhaps you’ve been asked for “proof of license and registration” by a police officer. You may find yourself being asked for proof of residence when applying for a new library card or utility service. We keep safe documents of proof: birth certificates, government identification cards, and certificates of ceremonies like marriage. Proof identifies who we are, what we care about, and what belongs to us.

Christ is God’s proof that God loves the world and wants to redeem the world. That ultimate sacrifice and mighty power is the proof that God applies to God’s identity.

How has God’s proof changed your life?

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post The Proof Is In The Pudding first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 4:19-26

In passing conversation, someone said: “Red rover, red rover, send Nicholas right over.” The conversation partner wondered at the phrase. She had never heard it. She was then informed that it was an “old game,” and that seemed to satisfy her curiosity.

Do you remember that game? Two lines of children stand, hand-in-hand, facing each with a large space between the lines. Then one group calls an individual child over to see if he could “break through” the linked arms. Each line tries to keep the other out.

It’s our human inclination to determine who is in and who is out. We like to categorize everything, including people. We group people so easily: us and them.

God reaches out the other we would exclude. God offers grace and salvation to all who would believe. Too often, we fail to see the radical actions of Christ in this passage: Jesus was talking to a Samaritan woman! That was about as far “other” as one could get. Yet, Jesus wasn’t excluding her, but showing her where she could find the kingdom.

Ask to see with God’s eyes those around you.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Send Others Right Over first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 5:8-14

Have you ever tried to hide candy from your children? Some parents have been known to hide sweet treats in a bag from frozen veggies, taking the chance that their offspring won’t go looking amongst the frozen peas for something to eat.

When you read through Revelation 5, you can’t help but note how big the assembly is around this event: It’s huge! John keeps listing those accounted for around Christ: four living creatures, 24 elders, angels numbering 10,000 times 10,000, and the voices of every creature on earth were heard. Even the prayers of God’s people were represented in the bowls of incense. Christ’s possession and opening of the scroll could not be hidden! So many witnesses and participants would have to be acknowledged, heard.

The presence of God is not for a select few. No one holds secret knowledge to which only a few have access. Christ’s redeeming act is for all people; indeed, it is for all creation! Join with all the saints before us and with us and praise God for His infinite mercies!

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post For All To Know first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 5:1-7

When my oldest was in preschool, he loved a film featuring a pig won at a county fair by a farmer who, despite his wife’s plans for Christmas dinner, trained the pig to herd sheep. The husband routinely entered his herding animals into a contest of agility, intelligence, and speed.

As the wife sat in front of her television, seeing her husband’s pig attempting to round up sheep before a great, laughing crowd, she winced. It was impossible. It was embarrassing. It was the source of her tears.

Then, something changed: The pig did his job—and he did it well! The wife’s reaction changed from humiliation to great sobs. My son would ask, “Why is she crying?” We often equate crying with sadness.

Christ, despite what we perceive to be an impossible situation, offers redemption to the world. We can know that the ultimate champion of the world is able, cares for us, and calls us to himself.

That might just cause you to shed tears of joy.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post The Tears We Shed first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 150:1-6

Praise the LORD. Our God is so good, just do it.

Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Remember that wherever you find yourself, God is there.

Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. The God who made you loves you so. There is nothing that He cannot do. There are truly no human words to express the greatness of our God, but our thankful hearts do the best they can.

Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre. Praise God with whatever you’ve got. Whatever talent or ability, no matter how insignificant it might seem to you, praise the Lord. Don’t hesitate.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise God through all that is messy and flawed, through bad news and unkind words. Praise God when everything is beautiful and good, when all is right in your world.Let all you say and do be for God’s glory.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Never-Ending Praise first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 63:1-11

I’ve never been into jigsaw puzzles, but I’ve known people who were. They put together beautiful puzzles and sometimes they even go so far as to display them in their homes. After they’ve slid the last piece into place, they carefully spread the glue over each and every inch of their masterpiece. After the adhesive dries, the puzzle is placed into a frame that complements the work before it is finally hung on a wall for all to admire.

We’re each our own jigsaw puzzle. Some of our pieces are frayed, bent, damaged, or missing. Some of our patterns might be so intricate that it’s downright impossible to tell where they might fit. Some might even feel the best they can do is carry their puzzle around in its tattered box and hope for the best.

I am so thankful that we aren’t responsible for assembling our puzzles. It’s okay to bring our pile of damaged pieces to the cross and just lay it down. I’m thankful for the Father’s ability to repair as needed. God still wants to frame us and show us off for His glory.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Beautiful Puzzles first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 63:1-11

Psalm 63 is attributed to David, a man after God’s own heart, yet very much human. He was just like you and me—imperfect. Yet, he was able to pen the second verse and mean it with all his heart. He had enjoyed concrete moments of worship when he beheld God’s power and glory in a very tangible way.

David wasn’t the only one who had “God moments.” Surely Noah had a tangible moment with God when he found out he was to build a floating zoo. Abraham and Isaac surely felt God in a tangible way after that God provided an alternate sacrifice. Moses had quite the powerful moment at the burning bush. Elijah physically felt God’s goodness in that cave. Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Elizabeth, and Mary all had moments of divine bliss when they found out the impossible would become possible.

Each of these ordinary humans could insert their name into Psalm 63:2 and proclaim its truth in a personal way. Our God still shows up today.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Tangible Worship first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Genesis 28:16-22

There’s a young lady across the table from me. She’s sipping a fancy, grown up (caffeinated) drink full of sliced strawberries, and untangling riddles via an app on her phone. She looks like me and acts like her daddy. I’m overwhelmed by her beauty and intelligence, her compassion and her zeal. In this familiar moment, my heart is full. She is mine and I am hers.

Once a week, you probably enter a church and sit in a familiar seat. You see familiar people whom you likely love and adore. You may have familiar responsibilities. The order of service is familiar—a certain number of songs, a strategically placed prayer, and an inspired word from God, via your pastor’s humble heart.

Is your heart full? Did you leave with the overwhelming sense that God is yours and you are His? Were you aware of the Father’s presence? Did your heart worship? In that familiar moment, were you overwhelmed by God’s goodness and grace?

Challenge yourself to look past the familiarity of worship. Look for evidence of God’s goodness. Ask yourself, “Is my heart full?”

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Familiar Moments first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Revelation 4:1-11

Picasso and Da Vinci have nothing on young artists. To the untrained eye, it might appear that the page of these young artists contains only colorful lines. The first response certainly wouldn’t be to place the work prominently for all to see. However, those who have had the privilege of displaying a three-year-old’s latest masterpiece know the proper response is to praise the creator. Often, our praise is genuine because we know that the child has brought us their best.

If a critic were to write a review, it might go something like this: The bold use of lines complements the whimsical squiggles that serve as the focal point of the work. The monochromatic shading speaks to the artist’s love of blue.

We as Christ-followers owe all glory and honor to our Creator. Our praise is genuine because we know that there is nothing better than what God has given us. The apostle John penned an appropriate critique: You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things (v. 11).

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Genuine Praise first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 3:1-8

Learning the history of Psalm 3 helps us to better understand and apply this passage to our own lives. Psalm 3 begins with Absalom, David’s son. Absalom was selfish. Instead of doing good, he was busy with a self-indulgent plan.

Absalom won over the hearts of Israel’s people and some of his father’s counselors. Absalom schemed with those people to dethrone his father.

We find David being driven out of his palace and fleeing for his life. Second Samuel 15:30 tells us that he went to the Mount of Olives to rest, weep, pray, and, perhaps, to pen this psalm. David showed his human side, with which most of us can relate, by using the first few verses to complain about his enemies to God. Then, as if a lightbulb was turned on, David remembered that God was in control; his demeanor changed and he overcame his fear and praised God, knowing that God would sustain him.

Lord, help us to remember that You always sustain your children!

Author: Kelly Brown

The post God Sustains Us first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 5:5-10

It is common for believers to go through difficulties and pray to God for deliverance. We may not often think of Jesus crying out to God, His Father, for deliverance, but that is exactly what happened.

When Jesus was born, He must have seemed a normal child in spite of the miraculous circumstances of His conception. We do not know a lot about the early years of Jesus, but we do know that even at 12 years old, He displayed an insight into God’s Word that astonished the most learned scholars of His day. In Luke 2:49, after His parents discovered Him conversing with the elders in the temple courts, Jesus responded to His mother with, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

When faced with the knowledge of His coming death, Jesus set an example to all of us by crying fervently in prayer to His Father (Hebrews 5:7). While Jesus was not delivered from death, “he learned obedience from what he suffered . . . and became the source of eternal salvation” (vv. 8-9).

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Ultimate Obedience first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 4:6-15

Paul and his fellow apostles were diligent workers. They were selfless in the pursuit of preaching the Word and spreading the truth. However, there were many opposed to the message of God. In an attempt to stop the apostles’ work of spreading the light of the gospel, unbelievers spread lies about how and what they were doing.

When face to face with false accusations, Paul responded with a composed and positive demeanor. First, Paul calmly denounced anything immoral or unethical in what the apostles were doing. He explained that the same God who brought light into darkness has made light shine in their hearts. As a result of this light, they understood the gospel and desired to spread the good news.

Paul then acknowledged that, like all people, believers go through challenging times. Paul puts a positive spin on his examples by explaining it could be worse. Then, as if to answer the skeptics, Paul shares that it is faith that keeps them from losing heart.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Keep The Faith first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Jonah 2:1-10

Near the end of the Old Testament is the book of Jonah. In addition to be a prophetic book, it is also a historical account of God’s mercy.

When reading Jonah, it might be difficult to relate to his disobedience. Since the book starts abruptly with Jonah running from God’s command, it is easy to assume Jonah was not in relationship with God. After all, we like to believe that if we have a relationship with God, then we will be obedient to Him, and this would never happen to us.

Early in 2 Kings 14:25, we learn that Jonah was a servant of God and that God spoke through him. Perhaps now that we understand that Jonah was in relationship with God, yet he still ran from God’s command, the story is more relatable.

Maybe we have not jumped in a boat to flee, but how many times have we run from God in our own way? Praise God for hearing us when we cry out! No matter how many times, it is never too late to cry out for His mercy!

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Never Too Late first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Genesis 21:14-21

Have you ever been guilty of questioning God or thinking God cannot hear you? As Abraham sent Hagar and their son Ishmael away, I imagine Hagar was questioning God.

Even Abraham was reluctant to send them away. In verse 11, we read, “The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.” God comforted Abraham by confirming that Hagar and Ishmael should leave; then promised that Ishmael would become a great nation.

The next day, Hagar and Ishmael were sent off with some food and water. The food and water were soon depleted, which left them in a critical condition. In fact, their condition was so grave that Hagar left her son (scholars say he was probably at least 14 years old) lying under a bush crying because she could not stand to watch him die. God heard Hagar and Ishmael! An angel was sent to comfort them. Then God opened Hagar’s eyes to a well and promised that Ishmael would be a great nation!

God, help us never to forget: You always hear us!

Author: Kelly Brown

The post God Always Hears Us first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 30:7-12

In the first half of Psalm 30, we see how David motivated the crowd by reminding them of three specific times God delivered him and then immediately encouraged everyone to praise the Lord.

In the second half of the psalm, David showed remorse and blamed himself for his former ways. He continued in song as he reflected on his past complaints and prayers in his times of distress. The reflection of David results in thankfulness for his present condition, which is a result of God’s mercy.

David was not perfect; like us, he made many mistakes, and he acknowledged his faults. Through these verses, we see David’s attitude toward God, such as humbleness, respect, trust, and repentance. David’s attitude, along with his reflection, helped him to rejoice in God’s mercy.

Lord, give us a sensitive heart that remembers the times when You have delivered us. Let us be in a continual state of rejoicing in Your mercy!

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Rejoice In His Mercy first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 30:1-6

In biblical times, it was a customary practice for Jews to dedicate new buildings to the Lord. Psalm 30 is a song for the dedication of the temple.

David starts this song with adoration and praise to God for deliverance in his life. Right away, David lists examples of personal deliverance: “I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths” (v. 1). “I called to you for help, and you healed me” (v. 2). “You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead; you spared me from going down to the pit” (v. 3).

David may be one of the best motivational speakers ever! David revealed the nature of his heart in the way he looked back on his past. The road had not been easy for David, and he could have focused on all his challenges and misfortunes. Instead, David chose to see God’s presence in and help through all the experiences of his life.

Acknowledging God’s presence in our past is an important discipline for us to adopt. Acknowledging God in the past gives us new eyes to see our future.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Approach With Confidence first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 19:7-14

In Psalm 19, the psalmist confirms God’s perfection, even in the decrees, laws, commands, and statutes given. These verses are wonderful because they offer another look into the heart of the Lord and help us to maintain a good relationship. Among other uses, these verses are a way for us to measure ourselves and a way to know that we are serving God well. There is also a promise that we will be eternally rewarded if we follow them with pure hearts.

One of the important things about prayer is to give us a way to ask for correction. In our conversations with God, we are to ask for conviction about any times we are not in line with God’s heart and will. By surrendering the power of our life to the Lord, we are not giving power to sin and transgressions. We are able to live as pure of heart as we are able.

Service requires the humbleness to make adjustments if needed. Take time today to allow God to examine your heart and life.

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post God Desires Everyone to Know Him first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Ephesians 6:18-24

I have not always been very good about asking for help. I would think that for many of us raised in a Western culture, this may also be true.

I recently saw an advertisement for a plan that would allow someone on half an acre of land to become “self-sufficient” in three years. I was fascinated by the intricate diagram of garden beds of various sizes, place for beehives, and other life-sustaining elements. What an amazing idea!

And then I wondered where their milk and bread came from. Sure, perhaps they could barter for those, but the homeowner could not truly live on a lone half-acre island. We need others!

This is also true of those who minister to us. Falling into isolation can be easy—after all, ministers are those to whom we go when we need something. To whom do ministers go when they need something? YOU! The church.

Lift up your ministers in prayer. Write an encouraging note. Buy a cup of coffee. Say a supportive word. Look for ways to pray for your ministers. None of us are lone islands.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post No Lone Islands first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Romans 13:1-7

It is no secret that for many, life has become polarized. Some bemoan the fact that friends, family, and community members can no longer have a discussion about a topic and remain on speaking terms (much less cordial or friendly).

Paul, addressing the church in Rome, brings up the topic of those in authority and eventually comments on paying whatever is owed (taxes, revenue, respect, or honor). Romans 13 can become a rallying flag for those looking to use worldly, political power in the kingdom of God. I want to encourage us, however, to not stop reading at verse 7. Look at the next words from Paul: “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law” (v. 8).

The ultimate authority—love. The ultimate payment—love. The final word about who to serve—love. Without love, we are nothing but noisemakers causing a stir. Without love, we cannot pay our debts or forgive the debt owed us. We must love.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post The Ultimate Authority: Love first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Luke 6:27-36

She was in charge of the university office she had worked at for several years. Every student had to come through the office in order to graduate, and she was the manager of it all. She was also despised by the majority of her employees.

Sandy was not an easy boss to work with. She would take advantage of her salaried position, regularly showing up to work an hour or two late. She spoke unkindly to staff, talking down to many of those under her management.

I struggled with my time in Sandy’s office. I got along with her well enough, but could see where the staff was unhappy with her. It was hard to not join in the complaining behind her back; her actions did not endear her to anyone.

Jesus points out the problem in my situation: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them” (v. 32). Ouch. When we love only those who are easy to love, we should hold off congratulating ourselves, because even sinners do that.

True love’s strength is found in loving the enemy, the one who can’t pay you back, the one who is different.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Love Others first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Exodus 32:25-35

The Israelites choose to make a golden calf—an idol that replaced God at the center of their hearts and lives. One wonders at the fickleness of the Israelites: They had just been rescued from slavery, set free, and miraculously put on a journey to a new home. How could they forget so quickly? Then we reflect on our own hearts and minds to see that we, too, can quickly forget the wondrous love of God. We let fear take control.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. Sometimes, it will be the hardest thing you can do—especially when the offending party isn’t willing to redeem actions and relationships. Forgiveness, however, is worth the effort.

Moses asked God to “blot” him out of his book if God would not forgive His people. He didn’t just want to go another way. He wanted to be completely withdrawn, erased from God’s notes, if God would not forgive the Israelites.

How convicted are we when asking for forgiveness or when seeking forgiveness? Let us allow God to stir our hearts to the depth of conviction that prompted Moses.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post Conviction and Forgiveness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Exodus 32:5-14

God was angry. His people had been freed from slavery, escaped into the desert, and been given the opportunity to start new lives. Yet, they chose to follow doubt and fear rather than the God of their redemption.

God made Moses an offer many of us would find hard to refuse: Let me start over with you and create a great nation with you as the base. An entire nation would be Moses’s forever mark on the world. How many of us would be tempted to let the irritating people go so that we could step into a place of honor?

Moses, however, asked God to remember—the great exodus from Egypt and His promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses, with conviction and passion, reminded God that God is the God of promises kept, even when others fail to keep their promises.

God is powerful, mighty, and compassionate, hearing the pleas of His people and doing something about it. God is willing to patiently call back His wayward people, even when they choose a golden idol.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

The post God Remembers first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Peter 2:6-10

Jesus Christ is the cornerstone that bonds believers to God and eternal life in Him. Peter emphasizes the importance of knowing God by warning that even the most spiritual sacrifice and the most elaborate praise is unacceptable unless they are given through Jesus Christ.

While unbelievers see Jesus Christ as a stumbling block, and try to run from Him to hide in darkness, true believers recognize how precious Jesus Christ is, and run to Him and praise Him in the light! When we consider the darkness He has saved us from, we could never praise Him enough.

True praise and worship originates in the greatness, sovereignty, and majesty of God. He is already praiseworthy and worthy to be worshiped, but it is through our acknowledgement of His greatness that praise and worship is evoked. Therefore, we cannot even take credit for our praise and worship . . . it is simply our acknowledgement of Him. This would explain how rocks can cry out when the praise that is due Him remains silent.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Run To Him with Praise! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Thessalonians 5:12-24

When I opened my Bible to 1 Thessalonians 5, I found my Bible had titled this passage as “Final Instructions.” Perhaps your Bible is titled the same way.

Paul started the church in Thessalonica. He had been preaching there and had to leave against his will. After a few months, Paul had a deep concern about the new believers he had left; after all, he had a relationship with them. So, Paul sent Timothy back to minister to the new believers. When Timothy returned, he gave Paul the good report that the church was going well! Then Paul penned this letter to the church as an encouragement to continue in the faith.

Now that my children are older and on their own, I find myself doing exactly what Paul did in his writing to the Thessalonians. I engage in conversation, ask and answer questions, and then, at the very end, I give what I consider to be the most important, final reminders.

I think Paul’s reminders in chapter 5 show us just how much he valued the people in Thessalonica and how much God values us.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Paul’s Final Reminders first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 4:4-9

Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God,” is a seminal verse and perfect advice used to encourage those going through difficulty.

Have you ever gotten advice from someone only to later find out that the person giving advice had absolutely no authority? Years ago, my daughter was on her high school golf team. As she would practice, I would give advice on how she could improve. While I sounded knowledgeable, the fact is, I have never played golf and have no clue how to coach someone. I had no authority to give her golf advice.

This is not the case with Paul’s message to the Philippians. Paul had been kidnapped, beaten, flogged, stoned, arrested, jailed, shipwrecked, and bitten by a snake. Saying Paul understood suffering is an understatement. Paul had the authority to write, “rejoice always” and “do not be anxious about anything” because he had lived it and he kept praising Him!

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Keep Praising Him first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 6:10-16

Daniel was a man of God. However, the men he served with were not; they were jealous of his reputation. The men tried unsuccessfully to find corruption or neglect in Daniel’s life because they wanted to remove him from power. Yet they could not find anything against him. They were corrupt and worked on a plan to catch Daniel the only way they could, through Daniel’s obedience to God.

In Daniel 6:10, Daniel had just learned about the king’s decree. I have to wonder if Daniel chuckled and thought, “Really? This is how you want to remove me?” What I find so encouraging is that the decree didn’t affect Daniel at all!

Daniel was a man of God. Daniel was well aware of what would happen if he continued to pray, but it simply didn’t matter to him. Daniel was going to continue to praise God at any cost, even if it meant being thrown into a den of lions and dying for his devotion.

As a child, I loved this story for how God saved Daniel; as an adult, I now appreciate this story for Daniel’s unconditional obedience to God.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Praise God at Any Cost first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 100:1-5

How easy it is to shout joyfully and thank God when life is good and going our way. If I’m healthy and have money in the bank, then it is easy for me to thank God and give Him praise. Yet when I get bad news at the doctor, or don’t know how the bills will be paid, then thanking God isn’t so easy.

When I think about Psalm 100, I automatically think of Brittany, my sister-in-law. She was diagnosed with cancer, went through chemo, radiation, and had a double mastectomy before her 27th birthday. A few years later, she found out she was pregnant with her second child and was told her cancer had returned. This time the cancer had spread to her lungs, liver, bones, and brain. She delivered her daughter and started chemo the same day. Brittany is in constant pain, but I watch her in amazement. She is continually thankful to God and praising Him for another day!

Thanksgiving becomes conditional when your heart is sourced by the circumstances and conditions around you. However, when your heart is rooted in Christ, your thanksgiving will be sourced by Him who never changes.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Unconditional Thanks first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 65:8-13

Several years ago, I felt impressed by God to slow down and intentionally start recognizing His grace. For me, God’s grace is most easily seen in the beauty of His creation. I have recognized God’s grace and sovereignty through amazing sunrises, spectacular trees, and even His animals.

One day, I learned disappointing news; it seemed nothing was going right for me! I called a friend to complain and was encouraged to look for beauty even on my bad day. Soon after, I was walking across a parking lot. There it was! I recognized the beauty immediately! In the middle of a large concrete parking lot, there was a small crack, and up from that crack grew a single flower.

That flower was a visual reminder of God’s grace in our lives. We all go through experiences that leave wounds, fractures, and scars that we would never want to go through again. Yet when we take the time to look deeper, God always shows His grace in ways similar to the flower growing through the crack. Look for the reminders that His grace is all-sufficient.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Recognize Beauty first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 65:1-7

Praise is essentially our acknowledgment of God for who He is in our lives and His sovereignty over all. Praise is an expression that emerges from a soul that is in communion with Him.

God desires our praise but not because He needs it for affirmation. When Jesus said that if His disciples remained silent, “the stones will cry out,” (Luke 19:40), He wasn’t suggesting He needed to hear their praise. Jesus was setting the record straight that the Son of God warrants the acknowledgement of everyone and everything that has breath.

Think about the relationships you have with others; think about what happens to you when you praise others. After decades of teaching, I have seen the positive effects of praise on the one who praises. I have noticed that when I praise a student for a good grade or even a good effort, I find that I become more invested in that student. God knows that praising Him builds our relationship with Him, and that’s why He wants our praise.

Author: Kelly Brown

The post Give Him Praise first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 14:21-28

Acts 14 concludes Paul’s first missionary journey with his and Barnabas’s return to their sending church at Syrian Antioch (see 13:1-3). While on this journey, these two missionaries testified to “the disciples” at Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidian Antioch that, “We must go through many hardships” (14:22).

They had certainly experienced hardships: “Jewish leaders” had expelled them from the region of Pisidian Antioch (13:50); they had fled Iconium because of a plot to stone them (14:5); and at Lystra, an angry mob actually stoned Paul nearly to death (vv. 19-20).

The journey wasn’t all hardship, however. In Lystra, a man lame from birth was healed (14:8-10). In Derbe, their preaching “won a large number of disciples” (v. 21).

Upon returning to their sending church, Paul and Barnabas made no mention of their journey’s hardships. Rather, they reported that “through them” God “had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles” (v. 27).

May our testimonies focus on what God is doing through us for others. Hardships pass; God’s grace extended to others through us has eternal consequences.

Author: Barry Ross

The post Be True to Your Faith first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 6:25-34

When Jesus urged His followers not to worry about the things of tomorrow, He surely also was including the things of today. His admonition echoes an ancient proverb that says worry—anxiety about the cares and troubles of life—will cause a heaviness of heart almost beyond bearing (Proverbs 12:25).

When in this condition, we can’t enjoy the good things and good times of life. So concerned are we for ourselves, we are unable to serve others needing our help. We even find it difficult to give praise and thanks to our heavenly Father for the blessings of today.

That ancient proverb of 12:25 also observes that a kind word spoken to others whose hearts are heavy with the worries of life cheers and lifts their hearts.

My kind word spoken to others whose hearts are heavy with worry may enable them to enjoy anew God’s blessings of today, and let tomorrow’s worries take care of themselves. Let us continually be ready to give others an uplifting word so that their hearts of worry may be turned to hearts of gladness.

Author: Barry Ross

The post Trust God: Don’t Worry first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 27:7-14

I have always found waiting difficult. As a child, I wanted Christmas Day to hurry. As a teen, I longed for my 16th birthday, that I might learn to drive. When I approached the age for marriage, the wedding day seem to delay and delay. At the birth of our first child, the hours passed so slowly until I could catch that first glimpse of new life.

My life has been a journey of impatience. Can’t I know today what will happen tomorrow, next week, next year?

So, my life has been a journey of learning patience, not a character ingredient I was born with. I’ve had to acquire it little by little, in a daily growing process, learning to “live a life worthy of the Lord . . . [in] endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:10-11).

Isaiah declared, “They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31, ESV). Waiting is not for the weak. When all around are urging haste, waiting requires strength. To wait, when circumstances insist that our hopes will go unfulfilled, takes courage.

O Lord, teach us to wait for You!

Author: Barry Ross

The post Wait For God’s Lead first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 27:1-6

In Psalm 27, David highlights God’s presence and protection. He speaks of God’s “house,” “temple,” “dwelling,” and “sacred tent,” all symbolizing God’s “stronghold” in which he finds that continual protection (vv. 1, 4, 5). He also speaks of “the wicked,” “enemies,” “foes,” even “an army” (vv. 2, 3).

With this turmoil and danger all around, David should be descending into spiritual and emotional darkness, needing sessions with his counselors. He doesn’t need them, however, “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (v. 1) The LORD lights up all of David’s journey! God’s salvation envelops all of David’s life.

David recalls “the beauty [presence] of the LORD” (v. 4), which so inspired him when he last visited God’s sanctuary. This brings on joyous shouting, singing, and music-making, as though he were at the “sacred tent” itself (v. 6).

May you and I know that God’s beautiful presence that so blesses us in Sunday worship does not remain only in the sanctuary. It continues to envelop us throughout every day’s journey.

Author: Barry Ross

The post Seek God’s Presence first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 25:16-22

David’s heart would resonate with the psalmist of Psalm 119, who testified that “in the night,” the remembrance of God’s name (v. 55) and God’s word gave him hope (v. 49). “Arrogant” people mocked him “unmercifully” (v. 51) because of his adherence to God’s law (vv. 51, 52, 54, 55, 56).

It is as if the arrogant were saying, “You may turn God’s decrees into song, but we have no use for God’s law” (vv. 53-54, author’s paraphrase). “We will do as we please!”

“Not so!” declares psalmist Asaph. Those who speak “with malice” (73:8) against God and His servants, God places them on “slippery ground.” He casts them down “to ruin” (v. 18).

The arrogant live with the short view; the psalmist lives with the long view, based on his knowledge of the past. He remembers God’s “ancient laws” (119:52), including God’s acts of kindness to his ancestors. The remembrance of these—“your word to your servant” (v. 49)—enables him to endure others’ present rejection.

In God’s word, the psalmist finds comfort for the present (vv. 50, 52), hope for the future (v. 49), and a song wherever he finds a night’s lodging (v. 54).

Author: Barry Ross

The post Place Your Hope in God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 25:8-15

My father once placed a beehive beside our large vegetable garden. “Don’t disturb the bees!” he instructed. One summer morning, however, that beehive became an irresistible temptation, a target for rotten tomatoes. So, I threw. Splat! A perfect hit. I yielded to temptation—again and again. And, no one knew!

At breakfast the next morning, however, my father looked right at me and asked, “Son, did you throw the tomatoes at the beehive?” “No,” I lied. “Son,” my father said, “think about it today. I’ll ask you again this evening when I return.”

Think about it I did—all day. That evening, however, my father said nothing. I went to bed, but couldn’t sleep. Unable to endure my guilt any longer, I ran to his office door, and with a burst of tears, cried out, “Father, I threw the tomatoes at the beehive.”

Father turned to me, and I saw the tears on his cheeks. “Yes, my son, I know,” he said. “Father,” I sobbed, “can you ever forgive me?” “Yes, my son, I already have,” he replied. Together we knelt, asking our heavenly Father’s forgiveness for my disobedience and lying.

Author: Barry Ross

The post Admit Our Sin first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 25:1-7

In Psalm 4, David affirmed, “In peace I will lie down and sleep (v. 7). Sometimes, we lie down but sleep eludes us. Anxieties—today’s cares, tomorrow’s worries—buzz about in our minds. Sleep’s relaxation remains elusive.

Yet, David, surrounded by those who turned his “glory into shame” (v. 2), in the midst of such danger, is able to sleep. An experienced military man, David surely ordered guards placed about his tent. Yet, it was not because of trust in these human guards that he was able to sleep “in peace.” No, “You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety” (v. 8).

David had prayed, done quiet time, offered sacrifices (vv. 1, 4, 5). Yet, when he had done all this, his deepest act of worship was simply to “trust in the LORD” (v. 5).Out of this simple trusting came a “joy” that filled his “heart,” a joy like the joy of harvest time (v. 7).

Trust in God produces peace in one’s heart and mind. In that peace, we may both lie down and sleep.

Author: Barry Ross

The post Declare Your Trust in God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 17:20-26

The story is told of a little boy who caught a bird and thought he’d have some fun with a wise old man who was blind. The boy held the bird in his hands and asked the old man, “Mister, if you are so wise, tell me, is the bird in my hands dead or alive?” The wise old man thought to himself, “If I say the bird is alive, the boy will squeeze the bird to death. If I say the bird is dead, the boy will turn the bird loose.” So the wise old man replied, “Whether the bird is alive or dead is in your hands, my child. The choice is yours.”*

In John 17, Christ prays not just for those around Him, who hear Him in real time, but for those who will hear about Christ from His followers. What a responsibility! What an honor! Spreading Christ’s words, love, and grace—and it’s in our hands.

We may be tempted to ask ourselves, “Will the doctrine and experience of holiness continue to be our blessed message, mission, and lifestyle.” It’s in your hands! We are the messengers of Christ. He has prayed and continues to pray for us.

Author: Nina Gunter

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Acts 28:23-31

Jesus admonished His followers: “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). The convincing witness of the New Testament church was: “See how they love one another.” The church is the embodiment of the kingdom of God.

Healthy relationships are based on the kingdom model of mutuality. The Holy Spirit brings unity out of diversity. There is purposeful unity, not mere uniformity. As we reflect God and the kingdom, we are more like the people whom God created us to be.

What a witness for the church when others see how the believers accept each other, include each other, love each other! They get along with each other. They learn to live faithfully with the differences that come when people get together. Healthy relationships are characteristic of a holy people.

The Holy Spirit is the great unifier. John Wesley, who informed the theology of Wesleyan faith churches more than any other, spoke of the “pure love to God and others.” Christian holiness is about the theology of love, not good works or performance.

Author: Nina Gunter

The post The Kingdom Is Like Christ first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 26:36-44

God gives us freedom to use the wisdom He gives us. This wisdom comes from the presence of Christ in us. In James 1:5, we read, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

God has graced us with the freedom of choice. Determinism doesn’t make sense in the kingdom. It insulates us against the sensitivity of the Spirit. While God doesn’t determine our choices, He gives us wisdom and freedom in making choices.

Even Christ, in the time leading up to His death, wrestled with the choice. Christ was not mandated, ordered to surrender. Rather, Christ chose to love humanity through His life, death, and resurrection.

God, the Creator, hands the choices off to humanity. He said, “You go rule over the earth. You take care of my creation” (see Genesis 1:26-30).

In a holiness movement, there is curious, critical thinking based on the awesomeness of God. Let us be mindful of the freedom to use the wisdom God gives us.

Author: Nina Gunter

The post Your Choice first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 6:7-15

God gave Moses the motto for the children of Israel: “Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy” (Leviticus 19:2). The people were admonished to understand the meaning of worship, community, and economy so they could be holy before God. That same admonition applies to us today. God calls us to think holy, speak holy, and act holy, so we can be holy before God. This is what the kingdom of God looks like.

Only through holiness can we know the kingdom of God and know it here on earth as it is in heaven. God’s call to holiness isn’t one that sets us in isolation, away from spreading the kingdom like the seeds of a holy kingdom. God calls us to have Christ at the very center of all we do. What we do furthers the kingdom’s presence in our broken world.

The call to holiness is not a call from past shadows. It is God’s call to every follower of Christ of every generation and for all times. Obedience to the call gives us our compass in life and dictates our behavior.

Author: Nina Gunter

The post The Kingdom Here, Now first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 6:1-6

A Christian worldview is to be integrated into every area of life—including our public and private lives. For some, this is easier than for others, but we are all called to be faithful. That faithfulness looks like Christ, who humbled himself (Philippians 2:6-11).

Holistic faith is based on the greatness of God. He is the Lord of all we do and all we are. The spiritual disciplines are integrated into our total life. Our lives are not compartmentalized—who we are outside is who we are inside. God is in us and in all our activities. He is with us wherever we serve. We participate by living out of the constant presence of God. We live under the authority of God as revealed in the Scriptures.

We play a foolish game when we try to transform the gospel to fit our lifestyles rather than allow the gospel to transform our lives. Let us aim for consistency in all we do, say, and think. We offer our best for the glory of God.

Author: Nina Gunter

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Isaiah 52:7-15

Followers of Christ are the people of God. Culture does not define us. Bank accounts do not define us. Our social status does not define us. A godly, authentic, transformed character is our identity.

Jesus admonished His followers, “Do not conform to this world.” Believers are set apart in identity and attitudes as they embrace the values of Christ’s kingdom and reject those of this age. Christians have the opportunity to live the kingdom in the world, being the authentic reflection of God in the darkness around us.

When we live this and share this with others, our message is goodness to those around us: our families, our communities, our nations.

We have an opportunity to live authentic lives for Christ. In doing so, we also have the opportunity to be messengers with beautiful news for a broken, dark world. Let us examine our relationship with Christ and ask Him to sanctify our influence to be a godly, authentic, transformed character.

Embrace holy living…visit reflectinggod.com.

Author: Nina Gunter

The post We Bring Good News! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Isaiah 52:1-7

God calls us from ourselves so we can serve His purposes. The holiness way is not curved in on itself but is curved outward on others. God can rescue us from ourselves. Holy people empty themselves of themselves to answer God’s call. This gives our work meaning and purpose. Jesus humbled himself. He was interested in redeeming humankind—not toys, titles, or trinkets.

In an interview with an ordination candidate, I asked the question, “Do you preach holiness? Do your people understand holiness?” He strongly affirmed, “Yes.” He further added that when a problem arises, the people come together, identify the problem, and together, in love, seek the solution.

Holy people empty themselves of themselves to serve God’s purposes.

Allow God to cleanse your heart and empty yourself in order for Christ to be center of all you are and do. In doing so, your life and actions are a reflection of the holiness of our Lord and Savior.

Author: Nina Gunter

The post I Surrender All first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Have you ever been in a situation where everything just seems to fall in place? You know you’re following God’s direction, everything is going smoothly, your community is clicking, and you’re being fulfilled in what you do. It feels blessed and enriched.

In writing his letter to the church in Corinth, “to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people,” Paul acknowledges the role that God’s grace plays in our lives. He explains that it is a blessing and enriching: It is the confirmation of Jesus working in and among us. God is giving us the gifts we need to be faithful witnesses of Christ, and Paul emphasizes the importance of fellowship with the Lord.

It is a cycle. We are given gifts to help us in our relationship with God, which then allows us to understand and use those gifts better, which deepens our relationship, and so on and so forth. The ascension of Jesus did not remove the presence of God from this earth; the Holy Spirit is with us, working until “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 8).

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post Christ Working in Us first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:32-41

God desires our honesty. God desires having a good relationship with each and every one of us, and one of the most important aspects of a good relationship is the ability to be able to ask questions. Jesus reminds us that this is what prayer is for—talking with God and even expressing our emotions and opinions. Even though He knew He would be resurrected after dying and that it was a necessary act to save the world, He still let God know that He did not want to be crucified.

The emotions in Mark 14—distress and trouble, sadness and sorrow—are normal human emotions. We are created to feel them, and there is no shame in their presence.

The problem comes if we choose to lean on our emotions instead of God’s promises. Jesus was distressed but He was still obedient, following the will of God because He knew God was more powerful than His emotions and opinions. In His obedience, the entirety of the world, past and present, was saved from sin.

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post Honest Questions first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 51:7-12

When it comes to giving a sincere apology, there are several criteria that need to be met. Generally, there needs to be an acknowledgement of wrongdoing, an attempt at forgiveness and reconciliation, and a promise to do better in the future.

David in his lament models this well here. The first half of Psalm 51 is confession as David details his sins; he then moves to making things right. He then goes on to describe what he would do differently in the future, but this passage in particular focuses on the second step: a desire for a pure heart.

After the earnest truth of the preceding six verses, the joy and celebration of this passage jumps off the page. David was excited for the chance to be made new again, and knew that with pureness of heart comes rejoicing. He longed to be in the center of the Lord’s will.

Being in the presence of God ultimately ends in dancing as we realize exactly the greatness and sacrifice God has made for us.

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post Clean Heart first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 51:1-6

It is important to understand the context of Psalm 51 to understand the depths of meaning of this particular passage of Scripture. David pens it after being confronted by Nathan about his adultery with Bathsheba. The confession and forgiveness that David is speaking about is for murder, conspiracy, adultery—some of the worst things a human can do. To make it even more complex, David was admitting his sins as king of Israel, someone who was held to a higher standard of morality. Thus, confessing potentially had serious implications for his royal position.

Of course, none of that mattered to David. What mattered was that he sinned in the eyes of God and now was to make that right. Nothing was more important than restoring his relationship with the Lord.

It is still an important lesson for us today. An honest confession of our wrongdoings is the first step to being holy. We cannot hope to hide our sin from God, but we can take comfort in the fact that God is quick to forgive when we have confessed.

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post Honest Confession first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 73:10-20

Have you ever witnessed the process of gentling an animal that is wild or feral? A horse, or maybe a cat or dog that has not been around people very much and needs to be tamed. The first step is just getting the animal used to your presence so that you don’t spark fear.

Sometimes, the goodness of God can spark fear in us as fallen humans. It is uncomfortable to be reminded of our sinful nature, and we can’t help but be confronted by it when we are being measured up against perfection. Luckily for us, our Creator understands us intimately and knows our innermost thoughts.

Like a handler gentling an animal, God keeps us in God’s presence, guiding and loving us, until we are comfortable and loyal to the Lord. We are reminded that our purpose in life is to sing the wonders of God, for God is always faithful. We can lean on God and remain confident that all of our needs and desires will be met more fully than we could ever imagine, for God is good.

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post Sing The Wonders of God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 73:10-20

Over and over, Scripture affirms that our questions do not threaten God. In fact, our searching for answers to complicated questions about the way God works often allows us to deepen our relationship with God as we better understand God’s heart. In Pslam 73, the psalmist continues the line of questioning present in the first 10 verses: Why do enemies of the Lord prosper? Why do the faithful suffer?

It is only when the psalmist comes into the presence of God that their questions are answered and the faithfulness of the Lord is remembered. Our efforts to be pure of heart are not wasted, it turns out, because God has a larger plan that we cannot always see.

Ultimately, evil cannot win and the goodness of God always prevails. The Lord is in control and our energy does not need to be spent getting revenge on those who are wicked. We just have to remain faithful until then, putting God at the center of all our relationships and trusting that God does not forget promises.

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post The Goodness of God Prevails first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 73:1-9

One of the lies that can be easy for Christians to believe is that, as followers of Jesus, we should have it easy. We can think that because we believe in God, nothing bad should be able to happen to us and, even more, those who don’t believe should have it worse. In Psalm 73, the psalmist is struggling with this same perceived unfairness. How can the wicked seemingly succeed so casually if God is supposed to be good to Israel?

The psalmist reminds us that this vindictive way of thinking is not what God expects from us. Envying the arrogant is not conducive with being pure in heart. Our disdain for unfairness comes because it is antithetical to the heart of God.

Additionally, the psalmist here is also reminding us what our posture should be as those who are pure of heart. If the wicked “clothe themselves with violence,” then we should clothe ourselves in peace. If “their evil imaginations have no limits,” then we should be imagining creatively without limits about how the kingdom of God is to be on earth.

