Tag: God

To Shine – or Not to Shine?

Old Testament: Genesis 11 & 12

Poetry: Psalm 3

New Testament: Matthew 6:1-18

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

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

Old Testament: Genesis 9 & 10

Poetry: Psalm 2

New Testament: Matthew 5:17-48

Would you rather have been born in the Old Testament era when following the law was the measure of one’s righteousness, or born after Jesus came and shook things up a bit? Keep in mind that the Old Testament law as delivered through Moses was not just the good old Ten Commandments (which we sometimes have a hard time remembering and living by) – but roughly 603 additional laws throughout the first 5 books of the Bible. God’s people were expected to know them and live by them, a long list of what to do and what not to do. And there was punishment and judgment when the people didn’t do what they were supposed to do and did what they weren’t supposed to do. 

Then comes Jesus. He is probably best known for his love. We love to remember how he answered the burning question: What is the greatest commandment? The Jews had tried for over 1,000 years to keep all these commandments. Some of the religious leaders (the Pharisees) prided themselves on how well they did it. And they had even added to the number to create more laws to try to keep the people further from breaking one of God’s important laws. And Jesus took all those 613 plus laws and said the most important was “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:37-40). Well, that simplifies matters. Love God. Love people. Sounds simpler. Sounds almost easy. 

But, wait there is more. 

Back in Matthew 5 Jesus introduces this new “law”, this new way of life and new way of measuring righteousness. He started his Sermon on the Mount not with a list of laws to keep with punishments if you don’t – but with a beautiful list of attitudes to keep and the rewards for those who do. Next he gives us jobs to do – be salt and light – all the time – shine – be different – do good – not to look good yourself, but to bring glory to your Father in heaven.

Jesus realizes this is different. This doesn’t sound like Leviticus any more. He knew people would accuse him of completely overturning and throwing out the Old Testament law. He clarifies, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matt 5:17). Something is up but we aren’t exactly sure what yet. But, it’s not throwing out the Old. It’s like there is a new measuring stick in town. He even goes so far as to say that NOW we need to be MORE righteous than the Pharisees and teachers of the law if we want to enter the Kingdom. (I am sure they loved hearing that.) And then he proceeds to give several examples of Old Testament law, with his new Jesus spin added. 

The next six sections in Matthew 5 all begin with some variations of, “You have heard that it was said long ago…but I tell you…”. And Jesus takes the Old Testament laws regarding murder, adultery, divorce, oaths, eye for an eye and loving your neighbor and ramps them up. No longer are you called good if you can merely check the box for not murdering or committing adultery. Now, you have the larger job of also controlling your anger and your lust – the heart issues that originally led to the breaking of the Old Testament law. 

God gave the law and it is good. But, His desire was never to create legalistic robots without a heart. His desire was not to create a people that praises themselves for keeping a long checklist of do’s and don’ts, but misses seeing the needs of their neighbor. His desire was not to create a people that only loved those who love them. 

So, it was time to add more. Time to add His Son who would teach us and show us how to love.

God gave us His Son and he is very good (though the Son would tell us that only His Father is good because he was always drawing distinctions between himself and His Father and giving praise to his God and his Father not himself). We have so much to still learn from Jesus about this new, life-giving, from the heart way of life. Jesus wants to teach us what God is looking for. And in Matthew 5 we see God is looking for heart, love, devotion, reconciliation, self-control, commitment, purity, truth, generosity, prayer, compassion, gentleness. And perfection. That’s all. 

The new is better. But not because it is easier. Where would you rather be? 

-Marcia Railton

Questions for Reflection

  1. It is time for a heart check. Are you more righteous than those who worked so hard to keep the Old Testament? Do you pride yourself on being better than others? What heart issues have led you to breaking the law in the past? 
  2. How can you work towards godly perfection today? Maybe try re-reading Matthew 5 looking for what heart changes God would like to see in you. 
  3. What do you learn about Jesus from Matthew 5? How does he fulfill the law and not abolish it? 
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The Workers are Fewer

Old Testament: Genesis 7-8

Poetry: Psalm 1

New Testament: Matthew 5:13-16

According to a study by the NORC at the University of Chicago, the last three decades have seen a rapid decline in those who confidently believe there is a God. In 1993, two-thirds of respondents answered “yes” to the claim they “know God exists and have no doubts.” In the most recent survey taken last year, this number has been reduced to 50%. That means in roughly a generation, 50 million Americans have reduced, abandoned, or failed to pass on their faith. No doubt, we are seeing the symptoms of this in our culture, where the most influential theology being preached is that each man or woman is their own idol and that their identity, narrative, or definitions supersede any relationships, including God.

