Category: giving

Wise Hearted Men

Exodus 35-36

Psalm 6

Matthew 20

Then Moses called Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skillful person in whom the Lord had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him, to come to the work to perform it.  (Exodus 36:2, NASB)

Our Exodus reading today gives a picture of what God’s people can do when working diligently and sacrificially together. God gave them guidelines to follow while they were creating the Tabernacle including the Sabbath rest, which materials to use, and even when they had worked enough at certain projects. In fact, I couldn’t help but think of my goat-loving friend, Amy, when seeing that anyone with access to goat hair would need to bring it to share. And I wondered who might have a “ram’s skin dyed red”, but it was asked for several times! I also thought of the many people from my church families who  have been a blessing to me in my Christian walk, but also to the greater body of Christ. . . those who have served with their God-given gifts, crafts, knowledge, and those who have allowed their hearts to be stirred by God in serving Him, but also who have been willing to do so as we see referenced in this passage.

I love that in these chapters we see so many men and women bringing so much to the work of the Tabernacle that God was able to say it was enough. Today, we live in a church world where there are jokes sometimes about “well once you become ________, you’ll be it until you quit!” or “10% of the people do 90% of the work in a church”. And workplaces, school projects, and anywhere else can be similar sometimes.  The beautiful thing about these chapters is that the Israelites were working together and sharing so much, generously and diligently, and things were accomplished.  While the lack of workers in a church can be a true challenge sometimes, we as Christians also need to collectively seek to share with and welcome the service of those with different personalities, skill sets, or histories. Once, I attended a musical put on by all special needs kids, two of whom were great buddies of mine. One actress accidentally threw a sword into the crowd. One guy sat down on occasion, deciding his lines were not necessary. No one was ever in tune. The curtain to backstage always had a few heads peeping out.  Despite this, I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the audience as we were applauding at the end, and the tremendous effort, love, and joy through their performance was a beautiful service to the community, their loved ones, and those kids. I have wondered at times if more “church things” operated like that play, things might just be pretty sweet.

The tabernacle of the Old Testament is a foreshadowing of what we get through Jesus in the New Testament, and I am grateful that he is the rock on which our churches are built. I long for the coming kingdom where we can live as the true church without sin and hurt and mistakes. I am thankful for those who have shared that hope with me, and dwelling on Exodus 36:2 a bit, I find myself thankful for a few workers in my Christian corners who have been willing to serve, made personal sacrifices to do so, and set an example to me. One of those is my pastor, Mark Tschaenn, who has given decades to the ministry, has taught and served others diligently, and who I hope and pray is feeling God’s strength today. One is John Railton, my former pastor and Family Camp worker extraordinaire, whose wisdom, humility, and forgiving spirit are an asset to the body of Christ. Another is Anthony Buzzard, who at 90 years old is still actively teaching and leading people to the kingdom, having sacrificed so much to do that.  Your list and names will be different than mine. Your gifts different than mine. Your story is different than mine. But, if you are a part of the body of Christ, we are called to work together doing kingdom work. Working hard, generously, lovingly, humbly, and bringing others to the cause as we long for Jesus’ return.

Reflection Questions:

What work is the LORD stirring in your heart?

What kingdom work do you see being done in your church families? What hindrances are in the way?

PRAYER:

Thank You, Lord God, for giving resources, skills, abilities and Your Spirit, to be used in building up Your kingdom work. Thank you for the fine examples You have given in Your Word and in our lives. Help me see the many valuable resources You have given me and help me generously share them with others. Stir my heart, Lord. Show me where You want me to serve today. And I pray for Your Spirit to help me do it well, all for Your glory. Help us together be the tabernacle for worship and the body of Christ you have created us to be.


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Walk in Wisdom

Exodus 5-6

Proverbs 28

Matthew 13

Devotion by Tom Siderius (MI)

As we read this morning, I am convicted so many times by the pure and simple understanding that the true Word of God brings to the situations of life.  As I read and hear the news of the world around us, the complexity of the situations and actions sometimes is very puzzling.  I cannot immediately discern by my own understanding and knowledge what is the best path or the correct statements.  But when I read verses like these from Proverbs 28 I am convicted so quickly in my heart about what are the right things to think and to do.  These verses cut right to the chase or where our hearts need to be.

