Month: July 2024

Hezekiah, David & Jesus

Old Testament: 2 Kings 18

Poetry: Psalm 86

New Testament: Luke 20

Scriptures:
“He trusted in Yahweh the God of Israel, so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him.” — 2 Kings 18:5 (LEB)
Psalm 86: “Teach me, O Yahweh, your way, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” — Psalm 86:11 (LEB)
Luke 20: “And Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.'” — Luke 20:25 (LEB)


In 2 Kings 18, Hezekiah’s trust in God stands as a powerful example of faith and commitment to God. By removing idols and leading Judah back to true worship, Hezekiah’s actions reflect a heart fully devoted to God. This theme of wholehearted devotion is echoed in Psalm 86 and Luke 20, tying together a comprehensive understanding of what it means to trust and honor God.
Hezekiah’s reforms in Judah were driven by his deep trust in God. He actively sought to purify his kingdom from idolatry, demonstrating his dedication to God’s ways. His trust was not merely a passive belief but a driving force that led to decisive action and comprehensive reform.


Psalm 86 is a prayer of David, asking God to teach him His way so that he might walk in truth. David’s plea to unite his heart to fear God’s name resonates with Hezekiah’s life. Both show a desire to align their hearts and actions with God’s will, seeking His guidance and truth in all things.


In Luke 20, Jesus teaches about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. This teaching emphasizes the importance of recognizing our ultimate allegiance to God. Just as Hezekiah dedicated his reign to purging Judah of idolatry and leading the people back to God, we are called to dedicate our lives to honoring God above all else.


Hezekiah, David, and Jesus all highlight the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. This involves seeking His ways, trusting Him fully, and ensuring that our lives reflect His truth. Hezekiah’s actions in Judah show that true faith leads to action. Similarly, Psalm 86 and Luke 20 call us to live out our faith in practical ways, aligning our lives with God’s will and giving Him our full allegiance. Seeking God’s guidance, as David does in Psalm 86, and understanding our duty to God, as taught by Jesus in Luke 20, are essential aspects of living a life that honors Him. We are to learn His ways, walk in His truth, and render our lives to Him.

– Jeff Ransom


Reflection Questions:


Are there any areas in your life where you need to seek God’s guidance to walk more fully in His truth? How can you actively demonstrate your trust in God through your actions, like Hezekiah did? What does it mean to you to render to God what is God’s, and how can you live this out in your daily life?
This week, reflect on these questions and take steps to deepen your devotion to God. Seek His guidance, trust in His ways, and ensure that your actions align with His truth.

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Waiting & Acting

Old Testament: Micah 7

Poetry: Psalm 85 (day 2)

New Testament: Luke 19


“But as for me, I will look to Yahweh; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” — Micah 7:7 (LEB)


“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10 (LEB)


In a world often overwhelmed by corruption and despair, both Micah 7 and Luke 19 offer us powerful messages of hope and redemption. These passages remind us that no matter how bleak our circumstances may seem, God’s love and salvation are always within reach.


Micah 7 depicts a society engulfed in sin and injustice. The prophet agonizes over the overwhelming corruption, yet he chooses to watch in hope for God. Micah’s confidence is not rooted in the present circumstances but in the unchanging nature of God. He waits patiently for the God of his salvation, assured that God will hear him.


In Luke 19, we see the fulfillment of the hope that Micah clung to. Jesus encounters Zacchaeus, a tax collector despised for his dishonest, corrupt ways. Despite Zacchaeus’ reputation, Jesus seeks him out, calling him by name and choosing to stay at his house. This act of grace leads to Zacchaeus’ repentance and transformation. Zacchaeus’ story vividly illustrates Jesus’ mission: to seek and save the lost.


Both Micah and Zacchaeus found their hope in God. Micah trusted in God despite his society’s moral decline, while Zacchaeus found redemption through an encounter with Jesus. We, too, are called to place our hope in God, trusting in His promise of salvation. Zacchaeus’ transformation shows the power of God’s grace. No one is beyond redemption; Jesus seeks us out, offering a chance for a new beginning. Our lives can be profoundly changed when we come to God through Jesus. Micah’s patient waiting for God’s salvation and Zacchaeus’ immediate response to Jesus’ call both demonstrate the importance of faith in action. We must wait with hope, but also be ready to act in response to God’s call.