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time.” – Genesis 6:5

“Remember this! In the last days there will be many troubles because people will love themselves, love money, brag, and be proud. They will say evil things against others and will not obey their parents or be thankful or be the kind of people God wants. They will not love others, will refuse to forgive, will gossip, and will not control themselves. They will be cruel, will hate what is good, will turn against their friends, and will do foolish things without thinking. They will be conceited, will love pleasure instead of God, and will act as if they serve God but will not have his power. Stay away from those people.” – 2 Timothy 3:1-5

I would love to end this first week of 2024 on a more positive note, but here we are at the ministry of Noah, and I can’t help but see the correlations. I consider myself a church half-full, not half-empty type of person, so please understand I am not hanging an albatross around the neck of the place I call home. Recently, we have seen and could see more revival as people realize there is no salvation in pursuing self. Nevertheless, as it stands today, it seems like the wind is blowing hard in a different direction, and I can’t help but look at the forecast and know that the rain is coming. It may not be here or now, but it is. It is so disheartening to see people jump off the boat, abandon their God, so they can instead find their own way swimming to survive. I want none of us to be the next person overboard, so let us be ready to answer the challenges of the storm that very well may lie ahead, and be defiantly obedient as the prescriptions of Jesus in Matthew 6

Leave your righteousness at the door – Jesus says that if actions are done for the sake of being seen by others or if we are religiously pious thinking that we are worth saving and others are not, that we have already received our reward in full. Noah was the only righteous man left, but while building the boat, he did not tout his own righteousness. He preached to bring salvation to others, even if it fell upon deaf ears. We do not decide who is and isn’t worthy (see: Jonah). Our own righteousness is as filthy rags and none of us can be restored without the atonement of Jesus.

Extend the grace of forgiveness of God – If for no other reason, we should forgive because it is the measure for which we are forgiven; however, we forgive because we have the love of Christ that shows us mercy every time that we fall short. By simply listening and looking for those who thirst, we become more like Christ. A quote that has stuck with me by psychologist Russell Barkley, “The children who need love the most will always ask for it in the most unloving ways.” Do not let rhetoric or trespasses keep you from loving those who need Living Water. You can be the bearer of grace and forgiveness they are most desperately looking for if you cut through the crap and see the child of God.

Endure any suffering with joy – Those of us in the United States have enjoyed a pretty good run of Christian values as the dominant culture. While this run has been far from perfect, it has been easy to avoid persecution. It is very likely that my children will not live in this world. God, I pray that they will be able to declare you in a world that will try to snuff them out. For us all, may we endure the coming trials with joy. When we are persecuted because of the Gospel, we suffer alongside Him. What greater joy could there be than to live out the fullness of Christ?

Don’t worry about not going with the flow – God has promised to take care of our needs if we trust in Him and share His words. We may be unflatteringly categorized, lose our social standing, our job, live threatened, or the reality of violence. If God takes care of the flowers and the sparrows, He will take care of you in every single instance. Even though the traffic may be moving against you, be singularly focused on the Gospel of the Coming Kingdom, and everything else will be added unto you. Ask for your daily bread and then get to work for His Glory because the harvest is becoming more plentiful, but the workers are fewer.

-Aaron Winner

  1. Describe the world you live in today. What similarities do you see to the time of Noah?
  2. What do you admire most about Noah? What can you learn from him? What do you learn about God in Genesis 7 & 8?
  3. What is the problem of going with the flow? How can you help yourself, your family, your church stay in the boat?
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Pure of Heart

Old Testament: Genesis 5 & 6

Poetry: Psalm 1

New Testament: Matthew 5:1-12

There is so much to digest in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus sets the standard of living in all aspects of life and slowly combats the legalistic Jewish culture of his time. Our Messiah makes us aware that His Father can see through our actions, straight to the root, or better yet, the heart of our motivation; this is truly convicting. What may look like altruism or mercy from the outside may, in fact, be manipulation and control in the mind. Out of all the qualities in the Beatitudes, it may be most rare to find someone who is pure of heart.

In Genesis 5, the great-great-great-great-grandson of Adam, Enoch, is given more than the standard father/age line. It states that Enoch walked faithfully with God and then God took him away. Many times the discussion around Enoch prioritizes “Where did he go?” The more important discussion is “How was he so faithful in his walk with God?” I don’t really have an answer to either question, but I will make an inference about the latter based upon the promise within the Beatitudes. Enoch faithfully walked with God because he was pure of heart and he has seen or will see God (Hebrews 11:5-6,39-40).