Proverbs 28:19-28(ESV) Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings,
but whoever hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good,
but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 A stingy man hastens after wealth
and does not know that poverty will come upon him.
23 Whoever rebukes a man will afterward find more favor
than he who flatters with his tongue.
24 Whoever robs his father or his mother
and says, “That is no transgression,”
is a companion to a man who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up strife,
but the one who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
26 Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool,
but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will not want,
but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, people hide themselves,
but when they perish, the righteous increase.

We also see in the New Testament in Timothy where God identifies for us where our hearts should be when we walk with Him and His Son Jesus Christ.  God’s wisdom is pure and simple.

1 Timothy 6:9-10(NKJV) But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

God shows us that prosperity is good, but when we desire to be rich, we are sinful and separate ourselves from God’s fellowship.  Money is not the root of ALL EVIL as some teach, but if we read carefully the verse says it is A root of evil.  Only when we desire to have it to enrich and pleasure ourselves does it become an evil purpose for us.  As we read the verses from Proverbs 28 we find so many pure thoughts and clear statements of how we are to handle our work, money, lives and relationships.  When we trust in God we become like that tree planted by the waters which is never without the water, help and love of Our Father. 

Psalms 1(NKJV)  Blessed is the man
Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly,
Nor stands in the path of sinners,
Nor sits in the seat of the scornful;
2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
3 He shall be like a tree
Planted by the rivers of water,
That brings forth its fruit in its season,
Whose leaf also shall not wither;
And whatever he does shall prosper.
4 The ungodly are not so,
But are like the chaff which the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment,
Nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
6 For the LORD knows the way of the righteous,
But the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Reflection Questions:

What are the priorities of your financial decisions?

How can we get the God perspective on our finances and relationships?

What can we do today to advance the message of the Gospel to others?

PRAYER:

Father God help us to turn our hearts to You.  Give us the wisdom that You promise here in Your Word to guide us in our lives.  We ask You for the prosperity that is needed to take care of our families and people, and the surplus that we need to support those who are in need.  Truly give us today the bread of our need and then help us to forgive those who trespass against us, keeping our lives pure and unblemished before You.  We pray these things in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ.

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Chosen – for Something

Be Strong and Do It!

1 Chronicles 26-29 & Psalm 127

Have you ever had an idea, or plans for something that you spent time putting together, but were not able to actually carry it out?

It might be because you don’t have the means, the talent, the time, but whatever the case, it can be disheartening, so I appreciate David’s example here on not being downtrodden about it but instead taking an opportunity to guide the nation and his son, directing them to serve God.

I also think it is pretty cool that despite David not being allowed to build the temple, we see an example of God’s Spirit working in David to come up with the plans.  Just because he wasn’t allowed to build, didn’t mean that he wasn’t able to still do something for the LORD.

In this case, David wasn’t allowed to build because of being a warrior who had killed others, but it is also a reminder to me that there isn’t just one thing to do.  God may call us differently or gift us differently to accomplish more things.  God didn’t use David to build the temple because of David’s actions over the past. But in other cases, God is just using people in different ways – not because one thing is better than the other (thinking of Paul describing the body – each part needs the others to properly function), but because multiple things need to be done.  We might sometimes feel saddened by being unable to do what we want, but that shouldn’t stop us from doing something.  We are all able to serve, but that service might look different from how others serve depending on our skills, or physical abilities, or God-given direction.

And then as we continue reading, we see how things are generously donated to the building of the temple, and to keep us all in check, David offers this in 29:14 “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand.”

In a world/culture that is heavily focused on earning what we have, sometimes we need that reminder that the only reason we have is because God has given us things.  And that can fill us with gratefulness and love and inspire us to give as well.

