Category: Building a Faith-filled Life

Your Longing

Old Testament: Malachi 4

Poetry: Psalm 84

New Testament: Luke 18:1-8

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Rachel Cain

Reflections:

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

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

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When He Hides His Face

Old Testament: Micah 3

Poetry: Psalm 83

New Testament: Luke 17:11-37

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

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

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

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

Sin.

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

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

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

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

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

Old Testament: Micah 2

Poetry: Psalm 82

New Testament: Luke 17:1-10

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

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

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

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

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

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

Old Testament: Micah 1

Poetry: Psalm 81

New Testament: Luke 16:16-31

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

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

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Socks and Shoes

Old Testament: Hosea 12-14

Poetry: Psalm 80

New Testament: Luke 16:1-15


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

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

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

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

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

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

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

Old Testament: Hosea 9-11

Poetry: Psalm 79

New Testament: Luke 15:11-32

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

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

Old Testament: Hosea 6-8

Poetry: Psalm 78

New Testament: Luke 15:8-10

It is fairly maddening how quickly I can lose an object. I will set down car keys to load a child into the car and they are gone.  I can be in the middle of a text conversation, get up for a drink, and my phone disappears. Parking passes, debit cards, proof of insurance, checks, grade verifications, etc – there is no limit to what I can lose. My students will even tell you that I don’t collect work directly into my hands because if I touch it, I’ll subconsciously place it near my next conversation. It is infuriating to lose items so important, but each time, I rise to the occasion to search with determination that matches the importance of what is missing.

When we consider those who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus Christ, what responsibility do we have to recover the lost?  If it is gauged upon the importance of the object, and we are searching for those who were paid for with the blood of Christ, then it requires all the strength we can muster.  We do not sit patiently in our homes and churches, waiting for our doors to be darkened by their presence. If we do this, then the searching is being done by the wrong party. We are to turn on the light, get our butts moving, and carefully search each room where our feet land.

Fallen out and forgotten, lost in the shuffle, moved out of place, and never properly cared for are the people of God we are looking for. They are every bit as equal in value, but they need to be found with the Gospel in hand. It is possible that they choose to remain wherever they are.  Unlike lost coins and keys, there very well may be a struggle. Like a teenager who slips back under the covers on a school morning, they too may crawl back into the couch cushion or make a home with the dust bunnies.  No matter, our role is the same in the search, to find them and expose them to the Light.

God remains steadfast in his desire to continue the search despite Israel’s determination to commit to being unfaithful. While Israel acknowledges guilt and recognizes revival is needed, their actions do not yet match their lips,“Come, let us return to the LORD. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.” They continue to reject what is good and are forced to deal with the consequences of a rebelling nation.

“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done” – Psalm 78:4

Whether it is with a coworker, an acquaintance, a straying brother or sister in Christ, or our own children, we do not simply wait patiently, but continue to pursue the lost coin.  We share our own experiences of feeling lost.  We share the consequences of our own rebellion against God.  We share our testimony and the promises of God, not hiding our faith for the sake of relationship.  We cannot simply pick them up and place them in our pocket, but we can surround them in love and prayer.  We extend the love of God to them determinedly and unconditionally. No one is less valuable in the eyes of God. Ultimately, we hope to rejoice and reap a return, giving praise to our gracious God who has searched for all of us with salvation’s plan.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Hosea, the woman searching for her lost coin, the writer of Psalm 78, and the heart of God have in common?
  2. Do you most often sit and wait for the lost to come find you and the gospel message – or do you spend time and effort seeking out the lost?
  3. “No one is less valuable in the eyes of God.” Do you believe this? Can you find Scriptural evidence to support it? Do you live like this is true?
  4. What lost coin can you pursue this week? Why? When, where and how? Pray for God’s heart, guidance, wisdom, words, and love.
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Seeking Shepherd

Old Testament: Hosea 3-5

Poetry: Psalm 77

New Testament: Luke 15:1-7

I have a free pizza awaiting me today. I couldn’t be more excited. Every year around my birthday, as a reward for not dying, I redeem a voucher for an entire pie of my choosing at my favorite pizzeria. There is something more satisfying about good food when you haven’t paid for it, although I’m not advocating for dining and dashing, simply making friends with chefs, restaurant owners, or in this case, signing up for an email newsletter.  As I read for today, and I think about greasy-cupped pepperonis, I can’t help but think deeper about redemption. 

Befriend a realist, and it won’t be long before you hear the wisdom, “nothing is free.” Redemption rings true to this adage because by definition it means that the price or obligation has already been fulfilled. Therefore, you receive the reward without the typical settling of debt.  The dough, the cheese, the sauce, and the toppings have already been purchased, but I wasn’t the buyer. In a more significant example, enslaved men and women could be released of bondage, receive paperwork, and be transported to the North due to the fundraising efforts of American abolitionists.  In the Old Testament, God’s laws command redemption of property, or giving back land, houses, animals, and freedom, to the impoverished when they sell as a last resort to make ends meet, with the buyer gaining nothing in their return (Lev. 25:25-55). But in a much greater way than any of these examples, we have redemption through Christ.