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” – Psalm 51:10-12

To gain further insight into what exactly is a pure heart, we can ironically turn to David at the moment he felt the most disconnected from the Almighty. David had accomplished so much in the name of the God of Israel. Fighting a giant in faith, leading Israel into battle, giving mercy to God’s anointed, becoming king of the chosen people, and writing a myriad of worship songs in honor of the Lord, yet, in his most impure moments, he had committed adultery, was responsible for a cold-blooded death of a man, and was delivered a bleak message by God through His prophet, Nathan. In reflection, David indirectly states that a pure heart is steadfast, focused on the joy that comes from God, and is in tune with the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, David is restored through repentance and the mercies of God and is still considered a man after God’s own heart, the purest of them all.

So what exactly does it take for each one of us to be pure of heart? First, we must be motivated by and steadfast in the love of God. If we are motivated for the glory it will bring to ourselves or in the indulgences of our flesh, we will never be satisfied. There are not enough likes or followers to replace the unconditional attention of your Heavenly Father. Next, we must be joyful in all seasons. When we become motivated by God, we are no longer victims of circumstance but part of God’s salvation plan. Our pressings and persecutions become opportunities to share our promise. Finally, purity is finding and following God’s will through receiving and responding to His Holy Spirit. Let His power lead your feet and the Gospel message . By remaining pure of heart, walking with God, we will see God move and experience the fullness of Him and live with the hope that our faith will be made sight, seeing Him face to face.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What grade would you give your heart’s purity (or lack thereof)? For you personally, what motivations, behaviors, attitudes get in the way of having a pure heart? In what ways can you work towards a more pure heart? 
  2. How would you describe each of the other Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-12 – and the reward for each?
  3. Why do you think Jesus started his sermon this way?
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Crouching at Your Door

Old Testament: Genesis 4

Poetry: Psalm 1

New Testament: Matthew 4

The most formidable opponent to our righteousness is the person reflected in the image of a mirror. Being solely tempted is not sin in itself, but it means that we will soon enter the ring or octagon for a fight.  The attack will come at the points where we are weakest.  Our pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, or laziness are soon exposed and without the proper guidance by the words of God, we will soon leave ourselves fully exposed to a finishing move.  No matter where the dragging and enticing draw from, submission to temptation to serve ourselves rather than submitting to our Heavenly Father’s will, leads down the slippery slope away from the Kingdom of God.

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” – James 1:13-15

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” – Genesis 4:7

We see this pattern unfold in Genesis 4 when Cain is issued a warning directly by God to stop jealousy in its path.  God states that “sin is lurking at the door.” By giving temptation a place to live, Cain and each one of us are inviting sin to be the next resident. What started as an unchecked emotion, turned into temptation, which led Cain to selfishly taking the life of his brother.  Temptation must be addressed and combatted, otherwise we will find ourselves on a path, either through deliberate action or indecision, that leads us far away from the Will of God.


“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.” – Hebrews 4:14-16

Jesus, as always, provides our example of dealing with temptation because he was tested in every measure. Specifically in Matthew 4, Jesus is tested in the desires of his flesh, the integrity of his faith, and his pride. Jesus meets each one of these temptations head on, attacking them with words of his Father.  In doing this, he removes himself from temptation by placing himself closer to God Almighty.  By remaining perfect and being raised to life, He now sits at the right hand of God understanding our struggles and weakness.  Christ intercedes on our behalf and beckons us to remember that we have the advantage that Cain did not: we do not have to go through it alone.

The Apostle Peter is no stranger to succumbing , and in all reality, he is the disciple with whom we most identify. His advice to those scattered about Asia Minor in his first letter is to remain watchful and alert for the threat that may approach us. He likens our Adversary to a lion, crouching in the savannah, waiting for our guard to be down and becoming the next prey devoured. We have to be ready for the attack, by remaining sober-minded even in the duress of physical, spiritual, or mental stress. We do this best by filling our hearts with the words of God and repeating them time and again, so temptation is at bay, and when it comes, like Jesus, we are ready to strike it down with the Sword of the Spirit.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. There is a lot to think about in the following sentence: “Temptation must be addressed and combatted, otherwise we will find ourselves on a path, either through deliberate action or indecision, that leads us far away from the Will of God.” What examples can you think of from your own life? 
  2. What temptations do you need to address now? 
  3. With what 3-5 specific ways can you combat this temptation?
  4. What roles can God’s Word and God’s Son play in your spiritual battle against sin?
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Fall and Rise

Old Testament: Genesis 3

Poetry: Psalm 1 (all week)

New Testament: Matthew 3

There are some four-thousand years between the first and second Adam, both the bookends of the fall of man.  Through the first Adam, sin found a foothold in the world.  Through the second Adam, Jesus Christ, the sting of eternal destruction in the second death (Rev. 21:6, Rom 6:23) is broken and restoration that comes from God is complete. Being familiar with scripture and his role as Savior, Jesus knew he was the precious Lamb of God, who upon him was transferred the weight and debt of all our sins.  Jesus would go on to fulfill this role as our purification offering, fulfilling the law and the words of prophets.