Author: Lexi Sunberg

The post God’s Kingdom Here first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 118:21-29

“Forever” is one of those words that sometimes falls victim to exaggeration. Perhaps someone hasn’t seen a particular person in forever, or it has been forever since they ate at a specific restaurant. Truth be told, “forever” is simply an extended period of time that only seems like forever.

The psalmist implores us to offers thanks to our good God, because His love endures forever. That forever is literal—for keeps and always. This forever love is intentional, endless, unconditional, and for everyone. It can’t be earned, purchased, or traded. God just gives it to us, freely, and abundantly.

So perhaps as Christ-followers, loved by God in a forever sort of way, we should heed the directive in Psalm 118 in the same, endless fashion. Forever, we should give thanks to God. Not just for a season, but for always and for keeps.

God’s love endures forever. May we have thankful hearts that seek to do likewise.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Forever first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 4:12-16

You just never know when a holy moment is going to swoop in and hijack your day. I once received a text from a sweet friend while I was working. The text she sent took a lot of courage to write and she was seeking God’s help for her hurt. Without thinking, I excused myself and went back to my empty classroom to answer her. I believe that while distance separated us, we were together in the same holy moment.

I’ve reflected on that moment more than once since it happened. I’ve thought about my friend’s willingness to be vulnerable and to share such an intimate struggle. I’ve thought about the sense of urgency I felt to respond. It was all beautifully orchestrated by the Spirit.

We serve a God who is enough. He’s enough for every trial, temptation, every struggle. He uses holy moments to remind us that we are His, and because we are His, we are enough. In those holy moments, He meets us right where we are and gives us just what we need, including the courage to invite others to stand with us as the storm rages.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Holy Moments first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 1:9-18

I just love how the 66 books of God’s Word are all connected, how the entirety of each and every thought points to Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament brought us the law. Jesus’ great-, great-, and then some, grandparents and their peers were watching history unfold. We saw some of history’s finest succeed . . . and fail. Yet through it all, the cross was on God’s agenda. He knew the intricate system of laws and sacrifices weren’t the final answer.

The New Testament ushers in the hope of Jesus Christ. The Word became flesh, loving on those around Him, regardless of who they were or where they came from. He spoke His Father’s truth. Love pinned Christ to a cross He didn’t deserve. Sin was defeated and the borrowed tomb was simply a rest stop for Christ’s earthly form.

God’s love was the basis for the early church. And, by grace, through faith, we can be a part of that story as well.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Grace and Truth first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 13:1-8

We can’t see the wind, yet evidence of its existence frequently manifests itself in our day-to-day comings and goings. Sometimes, the wind is a welcome guest, gently rocking the wind chimes on our porches or keeping us cool on a hot summer’s day. On other occasions, the wind musters all its strength and expresses itself in a mighty way, ushering in a violent storm that leaves devastating reminders of how truly powerful it is.

Our great God is faithful and just. We can’t see Him with our eyes, yet evidence of God’s mighty power is constantly manifesting itself in our day-to-day coming and goings. Sometimes, God’s power gently comforts and calms, speaking directly to our hearts. On other occasions, God utilizes His great strength to express His power in a mighty way, doing the impossible just when we need it most, reminding us how truly powerful our God really is. Either way, there is absolutely no questioning the existence of God or His power.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post As The Wind Blows first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Humanity would be lost if suddenly charging cords and batteries of all kinds were to mysteriously disappear. Remote controls, smart phones, ear buds, clocks, cars . . . they all need some sort of rechargeable energy source in order to function as their inventors intended. Without the ability to restore power, these devices are nothing but paperweights and knickknacks whose purpose isn’t being fulfilled. The appropriate charging device or battery is absolutely necessary for a successful existence.

Christ-followers would be nothing without the restorative power of God’s grace. Without God’s grace, we would be reduced to beings that simply took up space, whose purpose wasn’t being fulfilled. God’s freely-given grace is absolutely necessary for a Christ-follower’s daily existence.

God’s grace is irreplaceable. There isn’t a less expensive, generic form of grace that will refresh our souls the way that God’s unmerited favor does.

God’s grace is more than enough.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Low Batteries first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 11:24-33

Ever felt like saying, “I told you so” so badly that you had to actually bite your tongue in order not to allow those four little words escape your lips? Enjoying a well-placed “I told you so” is very tempting. Putting someone (who obviously refused to listen to your prior words of wisdom) in their place is an extremely human desire that can be difficult to resist.

The apostle Paul had a thing or two to say about being humble. In his second letter to the Corinthian church, he cautioned Christ-followers to not boast about the things that made them look good, but if they must boast, to do so about the things that made them look not so good.

By boasting of Christ’s power at work in us, our weaknesses are exposed, and His glory is allowed to shine through. Our goal as Christ-followers is to glorify God in all things. Consider taking the apostle’s advice and only boasting in your weakness, allowing Christ to be magnified in all things.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post I Told You So first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 11:16-23

God knew what He was doing when He used ordinary people to write His Word. He knew that if the Bible was filled with nothing but scholarly dissertations, it would be difficult for some of us to follow along. In 2 Corinthians 11, the ordinary human is the apostle Paul. Paul was an educated man and still very human. God confronted him, and changed Paul’s mission in life (see Acts 9).

Paul acknowledged his weaknesses and his complete dependence on Christ. He didn’t hide his humanity but instead gave God the glory for all things through his struggles. Paul noted that to be boasting in such a self-confident way is no reflection of the Father.

Perhaps you know another ordinary human being that might occasionally get carried away by boasting in their own strength. It’s possible that you saw them in the mirror recently. Each of us is only human and we are tempted to boast in our own strength. Consider being purposeful today in looking for a way to extol Christ through your shortcomings.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Only Human first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 112:1-10

Throughout all ages, wicked people have done wicked things in the name of security and support. The end justifies the means.

Psalm 112 speaks to a different reality than our own. Ours is a time when people believe that to get ahead, one must lie, cheat, steal, and oppress. That may actually be true. There is no golden era of greatness devoid of lying, cheating, stealing, and oppression.

However, this psalm speaks of a time when justice and righteousness will reign. At that time, the righteous will be known as fearless people who don’t shy from bad news but who instead “freely scattered their gifts to the poor” (v.9). The words imply an irresponsible and frivolous scattering. They do it freely almost without care.

Apparently this vexes the wicked: “How could you be so wasteful?” “They don’t deserve your gifts.” The righteous will be like God, who is more generous than any of us deserve. In the end, the ultimate good will come to those who are generous—the righteous will spend eternity with our Lord.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom

The post Living Generously first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 4:13-23

Context matters a lot. Paul says that he can do “all this through him who gives me strength” (v. 13). Some read this to mean that Paul can do all things. What he really means is, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (v. 12). He was telling the Philippians that God had provided for him through the generosity of the Philippians.

Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter; he needed the church to supply his needs. And the church did exactly that. This gave Paul the power to praise and encourage the Philippians. God had provided for Paul; thus, the Philippians had no need to worry if they also found themselves in times of deep trouble. God would provide for their needs as well.

Many testify to this in our churches. God meets our needs, perhaps not how we expect nor how we want. Nevertheless, God provides for God’s people, typically through the local congregation.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom

The post God Provides first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 9:8-15

These words seem like they could come from a millionaire televangelist urging people to donate “seed-faith” so that God can richly bless them as they want. Unfortunately, many people have a health-and-wealth faith, believing that God blesses people based on their level of faith. These words seem to imply that if we give, “You will be enriched in every way.”

However, we must remember the author. In chapter 11, Paul gives his resume. “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea . . . I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food” (vv. 25, 27). That is not how most people would describe being “enriched in every way” (9:11).

Paul urged the Corinthians to give generously so that they could see that God would supply what they needed. More likely than not, they would learn they needed less than they thought they did.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom

The post Heavenly Supplier first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 9:1-7

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul seems to have gotten in front of his skis some. He had spent considerable time with the Corinthians and thought he had a good relationship with them. They had been generous and open with him. While visiting other towns, he boasted about them. Later, however, he found out that the so called “super-apostles” had driven a wedge.

Now that Paul was trying to collect the expected gift, his words could have come off as manipulative, but that would be a misreading. Paul was likely genuinely trying to prevent embarrassment and resentment. He did not want them to experience shame because of his words.

Maybe things had changed and the Corinthians were unable to make good on their promises. Maybe the rift had prevented them from giving cheerfully and they were doing it out of obligation.

Paul didn’t want people who gave out of remorse or because they were “guilted” into it. He was making sure everything was aboveboard. He asked only that they give what they could with cheerful hearts. After all, giving is a means of grace.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom

The post Cheerfully Giving first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 8:16-24

When it comes to money, maybe we should begin by telling one another what we make.” Stanley Hauerwas has said this, or something like this, on numerous occasions. He knew that money is an idol that can linger in churches. He argued that too many of us place our worth and value on what we make. Many of us don’t want to be exposed to one another. Such transparency would feel worse than being naked.

Paul was willing to be transparent with the Corinthians. Part of Paul’s mission was to raise funds for the poor in Jerusalem. He could not simply wire the funds; someone had to physically carry them. Therefore, Paul and the other leaders “are taking pains to do what is right” (v. 21). They were being transparent about who Titus was—a friend of Paul’s.

Normally that would be good, but the church in Corinth had soured in their relationship with Paul. Paul’s endorsement might actually have hurt Titus. Paul knew that the mission and the success of the church was more important than money and more important than pride. He was transparent even if it took pain to do so.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom

The post Transparent Leadership first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 8:8-15

Paul often seems unrealistic in his writings, doesn’t he? In 2 Corinthians 8, he was writing to a church that was angry at him, and he expected them to love Jesus more than anything else. He expected them to look beyond their frustration with him, to love beyond their own covetous hearts, and to give in their time of surplus. Yet given Israel’s history, was it really that outlandish?

When the Israelites were wandering in the wilderness, they were told not to keep more than they needed. If they did, it would become full of maggots and start to smell. When Paul quoted from Exodus, he was creminding the Corinthians that plenty can stink. He wasn’t that explicit, but he certainly wanted to remind the Corinthians that God is the Giver of all.

The difference between the wilderness and their present was how God would provide. Instead of using wafers that came from heaven, God would use heavenly-minded people as the mechanism for equality. This is still true today.

Author: Ryan Quanstrom

The post Bring Manna first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 8:1-7

Churches often speak about tithing or giving as a duty or a discipline, but that is not the language Paul uses. He calls it the “grace of giving.” What Paul rightly saw was that “Life does not consist in an abundance of possessions” (Luke 12:15). In fact, for many people, their possessions own them.

Paul knew that the Macedonians had experienced incredible grace through giving to God’s mission in the world. He desired for the Corinthians, and, I expect all Christians, to experience the same grace. It is a grace of learning to trust God to give us our daily bread.

So often we worry about tomorrow, about what we will eat or drink, but God knows our needs. By attending to giving as a practice, by living generous lives, we learn God’s grace in fresh ways. Eventually, through a life of generosity, we can easily follow Christ’s command: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

Author: Ryan Quanstrom

The post Do Not Worry first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 69:4-13

There are times when it feels like the entire world is against us. We begin to worry about who is whispering behind our backs, what they are plotting and planning. It can be deeply frightening and anxiety-inducing.

The enemy of our souls can take a kernel of truth and magnify it through a lens of lies. Disagreements and difficulties soon become insurmountable, overwhelming, impossible. “Everyone hates me.” “They’re all talking about me.” “There’s nothing I can do.” The fear can be paralyzing. In fear, we make our worst decisions.

In my experiences of fear, I’m learning to do two things. First, to count. Rarely is the opposition “everyone.” Most often, it’s fewer than three. Much more manageable than “everyone.” Second, I’m learning to look to the Lord and wait on Him.

We can fixate on the worries, they grow and threaten. When we wait upon the Lord, we will be open to His truth and His help.

Author: Caleb Reynolds

The post Attacks of Doubt first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Job 33:19-30

We started our first church board meeting of the year, taking turns as each person shared the story of their salvation. One by one, each one spoke.

Do you remember when you came to faith in Jesus? Maybe it was as a child in a Sunday School class. Maybe a friend prayed with you for salvation on a lunch break. Maybe it was at the close of a Sunday service or revival meeting.

I remember praying at the altar during Vacation Bible School. I remember telling my grandparents the next time we visited their house. I remember celebrations of joy from saints of the Lord when we talked about my coming to know and accept Jesus as my Savior. There was joy on their faces as they heard the news and as they encouraged me to keep following Jesus. It was a joy that they knew from their walk with the Lord too.

One by one, each person on the board shared their story. It was awesome. It gave us all a sense of purpose and hope for serving the Lord in the coming year.

Author: Caleb Reynolds

The post Share Your Story first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 5:8-15

I was sitting in a packed auditorium, and the man at the front was talking about the newest rollout of a popular computer software. It would be a massive overhaul of the software.

Early in his presentation, the speaker shared with us his job title. He was an “evangelist” for the company. His “good news”? The new version would fix most of the problems with our computers.

As Christians, we have received life-changing good news. The Lord of all creation offers to give us true life as He always intended. Our sin and brokenness can be forgiven and resolved by the blood of Jesus. Our wayward wanderings can be grounded and given purpose through the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our lonely isolation can evaporate when we are incorporated into the church, the loving family of God’s people.

For the deep hurts that plague our world, we know that the life-giving love of Jesus has the answer.

Author: Caleb Reynolds

The post We Are Evangelists first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 5:1-7

I tried for years to make gravy. Drippings with flour and milk. Drippings with flour and water. Drippings with flour and butter and milk. Something had to work. However, for me, gravy seemed impossible.

Years later, I learned that I was doing it wrong. I wasn’t working from a roux. A roux is a paste made from the drippings and flour. It doesn’t look a thing like gravy. It looks like you’re doing it all wrong. Then you add liquid to the paste. You have to continue adding the liquid little by little. Stirring and heating and mixing. It looks like you’re making a failure even worse than when you started.

But then, just when you expect to scrape it all into the trash, what you find in the pan is really, truly, honest-to-goodness gravy. Just add salt and pepper to taste.

Much like making gravy, living the Christian life doesn’t always look like instant, immediate success. Christlikeness is like gravy. It is impossible. Until, by faith and perseverance, it isn’t.

Author: Caleb Reynolds

The post Making Gravy first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Jeremiah 31:31-34

In Jeremiah, we see God telling His people that there will be a day when a new covenant is made with them. We have this image of the sinful heart that has had difficulty keeping the Mosaic law being remade into a new heart that desires to know and love the Lord. No longer will the people of God rely on external laws; instead, the law of love will be written on our hearts, and we will long to be like Jesus.

Doing the right things, saying the right things—none of these will in and of themselves make us like Jesus. Checking a spiritual to-do list isn’t going to make us like Jesus. The one thing that will make us more like Jesus every day is love.

Jesus’ love for us makes it possible for us to choose Jesus freely. In choosing Jesus, we are given the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit miraculously and mysteriously makes us more and more like Jesus as we love and live as Jesus did.

Author: Amy Scarlett

The post A New Heart first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 1:16-25

It has been said that the gospel can be boiled down into one word: love. We use the word love in so many contexts: “I love pizza; I love video games; I love my dog; I love my spouse; I love my children.” You get the picture. If we want to know how to live out the love that the gospel talks about, we have to spend time figuring out how Jesus loved (looking carefully into the perfect law; see v. 25) and then we emulate it (“Do what it says,” v. 22).

Pastor Cliff Purcell is quoted saying that, “Love is a demonstrated preference for the well-being of others, over and above myself, even at great personal expense, by the help of the Holy Spirit.” If you are struggling with knowing what exactly it means to live out the love of Jesus, this definition would be a fantastic place to start.

It is no wonder that those who bless others often find that they themselves are blessed in the process. Let us love freely and be blessed.

Author: Amy Scarlett

The post Blessing of Love first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Galatians 3:11-22

There are so many wonderful hymns of the church that depict breaking the chains of sin. While we may never know what it’s like to be a prisoner to drugs, alcohol, or gambling, these are not the only vices that can tear lives apart. Envy, greed, lust, gluttony, adultery—these are no less powerful when it comes to destroying lives.

That image of broken chains that we sing and read about, it’s not just referring to the really bad sins. You see, in Jesus we are freed from every type of sin. So, whatever it is that we find ourselves struggling with, no matter where it falls on the severity scale, we are freed.

In Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are freed from sin, all sin. As we love and live like Jesus, we are made more and more like Him and we grow in holiness. We are enabled to live this new righteous life because of our faith in Jesus. We are set free from sin.

Author: Amy Scarlett

The post Unshackled first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Romans 10:8-15

In Romans 10, Paul writes that salvation’s only requirement is that we confess with our mouths and believe in our hearts that Jesus is Lord.

The confessing part seems pretty easy to understand. We use our voice to tell people that Jesus is Lord. The words we use every day when we speak to our family members, our co-workers, our neighbors, or the stranger at the gas station are to be life-giving words and point people to Jesus. Those words are just as much a testimony as any other words.

Secondly, we are to believe in our hearts. This is more than just saying that we believe in Jesus. Paul calls us to action. We are being called to live a life that shows our belief. When we follow Jesus, we are following Him to the cross. We must die (our desires, motivations, preferences) so that Jesus can live in and through us. We do all of this so that others will know Jesus by our love.

Author: Amy Scarlett

The post Confess and Believe first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Romans 8:1-9

Paul is a minister of the new law, the new covenant. In Romans 8, the church is reminded that the Mosaic law leads to death. Life lived by the new law of love is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit. By that power, we are able to choose a life of obedience to God.

We have been set free from the law of sin and death because of what Jesus has done for us. Sin has no authority over those who live by the Spirit of God. Spoiler alert: We already know the outcome of the battle between good and evil.

This radical love that we are called to receive, live in, and emulate mysteriously and miraculously changes us into Christ’s likeness. As we love more like Jesus, we are enabled to resist the temptation of sin. In verse 12, Paul says that we have no obligation to do what our sinful nature urges us to do. We have a choice.

Sin is a choice. That choice is made easier as we grow in Jesus’ love and rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us.

Author: Amy Scarlett

The post Radical Love first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 3:9-18

The new law is love and it isn’t easy. Here’s some good news: Because of the new law, we can see and reflect the one true God. As we do, we will shine bright with a glow that will not fade. Unlike the glow from Moses (the old law) that faded, our shining glory will not fade. This new covenant means as we look to Jesus, live like Jesus, and love like Jesus, the power of the Holy Spirit transforms us from glory to glory.

Paul doesn’t know it, but he is speaking our language in 2 Corinthians 3! What Paul is describing with his language in verse 18 is sanctification. The power of the Holy Spirit transforms us into the glorious glowing image of God as we work to see and reflect Jesus.

If you find yourself yearning for mountaintop experiences of yesterday or maybe even tomorrow, take hope. You need not look to the past or to the future. Want a mountaintop experience? Love like Jesus! That’s what mountaintop experiences are all about.

Author: Amy Scarlett

The post Gloriously Transformed first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 3:1-8

Are you a list maker? Do you add things to your list just to check them off? Each check mark brings the feeling of accomplishment.

The Corinthians knew about checking off lists. Paul reminded them that there was no list in existence that would lead to eternal life—not even the Ten Commandments or the many laws throughout the Old Testament. The Corinthians had a false sense of security. They lived as if daily checking off the list would somehow guarantee eternal life.

Some of us have heavily relied on spiritual lists. We have believed that holiness would be carried out in the checking. Over time, we have learned that checked lists do not make us holy, nor does following the letter of the law.

Paul reminds us that our lives will become a letter of Christ’s love. The new law, our standard for living, is love. The way we treat people—the immigrant, the young pregnant girl, the unhoused, the Democrat or Republican—should be a visible love letter.

Love—it always points to Jesus.

Author: Amy Scarlett

The post Check List Holiness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 5:13-20

Are you in trouble? Pray. Are you happy? Sing praise songs. Are you sick? Be anointed with oil. Have you or others sinned? Forgive each other, confess your sins, and pray for each other. Need powerful and effective prayer? Find a righteous person. The church is a community that works together. We share our lives in prayer, praise, and deliverance.

There is a profound truth in the statement: “Elijah was a man just like us.” In sixth grade, I remember reading about Abraham for the first time. I found it difficult to understand how he could lie to Pharaoh and pretend that Sarah was his sister instead of his wife; lying was such a big sin for a sixth-grader!

How could Abraham be known as such a great man of faith? When I read James 5:17, I received the answer. We are all human. Those of us who found faith in Christ had to come in true repentance, forgiven by God by grace through Jesus our Savior. We have all sinned and needed forgiveness. This is why we can pray for each other.

Author: Christie American Horse

The post Pray For Each Other first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Ephesians 4 begins with putting our verbal house in order. Sin can start with a “little white lie.” Tempers can escalate and turn into sin by giving the devil a foothold. Core feelings such as rage or bitterness soon propel people into a life they may not recognize. It then goes deeper into elements at the center of sin.

Adulthood can easily descend into immaturity. Actions may speak louder than words, but as Christians, our words matter. Words and actions are tied together here; we must take responsibility of our words and actions. Verse 31 instructs, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” This is our responsibility as the Holy Spirit instructs, guides, and enables us.

Kindness and compassion are the way of a Christian. Forgiveness is a necessity. It begins with Jesus and ends with us. We forgive because we are forgiven.

The passage is powerful, but the ending summarizes it all. Kindness, compassion, and forgiveness are the godly traits that we imitate after Jesus.

Author: Christie American Horse

The post Remember to Be Kind first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Galatians 6:1-10

As I entered the bus, the man looked up, surprised to see me. It had been a while since we had seen each other, and his innocent question opened a flood of emotions.

“Are you doing all right?” he asked. I was not. I had been on a downward spiral, and this Christian friend’s encounter began a correction to my path. Ironically, I had done the same for him a few years earlier. My restorative reminder helped him restore his trajectory and avoid tremendous sadness.

There is much to glean from Galatians 6, but the last sentence of the first verse is important! “But watch yourself, or you may be tempted.”

These verses remind us that we must get acquainted with ourselves.

My friend on the bus and I learned accountability. Paul knew that accountable instruction was an important component of discipleship.

Find someone you trust and practice accountability with them. Humility begins with self-examination. With self-examination and humility, restoration is possible.

Author: Christie American Horse

The post Accountability to Restoration first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 7:9-16

Have you ever encountered someone who enjoys being right and quickly reminds others of their incorrectness?

This is not the writer’s attitude in 2 Corinthians 7. Paul takes the demeanor of a spiritual parent. In the same way that many parents find disciplining their children sad and difficult, Paul also shares this sentiment. Although it is challenging to see one’s children sorrowful, a good parent understands that it will lead to correction. Verse 10 reminds us that sorrow and regret are not always bad things. Many repent and find salvation.

The words “happy, earnestness, eagerness, longing, concern, readiness, and justice” stand out. It is incredible what God does with a life fully surrendered.

To repent, we must first understand that where we are or what we are doing is sinful and harmful to us and to others. Remember this when the Holy Spirit directs you to correct a friend, a brother, or a sister. Let the Holy Spirit correct you in your spirit or through others. Accept it in the humility of Christ.

Author: Christie American Horse

The post Correction, Community, Christ first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 7:1-8

Second Corinthians 7 begins with a reminder of God’s promises and the believer’s responsibility: “Let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God” (v. 1).

During their teenage years, young people face many obstacles and temptations. With the advent of social media and an onslaught of daily international bad news, depression has risen.

In In 2 Corinthians 7, Paul’s sense of his joy, great confidence, and pride through this relationship with the believers in Corinth (v. 4) is obvious. He speaks like a father who has lived to see his children grow up. This is why he begins with such a strong directive. In essence, he was instructing them to “grow up.” He was, however, diplomatic about it. These people were dear to him. He used this mutually inclusive language to encourage their responsibility in this process of holiness.

How can we keep our body and spirit pure?

Author: Christie American Horse

The post Perfecting Holiness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 2:1-11

Second Corinthians 2:1-11 is full of trigger words, descriptors that call us to stand up and pay attention:

Painful Grieve Anguish Distressed

Paul begins addressing his state of mind and concern for the church in Corinth. Those believers addressed here understood Paul’s parental love through other words:

Glad Rejoice Confidence Joy Love

Forgive Comfort Reaffirm

It seems difficult to get through a day in media (social or otherwise) in which the idea of individual truth is not emphasized somewhere. He has “his” truth; she has “her” truth; and they have “another” truth. We are told that it is all “relative” to one’s own experience.

Church leaders find it challenging to address biblical sin when everyone seems to have their own idea of what makes a sin. Paul also seems torn up as he addresses the church and individuals. This reminds us that rebuke comes with this element of love. Forgiveness is a two-way street and contains a component of healing.

Author: Christie American Horse

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2 Corinthians 1:18-24

Second Corinthians 1 speaks of God’s faithfulness. God always keeps His promises.

Jesus is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. Not only so, but God puts His Spirit in our hearts, sent by Jesus. The promise of the second chapter of Joel has become “Yes” in Jesus! “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people” (v. 28, emphasis added).

Paul wrote to the Corinthian people who believed in Jesus, but his words reverberate down through history to their readers worldwide today! Second Corinthians 1:23 indicates harsh words written before. In 2 Corinthians 7:8-13, Paul further details how he spared them by not coming. It might have been an old-fashioned chewing out, but Paul assured them that he wanted joy for them. Their godly change was his ultimate desire.

Repentance in the life of believers is a tricky subject, but Paul did not evade it. When we stand on God’s promises, we must also keep a constant eye on the kind of changes our Christian lives need.

Author: Christie American Horse

The post Godly Change first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 116:1-9

God doesn’t have to save us. Yet, God chooses to enter into the mess of a fallen world. Our natural response is love and praise. “Thank you, God, for intervening and saving me!” When we are delivered from the clutches of evil, what joy there is on the other side! Relief. Peace. Rest. Gratitude. These are life-giving gifts that God gives us when we cry out in anguish, thankful that God gave us strength to make it through the fire.

God wants us to know that we don’t need to wait until Jesus returns to experience the life and light of God’s eternity. Jesus came to bring life in its fullness. That is not some future promise. It is a promise we live into every day as believers.

As Christians, we are optimistic that we don’t have to wait to experience life. It is here, now. The kingdom of God has come to us through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The church is tasked with showing others that they can also live in the land of the living.

Author: Carol Rittenhouse

The post The Land of the Living first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 4:4-13

Philippians 4:13 is one of the most beloved and quoted Bible verses. I am intrigued by two words: “all this.” What is Paul referring to when he says, “I can do all this” (emphasis added)? This is often mistakenly interpreted to mean that God will bless our plans to reach some degree of human achievement. Paul was not concerned with worldly success or personal goals.

Digging deeper, preceding verse 13, Paul talks about being content no matter the circumstances. Paul had experienced all the extremes in his life. Paul was making clear that he triumphed over difficulties only because Christ empowered him.

He was confident that even in trials yet to come, God would give him the strength to make it through. Paul was focused on his present mission. He was persecuted for preaching the gospel.

God will always give strength to those who are living out the life modeled by Christ. Nothing will stop the movement of the gospel in this world.

Author: Carol Rittenhouse

The post Strength for the Mission first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Philippians 1:18b-26

Before his conversion, Paul was quite arrogant as he pursued Christians in the newly birthed church. Perhaps this is why we read such self-deprecating words from him in his letters. I don’t believe this is because Paul lacked self-confidence after he met Christ. It’s that his focus changed. He made every effort to point others to Christ and the power of God.

Paul saw the people of God as an extension of Jesus Christ himself. The church is the incarnation of Christ in the world. Paul also knew of his own faults and didn’t try to deny them.

In this world, there will be a temptation to break under the pressure of the moment. We must be vigilant to put our full faith and trust in Jesus Christ, who will help us stand strong in the face of the temptation to look toward another power source.

When we do survive the tests of life with the supernatural courage that only God can provide, the name of Jesus Christ will be lifted up. Just like Paul, we will be pointing others to Christ and not ourselves.

Author: Carol Rittenhouse

The post Humble Courage first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Corinthians 4:10-18

When Carol was a girl, they had old-fashioned “testimony services” at church. Some shared the same testimony every time. Some quoted a passage of hope that meant something to them that week. Others talked about a fresh presence of God in their lives. All these years later, Carol remembers some of these testimonies, and they encourage her still.

I imagine that there are not many “testimony services” these days—not like the ones I experienced. Stories of God’s faithfulness are still being told through testimonies on social media and podcasts. We may long to move backwards to those days of services dedicated to testimonies. However, God is always moving forward, not backward. God wants to harness tools in this present day that will call new generations to faith in Christ.

Is the church taking advantage of what is available today to continue sharing stories of the faith? We testify so that others will know and be encouraged in their own walk with God. When was the last time you gave testimony to God’s movement in your own life?

Author: Carol Rittenhouse

The post The Power of Testimony first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 28:22-27 King Ahaz is still up to no good. When Ahaz became king, “he followed the ways of the kings of Israel” (v. 2) and “did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 1b). It caused problems when he was 20 and now he’s back at it! Rather […]

The post It Worked For Them! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 28:12-21 King Ahaz’s poor choices and rebellion led him down a slippery slope and now it’s affecting others. Men returning from war came back with material and human spoils. A wise group stopped them, not wanting to add to their sin and guilt (vv. 12-13). Thankfully they used their plunder to care for […]

The post Our Bad Choices Affect Others first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 28:1-11 King Ahaz was given the reins of kingship and, like many 20-year-olds, started looking around him to figure out what to do. He followed others’ lead in interactions with people, how money and time were spent, and in worship. The results were catastrophic: losing 120,000 troops to a single person. Who knows […]

The post Whose Example Is Worth Following? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 73:23-28 The psalmist in Psalm 73 had just come through a time of struggle over the injustice of life. The wicked appeared to get away with their evil behavior. They prospered while the righteous dealt with one trouble after another. What was the point of living to please God when new problems arose every […]

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Philippians 2:1-8 Jesus once advised a group of honor seekers on how to act at a banquet. In short He said, don’t try to grab the best seat at the table. It might be reserved for another. In embarrassment you may have to take whatever seat you can find. Jesus summed up, “For all those […]

The post Humility and Jesus first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 23:23-28 The young pastor was thrilled to receive an unanimous call to his first church. Nevertheless, some members who were present when he interviewed were not there on his first Sunday. When he called on them they announced they were now attending church elsewhere. Puzzled, the new pastor asked a senior board member, “How […]

The post Mis-Focused Faith first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Proverbs 11:1-7 Solomon is an intriguing figure in scripture. He is the eldest of the surviving sons of King David and Bathsheba. Through the prophet Nathan he was given the divine nickname: “Jedidiah,” “loved by the Lord” (2 Samuel 12:25). David chose Solomon from his many sons to become his heir (1 Kings 1:28ff). God […]

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2 Chronicles 26:16-23 Power is particularly dangerous when it is controlled by sinful pride. We have the power to do so much. Our power is directed by our will. If our will is guided by self, sin enters in. Think about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). God gave them broad […]

The post Pride’s Deadly Consequence first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 26:9-15

Young leaders are often commended for their innovation, energy, and boldness. This was certainly true of Uzziah. The writer of the Chronicles particularly emphasizes how Uzziah became a “powerful” leader (26:8, 13, 15). He “built” and “fortified” towers. He also mustered a well-trained large army, fully equipped them, and installed innovative defenses on Jerusalem’s walls. Uzziah’s exceptionally long reign (52 years) was marked with prosperity and peace. He even expanded Judah’s border to the south, restoring land they had not controlled since David and Solomon.

Somewhere along the way Zechariah, who instructed Uzziah “in the fear of God,” drops out of the story (v. 5). We are not told why. Likely he died. It is significant, however, to note that in the next section of Uzziah’s chronicle we only read about his accomplishments. Nothing about his faith. Sadly many get “too busy” and forget, like Uzziah, that “as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success” (v. 5). That is one lesson we could all learn.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Our Source of Success first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Chronicles 26:1-8

What were you doing at 16? I was trying to keep my first jalopy running while fighting the battle against acne and all the while holding down my first regular job. Uzziah, however, was made king in Jerusalem. Imagine a teenage king. One day he is ducking his teachers to fix up an old chariot, the next he is king of Judah. Talk about unprepared!

The young king came under the influence of a godly adviser named Zechariah “who instructed him in the fear of God” (26:5). As long as Uzziah sought the Lord “God gave him success” (26:6). The young king defeated Judah’s enemies and rebuilt cities. “[H]is fame spread as far as the border of Egypt, because he had become very powerful” (26:8).

Nearly all the leaders I have met in Christ’s kingdom, lay or clergy, have a similar story. A godly mentor took an interest in them at a formative age, prayed for them, encouraged them, discipled them in the ways of the Lord, and set them an example to follow.

Author: Duane Brush

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Proverbs 3:1-7

It was a surprising question from someone who only recently started worshiping with us, “Do you and your husband plan to stay at this church?” I responded that we didn’t have plans to move at that time. Yet, as the Lord’s servants we were bound to follow His will and go wherever He wanted us to go. We found that to be a good plan and have never been disappointed by it.

There are always lessons we want to pass on to our children. Some are simple habits that make life better. Such as: “Remember to brush your teeth,” or “Put your laundry in the basket.” Others are more crucial: “God is our Creator and Father,” and “Jesus loves us and is our Savior.” These are eternal wisdom words. We desire our children to hold them in their hearts.

God’s way always brings greater blessings than any gains the “wisdom” of the world may offer. Satan entices us to follow his way to prosperity and happiness. However, we can see that such compromise leads to much regret and unhappiness. Total submission to God requires full submission to His will. That alone will lead us to true peace and joy.

Author: Nora Brush

The post God’s Way Really Is Best first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 4:12-16 We have heard a great deal in the past few years about booster injections. We are advised to get the latest booster shot to ease our symptoms should we catch a virus. I see Hebrews 4 as a “hope booster” for all who trust in God. Who couldn’t use more hope? As Christians […]

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Acts 12:1-19

As a senior member of a public safety chaplaincy program I conducted orientation for new chaplains. I led one group through the police station. The jail was empty that day, so I fetched the key. As I opened the door a face peeked around a corner behind me. The officer announced to a group behind him, “It’s just the chaplain.” A silent alarm had warned the jail door was open. “Did you think I was breaking into an empty jail?” I asked.

Herod Agrippa had executed James, the brother of John. Quick to please the crowd he then had Peter arrested. He assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard the apostle. Two guards were chained to him, one on each arm. Peter seemed doomed. “[B]ut the church was earnestly praying to God for him” (12:5).

God didn’t need a key, one angel would do. The angel gently removed Peter’s chains and quietly led him out. Later, when Peter arrived where the believers were praying they couldn’t believe it. While they were still praying God answered their prayer! God is sure to respond when His people earnestly seek Him.

Author: Duane Brush

The post While They Were Praying first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 7:24-29

Jesus’ parable contrasts two builders and two foundations: wise and foolish, rock and sand. Sand, with its fine grains, is easily shifted by flowing water. Making it an unsure foundation. Solid rock (petra: “ledge,” or “bedrock’) makes a sure foundation. The same word appears later when Jesus tells Simon, “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (16:18). That rock was Peter’s proclamation of faith in Jesus as “the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (16:16).

This parable comes at the end of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). It may seem a strange way to end a sermon. Yet, like all good sermons, it leads us to a “crisis” (krisis, a “separation,” “judgement,” or “decision”). The hearer is encouraged to ask, “What have I built my life upon?” The shifting sand of unstable human opinion or achievement, or the solid rock of faith in Christ Jesus and His unshakable kingdom?

Author: Duane Brush

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2 Chronicles 20:18-26

The Lord’s victory over invaders coming against Judah, in 2 Chronicles 20, is sometimes mislabeled “The Power of Praise.” As if the people of Judah by the power of their praise, led by a choir of Levitical singers, defeated the mighty coalition invading their land.

Judah’s worship was, instead, a response to the message of hope inspired by the “Spirit of the Lord” (20:14). “For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (20:15). Without the Spirit’s inspiration and the assurance of God’s word they would have been whistling in the graveyard, trying to get up courage to face their foe. It was “the Lord” who “set ambushes” against the invaders. The Lord caused fear and confusion, turning Judah’s enemies against one another. When the men of Judah arrived “they saw only dead bodies lying on the ground; no one had escaped” (20:24).

Unless grounded in Spirit-inspired hope and God’s Word, our praise, to quote Paul, is only “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1).

