Category: obey God

Burnt Bedbugs

Jeremiah 4-6

Recently, I was involved in a discussion about parasites. (Old people, right?) One person was telling how their house became infested with bed bugs after buying a used car. Exterminators had to come and use equipment that heated up the ENTIRE house to 135 degrees fahrenheit! All plastics, foods, and other meltable items had to be removed from the home and it cost thousands of dollars. But it was the only way to completely get rid of every one of those little buggers! This story popped into my head while spending time in today’s reading. 

Chapter 4 starts out almost hopeful. Jeremiah tells the people of Judah that if they just turn to God, God will forgive them and they will live free. That hopefulness lasts for about 4 verses. Then, Jeremiah warns of destruction from the north (Babylon). The rest of our reading is pretty dire. In chapter 5, Jeremiah lists their sins, the reasons the Lord is so displeased with them. His chosen people were being cruel to each other, getting rich through exploitation of the poor, and rebellious towards His decrees. Even the priest and prophets were proven to be cheats and liars and no one seems to notice or care (5:31). 

So God promises destruction, similar to what the exterminators have to do to get rid of bedbugs. In 4:11, Jeremiah speaks of a scorching wind that will come and bring ruin to the land, followed by the army from a distant land. While God promises not to destroy it completely, it will be enough that the earth will mourn its loss (4:28). 

Jeremiah ends today’s reading by comparing Judah with metal. As a blacksmith tests metal to determine its strength, God has tested the people but finds they are like tin foil (6:28-30). 

Or maybe they are like all the plastic that had to be removed before my friend’s house had to be heated up to the extreme to destroy the bugs. They would not be able to survive God’s judgment without his mercy. We will read more about that later. 

As we consider these passages today, let’s reflect on the fact that we would be in the same position as the people of Judah without the sacrificial grace we have received through Jesus Christ. Like a plastic popcorn bowl, Jesus has taken us out of the house before the coming heat.. In this case, the second death (Revelation 20:14-15). 

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, 

While the judgement of Your people may be hard to hear, we must so that we can learn from their sins and so that we can also more greatly appreciate the importance of the grace we have received through the blood of Jesus Christ. Let us be aware of the ways the world is trying to turn us to rebellion. Thank you for your promises of peace in this life and everlasting time with You in the next. 

In your Son’s name, Amen 

-Maria Knowlton

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some of the world’s thoughts on God’s judgment? What does God tell Jeremiah about His judgment?
  2. Who gets God’s judgment? Who gets God’s mercy? What does Jeremiah say?
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Ambivalent

 Jeremiah 1-3 

So I talked to this young, expecting mother about the importance of safe sleep for a newborn. No pillows, blankets, toys. I arrive at her home, as a home visiting nurse, to see the baby shortly after birth. And she is asleep, surrounded by pillows, blankets, and toys. I talked to another mother about cutting back on smoking by using nicotine patches. On my next visit, I ask if she was able to get a prescription for the patches. Her eyes drop and she says a shy, “No…” I try not to look judgmental or disappointed. We have further discussions but inside, I am a bit frustrated and when I have a full day of those kinds of interactions, I really start to question my choice of vocations. And I also feel like I might be getting a taste of what Jeremiah went through and understand how he got his nick-name, “The Weeping Prophet.” 

In his self-titled book, Jeremiah is introduced as the young son of a priest, making him a Levite. Most Biblical scholars agree he was probably a cup bearer and probably around 17 to 20 years old. Reminiscent of Moses, God calls Jeremiah to him and gives him an important job. While Moses’s excuse was that he was not a good public speaker, Jeremiah tells God, “But I’m just a boy.” (1:6) I wonder if God rolled His eyes. : ) 

But God goes on to tell him that he is to be a prophet, to warn Judah that destruction is coming. God gives him the words and in the first 3 chapters of the book, Jeremiah is pretty harsh. Like in Hosea, and throughout the Old Testament, he compares Judah, and Israel as a whole, to cheating spouses. But unlike Jonah and the prophet Zephaniah, Jeremiah is largely ignored. He warns, he pleads, and the people continue to do their own thing. They know God exists but ignore His direction and commands. And Jeremiah knows what the coming consequences are. 