-Jeff Ransom


Reflection Questions:

  1. How can you place your hope in God amid the challenges and uncertainties in your life?
  2. In what areas of your life do you need to experience the transformative power of God’s grace?
  3. How can you be a faithful steward of the resources and opportunities God has entrusted to you, making Him known, while actively waiting for His guidance?


This week, consider these questions and take steps to deepen your relationship with God, embodying the hope and transformation He offers to all who seek Him through Jesus.

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Making a Way for You

Old Testament: Micah 6

Poetry: Psalm 85

New Testament: Luke 18:15-43

If you’re ever looking for a prayer for any occasion, the book of Psalms is the place to go. In today’s reading, we explore Psalm 85, which features a heartfelt prayer for mercy by one of the sons of Korah. It begins by reminding God of His past mercies when He restored the fortunes of Jacob, and then pleads for His compassion: “Will you be angry with us forever? Will you prolong your anger to all generations?” (Psalm 85:5-6). The Psalmist continues, asking, “Show us your lovingkindness, O Lord, and grant us your salvation” (verse 7).

The writer then reaches a comforting conclusion: “I will hear what God the Lord will say… Surely His salvation is near to those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land… Righteousness will go before Him and will make His footsteps into a way.”

This prayer serves as a perfect guide for times of uncertainty. Think back to the last time you faced a tough situation or crisis, perhaps due to a mistake you deeply regretted. What should be your next step? Prayer, of course. Psalm 85 reminds us that we are at the mercy of God, which is something to rejoice in. God’s righteousness goes before Him, and His footsteps create a path for us to follow. Understanding this is truly beautiful.

In our other reading, Micah 6:8 tells us, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Here, we see three essential virtues: justice, mercy, and humility. When faced with tough decisions or the need to recover from mistakes, we know where to turn for guidance. God provides everything we need to know – right in the Bible.

-Samantha Stokes

Reflection questions:

When faced with times of uncertainty, where in the Bible do you turn for answers?

What can you do to ensure you are walking in the path God’s footsteps have made for you?

How can you incorporate the virtues of justice, kindness, and humility into your daily interactions and decisions? 

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Excited about Church

Old Testament: Micah 5

Poetry: Psalm 84 (day 2)

New Testament: Luke 18:9-14

How excited are you about going to church?  You might think church is boring, the singing doesn’t inspire you, the sermon puts you to sleep, the building is nothing to write home about, etc.  If you think like this, you are probably also thinking, “Why even bother going to church when there are so many more exciting things I could be doing?”

If you think church is bad now, just imagine how bad it was when they used a tent as a church (called the Tabernacle), and slaughtered animals to cover sins.  How well would you have liked going to church then?!  (Can you imagine the smell?)

Our reading today is from Psalm 84, which starts out, “How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty!”  The writer wasn’t talking about the throne room of God in heaven, he was talking about the Tabernacle (tent) where he went to worship God.

Psalm 84 continues, “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.”

The writer wasn’t getting excited about visiting a tent, he was getting excited about being able to be in the presence of God.  He was yearning, fainting, crying out to be near God.

Verse 4 goes on to say, “Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you.”

I’m guessing the writer is referring to the singers whose job was to stay at church and sing praises to God all day long. He was envious they didn’t even have to leave there to go to work (they were at work) – they were so lucky!  They got to be near God all the time.

Verse 10 says, “Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.”

You may dread going to church.  The writer of Psalm 84 dreaded having to leave church.  He’d rather spend one day at church than almost 3 years anywhere else.  He’d rather be a doorstop at church than party all the time with his wicked friends.

Why did the author crave going to church so much?  The answer is: because he loved God, and he associated being at church with being in God’s presence – so he couldn’t get enough of it.  

Today, as a result of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we have far greater access to God than the people in the Old Testament (including the writer of Psalm 84) had.  We’re told in Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

God didn’t just send Jesus to die for our sins, God also wants to adopt us as His children.  And there’s an inheritance involved – the Kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “… No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”

I don’t know about you, but I have a pretty vivid imagination, and can imagine some amazing things.  But, according to this verse, I can’t imagine how great the Kingdom will be.  Start with no more death or mourning or crying or pain, add in a little euphoria in the presence of God forever, and you’re just scratching the surface for what God has prepared for those who love him.

