Tag: daily devotion

What you See vs. What you Know

Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 15 & 16

Poetry: Ecclesiastes 8

New Testament: Philippians 4:10-23

Solomon begins by asking “Who is like the wise man?” in a rhetorical fashion to get the reader to consider if they are like the wise man in the verses that follow where Solomon will set forth several scenarios involving a king (who represents any authority figure) and how certain responses are appropriate or not. The phrase “makes his face shine…hardness of his face is changed” refers to how using wisdom can change the way someone is presenting themselves to their superiors. One’s demeanor and conduct, if done with wisdom, can sway the other person’s opinion of them and earn them their favor.

Verse 3 is probably better as expressing the wisdom in leaving the king’s presence and carrying out his command rather than the instruction to remain since the following phrase instructs the reader to not “persist in an evil thing” by objecting to the king’s command and remaining in his presence to argue and oppose him.

An “evil thing” is likely a reference to a “bad idea” or a proposal that is not favorably received by the king. On the basis of the king’s authority as absolute, anything that interferes with or opposes his will automatically becomes “evil.” However, this is not moral evil, it is just Solomon’s way of describing something that causes trouble (the Hebrew word for “evil” also can mean “trouble”).

Wisdom would say for a person to respect those in authority and not push their agenda or object rudely to their directions. Why is that? Well, Solomon says that “the king’s word is authoritative.” Now, Solomon has in mind a monarchical government where the ruler (i.e., the king) is a totalitarian. This was the common form of government in the ancient world. But in our world, we could think of someone who has a superior rank (e.g., our teachers, boss, or civil leader).

“Whoever keeps the commandment” refers to the person who listens and obeys the king. This person will be safe, and no harm will come to them. Punishment does not fall on the one who does what they are told. Rather, the consequences are reserved for the one who rebels and disobeys.

But if there is a disagreement with the king, Solomon notes that there is “a proper time and procedure,” meaning that there is an appropriate way to provide feedback and one’s opinion for the king’s consideration. The wording here is extremely close to the wording we saw in 3:1—“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.”

Verse 10 begins a new section in Solomon’s discourse in the chapter. The issue that Solomon raises is about justice and retribution. He sets forth a scenario where he sees wicked people live and then die, and he watches them get buried. He even describes them as previously participating in the temple worship of Yahweh, and they received the praise of people in the city where they carried out their wicked schemes.

Here in this section, the pointlessness that Solomon is interested in expressing is about the delay judgment of these wicked people. He asserts that they were never judged while they were alive, and so it seems as though they never were punished, and the victims never received justice for their crimes.

vv. 12-13—this is the first assertion that Solomon makes that departs from his methodology of observation. It is outside the scope of inquiry to know that it will be “better” for the person who fears Yahweh and is reverent before him, since all of his observations point toward an experiential indifference between the righteous and the wicked. In fact, he even notes an inversion that he sees in the world where the wicked live long and the righteous die young.

Solomon is expressing a distinction between what he “knows” and what he “observes.” What he “sees” happening is vastly different from what he internally “knows.” And so, we begin to see the dilemma that Solomon is facing in his quest. But he doesn’t resolve the tension here. He merely presents it.

Solomon expressed a similar idea in 3:16-17, where he said, “16And moreover I saw this under the sun: in the place of justice, that wickedness was there, and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there. 17I said in my heart, “God will judge the righteous person and the wicked person, for there is a time of judgment for every purpose and for every deed.”

The judgment of God was not something that Solomon observed. In fact, what he saw was a complete absence of justice “under the sun.” And thus, the issue of delayed justice is brought back up again in verse 14: the righteous are punished and the wicked go free.

Since the judgment of the wicked is not happening in the present world, but Solomon “knows” that it will occur, his advice is to not focus on it, but to enjoy life despite the brokenness and the injustice happening all around. The “joy” that Solomon says is to accompany one’s work and the eating and drinking the fruit of that work has been a theme already mentioned twice before in 2:24 and 5:18.

In certain circumstances in life, we often make a deductive choice on what would be at least a good way to respond. For Solomon, his deduction is at least, “enjoy life,” by eating, drinking, and being merry. This is at least a good response for humankind with the work that God has given them to do.

The exhaustive effort that Solomon has applied to his search has caused him to lose sleep. The lack of any satisfying answer has left him disturbed and unable to find rest. All day and all night, his mind is busy, preoccupied with the question that he feels he must answer. But because he cannot solve it and discover the ultimate meaning of life, he resorted to a simplified suggestion as a baseline of what he knows—it is good to enjoy life as one labors all the days that God has given to them.

Solomon offers verse 17 as a summary of his effort and makes a grand claim that he has observed it all—all the work of God—and his conclusion is that no one can find it out. No matter how thorough Solomon has been or could be in his investigation, his methods fail; he cannot discover the answer to the ultimate meaning of life. And if a wise person thinks that he can figure it out, he’s wrong, Solomon says—He can’t, because no one can.

-Jerry Wierwille

Reflection Questions

  1. Can you give some examples of when what you “see” is different than what you “know”?
  2. What is your approach to people in authority? Is there anything you can learn from Solomon in this chapter regarding your interactions with people in authority?
  3. What are the benefits to being a wise person? What are the limitations to human wisdom?
sglcalendar2024Download

Four Evils Under the Sun

Old Testament: 1 Chronicles 7 & 8

Poetry: Ecclesiastes 4

New Testament: Philippians 4:6

In chapter 4 of Ecclesiastes, Solomon continues his observational reporting about the wickedness and evil that he sees “under the sun.” Some of his assessments about these events accurately describe them as truly “wicked” or “evil,” but at other times he uses that terminology simply to describe something that is frustrating and/or enigmatic (i.e., too complicated to comprehend).