Author: Duane Brush

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2 Chronicles 20:10-17 Paul reminded the church in Corinth, “God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:27). The nation of Judah was small. It was surrounded by larger and more powerful nations. Judah contained fine grazing and farmland, vineyards, date palm, olive and fig groves. Other nations coveted […]

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2 Chronicles 20:1-9 Our first response to an approaching threat reveals a great deal about our character. King Asa “called to the Lord his God” and God gave him victory over the Cushites (14:11-12). Late in his reign, when threatened by Baasha, king of Israel, King Asa took the gold from the Lord’s temple and […]

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Proverbs 11:23-31 Ever been at the end of your rope? You have no idea what should happen next, let alone what would rectify your current situation. Proverbs offers a suggestion that might just be helpful. It reminds us that it’s satisfying to give and that it’s okay to enjoy doing good unto others. Sometimes, the […]

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Philippians 3:15-21 There’s an app my workplace uses to help track various aspects of a child’s day. I was recently on the website and saw the words, “connected and in control.” I don’t know exactly what this ironic phrase meant, but it made me laugh. With 13 three-year-old children, I don’t always feel like I’m […]

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2 Corinthians 3:7-18 Someone somewhere needs to slowly say the following words out loud, over and over: “This too shall pass.” It might be you, someone you know, or someone you have yet to encounter. That person needs to be given the gift of hope that is contained in those four, simple words: “This too […]

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Acts 15:36-41, 2 Timothy 4:8-11 Have you ever been in the middle of a task and realized those who started the job with you were no longer with you? Suddenly, you’re doing the entirety of the project all alone. I think we’ve all been there, especially those of us with children. I think that’s where […]

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Philemon 1:17-25 If you’ve ever taken an English composition class, you’ve probably had to write a persuasive paper at least once. The apostle Paul wrote a persuasive composition of his own to a man named Philemon. Philemon, like others in his time, had a slave named Onesimus who worked for him. This slave had sinned […]

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Philemon 1:8-16 I think it’s safe to assume that most people want to feel needed and useful. Nobody wakes up and says that they would like to be put out to pasture and forgotten. People need to feel like they still have something to contribute. There are some however, who fear they have exceeded their […]

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Philemon 1:1-7 Everyone needs at least one person in their lives who gives great hugs. A good hug is like the perfect glass of iced tea on a hot summer’s day. You need it to quench your thirst. It touches the soul in just the right way. It leaves you feeling refreshed. I think that […]

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Proverbs 3:27-35 Have you ever met someone who is constantly “tweaking the truth” to accomplish their own goals? You do not want to be in their cross hairs when they pull back their crossbow of words and point it. They might accuse you of something startling. Some people can fabricate the vilest lies. Perhaps they […]

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James 4:1-10 History is riddled with wars and strife, greed over land and resources, the desire for power or wealth, the endless race for more, more, more! James applies this to individual believers within the walls of the local church. When our desire to win outweighs our desire to serve God humbly, we lose. Humility […]

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James 3:10-18 The issue of peacemaking is on the minds of people around the world. James outlines here a set of contrasts. The writer contrasts salty water with freshwater. He proposes that the nature of plants determines their fruit. He sets down the foundation of his pinnacle argument: What is in a person’s heart determines […]

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Ephesians 4:25-32 We live in a time in history when the newest theme is “be true to yourself.” Unfortunately, one outflow of this philosophy is a “freedom” to say whatever is on one’s mind. Social media is rampant with sarcasm, insults, and plain old nastiness. Cruelty might describe this way of interacting with others. For […]

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Ephesians 4:17-24 Was there a child in your children’s class who was full of energy, always seemed to step out of line and cause trouble about something? One little boy gave his teacher a black eye. I knew that boy. He was older than I, so I did not see him for a few years. […]

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Titus 3:9-15 Some people like to cause dissent in the family of God. I have heard pastors share about congregants who are not happy unless they are stirring up division in the church. Apparently, Titus was experiencing this very thing in Crete. We find instructions here for us as well. There are seven behaviors listed […]

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Titus 3:1-8 Titus 3 reminds us of God’s great mercy and of how generous God has been to us. God is not generous because we deserve it but because He is kind and loving, demonstrating this to us through His son Jesus Christ. Paul instructed believers to be ready to do good. We can avoid […]

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James 3:1-6 The most dangerous weapon in the world is not made of metal, fired from guns, or delivered by rockets. The tongue inflicts the most damage above all other weapons. The bruises and scars cannot always be seen but the wounds remain long after the harsh words are spoken. Proverbs 15:4 says, “The soothing […]

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1 Peter 2:11-17 John Wesley as a young scholar at Oxford University invited a few classmates to gather regularly to discuss theology and read the Bible together. They developed a “method” for living each day in as godly a manner as they knew how. These young men cared for the poor and imprisoned, taught ungovernable […]

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1 Peter 2:4-10 The rewards of the Christian life are difficult to recognize in the realities of daily life. It seems like defeat, discouragement, and despair chase even the most faithful of God’s followers. Even the Cornerstone of the New Creation was rejected by the world (1 Peter 2:4). The house of faith is still […]

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1 Timothy 1:1-7 Most adults spend more than two hours a day on social media, according to a recent survey. It’s possible to scroll through social media updates and allow our thinking to be shaped and transformed by what is seen and read there. Being formed by sound doctrine as a believer gets intermingled with […]

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2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 Teachers know well that the instruction they prepare will fall on deaf ears unless they show students what they need to learn. There is a renewed interest in mentorship. The apostle Paul knew this well in his own experience. Barnabas the Encourager was with Paul on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:4ff). […]

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Titus 2:9-15 Some people will arrive on time or even early. Others will always be 20 minutes late no matter what they do. They cannot get their schedules to match the time on the clock! Life is a continuous and precarious effort to keep everything in balance. The idea of self-control is related to staying […]

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Titus 2:1-8 Flight attendants have a litany of safety information every passenger needs to know. Often, passengers are much more interested in finding something else to listen to or watch. Yet, most eyes will look up for a moment, when the flight attendants demonstrate the release of the oxygen masks. Passengers with children are asked […]

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Psalm 19:7-11 Nothing we do is perfect. Even when we try hard using our best skills and knowledge, perfection eludes us. Psalm 19 remind us that God’s law is perfect. It does not need to be edited or improved. God’s commandments warn and reward. They set boundaries without gates. They draw fences no one should […]

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1 Timothy 5:17-25 In 1 Timothy 5, it seems that something has gone wrong within the leadership of the church? Paul instructed Timothy to handle problems respectfully, with witnesses, and in person. It is interesting that before Paul told Timothy how to deal with the problem, he reminded Timothy of the responsibilities of every person […]

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1 Timothy 4:1-8 In Paul’s day, those who preached messages that did not conform to the truth of God were often successful in proclaiming their message in church. Paul warned Timothy about their lies and hypocrisy. Their messages did not increase unity or love, which are the marks of the work of the Holy Spirit. […]

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1 Timothy 1:15-20 When Eve took the fruit, she disobeyed what God had said even before eating it. She allowed the tempter to inform her understanding of right and wrong. Eve’s definition of what was right became what seemed good to her. We live in a culture where what seems right to me is an […]

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2 Timothy 2:20-26 Growing up, my mother set our everyday table with turquoise melamine. She knew we couldn’t break it if we tried. China was for company. She saved it for special occasions. As Christians, God wants to use us as china in a melamine world. We can’t accomplish the transformation on our own because […]

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Titus 1:10-16 What is pure? That’s a question the Food and Drug Administration in the United States has trouble answering with clarity. They have dodged lawsuits because of legal precedents allowing “unpreventable contaminants” during the production of something. What this amounts to is that even if it is only mostly pure, it is pure enough. […]

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Titus 1:1-9 Paul was hosting a virtual leadership-training event in Titus 1. It wasn’t possible to gather in person and so he sent a letter. He reviewed leadership responsibilities–beginning with character rather than a job description. We are all leaders somewhere. So don’t skip over Titus and try to apply it to someone else. Join […]

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Luke 18:9-14 As believers, we are called to humility and surrender to God’s will and ways. We are all on the same journey, but if we are not careful, a spiritual arrogance can set in. We may begin to believe that we have achieved a spiritual level that others have not. Arrogance is not only […]

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1 John 2:18-25 John was confronting those who had succumbed to heresies that had been circulating. John believed in the return of Jesus very soon. There is urgency in his warnings. The antichrist is not someone who is a devil with horns. Rather, it is the person who preaches a message other than Christ crucified. […]

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1 John 1:3-10 The context for 1 John 1 is important. John may have been the only living apostle at the time this letter was written. As the primitive church began moving farther away from the resurrection of Christ, there were alternative teachings circulating that Jesus was not human and not born of a virgin. […]

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Acts 13:44-48 A strong biblical motif is the “insiders versus the outsiders.” The “insiders” are considered those who know the Scriptures, the laws of God, and at least pretend to adhere to them. The “outsiders” are often those who live on the fringes: the sick, the weak, the widowed, the orphaned, the poor. Paul was […]

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Acts 13:36-43 The Israelites were given the law to help them learn boundaries, to live according to the values and commandments of God’s kingdom. However, law has its limitations. Laws can be interpreted and misinterpreted. Laws can sometimes be ambiguous. By the time of Jesus’ ministry, the laws had become so tedious that they were […]

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1 Samuel 15:24-35 The legend of Robin Hood goes back to the 1300’s. He is commonly known as an outlaw who robbed from the rich to give money to the poor. His story and heroics have been the source for many childhood adventures. Interestingly, those childhood musings don’t really consider that stealing, no matter how […]

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1 Samuel 15:13-23 It is natural to want to cut corners. This is dangerous when it comes to God’s commands. When the Israelites came before God, they begged for a king because they wanted to be like the other nations. It was an ill-advised request. God’s original design was to be the one and only […]

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Psalm 121:1-8 When I was younger, my aunt had a short wall made of flat sandstone around her raised lawn. I had vision problems and frequently stubbed my toes on the hard stones. I became afraid of that short retaining wall. Some senior adults develop a fear of tripping and falling in later life. They […]

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Psalm 119:49-56 “In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law” (Psalm 119:55). There are times in our lives that seem more night-like. In the northern parts of our planet, some nights last longer than others. The Arctic Circle receives no sunlight for up to 67 days. That is one […]

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2 Corinthians 1:1-7 Some people I know have a hard time letting go of the bad things that have happened to them. This is particularly true for those with eidetic memories–what has been called a photographic memory. A friend remembers anyone who mistreated her. I blissfully remember all of those people in my life who […]

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1 Peter 5:6-11 1 Peter reminds us that the devil liked to pretend he is a lion, but he is really a snake. However we view him, he is our opponent (v. 8). When we resist him, God steps in and strengthens our faith. These last couple of years have been a challenge, with a […]

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1 Peter 4:12-19 When Christie and her sisters were growing up, they were known as the Goehring girls. Their father was 12 years old when Pearl Harbor was bombed, and the United States entered World War II. Being a child with the last name Goehring was not easy. Their great-grandfather never spoke German, not wanting […]

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Amos 4:7-13 We lived in a beautiful little town for five years, complete with a river running through it and mountains forming a stunning backdrop. It is a pristine spot for filming movies. Yellowstone Park lies just a hop, skip, and jump away. This town had just one downside: The wind would whip through the […]

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Amos 4:1-6 Amos 4 took place near present-day Golan Heights, an area fertile for raising cattle. These ancient ranch families were the elites of the day, affording them many luxuries. They were tithing faithfully and giving offerings. They had financial clout. Life seemed good. They partied with the right people, not with the “riffraff” begging […]

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Isaiah 48:4-11 Even though blind from infancy, Fanny J. Crosby (1820–1915) composed the words to thousands of hymns, many still sung today. Living in poor areas of New York City, Fanny took an interest in those on the margins, including immigrants, the poor, and the addicted, doing what she could to alleviate physical and spiritual […]

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James 4:11-17 Charlotte was bitter, feeling depressed and useless. Then on May 9, 1822, under the counsel of evangelist Cesar Malan, she gave her life to Christ. Her focus now turned to Scripture and living the Christian life. She wrote and published Christian poetry, especially for people who were also invalids. Sometime around 1834, her […]

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1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Elvina was inspired. Sitting in the choir loft, Elvina M. Hall (1820-89) grew weary as the pastor’s sermon went on and on. She began to think about the sacrifice Christ made on the cross, and a poem began to form in her mind. Having no paper, she grabbed a hymnal and jotted […]

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Romans 1:26-32 William was rebellious. The president of Moody Bible Institute received an anguished call from a pastor, begging for his son to be enrolled in the school. Although sympathetic, the president informed the pastor that he ran an institute, not a reform school. Yet the father was persistent, and the president eventually relented on […]

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Romans 1:18-25 Elizabeth Prentiss (1818-78) was known as a godly woman. A published writer by age 16, she once wrote: “To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul . . . out in the woods, and on my bed, and out driving, when I am happy and busy, and […]

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Psalm 78:17-24 Cyrus was discouraged. For the last year and for a meager salary, Cyrus S. Nusbaum (1861-1937) had faithfully served a circuit of seven Methodist churches in Kansas. At the annual conference, he was hoping for a better appointment, but it was not to be. After the session in which the bishop announced that […]

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Psalm 78:9-16 George chose to trust God. Already losing his sight, George Matheson (1842—1906) graduated from the University of Glasgow at age 19. But he had to tell his fiancée that he was going blind. George was heart-broken by her immediate response: She did not want to be the wife of a blind man. Instead […]

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2 Peter 3:1-9 Traveling for many hours, arriving to see family and friends waiting brings such comfort. God also stands waiting, anticipating the moment He is recognized for who He is. God wants everyone to come into His presence and know Him. Sinful disobedience blurs the vision of those seeking for God. It keeps us […]

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Ephesians 2:17-22 Human nature seeks to belong. To join a community committed to Christ, there is no password or padlock on the gateway to enter in. The only condition for joining the family of God is faith in Christ and a willingness to join His family. It means growing ever closer to Him. There is […]

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Ephesians 2:11-16 According to the Ethnologue publication, there are 7,151 distinct languages spoken around the world. About half of the global population speaks 23 languages. The most spoken languages are English, Mandarin, Hindi, and Spanish. Language differences can become a barrier to getting along with others. As many may already know from personal and painful […]

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John 17:20-26 Brothers Michael and Constantine received the best education offered by the Byzantine Empire. The older brother became a skilled administrator while the younger brother became a more prolific learner, later earning the title of philosopher. They eventually took on the names given when they joined their monastic communities: Michael became Methodius and Constantine […]

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Galatians 3:23-29 Amanda Berry Smith worked her fingers to the bone, washing clothes by hand and keeping other people’s houses clean. Her husband was killed in the American Civil War, and she raised their five children on her meager income. Hardship was nothing new to her; born into slavery in 1837. Every Sunday, her father […]

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Deuteronomy 7:7-11 Too often, Christians define themselves by what they are not rather than who they are. Christians draw boundaries between certain behaviors and lifestyles. Christians have been known to draw these lines in ways that obscure the expansive scope of God’s covenantal love, expecting people to live up to humanly and rigid expectations more […]

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Deuteronomy 7:1-6 When the words of the Lord are twisted, people have beat down, enslaved, and committed genocide against fellow humans, contrary to the clear biblical commands to love God and to love each other. God’s people are to focus on being God’s people and nothing else. When the chosen people of God encountered stronger […]

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Proverbs 1:1-7 King Solomon is said to have been one of the wisest persons to ever live. We don’t know much about Solomon’s educational background. However, we can see what he valued in education. Solomon was not talking about book knowledge. Especially as a king of Israel, Solomon learned by reading the Scriptures. There was […]

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Lamentations 3:19-29 Hope is often misplaced. We are taught early in life to depend on ourselves. Independence is prized along with education, success, and health. Life is funny, though. Any of those can be taken away with a sudden illness or someone’s deception and cruelty. They are easy words to say, “I put my hope […]

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2 Timothy 2:1-10 There is something that happens when people get into a crowd. People make decisions they may not normally make. Mob justice can be painfully destructive to lives and reputations. On the flip side, I believe there is such a thing as “mob influence.” When we hear testimonies of the faithful and stories […]

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1 Peter 1:1-9 What do you value the most in this life? Often when we are young, we want “things,” tangible expressions of independence, ownership, and power. As we grow older, we begin to focus on the intangibles: family, relationships, meaning, and time. Those who have experienced loss, illness, or rejection are immediately thrust into […]

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1 Peter 4:7-11 It is amazing how many of God’s commandments are rooted in two important principles: Loving and serving others. Two verses from 1 Peter 4 catch my attention. First, “Love covers over a multitude of sins” (v. 8b). As we grow in Christian love, we are compelled to see others through that lens. […]

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1 Peter 4:1-6 In the early church, Christians experienced great persecution. There was such an emphasis on suffering to be more like Christ that many believers sought to be martyred. Our mindset is far removed from that expression of Christian faith. Peter was writing to Jewish believers who were severely persecuted by both the Roman […]

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1 Corinthians 9:19-27 I love watching sports and have often been inspired by the athletes who play them. The road to becoming a successful athlete is often long and arduous. First, athletes understand their goal and dedicate themselves to doing what is necessary to reach it. Second, they take care of their bodies and minds. […]

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Psalm 145:1-6 Praise opens our hearts where life’s challenges have taken their hits. Praise releases us from fighting our enemies alone or problem-solving challenges with our best ideas. Since we know the God who created this world, we know nothing is too hard for Him. Lisa knew this in a way few others applied it. […]

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Proverbs 31:1-9 David refused to hide God’s love and faithfulness to him. In the years before he became king, he was mistreated, rejected, and hunted. He could have emphasized the stories of his trouble. Instead, he focused on how God showed up. He testified to the faithfulness and power of God. How much do our […]

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Proverbs 31:1-9 People become voiceless in many ways. Some become silent because speaking is painful. Some fear retribution, even death. Proverbs tells us to be the voice for those who have none. You’d be surprised how many voiceless people you know. They are the parents raising a child with developmental challenges who can’t find the […]

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Proverbs 15:1-5 In the book, The Help, Abileen cares for five-year-old Mae Mobley in a home that doesn’t have many good words for a five-year-old. Abileen fills that vacuum by repeating three phrases. “You are kind; you are smart; you are important.” Mae Mobley grows up with those gentle words that have the power to […]

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Proverbs 10:27-32 How do you recognize a Spirit-filled Christian? Proverbs reminds us that one way is by the words Christians use and how they use them. Make no mistake, our words either come from God or they come from our own ideas, hurts, misunderstandings, and anger. Proverbs says that we can tell the difference. We […]

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Proverbs 10:17-23 Lisa, who was physically and mentally challenged, wrote her mother a valentine. Her handwriting was poor, her spelling atrocious, and her phrasing awkward. However, her words nourished her mother’s heart even years after Lisa’s death. Contrast it with the hate speech we have in news and social media. These words not only starve […]

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Proverbs 10:11-16 Words. They’ve started wars, ruined relationships, ended marriages, betrayed trust, destroyed confidence, robbed identity, and caused more catastrophes than Mount Vesuvius’s eruption. The gift of words should come with a warning: Handle with care. The problem with words is that we use them without thinking. We need a gatekeeper for our words. That’s […]

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Proverbs 10:1-9 The resounding gong of infomercials proclaiming the possibility of getting rich can be appealing: to partake and finally take a load off and rest. Get-rich-quick ideas provide the fantasy that the easy way is the right way. The road less traveled, however, is paved with integrity, honor, and faithfulness. The Christian life takes […]

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1 Timothy 6:13-21 During the pandemic, life changed in dramatic ways for most of us. Some of us were lucky enough to still have jobs and a steady income. We learned to work from home, attending events digitally, learning to use tools like Zoom for the first time. Still, the unknowns of the virus making […]

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1 Thessalonians 2:13-20 What is it we hope for? Hope is that longing we lean toward, waiting in anticipation of a future-oriented event. People hope for such things like a new job, a raise, a new home, or life circumstances to change. It is difficult to be content, and many of us hope that something […]

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Matthew 6:25-34 We all worry. We worry about jobs, retirement, children, aging parents, and marriage, to name a few. What motivates your worries? God does care about what we care about. This passage reminds us to keep the main thing the main thing. At times in life we need a course correction; this can come […]

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Matthew 6:19-24 During challenging times, many families run to the grocery store to “store up” food. The fear is that I won’t have enough when I need it. Many items end up in the basement, only to expire before they can be used. Matthew reminds us that we can’t store up treasures on earth, only […]

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Ecclesiastes 5:15-20 At the end of his life, Solomon reflected on the toils of life and the vocation we commit our lives to each week. In verse 15, he reminds us of the reality that we came into this world with nothing, and with nothing, we will leave this mortal life. As the old saying […]

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Ecclesiastes 5:8-14 Money surrounds our everyday living. Each day we receive or spend money in some shape or form. Money is a necessary part of life and should not be considered evil. However, our attitude toward money becomes harmful when we try to gain more to minimize the fear of scarcity or become consumed by […]

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Joshua 24:14-18 Each of us grows up with various spiritual influences in our lives. My grandmother always said she was “born a Baptist,” but never spoke of a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. My father grew up attending Roman Catholic parochial schools. My mother was sent to the Baptist Sunday School classes. Neither of […]

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Romans 14:13-19 Today, truth appears to be a highly personal matter. Many believe that truth is relative to each individual’s chosen life. At first glance, Paul seems to agree: “Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil” (v. 16). Let’s look a little closer. At the heart of this […]

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Hebrews 13:1-8 I received my Associate of Arts degree in social welfare but never pushed on for a four-year degree. Yet I later served as a caseworker for the Salvation Army. The job demanded a balance of toughness and Christian love. The passage in Hebrews 13 covers an everyday Christian response: “Keep on loving one […]

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1 Thessalonians 5:12-24 Settling into a new town, we became close to our landlady. She became a mentor in ministry. Her spouse had been the pastor of our church for 17 years. Many times, he would take on extra jobs to pay church budgets. His spouse worked and raised seven children. When I read, “Now […]

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Philippians 4:1-9 My mother’s philosophy was, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything.” She drilled this into us while we were growing up. This outlook also translates to the way we think. I grew up in what is known as the “Cowboy State.” Every good cowboy knows that the reins direct […]

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Philippians 3:1-3, 7-11 The evening news ran the story: an apartment building fire. The family interviewed lost everything. They spoke those words often heard in these situations. “Thank God my family’s okay. Stuff can be replaced. Thank God we’re all safe.” This individual focused on his family rather than the fire. In the same way, […]

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Psalm 101:1-8 We have all seen it. A family goes out to have fun. The children are so cute. Then it begins. One child has something the other wants. One sibling grabs it from the other, and a fight ensues. In some ways, we expect it. In Psalm 101, the children have grown up and […]

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Philippians 2:1-11

Babies are born into this world singing one song: ME! I’m hungry, I’m sleepy, Pick me up! As they grow, they learn to think of others, but life is still pretty much what they prefer. They color the pizza orange, because orange is their favorite color. Their choices reflect their preferences.

Grown-ups have their preferences, too. They have their favorite chair, a certain way they drink their coffee, and their preferred brand of laundry soap. Preferences are fine, but when they cease being personal and shift into expectations imposed on others, problems often arise.

I once heard a pastor talk about the importance of leading beyond our preferences. I think it would be safe to substitute the word “love” for “lead.” When our list of favorites gets in the way of reflecting Christ, they are favorites need to be set aside. How we accomplish the goal of showing God’s love isn’t important. Loving God and others is what is important. When we love beyond our preferences, the kingdom grows and the Father is glorified.

Author: Andrea Talley

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1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

I live on top of a huge salt mine. Just a short distance beneath this little town, people are working hard to pull from the earth salt that is pure enough to use for pharmaceutical purposes, among other things. As one who wears contact lenses, I can appreciate the high purity standards that are expected of the salt that goes into my saline solution.

As Christ-followers, we are to be like that salt. We are called to live pure and holy lives so we can fulfill the purpose for which we were created. God created each of us in His image in the hope that we would be like Him, that we’d be mirrors of His love.

Fortunately, God doesn’t give us marching orders and turn us loose to figure out how to live a holy life by ourselves. (Can you imagine the mess that would be?) We have His Word, the Holy Spirit, and the ability to call on the Father at any time, at any place. It is, however, up to us to frequently check in with God for guidance and direction.

Consider taking time right now to check in with God. It’s better than figuring it out alone.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Romans 15:1-6

If we were to be truly honest with ourselves, I think we’d all agree that at least once in our lives we’ve been less than happy with the human race. One or more human beings have said or done something that irritated us just a little . . . or a lot. And, if we continued to be honest, we’ve all mentally told that person what we thought of them. Or worse, we actually demonstrated those thoughts with an unkind word or action.

It’s not always easy to remember that Jesus loves the person who cut you off in traffic, the clerk in the grocery store who won’t quit calling you “honey,” or the kid kicking your seat just as much as Jesus loves you. However, it’s true. He wants us to love them that much, too!

The truth is each and every one of us is downright flawed. We’ve each got our imperfections and chances are we’ve taken a turn at being “that person” to someone else. Paul offered great words of encouragement in Romans 15:5. May God help us to have Christlike attitudes toward everyone we encounter today . . . yes, even “that” person.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Romans 12:9-21

I am not a musician, but I admire those who are. Some spend many hours perfecting their craft, taking lessons and/or practicing. They learn what it takes to make melodies that please the ear and what it sounds like when the score falls short. People who can detect a specific sound and produce the perfect complement, or harmony, to the original sound are pretty cool in my book.

When Paul wrote to the Romans about living in harmony with one another, I doubt he was talking to the church choir about Sunday’s special. However, he was outlining a formula that would help them live their lives out as a sweet sonnet of humility. He reminded them that God loves it when everyone lives in unity. Then he mentions things like pride and not thinking too highly of oneself.

God desperately wants humanity to serve Him with humble hearts. The hymn of humility is a classic, one each of us should have in our repertoire.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Romans 12:1-8

I can’t speak for anyone else, but I am extremely thankful that we don’t live in Old Testament times. I’m thankful that we don’t have to keep a list of our wrongdoings, hunt down the appropriate sacrificial necessities, and then confess to our pastor so he or she can arrange for our redemption. I can only imagine dropping by the pastor’s office one afternoon, casually asking if she was busy while trying to hide a goat and two doves behind my back.

Because of God’s great love, we don’t have to jump through a series of hoops just to apologize to the Father because we did whatever “it” was again. Jesus ended the need for ritual sacrifice on the cross. It’s a free gift that comes with a responsibility. God wants more than eternal life for His kids. He wants us to live our lives in a way that reflects Him. We are to live sacrificial, transformed lives that reflect God’s mercy and love not only for us, but for everyone around us.

Ask God to help you to have a sacrificial spirit as you go about your day. Allow Him to show you what that might look like for you.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Ecclesiastes 7:8-14

I once knew someone who decided to bequeath the family treasure to their grown child instead of waiting until they passed. That “inheritance” turned out to be an old rusty canister of rocks that the parent had collected as a child. The family rock collection was, of course, just meant for a good laugh.

Perhaps you or someone you know has received an inheritance from a loved one. Large sums of money, several acres of land, the old family home, carefully planned investments, or priceless heirlooms—whatever the gift, inheritances tend to be something of great value.

God provides His followers quite an inheritance. Not only do we get the eternal treasures outlined in Scripture, but we’re given treasures to enjoy in this life as well. Ecclesiastes states, “Wisdom, like an inheritance, is a good thing and benefits those who see the sun” (7:11).

Growing in godly wisdom is a skill that requires daily perfecting. Sharing that wisdom with those you love is an inheritance that can be enjoyed together. Whom do you know that needs the benefit of your God-given wisdom?

Author: Andrea Talley

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Ecclesiastes 7:1-7

Remember those old cartoons which featured a character trying to muddle through a moral decision with the help of a cartoon devil on one shoulder and a cartoon angel on the other? One voice paints a beautiful, yet selective picture of a choice that excludes negative consequences. Meanwhile, the other voice presents a realistic vision of the option that may or may not be the most enjoyable, but has the better outcome.

Discernment is a skill no one outgrows. As long as we draw breath, there will be opportunities to choose between right and wrong. For Christ followers, the Holy Spirit is our constant expert in matters of discernment. The closer we stay to the Father, the clearer the gray line between right and wrong becomes.

Practicing discernment is a lifelong task. Age and/or experience do not exempt us from the need to constantly discern what is godly. Yield your desire to make decisions in your own strength by drawing closer to God each and every day. That fine line between this world and the eternal will remain highly visible.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Zechariah 4:1-7

God is the source of His people’s strength and is the One acting on their behalf when they are victorious. From the moment they came out of Egypt, God’s people were tempted to rely on their own strength, cunning, or political power, when in fact, there would have been no victories if God had not acted on their behalf.

The problem is, God’s people continually forgot this vital point. When they replaced the providence of God with earthly power, might, or bigger and better weapons of war, they were committing a particularly sneaky form of idolatry. They were putting someone or something else in God’s spot as Lord and Redeemer.

I think sometimes Christianity in our neck of the woods has become so fixated on power and winning and victory that it loses sight of the point of this passage from Zechariah: God accomplishes God’s will through the Spirit, not through exercise of raw earthly power or strength. We mustn’t forget this. If we do, we are making the same mistake the people of God repeatedly made back in Old Testament times, and we will see the same result.

Author: Mark Hendrickson

The post Through The Spirit first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 20:17-24

Our current District Superintendent has a saying that challenges the pastors on our district always to “have your ‘yes’ ready.”

I’ve become convinced over the years that the life seeking after holiness is one that consistently says “yes” to the leading of God. In fact, I think one of the characteristics of the sanctified life is that one’s life actually becomes a wholehearted “yes” to God. I believe it’s possible for our lives to be more than a bunch of individual “yes” decisions. God can do something in our lives where our life is “yes.”

I think Paul had reached that place in his life by the time the events of Acts 20 happened. He was compelled by the Spirit, even when the future was uncertain and the outcome wasn’t clear. He didn’t debate with God or question the Spirit’s leading. He had his “yes” ready, because his whole life was a “yes” to the movement of God in and through his life.

What would our lives look like if our posture before God was something like, “Lord, the answer is ‘yes.’ Now, what’s the question?”

Author: Mark Hendrickson

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Acts 16:6-10

Do you know what the voice of the Holy Spirit sounds like? For me, I refer to it as having “God’s thumb in my back.” It’s that feeling when you’re standing in line at the store, and instead of giving the cashier grief because of the long lines, you feel prompted to thank them for their help and ask how their day is going. It’s being awakened in the middle of the night with someone on your mind and you feel prompted to pray.

I am totally convinced that we can “tune” ourselves to better hear the voice of the Spirit. Saying “yes” to God’s prompting makes the next “yes” easier. We become more attuned to what God’s speaking sounds like for us, to the point where we simply know God’s voice, prompting us with His thumb in our back, to live-out some aspect of God’s kingdom.

That is what is happening in Acts 16. He knows what the Spirit of Jesus sounds like, whether it’s saying “no” or “yes.” What would our lives look like if we were that in-tune with the voice of the Spirit?

Author: Mark Hendrickson

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Acts 2:31-41

I think sometimes I am a little like Peter in Acts 10 . . . and not in a good way. Here’s the very same person who preached the sermon at Pentecost in Acts 2. You know, the one where all kinds of people from all over the known world received the Holy Spirit, and 3,000 people were baptized that day. However, after all he saw with his own eyes, and passages he quoted about the promises of God being for everyone, he still doesn’t seem to truly understand.

God didn’t leave him in his ignorance. He provided a vision for Peter, where God spoke clearly, “Do not call anything impure that God has called clean” (Acts 10:15). Peter seemed to get the point, proclaiming in verse 35 that he realized God “accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” While preaching those words, the Spirit falls on those who were listening, even though they were Gentiles (vv. 44-45).

I’m so glad God broke through to Peter. Maybe that means there’s hope for me, too.

Author: Mark Hendrickson

The post God Calls All first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 2:31-41

Inheritances can be fickle things. Sometimes it’s a simple, handwritten will that says, “The kid gets it all.” Sometimes it’s more complex. Sometimes family members become divisive, fight, and even litigate over the riches of a parent. Most of the time those fights are ugly, and don’t end well.

Throughout the Scriptures, God’s people are promised an inheritance. The two major covenant promises in the Old Testament are land and descendants. If they will worship and serve God wholeheartedly, their future and their children’s future will be filled with promise.

Today’s passage contains a New Testament fulfillment of that promise. With the resurrection of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, God’s promises are offered to everyone: “for you and your children and for all who are far off” (Acts 2:39). No arguing, bickering, or court battles are necessary. No us versus them or insiders-outsiders rhetoric is called for. We need not fight over who gets this inheritance: it’s for all of us!

How would we live differently if we really understood this promise?

Author: Mark Hendrickson

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Acts 2:14-21

I am married to a pastor. That statement is a challenge for some folks, because I am male, and my pastor-spouse is female. I remember one church board member in one of the churches we co-pastored. During a pastoral review, she said to the District Superintendent, “When I heard we were getting a woman preacher, I thought, ‘This is going to take some getting used to.’ Boy am I glad I got used to it!”

My wife is living out one of the promises of Pentecost: that in these last days, when God’s Spirit is poured out, our sons and daughters will prophesy, and even men and women servants will prophesy (Acts 2:17-18). Young and old, male and female, slave and free . . . It sure sounds like in this passage all kinds of people will be called to speak the Word of the Lord. This calling, and this speaking, happens only through the gifts bestowed by the Spirit, and it turns out the Spirit can be poured out on everyone.

I am so thankful to be a part of a faith tradition that recognizes these truths!

Author: Mark Hendrickson

The post On All People first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 2:1-13

As “Spirit” people, Acts 2 is pretty important to us.

When the Holy Spirit falls on the day of Pentecost, the Spirit comes bearing gifts. I am reminded the Spirit did not come bringing gifts of healing or discernment, nor were they gifts of apologetics or rhetoric.

No, the first gift of the Spirit described in Acts 2 is the gift of languages. The first gift given on the birthday of the Church is one that turns outsiders into insiders. Folks from all over the known world, representing a myriad of cultures, races, and languages “heard their own language being spoken” (v. 6).

We must not miss this vitally important point: the first gift of the Spirit to the newly formed Church of Jesus is one that broke down barriers between people, creating a space for the kingdom to break-in, and for lives to be changed. As “Spirit” people, we must cooperate with where this particular wind is blowing.

May we be known as barrier-breaking people!

Author: Mark Hendrickson

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1 John 5:1-9

The blessed assurance we find in Jesus Christ is knowing Him as Savior and Lord. The One who conquered sin and death is the same One whose Spirit lives within each of us as we accept Him into our lives. There is no greater truth than Jesus.

Living into the fullness of the Spirit is to lay down our lives before the God of the universe and say, “I surrender all.” We willingly give up our right to try to control our own lives and allow God to be our guide. It is accepting the grace of forgiveness, the mercy of redemption, and the love of His promise to always be with us.

As these past few reflections have shown us, there is righteous power and love in the name of the Lord. That power and love belong to Him, and yet He entrusts them to us as we live daily in His presence, for our good and His glory.

May we daily lay down our rights for the kingdom of God. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

Author: Edie MacPherson

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2 Timothy 1:6-14

The work of the Spirit of God in our lives is truly remarkable and transformational. In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul reminds young Timothy just what this work of the Spirit provides. Yet the notions of “power,” “love,” and “self-discipline” must be considered carefully, through the lens of God.

New Testament theologian N.T. Wright notes that “power divorced from love quickly becomes destructive.” And “love without power can degenerate into wishy-washy sentimentality.”* We can take confidence in knowing that the power, love, and self-discipline that come from God are good, righteous, and true. Power and love apart from God are less than perfect, often marked by a lack of self-discipline, and can even easily become misguided and even harmful.

As we ground ourselves in the disciplines Jesus taught us, we can be confident that the Spirit of God will fill us and use our lives for God’s glory. Our assurance comes in knowing the Spirit will give us all we need for all that is required of us.

*N.T. Wright. Paul for everyone: The pastoral letters, 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. Nicholas Thomas Wright. London: 2004.

Author: Edie MacPherson

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1 Corinthians 12:1-11

When we truly consider the work of the Spirit among us and the gifts the Spirit has given us, a remarkable image forms. We are all fulfilling our God-given purpose in bringing forth God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

When I think of the various gifts we are called to steward, I imagine the NASA control room as a space shuttle is about to be launched. We’ve likely seen news footage or movies where that room is portrayed—everyone at their station with the main director pacing about, giving and receiving information to and from everyone in the room. For the success of any space mission, each person has a very specific role to fill. A successful mission could not happen with only those considered to be main characters.

We’re all a part of God’s grand mission to usher in the kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. It takes all kinds of people with all kinds of spiritual gifts. God has made us for a uniquely divine purpose. Not only is every role important, but the kingdom comes as we yield ourselves to our role within it.

Author: Edie MacPherson

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1 Corinthians 6:12-20

In 1 Corinthians 6, Paul is trying to help the people of Corinth understand the fact that their bodies are the temple of the God, for within them dwells the Holy Spirit. As followers of Jesus, we belong to One much greater than ourselves. We’ve embraced a high and holy calling to be set apart, to be reserved for the work of redemption in ourselves and in our world.

What we do with our bodies matters because it affects us and everyone around us. It might be convenient to think there are no ripple effects in our choices, but that is simply not true. Everything we do impacts the work of the kingdom, for it is in each of us that the Spirit of God dwells.

We may be tempted to think that when we yield to God’s call and open our lives to Him, we are giving up our freedom. It is really just the opposite. When we submit our lives to our loving Creator God and treat our bodies as the Sacred Temple in which His Spirit dwells, that is when and how our truest freedom is found.

Author: Edie MacPherson

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James 5:1-6

In 1947, following an anonymous tip, the New York City police went to a local home, but apparently there was no one there. Due to increased concern the authorities finally broke in through a window. Once inside they discovered that the house was replete with ceiling-high stacks of accumulated items. However, there was no sign of the homeowners, Homer and Langley Collyer. Finally, after the massive piles of books, newspapers, musical instruments, and other items were removed they found the brothers—dead underneath their accumulations. The Collyer brothers died in an aged New York townhouse, surrounded and crushed by 140 tons of their junk collections.

We would probably call the Collyer Brothers “hoarders”. Too often in our spiritual lives we “hoard” the intangible—like doubts or worries— instead of trusting in God.

How futile! To rely on the inanimate cold rigidity of things or debilitating attitudes when the eternal living and loving Christ is standing by waiting for us to turn to Him!

Author: Anne Adams

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Hebrews 4:9-16

Most little kids have an item they are partial towards. Usually, it’s a blanket or a stuffed friend. Such items represent security and peace. They calm and they soothe. When that item disappears, trouble is most definitely in the forecast.

That need for security and peace doesn’t end with childhood. While most grownups don’t have a blanket or a stuffed friend to which they cling, there are things we adults hold on to steadfastly. Some might joke that their vice is their daily caffeine intake. Others might find comfort in their routine. While others might have a special place that soothes them.

We tend to gravitate toward things we can’t physically hold close. The writer of Hebrews encourages Christ followers to cling to their faith, more specifically their risen Savior for that sense of peace and security. The author goes on to remind us that our High Priest is very familiar with our very human insecurities. Because of that empathy, we can boldly approach the throne of grace and cling desperately to the hope we find there.

Author: Andrea Talley

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Luke 11:37-46

Do you know any serious list makers? Lists have their place in our busy society. Whether it’s recorded physically, digitally, or mentally, most people have a series of boxes that need to be checked at any given time.

Checking all the boxes is important. That’s how finish lines are crossed. However, it’s easy to become so consumed in marking things off the list that we forget what’s truly important: loving those around us. Loving others isn’t always on our list. It isn’t a box we can check and be done with it. Loving people and building relationships was so important to Jesus that He made it the second greatest commandment, right behind loving God himself.

God loves people and He wants us to love them, too! He wants us to love them as we check all the boxes. Sometimes, God might even ask us to put those lists aside and love people instead of marking an item to “complete.” Loving others is the most important item on God’s agenda. As Christ followers, it should be the most important item on ours as well.

Author: Andrea Talley

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1 Peter 5:6-11

Ever feel like a worn out sponge after a sink full of dirty dishes? A worn sponge might be discolored from multiple dips into hot, soapy water. It might be torn from intense scrubbing. The sponge’s fibers may look distorted because of constant wringing. As the last soapy drop scurries away, the sponge is laid on the edge of the sink in order to dry out, only to do it all again tomorrow.

I think we’ve all occasionally felt like a worn out sponge. Life discolors, tears, and wrings us out, leaving us on the edge of the sink in order to dry out, only to do it all again tomorrow. It’s easy to feel hopeless living like that.

Fortunately the God you and I serve is a fountain of eternal hope. In that hope, we find the grace and strength to do it all over again tomorrow. “The God of all grace, after you have suffered a little while, will himself, restore you (just like new) and make you strong, firm and steadfast (in ways that only He can)” (1 Peter 5:10 [author’s paraphrase]).

Author: Andrea Talley

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1 Peter 4:1-11

I came to a realization recently. My God doesn’t just know me, He knows me very well. He not only knows my favorite this and that, but He knows my preferences, how I feel about change, and what makes me anxious. I believe that God takes these things into consideration when He asks us to take that next leap of faith.

Now, I don’t believe that means that God will never stretch us and encourage us step outside our comfort zone at times. I just really feel He considers all the details, every consequence of our obedience. For me, serving in a country church is made easier by still being able to commute to the city to work the job I love. God knew I needed that. God knows what you need, too. He just doesn’t equip us to do the job He has called us to do, but He helps us to be at ease while we do it.

There’s joy in the journey, even when travel is difficult. Look for the little things that God does because He knows you need it. Perhaps you can come to realization that your God really knows you as well!

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Well Known first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 4:13-17

There’s conflict in the world at any given time. Sometimes, it might be something small and in your own backyard. Those things usually resolve themselves quickly, the audience is meager, and life goes on as planned. However, sometimes it’s something big and on the world’s main stage for all to see. Those things tend to take longer to resolve, the audience is vast, and life does not go on as planned.

History tells tale after tale of one conflict after another. There is one thing that every participant in every conflict had and will continue to have in common: those individuals had plans for their future. All of a sudden, concrete plans with specific dates and times were shattered because of absent friends, lost income, or devastated communities.

The good news is that this world is not our home! The best made plans for a Christ-follower include eyes fixed on the Father and eternal residence in the place He’s set aside for us. Until then, we continue making play dates, reservations, and appointments, Lord willing.

Author: Andrea Talley

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James 4:7-12

Have you ever known anyone that was so humble that they almost seemed proud of their humility? They seem to be the head of their own advertising agency; they skillfully shine the spotlight on their own accomplishments. The glory, unfortunately, is only bestowed upon the performer and no appreciation is given to the Giver of the gifts.

There’s nothing wrong with being confident and happy in one’s accomplishments. God’s given each of us abilities and He wants us to joyfully use whatever gift He has given us. There’s a difference between being confident and extreme self-promotion. That difference is Jesus Christ. If we allow Christ to be the head of our advertising department, then He skillfully shines through the produce of our God given gifts. The Father wraps our efforts to further His kingdom in His glory. And, because all of the glory goes straight to God, the performer shines. Not only does the performer shine, scripture states that God lifts them up! In the end, perhaps the performer is shining brighter than if they had done their own advertising.

Author: Andrea Talley

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James 4:1-6

My third grader once told me that something made her “jelly.” I confess my first thought was what kind, apple or grape? However, she went on to explain that “jelly” was simply the cool way to express being “jealous.” Either way, it sounds sticky.

Often, jealously is an unflattering garment that really doesn’t look good on anyone. Yet, scripture tells us that the Father is jealous for us. This form of jealously isn’t envious, but yet another expression of God’s endless love for us. God didn’t make us to be collectibles on a shelf. (If that had been His plan, there would be no need for free will.) What our Creator truly wants is to interact with us and for us to want to know Him personally. We were made to know and love the Father.

God covets our company! He wants us to know Him intimately and enjoy the deep bond of fellowship that kind of communion brings. The God that made the vastness of the universe and everything in it is truly “jelly” for you and is longing to draw you ever closer to Him.

Author: Andrea Talley

The post Divine Jealousy first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Corinthians 2:7-13

Have you ever looked at someone and wondered what in the world they’re thinking about?

Paul’s words may sound familiar to us as we hear them two millennia after they were penned, but they are still incredibly powerful when we consider he’s telling us that no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God . . . and we have received that Spirit! I can’t help but wonder what Paul’s original audience must have thought as they learned about this for the first time. Can you imagine the awe they must have experienced?

What an amazing gift to have access to God’s mind and heart as we yield to His Spirit in our lives. It is divine knowledge and wisdom, far exceeding what even the most brilliant minds on earth could ever think or dream on their own. This was the source of Paul’s confidence; God desires it be the source of our confidence, too.