~Stephanie Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. Is there a job that you have wished God would chose you for, but He has not? What can you learn from David? What other jobs do you think God IS asking you to do? In what ways are God’s plans better than ours?
  2. What has God given to you that you can use to serve Him?
  3. Our Psalm today was written by Solomon and he wrote: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1 ESV). What did Solomon learn from his dad? How can you apply these words to how you are building your house/life/family and how you are building/supporting/growing God’s house/church?
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Giving the Good Stuff

Acts 20:35 NASB

Old Testament: Numbers 5 & 6

Poetry: Job 6

New Testament: Acts 20

I would like to start off this post with a short introduction.  My name is Ruth Finnegan and I am married to Sean Finnegan and we have four sons, who range from age 11 to 1 month old.  It is my joy and pleasure to be a stay-at-home mom!  When Sean and I first got married we had a lot of discussion about “how are we going to be.” We decided to set a few tenets or standards for our life together.  These were:  seek righteousness; don’t be cheap, tip generously, only use good toilet paper, and be given to hospitality.  Recently, I went to the store to stock up on toilet paper and they were out of our usual brand.  I bought a cheap package to tide us over until I could go to the store again.  Oh man! Mistake!!  Sean started declaring, “Have we lost all of our principles?? What is this, sandpaper?! Should we stop tipping too?” I burst out laughing when he said this because I was instantly brought back to that conversation early on in our marriage.  I went out and bought good toilet paper for the house and got rid of the cheap stuff.

Sean and I have been married for almost 14 years and we have always been passionate about being given to hospitality (Romans 12:10).  Over the years, we have had many people come stay with us.  Some come for just a night and some for many months.  We feel that God has given us much and blessed us abundantly and that it is our joy to bless others with our home (and with our good toilet paper).   I have found that you discover a lot about people when they stay with you in your home.  I thought about this as I read Acts 20:17-38.

When Paul was in Ephesus, his mission was certain.  He served and lived among the people, he kept back nothing, teaching them “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).  Paul was a true shepherd who cared for his flock and was very clear about his purpose.  He made sure that he was not a burden.  He took care of himself and those with him and he used every opportunity to teach and shepherd the flock there.  He truly cared for people and genuinely wanted the believers to be protected from the wolves that were sure to come.  Paul knew he had to leave and wouldn’t see them again.  He implored them with these final words:

35 In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

And with that, he knelt down with them and prayed for them.  When Paul left, they did not breathe a sigh of relief because he had inconvenienced them.  No, they had deep sorrow in their heart because he had been a blessing to them.

We have had people stay with us that were all about what they needed or being served so when their time of departure came, we were thankful!   We have also had the pleasure of having guests that infused our home with light and eternal blessings!  They had eyes to see and wanted to be a blessing and help.  When we go about our lives and come into contact with others, let’s strive to be like Paul.  He was all about teaching the eternal things of life like the Kingdom of God.  He was not a burden but a blessing to the believers and sincerely cared for them.  He didn’t complain about his lot as a missionary, he was driven by the holy spirit even when it came to his own discomfort and sacrifice.  Let’s strive to encourage others and remember it is more blessed to give than to receive!

-Ruth Finnegan

(Originally posted for SeekGrowLove on June 10, 2017 – today, Ruth and Sean’s boys are much older and taller. But I bet the whole family still enjoys using, and giving, the good toilet paper.)

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe how Paul gave? What was he giving?
  2. When have you found it to be true that, “It is more blessed to give than to receive?” What has been your favorite thing to give?
  3. Where are you challenged to give more freely? What will you give this week? How?
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Generous Givers

Illustrate Psalm 37:21 and introduce the devotion
Psalm 37:21 NLT

Old Testament: Leviticus 2 & 3

Poetry: Psalm 37

New Testament: Acts 5

Yesterday I touched on how one remedy for financial insecurity is to look to the future promises of prosperity for those who put their faith in the LORD. Our understanding of this future is to be the Kingdom of God. Psalms 37 also talks about how God helps his people in the here and now. We saw this briefly at the end of Acts 4. Today, we are going to discuss generous givers.