They were ambivalent. I mentioned that word in yesterday’s devotion. It is a good word for describing those sitting on a proverbial ‘fence.’ They know the consequence of their behavior, but the behavior is easier, more fun. There are a lot of, “ Yeah, but…” in the conversations. Yeah, I know I should stop smoking, but it’s so hard. Yeah I know God is going to destroy our nation, but is my little idol really going to make a difference? It can be so frustrating for those whose job it is to dole out the warnings. I’ve only been a nurse, giving medical and safety advice for about 7 years. Jeremiah was a prophet for over 40 years. I can only imagine! And he wasn’t allowed to quit! 

As we read these passages that are hard to read or hear, let us think about the areas in our own lives where we are ambivalent about our obedience to the Lord. 

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, help us to listen to your Word and those in our lives who give us Godly wisdom. Help us embrace what is good and what is good for us in Your eyes and reject the bad. Please let us let go of excuses. 

In Christ’s Name, 

Amen 

-Maria Knowlton

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you more often stubbornly follow your own evil heart or go God’s way?
  2. In what areas of your life have you been or are you currently ambivalent about obeying God? What excuses have you tried giving God or others about your actions or attitudes?
  3. What changes might Jeremiah prescribe for you personally? For your church? For your nation and world today?
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Zephaniah

Zephaniah 1-3 

Do not be like the rest of society, not obeying, not trusting, and not drawing near to the Lord (3:2) Instead, seek out the Lord, do what He commands, and seek righteousness and humility (2:3)

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” This quote by philosopher George Santayana has famously been reiterated by Winston Churchill and probably every history teacher you’ve ever had. It just makes sense, right? We can avoid so many problems if we learn from the mistakes of others, whether it’s personally or corporately. Unfortunately, as Santayana noted, even those who DO learn history repeat it. 

Sadly, as a society, we’re not doing any better than the people of Israel in the book of Zephaniah. 

In the very short book of Zephaniah (we’re going to call him Zeph for short), Zeph is giving a warning to the people of Judah to turn from idols, stop their violence and evil, and most importantly, TRUST the LORD! In my short amount of google research, it seems most Biblical scholars believe Zeph was a cousin and possibly a friend of King Josiah. Zeph was most likely preparing the people for the coming revival of faith and obedience brought by King Josiah. 

Not to spoil it, but Judah does turn from their wicked ways and turn to the Lord! Yay! 

But, not remembering the warnings and history, they forget and are later captured by Babylon. Sigh. 

But are we any better? Zeph prophesies to the people way back in 640 BC. One of the major problems Zeph preached against were those who knew God exists but that He “will not do good, nor will He do evil.” (1:12) This is ambivalence. 

This ambivalence continued into the Roman Empire. In 1776, Edwin Gibbon wrote in his book, “The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire” about the religious attitudes in the last day of the Roman Empire around 476 AD. 

-The people regarded all religions as equally true. 

-The philosophers regarded all religions as equally false. 

-The politicians regarded all religions as equally useful. 

(Enduringword.com) 

These were the attitudes of the people of Judah some 1100 years before. And they are exactly the same attitudes of our society 1550 years later! We do not learn. Even with history laid out before us. 

However, as Zeph wrote in his book, there were those in Judah who did not go along with everyone else and they will be rewarded. We need to be like that “remnant of Judah” (2:7).

We may not live in a society that learns from its history, but we certainly can be individuals and a church that does. 

Prayer: 

Dear Lord, please open our minds to allow us to not only learn history, but to avoid actions we have seen that lead to destruction. Please let us be a light to those who know you exist but deny your goodness in their lives. Thank you for allowing us to come before you to seek righteousness and humility. 

In Christ’s name, Amen 

-Maria Knowlton

Reflection Questions

  1. What similarities do you see between the people of Judah in Zephaniah’s day and the people of your world today? Any differences?
  2. What is the problem with being ambivalent toward God? What could/would/will you say to someone who is ambivalent toward God?
  3. If you were to write a letter of warning to the people today what do you think God would want you to say?
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Justified Judgment


Nahum 1-3

The book of Nahum takes place a century after Nineveh repented following the preaching of Jonah. It took less than a hundred years for the city to return to idolatry, violence, and arrogance. Nineveh was proud of her supposed invulnerability, with walls that reached 100 feet high and a moat surrounding the city that was 150 feet wide and 60 feet deep. The Assyrians, who ruled the city, were known for being an unusually cruel and blood thirsty nation, who were spiritually and morally depraved. Not only did the leaders and inhabitants of Nineveh violate God’s laws, they often did so by preying on God’s chosen people, the Israelites.