God’s Spirit is truly a gift to be received by all who would humbly posture their hearts in welcome reception to the love of God through Jesus Christ.

Author: Edie MacPherson

The post Having The Mind of the Spirit first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Corinthians 2:1-6

When the apostle Paul told the people of Corinth about the world-altering, good news of Jesus Christ, he did so in humility and fear, yet with a confidence that was beyond himself. Paul’s life transformation was the result of the risen Christ meeting Paul right where he was on that road to Damascus. All Paul knew was the reality of his own testimony. That was enough because the Spirit of God was in it.

I wonder if there are times we’re called to share of the risen Christ and the love of God we’ve come to know, but we are afraid. Like Paul, we do not have “wise or persuasive words” others may expect to hear. But as Paul sought nothing except Jesus Christ and Him crucified, the power of the living God was made known in and through Paul. The same is true for each of us.

As we sincerely seek Jesus Christ with all that we are, the wisdom of God through the Holy Spirit will be made known in and through each of our lives—thought, word, and deed—as we live for Him.

Author: Edie MacPherson

The post Christ Made Known Through Me first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Colossians 3:12-17

What specifically strikes me in Colossians 3 is Paul’s command to “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts” (v. 15). That sounds like a no-brainer! Yes, of course I want the peace of Christ to rule in my heart! But then I think, how does that happen?

It happens as I become “clothed” in the attributes Paul describes: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And yet, these attributes are not possible to acquire on my own. I may be able to imitate them for a while, but unless a genuine transformation of my heart is taking place, I am sure to stumble back into the way of life Paul describes earlier in Chapter 3.

How do we clothe ourselves in these virtues? By daily surrendering our lives to Jesus as Lord and following in His Way. What we once could never do, we find we are able to do—not because of our effort, but because of God’s work in us. It’s a choice we can make in an instant, but it’s a journey that we take over a lifetime.

Author: Edie MacPherson

The post Clothes In All That Is Of God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Galatians 1:6-13

Paul’s transformative encounter with God on the road to Damascus set the trajectory for the remainder of his life. Self-regarded as a once proud man of the religious elite, Paul now knew who he was in light of the redemptive grace of God’s love through Jesus Christ. There was nothing that would alter his life’s purpose to proclaim the gospel—the Good News—of Jesus Christ to the world.

Paul no longer desired the approval of people. He knew the greatest truth in all the world, and his heart and mind were set on Jesus Christ alone. Paul’s life challenges me to ask myself a couple of questions. Am I living into the reality and fullness of God’s grace in my life? Do I care what others think of me, or am I committed solely to Christ and making Him known to the world?”

Paul’s freedom was found not only in receiving the new life he found in Christ, but in living fully and authentically into the person Christ had called him to be, for the sake of God’s kingdom alone. That is the freedom Jesus desires for you and me.

Author: Edie MacPherson

The post Freedom In Christ first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 3:13-18

James’ description of wisdom sounds a lot to me like the apostle Paul’s description of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Perhaps that is because both are direct evidence of God’s transforming work within us. We cannot will ourselves to produce the fruit of the Spirit. The same is true of acquiring wisdom that comes from heaven.

As James suggests, what precedes wisdom is honesty with ourselves and God about the true condition of our hearts. How can God grant us what is His when we are consumed with what is ours? Asking God to know our hearts is a liberating prayer, because if we truly mean it, we are asking God to show us what within us needs to be confessed and surrendered to Him. This confession and surrender is precisely how we open our hearts to be emptied of all that is not of God, to then be filled with all that is, including the pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere wisdom from heaven.

Author: Edie MacPherson

The post Emptying Yourself first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 3:7-12

In James 3, he is asserting that it’s not okay for praise and cursing to come from the same mouth. Taming our tongue is a discipline, and yet our ability to do so stems from a deeper surrender of our hearts to Him who has the power to transform us into His likeness.

Giving God access to our hearts—to heal, restore, and make new—is what enables our speech to exude praise rather than cursing. As we allow God full entry into our hearts, our thoughts and attitudes change in ways that are indicative of God’s nature rather than our own.

I recently learned of a helpful acronym. W.A.I.T. stands for “Why Am I Talking?”. I find this to be a helpful check in my spirit before I speak, because it allows me to give pause to what I’m saying and if I should say it at all.

Our words can become a mirroring of God’s Spirit within us, reflecting His grace as He grants us the wisdom to know not only when to speak, but what to say when we do.

Author: Edie MacPherson

The post When To Speak; What To Say first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 3:1-6

I find it interesting that James says, “Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect” (v. 2).

James is alluding to how truly powerful our language is. To “never be at fault,” or to “not offend” (KJV), or to “make no mistakes” (NRSV) in what we say, is to assert control over ourselves—our heart, mind, and spirit. After all, Jesus said our words come from what’s truly within us (Matthew 15:18).

As we embrace habits that allow God to form us into His likeness, our speech is affected. Our lives will generate life-giving language as we welcome His transformation of our entire being. The Spirit-permeated power of our words can move conversations, situations, relationships, and even our very lives—for His glory—ultimately furthering God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.

What we speak becomes a powerful reflection of God at work within us, perfecting us, and keeping our “whole body in check” as we daily surrender our lives to Him.

Author: Edie MacPherson

The post Words That Reflect God’s Work first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Timothy 5:16-21

The Church fought the battle against favoritism quite early (Acts 6:1-7). In Jerusalem a number of widows came under the church’s care. Doubtless these were women who had been cut off by their families because of their faith in Jesus. This group was divided between those who spoke Aramaic and those who spoke Greek. Some from the Greek speaking community felt that their widows were being overlooked in daily food distribution. Division could destroy the community and compromise its ability to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).

The apostles’ response is a guide for leaders responding to charges of unfairness today. 1.) They listened carefully to the concern. They did not minimize, excuse, or defend themselves. 2.) They gathered the whole community together to address the problem. 3.) They stated clearly their guiding principles. 4.) They allowed the entire community to select who would address the problem. 5.) They set clear requirements for how to choose leaders. 6.) They publicly prayed for and commissioned those selected to serve. We would do well to follow their example.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Dealing With Partiality first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 4:19-26

When it came to worship the Samaritans disagreed with the Jews, particularly over the location. Both groups followed the Law of Moses. Both revered the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, as the basis of their faith. Both used the same name for God, claimed descent from Abraham, and observed the same holy days and rituals. Both were waiting for the appearance of the Messiah. Still, they despised one another.

Jesus refused to get dragged into the conflict (4:21). The location of worship will ultimately be of no significance. Instead, “a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks” (4:23).

When it comes to worship God is not concerned about whether the music is contemporary or traditional, the prayers are written or spontaneous, and the scripture translation used is 400 years old or 40. He is concerned about whether those who worship are moved by His Holy Spirit and proclaim His divine truth.

Author: Duane Brush

The post The Worship Wars first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 4:10-18

Just inside the state line in northern Arkansas is Mammoth Spring State Park. The spring itself is one of the largest in the world, some eight million gallons of fresh water a minute flows into the ten acre lake at its mouth. The spring’s water arrives through porous rock formations underlying a large portion of the Ozark Plateau. Day after day, month after month, year after year the water flows forming a surging blue river.

Jesus spoke to the woman at the well of a new kind of refreshment, “living water.” All human bodies, indeed all creatures on earth, need water to survive. But what about the thirst of the soul? We long for the peace, hope, and meaning that only Christ’s living water can bring. Earthly water satisfies the need of the body only for a while, but living water satisfies the soul for time and eternity.

“Like the woman at the well, I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy;
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
‘Draw from my well that never shall run dry.’”*

*©1959 by Richard Blanchard. Assigned to Sacred Songs. ©1964 by Sacred Songs (a div. of Word, Inc.).

Author: Duane Brush

The post Openness Goes Beyond Culture first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 4:1-9

Our family group was headed into a large museum late one afternoon. We spotted a hot dog cart. Since we would be inside for several hours we decided to fortify ourselves with a snack. My brother-in-law stepped up to order hot dogs and drinks for us. He is African American, the rest of us are white. The woman tending the cart was also African American. When my brother-in-law tried to place the order the woman turned her back to us and became suddenly deaf. After several tries my brother-in-law said in discouragement, “Come on, let’s go.”

In contrast, Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar went very differently. Jews and Samaritans generally avoided each other. Both regarded themselves as the true followers of Moses’ law. In addition, since Jesus was a Jewish man and a rabbi He would not be expected to interact with a foreign woman, particularly one with a notorious reputation. Jesus shocked her when He spoke. Jesus did not stand mute or turn His back when the woman appeared. His words were words of hope, grace, and reconciliation.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Words of Hope first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Luke 10:30-37

Sociologists refer to cultural perception. Basically it means how people learn to view their world from within their particular culture.

Jesus grew up in Nazareth, a small enclave of Jewish culture. However, Nazareth was located in a region populated by people from a wide variety of ethnic, religious, cultural, and language groups. Jewish people typically avoided interaction with people of other cultures. Jesus often challenged these accepted cultural perceptions (See Matthew 8:5-13; Mark 7:24-30; John 4:1-42). That is certainly true in the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Jesus’ mission was to establish a new culture. He called it “the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last” (Luke 13:29-30). Jesus still challenges our cultural perceptions. As citizens of God’s kingdom do we have words, attitudes, or actions that need to be conformed to Jesus’ example?

Author: Duane Brush

The post Culture Shift first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 2:8-13

People have all kinds of favorites: favorite colors, favorite foods, favorite sports, or favorite vacation spots. Mostly this is a harmless personal preference. It is important to remember, however, that all favoritism is judging. What may be trivial when it comes to food, fashion choice, or recreational activity; can become tragic in the field of personal relationships.

Isaac and Rebekah had twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau was the eldest by only a few seconds. According to custom Esau would receive a special inheritance, the birthright due a firstborn son. Jacob would not. There was a problem however, “Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob” (Genesis 25:28). This favoritism led to lies, deception and theft of the coveted birthright.

God refuses to play favorites when it comes to the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ (see Galatians 3:26-29). He expects that we who have received this grace value others the same way. Just love for all.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Favoritism Is Judging first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 19:7-14

Sometimes it is embarrassing to be the favorite. Years ago I was helping transport senior adults to a week long event at a stadium. The first day a parking attendant in an orange vest waved me forward. I explained what I was doing. She smiled and said, “Follow me.” She led me to the closest parking to the stadium. She removed a traffic cone, waving me into a reserved spot. I shouted, “Thank you,” as she headed back to her post. I saw her speak to my transport partner driving another van. I assumed she would give him the same treatment. She did not.

I later found out that when he pulled his van forward she told him he could offload passengers there, but needed to park elsewhere. Each night that week I was shown to a special parking place and my friend was turned away. To this day I have no idea why I was shown such favor.

When such blatant favoritism enters the life of the church it destroys the witness of those who claim to follow Christ. Particularly when that favoritism is based on worldly measures of status and wealth.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Embarrassing Favoritism first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 19:7-14

This psalm is a portion of Scripture we would be wise to read slowly, again and again. Allow it to resonate within us.

When you read these verses over again, consider which phrases are easy for you to proclaim, and which ones seem more difficult. You might want to journal what comes to mind as you study these words. What images of God come to mind? What memories do you have of God that arise as you read? Focus on what emotions you feel as you speak these words either out loud or quietly in your mind.

Spend some time in silence and just listen. Try to quiet your heart and mind as much as you can from any distractions that may be hindering you from hearing God’s voice. Just be still. Make room for the Holy Spirit to speak to you. As you begin to close your study and quiet time, repeat verse 14 to yourself a few times. Make it your prayer for today. Go in the grace and peace of Christ.

Author: Bethany Acres

The post Refreshing My Soul first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Peter 1:17-25

Thanks be to God that He has given us everything we need to live a godly life. Our God not only calls us, affirms us, and desires a relationship with us, but walks alongside us in the journey. These verses also bring out an important aspect of the Christian life: growing in Christlikeness is not optional for the people of God. Instead, growing in Christlikeness is within the very DNA of what it means to walk with Jesus.

We are shaped and formed by the things to which we give our time, attention, and priority. So the question is not really if we will grow, but what we will grow into. If we allow the ways of the world to shape us, we will be shaped into people who do not look very much like Christ at all. However, if we give ourselves to the fruits of the spirit and these characteristics listed by Peter, we will begin to look more and more like Christ every day.

Begin today by intentionally practicing these characteristics.

Author: Bethany Acres

The post I Want to be Like Jesus first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Peter 1:17-25

Your value and worth are immeasurable. As the people of God, we have an understanding that our creator God is working in all things. This means that God is continuously redeeming all of creation—including you!

This means good things. Your life has a purpose, a good purpose! The creator of the world cares deeply for you and every detail about your life. Our faith and hope is in Christ, and He is trustworthy! But our relationship, and even our faith and hope is not just for our benefit: it is for the benefit of all of creation.

Our response to this radical grace and redemption that Christ brings in our life is only to give it away. I think this is why in 1 Peter it says to “love one another deeply, from the heart” (v. 22b). God has acted, and now is the time for our response. That is always the cycle of God’s work. God acts first. God has called us, sacrificed for us, and loved us. We respond.

Author: Bethany Acres

The post Our Response to God’s Activity first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 2:20-26

Think of someone you know who you feel exemplifies the characteristics of Christ. Perhaps this person is a mentor, friend, or pastor you know. Think about or take some time to write down a few characteristics about this person that you admire. What is it about their walk with Christ that draws you to them?

As you think about this person, I would imagine that part of what makes them a Christlike person is not just what they say or believe, but how they behave. This is because we are drawn to people whose words match their actions, or faith matches their deeds, as James would say. This makes sense, as this is how God desires us to live. This is a characteristic of someone walking closely with Jesus: you can tangibly see their faith in what they do. Our love for God is proven in our love for people (and especially for our enemies). Our faith is dead without action, and our actions are dead without faith.

Author: Bethany Acres

The post Teach Me Thy Way Lord first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 2:14-19

James is an author who cares deeply about the connection between what we believe and what we say. For James, faith cannot be separated from good works, and good works cannot be separated from faith. They are one and the same, continuously feeding into one another.

If the people of God are those who only promise someone our “thoughts and prayers,” without considering that we may in fact be part of God’s work in their life, we just might be missing what faith is all about. When we are people who come to love and know Jesus deeply, our love and desire to be with others will grow and grow. Our faith and trust in the One who cares deeply, loves deeply, and desires for justice to “roll like a river” (Amos 5:24) will become our characteristics and desires as well.

Our faith ought to transform our works, and our works ought to transform our faith. The more good works we are a part of, the more we will understand the character of Jesus, which will transform us. It is a beautiful cycle.

Author: Bethany Acres

The post Faith and Good Works first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 1:22-27

Something I appreciate about the book of James is the lack of “sugarcoating” in these words. James likes to tell it like it is. Don’t just listen to the word, do what it says.

A hindrance to the people of God may be the way we love to talk about Scripture, but sometimes lack the “actually doing what it says” part of it all. James makes it pretty clear that following Jesus means to give what we believe a form of life, or else what we say and believe is meaningless. It is like telling a friend or spouse “I love you!” while talking over them, ignoring their needs, or crossing their boundaries. The lack of a tangible expression of love leads one to believe the words are worthless.

The same is true with our relationship with Christ. To love Jesus and to claim His name as Savior needs to be paralleled with a life that is consistent with our words. James helps us out with a definition of faultless religion: to care for widows and orphans, and not to be polluted by the world.

Author: Bethany Acres

The post Taking Action first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

James 1:16-21

The people of God would be wise to follow the advice of James. Especially when James writes, “be quick to listen, slow to speak” (1:19). Perhaps this is something you can write on a sticky note and place on your laptop, keep it on a whiteboard, a bulletin board nearby, or as a reminder in your phone.

Quick to listen, slow to speak. How might this phrase transform our relationships? Perhaps instead of a reactive, defensive response to those we might disagree with, our listening could lead us to a deeper understanding of one another.

Quick to listen, slow to speak. James urges the people of God to be those who offer the world something new, and who truly embody the characteristics of Jesus Christ. While many among us are quick to have an explosive reaction to social media posts and those we disagree with politically, may those who follow Jesus be a beacon of hope in the world that points our neighbors to a God who is quick to listen, and slow to speak.

Author: Bethany Acres

The post Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 11:39—12:3

The writer to the Hebrews spends an entire chapter commending the faith of Old Testament heroes. Yet sums up noting “none of them received what had been promised” (11:39b). All those years and “All these people were still living by faith when they died” (11:13a).

Where did we get the idea that faith is some kind of magic wand? We may think it is because we live on the A.D. side of history. We know Jesus “endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). They did not. However, if we are honest, there is still much we do not know. That is where faith comes in.

What we know is Jesus came. He became the complete sacrifice for our sins. He was crucified, dead, and buried. On the third day He rose to life again. He ascended back into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, interceding on our behalf. We know He has promised to return and take us to be with Him forever. Until then, “fixing our eyes on Jesus,” we run with faith the race that is set before us (12:2a).

Author: Duane Brush

The post Still By Faith first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois is a beautiful place. While there are many notable monuments none draws more interest than that of the sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Over 150 years after his death his tomb remains one of the most visited in the country. Lincoln’s death was a great national tragedy. The monument, however, is not to his death but to his life. It is the life lived which gives meaning to the monument.

According to the Bible death entered our world because of sin (Romans 5:12). It is sin, rebellion against our heavenly Father’s will, which gives death its sting. It is the law, the truth of God revealed in His Word, which gives sin the power of death. “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). The law has no power and death holds no sting for those forgiven by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.

Once again, it is because of the life Jesus lived that we have the victory over both sin and death. We are the monuments of His grace.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Monuments of Grace first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 1:1-11

“I only believe what I can see!” He shouted. His hands and feet were shackled to a bolt in the interview room floor. He turned as best he could away from me.

“So do I,” I replied. He turned his neck to look me in the eye. “I have seen lives changed,” I continued. “I have seen bodies healed, addictions broken, families restored. I’ve seen Him take away anger, fear, and pain. He did it for me, and He will do it for you.” He leaned his head back against the wall, closed his eyes, and let out a sigh.

“Well, maybe that’s alright for you,” he finally mumbled. His eyes still closed.

“Not just for me,” I said. “For you, too. Open your eyes. God is working in your life. We have all sinned. That is why Jesus came to die on the cross. He can change your life. This doesn’t have to be an end, it can be a beginning.”

He folded his hands and bent over in his chair. For some time he said nothing. Then I saw a tear drop to the gray concrete floor. I needed no further proof. God was near.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Convincing Proof first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 20:11-18

Pilate was surprised. The crowd mocked. A centurion wondered. The disciples were confused. And Mary Magdalene, all she could do was cry. Each reacted to the death of Jesus in different ways. Now the tomb was empty.

This was not going right. Jesus should not have been treated like this. He certainly shouldn’t have died like this. How the emotions of disappointment, grief, anger, and fear roiled within her. A figure appeared, a caretaker perhaps. “Woman, why are you crying?” he asked. “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” And one word changed disappointment to faith, grief to joy, anger to peace, and fear to hope: “Mary.”

Mary Magdalene was the first to have an encounter with the risen Christ. Thank God she was not the last. Our encounter may not be in a cemetery but it is, nevertheless, just as real and personal, wherever it may happen.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Believing Is Seeing first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 16:16-22

To the disciples this was incomprehensible. This One whom they had followed for three years in “a little while” would be taken from them. He was “going to the Father.” They would see Him no more. Jesus had become their life. They followed Him. They absorbed His words. They wondered at His power to heal the sick and raise the dead. They saw the ancient scriptures fulfilled in His ministry. This talk of seeing Him no more was like standing on the brink of some dark precipice. What grief awaited them? What weeping and mourning lay ahead?

“But your grief will be turned into joy.” Like the light of Easter morning filling a once darkened tomb—grief and sorrow would vanish. They had all probably heard the cries of a woman in labor. They would also know that when the child was born cries of anguish would become cries of joy.

We are terrified by darkness and separation. Remember His words on that dark day, “Your grief will be turned into joy!”

Author: Duane Brush

The post Joy Will Come first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 16:1-8

Just after sunrise the cemetery was still. Footsteps crunched on the stone pathway. Three women carrying bundles approached a tomb, the one where Mary saw Jesus’ body placed Friday afternoon. They discussed a problem on the way: Who would roll the heavy stone away from the tomb door?

When they arrived the large stone door was already open! Had someone arrived before them? Had someone taken Jesus’ body away? It was all very confusing. They cautiously entered the open tomb and were startled to encounter a young man in a white robe. He spoke calmly, “Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.” Then he added, “But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” (16:6)

Fear would quickly be overcome by joy. Bundles were forgotten. They ran back to the city with the words, “He has risen,” trumpeting a fanfare in their hearts.

Author: Duane Brush

The post He Has Risen! first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 15:42-47

Roman crucifixion was street theater of the most cruel and sadistic sort. It was all to protect the Pax Romana, the brutal way Rome kept the peace. A thief or murderer, even a purported Jewish king, would be summarily tried, flogged until nearly dead, and finally nailed to a cross in full public view. To make clear why, a placard stating the charge against the accused was displayed on the cross. It was a slow, agonizing death meant to teach any passerby, “Don’t mess with Rome, or this will happen to you.”

Another Roman, a centurion, perhaps leader of the crucifixion detail, actually saw Jesus die. He heard Jesus’ loud cry and saw Him draw His final breath. “Surely this man was the Son of God!” he remarked (15:39). He saw something surprisingly divine in the manner of Jesus’ death.

Two Roman officials, each surprised by the death of a man they scarcely knew. With Jesus the surprises just keep coming.

Author: Duane Brush

The post Surprised By Jesus first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Isaiah 51:1-6

Chapter 51 of Isaiah invites the Judahites to recall their lowly origins: from one father (Abraham, the rock from which they were cut) and mother (Sarah, the quarry from which they were hewn) God helped form them into a nation.
Yet God does not promise freedom from consequences; Judah’s embrace of violent nationalism and idolatry resulted in ruin and desertion. But even in the midst of exile and destruction, hope remains: joy will return to Jerusalem and the sound of singing will be heard again.

How will this great reversal come about? The answer appears over and over: God’s righteousness (tzedek) and justice (mishpat)—closely related, almost interchangeable words in the original Hebrew—will accomplish it. Christ affirmed the promise of verse 6 shortly before His arrest, trial, and crucifixion: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

May it be so!

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

The post Righteousness and Justice first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 22:25-31

Psalm 22 affirms some of historic Judaism’s most important claims about the person and nature of God: God cares for the poor and marginalized (not just the wealthy and powerful); God’s transformative love is good news for all nations (not just Israel and/or Judah); and God’s beloved community, which will ultimately triumph, has already begun.

In gasping out the words of this well-known psalm during His own crucifixion, Christ remarkably avowed these sacred, vital truths. Perhaps the boldest claim of all is found in the final verse, which promises that God’s justice and faithfulness are eternal, extending even to unborn future generations. The parallels between the Hebrew text of Psalm 22:31 ( “[God] has done this”) and the Greek text of John 19:30 (“It is finished”) are as striking as they are intentional.

The agonized, crucified Christ insists that even in the midst of death, God’s purposes have been completed and new life can begin.

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

The post It Is Finished first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 22:1-8

Psalm 22 is a Davidic psalm. Over the course of history, the themes in this psalm have been variously attributed to King David, Queen Esther, the people of Israel generally, and of course Christ himself on the cross.

The psalm’s opening line, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” contains some of Christ’s final recorded words during His crucifixion—a fact that should not surprise us when we realize that He studied the Torah faithfully, quoted from the Psalms frequently, and that devout first century Jews often recited this psalm in times of great distress or turmoil.

This is the crux of the matter: not that David (or Esther, or anyone else) was foretelling the brutal, public execution of Israel’s messiah, but rather that Christ was so steeped in scripture that even in the hour of His greatest torment these familiar words brought a measure of strength and solace. So may it be with us!

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

The post Strength and Solace first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 15:33-41

Mark tells us that “darkness came over the whole land,” (v. 33). Christ called out desperately: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (v. 34). No one could have more heartbroken than these faithful women—Jesus’ own mother, Mary Magdalene, and Salome, the mother of James and John.

After one last anguished cry, the Messiah—God’s Love incarnate—died.

The crucifixion also hints at a new world already begun.

We have the startled proclamation from the same centurion who commanded Christ’s execution that, “Surely this man was a son of God!” But even more disturbing for religious authorities celebrating their enemy’s destruction was that the veil of the Temple—the very curtain shielding God’s symbolic dwelling place on earth—was torn in two. In an instant, the old system and cycles of death and sacrifice were overthrown; God’s very self was left uncovered and exposed.

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

The post Darkness, Death, Despair first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 15:27-32

To the very end, Christ’s enemies misunderstood His identity and purpose.

He was crucified between two violent, criminal insurrectionists (Greek, lestas)—simple robbery was not punishable by death. Christ was himself misrepresented as a threat to the Roman political order by Jewish religious leaders whose authority He undermined. He was mocked by passersby who misunderstood His previous statements about tearing down the Temple and then rebuilding it in three days. He was challenged—in words harkening back to His own temptation in the wilderness—to save himself and come down from the cross.

In the same way, the same religious teachers who had sparred and squabbled with Christ from the earliest days of His ministry) falsely claimed that Christ did not save himself because He could not. But of course, the opposite was true! His enemies had no frame of reference for a suffering Savior. Messiah chose self-sacrifice over self-preservation, love over hate, and powerlessness over power.

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

The post Misunderstood Messiah first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 15:21-26

Was Simon of Cyrene Jewish, African, a Greek, or some combination of all three? We cannot be sure. Did he carry Christ’s entire cross, as tradition holds; or just the crossbeam (Latin, patibulum) as was a common Roman practice; or merely an upright torture stake (Greek, stauron) as Mark records? It’s difficult to say.

Mark’s Jewish readers, however, would have recognized many signs pointing to Christ’s rightful claims: wine mixed with myrrh (recommended for dying prisoners in Proverbs 31, and linked to Christ’s birth and burial in Matthew 2 and John 19); the casting of lots for an innocent man’s clothing (as described in Psalm 22); and the “King of the Jews” title conceived by religious and political leaders as grounds for Christ’s crucifixion.
Amidst uncertainty, this is much is certain: Christ was brutally executed by secular and religious authorities because He is the King of the Jews. However, He died because He is the Messiah, the King of Kings.

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

The post Presumption, Prophecy, and Power first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 15:16-20

Mark 15 offers some oft-overlooked insights into the roles that non-Jewish political and military actors played in Christ’s trial and execution. The soldiers mentioned were probably local Gentile recruits. They likely served as a personal bodyguard for Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea. Many were present for Christ’s arrest in Gethsemane and subsequent trial. They would have been intimately familiar with the charges against Him.

After brutally torturing Jesus on Pilate’s orders, the soldiers mocked their victim with the trappings of an emperor: after draping Him with a purple cloak, crown, and staff, they knelt and hailed Him as one who claimed to be king. In all of this, one message was clear: those who dare to challenge the enmeshed powers of religious, political, and military elites will be brutally and summarily destroyed.

And so it is today: when religious leaders are seduced by power, violence, and nationalism, the results are always deadly.

Author: Aaron Bolerjack

The post Deadly Consequences first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Joshua 24:11-16

I just want to get this out there: You can have your cake and eat it, too! Why have a cake if you can’t eat it! Let the people say, “Amen!”

The point Joshua was making in Joshua 24, however, couldn’t be more true and necessary, then and now. When it comes to serving God, you can’t serve another. God had been faithful to the Israelites. He had led them out of bondage and set them on a path toward freedom. Yet, because slavery is such bondage, they were always inclined to return to their old, Egyptian ways which included the worship of false gods. It was a temptation then. It is still a temptation today.

Even in 2023, where Christianity has become a mixed bag of what God requires and what people want, the clarion call of Joshua rings down the halls of time with renewed truth, “Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped . . . and serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:14b).

May the Lord raise up many who will declare, “as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15c).

Author: Tim Kellerman

The post Serve One or The Other first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 3:16-21

Have you ever been in a dark room with a black light? It can be eerie and ethereal. Can I just say, “The lint!” Wearing a dark shirt into a room of black lights will ignite every speck of lint and more. Previously unknown “matter” is suddenly magnified in the glow of a black light.

The apostle John is explaining what a blessing this thought is from a spiritual perspective: Light exposes deeds of darkness! That is good because if the Light of the World did not reveal our deeds of darkness and sin, we would be doomed for eternity. When God stepped out of heaven and into earth, the brilliance of His love ignited truth and exposed sin. By the way of the cross, Jesus provides the remedy: “Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

Be thankful today that despite the pain and embarrassment of our exposed sins, God provided a way of escape so that we can live in the light as He is in the light.

Author: Tim Kellerman

The post Do Not Fear first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 John 4:1-6

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m just not a good test taker”? The implication is that a person can become paralyzed when it comes to putting knowledge to pencil and paper during tests.

The same thing can occur when someone is confronted with questions or statements which contradict Scripture. Bible content we’ve known a lifetime can just vaporize. Fear of not being able to defend the faith or refute false doctrine can be immobilizing.

The apostle John gives good advice: Take a breath (my paraphrase). Then “test the spirits to see whether they are from God” (1 John 4:1a). Test how? “Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God” (1 John 4:2b-3).

Obviously, we should study to present ourselves “to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NIV). Also recognize that “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4a). Start there. Start with Jesus!

Author: Tim Kellerman

The post Pass The Test first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 15:9-15

The only recorded voice of defense on Jesus’ behalf was Pilate. The person who washed his hands of any responsibility for Jesus and turned Him over to be crucified was also the lone voice who questioned the intentions of the crowd. Mark informed us that Pilate knew “it was out of self-interest that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him” (Mark 15:10). And to that, Pilate asked, “Why?”

Despite the resistance of our culture to the things of God, I find there is still a curious “why” as to the claims of the gospel. How it is that a man would be willing to die for the sins of the world. Paul addressed this confusion when he wrote, “Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person. . . .” He went on, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:7-8).

Jesus was crucified! Why? It’s a good question. The answer? See Jesus turn His head in your direction and say, “Because I love you!”

Author: Tim Kellerman

The post Why? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 15:1-8

One of the amazing facts of Scripture are the many Old Testament accounts which predict the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53, Psalm 16:10, and so on).

Symbolism also plays a huge part in the gospel story. For example, Mark 15 refers to Barabbas. In Aramaic, Bar-ab-bas means “son of a father” or “son who is like a father.” It shouldn’t be lost on us the juxtaposition these two men, Barabbas and Jesus bring to the story. One represents the son of Adam, the curse. The other represents the Son of God, the remedy. One was chasing political transformation. The other was representing a transformation of love. One had the favor of the crowd (v. 8) while the other gave His life out of love for the crowd.

What an amazing, humbling thought that Jesus, the Son of God—the Son of our Father—would bear our sins on the cross out of love for a crowd who favored insurrection over transformation.

Author: Tim Kellerman

The post God’s Deliverance first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:60-65

There is a temptation for believers in our Christian-critical culture to stay close to the home fires rather than stepping out into a cold, unaccommodating world to show and share the Good News of Jesus. It’s never been easy to step outside our comfort zones to obey the “go” of the gospel. Wouldn’t it be easier if God would simply show off with some signs and wonders? Then comes the reminder that people won’t “be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”(Luke 16:31).

Jesus’ stunning silence in the face of his illegal inquisition brings home a practical and relevant point. The conduit between God and a needy world is His Church: you and me. There’s no plan B. Without our voice, His voice is silent.

As a point of encouragement, the most useful evangelical tool is something every believer has: a personal testimony of Christ’s transforming grace. No one can take it away. It can’t be debated. It’s your story. Tell it for His glory.

Author: Tim Kellerman

The post Share Your Story first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:53-59

I love a blazing fire on a wintry day. HIt’s hard to leave all that and go back out into the cold, isn’t it?

Mark 14 finds Peter nestled up to a fire on a cold night. Simultaneously, Jesus was enduring the worst humanity could dole out: mockery, torture, lies. All were ravenous to silence Him forever. All the while Peter was warming himself near the safety, and distance, of a soothing fire.

These days, it feels like culture is doling out its own share of venom against the Church. It’s nothing new, really. Yet it feels like a spirit of anti-Christ is at an all-time high. Considering this dissonance between culture and Christ, it can be difficult to leave the warmth and comfort of the Church into which Jesus welcomes His followers. Yet, His invitation to gather is accompanied by a command to leave the warmth of the fire and represent Him to a doubting world.

May God give us courage to leave the warmth of our own personal fires to take up His call to “go.”

Author: Tim Kellerman

The post I’ll Go first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Jeremiah 32:33-41

Jeremiah 32 begins by describing the citizens of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem who had turned their backs on God. They were people who had not listened and would not receive instruction. They had done abominable things and been sent into exile for a time. But then God gathers them, settles them in safety, claims them, gives them a single heart and goal, and makes a covenant with them. God rejoices in their restoration.

Some of us have been praying for family members and beloved friends who have been exiled for many years. We might even describe our loved ones, like God’s people in Jeremiah 32, as those who “turned their backs [on God] . . . [who] would not listen or respond to discipline” (v. 33). But like the prophet Samuel, let us assert, “far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you” (1 Samuel 12:23). Take courage knowing our God never gives up, “I will surely gather them…I will bring them back…I will be their God” (vv. 37-38).

Author: Vicki Copp

The post I Will Gather Them first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Luke 22:24-32

Most pastors can tell stories of how people have accosted them just as they were preparing to step up to the pulpit to preach. I think that must have been much like what Jesus felt when the dispute “arose among them” (v. 24). With all that He was about to undergo, His disciples were fussing about who was the greatest. Jesus could have berated them for their lack of sensitivity, but instead He patiently pointed out that His followers are not to be like leaders in the world who lord it over others, “not so with you.”

Jesus’ followers are to be servants, not afraid to do the dirty jobs or take menial assignments, not afraid of being overlooked, or underused. They are to be those who look out for the interests of others. That’s what good servants do.

Having reminded them of that, Jesus affirms their loyalty and then confers upon them a kingdom. Then He turns His attention to Simon who has challenges ahead. Jesus is interceding for him. Simon will return from his failure to lead this kingdom of servants.

Author: Vicki Copp

The post Kingdom of Servants first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Matthew 10:34-42

Oswald Chambers writes on the first day of the year in My Utmost for His Highest, “When we consider what it will cost others if we obey the call of Jesus, we tell God He does not know what our obedience will mean . . . He does know. Shut out every other consideration and keep yourself before God for this one thing only: My Utmost for His Highest.”

Following Jesus calls for absolute loyalty. It is a cross-bearing, life-losing call. It is a call that does not hesitate when the cost is great to us or even to those we love. Following Jesus also requires a community of believers. Those who have been called away from family depend on the Body of Christ. The community of faith welcomes us wherever we are called. We are not called to follow alone or unsupported. God has called a host alongside us who will be our mothers and fathers and sons and daughters.

Author: Vicki Copp

The post Following God’s Call first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 139:17-24

Peter may have prayed Psalm 139 when reflecting on his failure and the gracious way in which Jesus called him back. Surely, he would have struggled with similar feelings toward those blood thirsty men who killed his Savior, “I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies” (v. 22). Peter had recognized his offense and had grieved over it. His desire was to follow in the way everlasting.

Self-awareness is a valuable characteristic of mature adults, but even when we have some sense of self-awareness, we can be confounded by what we discover in our hearts or thoughts. Not so with God. God knows our deepest hurts, our hidden agendas, our physical infirmities, and God knows how those things impact how we think and act.

The evil one delights in anxious thoughts and generously supplies them to us. God can help us identify where and with whom those thoughts originate and how to respond to them. Search me, know me, test me O God.

Author: Vicki Copp

The post God Knows first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

John 21:15-19

During a post-resurrection breakfast on the beach, Jesus allows Peter to reaffirm his love. Jesus encourages Peter to care for and feed His sheep. He reveals Peter’s future, his death, and then calls him to follow.

The restoration of Peter is such a beautiful picture of God’s grace. Peter must have been humiliated by his failure, especially considering his dramatic assertions that “even if all fall away, I will not,” and his claim that he would go to prison or death with Jesus.

After his denial, we find Peter back with the group. Why didn’t he hide in shame? Maybe he remembered the words Jesus had spoken to him saying when he turned back, “strengthen your brothers.” It’s likely that the disciples were all beating themselves up about failing Jesus. Misery loves company. They would soon find that Jesus is faithful despite our unfaithfulness.

Whether our failure is denial, or disobedience or even a cooling of our love, Jesus calls us. Follow me.

Author: Vicki Copp

The post Restored By God first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:66-72

Most of us have known a level of sorrow. But certainly nothing like the story of Jesus and Peter in Mark 14.

Jesus had been arrested and taken before the Sanhedrin, He was condemned and brutalized. Peter meanwhile was in the courtyard below being accused by a servant girl. Just a girl. Just a servant. And yet he answered her, denying what she said. Twice more he denied that he was with Jesus. In the distance a rooster welcomed the morning. Then Peter remembered.

Peter had been sure that he was strong enough to withstand the scrutiny of those in the high priest’s courtyard. He could have just walked away but he had something to prove. He was sure that Jesus had been wrong about him. Heartbroken, Peter wept in sorrow for his denial.

When Jesus points out our failures as a defender, friend, or provider, we can dig ourselves into a hole trying to deny, rationalize, or excuse it. It’s better to just agree. Jesus is never wrong about us either.

Author: Vicki Copp

The post Jesus Is Never Wrong first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:27-31

Jesus was with His disciples for Passover, commonly referred to as the Last Supper. Like any “last supper,” we don’t know that is what it is until after the fact. Jesus knew, though. Without their knowledge, He was preparing them for His death.

Later they hiked to the Mount of Olives. I imagine that they sat around a campfire and gazed up at the desert sky full of stars, the hymn they had sung still in their heads. The companionship they must have felt being together that night came to an abrupt halt when Jesus said, “You will all fall away.” Peter, feeling the sting of that critique, claims he will be faithful. It is a claim Jesus knows Peter cannot keep. The others join in saying they too will be faithful. Jesus, knowing their intentions, didn’t argue with them.

Like Peter, in the passion of the moment, we make claims we often do not have the capacity to keep.

Author: Vicki Copp

The post Preparing For Obedience first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 5:1-10

Christ came to seek and to save His people from their sins. His supreme desire was to do the will of His Father. Passion and devotion inspired His praying and ministry. In the same way, our focus in prayer should be for the glory of God, the advancement of His kingdom, the salvation of sinners, and the entire sanctification of His people. When our prayers are passionate for the things that matter to the Lord, we can be certain that our prayers are heard and the answers received.

As we grow in grace and knowledge through careful study and meditation on the Scripture, the Spirit of Christ will increase our fervor and passion for the will of our Father. When we pray according to His will, the Holy Spirit empowers our praying. The fervent prayers of the saints have tremendous impact on the advancement of the kingdom.

Our lives can get so busy with good things that distract us from God’s best for us. He is calling us to set aside time to submit our hearts anew in prayer and fully surrender to the things that matter to Him.

Author: Bill Sawyer

The post Passionate Prayer first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Timothy 2:1-7

Christ is at the right hand of the Father, ever interceding for us. He has given us His Holy Spirit to help us pray in agreement with the will of the Father. He helps us fight our battles so that we can have full assurance of overcoming power and victory. He has promised we have everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge and faith in His name. His mediation on the cross for our salvation and entire sanctification provides the basis for His ongoing intercession for His people.

We receive every spiritual blessing of Christ as we join His intercession with the help of the Holy Spirit. The healing ministry of Jesus continues in our day as we remember in prayer that it is by His wounds we are healed.

We intercede by asking the Spirit to inspire each one to seek and find Christ. We ask the Father to draw each one closer in whole-hearted devotion. He will supply all our needs.

Author: Bill Sawyer

The post Christ Our Intercessor first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Acts 12:5-11

James was put to death and the people of God were under tremendous pressure and persecution. The situation grew worse when Peter was seized and imprisoned. The church received victory by gathering to pray.

It has been said that God moves the world through the prayers of His people. The believers loved the Lord, their leaders, the church, and lost souls. The prayer meetings brought boldness, miracles, and joy in the Holy Spirit, resulting in the Lord daily adding souls to the church.

The enemy had hindered their work and imprisoned their leader. As they prayed in agreement with the Holy Spirit, the army of heaven began to minister, breaking chains of darkness and opening prison doors. James said the effective fervent prayer of the believer has great impact. The impact is multiplied when we gather in the name of Jesus and intercede for our pastors, churches, and the world.

