Category: following Jesus

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Hosea 5-9

In chapter 5 of Hosea, we see judgement pronounced over Israel.

“Listen to this, O priests! Listen, O house of Israel, and give ear, O house of the king! For the judgment is against you; for you have been a snare at Mizpah, and a net spread on Tabor.”
 (Hosea 5:1, REV)

Later in verse 14, Yahweh says:

“I myself will tear them in pieces and go away. I will carry them off, and there will be no one to rescue them.” (Hosea 5:14, REV)

Things are starting to look bleak for Israel. Yet some begin to consider returning to Yahweh:

“Come and let’s return to Yahweh; for he has torn us to pieces, but he will heal us; he has injured us, but he will bind up our wounds.” (Hosea 6:1, REV)

But in verse 4, Yahweh reveals a deeper issue – Israel is not loyal to its covenants. He compares them to a morning cloud or dew that vanishes early. Yahweh knows they won’t truly turn back, but will continue down a path of unrighteousness:

“The pride of Israel testifies to his face, yet they do not return to Yahweh their God, nor have they sought him for all this.” (Hosea 7:10, REV)

In chapter 8, Yahweh continues to speak on the corrupt mindset of Israel and the many reasons for their separation from Him. Midway through the chapter, we see what happens to Israel.

“Israel is swallowed up. Now they are among the nations like a vessel that nobody wants. For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired herself out to lovers.” (Hosea 8:8–9, REV)

Back in chapter 5, verse 4, it says that Israel cannot return to God because of their deeds. That verse reminds me how important it is to change our actions when we turn to God. We can’t claim to be pure in mind and soul while continuing in sin and partaking in things that bring us further from God.

Since working in the construction industry and expanding my social circle beyond the church, I’ve noticed something. When I talk to people about faith and religion, many say they follow Christ but in the same breath, they contradict that by showing allegiance to themselves. My prayer for them is that they would not follow the path that Israel took, but recognize this hypocrisy and take steps to correct it. If they are sincere, they will allow God to begin to move in their lives or maybe even discover who God truly is for the first time.

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe Israel’s problem in Hosea’s day?
  2. Where have you seen similar problems?
  3. In your own life when has your love evaporated quickly, like the morning dew? How are you doing right now? Are your deeds taking you closer to God or further from Him? What might Hosea (speaking for God) say about your heart?
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“Be My Holy People”

Exodus 22-24

                Social transformation is often a long and painful process.  Think about efforts at equality within the United States.  The founders’ vision was for a society where everyone had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  The Declaration of Independence expressed this in 1776.  Yet it took nearly a century and a Civil War to bring an end to slavery.  It took nearly 150 years for women to be able to vote and nearly 200 years and a lot of blood, sweat and tears to make significant strides toward racial equality.

                How does one take a community that has been enslaved for over 400 years and transform them into a nation that shines a beacon of light to all other nations in the world pointing them to the true God.  How does an entire nation become holy, set apart for God’s service and God’s glory?

                This is the challenge that was before God, Moses and the nation of Israel.  They were leaving behind one type of structure, slavery, to enter into a new way of living.  They needed a new structure to help them know how to live.  They had to be taught how to live in community.  They had to be taught how to work, and how to rest, how to care for their neighbors, and how to punish wrongdoing that threatened to destroy their community.

                In today’s reading we see how God begins to organize and structure the transforming community of Israel.  He teaches them how they are to live and become a holy nation and a royal priesthood.  This transformation would not come quickly or easily.

                They had to be taught how to show respect for personal property: “Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.” (22:1)  Those who steal must give restitution.

                They had to be taught to respect the family structure and to place their sexuality within proper boundaries: “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.” (22:16-17)

                They had to be taught that there were severe consequences for failing to follow appropriate sexual boundaries: “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death.” (22:19).

                They had to be taught to have empathy and to show kindness to strangers and people who were different: “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” (22:21).

                They had to be taught to have compassion for people in the community who had suffered major losses: “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. (22:22).

                They had to be taught to show respect both to God and to their earthly leaders: “ Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.” (22:28)

                They had to be taught how to live as a just community by not giving false testimony, and by neither showing favoritism toward the poor nor withholding justice from the poor (23:1-6).