The prophet Nahum was a messenger of the divine judgement against Nineveh. The first chapter of Nahum declares the looming destruction of Nineveh and illustrates God’s power as an omnipotent, holy, and jealous God who will punish the wicked to avenge his own. Although He is a jealous God, he is also slow to anger and is long-suffering. Remember, he nearly destroyed the city one hundred years earlier, in the time of Noah. Despite his mercy and patience, His righteousness, holiness and justice prevent Him from leaving the wicked unpunished. Nahum announced God’s specific judgement against Nineveh, interweaving blessings and hope for Israel. Judah was to be no longer afflicted by Assyria, rather God would vindicate them, as He is the stronghold and fortress to those who put their hope in Him.

The second chapter of Nahum vividly details the future assault of Nineveh, at the hands of Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. God’s vindication is justified through depictions of Nineveh’s treachery against her enemies. In verse 13, God himself declares, “Behold, I am against you” – not something that any person or nation in the world should want to hear!

Chapter three continues to detail the arrogance of Nineveh, as well as details of their fate and God’s righteous wrath against them. Our Heavenly Father won’t allow arrogant or violent empires to endure forever. Nineveh’s fate is a testimony of God’s commitment to bring down the arrogant in every age. God is grieved by the death of the innocent and his goodness and justice compel him to allow the downfall of oppressive nations.

Nahum 1:7 declares, “The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And he knows those who take refuge in Him.” May we all humble ourselves before God’s justice and trust in His sovereignty and timing to punish the oppressors of this present, evil age.

Prayer:

God, you are awesome, omnipotent, holy, mighty and just! We pray that our nation, her leaders, and her people would humble ourselves and turn to you. May we submit to your ways, trust in your plans, obey your laws and seek your righteousness. Father, forgive us for putting our trust in mankind and things of this earth, rather than fully depending on you. You are our strength, our hope, and salvation! In your precious son’s name, we pray – Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• How might you react if you were a citizen of Nineveh hearing this prophecy?

• How can the people of Nineveh’s actions serve as a warning for modern society?

• How does this chapter influence your understanding of sin and its consequences?

• How does Nahum 1 influence your understanding of God’s protective love for His people? 

-Beth Osborn

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In Seasons of Struggle. And…

in Seasons of Strength.

2 Chronicles 32-33

In 2 Chronicles 32, we see King Hezekiah face overwhelming odds as the mighty Assyrian army threatens Jerusalem. In this moment of crisis, Hezekiah listened to the prophet Isaiah and turned to God with courage and prayer. God answered powerfully, as he sent an angel to destroy the Assyrian soldiers, delivering Judah from their enemies. It’s a powerful picture of faith under pressure – God was glorified through Hezekiah’s faith and hence, Jerusalem was protected.

Unfortunately, once the threat had passed and success was secured, Hezekiah faltered. In his pride, he failed to give thanks for God’s blessings, and judgment nearly comes upon him, until he humbles himself once again. His story reminds us that remaining faithful isn’t just for hard times – it’s a daily posture, even in seasons of comfort and strength.

In chapter 33, we meet his son, Manasseh – a king who begins with blatant rebellion and leads his nation into idolatry and evil. Yet, even Manasseh, after being taken captive, humbles himself before God. Astonishingly, God restores him!

The rise and fall of these two kings show us both the blessings of obedience, the consequences of our disobedience, and the gracious mercy that awaits repentant hearts. Remaining faithful to God isn’t a one-time decision, rather it is a lifelong journey! Hezekiah’s pride and Manasseh’s rebellion serve as warnings and encouragements. God is patient, but He desires our hearts fully, in every season – whether we are in a season of strength or a season of struggle. God calls us to faithfulness at all times, as displayed by our humility, obedience, repentance, and trust in Him.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to remain faithful to You, not only in times of need but also in times of blessing. Protect me from evil, that my heart would be humble and obedient. Please have mercy on me and draw me back to You quickly when I stray. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• How does God’s willingness to forgive even the worst rebellion shape the way I treat others who fail? Do I extend the same mercy that I hope to receive?