The church can be a very generous place. The example of pooling resources and caring for each other is set for us by the early church. It is discussed also in Psalm 37: “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers” (verse 21 NLT). Having grown up in the church, I have heard many many stories of how God uses generous givers to care for and look after His people. I have been the recipient of such generosity several times in my life. Just last week, my sister-in-law surprised me by sending me money for my expensive prescription. We were at a birthday party and I was telling her of all the craziness it had been trying to track down this medication at a price I could attempt to afford. As we left the party, I looked at my phone and saw a notification. She had sent me the exact price for the prescription. I insisted she did not have to do that. She said “I know, but I felt like I should.” She felt God nudging her, and listened to the call. I have also tried, with my limited resources, to be generous to others. For example, before inflation got crazy and my dog got fat–needing a pricey special diet, I used to save $10 of every paycheck to give to my younger sister in college.

My grandparents, Scott and Gayle Ross, are the two most generous people I know. Psalms 37:26 reminds me of them: “The godly give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.” My grandparents are generous with more than just money, but their time, wisdom, love, home, and coffee. One Saturday morning I was dropping my dog off to stay with them as I had a long day of dance classes to teach. I remember frantically calling them to ask if they could prepare a to-go cup of coffee as I hadn’t time to make or get any before class. I rushed into their house, dropped off my dog, grabbed the coffee and hugged them both saying if there was one thing I can count on my grandparents for, it’s free coffee and free babysitting. Many times have my grandparents also been on the receiving end of generous givers. It is an endless beautiful cycle of generosity God has set for his people.

The generosity in Psalms 37 contrasts dramatically with the story of Ananias and Sapphira we read in Acts 5. It is important to note what Ananias and Sapphira’s sin was. This story is not meant to scare people into giving money to the church. Peter states, “The property was yours to sell or not to sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away.” (verse 4 NLT). Ananais and Sapphira’s sin was that they lied about how much money they were giving. The pair tried to elevate themselves and produce their own reward by gaining status in the church for being generous givers while still retaining some wealth. This is the opposite of what is described in Psalms 37:37, “Look at those who are honest and good for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.” It was not a lack of giving that caused God’s wrath on Ananias and Sapphira, but a lack of honesty.

Not everyone all the time can afford to be generous givers monetarily, but there are always ways we can be generous with each other. This could be donating our time and talents to the church, which we will look at more tomorrow. For now, I encourage you to reflect on the generous givers in your life, thank God for them, and ask God if there are ways in which you can be generous to others.

Special Note on Leviticus 2: In the instructions for grain offering it is listed that the bread be made without yeast. While this could be symbolic of the first passover, when the Israelites had to leave Egypt quickly and did not have time to put yeast in their bread, there is also a practical reason to leave out yeast. A bread that does not have yeast will last longer. Leviticus 2:10 explains how the remaining grain offering will be given to the priests as their food. Making this bread without yeast preserves it longer for the priests to consume. That is also why in Leviticus 2:13 God instructs his people to never leave salt from a grain offering, as salt is a preservative. The priests did not have regular jobs or land to farm. Their source of food came from the portion of the people’s offerings God allowed. In God’s infinite wisdom he instructs these offerings only be made in a way that ensures quality. How cool is that!

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are some of the most generous people in your life? How have you seen them give? How can you thank them for their generosity?
  2. When did you generously give? How did it feel?
  3. What do you have to give right now? Who would you like to give to?
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Gold and Goat Hair

Exodus 35:5a NIV

Old Testament: Exodus 35 & 36

Poetry: Psalm 34

New Testament: Acts 1

Gold and goat hair. Silver and sea cow hides. Bronze metal and blue yarn. Onyx stones and olive oil. These all were great offerings to do the work of God. These were just some of the precious, as well as the more common, everyday items that were brought as offerings to create the very first tabernacle.

God had given Moses some very specific plans for what He wanted for His tabernacle including the furnishings and priestly garments. The creative Creator who designed heaven and earth and fashioned all sorts of lands, plants, fish, birds, animals and unique human beings was now showing His flair for architecture (albeit tent-like architecture that would travel well), interior decorating (including specific dimensions, materials and details for the furnishings and surfaces), and even fashion designing (of the stunning priestly wardrobe).