The first problem that the Sage identifies is oppression, which is an extension of his critique on social injustice in the previous section (3:16-17). Oppression is a general term that can refer to a range of activities from: exploitation, robbery, fraud, abuse of power, disenfranchisement, assault and physical violence, confiscation of property, social prejudice, unfair dealings, etc. In its basic sense, oppression is the abuse of power that is perpetrated on those who are vulnerable and less powerful, particularly the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners (e.g., Ezek 22:7, 29; Amos 4:1; Mic 2:1-2). It is a denial of personal rights and justice, often accompanied by violence and bloodshed (e.g., Jer 22:17; Ezek 22:6-7, 12, 29).

All oppression is a product of selfishness. It is seeking the benefit of yourself (or your interests) without regard to the needs, wellbeing, or rights of other people who are harmed in the process. Power, in whatever form it takes, whether economic, political, religious, or otherwise, is not to be used for selfish gain and advancement, because it ends up turning other people into objects whom you can treat as you please and squeeze until they give you what you want. In this oppressive regime, people are treated as less than human, and denied their intrinsic value and equality as being created by the same God who has created all humankind.

In verse 4, we can notice that Solomon is exaggerating here again. It is hard to imagine that what he is saying is that “rivalry” is truly the sole motivation behind every person on the planet who works hard. Nevertheless, we probably can say that it is a large motivating factor.

This section is linked to the previous in the sense that people often oppress others because they want to get ahead. They push others down so that they can climb higher. And in their pursuit of climbing the ladder of success, they don’t mind kicking the heads of those who are below them if it means progress and advancement toward their ambitions.

So, in Solomon’s view, if rivalry is what motivates all of this work that he sees, and it is a pointless endeavor, then perhaps it is better to not work, but rather just rest. This logical proposition leads Solomon to consider two proverbs (which he quotes in vv. 5-6) that offer perspective on this matter and reinforce his general conclusion.

The next problem Solomon identifies is that of isolation. In verse 7, he sets forth a rhetorical question from the exasperated view of the loner, “For whom then, do I labor, and deprive my soul of pleasure?” Clearly the answer is that the loner labors for himself and no other. But if all he does is work hard to amass wealth for himself as the end objective, then he is depriving himself of enjoying the pleasure that results from his labor. Essentially, Solomon has in mind the workaholic, the person whose ambition in life is to be successful at their career, to go as far as they can, and climb the ladder as high as possible. But such an outlook on life will never be satisfying, he concludes. His eyes will never be “satisfied with wealth.”

The final two problems are laid out in vv. 13-16: power and popularity. Solomon introduces these final two problems using a “better-than” comparison. The problem Solomon sees is twofold: 1) in vv. 13-14 the issue is being in charge but becoming closed off and obstinate, unwilling to listen to any instruction, and 2) in vv. 15-16 the issue is being in charge but being unpopular, where no one praises and rejoices in your leadership.

The sense of this section is that the old foolish king who would not listen to anyone was eventually replaced by the wise youth, who came from humble beginnings. Then another youth eventually replaced the wise youth who became king, and many people followed him and liked him. But his popularity was only temporary as he would lose favor in the eyes of the people, and they would no longer rejoice in his leadership.

So, what do all four of these problems have in common and what are they telling us about Solomon’s pursuit of the meaning of life? First, the problems that are mentioned help us identify what is truly meaningful in life. These problems identify the need for justice, cooperation, companionship, and humility. The problems also tell us what we should not put our time and effort in seeking to attain or being worried about changing. The world is the way it is, and it has always been that way. Nothing new is happening now that has not already happened and will happen again. These problems are endemic in a broken world, and that is why they cannot provide true meaning in life. True meaning is found in the age to come when the world will be restored, and these problems will be no more.

-Jerry Wierwille


Reflection Questions

  1. What modern examples can you find of what Solomon saw in his day for each of these issues: oppression (selfishness), loneliness (and workaholism), power and popularity? In your own life where have you seen yourself struggle or tend toward one of these?
  2. While realizing we live in a broken world with evil which won’t be changing until the age to come, of what value is justice, cooperation, companionship and humility in your own life? Which of these is most lacking in your life? How can you work toward each of these?
  3. How can you be a comforter to those experiencing the harsh realities/evils of this broken world today?
  4. What beauty and hope lies in the age to come?
sglcalendar2024Download

Hezekiah, David & Jesus

Old Testament: 2 Kings 18

Poetry: Psalm 86

New Testament: Luke 20

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


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


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


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


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

– Jeff Ransom


Reflection Questions:


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

sglcalendar2024Download

Waiting & Acting

Old Testament: Micah 7

Poetry: Psalm 85 (day 2)

New Testament: Luke 19


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


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


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


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


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


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

-Jeff Ransom


Reflection Questions:

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


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

sglcalendar2024Download

Making a Way for You

Old Testament: Micah 6

Poetry: Psalm 85

New Testament: Luke 18:15-43

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

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

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

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

-Samantha Stokes

Reflection questions:

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

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

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

sglcalendar2024Download

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?
sglcalendar2024Download

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?

sglcalendar2024Download

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?
sglcalendar2024Download

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?
sglcalendar2024Download

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?
sglcalendar2024Download