• Am I more likely to seek God in crisis than in comfort? How can I cultivate a heart that remains humble and repentant even when life seems to be going great?

• In what ways can I live for God today, as a response to God’s radical love and forgiveness in my life?

• What does true repentance look like – not just in words, but in action? 

-Beth Osborn

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Big Trouble Brewing

2 Kings 20-21


In 2 Kings 20, we see King Hezekiah, a ruler who (mostly) honored the Lord and brought reform to Judah. When he fell ill, he prayed earnestly, and God mercifully extended his life by fifteen years. Yet even this godly king displayed flaws and selfish pride, especially during the end of his rule. After his recovery, he proudly showed off his treasures and bragged to the Babylons, failing to seek God’s wisdom instead. This prideful act led to Isaiah’s sobering prophecy and indeed Babylon would one day carry all of his riches away. Hezekiah also showed a lack of care or concern for the people who would come after him. He was pleased just to know that the Lord’s wrath wouldn’t fall upon Jerusalem during his lifetime. He did not set up future generations for success.

In chapter 21, we meet Hezekiah’s son, Manasseh, who reigned for 55 years. Unlike his father, Manasseh rejected the Lord completely! He rebuilt pagan altars, was engaged in every form of occultism, including black magic, fortune-telling, demon contacts, and even child sacrifice. Manasseh led Judah deeper into sin than the nations God had driven out before them. The history of God’s people was a history of disobedience toward the Lord. With the reign of Manasseh, the sin of God’s people climaxed, God’s patience was withdrawn, and the judgement of exile became inevitable.

The contrast is striking: King Hezekiah sought God yet stumbled in pride; King Manasseh abandoned God altogether. This contrast reminds us that faith must be personal, it cannot be inherited. Hezekiah’s faith didn’t guarantee Manasseh’s obedience. Likewise, partial obedience or past faithfulness doesn’t excuse compromise. God calls each of us to a life of daily trust and surrender.

Prayer:

Lord, help me walk humbly before You, not resting in yesterday’s faith, but living in daily obedience. Keep me from pride and arrogance and please lead my heart to fully trust in You and Your precious son, Jesus. In his name we pray, Amen.

Reflection Questions:

• Where might you be relying on past spiritual victories, rather than seeking renewed dependence on God today?

• Are there areas in your life where pride or compromise have crept in?

• Are there “treasures” that you show off, revealing misplaced confidence?

• What legacy of faith are you building for those who come after you? 

-Beth Osborn

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What is Required?

Micah 4-7

After the heavy words of judgment in chapters 1–3, Micah shifts his tone in chapter 4. We are given a beautiful glimpse into a future when there is a godly rule from Zion, and nations will come to learn His ways (Micah 4:1–4). Peace replaces war. Oppression is overturned. God gathers the lame and makes them into a strong nation (4:6–7).

Micah chapter 5 reveals God’s answer to a broken world: a king born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). This prophecy clearly points to Jesus, the ruler who will bring security and peace to all of the Earth. Though God is serious about his judgement, He is also a gracious and merciful God who has offered redemption for us. 

Micah chapter 6 is home to my personal favorite verse. For some reason, Micah 6:8 constantly comes up in any messages I do. I believe it’s because it so broadly applies to many message themes and is an answer to the idea of sacrifice. First, Micah exaggerates the idea of a sacrifice that would be worthy to be in the presence before God in Micah 6:7:

“Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of olive oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” (‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬)

Afterwards, he amends by stating my favorite verse:

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (‭‭Micah‬ ‭6‬:‭8‬)

Sometimes, it may feel like a lot to read through the Bible, meditate on His words, and realize that there is a lot that we are called to do. However, we come almost full circle here with this idea of walking humbly with God. If we do this, and we put our faith in him and act justly, we are more worthy of our calling in his presence than any sacrifice ever could make us. 