God gave the precise plans – and He also gave His Spirit. God gave His Spirit to fill these craftsmen (Bezalel, Oholiab and other skilled persons) with skill, ability and knowledge so they would know how to create His masterpieces in gold, silver, bronze, stones, wood and “all kinds of artistic craftsmanship” (Exodus 35:33). And the Bible records that God also gave both Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach others these skills. What a creative and masterful and wise Spirit of God, which God still gives today! Have you received any of His crafty, skilled Spirit? If so, how are you using it to do His work? Are you able to teach others what God has given you? How can teaching others your skills and abilities further God’s work?

God gave the plans and His Spirit with the skills, it was up to the people to give the resources. ”All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.”  (Exodus 35:29) These offerings were not required (as other offerings were), but these were voluntary offerings. ”Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work.” (Exodus 35:21) And they did give! They donated their gold jewelry to the cause. Those who had acacia wood, bronze, spices and oil gave what they had. The skilled willing women got to work spinning the colorful yarn, linen and goat hair. There was no gift too large and no gift too small. It was all given with a willing heart and would be used for the Lord’s work. They even gave and gave until they were told to stop because they had given more than enough to complete the sanctuary. 

I am not sure your church would find a good use for your donated goat hair today…um, wait, correction, my quick internet search just now revealed several common uses for goat hair including paintbrushes, rugs, carpet, and even Mohair or cashmere (different from rabbit cashmere) to be used in making sweaters or even fine pants for your pastor. So, go ahead keep collecting your goat hair for God, if that is what you have and your willing heart is telling you to give it to Lord’s work. 

And also consider, what do you have, or could you acquire with what you have, to provide for God’s work today. I’m guessing God’s not planning on building a tabernacle in your backyard, but do not doubt He has many, many plans that you can be an exciting part of with your participation and your offerings. What is your church doing that you can be a part of, contributing your time, talents and what you have to a larger extent than ever before? Could the children’s ministry use new crayons or is the kitchen running out of coffee cups? Would a tray of cookies be useful after church or could you help provide a spring cleaning spruce-up? What needs can you provide? Do you have a crafty skill to create a piece of artwork or functional thing of beauty (furniture or banner or blanket) for God’s church or even for His work outside of the church (perhaps a donation for a non-profit organization). Where is God’s work around the world in need of what you have? Sometimes the need is as simple as highlighters, glasses, or flat frisbees. Sometimes it’s Bibles, bikes and fertilizer. Sometimes it’s larger, like a church building – a new tabernacle. What do you have (given to you by God), that He would love to see you use to further His work with one of your neighbors in need – your means of transportation, your coffeepot, you sharing a skill? 

What is your heart moving you to offer to God’s work? Consider both your valuable and precious resources as well as your common and everyday items? What gold and goat hair will you offer to God with a willing heart? 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection & APplication

  1. What do you have (or have the means to acquire) that could be used to do the work of the Lord? How is your heart moving you to give offerings to the Lord’s work? 
  2. Pray about it and do it.
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To Shine – or Not to Shine?

Old Testament: Genesis 11 & 12

Poetry: Psalm 3

New Testament: Matthew 6:1-18

Remember how we recently read in Matthew 5 to SHINE – “before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matt 5:16). And, then we get to Matthew 6 which begins, “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” (Matt 6:1). One says do your good deeds before men while the other specifically says don’t do your acts of righteousness before men. Is there a contradiction there? I want to follow Jesus, I do – but sometimes…I am not exactly sure what it should look like. But, over and over again I find I am the one that needs to grow in my understanding and action. So, let’s dig a little deeper and see what we’ve got here. 

In our SeekGrowLove Bible reading plan last year we focused on looking at what we can learn about God or what He reveals about Himself every time we read His words. I learned a lot. I had a great year journaling and marking in my Bible margin little asterisks when I read descriptions of God, what He’s like and what He likes, what He is doing and will do. In the gospels it is extra fun to find all the descriptions of God given to us by one who knows Him so well – His Son Jesus. I have found it can be very valuable to read God’s word not as a checklist of do’s and don’ts but as a search for more and more about our Heavenly Father. 