I want that!

God wants to adopt us as His children, but there’s a catch.  He will only adopt us if we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savor, are baptized, and live our lives for Him.  Only then will we get to live with Him forever.

Maybe, our level of excitement in going to church is related to our level of excitement for God.  Once we recognize how much God has already done for us, and what He has planned for those who love him, we’ll get more excited about God.  And once we do, I suspect we’ll get more excited about going to church too. 

-Steve Mattison

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts and feelings right now about going to church? Where do you think they come from?
  2. How excited for God are you? What has He done for you already? What do you know about – and what can you imagine – about being in the Kingdom of God? Have you already been adopted into God’s family? Are there steps you need to do in this adoption process?
  3. Is there anything about your perception and understanding about going to church that you think God wants you to change?
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Your Longing

Old Testament: Malachi 4

Poetry: Psalm 84

New Testament: Luke 18:1-8

Close your eyes with me and replay in your mind the best day of your life so far. Try to recall all the vivid details – the sights, sounds, and smells, the intense feelings! (Then open your eyes so you can continue reading!)

Want to hear about one of the best days of my life? There are obvious ones not to be downplayed, such as my wedding day and holding each of my children outside the womb for the first time, but one of the most special days of my life was the day I swam with the manatees. 

Perhaps it sounds silly to you, but I adore manatees. I have spent copious amounts of time gazing at them through the massive glass aquariums at our two local zoos, both of which have manatee rehabilitation centers. So you can imagine my excitement a few years ago when my husband agreed that on our trip to Florida that year, we could splurge on an excursion to swim with the manatees in the Crystal River! I’ll never forget floating on the water while observing my beloved sea cows in a submerged, restful state ten feet away, surfacing every few minutes for air. It was an incredible experience to watch the momma manatee with her calf coasting through the shallow river beside us, the small herds interacting peacefully just under the surface, the chubby mermaids living their best (slow) life soaking in the warmth of the underwater spring. The tranquil experience was very healing for me, as one prone to anxiety who had to overcome many anxious thoughts to even pursue this swim-with-manatees dream. My mind still wanders in wishes… Why can’t life just be as peaceful for us as it is for our manatee friends? I’ve relived that day in my mind many times, and it always brings a smile to my face. 

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty. I long, yes, I faint with longing, to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God… A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.” (Psalm 84:1-2,10, NLT). 

Psalm 84 is generally considered a song of pilgrimage, one that was recited or sung when God’s people would journey to the Temple to worship. The writer was longing to be in God’s presence again. Now that Jesus has made a way for us to connect to God again even without a temple, this song could apply to coming into His presence anytime, anywhere, describing our longing just to be near him. Though I am so grateful that we can come into His presence all the time now through prayer and worship, I have always thought of this Psalm as more of a hope of the coming Kingdom. Perhaps we take for granted that we can approach God at any time with our praise and concerns. (I know I do.) And perhaps we don’t really wholeheartedly perceive the amazing promise of the Kingdom. (I know I don’t.)  

This world claims to have it all: fame, fortune, fun. But it will never truly satisfy. C.S. Lewis once said, “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed with my never-ending to-do list and difficult, anxiety-provoking decisions that I lose focus of the eternal perspective. And other times, I think that everything is awesome and couldn’t possibly get better! For good or bad, it’s easy to get lost in the chaos of each day, isn’t it? It is important to focus on our purpose as followers of Christ and on the amazing hope of the Kingdom, which will be better than anything we can imagine. Even your best day in this life is nothing compared to the Kingdom experience, in which we will live with God and Jesus forever and where there will be no more sickness or crying or pain (see Revelation 21:4). 

Even just one day in God’s Kingdom will be better than a thousand of your best days in this lifetime. What a fantastic hope we have! 

-Rachel Cain

Reflections:

Close your eyes and imagine what the Kingdom will be like. Now, multiply that by a bazillion and you still won’t even be close to envisioning the peace and beauty of the Kingdom! 

Approach God in prayer and worship this week with a similar longing as expressed in this Psalm. Thank Him for the ability to enter His presence. Pray for a deepening desire to experience His presence during this life, as we await the coming Kingdom.