Then, at the finale of this book, Micah laments. He laments the corruption and distrust in Israel, and he laments the misery in the nation. However, he does not end the book on a sour note. Instead, Micah presents words that should echo for us in times of darkness.

“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” (‭‭Micah‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬)

Micah ends on a message of clear hope. Hope in God being with him. Hope in God redeeming the nation of Israel with the remnant of Jacob. Hope in God delivering on his promises. 

-Colby Leggitt

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do you think the people offered sacrifices instead of obedience?
  2. What does it practically look like to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God” in your life or community?
  3. Micah 7:7 says, “My God will hear me.” Do you live with that same confidence? Why or why not?
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Order Your Way

2 Chronicles 27, Isaiah 9-12

“Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God” (2 Chronicles 27:6). 

Jotham could be considered to be an overlooked person in the Bible, but his accomplishments and example were great. He was young when he ascended to his position as a king: only 25 years old! However, at that point he had the spiritual maturity to humble himself before God unlike those around him. Because of that, he made a quiet yet profound impact on Israel during his reign (not to mention conquering the Ammonites). 

We will take this example and then examine Isaiah 9-11. Here, we find once again that wrath will be upon the wicked in the form of judgement from God. The language in these chapters do not spare us from imagery of fire and death. These seem to allude to a judgement of the wicked that has not come completely to pass just yet. 

Speaking of not coming to pass yet, prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 11 makes allusions to the (then) coming messiah: Jesus Christ. “In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his resting place will be glorious” (Isaiah 11:10). The root of Jesse spoken in this chapter is Jesus as he is in fact a descendant of Jesse according to the genealogy found in Luke 3. Here, we have a much more hopeful note to look to after the judgement that must pass. Importantly, that remnant that he will gather up is foretold in Isaiah 10:20.

 “In that day the remnant of Israel,

    the survivors of Jacob,

will no longer rely on him

    who struck them down

but will truly rely on the Lord,

    the Holy One of Israel.”

This “remnant of Israel” speaks of those who truly rely and trust in the Lord.

This brings us back to Jotham from 2 Chronicles 27. He sets an example for us as he walked steadfastly before the Lord, humbled himself, and put his trust in Him. Jotham overcame the war with the Ammonites with God on his side. Furthermore, the “remnants of Israel” were relented of the judgement that passed on the wicked, as they also walked with the Lord. If trusting in the Lord and setting your spiritual anchor with him allows for you to weather a calamity that only God can create, imagine what else you weather in your life if you put your trust in him! 

Therefore, we must live like Jotham. Stay faithful, even when the world around you is falling apart. Order your life before God. Strength grows in obedience. Hold on to Isaiah’s vision. Jesus has come, and He’s coming again. In Him, we find light in our darkest moments. With that, we will only begin to understand the praise that adorns the short chapter of Isaiah 12:

“Surely God is my salvation;

    I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;

    he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)

-Colby Leggitt

Discussion Questions

  1. What does it look like for you to “order your ways before the Lord” in your current season?
  2. Are there areas in your life where you’re tempted to compromise instead of staying faithful?
  3. What does it mean to be still before the Lord?
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Five Deaths and A Resurrection

2 Kings 12-13
2 Chronicles 24

A few months ago, our worship team was looking for new songs for Easter services. We began practicing a song called “Rattle” by Elevation Worship, but I realized the bridge had a peculiar phrase. Here is how the first part of the bridge goes:

“My God is able to save and deliver and heal

And restore anything that He wants to

Just ask the man who was thrown

On the bones of Elisha

If there’s anything that He can’t do…”

My mind was whirling trying to remember who was thrown onto those bones, why did it happen, and what was the outcome? To my surprise, only two verses are devoted to this miraculous event. 2 Kings 13:20-21 very casually mention that in haste, a dead man was put into Elisha’s grave and as soon as he touched Elisha’s bones he was “revived and stood up on his feet.” To be honest, I would love more information. How did the man die and who was he? Did he live a long time after he was brought back to life? Did he do anything amazing with the extra time he was given? Alas, scripture doesn’t give us more details.

However, it does tell us a bit about the lives of Joash and Jehoiada. Joash was only seven years old when he became king of Judah and had a long reign. During his reign, he commanded that repairs would be made to God’s house. King Joash was ready to roll with this project and even specified they needed to do the work quickly but the priests were like,“Meh, lets do repairs another day” and didn’t get to work like they had been commanded.