These first 18 verses in Matthew 6 on giving, praying and fasting seems at first to be primarily a lot of direction on what we should be doing – and sometimes what we should not be doing. But, upon looking closer – there are quite a few asterisks in my margins. God, specifically called ‘Your Father’, shows up, again and again. Twice He is referred to as unseen – perhaps in contrast to the Pharisees and religious leaders who enjoyed making themselves very well seen, and perhaps just as a reminder we all need – God is here – don’t be fooled at just concerning yourself with what you can see with your eyes. He is unseen and very real. 

In each of the three sections on giving, prayer and fasting Jesus states, “your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” So, even though He is unseen, He sees. There are no secrets we can keep from God. He sees it all. And when He sees what He likes – giving in secret to the needy, one-on-one prayer with Him, and fasting in secret – he will reward us. He is real, He sees and He rewards, when we do it right. 

So, what is the wrong way to give, pray and fast? They all seem like good deeds to do – should we shine while doing them? Jesus answers that question – give, pray and fast, but don’t do them, “before men to be seen by them.” When we are putting on a holy show to let others know how good we are – that is when God says, “I got nothing for you – you already received your praise from men. You weren’t really looking for My praise anyways. You wanted to look better than the rest. Your pride was lifting yourself up. You weren’t pointing people to a Me. You were just plain showing off and trying to create a name for yourself.” (This was also what the Tower of Babel folks got in trouble for in our Old Testament reading of Genesis 11 today – trying to make a name for themselves). 

So, it becomes another heart issue where motive and manner is extremely important. What is your motivation to give, pray or fast? Do you have selfish reasons and are motivated by looking good? Do you do it in a manner to get the most attention and eyes on you? Just remember, God sees, too, and He ain’t happy. Those acts of righteousness were supposed to come from a pure and sincere heart seeking ways to thank, honor and draw closer to your Father in heaven. But you took that sacred interchange between yourself and Him and cheapened it by broadcasting it before men. 

But what about those good deeds that we ARE supposed to do before men SO THAT God is praised? It seems the “good deeds” category is different and perhaps broader than the “acts of righteousness” we just discussed. While the acts of righteousness were things we do for and with God (and most appropriately in secret), the good deeds are what we can do for and with others. Motive is still really important. No one (least of all, your Father) wants to see your good deeds that are only done to bring praise to yourself. How do we do good deeds that others will see, and when they do see, they will praise our Father in heaven? Perhaps (like always) the best answer and example is seen in Jesus. As we read through the rest of Matthew let’s look for what he does in secret with and for His Father and what he does before men to bring praise to His Father. What are his acts of righteousness and what are his good deeds? Can we tell what his audience and motives are in each? 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. How are you doing with your acts of righteousness? Do you think God sees and is pleased? What motivates your acts of righteousness – where is your heart? What would you like to do better – for Him? 
  2. In Matthew 6:8 what do we learn about your Father? How is this reassuring to you? How can knowing this affect your prayers? What do you learn from Jesus’ model prayer in verses 9-13?
  3. In Matthew 6:14 & 15 what do we learn about your Father and forgiveness? Why is this so important? Is there someone you need to forgive today?
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Refocus

Old Testament: Obadiah

Poetry: Psalm 132

New Testament: Matthew 18

Who is the greatest?  The GOAT (is that still a thing)?  This is what the disciples come to Jesus asking at the beginning of Matthew 18.

Jesus doesn’t answer them directly, per usual.  Their question isn’t even worth answering.  It doesn’t matter who is the greatest.  That comes with the wrong focus.  Instead Jesus tells them:

3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 

Your position is not important.  Rather, not viewing yourself as the greatest will put yourself in a better, more humble position.

There are several parables in this chapter, and I think you could probably tie them all to humility in some way, but I want to look at the last section.  It starts with:

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.[g]

That is going to require humility.  When someone sins against us, we probably feel we are in the right to be angry or to hold a grudge.  After all, they sinned against me.  But Jesus’ instructions don’t allow for this kind of pride.  Instead, we are to go on forgiving our fellow Christians time and time again, swallowing our pride, pushing it aside, for the sake of forgiveness.