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When He Hides His Face

Old Testament: Micah 3

Poetry: Psalm 83

New Testament: Luke 17:11-37

Who doesn’t love a good game of hide n seek? I have memories of my dad getting in on a game of hide n seek by helping one of us kids get up to the never-accessed attic from the hallway game closet. That round lasted a LONG time. And just last week I watched as cousins enjoyed the thrill of the classic game at my sister’s house. But what about when God hides?

When I think of hiding in the Bible I think first of all of Adam and Even hiding in the garden, and then of Jonah hiding on a ship to Tarshish. When people hide it seems it is often because of fear, embarrassment, and/or shame. But, what about when God hides his face? I think we can rule out fear, embarrassment and shame. And, it is definitely no game. So, what causes God to hide His face?

The verse I am referring to is Micah 3:4 – “Then they will cry out to the Lord, But He will not answer them. Instead, He will hide His face from them at that time Because they have practiced evil deeds.” (NASB). I looked at 55 other translations/paraphrases (made easy on biblegateway). I will compile some of the other options together: Someday you will beg the Lord to help you in your time of trouble, you will plead with Him, you will pray to Him, but He will not answer, He will not listen, He will not even look at you. Do you really expect Him to answer? But he will turn away from you, He will hide His face from you because of your sins, because of your evil deeds, because they/you have acted so wickedly.

So, what makes God hide His face from them – or from you?

Sin.

A few years ago I did a bit of study on prayer and more specifically unanswered prayers – or prayer requests that don’t receive the answer we were asking for when we asked. I keep the worksheet I created in my Bible because I keep adding to it as I find more and more reasons and instances as I read and re-read the Bible. Some of the reasons for “unanswered” prayers given in God’s Word are: not enough faith, asking with wrong motives, it’s not in God’s will or it’s just not time for it, yet. But, by far I have found the most examples and teachings about prayers not being answered – or even heard – because of unrighteousness.

Micah has many examples of the people’s unrighteousness. In this chapter he is speaking of the leaders of Judah and Israel and how they hate what is good and love what is evil. Perhaps if you think really hard you might be able to think of a time when you celebrated something that grieves God or you put down, ignored or disrespected something He created and called good? Where else have you seen evil celebrated and goodness trampled upon? Micah also spoke of the prophets who were leading Israel astray and their selfishness in looking out for themselves and their needs instead of speaking God’s truth and warnings to a nation in danger of God’s coming wrath. He says, “They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God” (Micah 3:7 NIV). And, suddenly, our ‘game’ of hide and seek now has no seekers at all. Because of sin. What happens when no one is seeking? Game over. Israel would be finding out very soon what happens. For even though they say, “Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us” (Micah 3:11 NIV); disaster is indeed coming. They will find, just as Micah foretold, that you can’t live your sinful selfish lives against God’s laws and heart and then when you are in trouble expect God to sweep in to save the day. In fact, He is sometimes sending the disaster, because of their sinfulness. He is hiding His face from them – not because He isn’t powerful enough to stop the disaster. Not because He isn’t loving enough to stop the disaster. Indeed, God has a love for the whole world and hates the spread of sin – so it could be precisely His love to send the disaster/judgment/day of trouble before even more are led astray.

Don’t wait til it is too late. Be a Micah. Stand up against sin. Be filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord. Speak and show justice and might. Don’t follow the lies of unrighteous leaders. Follow His laws. Love Good. Hate Evil. Seek God’s face – always.

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Are you good at recognizing what God calls good and what He calls evil? Do you hate what He calls evil and love what He calls good? How could you get better at recognizing and treating evil as evil and good as good?
  2. What examples can you give of leaders who hate what is good and love what is evil? How does this affect a whole family/church/nation?
  3. If our sin and unrighteousness keeps God from hearing and answering our prayers – and we know ALL have sinned – how do we continue to seek God and turn from sin so that He does not hide His face from us?
  4. How can you be a Micah amongst the false prophets and sinful, selfish leaders? What do you need on your side (see verse 8)? How do you get it?
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A Prophet You Would Like

Old Testament: Micah 2

Poetry: Psalm 82

New Testament: Luke 17:1-10

What is your favorite book? Who is your favorite speaker? Do you have a favorite preacher? What kind of prophet would you really like to listen to?