                They had to be taught to care for their bodies and minds by getting appropriate rest. (23:12).

                It was also important that everyone be taught these and other guidelines for how to live in community as God’s people and that they verbally acknowledge that they understand and intend to follow “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” (24:3)

                Israel’s transformation from slavery to covenant people of God living a set apart life as the community of God’s people was a slow and challenging process.  It was painfully difficult, but necessary.  In the end, people failed more often than they succeeded in carrying out their assignments.  And yet, somehow, despite tremendous opposition from aggressive and hate filled neighbors, the Nation of Israel survived.

                As Christians, we can learn much from studying how God worked with His people Israel to bring about their transformation.  It is important to note that they were God’s people first, and then they were given this particular set of laws.  In the same way, as Christians, we become God’s people first, through faith in Jesus Christ, and then we commit to following Jesus and obeying Jesus’ commands.  We do not become God’s people by following laws, but by following Jesus Christ.  However, when we follow Jesus Christ, we do not descend into lawlessness.  Structure is still required.  So Jesus spends three years teaching his disciples how to live as the people of God who are called to be holy, set apart to be a light to all nations.  We complete the mission that the nation of Israel began, and we do so following the yoke or community guidelines as laid down by Jesus Christ.  The foundational teaching of Jesus is to Love God and Love our Neighbors.  That is a good place for each of us to start each day.

Jeff Fletcher

(originally posted February 6, 2020 for SeekGrowLove)

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the purpose of rules for your country, work/school or family? What is the purpose of God’s rules for His people?
  2. Does God still want a holy people today? What does a holy people look like?
  3. Which characteristic of a holy people do you want to especially work on developing more this month?
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Chameleon Effect

OLD TESTAMENT: Jeremiah 20-21

POETRY: Psalm 119:1-8

NEW TESTAMENT: 3 John

My kids love to study animals, especially my 8 year old son, Oliver. He has a particular interest in sea-life. He told me once, in depth, about the amazing mimic Octopus. This creature mimics the actions of some other sea life, rather than just using camouflage, in order to protect itself. 

There are other animals in nature that do something similar, pretending to be something they are not in order to achieve safety or to catch prey. They pick out what works for other animals, and do those things themselves. We do this all the time, sometimes knowingly, sometimes not. When in a group of people I generally am subconsciously on high alert to fit in. It’s exhausting and tense and causes me so much anxiety. I will likely mimic what is around me so that I can be more comfortable while interacting. This is normal human behavior that some use more than others. And it’s not necessarily a bad thing! It entirely depends on who and what we are mimicking. 

There have been studies behind how and why people do this, and it has been coined the chameleon effect. We subconsciously pick up on micro-level behaviors around us and those behaviors affect how we interact. When someone around us is tense and rigid, it tends to make us tense up as well. If someone is relaxed and at ease, this puts us at ease and we subconsciously relax. It’s why yawns are “contagious” and why some people pick up speech patterns and mannerisms when in a group of people speaking in a style different to their usual one. This phenomenon allows us to interact with others with greater ease. 

3 John verse 11 says, “Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God.” We are constantly picking up the speech and behavior around us and whether we actively try to imitate them or not, we will do so. Even if it’s on smaller levels, those around you will have an effect on how you speak and behave. John is warning a friend in this letter of a church leader who is being self-serving and giving false teaching. But not only is he warning him away from this danger, he’s also giving an example of who he should imitate instead. 

We like to think that we are stronger than we are, when it comes to this particular issue that John is warning against. How many of us have had the thought, “It’s ok, their bad influence isn’t affecting me. In fact, I’m probably having a good influence on them!” We are called as disciples to go out into the world, yes. And we are to set a good example for others to follow. But this requires some maintenance. When we are fully immersed in worldly behavior and speech for a majority of our time, those mannerisms will affect you. Don’t delude yourself otherwise. 

1. Guard yourself. Spend frequent time in scripture, prayer, and worship. Arm yourself with spiritual armor and replenish that armor frequently. 