Revival can break out in the Church, and the message of scriptural holiness will transform nations.

Author: Bill Sawyer

The post Showers of Blessing first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Daniel 6:6-14

When the enemy came in like a flood, Daniel knew that the solution and deliverance would be found through prayer. Daniel spent time in prayer every morning, noon, and evening. His heart was tuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Daniel consistently approached the throne of grace and was certain he would receive mercy in his time of need.

Daniel was in the habit praying and receiving direct, definite, and specific answers to prayer. Through God’s word and the Spirit, Daniel received full assurance of His good, pleasing, and perfect will. The Spirit gave witness there was still work for Daniel to complete for the kingdom. Through prayer, heaven shut the mouths of lions and secured deliverance.

Consistent daily times in prayer will tune our hearts to sing His praise and pray according to His will. As we delight in Him, our desires align with His plan so we can pray fervently—certain to receive what we ask for in prayer.

His incomparably great resurrection power is available for those who come to Him in faith.

Author: Bill Sawyer

The post Praying For Deliverance first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:43-50

Christ humbled himself and proved His obedience by His death on the cross. The secret to having the Holy Spirit’s power in prayer is to keep in step with the Spirit through surrender and obedience. Christ came to earth, lived, died and was raised from the dead in obedience to the will of His heavenly Father. The secret to Christ’s praying with bold and confident assurance in the garden was His trust in, and obedience to, the will of the Father.

The one who trusts and obeys will find the power in prayer to secure the answer needed. The Spirit of Christ gives us confidence, assurance, and boldness at the throne of God. The Holy Spirit guides our hearts in prayer to ask for the things that please the Lord. When we don’t know what to pray, He intercedes for our concerns with groans that words cannot express.

As we pray in humbleness, surrender, and trust, the Spirit moves us to rise up and walk courageously.

Author: Bill Sawyer

The post Praying With Boldness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:37-42

The Lord has given many great and precious promises that He is willing to fulfill in our lives through prayer. We are utterly weak apart from Christ and the manifested presence of the Holy Spirit. Our weakness humbles and prepares our hearts for the Spirit to quicken faith that will breakthrough to answered prayer.

Christ’s resurrection power over sin, death, Satan, and hell is available to every Spirit-filled believer. We can expect the Holy Spirit to help us in our weakness. He prays in and through us to ensure our wills are completely surrendered to the Lord’s will for our situation. His power is made perfect in our weakness so that He receives all the glory and praise for answered prayer.

Whether the need is for strength, healing, the salvation of loved ones, or His Church, we have access to power from heaven. The Lord offers to make our hearts pure so we can pray with the expectation and confidence that we have the answer to our prayer.

Author: Bill Sawyer

The post Power in Weakness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:32-36

The relationship of the Holy Spirit, a holy life, and power in prayer are inseparable. The Lord prayed before His baptism in the Jordan. His prayer opened heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him. Because He prayed, He heard the voice of His Father speak assurance and affirmation.

The saving, sanctifying, and healing ministry of the Lord was powerfully effective because of His prayer life. As Jesus began His public ministry, He selected disciples, healed the sick, raised the dead, and calmed the sea through prayer. Now in the garden, once again the Lord prayed. His desire was to do the will of the Father without separation from Him even as He became sin for us through the sacrifice of His sinless life on the cross.

A life of personal holiness empowers our prayers and enables us to live in continuous fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

Author: Bill Sawyer

The post Power In Prayer first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Ephesians 2:1-10

Grace is like the free bread that is placed on your table as soon as you are seated, at certain restaurants. The bread is warm and delicious, and the perfect start to your meal. You don’t pay for it—but it is a free, tasty gift that you get no matter what.

This is God’s grace. We can’t choose it or earn it. It is a free gift to us: a good, good gift. In his letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul describes this grace as the thing Christ uses to save us. It is only by Christ’s love that we are made alive and new in Christ Jesus—by grace, through faith. It has nothing to do with our own power, work, or good deeds. There is nothing we can do to get more grace, and nothing we can do that would cause God to take grace away. Grace is a gift offered to us by our loving God.

Rest in this truth today. In your rest, allow the God of grace to stir something new in you. Then you too may offer the grace that brings life to the world around you.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post A Gift of Grace first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 10:19-25

The book of Hebrews is a bit mysterious, as we don’t know the author or the specific intended audience. We do know, however, that the writer of Hebrews was speaking to a group of people persecuted for their association with Jesus. The author encourages listeners to “draw near” to God, with the full assurance that faith brings.

While you are likely not being persecuted because of your faith, consider the areas of your life that feel most draining, unsettling, and difficult. How can you draw near to God in those moments? Perhaps a breath prayer could be helpful. Breathe in and say “God, hold me close” and breathe out and say, “For you are near.” These moments of stillness can reveal to you the God who is always present.

Hold close the hope you have in Christ Jesus, for as the author says, “He who promised is faithful” (v. 23). Have hope, and draw near to the One who is faithful.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post Draw Near first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Hebrews 10:1-10

Sacrifices, often, are a sign of love for another. George Bailey in the popular film “It’s a Wonderful Life” sacrificed his dreams, plans, and future to care for his family and community. To give up part of yourself for the sake of another is what defines sacrifice.

For many years the people of God offered animals to God in sacrifice to signify their loyalty to God. While these sacrifices happened often, the sacrifice that God made through His Son Jesus Christ in His life, death, and resurrection was the greatest sacrifice of all, and was needed only once. It is because of this sacrifice that the people of God are now free to be in relationship with God and to find God’s presence anywhere.

The only response then, to this great sacrifice, is to live in gratefulness for the grace of God—denying ourselves daily, taking up our own cross, and laying down our life for the lives for those around us.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post A Sacrifice of Grace first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:19-26

There is something a bit eerie about Mark 14. It’s a sad scene as both the disciples and those who read this story know of what is to come: Christ will soon be betrayed and killed. Jesus’ words reveal the distrust, anger, and sadness that occurs within sin and broken relationships.

And yet, Christ still makes an offer of grace to His disciples, and to all of creation, in these last moments. Christ offers His body and blood in the form of bread and wine as a covenant between himself and all His followers. We take and eat the symbolic body and blood of Christ to remind us of this sacrifice from God for all people.

The next time you receive communion, consider what it means to “eat” and “drink” the body and blood of Christ. Perhaps as you participate in communion, you are slowly becoming more and more like Christ. Each time you receive this means of grace, may you continue to embody the Christ of grace, of sacrifice, and of covenant.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post God of Covenant first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:11-18

Much like the disciples in Mark 14, the people of God often find themselves asking, “How do we prepare for Jesus?” A perplexing statement at the end of these verses leave the reader on a cliffhanger: “One of you will betray me” (v. 18). In this group’s travels and even in their last meal together, Jesus walks alongside the man who would betray Him.

Preparations are made, a room is furnished, a meal is prepared, even though Jesus is aware of deep betrayal by His friend. Surely if Jesus had told His disciples earlier that one of them would betray Him, the preparations would have gone differently.

And yet, Jesus walks alongside Judas, and made sure the room was prepared for him, too. Maybe, for the people of God, to prepare well for Jesus means to welcome even the enemy. A life marked by radical grace, hospitality, love, and mercy for friends and enemies alike will be a life that prepares for Jesus well.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post Preparing For Jesus first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Mark 14:1-10, 63:6-11

An unexpected guest enters a dinner party. This creates an awkward situation for the dinner guests gathered at Simon’s house so long ago. This unnamed guest goes to Jesus and offers him an extravagant sign of worship and adoration, much to the questioning and judgment of those around her.

While the invited guests scold this woman for her lack of sense in not selling her perfume. Jesus praises her beautiful act and even says this woman was helping to prepare Him for His burial.

It seems that this woman understood more about who Jesus was than anyone else in the room. It was she, who in her act of love and selflessness, proclaimed Jesus as Messiah and offered a gift that foreshadowed His coming death and resurrection. Jesus encourages listeners to truly see the humanity of those who we might otherwise ignore, and allow the acts of service and grace of even unwanted dinner guests to aid us in seeing Jesus more clearly.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post Unexpected Guests first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Exodus 12:1-8, 24-28

Think back to a treasured memory associated with gathering around a table. Sharing a meal with people has a way of carving those moments into our memories.

When God gives the people the Passover feast as a yearly ritual, there is a deeper meaning behind it. This is not simply something that they do every year as a way of honoring God’s faithfulness and power; this is a tool of remembrance. The acts of telling the story, gathering at the table, sharing with neighbors, and being in fellowship together cements the divine action of God in their minds. This becomes a form of generational testimony as it is passed down to their descendants for thousands of years.

When we pass on these testimonies, we affirm that the God who moved at the Passover is the same God that moves today. That breeds the kind of hope that empowers a budding nation to enter into the promised land that had been laid out for them. In the same way, it also pushes us toward living into the kingdom of God here on earth as it is in heaven.

Author: Bethany Acre

The post At The Table first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 31:14-24

Sometimes we find ourselves being mistreated by others through no fault of our own. It is easy to feel that we are surrounded and alone in these moments. Like Psalm 31, we can even begin to feel like God has abandoned us. In those moments, psalms like this one are so helpful.

A lot of Christian music and writing shies away from the sense of abandonment we feel when it seems like the whole world has turned on us. We feel guilty if we consider even for a moment that God has abandoned us. Stacking guilt on top of doubt doesn’t help anyone, but it is for moments like this that God has given us psalms that say things like, “In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight! Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.” (31:22)

When we feel alone, the book of Psalms provides us the raw and faithful reflections of those who came before us. These psalms of lament and praise are an incredible gift.

Author: Steven Malcolm

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Matthew 24:42-51

The Gospel of Jesus is good news. If that is true, why do we so often hear about His return in attempts to scare people? Shouldn’t we be living in joyful expectation of God’s kingdom coming in its fullness?

In a parable in Matthew 24, Jesus compares His followers with servants who were entrusted with authority so that they could make sure the other servants were fed and cared for while their master was away. When the master returns and that job is done well, the faithful servants will be rewarded. But, Jesus says, if those servants abuse their fellow servants and let the power go to their heads, their reunion with their master will not be a happy one.

Matthew 24 is good news to Jesus’ followers, and it should serve to make our presence in the world good news to everyone. Jesus is reminding us that He has called and empowered us to serve the world He loves. This parable is good news, and the good news is that God’s people can live in loving service without fear of the future.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post Good News for the Future first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Samuel 12:18-25

One of the dangers of Christian life is that sometimes we trade in our vibrant love for God for stale rule following. We don’t do it on purpose, but it happens. Before long, we can find ourselves trying to earn God’s love, based on our ability to follow rules.

Samuel is calling Israel to live faithfully in light of God’s previous faithfulness. By saving Israel time and again and by saving them from Egypt before He had given them the law, God has shown that He is trustworthy. God loved and saved them before they even knew how He wanted them to live. Now, Samuel is calling on Israel to be trustworthy. He is calling them to live for God. Living in obedience is, itself, an act of gratitude for the saving work that God had already done.

It should be the same for us. God has loved us and saved us. God has proven himself time and again. Living faithfully into the life God calls us to means living in an obedience born out of love and gratitude for the God who loved us first.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post A Willing Spirit first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 18:24-33

We live in a world that is obsessed with winning and losing. We talk as if in order for someone to win, someone else must always lose. And, of course, if there can only be winners and losers, we want to be winners.

David found the price of winning too high. Absalom had rebelled and had been killed in the fighting. David’s first reaction on hearing of his victory was mourning. This is not the first time in scripture that we see this kind of reaction from him. In 2 Samuel 1 David mourned the death of Saul.

David models a holy reaction to conflict. He would rather not have been in conflict, but even when it was unavoidable, he mourned the harm it did to those he was in conflict with. How often do we love our enemies enough to mourn our own victories? What would it look like if God changed our hearts so that we feel the pain of those we are in conflict with? It might sound like this, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom!” (v. 33). It would bring us closer to the heart of God.

Author: Steven Malcolm

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2 Samuel 15:19-26

We spend a lot of our lives waiting to see how things beyond our control will turn out. It is excruciating. We like to know what will happen. We like to have control over the outcome. When we can’t know or control the outcome, we tend to get uncomfortable.

David did not know how the war his son, Absalom, had started would turn out. Yet, in the middle of the chaos, he sent the priests who had escaped from Jerusalem with him back to the city. He had them take the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of God’s presence, back with them. He decided to trust God whether God brought him back to the city, or whether he lost the war.

Like David did in this story, we must trust God when life is uncertain, and walk faithfully into whatever future awaits us. We know that whatever happens, God is working all things together for good, even when we don’t see how. We can do this in the confidence that God always faithfully loves us, and will walk with us in uncertain times.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post When Life Is Uncertain first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 15:10-18

Chapters 11-15 of 2 Samuel are hard on David. They recount his most crushing sins and failures, and they pull no punches. In Chapter 15, we start to see David acting in line with his call. He knew that his son Absalom had started a coup, he knew Absalom had a lot of support, and he knew Absalom was coming to take Jerusalem from him. David took his most loyal people and fled from the city.

One of David’s defining characteristics in the Bible is that he is a great fighter. Here, he chooses to run. If previous stories about David are any indication, he could have won this fight. David decided to keep his family and his loyal officials safe by running. He decided to spare the city of Jerusalem a fight where armies moved through the streets.

There are times when Godly leaders must stand their ground. There are, sometimes, arguments that need to be had. But, there are also fights that only serve to feed our egos. We should pray to God for wisdom to avoid needless fights and arguments for the good of our communities.

Author: Steven Malcolm

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2 Samuel 15:1-9

David had an affair with Bathsheba and had her husband murdered. David’s sons learned from his example. David’s son Amnon violated his half sister Tamar. Like David, he assumed that women were objects to be used. David was furious, but never did anything.

Tamar had a brother named Absalom. Absalom was also a son of David, and he had learned from his father’s example. Absalom wanted Amnon dead, so he had his friends kill him, just like David had his friend kill Uriah. Absalom ran away, but later David invited Absalom back to Jerusalem.

Absalom went to the city gates every day. When people came to get justice from King David, Absalom would turn them away saying David had no one to hear them.

It is easy to think that our sin only affects us. But, our lives are models for the people around us. We can be an image of selfishness and violence, or we can follow Jesus, the son of David who models the way of selfless love. We cannot live without consequences.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post Learning From Example first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 John 2:15-25

1 John 2:15-25 is jarring. John warns us that those who love the world cannot love the Father (v. 15). This seems at odds with John’s gospel, which tells us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

These two passages use the word “world” in different ways. John 3:16 tells us that God loves His whole creation, and is working to redeem it through Jesus. 1 John 2:15-17 is using the word “world” to mean a culture that tempts us to selfishness.

Ironically, when 1 John tells us not to love the world, it means that we should not be tempted by our culture to indulge in selfishness. This call to selflessness is a call to love the people of the world with the selfless love of Jesus. We love the people of our world by not indulging in the kind of selfishness we see around us. The best part of loving who Jesus loves is living our lives with Jesus.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post God So Loved first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 51:13-19

In Psalm 51, David repents of his sin. He acknowledges the things he has done wrong. David describes how he intends to live differently in light of God’s forgiveness.

Sometimes, we fall into the trap of thinking grace is cheap, but it is not. Grace is paid for with the blood of Jesus, and gives us the chance to live lives that show the world the goodness of God’s grace. When we sin publicly but whisper our confessions, when we apologize but don’t change our lives, we are not showing the repentance David is modeling.

True repentance means turning from our sin, and living a new way. Truly repentant people try to live in ways that better the lives of those they have harmed. They live in ways that show those trapped in the same sins that God offers a new way of life. The sacrifice God wants from us is a contrite heart that shows His world that grace is real and a different way of life is possible.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post God’s Good Grace first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Psalm 51:1-12

Forgiveness and salvation are gifts given to us by God through His grace, and we cannot achieve them through hard work. Asking for forgiveness might be the hardest work we ever do. It requires us to admit that we have acted in ways that break our relationship with God and others. It often requires us to admit that we have acted in ways that harm our friends and families.

In Psalm 51, David admits his sin to God. He asks God to give him a pure heart and a willing spirit. He asks for the kind of spirit that will turn toward God at the first sign of trouble, instead of at the end of a long and painful path.

The Holy Spirit’s work renewing our spirit, giving us a spirit that is willing to turn and serve God, is crucial to our ability to live as God’s people. We make mistakes, and we sometimes knowingly sin. When that happens, if we have a willing spirit, we will see our error and repent quickly instead of doubling down on our sinful behavior and digging into deeper trouble.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post Hard Work first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 12:7-14

The prophet Nathan makes it clear to David that he has hurt Bathsheba, his murder of Uriah was completely unjustified, and he has shown an incredible lack of gratitude for all God has done for him. Nathan is a good friend. He shows David his need for repentance. Nathan lays out clearly how David’s sinful choices will affect his family for a long time to come. And, without Nathan, David might never have recognized the destructive path he was on.

One of the most important gifts God gives us when we follow Him is the community we find in His Church. We are surrounded by people who are also listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit. They are a community who will care for us, love us, and who will tell us the truth when we are having trouble seeing it. When we are digging ourselves into deep holes of sin, one way that God can show us a path out is through conversation with friends who love us enough to speak uncomfortable truths. Friends like Nathan are gifts from God.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post Good Friends first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 11:18-27

When informed of the death of Uriah, a faithful soldier who David ordered killed to cover up his own sin, David comforts his general by saying, “Don’t let this upset you; the sword devours one as well as another.” David has spent all of this chapter lying to others to conceal his sin. Now it becomes clear as he excuses himself of Uriah’s death, and marries Bathsheba, David has been lying to himself as well.

This is a dangerous place for God’s people to be. It is so hard for us to face reality when our actions have been in disobedience to God and have harmed others that we sometimes construct stories to make our actions seem acceptable. However, this pattern of deception eventually desensitizes us, so that we no longer see our sin as sin at all.

We should pray for God to keep our hearts sensitive. When we do so, we will be able to feel the call to repentance. Especially when that call is uncomfortable, we will be able to hear and respond by God’s grace.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post Sensitive Hearts first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 11:10-17

David had sinned by having relationship with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife, while Uriah was off fighting David’s war. Then Bathsheba told David she was pregnant. David was in a tight spot. He had sinned, and soon it would become clear to everyone exactly what David had done. David tried to obscure the truth by sending Uriah home for a couple of nights, but Uriah refused to go to his house while his friends were still fighting. Then David had Uriah killed.

When we sin in a way that will be noticed in public, we often try to cover it up by lying or telling half-truths. When that doesn’t work, we may very well try to find ways to prevent others from speaking the truth.

Sin and shame steers us down a dangerous road, requiring more and more sin to keep our initial sin concealed. Repenting and receiving God’s grace requires us to tell hard truths about ourselves and our sin. Repentance, however, is the only way out of the holes of sin that we dig for ourselves.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post Sin And Shame first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 11:1-9

David sinned. He abused his power, used people as objects, and broke God’s law. Yet, this text is often read in ways that place the blame for David’s sin on Bathsheba. Whenever one of our heroes is caught in unfaithfulness or worse, caught in sexual abuse, we can begin the countdown to the moment their supporters compare them to David. Since David sinned, was forgiven, and was still used by God, it is easy for us to let our favorite people off the hook. It is too easy.

The writer of the book of Kings, summing up David’s life wrote this: “For David had done what was right in the eyes of the Lord and had not failed to keep any of the Lord’s commands all the days of his life—except in the case of Uriah the Hittite” (1 Kings 15:5). When our heroes or leaders sin, especially the ones we love the most, we must not allow ourselves to let them off the hook or shift the blame to others. That road leads to the temptation to follow their example. True repentance requires taking responsibility.

Author: Steven Malcolm

The post True Repentance first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Galatians 3:26—4:7

Rachel’s first son seemed to take forever to get into this world. His birth was laborious to say the least. In the end, there he was, all 8 lbs. and 1 oz. of him, looking up with huge eyes. The previous pain did not matter because her son had finally arrived.

Thousands of years went by with no sign of a savior. In efforts to redeem themselves, the people of God turned to idols, kings, other nations, and hopeless sacrifices. The waiting seemed too long, the pains of life were laborious. Then one day an angel came to a teenage virgin girl and broke the silence and reignited a promise from long ago. Mary heard. She said yes. She waited. Then one night under a star of hope and expectation, the long-awaited promise was fulfilled. Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, had made His entry into this world.

God’s promise was kept that day and continues to live in us. May the pain of today and the struggle of tomorrow be overshadowed by the arrival of Christ our King.

Author: Rachel Kuhn

The post A Labor of Love first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Luke 10:30-35

Except for the small stents when she was in and out of jail, she had been homeless for over four years. It was early one Tuesday morning when I showed up outside the county jail to pick her up, a lady I had never seen before. She looked like a gal who had been in jail for 60 days, her eyes dark, her clothes wrinkled, having just come from a bag sealed up on the day she went in. When asked where she wanted to go, her only known option was back to the streets from whence she had come. The next words from my mouth were “what if there was another option?” Those words led us down a path of promises kept, and generosity shared. A few weeks later, my new friend, with tears in her eyes, exclaimed, “my life is changed because you showed up.”

The story of my friend and the good Samaritan are not stories about us, but about the great love of God. His command to love Him and our neighbors is being fulfilled when we keep our promises to those in need. How can you live out the generous heart of God today?

Author: Rachel Kuhn

The post Keeping Up The Good first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

Judges 11:29-40

I am an out loud processor. Talking about things helps me to navigate the best way to handle situations, to craft plans, or create new objectives. This is great in some ways, but it also gets me in trouble, especially with my children. Anytime I talk about anything as a possibility, they hear: “I promise we will do this!” For example, I say: “Maybe we could go to the zoo this summer and see the new polar bear.” They hear: “I promise we are going to the zoo tomorrow!”

Jephthah, in desperation, commits to God a sacrificial gift if only God will help the Israelites defeat the notorious Ammonites. God did His part and when Jephthah arrives home he realizes his foolish vow to God will now end in the death of his one and only daughter. He compounds his foolishness by blaming the girl for his impulsive promise.

Watch the ways you speak to others today. Are there promises you are making that cannot be fulfilled? How might God be encouraging you to change?

Author: Rachel Kuhn

The post Polar Bears and Promises first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 9:8-13

As I write this devotional thought, there is a TicTok trend that is sweeping the United States entitled “National Shoot Up Your School Day.” Before my teens left the house I prayed for them and had serious discussions about staying alert and safe. My heart is heavy with prayer today as I ask the Lord for protection and wisdom.

Mephibosheth was a threat to the kingdom of David. He was the son of Jonathan, the grandson of Saul, the first king of Israel. He knew that he could be called into David’s presence and be killed simply because of his lineage. David had other plans. Mephibosheth called himself a dog, but David seated him at the king’s table to show honor, love, and respect for his friend’s son.

This example of David’s gives us a beautiful picture of the kingdom of God! We are dogs, undeserving. We took God’s very Son and killed Him to protect our zealous religiosity. However, instead of death, we are given a seat at the King’s table, honored as children of the King.

Author: Rachel Kuhn

The post The Threat of Kindness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

2 Samuel 9:1-7

Warm hugs and sloppy kisses were planted on little cheeks. The aunt beamed with excitement to see her nieces and nephews for the very first time. Her heart was fat with love and even her eyes smiled, with deep wrinkles in the corners. Each little one stood with eyes wide at this small old lady whom they had never met but seemed to love them so much.

Love has a way of breaking through the bonds of time and experiences. It is passed down from generation to generation like genetics. David’s love for Mephibosheth was not for his sake, but for the love of his father that passed on in David’s heart and mind. It was a love that sought out, expressed kindness, and unearthed promises from long ago. The unexpected gift that David gave changed the life of the crippled son of Jonathan.

How can you show love in unexpected ways today? What promises can you fulfill or pass on that will show the love of God to the least of these? Choose one kindness and do it today!

Author: Rachel Kuhn

The post Generational Kindness first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Samuel 2:1-11

My brothers are identical triplets. I have often said that when they were little they behaved like devils, but sang like angels. Those guys can pull off a three-part harmony like nobody’s business. They sing, the heavens part and the angels join in. I, however, sound like a dying goose. I might be exaggerating all of this a little.

The other day my friend looked over at me and said “you sing at me when you are happy.” It is true. I sing random lines from songs, movies, or simply sing instead of speaking. I apologized with a smile and she replied, “No, I love it. It is who you are.”

Hannah’s prayer reads like a song that is expressed from the very depths of her being. Nothing is held back. It is filled with love, hurt, joy, praise, justice, and life! Everything that is in her comes out in this moment of pure joy. Whether you sing like an angel or a goose, choose joy today. Find reasons to sing God’s praise. Don’t hold back! Let the rejoicing begin.

Author: Rachel Kuhn

The post An Angel or A Goose? first appeared on Reflecting God - Embrace Holy Living.

1 Samuel 1:11, 19-28

Chad and Rachel stood in the aisle of their local grocery store looking down at their 3-year-old boy. With tear-filled eyes and quivering cheeks, he declared that if they bought him the candy he held in his little fist that he would never ask for anything ever again! He promised.

Hannah laid at an altar, drunk with grief, begging God to give her the one thing in the whole world she desired most, a child. This, however, was not the immature vow of a sweets-seeking child, but the honest, bleeding heart of a woman wrapped up in grief and pain. Her promise was not a hollow vow that would quickly be forgotten, but a forever sacrifice that would eventually change the course of history.

We may not live in a world where vows are a common form of prayer and petition to God, but we do seek Him. We do ask for His provision. In your prayer time today be mindful of what you are seeking and check your heart. “Am I willing to return to God all that I am seeking from Him today?”

Author: Rachel Kuhn

Ephesians 2:11-22

Ephesians 2;11 begins with “therefore” referring to the first 11 verses (which are actually a single sentence in Greek). Paul declares that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works, but he insists that we were all created in Christ Jesus for good works. Saved by grace? Yes! But good works are to follow!

Now he reminds these second-generation Gentile Christians of their place in it all. Once far away from God and His salvation they have been brought near and made part of the household of God through the rich mercy of God in Christ. Once aliens, they are now citizens with full enjoyment of the indwelling of God.

God has opened the door to all peoples and makes a way for everyone to belong and enjoy the full benefits of His plan of salvation. No one is excluded in His plan to make the Church truly “one” and inclusive.

Allowing racial bias to destroy our unity robs God of the good works He desires in us.

Author: Ron Dalton

Romans 12:14-21

When Paul instructs us to bless those who persecute us, he echoes Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount.

The followers of Jesus still have those who oppose and seek to destroy. Paul’s instructions to love and do good, even to those who seek to do harm, is counter-intuitive to our selfish nature. We would want to strike back, take revenge, even the score. Revenge lets evil win twice.

To repay evil for evil is to let the evil done to us by others become a resident in our own heart and mind. The evil done to us must not be allowed to become part of us and take control. No, Paul instructs us to let our love be sincere (v. 9) and to overcome the evil that would root itself into our own psyche. To overcome evil with good is his prescription.

How does this happen? By the mercies of God (v. 1) we sacrifice our selfish being to God and allow Him to transform our mind (v.2) by the work of His Holy Spirit.

Author: Ron Dalton

Romans 5:1-11

If anyone could understand the tremendous love of God, it would be Paul. Paul, on the road to Damascus to persecute the Church, is stopped by the risen Jesus. His life was powerfully changed, transformed, and re-directed from that point forward. He who was an enemy now becomes a friend!

So, with confidence and excitement he conveys these truths: we were enemies; God in Christ reconciled us to himself; and He is alive and will do whatever is needed to save us from any future outpouring of God’s judgment.

This is not a license to relax our commitments in a false security that once converted we cannot fall away in sin. It is instead an assurance of God’s gracious provisions needed to persevere through troubles and temptations that come our way. Now being friends, the believer can be assured of God’s omnicompetence to make us more than conquerors through Him that loves us and gave himself for us!

Author: Ron Dalton

Matthew 5:38-48

Jesus said, “You have heard it said, you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” This wisdom might seem a natural thing to do when considering those troublemakers we can’t stand. But Jesus disallowed that way of thinking and living. “Love your enemy” is His prescription.

Love means more than just having good feelings or positive vibes. Agape love doesn’t tabulate what pay-back we will get from our actions. It is outward concern—benevolence—the centering of one’s whole self on the other.

Following God’s way of love is at the heart of what it means to be a child of God…an obedient child. We see this kind of love in Jesus. Loving in His way is perfection. Perfect doesn’t mean a flawless performance, rather to be complete, full, not lacking anything. Love like this fulfills all the commandments but is beyond our capabilities. We need the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit to cleanse and empower us to love like this.

Author: Ron Dalton

Matthew 5:21-26

Jesus insists that simply avoiding murdering someone is not enough; even burning anger towards someone violates the command.

In Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus focuses on our need to deal with brothers and sisters who truly have something against us. A person does something that angers us. We respond to their acts with harsh insults or actions with intent to harm them. Then they are harmed and now have something against us.

Regardless of who started the disagreement, Jesus makes it our responsibility to take the initiative and do what we can to reconcile. The point is clear: our relation to God (vertical) and our relationship with others (horizontal) are intertwined. Loving God requires loving neighbor, too! There is no moving ahead with God, while we neglect the hurts or needs of others.

Jesus preached, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (v. 9). Peacemakers are those who take the initiative to make peace where there is no peace.

Author: Ron Dalton

1 Samuel 24:11-22

It must be a difficult situation for David. He knows (as does Saul) that he is to be the next king, but he is instead fleeing for his life from king Saul. Although he can bring an end to the evil thrust upon him by killing Saul, he is pained by conscience to do no harm to Saul, God’s anointed king. Friends urge David to execute justice by his own hand, and who would blame him for stopping the evil being done.

Like David, we live with God’s promises, but our confrontations with evil and danger can be overwhelming. It is tempting to take control of our situation and to resolve all our problems. It can even tempt us to do what we know to be wrong to bring about the way we think things should be!

David gives us guidance here. It is better to leave things in God’s hands to resolve, than to overstep our role in God’s plan for us. When it is unclear how to work things out and be righteous, learn the humility of leaving it all for God to work justice in God’s own time.

Author: Ron Dalton

Matthew 18:10-20

David and his crew are hiding in a cave from the attacking Saul, and what happens next could not have been foreseen. The king steps into the cave. He is alone and unaware of the danger. This gives David a rare opportunity to finally take the advantage. His men urge him to kill the king. They assure him this is divine providence. They quote some obscure proverb to support their insistent counsel, saying this turn of events is surely God’s will for David!

David thinks better and refuses to take their spiritual guidance.

Saul, despite his faults, is still God’s chosen, His anointed king. It will someday be David’s crown, but only in God’s own time: not now and not this way! To do something for a good reason like cutting a piece of the king’s clothes to make a point was deemed an unacceptable embarrassment and diminishing of this king, and David’s conscience soon rebuked him for it.

Bending to peer pressures, seeking to end personal troubles, or trying to commandeer God’s plans must not cause us to do what we know is wrong.

Author: Ron Dalton

Matthew 18:10-20

Christians are meant to be a people who represent God in this world. Following the example of Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of faith” (Hebrews 12:2), we are to live uniquely. Where the world divides people by level of importance, Jesus tells us that we are not to “despise one of these little ones” (v. 10a). Every person matters! The Church sees the image of God in each person no matter their perceived value to society.

We, also, are to be unique in how we deal with conflict. Gone are the angry words, the clenched fists, the debate winning posture that seems so common today, and in their place is the quiet conversation, the fellowship of suffering that seeks a path to reconciliation.

No other name, no other identity is to define the character of God’s people. It’s as if we are to be marked by His name (see Rev. 22:4). What name identifies you? Are you being marked by the wrong name? Hear Jesus saying to each of us: I want you to gather in My name so that I can transform you to be like Me.

Author: Dustin Metcalf

Psalm 111:1-10

In a world that seems so comfortable with the desire to tear down, point fingers, and use words in destructive ways, Psalm 111 comes as breath of fresh air. The Psalmist looks around and sees beauty, majesty, justice, grace, and mercy. This is the world we all want to live in, but sadly one that seems so far removed from our daily lives. Has our author written a fantasy born out of isolation from the realities of this world? I think not!

The ancient world was as keen on the injustices and sinfulness of their societies as we are of ours, and there are plenty of Psalms that name these wrongs. Maybe this Psalm stands as a reminder to us that sometimes we, the people of God, need to speak what is good in our world, even if that good is tenuous or a faint glimmer.

No matter how hard things get, the Church has been given a message of hope: our God “provides redemption for his people” (v. 9a). God is at work! Let’s hold onto these words of promise and declare them boldly.

Author: Dustin Metcalf

Psalm 99:1-9

Psalm 99 is a celebration of the kingship of Yahweh. It has all the other-worldliness that we would expect. God’s throne is a living throne of cherubim! But what’s more, we are told on three occasions that God is holy. Here is no ordinary king, this is the transcendent One who sits above all things. In the face of such holiness, we are told to “praise [God’s] great and awesome name” (v. 3).

Interestingly, amid this reflection on the holiness of God we are given the names of Moses, Aaron, and Samuel. It is not enough that God’s awesomeness is displayed in such things as the “pillar of cloud,” our God chooses to come near us and to hear us. God enthroned above is also the God who “made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).

Our hope, then, is that as our holy God draws near to us and as we respond to Him that we will become more like Him. We, too, will “love justice . . . establish equity . . . [do] what is just and right” (v. 4). May this be true for us today.

Author: Dustin Metcalf

Psalm 3:1-8

We have seen David at his best this week—courageous and victorious over Goliath, but now we see him struggling. This Psalm is attributed to him while he was fleeing from his son Absalom. At this moment, the confidence of victory seems to be a thing of the past, yet David still proclaims a deep trust in God. God is his shield, his glory, his deliverer. It does not matter if “ten thousand” people have set themselves against David or if it is just one, he declares he is not afraid.

This is a model for our own prayers, but don’t miss verse five. Sometimes words are not enough for us. We need symbols to help us in times of difficulty. David reaches for something we do every day—falling asleep and waking up—to remind himself of God’s presence in his life. Sleeping is an act of trust. Each night we finally reach the end of ourselves, and we close our eyes trusting and hoping for the resurrection to come so we too can declare, “I wake again, because the Lord sustains me” (v. 5).

Author: Dustin Metcalf

1 Samuel 17:41-50

In 1 Samuel 17, the cursing anger of Goliath is met with David’s language of worship. David’s declaration that he comes against Goliath “in the name of the Lord Almighty” is not magic. This is not a special weapon that the people of God can invoke. To think this way is to think we are somehow in control of God, and we know this is not the case!

This is a battle of worship. Goliath, with all the arrogance of a man who thinks he is a god, is utterly offended at the sight of David. Goliath wants others to fear him and be in awe of him. He wants to be worshipped. And here comes this boy! David, on the other hand, worships God. In place of the fear and awe of Goliath we, once again, find David expressing profound allegiance to God (v. 47).

The people of God are not patterned after the angry, violent, self-centered ways of Goliath—these ways are sadly on full display in our world. Instead, we are called to be a people who worship God—who follow the pattern Christ set for us (see Philippians 2:5-11).

Author: Dustin Metcalf

1 Samuel 17:32-40

We tend to think that wisdom comes with age. David is the young man who has been at home doing the minor tasks of life, while the men have been doing the important work of a nation. Surprisingly, it is not the king, the most learned, or the most experienced soldier that sees a way through the challenge of Goliath. It’s the shepherd boy.

Scripture is filled with these kinds of script-flipping moments. It seems that the wisdom of God has little to do with age, gender, education, or wealth but has everything to do with trust. David trusted that God was with him in the moments with the lions and bears, so he knew he could trust God in this moment. The others had no answer for Goliath, David’s answer was: “But I trust in you, LORD; I say, ‘You are my God’” (Psalm 31:14).

Today we need to trust God with the small challenges of our lives. When the giant challenges come, we won’t be held captive to our fear, but will have the wisdom to know God is near.

Author: Dustin Metcalf

1 Samuel 17:1-11

Goliath is frightening! How can an average person take on someone of this size? Here is a giant of a man with giant-sized armor. The challenge he poses seems unfair and unwinnable.

The response to the defiant Goliath is understandable: “Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified” (v. 11). This ought to be encouraging to us. If we stood before the great giant of the past we too might be scared, discouraged, and wondering what the future holds. And it is in this very human state that God meets His people. No doubt, we want to be people of deep faith, but we need to recognize that God can meet us in our terror, anxiety, and despair. In the darkest moments of our lives, we may have less faith and more fear but that does not mean God cannot work for us and in us.

Today there is much to be anxious for and in the face of such Goliath-like challenges we may be filled with uncertainty, so “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

Author: Dustin Metcalf

Proverbs 16:1-9

A lady that I greatly admire, a saint of the church who has been a mentor and friend all my life, ends any commitment with the statement, “Lord willing”. She will say, “I will volunteer to help at that event, Lord willing!” Or she would say, “Let’s go out to lunch tomorrow, Lord willing.” I hear in her words a surrender of the heart, a commitment to the Lord’s will, and a willingness to exchange any plans that she makes to go where God would direct her.

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” We can trust the Lord to make our plans and be willing to abandon our will for the will of God.

When I hear my friend say, “Lord willing,” I am challenged to commit my day to the Lord’s will as well. May we commit not only our day, but our week, our year, and our entire lives to the will of the Lord.

Author: Cortney Coombs

Acts 13:13-22

Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” When you delight in your relationship with the Lord you do not suddenly get everything on your list of wants. The amazing thing that happens is the transformation of your desires to match what God desires for you. Therefore, you do receive the desires of your heart!

When you become connected to God’s heart, you realize that you no longer want some of the things you did previously. You have every desire of your heart fulfilled because your every desire comes from the heart of God.

David is described by God as “a man after my own heart” (Acts 13:22b). It seems that David was so connected to the heart of God, living in close relationship with Him, that God was able to trust David to lead and fulfill His will.

What a privilege to be chosen by God, to be on His team, and to accomplish His mission! People sometimes think that surrendering to God’s will for life will be a great sacrifice. The surprise ending is great contentment and abundant joy!

Author: Cortney Coombs

Jeremiah 17:5-10

Have you ever played hide-and-seek with a young child? Little children often think that if they can’t see you then you cannot see them. You may find them sitting in plain view with their hands over their face. They think they are well hidden since they cannot see.

When we try to hide our sinful thoughts and deeds from the Lord, we are like a little child hiding in plain view with our hands over our eyes. We cannot hide from the view of the Lord. We may feel that He cannot see us because we are hiding our eyes; we are only hiding our sin from ourselves.

The Lord sees every motivation of our heart. He sees every thought that enters our minds. We are completely known by Him. This is truth that we must face.

His omniscience can also be comforting when we are falsely accused or judged by others. We can be comforted knowing that God always knows the truth. Whether good or bad, He knows the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Author: Cortney Coombs

Psalm 89:14-24

God not only chooses to sustain and strengthen His leaders, but He often chooses people who need the most help to accomplish His mission. Abraham and Sarah were elderly, but God chose them to birth a baby to pass on faith to many generations. Moses had a speech problem, but God chose him to speak to Pharaoh. Joseph had become a slave and a prisoner, but God used him to save a nation from famine. David was the youngest and smallest, but God used him to kill the largest and strongest, Goliath. God selected a little boy with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish to feed over 5,000 people.

These examples are only just a few of the many times that God was clearly the sustaining and strengthening force behind the great actions of people. If He can use these people to lead, surely He can use you and me! It is not by our own strength that we accomplish His mission, but only by choosing to be sustained and strengthened by Him.

Author: Cortney Coombs

Psalm 78:65-72

There is a seemingly purposeless locked gate blocking the way to a great view of the lake near my childhood home. I have come to realize that there are two types of people who encounter the gate. The rule followers say, “We cannot go over it or around it because its purpose is to keep us out.” The risk takers say, “It’s okay to climb over it or go around it because there is no one here to see us.”

Character is what a person does when no one is watching. Integrity is when a person’s character is righteous. Those who choose to respect the intention of the gate, even when no one else is around, are choosing integrity.

Every day there are choices to make. Each righteous choice builds character with integrity. What happens when we give into temptation? It is said that David led with “integrity of heart” (Psalm 78:72). David was not flawless, but he was forgiven. We can also repent for past decisions and choose to lead with “integrity of heart” with God’s grace and guidance.

Author: Cortney Coombs

1 Samuel 16:6-13

I pulled an old favorite book from my shelf and recommended it to my daughter. She wasn’t interested. A few months later we visited a nice bookstore where she picked up a copy of the same book with great enthusiasm. The only difference was a new modern design on the cover. I laughed when I told her it was the same story she had turned down from my collection. The old saying is true: you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.