The verse in Micah 2 that really caught my attention this time around was verse 11 – “Suppose a prophet full of lies would say to you, ‘I’ll preach to you the joys of wine and alcohol!’ That’s just the kind of prophet you would like!” (Micah 2:11 NLT). It got me to thinking – maybe I should be spending a little more time listening to the preachers and prophets that I DON’T really like listening to.

Poor Micah might not have been a very popular guy in his day and age. Most of the people of Israel and Judah would rather not hear what he had to say. His social media accounts might not have had a lot of friends and followers and his devotions might not have gotten a lot of likes. Sometimes when we speak the truth it’s not real popular, and neither are we. But being popular and comfortable isn’t nearly as important as speaking and hearing and doing what God desires. I think Micah recognized this when he said, “If you would do what is right, you would find my words comforting.” (Micah 2:7b NLT).

How do we recognize a prophet that is full of lies? There are so many lies being circulated today. Whether they come from the Dove chocolate candy wrapper, social media or the preacher/prophet at the local church – everything we hear needs to be checked. Not just to see if it’s popular (do a lot of people believe it). Not just to see if it is comforting (do I like to listen because it makes me feel good). But of life and death consequence – does it line up with what God says is right and true and beneficial – even when it is unpopular and uncomfortable. And if it doesn’t line up with God’s standards, disregard it! And seek truth elsewhere! How do we know if it lines up with what God says is right and true and beneficial – even when it is unpopular and uncomfortable? Take a look (a lot of them, actually) in His Book! Like everyday – every book of the Bible (not just our favorites) – all year long.

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What prophets of lies have you heard? How did you distinguish it as untruth?
  2. Micah’s example of the prophet of lies spoke of the joys of wine and alcohol – a popular belief indeed that brings a lot of ‘comfort’ to many. What do you think Micah’s thoughts on wine and alcohol were? Do you think he was preaching God’s truth here? Do you see dangers in wine and alcohol? What problems could develop by listening to and following the prophet speaking of the joys of these beverages?
  3. Who do you listen to/read/watch? Why does what you listen to/read/watch matter?
  4. What other Bible passages can you find to support what Micah is saying?
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Accusations Against You

Old Testament: Micah 1

Poetry: Psalm 81

New Testament: Luke 16:16-31

The world could use more knowledge of the Old Testament minor prophets. I should become more familiar with them, too. I wonder what would happen if they became required reading in every college or high school curriculum? Could our world, our nation, our church, our family, me, learn a lesson from what God spoke through His prophets so many years ago? Would they listen?

This week our Bible reading will include one chapter of Micah every day. Some years we have read the whole thing in just one or two days. But this year let’s slow down a little and digest one chapter a day. Some days this week our devotions will be over other parts of our Bible reading, but still take the time to work through one chapter of Micah every day, as if it were required reading from God.

Unlike several of the books of prophecy which are directed to just one nation or city, Micah addresses both Israel and Judah and many specific cities in those countries. Micah includes three sections which each begin imploring his audience to listen and pay attention to the messages God gave him to tell of the capital cities, the leaders and the people of these countries (1:2, 3:1, 6:1).

As you read through Micah this week be watching for what we can learn about God. What are His characteristics, what does God like, what does He hate, what has He done, and what will He do? Not to spoil the whole plot, but you will find many instances of God’s justice and also many instances of His love.

Here in chapter 1 then we begin with Micah telling the people of the world to listen to the visions he has received from God in regards to the capital cities of Samaria and Jerusalem because “The Sovereign Lord is making accusations against you” (Micah 1:2). What does it mean to you that God is sovereign? Sometimes when we are accused of something we can easily dismiss the accusation because of who it comes from. But, not so easily done when the accusations are coming from the Sovereign God. Maybe this is something we ought to sit up and pay close attention to.

The next verse says, “Look! The Lord is coming! He leaves his throne in heaven …” So – we are not just to use our ears to listen – but also use our eyes to look and see the evidence. The Lord God is getting up off his throne. As a teacher or parent or baby-sitter it is interesting to watch a child who has heard the person in authority say what to do or not to do, but the child continues disobeying – until they see that authority figure start to stand up…and then they know it’s time to fall in line. It’s time to listen – and look – and obey. Because the LORD is not coming to give hugs and high-fives this time around. He isn’t bringing congratulations but accusations – and it’s not just talk. It’s time to act. The mountains are melting beneath His feet – because of the sins He has seen.