There is absolutely nothing we can do to deserve the Love of God, yet it is poured out upon us as an abundant gift. God demonstrates His love and redemption in Hosea’s actions in redeeming Gomer in the midst of adultery, “The LORD said to me, ‘Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the LORD loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods’” These words tell us that God does not simply pine for relationship with us while we are in sin, but that He actively pursues in the midst of our fall. God hates sin, but He is unrelenting.  His grace goes farther than the guilt, and hopefully, guides us back to Him.


In the same manner, Jesus demonstrates this as the Good Shepherd watching over His flock. “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home.” Again, Jesus illustrates the commitment of the Father and His love for all within the body. It says heaven rejoices, but aren’t we too supposed to rejoice in the redemption?  As those who already know Christ, we should not be lining up for apologies, but instead extending the hands of grace.  If we were robbed by the redeemed of our possessions, our time, or our emotions, they have all become forfeit for the sake of redemption.

Despite our own unfaithfulness and wandering, God’s love has found us and refuses to let go.  He has already executed the campaign to offer you an eternal reward far greater than we could ever imagine (and I can imagine quite a bit of pizza).  Therefore it is our job to continue the work of Jesus, tending to His sheep.  We search the fields for the lost one, giving constant and enduring love to those failing to be victorious over temptation. It is simply put, but the practice is daunting. It is having an awkward conversation at the gas station with someone who hasn’t been to church in a few years.  It is  offering a listening ear to someone in distress, possibly never knowing if you have heard the truth.  It is showing kindness and compassion at business close when all you wanted was to get home to relax. Every act of love is a step toward spiritual restoration, not only for others, but ourselves, because we too have hope in life eternal at the expense of the Creator through His Seeking Shepherd.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What similarities do you find between the lives of Hosea and Gomer and the parable of the lost sheep?
  2. What lost sheep have you seen restored?
  3. What sheep do you know who are still lost? What acts of love can you be a part of to demonstrate the Father’s love to them?
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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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Invitation

Old Testament: 2 Kings 15-17

Poetry: Psalm 75

New Testament: Luke 14:15-24

And so it begins. The words of Amos fell on deaf ears.  Time and again, the northern kingdom of Israel fails to commit to repentance, leaving the high places standing against the Most High God’s repeated warning. Through the course of 2 Kings 15-17, Israel unravels, becoming a nation of idolatry and insolence.  The very things that the previous generations had fought to keep out became the way. The Creator’s voice was ignored.

This is the exact picture painted in the “Parable of the Great Banquet.”  In the same manner, a certain man extends an invitation to friends for a great feast.  Every RSVP is returned with an excuse. Work, family, and other obligations trump taking the time to attend. In a move that represents both social and fiscal wisdom, the host extends the invitation to those who will actually show up – no questions and no excuses.  When the party is well under way, those initially invited become indignant when they realize they no longer can attend.

While these words are meant specifically for the audience in front of Jesus with allusion to the historical context of Kings and Amos, we can most definitely apply them to the invitation that has been extended to each one of us.  We are invited into conversations through reading and prayer.  We are invited to be with our church body to commune in worship and fellowship. We are invited to take on baptism, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines.  Life gets understandably busy, and so we ignore the greatest invitation we could receive: to sit down at the table with God – far more incomprehensible. And so, our place within God’s plan awaits our seating.  We tend to our field, try out our purchases, and busy ourselves with another accolade, leaving our food growing cold and the high places standing.

The words are a sobering reminder to prioritize God and His kingdom above everything else.  Our bodies, beings, and calendars should be given to Him first. Accepting His invitation to Sunday morning worship doesn’t make you a follower, but constantly rejecting it does mean you follow someone or something else. Volunteering to give your time to a mission or ministry doesn’t make your efforts an act of service, but never doing this most certainly makes you self-serving.  Likewise, neglecting baptism, Bible study, and evangelism means we have placed our efforts and urgency somewhere else, making an offering of excuses instead of accepting the gracious offer in return for our small sacrifice.

Finally, we should reflect that this invitation is not exclusive to us.  There are no country club, buyer’s membership vibes, or secret handshakes. It is now open to the general public.  The overlooked and marginalized have every right to participate, and frankly, might have a more open social calendar if they just received the word. God invites all to sit at His table.  We are to embody the generosity of our host as conduits of His call.  There will always be excuses, but if we continue to ignore our invitation or fail to invite others, we could find ourselves on the wrong side of the door after the celebration has begun.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What excuses have you used when God has invited you to come sit at His table? What do you think God thinks of your excuses?
  2. Aaron wrote, “We are to embody the generosity of our host as conduits of His call.” How can you put God’s generous call into practice in your life? Who is waiting to hear about their invitation? How can you deliver the invitation to them?
  3. What is the difference between being invited to the party and actually attending the party? Where are you? Where will you be? Can you be a church attender who is ignoring God’s invitation? What might that look like?
  4. What is your greatest priority? What should be your greatest priority?
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