The same wisdom is true for judging people. It is easy for our opinion of a person to be influenced by their outward appearance. Our feelings about people often are shaped by culture, preferences, upbringing, and experiences. It is easy to make judgments about people based on their outward appearance. What is much more difficult is looking past the exterior and discovering the true motivations of their heart.

The Lord directed Samuel to anoint David, the youngest son in Jesse’s family, to be king. He appeared to be the least likely of all eight sons for this mission. However, the Lord chose him not for his outward appearance, but for the appearance of his heart.

Author: Cortney Coombs

1 Samuel 16:1-5

When I ask my kids if they want to go somewhere with me, they have a hundred questions: Where are we going? How long will it take to get there? What are we going to do? Who is going to be there? What will we eat?

My dog, however, will jump in the car any chance he gets without hesitation! He trusts wholeheartedly that wherever I take him will be a good time. I’ll take good care of him. I have a plan, and I will feed him good food. His total trust in me feels so loving. When our Heavenly Father asks us to go somewhere, do we respond more like my children with hesitation and a list of questions, or more like my dog with excitement and blind faith?

Samuel agreed to participate in this mission for the Lord without knowing exactly what would happen when he got there or how he would know what to do. The Lord said, “I will show you what to do”(v. 3). The Lord can use each of us to accomplish His will if we are willing to go on the mission without hesitation and fully trusting God.

Author: Cortney Coombs

Jude 1:17-25

We have two dogs in our house. The oldest is 14 and the youngest is 6. Our older dog, Zoe, used to have a penchant for running off down the street to smell the neighbor’s roses. Once instead of following along and running down the street our younger dog, Porsche, stayed in the yard with us. We made sure that we expressed how proud we were that she made a good decision to remain in the yard. Her response to us was a short little stubby tail wagging back and forth at about 100 miles an hour as she licked our faces in excitement.

Jude writes to a group of believers who have been infiltrated by false teachers. These teachers were spreading a gospel other than that entrusted to the apostles. He concludes his letter to this group of believers with what we call the “doxology” which expresses a joy only found in faithful living to the one true God. When we live faithfully for God we discover an unmatched joy, the kind of joy that might just cause us to wag our tail!

Author: Devin Mulder

3 John 1:1-8

To Tell the Truth is a popular game show in which a panel of judges has to determine whether or not the contestants are telling the truth or telling a lie. Truth seems to have become a moving target, easily re-definable in society today.

In 3 John, the Elder writes to his friend, Gaius, expressing the joy he experienced upon learning of his faithfulness to live in the truth and to walk according to it. So, what is this truth? For the Elder, the truth was a life of loving like Jesus loved and living as though one believed the new reality brought about by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, as well as the infilling of the Holy Spirit.

Living faithfully would have been understood to be a life lived as a reflection of the life Jesus Christ lived while walking this earth. To live faithfully is to offer a cup of cold water, a meal, a place to lay one’s head. All of this is done in the hope that the recipient would experience the love and the real unchanging truth of Jesus Christ.

Author: Devin Mulder

Proverbs 2:1-11

I love of all things cars. Growing up I helped my dad work on cars. We attended and participated in car events. I hope to pass this love of cars on to my children. This only happens through hands on training. Even with all of this experience there are still times that I am amazed at and stand in awe of people who have such a deep understanding of cars that they can diagnose a problem just by listening to the car itself.

Proverbs 2 says that if we accept God’s words and commands that we will then understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. This “fear” of the Lord isn’t cowering in a corner because we are literally afraid. Rather, it is the “awe” that I have when my friends can diagnose a car problem from a sound because their intimate knowledge of that car. To understand God so intimately that we are in awe of Him and we find just a glimpse of His knowledge amazing, should be a desire of our heart.

Author: Devin Mulder

Psalm 119:113-120

I enjoy making things with my hands. Sometimes, I even think I’m pretty talented. I’ve made a natural edge, river runs through it, table out of an old tree which came off of some family property. Every time I look at it I’m quite amazed by my abilities. I have to be reminded that I didn’t build this table all on my own, but rather with the help of an even more talented woodworker at our church.

Sometimes when we are doing well following God it is easy for us to think we have it all figured out. Too easily we can become arrogant and think we’ve accomplished some great task. Psalm 119 reminds us that God is our ultimate provider, caretaker, and ability-giver. With this knowledge we can’t help but be humbled in the presence of one who is greater than ourselves. This reminder causes the Psalmist’s body literally to tingle in awe of all that God does for him and the judgements He makes on his behalf.

May you tingle in awe of what God does on your behalf as you humble yourself before Him.

Author: Devin Mulder

Psalm 119:105-112

My mom took me to the roller skating rink as a young child. She recounts the story of me falling and getting up, falling and getting up, falling and getting up. I was determined to learn how to roller skate that day. I’ve been told that I have a strong determination, which I guess is a good thing.

In Psalm 119:112 the Psalmist declares that his heart is set on keeping God’s decrees even to the very end. He indicates that his heart, or his inner will, is bent and determined to perform God’s decrees. He finds delight and joy in God’s decrees simply because they exist. The Psalmist has discovered that even when distractions come along or when enemies attempt to derail him, God’s decrees provide life and joy.

When we set our heart on following God, even in the most difficult of circumstances, we find joy. When we determine to hold fiercely to the promises of God we find delight. When we meditate day and night on the words of God, they provide a light for our path in turn bringing joy to our heart.

Author: Devin Mulder

Psalm 119:97-104

My family went on a hiking trip in Glacier National Park. We did an overnight hike out to Cracker Lake, a beautiful blue body of water. The trail out there was less than delightful as we discovered it was also used by horses. At times we desired to walk off the path, take a different path all together, and even turn around.

In Psalm 119:101 the Psalmist declares that he has restrained his feet from every evil path in order to obey God’s word. Some of these paths, while they may appear better, easier, or even worth retreating from, have evil influences and bad consequences. The Psalmist is only able to claim this because he has determined not to turn aside from God’s laws. He can only follow God’s laws because he has made them the joy of his heart through daily meditating on them.

When we meditate on God’s words they become sweet words of promise to us. They are sweeter even than honey which can sustain life and make it easy for us to determine to follow God’s precepts.

Author: Devin Mulder

Psalm 119:89-96

Enemies stink. They threaten us on every side, causing us to take our focus off the things that are most important. Yet the Psalmist reminds us of the eternalness of God’s word and faithfulness, just as Jesus does in Matthew 24:35. The Psalmist declares that even though the wicked are waiting to destroy him, he will continue to ponder God’s words (v. 95). God’s words are so crucial to life that they should be pondered even in the face of certain destruction by enemies. The Psalmist acknowledges that if God’s word hadn’t been his delight, he would have perished (v. 92). Delight here is a picture of a young child enjoying being bounced on the knee of his parent.

Attempting to ponder on the Word of God while trying to deal with all of our everyday menial tasks on top of dealing with enemies seems impossible. Scripture promises that if we do, we will not be destroyed. Instead we will be like a young child, content to be bounced on the knee of a loving parent, realizing our troubles are all in the hands of a faithful God.

Author: Devin Mulder

Hebrews 6:13-20

When I need to be reminded of God’s faithfulness to me, I look at Genesis 15. God promises Abraham something that God cannot possibly produce and then seals the promise by walking between the halves of a heifer, a goat, and a ram. The covenant of walking between the halved sacrifice meant that if one partner failed to keep the oath, he was committing himself to be cut into two pieces. God’s action here is a clear communication to Abraham.

The writer of Hebrews wants to remind us of the anchor and hope we have and uses the Genesis story to do so. If there is one sure thing in a world in which we experience significant vulnerability, it is that God always keeps the promises He makes to us. We find those promises in scripture and we find them fulfilled in the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

What reassurance does your faith need today? Where do you feel vulnerable? The same God who walked the path for Abraham, walks it for you. You have hope. You have an anchor. His name is Jesus.

Author: Teanna Sunberg

Philippians 3:7-14

Philippians 3:4 has been used in a wide variety of metaphors and analogies to encourage believers in their journey of faith. The vivid imagery of heaven being a prize or a mansion or streets made of gold is inspiring, but perhaps sometimes, the vivid imagery hides the real treasure: Jesus.

When I think of my happiest spaces, they are moments with the people that I love doing the things that we love to do together. If there is any way that I want to spend my eternity, it is being together with Christ and with those who Christ has given to me to love. For me, that looks likes all of my people gathered around a big table with Jesus in the center telling us stories and laughing together. I think if we could really get hold of what it was like to be present with Jesus—the flesh and blood, eating and laughing and bear-hug Jesus—mansions and gold and prizes would fade away.

Who are you striving to be with today?

Author: Teanna Sunberg

Ephesians 4:1-13

Unity. There is perhaps no better witness to the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence among the people of God than unity. Unity can mean the mutual appreciation for how we are differently made and how we live out those differences in submission to God’s call and in service to Christ and others.

The diversity of our gifts, as we work together and as we build up the Body of Christ makes us gifts to one another who are sourced out of God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. The unity of the Church is not conformity, but the redeemed life of people as God intended it. We find unity in the Trinity, and are unified by God’s grace.

Here are a few questions to ponder. How has God gifted you in this season of your life? To what is God calling you in terms of service and fellowship? Finally, is there an area of disunity around you? Consider whether God has equipped you and is calling you to somehow carry the unifying presence of Christ into that situation.

Author: Teanna Sunberg

Acts 20:28-38

As a mom of four young adult missionary kids, Teanna can testify to the pain of saying goodbye. These are moments of intense emotion for a mother who knows the vulnerability of her children and the dangers of the world. There is a deep desire to express the important last thoughts, words, wishes, and prayers. Mothers know that words carry life, they buoy in times of trouble, they remind of what is dearest, important, and vital. They warn of danger.

For the last time on this side of eternity, Paul wants to say everything that is in his heart. His tells the Ephesians to support one another, to lean together, and look to God. Moreover, Paul being aware of the dangers that this group will face, admonishes them to be aware of danger and watch out for one another.

Though we are far removed from the goodbye in Ephesus, we are inheritors of Paul’s admonition to watch out and to support one another as together, we look towards God. Among the flock that God has given into your care, who is vulnerable today and how can you support them?

Author: Teanna Sunberg

Titus 2:6-15

Somehow, I had the idea that saying “no” might get easier with time, as if the maturing process brought less temptation and less desire for the “shiny things” of life. It may be that maturity gives us a clearer perspective of the pitfalls or the consequences. However, every decade and each season of life unveils areas in which we are still tempted, or maybe even newly tempted.

Regardless of our age, we need to continually be reminded that God calls us to self-control and to live upright, godly lives. We are called to this because our role in this world is to be the image bearers of God. We may be the only flesh and blood articulation of Jesus that some will see. When we live our lives for self without regard for what God calls us to or how God calls us to live, the image we bear is unclear. God’s call on our lives is to live humbly so that both the justice and the mercy of God are narratives of our lives.

Author: Teanna Sunberg

2 Timothy 4:1-8

If we are honest, our fractured and polarized societies challenge how we might apply 2 Timothy 4:2. To be sure, we have multiple and diverse examples of Christians who interpret this verse as an admonition to confront sin with little or no thought to the probable damage or outcome.

While Paul does use the imperative verbs to “correct” and “rebuke,” he also includes the verb “encourage.” He contextualizes all of the commands within the parameters of “with great patience and careful instruction” (v. 2b). The overarching admonition is for Timothy to “preach the word” (v. 2a).

The call to preach, (1 Peter 2:4-5) is a profound invitation to share the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. This is the proclamation of God’s unmerited grace rooted in His inconceivable love for us. To preach this word is to proclaim that the Word became flesh and dwelled with us.

May Jesus and His profound love be the message that you proclaim today.

Author: Teanna Sunberg

2 Timothy 3:10-17

I once witnessed a baby dedication in which the pastor gifted a pristinely white, gold edged children’s Bible. It was a work of art that one puts away to preserve. The pastor challenged the parents to do the opposite. He said, “Let your baby girl play with the Bible, let her drool on it and cut teeth on it. Let her sticky fingers grip the pages, so that the Word of God becomes like a familiar and favorite friend.

Paul reminds Timothy that scripture has been part of his narrative since infancy. Psalm 119:11 instructs us to hide scripture in our hearts. Proverbs 22:6 assures parents. Deuteronomy 6:5-9 is a snapshot of how our ancestors valued scripture. God’s Word is a living, functioning, life-giving gift to us. Like a well-read book, it grows in value as time and generations embrace it and absorb life from it.

In this new year, may this old Friend become a source of new life that roots you deeply.

Author: Teanna Sunberg

Psalm 19:8-14

In Psalm 19, David uses various words, like “precepts” and “decrees,” to refer to all the Scripture available in his day. The Scripture he had access to was considerably shorter than what we are privileged to read today. Imagine the joy David would experience if he had access to our Bible.

Psalm 19 shows three levels of how God reveals himself to humans. The broadest and most visible level, nature, should convince everyone that God is, and has always been, alive and active in the world. The next level is available to those who access the written Word, the Bible. It tells us all we need to know about God and how to have eternal life. The third level is the most intimate; we can apply God’s Word to our lives and enjoy a personal relationship with Him.

When we let the Bible’s “precepts” and “decrees” permeate our lives, we will agree with David that “they are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb” (v. 10).

Author: Karen Hiner

Psalm 19:1-7

“I feel closer to God in nature,” Joe says to himself as he drives his RV camper past the church on Sunday morning, joining the lines of other RVs making their way up the mountain. After setting up camp, he gets out a deck of cards to play Solitaire. Joe is alone, because his family chose the other side of the coin—finding spiritual refreshment from the Bible with other worshippers at church.

In Psalm 19, David shows us that even though we can see God in nature, and know He exists, we need His Word for the rest of the divine revelation. The Bible gives us the directions for how to find God and how to live as He wants us to live.

It isn’t just a manual. It’s about abundant living, finding what really matters, and sharing the abundant life with others. It is especially about love—for God and each other.

As we close out the old year, may we reflect on how God’s Word has been the refreshment we have needed in the past and can count on for refreshment in the year to come.

Author: Karen Hiner

1 Timothy 6:1-10

John Wesley’s preaching in eighteenth-century Great Britain brought attention to the plight of the poor, and especially the children. That may be why Wesley’s friend, Robert Raikes, decided education would be the only way to improve the children’s lives. But since the children worked in factories six days a week, they would only be available on Sundays. Raikes opened his first Sunday school in July 1780.

The Sunday schools were an almost immediate success, but critics objected to having school on the “Lord’s Day.” Others thought educating the poor would upset the social order. Wesley, however, was a strong supporter. In 1784 he wrote: “Who knows but some of these schools may become nurseries for Christians.”

The Bible was the textbook for these Sunday schools. John Burton, one of the teachers, wrote songs to help the children remember what they were learning. One song, still sung today, was “Holy Bible, Book Divine.”

How is the Bible a “precious treasure”? What does it teach us about who we are?

Author: Karen Hiner

1 Peter 1:22—2:3

Peter paints a wonderful word picture of what it means to plunge whole-heartedly into the Christian life. We may become so used to the words, that we miss the marvel. First, we are redeemed by the “precious blood of Christ” (v. 19). Then we are purified as we obey the truth; our lives become reflections of God’s love as we love others.

Simple, yet profound, but maybe not easy. The Bible has endured all these centuries to show us the way. As we sincerely seek its truth, the Holy Spirit instructs and enables.

But what does it even mean, to “love one another deeply, from the heart?” Just “each other?” And who is “each other?” These might be good questions to ponder throughout the coming year. As you receive insights, consider writing them down. At the end of the year, review how they have impacted your life and the lives of others.

When we are always turning toward God, and seeking His will by reading His Word and praying, we will have no interest in the evil Peter describes.

Author: Karen Hiner

Hebrews 4:1-13

Susan, a life-long learner, has taken on Shakespeare, determined to learn all she can about the bard’s writings and why people today think he still has much to offer. She tries to read the texts and watches various stage productions.

She is making progress, but still finds it obscure. “What I need is Shakespeare himself to sit beside me and explain what he meant,” she mumbles to herself.

Unlike the writings of Shakespeare, Hebrews 4 tells us that “the word of God is alive and active.” And that is why the Bible is different from other works of literature. The Bible remains relevant because the same Holy Spirit who inspired the writers many centuries ago is available to the person who reads it today.

But wait, there’s more! If we’re paying attention, not only does the Spirit help us understand the text, He shows us what to do with it. Sometimes the Scripture calls us to repentance. Sometimes we are called to action. It always calls us to love. We are blessed when we respond in obedience.

Author: Karen Hiner

Titus 1:1-9

My parents married 86 years ago today. The Depression and Dust Bowl were still wreaking havoc in northwestern Kansas, but they came from families who read the Bible and prayed daily and went to church every Sunday. They entered marriage with these same values.

Twelve years later, and now with four children, they purchased and moved to a farm in the Gary community of eastern Colorado. The nearest town had a church of their denomination, but it was seventeen miles away. Several years earlier, however, someone had planted a Church of the Nazarene just three miles from their farm. Our family started attending and soon joined the church.

Seven years later, they sold the farm and moved the family to Idaho, to be near Northwest Nazarene College. They wanted their children to have the opportunity of a Christian education.

Although my parents could not have known all the twists and turns life would bring them, their trust in God’s Word and prayer saw them through. They not only obeyed God, but set an example for future generations.

Author: Karen Hiner

2 Peter 1:12-21

Elizabeth Carter Howell was a recorded Quaker minister in northwestern Kansas. She never missed an opportunity to share the gospel, especially with her own family and friends.

During her later years, the extended family gathered annually to celebrate her birthday. Forty-four people attended her 86th birthday party in 1931. The local newspaper reported the event. “Following dinner Mrs. Howell called the children together, stating that she had a message for them. She had prepared a sermon especially for her family and delivered it in a manner which was appreciated by them as a rare gift.”

Elizabeth was much like Peter in 2 Peter 1. Both knew they weren’t long for this world and wanted to remind their listeners of the reliability of the Bible’s message. Although Elizabeth hadn’t been an eyewitness like Peter, she had experienced a personal relationship with Jesus that she yearned for others to share.

Take this opportunity to “refresh your memory.” Consider writing down your salvation experience to share with family and friends.

Author: Karen Hiner

Psalm 119:9-16

I am not a fan of snow. One reason is driving. Often, if you drive carefully, snow is not a problem. However, there are times when everything is covered, the snow is still falling, and you just can’t see the road. You drive carefully, hoping you are still on the road.

Some locations are not used to snow—they receive very little, very infrequently. The American mid-south will virtually stop if a dusting of snow occurs because they aren’t prepared for the rare show of snow. Expectations and preparation impacts our ability to stay on the road.

The Psalmist asks how someone can stay on the road of purity. The simple answer is to live according to God’s word. Preparation for life on the road of purity includes not just want being removed or avoided, but what is added: discipleship, worship, fellowship, sacrifice. When we expect and prepare for travel hazards, we can trust the Spirit to guide us on the road of purity.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

1 John 4:7-16

Have you ever had a person who acted like he or she was your friend, but was also, in some ways, an enemy or rival? If so, that person could be considered your “frenemy,” or “friend/enemy.” Many of us have experienced something like a frenemy.

1 John 4 is very clear: we are to love others as God has loved. We know from this passage, and others throughout the Bible, that God is not our frenemy. God cares for us, sets healthy boundaries for us, goes with us through the ups and downs in life. God never pretends to be a friend, only to work our destruction behind our backs. God loved each one of us, all of us, so much that “He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (v. 9b). There is no mistaking what loving looks like: sacrificial, caring, and life-changing.

Too often folks in church get a reputation for being more like a frenemy than a friend. Pray and think of ways that you can be a friend of God and others this week. Allow God to show you opportunities to love!

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

1 John 3:11-24

Much of middle school gym class is unremarkable. Until the boys were playing dodgeball. You couldn’t miss the distinct “smack” of the rubber playground ball against the gym walls. When dodgeball was played, an unmistakable “us verses them” mentality was observable. Each player was out to get the others before he was gotten.

1 John 3 is a letter to the church addressed a group of Christians who had come to identify themselves as a people against the world. Those inside the church were “us” and those outside were “them,” and never the twain shall meet. While this group of believers did not begin with such hostility at its core, it slipped into a sort of game of spiritual dodgeball: taking aim at “them” as a definition of character and responsibility.

Christ reveals God and commands us to love others. This love for others is grounded in the redemptive love that Christ demonstrated for all people. We can not separate the revelation of God through Christ from the command to love others.

Author: Stefanie Hendrickson

James 1:19-27

Recently, I’ve been making a great effort to downsize. Over the years, I’ve acquired many items I once found invaluable but which now have been relegated to the backs of cupboards and closets. So I’ve begun the hard work of getting rid of items I no longer want or use.

Decluttering our possessions can be a painful and grueling process. However, I know that letting go of these things will simplify my life and give me time for things that are important.

Getting rid of the clutter in our spiritual lives is not unlike decluttering our homes—although, with much more serious implications. The clutter James refers to in this passage is the kind that doesn’t belong in a believer’s life: “moral filth” and “evil” (v. 21). As believers, we cannot continue to hold onto the sinful practices and attitudes we accepted without question before we knew Christ—it is essential to “declutter” our spirits in order for the “word” to be “planted” in us (v. 21). Only then can we move forward as children of God, ready to do His work in this world.

Author: Judi King

John 6:46-57

Bread is a staple of practically every culture in every era. Who hasn’t gone to an Italian restaurant and been met with the mouth-watering aroma of the garlic breadsticks? Not your thing? What about the flatbread holding slices of spiced meat, onions, and tzatziki sauce on your gyro sandwich? Then there’s the naan that accompanies Indian cuisine, French croissants with your continental breakfast, and biscuits and gravy in the American South.

One would be hard put to find a more apt illustration of a universal need of humankind. Almost everyone eats bread of some kind. In fact, bread is such a universal part of our meals that Jesus famously used it to describe himself. “The living bread that came down from heaven” would have told Jesus’ audience—and us—that Jesus is the one thing we need for life.

In both ancient and modern times, this mainstay of earthly meals nourishes and sustains us. Similarly, when we accept Jesus into our hearts, He will nourish and sustain us for Christian life and ministry.

Author: Judi King

Colossians 3:12-25

I love to go for walks on my lunch hour. However, in the deep of winter, it can be a challenge. The average temperature outside often hovers around freezing. That’s about the bottom limit of my tolerance for walking outdoors! Choosing what to wear in the mornings can be difficult, knowing that I don’t want to be too uncomfortable in a heated office while wearing material thick enough to insulate against the cold. Layers in such circumstances are key—the right clothing on a cold day can be critical!

In our walk with Christ, the right “clothing” is also critical. Paul uses this metaphor to talk about our spiritual presence in the world. Being a new creation in Christ, he urges us to put off the habits and attitudes of our “old self” (v. 9) and allow ourselves to be clothed in the habits and attitudes that Christ exhibits. “Compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (v. 12) should be at the forefront in our dealings with others.

Over all of this, Paul continues, we must put on love (v. 14). Love is the virtue that binds everything together in perfect unity.

Author: Judi King

Colossians 3:1-11

Christmas season is always a bustle of activity—parties, shopping, decorating, gatherings of family and friends. Even as we’ve found other ways to accomplish all of this since the worldwide pandemic changed our lives (online shopping, Zoom gatherings), we have all still kept busy with our holiday plans.

The celebration of Christ’s birth is an important holiday in our Christian year. It is an ongoing reminder that Jesus came to earth to bring salvation to all people. Yet this focus is sometimes hard to remember in all the bustle of holiday planning. We can get caught up with the worldly aspects of the holiday if we don’t intentionally set our focus on “the reason for the season.”

In Colossians 3, Paul urges us to “set [our] hearts on things above, where Christ is” (v. 1). We “have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (v. 10). During this often stressful season, Jesus brings purpose and peace into our preparations.

Author: Judi King

Psalm 69:30-36

A tornado ripped the entire roof and ceiling off of a beautiful home. Inside we would expect to see a home owner in mourning and despair. Instead, the man sat at his piano and played a hymn of praise!

The Psalmist begins with a list of woes and a description of being overwhelmed. The Psalm speaks of being unfairly treated and a desire for revenge. Probably most of us can relate to at least one of the author’s complaints. Verse 13 is the turning point, “But I pray to you, Lord” and asks for God’s love and grace to come to the rescue.

This brings us to the last verses where we learn that praise is even more highly valued than sacrifice. Verse 32 reminds me of Matthew 5:3, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” The poor will see the gift of salvation that has been offered to us through Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection, and they will be glad! All of us who seek God are offered this gift of eternal life!

Author: Courtney Coombs

Romans 6:8-14

Our dog was rescued from a highway ditch. He was malnourished, little, weak, and unable to care for himself. If he had not been rescued, he surely would have died. His natural response to being saved has been his faithfulness and loving devotion to us. He offers himself to us as if he knows that without us, he would not be alive.

Without Christ our lives are meaningless, hopeless, and destined for eternal death. God has offered us the gift of eternal life through relationship with Him through Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. We have been brought from death to life by God’s grace.

Like my dog, may we be faithful and loving as a response to being saved from death. Our response of faithful and loving service to God is not only an act of appreciation for God, but also an act of love for our neighbors. Our service will surely contribute to other people also being brought from death to life!

Author: Courtney Coombs

Romans 6:1-7

One Christmas Cortney’s husband gave her a gift that she didn’t really appreciate. It was an electronic pressure cooker for quick cooking. She didn’t think that she needed it nor that it would help her much with meal preparation. She tried to exchange it, but the time when they would accept returns had passed. She stuck it in a closet and left the box unopened for an entire year. One day she heard about some of the meals she could make in it. She decided to accept the gift and begin using it. It made meal preparation so easy that it changed her life.

Jesus’ birth, death, and resurrection is a gift that many do not appreciate. We don’t realize that we need Him. We try to exchange what He has to offer for other things. We figuratively or literally put God in the closet and forget about Him.

There is a new life that has been gifted to us, but we have to choose to open it and accept it. Today, and every day, is a good time to open God’s gift and share it with others!

Author: Courtney Coombs

Ephesians 3:12-21

Children are influenced by the entire community in which they are raised. They speak the language of the community, share in the culture and customs of the community, learn common behaviors, and develop shared beliefs and values. This is a natural process that occurs when a child is given the opportunity to live and interact with people in a family, community, or village.

Paul writes to the Ephesians and encourages them to become a village of believers who have been “rooted and established in love” (3:17). He reminds them that they have received love “together with all the Lord’s holy people” (3:18a). There is power in that community connection to the perfect love that comes from God.

Like Paul, I encourage you to be a part of a village of believers. Join together with those who have accepted His gift of salvation through grace and have received the Holy Spirit whose power is at work within us. Together we will be established in Christ. He “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (3:20a).

Author: Courtney Coombs

Ephesians 3:1-11

The Trinity is so complex and yet so simple. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit each have unique characteristics, but are all a part of the one true God. God the Father lovingly sent His Son Jesus, to earth to accomplish His purpose. When Jesus was born, hope was born. His life was a demonstration of the wisdom and love of God. His death and resurrection provided every human the opportunity to accept His great gift of grace! “In [Jesus Christ] and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence” (Ephesians 3:12).

Have you ever felt like Paul, completely unworthy of God’s grace? The truth is that every one of us is unworthy of God’s grace, but we are “members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 3:6b). Paul realized that his acceptance of grace was also a call to share it with the Gentiles. We have received the greatest gift of all time; now we are called to share it with others!

Author: Courtney Coombs

Colossians 2:13-23

Kings are born in palaces, not stables. Kings’ births are witnessed by officials, not animals. They enter into their time of service with a coronation, not a river baptism. Kings sit on thrones; they do not walk dirt roads or sit with the homeless. They are surrounded by servants; they do not wash feet. They are honored in death, not crucified. Yet, Jesus Christ, our King, our Savior, and our Friend entered the world in a stable with animals. He was baptized in the river. He walked among the poor and the sinners. He healed the sick and washed the feet of others.

Our reality is only in Christ and boundaries are created only by Him. Let us not be distracted by the ways of the world, and judging others. Instead, let us keep our hearts and minds keenly focused on our relationship with God, listening closely to the Holy Spirit and walking obediently with Him wherever He leads us.

Author: Courtney Coombs

Colossians 2:1-12

When I was a child, my mother wore a pin on her coat during the month of December. It read, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” This month, although many are focused on the celebration of Christmas, few are rooted in Christ and focused on the true reason for the season. Those who have received the gift of Christ Jesus as Lord should be diligently focused on Him all year, but especially during these days of Advent when we remember in anticipation His first arrival and look forward to His second coming!

It is easy to become distracted from the true reason for the season. Some are busy doing good, some are busy making magical moments, and others are focused on connecting with family and friends. These things can be good, but may we do them as people who are rooted in Christ Jesus allowing Him to lead us in all that we do. May every Christmas celebration and holiday tradition be an act of worship and service to the one whom we live for. His arrival was miraculous! His gift of salvation is by far the greatest gift ever given!

Author: Courtney Coombs

Revelation 12:1-10

There’s more than meets the eye within the Christmas story. Though there are elements of chaos, many of our renderings of the nativity are wrapped in peace and serenity.

Joseph and Mary kneel beside a child wrapped in swaddling cloth. The shepherds peer inquisitively into the stable, trying to glimpse the angel-heralded child. Even the animals are well-behaved. The star shines brightly, casting its glow upon this monumental, though under-promoted event.

Led behind the cosmic curtain, John “sees” a realm that suggests “there’s more than meets the eye.” Behind the trappings of “silent nights” and “little drummer boys” is an upheaval of heavenly proportions. Raging against the impending coronation of the king of kings, the powers of darkness muster their power to stop the redemptive work of God. However, tearing the thin veil that separates heaven and earth, through Christ’s birth, God inaugurates a divine revolution of love and peace that renders the greatest efforts of evil . . . vanity.

Author: Jeff Stark

2 Corinthians 5:11-21

In the world of content creation and publishing, you scramble for the copyright. This ensures that your material can’t be used without your permission. You have control of the content. You own the rights to your story. Maintaining command of your own story matters.

Unfortunately, (and often unwittingly) we take up this same “all rights reserved” posture with Jesus. That need to control our story translates into a “tug of war faith” with Jesus. We want Jesus to redeem our story, but we want to maintain the copyright. We want Him to edit the less than favorable portions of our story and ensure the final chapter has a positive outcome, but we want a stake in what happens in each subsequent chapter.

This isn’t the way redemption works. There’s only one way for our story to flourish. Flourishing means yielding our story wholly and fully to God, aligning our intentions with God’s glory and neighborly love. To live the redemptive story is to yield the pen of our lives.

Author: Jeff Stark

2 Corinthians 5:1-10

I was the one that hovered about the kitchen during family gatherings, holidays, and feasts. It was never to help, only to lurk. Anxiously, I’d stroll through the kitchen, getting in the way of the bustling meal preparers, eager for “just a taste.” All I wanted was a taste. I’d often hear the same refrain from whichever matriarch was in charge of that meal, (come on, say it with me): “You’ll ruin your dinner.”

I’ve never understood that statement. I can’t say I remember ever ruining my appetite for the meal from a few tastes and lingering scraps at the edge of pans. Secondly, that’s not how tastes work. Tastes don’t spoil the appetite; they build the anticipation. When we get a taste, we eagerly anticipate what is ahead.

That’s how the Holy Spirit works in believer’s lives. Keenly aware that the fullness of our redemption will be made known through Christ and in His return, we are given the Holy Spirit as a taste, “a guarantee of what is to come.” The Holy Spirit doesn’t spoil the grand banquet of glory but builds anticipation for its coming.

Author: Jeff Stark

1 Peter 1:13-21

I’ve met far too many people of faith who seem to reduce the significance of salvation to an avoidance of hell and an anticipation of heaven. When this belief is embraced, it impacts what we believe about the gift of Jesus.

If “salvation” is nothing more than securing our eternal destination, then what Jesus accomplishes on the cross is nothing more than a transaction that purchases us an advanced ticket. But I wonder if what is revealed in the cross of Christ is less about an advance ticket and more about new citizenship papers.

According to Peter, redemption is as much about the journey as it is the destination. The value and significance of what has been sacrificed on our behalf means a present departure from a former identity. We are now strangers, foreigners here on this earth. We no longer fit. We live as those whose lives testify (now) to the immense grace afforded to us, bearing witness to a new kingdom, with new citizenship papers.

Author: Jeff Stark

Ephesians 1:15-23

There is a seductive intoxication with words like power, rule, reign, and authority. We imagine heads of state, thrones, executive orders, military might, bold, brash leaders who wield their positions with fierce resolve and a heavy hand. The greater the intoxication the more we either jockey for power or we interpret all “rule” through the conjured images.

But then Jesus . . .

If we aren’t careful, we will filter the language of Scripture through the wrong images. Jesus doesn’t satisfy or exemplify our preconceived assumptions of power. Jesus reigns, not with a scepter and sword but with water and basin. Jesus has power, not to dictate or determine the actions of others but to love so fiercely that the whole of creation is brought under His influence.

Jesus flips the script.

Jesus is “head over” the church and all “rulers and thrones.” His position looks less like a head of state and more like a humble servant.

Author: Jeff Stark

Colossians 1:22-29

Few artists would ever hide the fruit of their creativity from the eyes of the public, storing it in a closet or covering it with a thick black canvas. Art is meant to be shared, put on full display. Art is the evidence of the brilliance and beauty of its creator.

According to Genesis, God’s brilliance and beauty as an artist is demonstrated through creation and in humanity. Though tarnished, corrupted, and weathered by sin and rebellion, God never gives up on His intended beauty. God was not content to separate himself from His work. God reclaims His work, rescuing and reconciling us to Himself.

However, redemption doesn’t stop at the point of our personal salvation. God reconciles and restores the work of His hands so that those redeemed are put on full display for all to see, as the apostle Paul states, “to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” (v. 22b). We become the evidence of the brilliance and beauty of the Creator.

Author: Jeff Stark

Colossians 1:15-21

When Jesus is handed the currency of taxation, staring at it, He asks, “‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s’” (Matthew 22:20-21).

It appears the implications are simple. Pay your taxes. However, any “expert in the Law” understood the weight of this response. Ultimately, at stake is the image. Attributing too much authority to the image of something created is the essence of idolatry. The coin may bear the image of Caesar, but Caesar bore the image of God. The currency is inconsequential. It’s a question of authority and submission, creation and Creator, temporary thrones or an eternal kingdom.

We are often tempted to render our lives and our likeness to our preferred Caesars hoping they might save us. We must be reminded that the currency of their thrones and the legacy of their leadership is temporary and often forgotten, but the eternal kingdom of Jesus will remain.

Author: Jeff Stark

Revelation 1:1-8

She ends each day with her “daily rates.” It’s a practice that she adopted years ago and one that has been the persistent pathway for a daily perspective shift. This woman who adopted my wife and I into her family consistently impressed us with her steadfast faith and perseverance in the face of challenge and heartache. Life had not always been kind, as it is for many of us. However, when I asked her the source of her resilience, she pointed to her “daily rate.”

“Each day I do a survey. I think about all the blessings I’ve been given throughout the day. In 2 Kings, it talks about how Jehoiachin was given a ‘daily rate’ to sustain him. Throughout my life, I’ve learned to trust the ‘daily rate’ of God, my daily provision. Instead of lingering on all that I don’t have, I instead praise God for what I’ve been given.”

Praise is the pathway for a perspective shift, one that turns our eyes away from fear and lack and toward the certainty of God’s faithfulness.

Author: Jeff Stark

2 Peter 1:1-11

I get it, “finding a groove” is a comforting idea. Especially in a world with no shortage of disruption, uncertainty, and a fair bit of chaos, grooves are enticing. We say, “I want to get into a groove.” This means, I want life to settle down so that I can settle in.

My concern with “getting in a groove” is if you stay in the groove too long, the groove becomes a rut. Stay in the rut too long and you land in a hole, and this is no truer than in our journey with Jesus. Following Jesus throughout the New Testament was evidenced in the constant willingness to be made uncomfortable, to be stretched and to grow.

Peter basically encourages the churches under his guidance, “There’s no settling in, so you can’t settle down.” Instead, he says, “Possess these qualities in increasing measure . . . confirm your election” (v. 8a, 10b). Keep pressing forward. Keep growing. You aren’t done yet! You are an unfinished product of grace.

Author: Jeff Stark

1 Peter 3:13-22

As we stood next to the pond, he looked at me and said, “I can’t ever let that happen again.” Just prior to that comment, his brother had surrendered his life to Jesus. It had been a beautiful moment, a young man at the end of his rope yielding himself to the clear call of Jesus, beginning the transformative journey that lay ahead.

The problem for my friend was that I had been the one that had shared “the reason for the hope I have.” I’d been the one to explain the gospel. Though seemingly benign, this was a significant issue for my friend. Realizing his brother was taking steps toward Jesus and feeling ill-equipped and ill-qualified to lead him down that path, I got a late-night crisis call. “Pastor, come to the rescue.”

Having been redeemed and reconciled, recipients and participants in the good news of Jesus, we have a responsibility to be prepared to give a reason for the hope we have. Our testimony of faith is our commission to mission.

Author: Jeff Stark

1 Peter 2:4-10

Israel was poised for purpose; they just didn’t know it. Having been liberated from the grasp of a tyrannical ruler, they were ushered to the edge of a mountain. There, it would have been easy to celebrate freedom as an end in and of itself.

Atop that mountain a different story is told.

On Mt. Sinai Moses discovers that freedom isn’t merely a “freedom from,” it is a “freedom for.” God carried out of Egypt a loosely affiliated collection of former slaves and nobodies to embody a unique purpose. They were to demonstrate God’s care for creation and mediate God’s presence to the world. They were to play a pivotal role in God’s restorative work.

Peter extends this calling as a “chosen nation and royal priesthood” to the Church. The Church wasn’t the invention of a new community but an extension of an old purpose. The Church was (and is) to demonstrate God’s intentions for the whole of creation. The Church is poised for purpose.

Author: Jeff Stark

1 Corinthians 13:6-13

“I arrived each morning before the kids, prepared my room and sat in each child’s desk, praying for them by name.” This was the testimony of a retired schoolteacher of 30 years. “She always had extra clothes in her cabinet for those whose homes neglected personal hygiene, sending them to change so they wouldn’t be teased for dirty clothes or smell.” This was the testimony of a prior student of that teacher.

And the greatest of these is love.

“I sought to know everyone in my factory by name, to know them as people, their stories and their families.” This was the testimony of a retired plant manager. “He cared deeply, not simply for what we do, but who we are.” This was the testimony of one of the employees of that manager.

And the greatest of these is love.

The stories that stand out as representative of Jesus aren’t those that will get attention or press. They are the daily, subtle, humble, faithful acts of love that leave a lingering residue of God’s goodness in the lives of the recipients of that love.

Author: Jeff Stark

Colossians 1:9-14

Salvation is perhaps the most invigorating and exciting truth we can ever experience. We are filled with joy. We taste the power of God’s restoration in our lives. It leaves some of us, like you, bouncing off the walls, eager to tell everyone about the joy of Jesus.

But this journey with Jesus is not a sprint. It’s a marathon. We aren’t exempt from the struggles and strains of life. Eventually you will experience circumstances that will test your enthusiasm. If you don’t dig a deep foundation, you will crash. It is the depth of our foundation that sustains us, giving us the patience and resilience to endure.

This is a foundational truth of faith. Our faith is worked out against the backdrop of struggle and strain. As Paul prays for the church in Colossae, he prays for a gritty faith, a faith grounded in the knowledge of God’s will and the power of the Spirit but worked out amid the challenges of life. Spiritual adrenaline is not sufficient to keep us in those moments.

Author: Jeff Stark

Colossians 1:1-8

When asked in John 9 about the legitimacy of Jesus, the formerly blind man who had encountered Jesus stated, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” (v. 25). He’s declaring that the legitimacy of Jesus is demonstrated in the evidence of his transformation.

When asked by John the Baptist’s followers in Luke 7 if Jesus was the one they’d been waiting for or if there would be another, Jesus states, “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor” (v. 22). Jesus suggests that His legitimacy is demonstrated in the evidence of change.

The truth and legitimacy of the gospel isn’t a matter of persuasive words or profound ideas. The truth of the gospel is demonstrated in the fruit it bears, the concrete evidence of transformation. If we’ve been changed by Jesus, we are the evidence of truth.

Author: Jeff Stark

1 John 2:15-25

The antichrist is anyone who does not believe that Jesus is the Son of God who physically lived, died, and rose again. 1 John was written to a church had come through a church split over this issue. Those who had left were teaching that Jesus was not the Christ. The letter was written to encourage those who remained to not be swayed by the teachings of the world, but instead to anchor their belief in God and His teachings.