It is interesting that our other passages today share many of the same warnings and pictures of God. In Psalm 81 we hear, “Listen to me, O my people, while I give you stern warnings.” (vs 8). We see a people who did not want God around (vs. 11). We also see in this Psalm, what we will later see in Micah – what God does when His people DO come back to Him. When they DO repent, listen, follow Him and walk in His paths – THEN God subdues their enemies, and feeds them the finest wheat and satisfies them with wild honey from the rock (Psalm 81:13, 14, 16). While those who hate the Lord will be doomed forever (vs. 15).

Will you be eating wild honey from the rock or doomed forever?

Will you be like the rich man Lazarus or the beggar in Luke 16? If you are wanting some more information and discussion on this interesting parable, you might want to read the online REV Bible commentary on this passage.

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. Seriously consider, what accusations do you think the Sovereign Lord would make today against you, your church, your city, your capital city? Why are these accusations important to know and consider?
  2. The verse about the city of Lachish caught my attention, “You were the first city in Judah to follow Israel in her rebellion, and you led Jerusalem into sin.” (Micah 1:13) Your sins don’t just affect you. Where have you seen this slippery slope and growing snowball before? Thinking of your own life – who have you followed into sin – and then were you aware of who followed you and your sin? Could repentance work the same way?

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Socks and Shoes

Old Testament: Hosea 12-14

Poetry: Psalm 80

New Testament: Luke 16:1-15


If ever there was a dynasty in collegiate sports, it was the UCLA Bruins in the 1960s and 1970s. Over the course of a dozen years, they won 10 NCAA basketball championships.  At one point during this spell, they didn’t even lose a single game for three years.  There hasn’t been a run like it, or may never be again, and much credit goes to Coach John Wooden and his staff. Wooden didn’t seek out cutting edge strategies or even the most talented players. He cared about self-management and stewardship.  Before stepping on the court each player was taught how to put on their socks and tie their shoes. While this may seem demeaning or elementary, it had a dual purpose. The first, to minimize blisters and injury that could prevent a loss of practice time.  The second, to see if his players were faithful in the small things. If there was fidelity and discipline to this aspect, it is more likely this same commitment would be found to honing all the fundamentals of the game.

The connection of John Wooden doesn’t initially seem apparent when we examine the Parable of the Shrewd Manager. Initially it seems like a sneaky story about self-preservation instead of faithfulness.  An accusation from the owners comes against a middle level management, misusing company resources. When the news reaches the manager’s ear that he will be receiving a pink slip, he makes a game plan that will move him from one company ladder to another.  He quickly calls in those who have business dealings with the owner to settle their debts quickly and at a far lesser rate than what they owe in hopes of getting his back scratched in return upon his dismissal.  These executive decisions do not get ire, but instead the praise of his employer.  Our takeaway is likewise to be shrewd with our resources, taking responsibility for what is directly in front of us.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? – Luke 16:10-11

In every aspect of our dealings with others, whether with little or much, there is a responsibility to take disciplined, calculated action. Instead of acting in fear of losing our livelihood, we work on becoming the best version of ourselves because this shrewdness makes us trustworthy and impactful for the sake of the Gospel.  Jesus emphasizes that even the smallest actions are important, and really the basis for the amount of work that will be assigned to us. If we don’t take the time to tie our shoes right, and ultimately miss out on practice or games, we need to sit on a bench.  Furthermore, we cannot be expected to lead a revival, or even a Sunday School class, if we cannot be trusted with being disciplined enough to do our own Bible study.  We can’t be expected to receive God’s blessing on our business if we keep a tight grip on our purse when it is time to tithe.  Going back to the beginning of our week, staying true to a system or fundamentals, will not only develop a single resource, but ultimately encompasses every aspect of our lives, including our relationships, time, and talents.