2. Balance your time. Most of your time should not be spent being surrounded by sinful behavior. Be sure that most of your time is spent imitating godly mannerisms by surrounding yourself with them. 

3. Have accountability. Be sure that you have a reliable, godly support system who will keep you in check. We often don’t even realize when we pick up bad habits, but our closest friends and families will. 

4. Keep your focus on imitating good. When you’re out in the world, preaching the gospel and interacting with others, your goal should always be to imitate Christ. Without Jesus visually there in front of you, sometimes that is harder to do, so be sure you have another wise influence in your life that you can imitate as John mentions here. When you are focused on imitating good, it’s much more difficult to imitate evil. Be vigilant. 

Reflection: 

Who in your life should you be imitating? Are they solid examples of good, Christian behavior? Why? Those traits that tell you they are good to follow are probably traits you want to work on in your own life. 

Are you regularly around non-christians and possibly some dangerous habits and behaviors? Probably, as we don’t all work and live in a fully Christian setting. However, it’s important to recognize those potential areas of our life where we might be imitating bad behavior in order to fit in well. 

Are there any behaviors or speech you’ve picked up from them that aren’t good or godly? How can you counteract those? What is a good way to behave in those settings while still being able to interact and have a positive influence on your environment? 

My prayer for you today is that you have a positive influence on your surroundings and others are led to imitate you! I pray that if you don’t already have a person in your life with godly influence for you to imitate, one steps in. I pray that you find the support and strength you need to go be in the world, but not be a part of it. Be a world changer for Christ today! – Jenn Haynes

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Remind the People

Old Testament: 2 Chronicles 31-32

Poetry: Psalm 105

New Testament: Titus 3

Life is so busy and complicated that I have to create lots of reminders for myself.  Fortunately, my phone and computer and watch all have features where I can set reminders for myself.  “Doctors appointment Tuesday at 3:00.  Take the garbage to the dump on the way to work in the morning.  Stop by the store after work and pick up some milk and bread.” I can even set reminders months or years in advance.  I can set alarms to remind me that in 2 hours I have a meeting.  In 1 hour I have a meeting.  In 15 minutes I have a meeting.  The Meeting is now starting.  Maybe I’m too busy or maybe I’m getting old, but I find myself more and more needing reminders.

Do you ever need reminders?  Little kids need to be reminded to brush their teeth, make their bed, do their homework.  What do you need reminders for?

The Apostle Paul thought reminders were important for Christians.  I guess he understood how easy it can be to forget what’s important when we are busy living life and doing  what’s necessary or urgent.  Do Christians ever forget important things about God, about Jesus, about how we are supposed to live?  Yep, we sure do.

In Titus 3 Paul tells Titus to remind the believers of some important things.

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” -Titus 3:1-2

Those reminders were important in the first century when Christianity was brand new and people were still learning the basics, but it’s been 2000 years.  We’ve certainly got being a Christian all figured out by now, don’t we?  Do we really need to be reminded to obey people in authority?  Do we need to be reminded to always be ready to do good?  Don’t all Christians always do what is good?   Certainly we never  slander or falsely accuse someone of wrong doing.  I’m always peaceable and considerate and gentle toward everyone, aren’t you? (My tongue is in my cheek- that means I’m kidding).

To tell the truth, I still need to be reminded of all of those things.  Just because I’ve been reading the Bible for over 50 years doesn’t mean I always remember to do good.  I still need to be reminded to be considerate and gentle, and so do you.  That’s why Christianity was never designed to be lived in isolation, but in community.  We need each other.  There’s a passage in Hebrews (a different book from today’s reading,  but important) Hebrews 10:24-25 says that Christians shouldn’t get out of the habit of meeting together, because we need to encourage (I think Hebrews says “spur one another on”, like a rider spurs on a horse) each other.  

Following Jesus is hard some times.  Being obedient to God is hard some times.  Remembering to do good and be gentle is hard sometimes.  I need help, I need encouragement to keep on doing what is right.  I need you, and you need me, we need each other.