When we in the church hear words like “antichrist,” we are tempted to look out at the world and look for the antichrist there, but 1 John shows us this problem came from the church community. John Wesley believed that Christians should pray a prayer of examination every morning, allowing God to show us the parts of our lives that need to be turned to Him. 1 John challenges us to allow God to examine our hearts to see if there are any “antichrist” tendencies within us in order that we might remain agents of Christ to the world.

Author: Stephanie Malcolm

Matthew 10:34-42 As a teenager, Stephanie remembered being moved by stories of Christians who were persecuted for their faith. She made promises to God that she would be just like them. Years later, Stephanie and her husband were pastoring comfortably in Maine, USA, when they received a call from a man who lived in a […]

Psalm 1:1-6 Where I live, we get terrible windstorms that knock over trees, power lines, and tear off roofs. During one of the storms, the wind pulled many trees out by the roots, blocking roads and knocking out power lines for over a week. I learned that the trees that fell over had shallow, or […]

Judges 16:23-31 There is a practice in Japan of fixing broken pottery. When a piece of pottery becomes broken, they do not throw it away. Instead, using gold or other fine materials, they fix it turning it into a beautiful piece of art. We find Samson in a Philistine jail humiliated. They decide to […]

Judges 16:17-22 Samson was led away by his enemies to prison, his heart broken by betrayal. He is humiliated when they take his eyes and force him to do menial work. Despite all the missteps that Samson made to get himself put here, God still brings hope in the middle of dire circumstances. Samson’s hair […]

Judges 16:10-16 Samson continues his prideful ways and gives up his source of power. With his hair chopped off, he leaps to his feet expecting to get out of trouble, only to find his power is gone. As Samson is led away in chains, you can imagine the confusion he must have felt. His powers […]

Judges 16:1-9 One of the most powerful forces of nature is an avalanche. All it takes is a weaker layer of snow in the correct place and the whole side of the mountain falls. In chapters of Judges, Samson is shown as God’s judge, one who is set aside to help with God’s mission of […]

1 Peter 4:12-19 Peter echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:11, “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you . . . because of Me.” This is the sort of suffering according to the will of God that Peter talks about. That doesn’t mean that all suffering results from good Christian conduct. When we […]

Acts 14:21-28 Acts 14 is an amazing testimony to the fact that when one is committed to the Lord and guided by Him, he or she will succeed. That does not mean, however, that God will make their path smooth. Paul and Barnabas went through incredible struggles and suffering as they traveled through Iconium, Lystra, […]

Proverbs 16:1-9 Proverbs 16 reminds us that while we can make all the plans in the world and believe them to be the best thing to do, our real inner motives are known to God. The final outcome is in His hands. If you want your plans to succeed, make sure the Lord is the […]

Judges 15:13-20 Samson’s story is a testimony to God’s power working in a person, wrapped in human failure, He called to accomplish His purposes. Samson had been dedicated to God to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. God did everything to help Samson accomplish that despite his constant failures. Samson could have used the power […]

Judges 13:15-25 The angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah and his wife a second time; yet, Manoah still does not understand what is going on. Manoah offers hospitality to the messenger as he would to any other human guest and asks his guest to reveal his name so that he can honor him when […]

Judges 13:8-14 Manoah and his wife reacted to the messenger’s words both with joy and fear. Their son was to accomplish the important task of delivering Israel. They understood the incredible responsibility this task implied and their own responsibility in raising the child “right.” So Manoah kept asking the messenger to “teach us how to […]

Acts 20:19-28 Have you ever served the Lord through severe testing with tears and humility? This is the triumph of faithfulness. As Paul looks back over his life, he recounts his aim of following Jesus in service to God’s mission, obeying the leading of the Spirit. The Spirit guided him, like so many of us, […]

John 14:22-31 As Jesus says farewell to His disciples, He’s fully aware of the challenges they will face as they continue without Him. So Jesus takes the opportunity here, before His arrest, death, and ascension, to remind them of the resources available to them as they proceed. As His body on earth, they are to […]

Judges 6:30-40 The enemies of Israel band together creating a threatening force. God’s response is to clothe Gideon with the Spirit of the Lord. God will make good on the promise to be with Gideon, making him a mighty warrior. The coming of the Lord’s Spirit upon Gideon doesn’t override his consciousness. The Spirit’s power […]

Judges 6:23-29 The source of Israel’s plight is their drift towards the worship of the Canaanite gods Baal and Asherah. Israel needs to trust only the Lord. So Gideon is called to lead the removal and replacement of these idols that their worship and trust may be rightly directed. Gideon knows what the Lord desires […]

Judges 6:13-22 Hesitant Gideon hears the Lord’s call and balks at being God’s choice. Being from the weakest clan and the least of the family, he is obviously disqualified. Someone with better resources and competence should be chosen. Gideon also protests the promise that God is currently nearby. Doubtful of himself, Gideon is also curiously […]

Hebrews 11:31-40 It’s one thing to want God to act, to do something, to see human misery and chart a way out. It’s another thing to allow oneself to be summoned to the unanticipated plan God assembles. The people have cried out to God to come and deliver Israel in the midst of their misery […]

Hebrews 11:31-40 Hebrews 11 is a string of examples of heroes of faith. These are people who obeyed the Lord in spite of things seeming illogical or even dangerous. Faith is confidence in our hope and assurance in the unseen (v. 1). In other words, faith is the willingness to trust a bigger picture than […]

Acts 13:42-52 When I read Acts 13, I readily relate to Paul and Barnabas. I think of times when I’ve tried to speak truth and do right, and others come against me. Perhaps you relate that way, too. Maybe that’s happened, and we need a word from God to be encouraged, strengthened, and to stand […]

Acts 1:1-11 Whether they whispered it to each other, or silently asked it in their minds, surely they thought the same thing: “What is He talking about? He’s alive and back! When are we going to get moving with this ‘Kingdom of God’ thing?” They did finally give voice to their perplexity: “Jesus, are you […]

Esther 4:6-14 Esther’s life began tragically, with her parents dying. She was part of an exiled people. Eventually, she was even taken from her loving, adoptive father (her cousin) to join the king’s harem. While Esther experienced hardship, she is now in a comfortable place of security. It is from this comfort and security that […]

Judges 4:18-24 This is one of those texts we don’t really expect to find in our devotional books! It’s important to remember some things when we read this. First, because we know God is a God of mercy and steadfast love, this story is not meant to be a glorification of violence. Second, we must […]

Judges 4:11-17 The contrasting image in Judges 4 is almost a comical one. On one side is the confident, experienced, well-equipped warrior, Sisera. He has 900 iron chariots and legions of troops behind him. He hears the wimpy Israelites are on the move and thinks, “Great—this is our chance to put these people in their […]

Judges 4:1-10 The curtain opens on a couple of interesting characters: Deborah and Barak. Deborah is a prophetess who emits confidence in God and flexibility to engage people in God’s plan. Barak is a leader and warrior, but has limited vision that doesn’t go beyond his own abilities. The setting is important to note as […]

Acts 13:16-26 It would likely have been quite entertaining to be a fly on the wall as Paul preached this little sermon. In verses 16-22, he had them. Jewish listeners in that synagogue were locked in as he told their story, the story they knew so well. He might even have been getting a few […]

John 3:11-21 John 3, verses 16 and—to a lesser extent—17, seem to be two of the most memorized and quoted scriptures. There’s good reason for this. Believe in Jesus, who came to save the world, and you will live forever. It’s the gospel. These are worthy of memorization and being played on repeat. However, because […]

Proverbs 22:4-15 The duality presented in Proverbs 22 is important to note. Humility is juxtaposed against the fear of the Lord because the two are inextricably linked. Humility is the way we see ourselves. Fear of the Lord is the way we see God. If we exalt ourselves too highly, we won’t be able to […]

Proverbs 11:1-8 We’re not so spiritually shallow as to take this proverb at face value, right? Obviously righteous people experience trouble every day. Christians face persecution around the world. Christians die of cancer. Christians struggle with mental health. Yes, in this world, we will have trouble. It’s easy to take this proverb, then, and make […]

Judges 2:17-23 It’s easy to be faithful when things are going well. Money is good. Health is good. Relationships are solid. Thanks be to God. However, a lot of Christian music and popular writing is dedicated to continuing in faithfulness even through our hardest times. Why do we feel the need to remind ourselves and […]

Judges 2:10-16 The largest supermarket chain in the world is still run by the family that started it. Since its inception, each new generation has been significantly involved with the governance of the company, with no end in sight as of this writing. This house has learned how to invest in the next generation in […]

Judges 2:1-9 In Judges chapter one, the Israelites stopped short of fulfilling their charge from God, allowing Canaanites to stay in the land. Now, in Judges chapter two, God calls out their disobedience. In verse three, God says of the Canaanites, “they will become traps for you, and their gods will become snares to you.” We could […]

Psalm 84:1-12 There’s a real estate company in a nearby city that uses the word, “dwell” on their signs. According to several dictionaries, “dwell” means to “exist” or to “stay.” It’s a rather appropriate choice for the housing market. Another word came to mind as I saw these signs: “declare.” It is reasonable, I would […]

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 I feel it’s safe to say that most churches practice what I like to call “holy commotion” during their morning worship. Some might call it “meet and greet” and others have called it “passing the peace.” Despite the label, it all amounts to the same thing-God’s people hugging, high-fiving, fist bumping, howdy […]

Romans 5:1-11 “Momma, why do people think the moon is made of cheese?” Andrea tried to explain to her daughter that because of the moon’s craters, some thought it resembled a wheel of cheese. This must have disturbed her because she promptly apologized to God that there were some who thought His creation was made […]

Exodus 40:26-38 Did you know that God can handle the consequences of your obedience? Consequences are often thought of as a negative event but they are simply results (positive or negative) of an action or decision. However, when you and I choose to obey God and do what He has asked us to do He […]

Exodus 40:17-25 Everyone has their own ideas about what the inside of a church should look like. I think every church should have a Christ candle and I think it’s important that it’s lit every Sunday. When the white pillar that represents our Savior needed replacing, I opted for an LED over a traditional candle. […]

Exodus 40:9-16 It really bothers me when I see kids running in the sanctuary. It also bothers me when I see people sitting on altars and drinking coffee in their favorite pew. I realize that there are some who would disagree. This topic certainly has enjoyed its fair share of discussion, especially if you happen […]

Exodus 40:1-8 In my opinion, moving is not fun. Sure, new homes and new opportunities can be very exciting, but I am simply not a fan of packing, transporting, unpacking, and arranging. It is truly a lot of work! In the latter part of Exodus, God is preparing His people to move into a new […]

1 John 2:1-11 The dark hurts. Let me explain. When I was an associate pastor, part of my responsibility was to turn off all the lights and lock all the doors after the Sunday night service. My routine would include beginning in a certain section and working my way toward the last door. One night […]

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 We have become fascinated recently with the G.O.A.T (greatest of all time). Who is greatest quarterback, NBA star, or boxer? I have been in discussions where this question was posed and the answers varied. Paul, speaking to the church at Corinth, points to the greatest when it comes to expressing Christlikeness in […]

1 Corinthians 8:1-13 What motivates you? I recently went to the doctor for my yearly exam. When my blood work came back, my cholesterol was a bit high and my glucose level was borderline. I decided to go on a new eating and exercise regimen. My blood test became a motivator for me to get […]

Romans 13:8-14 I remember the first new car my wife and I bought. It was the first big purchase that required us to make payments. For five years, we had this payment to make each month. I can tell you that when we made the final payment, it seemed like a great weight had been […]

John 6:30-40 There’s an adage stating that familiarity breeds contempt. That adage is part of what Jesus must overcome in John 6:41-51. He’s talking to people who know who He is, and so they take umbrage at the lofty words He uses to refer to himself. Depending on your context, you may be dealing with […]

John 6:30-40 I spent much of my teenage years struggling with God’s call on my life. I had not been living a particularly Christian or holy life, so I had very real doubts about whether God could use me. Like Gideon in the Old Testament, I often put out “fleeces,” asking God to prove that […]

RG 093022 Luke 12:13-21 “Greed, for lack of a better word, is good. Greed is right. Greed works. Greed clarifies, cuts through, and captures the essence of the evolutionary spirit.” These are the famous lines from the character Gordon Gekko in the 1987 movie “Wall Street.” This is arguably an accurate depiction of the […]

RG 092922 Exodus 16:31-36 During school breaks or the summer, it is often my responsibility to get lunch ready for my three children. I’ll ask them, “What do you want for lunch today?” Almost always the answer comes back the same. “A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.” While this is certainly in part because […]

RG 092822 Exodus 16:21-30 Often when you ask someone how they are doing, the answer comes back, “I’m busy.” We feel a strong urge to do more in less time. We want our accomplishments to astound, but we don’t want to devote any more time to cause that astonishment. There’s a famous scene from […]

RG 092722 Exodus 16:10-20 When one of my children was a baby, we had to learn to cut him off at mealtimes. If not, he would eat until he made himself sick simply from eating too much. Enough wasn’t enough to his young mind. We all tend to do that. Since the garden of […]

RG 092622 Exodus 16:1-9 God’s people have always included groups that I call the “Back to Egypt Committee.” The people in such groups may not know much, but they do know that things were better the way they used to be. The way things were when we first became a part of the people […]

RG 092522 1 Timothy 2:1-7 At a previous job we had a saying, “mission first, people always.” This saying has been adopted by countless organizations worldwide now. It has quite a bit in common with 1 Timothy 2. The mission in our lives as Christians is all about people and them coming to know […]

RG 092422 2 Corinthians 4:1-12 When you think of a safe or a vault do you think of the mechanisms behind the design? Probably not. When we think of a safe, we usually think of the treasure that is secured within it. Think of your favorite action packed movie or book where the main […]

RG 092322 Psalm 46:1-11 We all face seasons in life that seem difficult or at times impossible to overcome. The author of today’s passage uses the illustration of mountains doing frightening things as some of those difficult seasons we may encounter. Mountains are often overwhelming and intimidating at first glance. They can cause us […]

RG 092222 Psalm 42:5-11 We put our hope in a lot of things don’t we? Think about all of the things you hoped would work correctly today. Perhaps a car, electricity, a bridge, tools, the list could go on and on. Often we don’t think about the things we put our hope or trust […]

RG 092122 Exodus 14:19-31 One animal that lives in Alaska is a muskox. Muskoxen have incredible skills and unique behaviors to live in such extreme environments. For instance when they encounter danger, the herd forms a circle. This ensures that there is no angle of advantage for a predator. They do the same thing […]

RG 092022 Exodus 14:10-18 One of my favorite things about being a dad is the learning experiences I get to share with my kids. Often there will be something that they think they know how to do, or they think they have it all figured out. There are those moments when I, as the […]

RG 091922 Exodus 14:1-9 I am not much of a football player; in fact I rarely even watch games. I do know that it is a game of strategy. One of my favorite parts of football is to see how the coach interacts with the team when calling a play. The coach has a […]

RG 091822 Hebrews 13:7-17 In recent years, we have witnessed the downfall of many formerly trusted and respected Christian leaders. Some fell prey to the allure of riches, but the vast majority succumb to sexual temptation, leaving a wake of abused people and devastated, once-trusting followers. Jesus is the same yesterday and today and […]

RG 091722 Romans 12:1-18 We must read Romans 12 in light of the whole. Paul writes to a church made up of Jewish and Gentile Christians who are struggling to live and worship as one body. In response to their struggle, Paul makes a breathtaking defense of God’s righteousness, helping the church understand the […]

RG 091622 Exodus 15:9-21 How sweet is the praise of those whom the Lord has delivered! Israel stands in wonder and awe on the shores of the Red Sea, dry and safe, while the boastful, blood-thirsty enemies flounder and drown. There is nothing to do but praise, with hearts full of joy and gratitude. […]

RG 091522 Exodus 7:1-13 In spite of Moses’ discouragement about the people’s unwillingness to listen to the word of the Lord through him, God does not release Moses from the task. Rather, God reiterates once again the call placed on Moses. Moses and Aaron will partner with God in this work of redemption and […]

RG 091422 Exodus 5:10-23 To remember is to bring the past into the present. In Exodus 6, God declares to Moses what God will do because God remembered His covenant. It is not that God has been forgetful for 400 years and suddenly recalled the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, like an […]

RG 091322 Exodus 5:10-23 For 400 years Israelite lives hinge on the whims of Pharaoh. In their despair concerning the new command to make bricks without straw, the people plead with Pharaoh for mercy saying, “You are unjust to your own people.” Your people. They have come to identify themselves as the people of […]

RG 091222 Exodus 5:1-9 Whenever the Pharaoh issued a command, he would declare, “So let it be written; so let it be done.” The implication was clear: Pharaoh’s word is absolute. In Exodus 5, a new command is issued. However, it comes not from the supreme leader of the Egyptian empire. It comes from […]

RG 091122 Acts 9:1-14 Saul was a zealot. It means he was raised in the tradition of zeal, celebrating heroes like Phinehas. In Numbers 25, Phinehas stopped a plague against the Israelites by driving a spear through two disobedient people in the throes of passion. Their blasphemous act was ended in righteous violence, thus […]

RG 091022 John 8:21-30 It was Jesus’ unique communion with the Father that gave Him His authority. In John 8:28, Jesus points back to the Father as His source and His captain. He says He does nothing on His own. Where will this end up for Him? On a cross. He knew it, but […]

RG 090922 Exodus 4:21-31 God has equipped you to do more than you probably realize. We see an example of this in the earliest part of Exodus 4:21-31. Specifically, let’s focus for a moment on the word “all” in verse 21. I AM doesn’t over-equip Moses. Seems like God is saying, “Lay it all […]

RG 090822 Exodus 4:13-20 As we accept whatever call God has placed on our lives, there’s really no sense in explaining to God all the ways in which we are ill-equipped for the job at hand. God knows we aren’t equipped on our own. We aren’t called to this because of what we bring […]

RG 090722 Exodus 4:1-12 Objecting to a call from God does not release one from a call from God. Moses offers excuse after excuse about why this plan is not going to work. They’re not going to listen. I’m not equipped for this. Please send someone else. But God is sovereign over everything, including […]

RG 090522 Exodus 3:1-12 Moses, the humble shepherd, finds himself face-to-flame with his Creator on Horeb, the mountain of God. It is here that God chooses to reveal himself in order to call Moses into ministry. This is the ministry of deliverance. It’s a saving work. It’s dirty work. It’s ministry in the trenches. […]

RG 090422 Psalm 37:1-9 I was shopping for a new book and discovered I did not have enough money to buy it. Pouting, I said to God, “Why have you brought me to serve here in this little church? I’m not asking for much. I just want enough money to buy books.” God told […]

RG 090322 Psalm 37:1-9 With the death and resurrection of Jesus, the world was forever changed. Jesus frequently talked about the already but not quite here kingdom of God. As Christians, we are called to live into this kingdom. But, there is a problem: the rest of the world doesn’t know that things have […]

RG 090222 Exodus 2:18-25 Moses has fled to the desert where he gets married, starts a family, and spends his days herding his father-in-law’s flock. It seems like God has forgotten His people. Enough time passes that the old Pharaoh has died and a new one has taken his place. The people of God […]

RG 090122 Exodus 2:11-17 When Stephanie and her husband first started dating, they disagreed a lot. Their disagreements stemmed from him treating her how he wanted to be treated and her treating him how she wanted to be treated. Over time, they began to realize that while their intentions were good, they needed to […]

RG AUDIO 083122 Exodus 2:1-10 Moses’ mother hears the decree that all male Hebrew babies must be thrown into the Nile; she technically follows it. She fashions him a basket, the same Hebrew word for ark. Then, she places the baby in the ark and sets it in the waters hoping that the God […]

RG AUDIO 083022 Exodus 1:12-22 Pharaoh decides that enslaving the Hebrews is not enough. He orders the Hebrew midwives to kill any male babies born to Hebrew women. The midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, disobey his orders out of their fear of God. Shiphrah and Puah recognized that God is the God of life and […]

RG AUDIO 082922 Exodus 1:1-11 One of the questions people ask me a lot is: “Why do bad things happen to good people?” There is a misunderstanding of the Bible. For some reason, we have taken verses that promise provision to mean nothing bad will ever happen to us as long as we follow […]

RG AUDIO 082822 James 3:1-6 James must have been a difficult friend to hang out with. Imagine trying to have a conversation with the guy who reminds us that “the tongue is . . . a world of evil among the parts of the body [which] sets the whole course of one’s life on […]

RG AUDIO 082722 Colossians 3:12-17 Have you ever put on a pair of pants that’s a size or two smaller than what you should be wearing? Yikes! When we wear clothing that doesn’t fit, we don’t look right at all. That’s why Paul uses the metaphor of clothing when he talks about how the […]

RG AUDIO 082622 Acts 9:26-35 “Anasthethi!” This is the command Peter gives to Aeneas in the book of Acts. It’s a Greek word, but in English what he’s saying to the paralyzed man is literally, “Rise up!” We could take this literally, and in the context of the story we certainly should. This is […]

RG AUDIO 082522 Matthew 22:15-22 It’s never wise to lay a trap for Jesus. The Pharisees learn this when they ask Jesus about the imperial tax. If Jesus says they should pay, He’ll lose the respect of the crowd. If He says they shouldn’t, He’ll be arrested for sedition. Instead of falling for their […]

RG AUDIO 082422 Matthew 10:11-20 In my line of work, I read a fair amount on leadership. I attend seminars and keep an eye on the all the latest advice from church leadership gurus. I know how to Win Friends and Influence People and I’ve practiced the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership in order […]

RG AUDIO 082322 Matthew 10:1-10 The first message—the very first one—that Jesus gives His followers to proclaim is, “The kingdom of heaven has come near” (v. 7). Think about that for a moment. How many preachers have you heard talk about making sure that people go to heaven when they die? How many evangelism […]

RG AUDIO 082222 Matthew 9:27-38 What makes Jesus feel compassion? Matthew gives us a few glimpses into the moments in which Jesus feels compassion—all of which are centered around human need— but this one is the first. We learn that Jesus feels compassion for people who are “harassed and helpless” (9:36). He even adds […]

RG AUDIO 082122 Malachi 3:6-12 Growing up, whenever I received any money, my parents had me practice tithing. Ten percent went to savings and ten percent went to the church, often dropped into my alabaster box to sit on the altar on Sunday. To me as a child, it never made much sense. That […]

RG AUDIO 082022 Acts 5:1-11 One of my favorite things to do is cook or bake for people. I love the moment when I serve up a nice, home-cooked treat and get to watch my friends or family take that first bite, hopefully delicious. All of the work put in up to that point […]

RG AUDIO 081922 Acts 5:1-11 The way of Jesus calls us to live differently in the world. Instead of doing what fallen nature says and looking out for only ourselves, getting ahead by any means necessary, God requires us to think outside of culture and sin. Part of that alternate way is being generous […]

RG AUDIO 081822 Luke 10:25-35 Sometimes, we tend to think about being a Christian as a one-time decision. We confess our sins, believe in Jesus, ask God to forgive us, and that is it. Being a Christian seems to be saying the right things or believing the right way. However, Jesus reminds us that […]

RG AUDIO 081722 Matthew 28:16-20 Have you ever had to drive a long distance by yourself? It can be a lot more pleasant to have someone with you to entertain and share in the driving. We are made to be in community; the charge to make disciples of all nations is one of the […]

RG AUDIO 081622 Genesis 2:4-17 “Don’t touch that!” The warning came too late. My nephew had already poked the hot stove and came away with a burned finger, tears in his eyes from the pain. His mother scolded him gently as she ran his hand under cold water, reminding him that there are warnings […]

RG AUDIO 081522 Genesis 1:28—2:3 Gardening is not one of the natural strengths God has given to me. It takes a lot of thought and intention to have a garden that flowers and thrives, and I have accidentally killed many a plant. Still, I keep at my gardening because the reward is so worth […]

RG AUDIO 081422 Psalm 102:18-28 Were we to take a trip to Jerusalem we would find visitors from all over the world. The psalmist saw a day “when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the Lord.” Revelation 7:9 describes “a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people […]

RG AUDIO 081322 Ephesians 1:1-10 “Blessed” used to be mostly a church word. Today it used in a variety of contexts meaning “fortunate or pleasing circumstances.” Few seem to give thought to where, or from whom, those blessings might come. In his letter to the Ephesians Paul refers to “spiritual blessings” God has bestowed […]

RG AUDIO 081222 John 4:19-26 Underwater archaeologists do an amazing job of restoring ancient items found in the ocean. Many of these items are found heavily encrusted with minerals and the shells of undersea animals. One non-descript lump, when tediously restored, revealed a golden brooch with a large sparkling ruby at its center. A […]

RG AUDIO 081122 Deuteronomy 6:1-9 I grew up in a moderately religious home. We were taught to pray before meals and at bed time. My mother took us to church and Sunday School most Sundays. My father, however, never attended church or led in prayer in those days. I became an early and voracious […]

RG AUDIO 081022 Psalm 117:1-2; 118:1-7 Consider this tale of a man from some years ago. He wanted to sail his small boat from the California coast to Santa Catalina Island. He was a novice sailor and the winds were contrary. He was quickly swept out to sea. A series of storms poured rain […]

RG AUDIO 080922 Psalm 96:8-13 “We don’t have anything to wear to church,” my friend remarked at my invitation to worship. “Listen, we are not fancy, what you have on is fine.” He looked at his T-shirt and jeans, “We’ll try, I guess.” His weak reply didn’t give me much hope, but that Sunday […]

RG AUDIO 080822 Psalm 96:1-7 The message of scripture is occasionally directed to individuals (Abraham, Deborah, Timothy). Sometimes its words are to families, clans, or other groups (Jacob’s descendants, the tribe of Judah, the church at Ephesus). And, at times the message is directed to whole nations (Israel, Egypt, Babylon). There are even some […]

RG AUDIO 080722 2 Timothy 1:6-14 Paul warns Timothy about false teachers who will come into the church to lead people astray. These false teachers will not be obvious and will even use the Torah to support their views. Now, as then, there are false teachers in the church using God’s Word to promote […]

RG AUDIO 080622 Romans 6:11-18 Baptism brings believers out of an old humanity governed by sin into a new humanity governed by Christ. God led Israel out of Egypt, but they remained slaves until they crossed the Red Sea. On the other side of the sea, they were free. Baptism is like crossing the […]

RG AUDIO 080522 Romans 4:1-8 Christ’s Body, the Church, has now experienced forgiveness of sin and can use Abraham and Sarah’s faith as a paradigm of their own. Abraham’s belief was counted (reckoned, credited) as righteousness. To believe without works is the essence of faith. Wages are not a gift but something owed to […]

RG AUDIO 080422 Acts 8:26-38 The Ethiopian official’s conversion recorded in scripture is one many are familiar with. The story is part of the early days of the church as the apostles began to seriously implement Jesus’ command to take the gospel to Jerusalem, Samaria and Judea, and the ends of the earth. The […]

RG AUDIO 080322 Colossians 2:6-15 The sacraments of the Lord’s Supper and baptism unite the body of Christ with God and with one another. Baptism is a symbolic burial and resurrection: buried in Christ and raised with Him. We bury our old way of life and publicly confess our new life in Christ. In […]

RG AUDIO 080222 1 Corinthians 11:23-34 Paul instructions regarding the Lord’s table do not have their origin with him; they are from the Lord and from the apostles as Paul was introduced to Christianity. Paul is passing on the tradition of the teachings and practice of Christ that he expects the churches to practice […]

RG AUDIO 080122 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 Paul frequently repeats the instruction for churches to be unified. Divisions should not exist. The Lord’s table becomes the central point of unity for the body of Christ as believers gather around God’s table. At His table, Christ is simultaneously the host and the meal itself. We gather […]

RG AUDIO 073122 Romans 12:1-8 The day began with seven men ready to flex their muscles. They placed the organ dolly under the heavy instrument. The procession rolled it out and into the sanctuary. The feat of hoisting it to the platform they performed with precision. In the fellowship hall, the VBS director stapled […]

RG AUDIO 073022 Acts 4:13-22 This cannot be the same Peter who denied Jesus three times the night Jesus was arrested! Now, before the Sanhedrin, this Peter stated boldly, “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (v. 20). This is the same Peter, transformed by the fullness of the Holy […]

RG AUDIO 072922 Philippians 4:1-9 Unsympathetic armies and corrupt leaders dominated the country. Paul knew what “every situation” meant (v. 6). He also knew the followers of Christ needed this assurance. For those in the early Church, being a Christian brought worries of possible death. Paul wanted to be sure they set their minds […]

RG AUDIO 072822 Philippians 2:1-8 Jesus could have said, “I deserve more. I am the Father’s Son. I sit at His right hand. I am privileged.” But He did not. Instead, out of obedience to His Father, Jesus gave it all up. He humbled himself and carried the cross on which He died for […]

RG AUDIO 072722 Ephesians 4:8-16 In Ephesians 4:1-7, Paul outlines the qualities of the Church to live in unity. In verses eight through sixteen, he defines the functions of the Church. In verse eight, Paul quoted Psalm 68:18 about a conquering king who returned with his prisoners to demonstrate his power. Christ gave five […]

RG AUDIO 072622 Ephesians 4:1-7 On October 8, 2008, the Church of the Nazarene around the world experienced its centennial celebration. The theme, “Out of Many, One. Out of One, Many” was symbolic of both the church’s beginnings as well as its current position within the world as a major denomination of Christianity. Out […]

RG AUDIO 072522 Acts 2:36-47 Sitting on a hillside among a crowd with eyes glued on a portable screen, the sound of people sobbing pierced the evening darkness. The screen revealed Jesus dying on a cross. After the movie, many made their way forward to accept Jesus as the Messiah. This brought unbelievers together […]

RG AUDIO 072422 2 Timothy 4:1-8 There is no greater feeling than sitting down after a long, busy day, especially a day where good work was done. The sense of relief and the chance to rest is wonderful after hours of being on the go, but waiting for that moment while you’re still busy […]

RG AUDIO 072322 2 Corinthians 4:11-18 We are a resurrection people. We believe in a Savior God who has overcome death, come back to life, and promises He will raise us again. Because of this, we do not need to fear death in any of its forms. We can rejoice that God is always […]

RG AUDIO 072222 Romans 15:1-7 I can have a sharp tongue when I am frustrated or stressed. I get overwhelmed and pay less attention to my words, and almost always inevitably end up hurting people I love. It is a problem, and one that I am trying to overcome as I deepen my relationship […]

RG AUDIO 072122 Hebrews 13:11-21 The task of being people of peace can seem really daunting. Peace is a big word and an even bigger concept, and in today’s world it can seem incredibly countercultural. How do we even know where to start? How do we know that we are doing it right? Is […]

RG AUDIO 072022 Hebrews 13:1-8 I had the experience of working in refugee camps a few years ago. We would usually go in the afternoons around lunch time, and so often I would find myself in an unknown tent, surrounded by children I had only met that morning, eating a spread of food seemingly […]

RG AUDIO 071922 Hebrews 12:9-17 Over and over in the Bible we are reminded that we are supposed to be a people set apart. In our words and our actions, the way we interact with each other—every aspect of our lives is supposed to be a reflection of the radical kingdom of God. In […]

RG AUDIO 071422 Ephesians 2:11-22 When Paul contrasts the Gentiles and Jews, he concludes that there must be unity in the church because Jesus has removed all barriers. Gentiles are no longer foreigners but full members in the family of God. The foreigner is one who lives in a place but is not considered […]

RG AUDIO 071322 Hebrews 10:32-39 In the face of the horrible first century persecution in the Roman Empire, the temptation for Jewish Christians was to retreat back to the safety of the Jewish community. But there, in safety from persecution, the gospel of Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection was rejected. The temptation was great, […]

RG AUDIO 071222 Hebrews 10:26-31 We hear many stories of people who reject the love of another: parent/child, husband/wife, friends. Believers are warned to not reject the love of God and therefore deliberately turn away from the redemptive work of the Messiah. If one turns away from God’s love demonstrated in Jesus, there is […]

RG AUDIO 071122 Hebrews 10:19-25 The writer of Hebrews has shown Christ to be better than Moses, angels, prophets, and sacrifices. Now he encourages believers to draw near to God and to hold fast to their faith in Christ (10:19). Because of the blood of Jesus as the final sacrifice, we can come confidently […]

RG AUDIO 071022 Hebrews 12:22-29 The writer of Hebrews recalls the encounter of Moses and the children of Israel with the Lord at Sinai: a mountain burning with fire; cloaked in darkness, gloom, and storm; with the sound of a trumpet blast and “a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that […]

RG AUDIO 070922 Ephesians 2:1-10 Have you ever been totally amazed by an unexpected gift? Nora and her husband went through some rough years with sudden unemployment and cancer diagnoses. One Sunday morning a couple in their Sunday School class slipped them a card. Later, when opened, they found inside ten one hundred dollar […]

RG AUDIO 070822 Jeremiah 31:31-34 The prophet Jeremiah saw that the hearts of the people around him were full of sin. Great judgment was surely coming. Was there no hope? Although they made sacrifices and observed the worship rituals, their hearts were not right with God. They stole from the poor, shed innocent blood, […]

RG AUDIO 070722 Hebrews 10:11-18 “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Several times in the gospels Jesus is asked nearly the same question.* Each time Jesus points the questioner to the commandments. Each time the person affirms their adherence to the Law. And, each time Jesus’ response is similar, “If you want […]

RG AUDIO 070622 Hebrews 10:1-1 Former gymnast and coach, Rachael Denhollander, read her victim’s impact statement at the sentencing of Dr. Larry Nassar. Ms. Denhollander noted that Dr. Nassar often brought a brown Bible to court and expressed remorse for the harm he had caused his victims. She said, “You spoke of praying for […]

RG AUDIO 070522 Hebrews 9:19-28 The immensity of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary begs every superlative. It has no equal. It can never be excelled. It encompasses all people for all time. His sacrifice is unrepeatable because it is complete. The circumstances of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross cannot be reproduced. God came in human […]

RG AUDIO 070422 Hebrews 9:11-18 “I called them liars and hypocrites, then I said I would never be back again. I stomped out of the church and have never been back. That was over 45 years ago.” For some time Alma wept as I prayed. “Do you think God will ever forgive me?” she […]

RG AUDIO 070322 James 1:1-8 When I was a child, my mom told me every setback was good because “it built character.” This was not particularly comforting. I wanted comfort. If you enjoy feeling convicted rather than comforted, I recommend the Book of James. In the opening paragraph, he cuts the reader to the […]

RG AUDIO 070222 2 Peter 3:11-18 We are told over and over in scripture that suffering is coming. Suffering is not an outcome of having lived wrong, but a condition of this fallen world. Peter reminds us suffering is coming and that our role is to remain steady in our Christlikeness when it comes. […]

RG AUDIO 070122 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 There is so much profound wisdom about the work of mentoring and discipling in 1 Thessalonians 3. First, the Apostle Paul prepared them for trials. He told them that they would come. Then, during the trials, he sent Timothy to check up on them. Finally, when the report […]

RG AUDIO 063022 Galatians 5:13-26 Many of us who grew up in church were asked to memorize the “Fruit of the Spirit.” What comes after is such an instructive calling: “…let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Being a disciple is not something we will ourselves to be, rather we are filled, anchored, […]

RG AUDIO 062922 Hebrews 6:13-20 Jesus is good news for the world, but He is especially good news for Gentiles. The Jews were confident in their story, their history, and their covenant. Rightfully so. But Gentiles? Thank God for the work of the Spirit through Jesus Christ. Jesus, in Hebrews, is cast as the […]

RG AUDIO 062822 Hebrews 6:4-12 There is a troubling text for us Wesleyan readers. For all of the context in the scripture that grants us an optimism of grace—a hope that it is never too late for someone to repent—here we have a text that says if they have been in, and are now […]

RG AUDIO 062722 Hebrews 5:11—6:3 The problem with metaphors is that they eventually break down. For example, we know, generally, when a child needs to transition from milk to solid food. You don’t see many 7-year-old children passing on meals to have only milk. The body knows when it needs more. How does a […]

RG AUDIO 062622 1 John 5:13-21 If an important email or letter is expected, we eagerly await its arrival. We are ready for it. God is always waiting for us to come to Him. He listens to every prayer. However, prayer is more our listening to God than our talking. It is asking God […]

RG AUDIO 062522 1 John 5:6-12 While visiting with friends, a young man thumbed through their wedding album. He questioned, “Who is this girl in your wedding I want to meet her. I’m going to marry her someday.” Something about her represented the person he wanted to marry. They introduced the couple, and three […]

RG AUDIO 062422 1 Peter 2:18-25 A three-year-old girl was overheard speaking forthrightly to her dolls. “It’s time to get ready for bed. Go brush your teeth and put on your pajamas. Then, we’ll say our prayers before I tuck you in for the night.” Where did she learn this routine she was imitating? […]

RG AUDIO 062322 1 Peter 1:1-9 Many years ago, we played a game called “Mercy!” We did not have television and video games to occupy our time, so we played games that stretched our creativeness. The game was played with two players who faced each other, joined hands, and tried to out squeeze the […]

RG AUDIO 062222 1 Timothy 2:1-7 It was a hot afternoon, and the van was crowded to its capacity. Everyone agreed it was time to stop for a refreshment break. As the occupants piled out of the van, they were startled when the air was split with a loudspeaker announcement. The town was alerted […]

RG AUDIO 062122 Hebrews 5:5-10 Four years ago, two four-month-old puppies joined our household. It was amazing how obedient they became with the tantalizing offer of a treat. Jesus Christ obeyed His Father and came to earth. His obedience was not as a result of the offer of a treat, but at a great […]

RG AUDIO 062022 Hebrews 4:14—5:4 Aaron, the earthly high priest, and Jesus, the Great High Priest, share similarities. Both were chosen by God to intercede. Jesus can sympathize with us, because He was tempted in all ways like us, but without sin. He is the mediator and bridge. As a child, the illustration of […]

RG AUDIO 061922 John 14:25-31 Just like people experience physical cravings for sugar, salt, and coffee, people experience spiritual cravings. Cravings for things like love, acceptance, and peace. Our physical cravings occur when our body is missing essential nutrients like magnesium, sodium, and potassium. The problem is that just like we go to short-term […]

RG AUDIO 061822 John 14:15-24 Wouldn’t it be great if we could have Jesus with us all the time? You know, like the first disciples did. If you found yourself struggling with a decision, all you’d need to do is ask Jesus, and He could speak to you in an audible voice as you […]

RG AUDIO 061722 1 John 4:16-24 It’s easy to allow our hearts to become heavy with the weight of all the ways we fall short in life. The task we left unfinished. The unkind word we let slip from our lips. The unmet expectations of a friend, coworker, or family member. Or the sin […]

RG AUDIO 061622 James 1:19-27 Imagine a world without any mirrors. There is no way to fix your hair before you walk outside. You have no way to make sure that your tie is straight or that your teeth don’t have anything stuck in them. Now for some people, that sounds amazing. But for […]

RG AUDIO 061522 Hebrews 4:8-13 There’s an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” As a distance runner, I’ve found this to be true. I’ve run my fastest races when I’ve run alone, but I’ve finished my longest races when […]

RG AUDIO 061422 Hebrews 4:1-7 When was the last time you thought about the power of “today”? We often dream about the potential power of tomorrow. There is no power in tomorrow because tomorrow is not guaranteed. Surely, yesterday has power. For many people, yesterday continues to hold incredible power over them. However, God […]

RG AUDIO 061322 Hebrews 3:7-19 Who has most significantly influenced your spiritual formation? The first person to come to your mind is probably a parent, teacher, coach, coworker, or possibly a pastor. Likely it’s someone you respect, someone whose positive example provides a role model for you to follow. What’s interesting about the author […]

RG AUDIO 061222 Revelation 12:7-12 How is the devil defeated, do you think? Through the strength of Christian conviction or confronting sin? By maintaining loyalty to the holy land? By quoting scripture? None of these, it turns out will defeat the devil in the end. The devil is defeated by only two things (which […]

RG AUDIO 061122 Psalm 8:1-9 We who live in an age of space exploration and unprecedented knowledge still marvel at the incalculability of a starry night. We’re brought low by the titanic significance of an endless horizon; even the most cynical among us are carried to the brink of the holy when we contemplate […]

RG AUDIO 061022 Romans 6:1-10 “This isn’t like you,” my mother said to me when I was seven years old, after I confessed to stealing my sister’s favorite toy. She’s right, I thought as I sat with my nose in the corner. I’m not a person who steals. Why did I do that? My […]