Enter Jehoiada. Jehoiada was the chief priest who had even played matchmaker for Joash. Joash asks Jehoiada what the hold up is and commands him to get this project moving. Jehoiada does as King Joash commands and the repairs are finally made. Sadly, Jehoiada passes away and Joash begins listening to ungodly advisors.

King Joash was so misled by these advisors that he even has Jehoiada’s son Zechariah stoned to death. Things went from bad to worse from there. King Joash became sick and was eventually murdered by his own servants. He wasn’t even buried in the tombs of the kings because he was so reviled for his evil acts.

So what does it matter? People lived, did good, did evil and all eventually died. So what? It matters as a reminder for us to examine how we live our lives. Elisha was so connected with God that even after he was dead and buried, his bones radiated God’s power. Jehoiada was respected because he followed God’s laws and he was even buried in the area where other kings were buried. On the other hand, King Joash, although he possessed power and wealth, allowed himself to be led astray from God and died in disgrace.

I hope that we can all be a little bit like each of the men from today’s passage. Let’s be ready to take action for good like King Joash was while he was young. Let’s grow in wisdom and share it like Jehoiada did. Let’s speak the truth with passion, no matter the cost, like Zechariah did. And when we feel spiritually weak or even dead, let’s rise up and become restored with the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ, like the man thrown into Elisha’s tomb did.

-Lacey Dunn

Reflection Questions:

• You might have noticed that I didn’t bring up Jehoahaz and Jehoash. What happened as a result of their disobedience to God?

• Do you have a Godly mentor like Jehoiada in your life? If so, who are they and how do they inspire you? If not, who is a Godly person you could take inspiration from?

• Imagine that you are the guy who died and suddenly came back to life after touching Elisha’s bones. What thoughts are going through your mind? Who do you go visit first? What change do you make in your life with this new chance?

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Healed How?

2 Kings 5-8

Second Kings chapter 5 includes another miracle performed by God through Elisha.  Yesterday we considered four miracles from chapter 4, today we will consider one from chapter 5, the healing of Naaman of leprosy.  Rather than focusing on the miracle, let’s focus on the heart of Naaman.

In Second Kings 5:10 we find the words of Elisha to Naaman of how he can be cured of leprosy, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”  These seem like simple, albeit specific, instructions.  In the next verse we read, “But Naaman went away angry and said, ‘I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy.”  Naaman seems to have some pretty simple, albeit specific, expectations of how God would show up in his life.  In his first statement, I wonder if Naaman feels a little ignored or slighted that Elisha did not come out himself to see him.  Naaman is a man of some importance within Aram but Elisha sends his messenger to Naaman rather than coming out himself.  This is a good lesson to us to not think too highly of ourselves as well (Romans 12:3). 

Naaman goes on to communicate what he assumes will happen before he has an encounter with God.  He assumed Elisha would stand, call on God’s name, and wave his hand.  This might seem unique to Naaman, but are we sometimes a lot like Naaman.  Take a moment to consider how you expect to meet with God in worship.  Are there things you anticipate will happen before you experience God during a worship service?  Do you assume there will be songs led by a guitar or piano?  Do you think the speaker must have a dynamic presence on a stage?  Do you think God will show up if the singers have perfect voices and the lighting is ideal?  Is there a simple, albeit specific, formula that you expect to occur in worship before you think God will show up?

I would challenge you today to consider breaking free from your expectations of how to experience God and to lean into the method that is consistent in Scripture and historically.  Naaman experienced God when he followed God’s direction.  This is when we will experience God as well.  When we follow God’s direction for our lives or for our church, we will experience God and the blessing He has in store for us.  By Second Kings 5:14 Naaman was talked into obeying God and it says, “So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.”  It was obedience to God that brought about an encounter with Him.  It is our obedience to God, that brings about an encounter with Him today.

-Michael Cisler

Reflection Questions

What are your assumptions, or even preferences, of how you expect to encounter God?

What are the areas in which you need to continue to move toward obedience to God, rather than following your own path?

How can you begin to make that step of obedience today, or what is the first step you can make today?

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