Finally, one more theme to quickly revisit appears in today’s reading. Despite Israel’s mismanagement, let us again be reminded God’s desire is not to let them go, but to bring them back into the fold when he says: “I will heal their waywardness and love them freely, for my anger has turned away from them” (Hosea 14:4, NIV). This restoration is contingent upon living a life of integrity and faithfulness to God.  If we’re going to set foot on the court, let’s not even think about winning first.  Let’s make sure first that our socks and shoes are put on properly, looking at our calendar, our bank accounts, and our relationship, and demonstrating to God that we will be faithful with those things that are already set before us, so we may be shrewd managers, benefitting the greatest dynasty yet to come, the Kingdom of God.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What small actions have you (now or in the past) tried to skip over? What is the importance of doing these small steps consistently and well before trying to jump ahead to bigger things?
  2. What resources has God currently put you in charge of? What can you do to care for these well?
  3. How do you think God would rate your faithfulness?
  4. What is the biggest take-away you learned from Hosea this week?
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The Realities of Repentance

Old Testament: Hosea 9-11

Poetry: Psalm 79

New Testament: Luke 15:11-32

One of the toughest things to do as a parent is to let your child take a great risk, manage their own protection, or walk into a mistake.  There is a realization that your sway and shielding over another willed being is truly limited, even in the smallest stages of life.  You turn them loose, simply hoping they heed your instructions.  You let them crawl and explore your home, you put them on a bus for the school day, you let them sleepover at a friend’s house, and slowly but surely they become independent humans who make their own way from their own place.  While many who read this blog have walked their children through some or all of these stages in life, today, we will all take the perspective of a child, not the parent.

Through our study of Hosea paired alongside our slow walk through Luke 15, we have focused on the restoration of those who are lost and our responsibility to be ever-searching for those who have stayed or strayed away from the care of the Good Shepherd.  Today, we look more inwardly as we walk with the Prodigal Son, specifically looking at how each of us have wandered in our own right and making sure that we have come to the realities of repentance.

“Do not hold against us the sins of past generations, may your mercy come quickly to meet us, for we are in desperate need. Help us, God our Savior, for the glory of your name;” – Psalm 79:8-9

“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? … My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused” – Hosea 11:8

“So he got up and went to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him” – Luke 15:20

The first reality is that we have all squandered the blessing of God. Today’s Psalm is estimated to be written some 150 years after Hosea, as captivity and destruction set in. We see the lament of a nation whose possessions are long carried off, whose temple is destroyed, and their freedom now limited by their lack of resources.  God’s blessing can only extend to those who walk in His ways.  If we are seeking repentance or even identifying our need to repent, we need only reflect on the way we describe the blessings in our life. Do we see our wealth as our own or God’s?  Our time as our own or God’s? Is it our relationship, our ministry, our accolades, or God’s? If we are fortunate enough to be blessed even in a single area, we should not take it for granted, turning our back and hitting the road to make our own way.

The second reality is that all this world has to offer us is pig slop. While there is an overwhelming abundance of beauty on this earth, it is not found through any pursuit other than God. We often picture an endless rave alongside the Prodigal Son in his “wild living”, but not everyone of us is a party animal. Sometimes our pursuits for pleasure and meaning come in more temperant forms. In isolation from God, pursuing education, taking a leadership role, traveling the world, and many more noble activities are vanity and unfulfilling if they are not done with God at the forefront.  If we are filling our plates with these things, we will be left with food that is fit for swine, an important image when we think to Jewish dietary laws, an animal that is unclean because of its diet.

Finally, the third reality is that we must be mindful that God’s favor makes us belong, but it does not make us supreme.  The lie we have been sold for the whole of mankind is that we can be like God, knowing what is best for our own life.  We look to the older brother, who has a grievance that his younger sibling could be invited back so easily.  God forgives us all when we act as a maître d’ to His table, deciding who eats, and who sits where. Repentance is reconciliation to God and no other. While it is important to seek forgiveness from our brothers and sisters in Christ, it is not dependent upon it.  Thankfully, it is God alone who restores us to our place at the table, and we can only hope to scoot down to make room for one more who has accepted His invitation.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you realize how YOU were (or are) dead and lost? When/where has God seen you stay or stray away from His table?
  2. In what ways are you guilty of not giving God the credit He deserves for the blessings He has given? How could you take steps to repent and remedy this problem?
  3. What pig slop have you tried living on? How does it differ from what is available at your Father’s table?
  4. Where/when do you see yourself in the big brother’s resentment and wish for exclusion? How can you adjust your heart to reflect God’s instead – and scoot down to make more room? How can you extend the invitation to His table?
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