We might think this is unfair, but through the parable Jesus tells of the unmerciful servant, we can see that God forgives us so much!  For us to accept God’s forgiveness for our own sins, but to hold another’s sins against them is prideful.  It is saying that you deserve forgiveness more than them, or that your sins weren’t as great.

Instead, Jesus wants us to humble ourselves, to admit that we are just as low, or even lower, than others and offer the grace to others that we have been given.

Humility is a topic that has come up often in my discussions and readings the last few months.  It is hard – it is against our human nature.  But I really believe it is one of the most important things for us to focus on.  And likely, it isn’t a one-time thing.  We need to constantly be reminded and refocus on humility to make sure that pridefulness doesn’t seep into our lives, because pride does come naturally.  But humility is key.  It is key to forgiveness, to serving others, to spreading the gospel.  Your message will be better received if it comes from a place of humility rather than pride.

~Stephanie Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. What does pride look like? What does humility look like? Why do you think Jesus teaches humility? Which type of person do you prefer to be around? 
  2. When and how does pridefulness seep into your life? What has helped you remember and practice humility?
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Giving in the Difficult Season

Old Testament: Amos 1 & 2

Poetry: Psalm 128

New Testament: Matthew 14

 

We have all heard the story about Jesus feeding the 5 thousand, and what Jesus can do with our little. But what happened prior to these events?

In Matthew 14: 1-12, we are told of the moment that Herod decided to behead John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin, and close friend. In Matthew 14:13-14 we are shown the reaction of Jesus when he gets the news.

Matthew 14:13-14

            “When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there by boat to a remote place to be alone. When the crowds heard this, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore, he saw a large crowd, had compassion on them, and healed their sick.”

This is an incredible image of who Jesus was. Think of a time in your life when all you wanted was some time alone. You have been through a lot and are trying to grieve and yet there are people who want to talk and need your help. What was your reaction?

Were you irritated, did you yell, maybe you said something you wish you hadn’t? We have all been to that place. We are all human. There have been times I have done the same thing, especially in the recent times with trying to find a job and being patient, as I wait for God to open the door. It has been easy to lose my temper with the people around me, or to be distant from them.

Jesus in this passage, is calling us to have compassion even in our grief and sorrow. Have compassion on people and show them the love of God. Even when we are burnt out and only have a little to give. Even that little, when given to others, has the power to change everything. Jesus took the little bread they had and gave it to God in faith and was able to feed everyone there! Our little strength makes a huge difference.

After this incredible miracle, seeing Jesus do these amazing things, the disciples get into a boat and make their way to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. In the night during a storm, they witness Jesus walking towards them on the water. The disciples in fear believe it is a ghost, but Peter says, if it is you Lord, command me to come to you on the water. Jesus says, “Come.”

Peter begins walking on the water in courage and faith, but fear sets in and he begins to sink as he notices the wind and waves.

Jesus then says as he pulls Peter from the water. “You of little Faith. WHY DID YOU DOUBT?” Jesus says this with love. Peter only had a little faith and was willing to get out and take the chance to walk.

We are called to do the same. When we are burnt out and feel empty. We are called to bring the little faith we have and walk with Jesus. Sometimes the waves in life are tall, and the wind roars in our ears. But Jesus says, “Walk with me.”  In other words, “Bring all you have to serve others,” as we are called.

As I write this, I think of the times in life that I feel burnt out, even at my young age. Life is HARD. But even during those times, it brings me hope to see others who have went before me. They continue to serve and give of themselves even in their challenging times. It is amazing to see what God does even through our grief. God uses our biggest trials to make the biggest differences in our lives, and the lives of people around us. He does this with the little we have to give.

Reflection Questions

In times of testing and grief, do we give up or keep on looking for needs of others?

Are we feeding ourselves spiritually to strengthen our faith, so we don’t sink like Peter did?