RG AUDIO 060922 Hebrews 2:14—3:6 Jesus spat. I’d prefer to deny it, except that the gospels mention it often, almost as if they knew we would recoil at the sheer humanness of such an act. Jesus—who is fully God—did all the things that a human body does. Our Hebrews passage emphasizes this human nature […]

RG AUDIO 060822 2 Corinthians 4:1-10 Paul makes a bold assumption that carries with it the weight of expectation when he writes to us believers. You see, when Paul writes to followers of Jesus, he relentlessly assumes that we will be suffering. Why would Paul do that? Does the poor, imperiled, once-blinded, thrice-shipwrecked, starved […]

RG AUDIO 060722 Genesis 1:26-31 What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Some say, “It means we carry a spark of God about with us everywhere we go.” Others say, “It means our personalities—our creativity, our generosity, our impulse toward kindness—are based in God’s character.” We like to feel […]

RG AUDIO 060622 Hebrews 2:5-13 There are three words you’ve likely never noticed that convey the unfathomable width of God’s love for the world and the incomprehensible depth of God’s love for you: “it was fitting” (Hebrews 2:10). What was fitting? It was fitting that the God of heaven should bring so many to […]

RG AUDIO 060522 Ephesians 6:10-18 Armor is tactical defense. No one armors up for offense. Armor is used to withstand. This is not to say that the armored up do not have an offensive plan, but the armor is for defense. Accordingly, we are told to “take a stand” against the devil’s schemes. For […]

RG AUDIO 060422 1 Corinthians 12:12-20 Which part of the body are you? I suspect that healthy discipleship involves a radical honesty to this question. We all are called to play our part, but if God has formed you and called you to be a foot, it is not wise to keep trying to […]

RG AUDIO 060322 Hebrews 11:1-7 “Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Too often, we reduce faith to some sort of individualized, internalized belief. Hebrews is showing us that it is not just that. Abel risked his bank account to worship God. Enoch […]

RG AUDIO 060222 Hebrews 1:10—2:4 Have you ever panicked at just how long eternity is? I did, when I was a child. Death and hell sounded bad, but there was a certain way in which eternity sounded . . . long. For many people, eternity in the presence of God is such an inverse […]

RG AUDIO 060122 Acts 4:5-12 Salvation is found in no one else but Jesus! He was crucified by a sinful system and world, but God raised Him from the dead! These words must be shouted from the rooftops, proclaimed in our streets, in our workplaces, our churches, and our neighborhoods! Amazingly, it took two […]

RG Audio 053122 Psalm 45:1-7 We want God to defend us, fight for us, clear a path for us (God can and will!). Yet, God wants us to pursue and love truth, humility, justice, and righteousness. God is the God of covenant, to the end. All too often, Christian people want to parse through […]

RG Audio 053022 Hebrews 1:1—2:4 Prophets have a spotty history of effectiveness. It is hard to know which prophets we ought to listen to. That is not to cheapen the call of a prophet. The prophets had critical roles of articulating God’s activity in the world, calling sin out, warning of the consequence of […]

RG Audio 052922 1 Peter 4:1-11 One snowy afternoon, I saw a husky playing. He jumped and rolled and bounded through the white piles, tail wagging happily. One couldn’t see this pup and not see that this was a snow dog, for sure! I couldn’t help but wonder, does this dog sense that he […]

RG Audio 052822 1 Peter 3:13-22 It may feel that in present days we are more challenged to defend our faith than ever before. Yet, more Christians than ever express that either they don’t know what to say, or they see very little point in saying anything. “No one ever changes their mind, anyway,” […]

RG Audio 052722 2 Timothy 2:20-26 False teachers and prophets were a danger to the early believers as they worked tirelessly to establish the Church. Instructions and direction had to be thorough. Even with good guidance, people were apt to believe all manner of twisted gospel. So too, today anyone may preach a convincing […]

RG Audio 052622 Ephesians 5:8-20 Often when a Christian leader suffers a moral failure in the public eye, many will proclaim, “There but for the grace of God, go I!” I understand the sentiment. Moments like those will bring to mind just how deep the chasm of depravity goes and brings up within us […]

RG Audio 052522 Acts 9:32-43 For 8 years, Aeneas lay still, paralyzed, bedridden. He watched life continue on around him. He observed the comings and goings of others, but he remained stuck. Life was passing him by. Tabitha had been living life, giving lavishly for the good of others. She practiced what she preached […]

RG Audio 051322 Acts 21:10-16 Paul always listened for the Spirit before he acted. In Acts 21, he is headed to Jerusalem but everyone is warning him of potential danger. Paul, however, was ready to die, if necessary, for His Lord and Savior. Growing up in Atlanta, we lived in a duplex owned by […]

RG Audio 051222 Acts 21:1-9 Not long ago, our church graciously gave us a six-week sabbatical. We used the first week to fly to Florida and meet our son and his family at Disney World. We flew back to Indianapolis, regrouped, and headed out again, this time on the road. We visited family in […]

RG Audio 051122 Acts 20:32-38 While traveling from Philippi to Troas, Paul’s ship stopped at Miletus to unload and receive cargo. Taking advantage of his time there, Paul invited the leaders of the church at Ephesus to travel thirty miles to Miletus to meet with him. Preaching a pastoral message to these elders, the […]

RG Audio 051022 Acts 20:22-31 2020 was a rough year for all. In the early days of the pandemic, I landed in a hospital while on vacation! We were visiting our son and his family in Virginia, when I realized I was in trouble. With the “no visitors” policy, I was dropped off at […]

RG Audio 050922 Acts 20:17-21 Years ago I heard an evangelist proclaim that we are good at a lot of things, but not repentance. It seems that some will testify to being saved from their sins and even to being sanctified wholly, all the while harboring some form of unrepentance deep within their hearts. […]

RG Audio 050822 Acts 8:26-35 In Acts 8, Phillip obeyed the promptings of the Holy Spirit to bring the gospel to an African dignitary while riding in a chariot. God used this cross-cultural encounter to bring the good news to the continent of Africa. Today, God continues to empower us to share our faith […]

RG Audio 050722 Acts 8:9-21 God wants to bring a complete work of His redemptive love into every heart. Our hearts yearn for what is real, pure, and powerful. There are times in our daily prayers we might confess, “I desire what You have for me. Put me where You will, God, and fill […]

RG Audio 050622 Acts 8:1-8 Acts 8 opens with the stoning of Stephen. The first martyr’s death sent shock waves through the church in Jerusalem. Did the church hunker down and wait for the violence to die down? Oh no! The Christians left Jerusalem running for their lives and scattered all over the world. […]

RG Audio 050522 Isaiah 11:1-10 Jesse’s youngest son, David, was a shepherd boy who later became King of Israel. His life was anointed. It is through David we experience the heart of a poet when we read Psalms. He was a strong leader in battle and at times a fallen individual who relied upon […]

RG Audio 050422 Jonah 3:1-10 The Old Testament word for loving-kindness is hesed. Hesed love is a Hebrew term that has two pillars. Pillar one: God’s hesed love includes justice, mercy, and compassion. In this extreme story, God shows loving-kindness for all Gentile men and women living in Nineveh. The Bible teaches that God […]

RG Audio 050322

Acts 19:11-20

Luke provides a description of an incredibly unique time in the Church. There were extraordinary accounts of healing and deliverance from evil spirits. The power of the Holy Spirit was unleashed and as a result, new believers purged their valuable sorcery paraphernalia. Although these were days of powerful miracles, they were also days of purity. Purity without power is useless, and power without purity is dangerous. There must be a balance. When purity and power are balanced with anointing of the Holy Spirit, lives are changed.

The hero of the story is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s power and purity can be experienced today. Many congregations long for an out-pouring of the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can open the eyes of our hearts. Only the Spirit can bring liberty, freedom, and joy. We are never encouraged in scripture to seek “the spectacular,” instead we are called to worship God. The Spirit encourages us to confess our sins, and when we do, our congregations will discover renewed purity and power.

Author: Mike Stipp

RG Audio 050222

Acts 19:1-10

Paul invested two years of his life discipling believers in Ephesus. In its infancy, the Church was called “the Way,” and church planting was just getting started at Ephesus.

Acts 19 describes the Holy Spirit descending upon disciples who had only received the baptism of John. As Paul was praying for the disciples, the Holy Spirit suddenly moved upon them in a profound way. The manifestations of the Spirit were similar to what happened to the Church on the Day of Pentecost. All this took place at a time when the Church was changing rapidly. More and more people came to trust Christ and sought out the teaching of Paul. Once someone encountered Christ by faith, Paul made discipleship a priority.

We can minister that way, too! Discipleship is investing our lives in others in order that the powerful expressions of the Holy Spirit may establish a new and exciting way for someone.

Take time to share your faith with a person with whom you are building a relationship. Once they receive the truth, make an investment of your time and disciple them.

Author: Mike Stipp

RG Audio 050122

Matthew 10:16-23

Following Jesus is not a promise of a life of ease. In fact, Jesus is clear that we will face hardship. The message in Matthew 10 was spoken to particular people, at a particular time. A time when they knew that following Jesus would lead to hardship.

The promise here is not a promise of a life of ease, but rather a promise that the Holy Spirit will be with them in the midst of the difficulty. We can cling to this promise as well. Our discipleship will not inherently lead to an easy life, but we can trust that the Holy Spirit is with us.

For those of us who have spent our lives preaching, pastoring, and teaching in churches, we know these words well, because sometimes our faithfulness to preach the gospel is met with cruelty. Yet we preach. The Holy Spirit is present with us.

You may find difficulty by following Christ: others may insult you, forsake you, or wound you, but you can be certain that you are not alone.

Author: Robbie Cansler

RG AUDIO 043022

1 Thessalonians 2:7-16

Growing up, we were taught to refer to the adults in our church with familial language. Aunt and uncle are the titles I remember the most; it was a way for us to be respectful while also understanding that our relationships with people in the church were different. We were in fact, family.

The reference to a new family being formed by Christ occurs regularly throughout the New Testament. The reality is that when we choose to follow Christ, when we are baptized, we are now a part of God’s family.

This text in 1 Thessalonians paints a beautiful picture of what that family of God can look like. The love and nurturing care, like that of a good mother, can create a bond. The sharing of life together, like siblings, can form a community. The caring and encouragement, like that of a good father, can provide healthy boundaries.

It’s an image of redemption, that while we may not have a family of origin we are proud of, while we may have been hurt or wounded by siblings or parents, that image reminds us God is doing something new.

Author: Robbie Cansler

RG AUDIO 042922

Ephesians 4:7-16

Learning to hold our tongue is a measure of maturity. We often teach our children that there is an appropriate time to speak, and appropriate times to be quiet.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus he connects speaking the truth in love with spiritual maturity. This seems to say that it’s not enough to know the appropriate times to speak and be quiet, but that for those following after Christ, the way in which we speak is just as important.

We can throw the truth out like bombs, reveling in our rightness, but that will only alienate the people around us. This type of truth telling isn’t motivated by love, and generally leads to destruction.

If instead the way in which we speak comes from a place of deep love, a desire for what is best for those around us, a respect and acknowledgment of the image of God that is within all humanity, then our words and how we say them will look more like seeds being planted. These types of words do not wound, but create potential for growth.

Author: Robbie Cansler

RG AUDIO 042822

2 Corinthians 13:1-10

It would be safe to say that none of us like being called out about our sin. We squirm, justify, or even hide to try to escape the reprimand. In this text Paul is reprimanding the church in Corinth. A repeated sin that they keep struggling with is called out once again.

It would be easy to view this text as depressing, or even unnecessarily harsh, but it is tempered with this strong desire to see these new disciples become more like Christ than they currently are.

Paul doesn’t desire their destruction or punishment. Paul even says that he would rather spend his time building them up, not tearing them down (v. 10).

Since this is the last chapter of 2 Corinthians, it’s hard to know what the response of the church was, but we can decide what our response will be when similar words are spoken to us. Will we test our hearts? Will we continue on sinning, or will we, through the strength of God, repent and live a life of righteousness?

Author: Robbie Cansler

RG AUDIO 042722

Acts 18:18-28

Having a community of faith is important. We often over emphasize the personal component of a relationship with Christ, but this passage is a great example of why being together is important.

Apollo was a man who learned about, and chose to follow, Jesus. Because of the community of faith, Apollo was able to learn more deeply about discipleship from Priscilla and Aquila. When Apollo felt led to share the gospel in Achaia, members of the faith community wrote to the disciples there, and he was welcomed by them when he arrived.

The community of faith helps us to learn more fully, they support us, encourage us, send us, and welcome us. Following Jesus isn’t meant to be done alone, but together. It’s good for us to ask regularly, who am I learning from and who am I teaching? Who is encouraging me; who am I encouraging? Who is surrounding me with welcome and support; who am I welcoming and supporting?

Discipleship is meant to be done in community, who is your community?

Author: Robbie Cansler

RG AUDIO 042622

Acts 18:9-17

The place of judgement where Paul was placed on trial is still in Corinth. There is a post of stone where Paul would have been chained, as those who placed him on trial would have looked down to find fault with him. It’s a sobering location, and it would make sense for Paul to be afraid. Who wouldn’t in that situation? Yet, God tells him not to be afraid, and to continue to preach the gospel throughout the city of Corinth.

The dispelling of fear, and the courage to continue to share with others, wasn’t because the circumstances had changed for Paul—there was still hardship even if he wasn’t going to be killed. He was still placed on trial, and a united attack was forged against him. However, Paul could move forward in brave confidence because God promised to be with him, and God is faithful.

We can face uncertainty, we can face difficulty, not because of a promise that everything will be okay in that moment, but because we can trust that even if they are not, God is with us.

Author: Robbie Cansler

RG AUDIO 042522

Acts 18:1-8

We often think of Paul as a great evangelist who spread the gospel to the many places he went. Because of our thinking of him as a hero, we often forget about the struggle. Not everyone listened to Paul’s preaching. He went week after week into the synagogue to preach that Jesus was the Messiah they were waiting for.

Paul did great things throughout the world, yet he still became discouraged when people wouldn’t listen. It is easy for us to feel the same way.

Paul needed something different, so when his preaching in the synagogue felt like a failure, he went to the home of Titius Justus, where the leader of the synagogue, Crispus, and his entire family chose to follow Christ.

As we share good news with others we may find discouragement, but instead of giving up we may just need to do things a different way. We may find that hospitality, cultivating community, true relationship, and service are better ways to share Christ than preaching before crowds ever could be.

Author: Robbie Cansler

RG AUDIO 042422

Acts 17:18-28

Curious people are open to hearing other opinions and ideas—sometimes purely for the joy of learning about another culture, person, ritual, or principle.

It is humbling when you learn that there are many more viewpoints other than your own and it is a gift to another when you focus on them and ask questions about their life or family or perspective. Learning about other cultures and hearing how people view the world can be exciting, interesting, and sometimes challenging.

In one of my experiences in another country, I found that what seemed perfectly logical and obvious to me was not how this other culture viewed the matter at all. Admittedly, it can be frustrating, but we can try to view it as a wonderful reminder that God made each of us with different ideas, personalities, skin tones, languages, and gifts. He has made a beautiful mosaic with the people of the world. The wonderful news is that He loves and knows each one. It is “in him we live and move and have our being” (v. 28).

Author: Dana Porter

RG AUDIO 042322

Acts 17:10-17

Acts 17 tells us that the Berean people were open-minded and willing to listen to Paul and Silas’ teaching, but they did not just blindly accept everything they heard. They checked it against the scriptures every day.

Many of the people in Paul’s day could not read. They were even less likely to have their own copy of the scriptures to take home, so scripture was read in community. The Bereans studied them day after day to make sure that Paul and Silas were speaking truth. This means that they came back to the temple each day to hear the scriptures read to them.

While reading the scriptures in community was the norm in those days, many of us have become more accustomed to reading the Bible on our own. While this is a wonderful way to learn and study the Bible, there can be a down-side to reading the scripture alone. We can develop our own ideas about what we are reading, but we do not have anyone (friend or expert) with whom we can discuss the passage. Whether we are alone or in a group, we need to eagerly study the scriptures so we can recognize if truth is being spoken.

Author: Dana Porter

RG AUDIO 042222

Acts 17:1-9

The Jewish leaders were displaying jealousy and pride. It doesn’t sound like they were very good leaders. A good leader is honest and self-controlled. These Jewish leaders needed to hear Paul’s future message telling the Galatians (Galatians 5:22-23) that if they would allow the Holy Spirit to control their lives, they would produce the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Not only were they jealous and prideful, these Jewish leaders went out and gathered “bad characters from the marketplace” to cause a riot and attack Jason’s house, where Paul and Silas had been staying (v. 5). To punish Paul and Silas, the Jewish leaders also had to concoct charges against them so the city government would agree to hear the charges.

Paul and Silas persevered despite the jealousy, pride, and opposition being displayed by the Jewish leaders. They did not put their faith in the political and religious leaders of that time. How can we persevere when we do not have full faith in the leadership around us?

Author: Dana Porter

RG AUDIO 042122

Acts 16:33-40

Would you believe it if I told you that a local prison guard invited two prisoners to his home? Not only did the jailer in Acts 18 invite prisoners into his home, he fed them and washed their wounds as well. Do you think the prison guard’s family wanted to bring these prisoners into their home? They must have been convinced by the joy that the prison guard’s new belief had given him.

Leave it to God to change Paul and Silas’ situation from being “prisoner” to “honored house guest.” To top it off, the police came the next day and told Paul and Silas they were free to go.

In a twenty-four-hour period, they went from free men, to prisoners, to fugitives, to honored house guests, and finally returned to their status as free men. That would be cause enough for them to be full of joy, but do you ever wonder why Paul and Silas did not take their freedom and get out of town as fast as they could? It was against the law to beat Roman citizens without trial. Therefore, Paul registered his grievances and insisted they escort them out of town so they could leave without shame and full of joy.

Author: Dana Porter

RG AUDIO 042022

Acts 16:25-32

At first, Paul probably felt sorry for the poor possessed slave girl, but he got impatient when she repeatedly announced their arrival. She was giving away the “punch line” to their good news message and she just would not stop. Paul got frustrated and lashed out . . . and his little annoyance finally landed him in jail!

Despite Paul’s impatience and sudden outburst, he and Silas found peace again by praying and singing hymns to God inside their jail cell. It was probably the only thing they could do, but God can use us, even at the most unusual times. Amid joyful prisoners and an earthquake, God was preparing the heart of their napping jailer. When the prisoners did not escape during the earthquake, the jailer’s life was ultimately spared. He was so amazed that he and his entire household became believers that day.

Paul and Silas were not perfect. Just like the rest of us, they made mistakes that had consequences, but God used them anyway. God knows our hearts, and sometimes, God works despite the “help” we offer.

Author: Dana Porter

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Acts 16:11-24

In Acts 16, we are told how the Lord opened Lydia’s heart to respond to the gospel. It sounds as if she had already been worshiping God before this meeting of Paul and his traveling companions with the group of women gathered outside the city gate. Something special happens when we gather with other believers.

Meeting in small groups within a larger church body is rewarding and vital. The simple act of gathering with other believers and hearing how God is working in their lives encourages us in our own journey. We often hear another person offer insight that never occurred to us. It also helps to hear others’ struggles and to understand we are not alone. Small groups allow us to carry each other’s burdens together, so that we do not have to carry them alone.

Another amazing benefit is when people really begin to know us (quirks and all) and choose to love us anyway; we can experience a wonderful feeling of love and acceptance! If your church or community does not organize small groups, be encouraged to start your own!

Author: Dana Porter

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Acts 16:1-10

It is part of the human experience to have a travel schedule that does not go as planned. It can be frustrating to have our plans changed without our consent. In simply trying to get from point A to point B, we are often delayed in traffic, stuck in an airport, or moving slowly in a crowd of people. Those that travel often must surrender a certain amount of control because they know it is impossible to plan every minute of the trip. They become accustomed to ever-changing schedules.

Paul had originally intended to travel with Barnabas, but after their disagreement, he took Silas as his traveling companion instead. This was a change in plans before the journey even began! Paul and Silas had a travel route mapped out, but when God showed them a different way, they adjusted their plans to fit God’s leading.

If we walk with God long enough, maybe we will learn to expect Him to point out an alternate path. Will we surrender control of our life journey to God so that we follow His plan instead of our own?

Author: Dana Porter

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1 Corinthians 15:51-58

Paul pens the phrase “a holy mystery.” Then he describes this wondrous day where believers, both dead and alive, shall be changed in an instant.

I confess that at times I struggle when I imagine this day. It seems so fantastical. I can only paint a picture in my mind that I am sure is inaccurate, at best. However, what I return to time and time again is how God does what He says He will do. I can trust in the second coming of Christ with the same conviction as I do the first coming.

While we wait in the middle, rejoicing in the recollection and anticipating the return, our lives are an echo of this promise. We who have died with Christ, live with Christ, and this is the type of life we are promised in the here and now. A life free of the sting and victory of death. The victory which God has claimed for us was claimed in the past, is present in our present, and will be more fully known in the future.

What a holy mystery, indeed!

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Matthew 12:15-21

“The nations” calls to mind a great diversity of thought, practices, experiences, appearances, and expectations. We observe regularly how people allow diversity to divide them, instead of bringing them together. Yet, the Bible repeatedly assures us that all nations will be unified around Christ. How can this be?

As Jesus fulfills the words of the prophet Isaiah, He models how unity in diversity is possible. He speaks justice. He heals all. He is not given to quarreling. When He finds brokenness or waning passion, He does not give up on it. He tends to people until justice is seen through to victory.

Jesus does not do these things with partiality. He is able to unify all, because He serves all and He does so consistently.

If we long to draw others to Christ in order that they might place their hope in Him, we must follow this example. The results we will see by following this uncommon model will be unlike anything the world could ever manufacture.

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Matthew 28:1-10

In Matthew 28, women watched Jesus die. They watched Him be buried. They hadn’t left Him until it was all finished. It had happened, just as Jesus had said it would.

At dawn after the Sabbath, they did not hesitate. They headed to the tomb. What would they find there? Guards and grief? Ritual and regret?

As they arrived, so did the angel. These women, however afraid they felt, stood with open eyes and ears ready to see and hear whatever transpired next.

The angel told them to not be afraid. The tomb was empty, opened not to let Jesus escape, because Jesus had needed no help with that. It was open so we could see in. These women, witnesses of His death and burial, became witnesses of Jesus’s faithfulness.

Our hope is secure, in the face of death, in all kinds of burials, and in receiving unexpected news. We can stand in witness of all kinds of terrifying events, eyes and ears open, because Jesus is faithful.

Just as He said.

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Psalm 141:1-8

It is not uncommon to hear Christians encourage one another with the words, “The Lord will go before you!”

In Psalm 141, David asks God to guard his mouth, to help him control his desires, and to bring people to keep him in line. He is aware of the danger if he falls into temptation. He knows it will lead to his ruin and destruction.

It might encourage us to imagine God going before us no matter where we go, but if we are unwilling to check our hearts as David does, this sentiment is arrogant, at best, and dangerous, at worst. We can convince ourselves to go to some of the most God-forsaken places and give Him the blame when we fall.

As David declares “my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge,” he is not to telling God to go ahead of him clearing the way for his approach. Instead he is declaring that he will tuck in so closely to the trail of God, that he will walk a righteous path.

The question is not, “will God go before me,” but rather, “Am I willing to go behind God?”

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Psalm 116:13-19

What can I return to the Lord for all of His goodness? How can I repay Him? That desire is strong, but it is foolishness, as well.

A small child receives a gift from their parents, a treasure she desperately hoped for. She unwraps it, hugs it to her chest, and giggles. She smiles sweetly at her parents and asks, “How much do I owe you?”

How often are we this child? Instead of simply being overwhelmed with joy at receiving God’s gift, we look for a price tag. We delight for a moment, but we feel guilty about the cost. Or perhaps we slip back into our habit of trying to earn what we have.

When we build a life focused on repaying God, we prove that we misunderstand the gift and the Giver. We cannot afford our salvation. We could not purchase His deliverance of us. God is no creditor, counting interest and coming to collect. He is a loving Father, who wants to give His child a gift.

All that is left for us is to conclude, as does the psalmist, that we must accept the offering, give thanks and remain faithful.

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Proverbs 28:11-18

Proverbs 28:13 tells us, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,” and it is certainly true that unconfessed iniquity can haunt our lives and hinder us from the fullness of life that God intends for us. But this need not be the case; as verse 13 continues, “the one who confesses and renounces (their sins) finds mercy.”

Living with guilt is not easy, and the weight of hidden shame finds its way into every aspect of our lives. Indeed the writer suggests that one who is plagued by the concealment of atrocious transgressions, such as the taking of another life, will long for death and should not be discouraged from seeking such an end. As the writer says “let no one hold them back” (v. 17b).

This may seem callous and hard-hearted to the modern reader, but it highlights the fact that the burden of unconfessed iniquity can make the grave seem desirable. As dark as these images are, the grace and mercy that accompany heartfelt confession illuminates the gloom and brings light to our lives.

Author: Tasha Alison

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Psalm 103:1-12

How many of us have walked into a room and forgotten why, what we were looking for, or what we had intended to do there? It is a helpless feeling to be unable to remember something, to retrieve some information from the depths of our minds, and this is why the prospect of suffering from age-related dementia is so troubling.

Our memories, many of them at least, are precious to us. Surely there are things in all of our lives that we would rather forget: insults, embarrassments, trauma, and heartbreak. Millions of dollars are spent each year in search of some pharmaceutical aid that would improve our ability to bring to mind those events and that information that all too often seems to slip from our mental grasp.

As is true of so many things, what is a weakness and an infirmity for humans, is a strength for God. God’s ability to not only forgive our iniquities and transgressions but to separate them from himself, casting them into a sea of forgetfulness that is best described through a metaphor that portrays the infinite distance of the east from the west, is made possible by His unfailing love.

Author: Tasha Alison

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Psalm 32:6-11

When the Underground Railroad helped enslaved African-Americans find their way out of bondage, they didn’t just lead them to the edge of the slave-holder’s property, but they guided them on the remainder of their journeys through fields and forests, over rocks and through rivers until they found rest in a safer place.

God, too, not only sets us free from our sins, but through His Spirit guides and directs us as we make our way, surrounding us with His unfailing love. God provides a hiding place; keeping us out of reach of the rising waters of trials and tribulation, surrounding us with songs of deliverance. This is the imagery that the Psalmist in Psalm 32 uses to describe the salvation and direction that God provides.

We can be reminded that not only is Jesus our “glorious emancipator,” but He is also the one of whom the Psalmist sings. Jesus instructs, counsels, and keeps His loving eye upon us, granting not only liberty but guidance as we travel toward the promised land.

Author: Tasha Alison

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Psalm 32:1-5

Guilt hurts. This is not only true in a spiritual sense, but medical science has also long known of the detrimental effects, both mentally and physically, of hidden iniquity. The Psalmist portrays the symptoms of the sickness of sin in vivid detail: “when I kept silent, my bones wasted away” (vv. 3). When the hand of conviction lays heavy upon us, we find ourselves sapped of strength by day and unable to find rest by night.

But there is a remedy. An impenitent heart is surely debilitating and destructive, but it is no match for the refreshing and reviving power of repentance and forgiveness. Charles Wesley, in his well-known hymn, And Can It Be, described this power as “a quick’ning ray” that filled the dark dungeon in which he had been imprisoned in chains with the light of God’s amazing love.

Breaking the silence, giving voice to our sin, and owning up to our transgressions, far from making us the target of God’s punishing wrath, makes us rather the recipient of God’s abundant and life-giving grace.

Author: Tasha Alison

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John 20:11-18

Mary stood lost in her grief at the tomb. She could not leave as the other disciples had. She remains in the last spot she knew Jesus’s body to have been. So deep was her sorrow, angels could neither shock nor comfort her. She turns, and face to face with her Savior, expresses her devotion. She would do whatever it took to recover His body, even though surely she could not carry it or defend herself in the process.

Jesus reveals himself to Mary, not by identifying himself, but rather, by identifying her. He speaks her name, “Mary.” With new vision, she becomes the first witness to the resurrected Christ. A woman, whom authorities of her day would not see as a credible source, is given legitimacy under the authority of God.

Jesus knows your name, your grief and your weakness. He knows that you have no defense and that in comparison to His majesty, you are undeniably less than.

Still, He speaks your name and embraces you. We know Him, because He knows us.

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Psalm 135:15-21

The Israelites had sinned and God sent poisonous snakes into their camp as a result. The people repented and asked Moses to tell God to take the snakes away. The Lord instructed Moses to make a snake, put it on a pole, and lift it up. Anyone who looked at it would be saved.

This is a strange story for Jesus to mention to Nicodemus who is asking how to be born again, and even stranger for Jesus to relate to himself. However, the message in the story of Moses and the snake is that salvation is found through repentance, turning, and trusting what God has presented as the solution.

If God were interested in coming to condemn the world, Jesus would have been the snakes set upon the sinful Israelites. However, He is not the snake on the ground, biting at our heels, poisoning us to death. We are already suffering from the venom of death delivered as a result of our sin.

Jesus is the solution, lifted up, for all to see. We simply must repent and look to Him for salvation. What a gift, indeed!

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Psalm 135:15-21

Idol worship may feel like a foreign concept or a practice lost to time, but it is a practice that is alive and well today.

Our cars, our houses, the tag on our jeans.

Celebrities, politicians, altered images.

Our comfort, our rights, our preferences.

Idolatry is all around us, even if we do not hold a statue in our hand. We must carefully evaluate our lives and rip these idols from our clutches. We must defend the church against idol worship breaching her grounds.

If we claim we cannot worship unless certain music is playing, or the lights are just so, or our favorite preacher is speaking, or a certain viewpoint is presented in the sermon, or we are in a certain seat, or any of the many shallow excuses people give when they explain why they are unhappy on a Sunday morning, we should ask ourselves, whom are we worshiping?

When we bow to the idol of preference in our churches, we will, as the psalmist declares, be just like the idols we’ve made.

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Psalm 135:8-14

A kindergartner told me that his new teacher “didn’t play.” I assured him she would loosen up, given time. He repeated himself, “No, she don’t play.” Once more I tried to convince him that it was the beginning of the year and when she’d established a routine, I was sure she’d play games with him. He sighed, looked annoyed with me and repeated his statement. This time I heard what he meant. His teacher “didn’t play,” meaning when he’d made a poor choice, she followed through on the consequences.

We have all heard it said, “Vengeance is mine saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19, KJV) However, do we believe that is true? We all have places where our indignation feels justified. It can be very tempting to exact revenge. When we take revenge we focus on our own good, preferences, and comfort.

God doesn’t play. God has proven that He, like that teacher, takes consequences seriously and that He is trustworthy to enact justice. If He was trustworthy to deliver the Israelites and if He was trustworthy to pay the penalty for our sin, we can trust Him to handle justice which is not just for our good, but for His glory.

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Psalm 135:1-7

A wife bought two tickets to the ballet. She’d dropped hints that she wanted to go, but her husband hadn’t picked up on it. When the night came for the big event, she lay out his suit, and dutifully, he put it on. They found their seats and the wife watched in amazement as the ballerinas gracefully glided across the stage. Then she heard a sound she couldn’t mistake-a snore.

She fumed the whole way home and finally in the privacy of their bedroom she let loose. “Why did you even come if you were going to fall asleep?”

He was confused and replied, “I don’t know what you’re so upset about. I took you to the ballet like you wanted!”

She sighed, exasperated, and said, “I wanted you to want to take me. I wanted you to enjoy it with me!”

We are servants of the Lord, we minister in the house of the Lord. We are His people whom He loves. We should want to praise Him! As we go about our days, whether it be in our work, in our volunteering of our time and talents, in our community or home, let us enjoy those experiences with God. Let us awake and praise Him!

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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Psalm 36:7-12

God’s goodness is so majestic not simply because it is impressive, but because God uses it to bless others. He provides refuge. He feeds the hungry and quenches thirst. The light we see is an extension of His light.

Imagine if a wicked person was like a black hole, completely turned into itself with the gravity of its self-centeredness. Everything which crosses its path is caught in the pull and dragged into the depths of utter destruction.

Now imagine the sun, which shines providing the light we need to grow food, to provide us with nutrients and vitamins, to light our way both during the day and reflectively during the night. It is the outpouring of the power of the sun that scientifically enables life on Earth.

God is not the sun. God made the sun. His goodness, His majesty is so powerful that all the good things we can think of are only a fragment of the overflow of Him. It is right, then, that we should praise the One who is mightier then the greatest evil imaginable.

Author: Sarah Kinzer

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1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Paul placed a high value on the work we do for the kingdom of God. His own testimony indicated that he was among the hardest working apostles (1 Corinthians 15:10). It was not an arrogant boast, but a recognition that the grace of God was working profoundly in his missionary activity. He was tireless, often under great threat and pressure, but nevertheless, always “on the job.”

Our present service to the “already, not-yet kingdom of God,” will at times be costly. It will often be unappreciated, or even opposed and resisted. But we are not working for a “garland,” a prize that will fade and die. We are looking forward to the reality for which we are being prepared from the moment we offer ourselves in surrender and trust into the hands of the Resurrected Lord. We become hands and feet for Jesus in this present world as we prepare ourselves and as many as we can bring with us for the everlasting, final, and glorious kingdom that will be ushered in at His return.

Author: Jesse Middendorf

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Matthew 20:9-16

We expect that something is wrong with this story. I have heard some rather outlandish interpretations that have attempted to “make sense” of it. How could a person hire people at various times of the day as indicated in the story, and then, pay them all the same wage? It just “makes no sense.” That is, unless you see what Jesus has just done to the way we evaluate the worth of people. In the world of grace, God does not measure us by our productivity, but on our availability. The source of our good, of our value, is not in what we can “produce” to justify our “wages.” The source of our value is in our availability. Grace is constantly being poured out into our world, into our lives, and that grace is not based on our abilities, our productivity, or our contribution.

Jesus “bookends” the story of the strange landowner with that stunning reversal of our norms: “So the last will be first, and the first will be last” (v. 16). The grace of God is scandalous! Are you available?

Author: Jesse Middendorf

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Matthew 19:30—20:1-8

In a world where the primary measure of our worth is our productivity. Jesus makes one thing clear: the way we measure things is not the way things are valued in the kingdom of God.

“Day laborers” exist around the world, people who gather at a place where those who need workers for an hour or two, or a day or two, come and hire them. There is no guarantee of future work, and those waiting for someone to hire them, are usually at the lowest end of economic “worth.” They seem to have little to offer, but the one doing the hiring is often desperate. In those cases, the need is not necessarily for “productivity,” but for availability.

This kingdom story invites us to consider, not our “productivity,” but the measure of our “worth” to the kingdom of God. It invites us to a place of utter availability. That is a humbling place to be. And we often find it hard to just be “available” to Jesus. But the gracious invitation to join Him in His work is always calling.

Author: Jesse Middendorf

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Psalm 34:1-10

In the middle of deep trouble, deliverance came just in time. What seemed like an impossible situation was met with the provisions of God. Maybe you have experienced relief like this. Perhaps you’ve received a serendipitous gift at the moment of a financial crisis. Maybe an estranged friend unexpectedly reached out to you with an open heart of reconciliation. Or it might be that a huge failure broke open something new and life-giving for you. There is a remarkable rush of thankfulness and joy when desperation and fear give way to salvation. David rightly identified the Lord God as the source of this goodness.

If we are facing trouble today, let us not give in to despair. God is very near and sees us. David encourages even the afflicted to “hear and rejoice” (v. 2). God’s deliverance is reliable for all who depend on the Lord. The Lord will provide every good thing we need. And when the Lord answers us, let us turn our relief into songs of endless praise.

Author: Lori Ward

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1 John 2:15-25

I remember taking the vacation of a lifetime with my family as a teenager. We spent two weeks living an “old west” life: staying on a dude ranch, panning for gold, canoeing, cooking dinner over a fire pit, and riding horses. It was such a fun and memorable time. I was so caught up in it that I was considering the purchase of boots and a hat. When I arrived back home, I was relieved that I had not spent my money in that way. This was not because I changed my mind about liking the boots and hat and the world they represented, but because I was not part of that world and they would have been ill-fitting in the world where I did live.

It’s easy to get caught up in the attractions around us so that they take us in. We want to try them on. Remaining in Christ necessitates that we keep our true home and identity always before us, especially since our stay here on earth is extended. The Scriptures, the Church, the voice of God in creation all help keep our hearts and minds fixed on our true self in Christ.

Author: Lori Ward

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Mark 12:38-44

How much is enough to give? We hear reports of mind-boggling amounts of money that wealthy benefactors give to charities and wonder how our small contribution could make a difference. But the point of giving is not for show. Neither is it to solve problems or even to make a difference. All of these motivations can be self-serving. The woman in the story of Mark 12 gives from a completely different posture. There is nothing in her giving that is aimed at herself. Instead, she gives with abandon to God, recognizing that she cannot provide anything for herself. She is completely surrendered to the Lord.

Perhaps it would be easier to give ourselves over fully to the Lord if we did not have the things we have. That is, after all, what the Lord wants from us: our full selves offered in complete abandon to God. Christ is not pursuing us for our talents or treasures or anything else we think we can offer. The Lord loves us precisely for who we are—beloved children of the Father.

Author: Lori Ward

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Mark 10:24-31

It is a bit unsettling to hear Jesus proclaim that it is hard to enter the kingdom of God. After all, haven’t we been taught that we are saved through God’s gift of grace? If that is so, how is it so hard? Perhaps we misunderstand the angle of the difficulty.

We spend so much time and effort trying to figure out how to shrink a camel to fit through the eye of a needle, but maybe that is not the hard part after all. The real challenge lies in becoming part of the kingdom where God reigns. The difficulty is in recognizing that all the things we have been working toward—financial security, social status, physical fitness, technical expertise, and more—have no value in the kingdom where God reigns. What matters in God’s kingdom is faithfulness, humility, justice, and self-giving love.

So perhaps it is not hard to unlock the door to the kingdom of God—Christ Jesus has already taken care of that—but to step into the reign of God with both feet necessitates letting go of everything we once considered valuable.

Author: Lori Ward

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Mark 8:31-38

It is impossible not to align myself with Peter in the encounter of Mark 8 with Jesus. I just cannot imagine keeping quiet if my beloved teacher spoke of giving in to the oppressors and allowing them the upper hand. Certainly we could come up with a plan of escape or a method of counterattack! There must be another way!

But then comes that hot, stinging rebuke. It cuts to the quick. Peter and I have not yet aligned our thoughts with what matters to God. With God there is no escape; there is no attack. It is all self-giving love. The practice of Christ-like discipleship is letting go of all of our efforts toward winning and our pursuit of a successful life. Instead, disciples of Jesus give themselves over to the saving work of God in the world, taking up a cruciform life for the sake of the gospel.

It turns out that following Jesus in the world where we live is opposed to living life according to the world. They are as contrary as losing life to save it.

Author: Lori Ward

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Matthew 19:23-30

We must imagine that the first listeners were mostly poor and on the margins of society. They saw wealth (as we often do) as a blessing from God. So the disciples were taken aback with Jesus’ proclamation. The rich seem to have earned God’s favor; so if it is hard for them to enter the kingdom of God, what hope is there for the rest of us?

Ironically, many have quoted Jesus’ exciting declaration that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26) to incite hope that God would answer any of our prayers—even for riches or success. Following Christ leads disciples to leave behind other means of security in exchange for a more enduring hope: Jesus promises salvation in the kingdom of God. While this is certainly hope for the end of the age, in Christ, the kingdom of God has already begun here and now among us. Salvation in the kingdom of God provides Jesus-followers freedom from sin and care-full provisions beginning here and now.

Author: Lori Ward

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Matthew 19:16-22

The young man in this story is like a success-motivated student who asks, “How do I achieve the top grade?” The Teacher responds with a clear outline of the standards attached to the man’s goal, but the student is aiming at the wrong mark. Good works, like high grades, are the surface-level indicators. Jesus nudges the young man toward the deeper goal, “Why do you ask me about what is good? . . . There is only One who is good” (Matthew 19:17a).

There is no “good thing” worthy of pursuit other than a whole-life committed to God. The seeker does not need a list of commands, but needs to become a disciple of Jesus. It may be possible to refrain from a list of sins and accomplish a list of good deeds while tethered to possessions, but the rope of riches is too short for following wherever Jesus leads. What is more, the truer treasure is already secure in heaven.

So let us pause to listen to the Spirit. What do we treasure that may be keeping us on a short leash, unable to follow after Christ?

Author: Lori Ward