I’ve read the Bible many times in my life and I need to keep on reading it to help me remember all the important things I need to remember.  Today’s readings in Isaiah 63-64 and Titus 3 remind us both about God’s wrath and about God’s mercy.  God has both.  God hates sin, he hates it when his children are brutal to each other.  He hates it when his children fight and argue.  He hates sin because he loves us and he knows that sin hurts us.  We hurt each other when we sin.  No parent likes to see their children hurt each other.  We learned that from our Father, God.

So keep reading your Bible and keep coming to Church and meeting with other believers so that you can remind them and they can remind you to keep on following Jesus.

“Hey Siri  set a reminder for 7 a.m. tomorrow:  be considerate and gentle to everyone.”

“Alexa, remind me to get up for Church Sunday at 8:00.”

-Jeff Fletcher

(Originally posted here on October 4, 2021 – when we were reading Titus and Isaiah together. This year, we get to start Isaiah tomorrow.)

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you need reminders for?
  2. Look at the list of things Paul told Titus to remind the people to do. For each one ask yourself why is this important and how well am I doing this? If you were to choose one to focus on reminding yourself to do for the next 14 days, which one needs your most attention right now?
  3. What is your attitude toward those who give you reminders?
  4. How can you encourage others to do what is right?
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A Radical Relationship

Old Testament: Hosea 1-2

Poetry: Psalm 76

New Testament: Luke 14:25-35

Since the pandemic, mental health has become an important topic that has not only been destigmatized, but has rapidly appeared in popular culture.  Looking at the vocabulary passed along in social media, I’m sure you’ve seen a quote or two referencing toxic behaviors, triggers, gaslighting, or keeping some type of balance.  The vast majority of those offering this advice are not certified to give it, but many have the ability to identify, and for the most part avoid, unhealthy relationships and behaviors that would emotionally exhaust us. So I, as one not certified to give advice, offer some advice, albeit unpopular and radical wisdom for the day and age we live in: God asks us to form addictive, dependent relationships in abandonment of self.

When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, ‘Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD’” (Hosea 1:2, NIV)

In a very specific instance, God instructs Hosea to marry Gomer, taking on an unhealthy relationship, knowingly to a woman who would be unfaithful to him. Not only a symbolic representation, but a real life metaphor, Hosea’s heart mimicked that of the Most High who was heartbroken by Israel’s infidelity. Yet in the same way, Hosea’s persistent love and commitment would mirror God’s unwavering love for His people. In spite of our own betrayal, God beckons us to return to Him and be restored.  This is a promise for Israel but truly, for each one of us.

Jesus also speaks directly to the demands of this type of abandonment in relationships.  Conversely, His focus is the reciprocation of God’s reckless love to us.  In the same manner, we prioritize Him above all else, even above family and possessions. In maybe the toughest pill to swallow in the ministry of Jesus, he states in Luke 14:26, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.”  Jesus double-downs on this statement, saying that we each must carry our own cross to follow Him. The demands of following Christ are toxic to self and most indeed will destroy us.

But this is the very cost of knowing Christ. If we were not aware of it before, be reminded of it as you read and re-read these words today. There must be a willingness to give up everything that hinders our relationship with God, and not only accept this, but embrace the sacrifices of discipleship.  No doubt there could be a growing dissonance in our minds. If this is the case, it could be that we are trying to preserve the self that remains instead of running to our relationship with the abandonment of Hosea, and ultimately, our Heavenly Father.  True discipleship demands more than superficial commitment. It requires a deep and wide devotion to Jesus, the same dedication He showed to His Father and to us.

Although we have lived in a manner that made us unworthy, God’s love for us is restorative and sufficient for any loss. The Church of God is His bride in the coming kingdom, and it matters not our history before coming to Him. We must no longer accept Jesus, for this implies He is tolerated. We must make a covenant with Him, becoming one. He has fully demonstrated His love for us, so we must embrace the cost of this radical relationship that continues to transform every aspect of our life.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. “True discipleship demands more than superficial commitment.” Where else can you see this principle taught and illustrated in the Bible?
  2. How deep does your commitment to God go? What do you find gets in the way of diving deeper into commitment?
  3. How would you describe God’s love? What is your response to His love for you? OR – asked another way – What is God asking of you in your relationship to Him and to His Son? And what does He offer in return?
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