-Hannah Eldred

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Generosity and Thanksgiving

Theme Week – Thanks: 2 Corinthians 9

Old Testament: Ezekiel 43 & 44

Poetry: Psalm 110

When Abraham (still Abram at the time) was called by God to set off for unknown lands, to seek adventure in going to the place that God would show him, we see that God not only tells him what he is doing, but WHY he is doing it. Genesis 12:1-3 reads this way :

“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.””

So that you will be a blessing. 

In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 

Interesting, isn’t it? Abraham is blessed to be a blessing. When we use that terminology, blessed to be a blessing, we begin to understand that is what happened with every person God used. 

God blessed Abraham with a family so that there will be those who follow God.

He blessed Moses with the Law so that that Israel might walk in his ways. 

And he blessed the prophets with his Word so that the people could be drawn back to God. 

Again he blessed the Kings with success so that there might be peace. 

Ultimately, he blessed Jesus with his Spirit so that the world might be saved. 

But don’t hear Abraham, Moses, Prophets, Kings, and Jesus and think these blessing are out of your reach!

In the time of Paul, Jerusalem was undergoing a severe famine and the church in Jerusalem were rather poor. In contrast, Corinth would have been an extravagantly wealthy region ; a port city with a major trading lane would cause riches to flow in. Paul, in his missionary journeys, encourages the Gentile churches to share in the needs of the poor in Jerusalem. Paul encourages the Corinthians to give generously and cheerfully. He lets them know that they “will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way.” Blessed to be a blessing. 

Often, human look at life as a zero-sum game: if I give what I have to someone else, then I lose and they win. But Paul reminds the Corinthians that this world is not a battle of wealth between the haves and the have-nots. “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) If God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), do you think he is unable to meet your needs, even when you give “until it pinches a little.” C. S. Lewis speaks about the amount one “ought” to give and he writes “I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare.” We might be afraid to give generously, but only in giving generously will we receive generously, just like the farmer can only reap bountifully when he sows bountifully. 

I want to be very clear : when Jesus prayed for his care from the Father, he asked for bread (“daily bread”) and water, rather than steak and Starbucks. This is not a lack of the provision of God, but the reality that giving extravagantly and full of joy does not mean that we will receive a sudden windfall, or be able to buy the nice car. God is not concerned with your riches or wealth in this life but with your obedience. God promises to care for your needs, not necessarily your wants. Obedience does produce something infinitely valuable though : the ability to do more good. ”So that you may abound in every good work.” “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way.” Your generosity will “produce thanksgiving to God… overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.” And we have seen how important thanksgiving is. In fact, that is what Paul ends this encouragement to give with, thanksgiving!

 We see that God wants us to give cheerfully and generously, and he will continue to bless us to be a blessing. Our giving is done because we know that every blessing given is already a gift, and everything we own belongs to the God who owns everything. As we give, we can remember that God has already given the greatest gift of all, and our generosity can and will result in thanksgiving to God for his inexpressible gift!

-Jake Ballard

Questions and Application

  1. “Blessed to be a blessing.” :  Have you thought about how this description defined so much of the interaction of God’s people with the world? What are some of the blessings you have been thanking God for this week? How can you use those blessings to bless the world around you?
  2. “Trusting God with Generosity” : Lewis’ call to give more than we can spare requires that we trust that God will meet our needs even when budgets seem to say we can’t. Not everyone is called to sell everything they have and give to the poor, but some were (and maybe are). How much is the right amount to give for you? Who around you needs to be blessed?
  3. “Supplying the needs of the saints” : I have tried to be very clear that Paul was talking about giving money. We should give money to make sure we meet the needs of those around us who lack funds. There are three important points to remember. First, if we are young and don’t have a job, it is very hard to give money. A way to help is to give what you can ; your time or your talents, for example. Second, however, if you give of your time and talents, that doesn’t excuse you from giving money if you can. You should be willing to give everything to God, time, talent and treasure (money). Third, and the opposite of the last points, if you give money to a ministry, that is not a substitute for volunteering your time and abilities. All three, the time you are given, the talents (abilities) you have and the treasure (money) you own, are blessings from God, and are given so you can bless others. 
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