In a similar manner, Jesus redefines and completes baptism in Matthew 3.  Although not defined by religious laws in the Old Testament, baptism had become a common practice for sects of Judaism from the time of Malachi to the beginning of the Common Era.  It was performed as a ritual cleansing, done in preparation to ready oneself to make a sacrifice at the temple. This could be done time and time again because of the literal and spiritual uncleanliness that would appear between trips to the Temple. John’s baptism took on this role, specifically for the forgiveness of sins. So why would a sinless Savior need to engage in such a symbol?

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’  Jesus replied, ‘Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ – Matthew 3:13-17

The first reason Jesus is baptized is as simple as he stated, “to fulfill all righteousness.” Baptism is not merely for the forgiveness of sins. It is first and foremost the public dedication of your life to love God, accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, and live for his Kingdom.  To us this means that looking for a pass on sin without submission is not living-saving nor does it accept the grace of God.  Specifically, those who participated in the baptism of John for the forgiveness of sin were told to be rebaptized when they knew this Good News.

The second basis for baptism is the fulfillment of the gracious cleansing we receive by the sacrifice of Jesus. Just like the payment of Christ, baptism is once and for all.  By being fully immersed in water, we demonstrate not only His death, but our own. Likewise, in rising out of the water, we illustrate the cornerstone of our hope, that Jesus has risen from the dead.  Furthermore this illustrates by dying to Him, we are raised to life, asking the raised Christ to live in us as Lord of our life today and being assured of the hope of our own resurrection if we remain faithful. 

Arguably the third purpose for baptism is the invitation of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Jesus is shown this power of God at His baptism, and the Holy Spirit descending onto ministry of miracles.  Baptism, in fullness, is an invitation for the Spirit of God to direct your path (Rom 8:14), bear fruit because of its presence (Gal 5:22-23), and to even comfort in times of hardship or grief. (John 14:26) It is the same power that raised Jesus from the grave that can now live in us. (Rom 8:11)

If you haven’t considered baptism up to this point, what is stopping you from such a confession of faith? Baptism is not the culmination, but the entry point of faith. You do not have to understand the nuances of scripture, only that our Heavenly Father sent His Son into the world to die for your sin, and they are coming back to Earth with eternal life in hand.

If you have already dedicated your life through this public confession, hold close to your heart the promise that is in the symbol.  Time and time again, we trip, stumble, and fall flat on our faces, but with each fall, we are lifted out of the waters of baptism and covered in the grace of God through Jesus Christ.  Thank God we do not have to be reimmersed.  Many of us would spend the vast majority of life underwater. We can confess to Heavenly Father with a repentant heart and the power of baptism in Jesus Christ not only banishes the wages of sin, but gives us the present presence of God for now and for eternity.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. If you haven’t considered baptism up to this point, what is stopping you from such a confession of faith?
  2. If you are baptized, what does it mean to you?
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Breath of Life

Old Testament: Genesis 2

Poetry: Psalm 1

New Testament: Matthew 2

A little over five months ago, I experienced the scariest moment of my existence. I was awoken by my wife, in a growing panic, informing me that our two-day old newborn had stopped breathing.  I rushed to the desk to get help, and watched helplessly as nurses left our room with our baby who had turned purplish-blue that will be forever imprinted on my psyche.  Later we would be told that since she was born Cesarean, she didn’t get the benefit from a squeeze on her exit that would have expelled the amniotic fluid from her lungs that was now choking her.  Praise be to God, working through the practice of quick-acting nurses, that she again found breath to sustain her life.

“Then the Lord God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.” – Genesis 2:7

Adam was born in a far more unique way.  God took a pile of minerals and animated it with his breath.  What was lifeless moments before became the image of the Creator.  Some might say that only Adam or Jesus are the ones that uniquely reflect our God, but Psalm 139 depicts God as a tailor, stitching us together.  Our Heavenly Father is intimate with the fabric that forms our thoughts because he picked it out Himself.  By creating a consciousness with this breath of life we now have the distinction, like Adam and Jesus, that we have a part to play in the purpose of God, and there are no understudies for your role.

You have been handed a script. By having access to the words of God, in some sense, you have life-giving power.  Since scripture is God-breathed (2 Tim 3:16)  it means it brings about the same igniting animation.  Jesus uses the Word of God to fight temptation, perform miracles, fulfill prophecy, and raise people from the dead.  Likewise we are told we can use it for teaching, correcting, training, and rebuking. Knowing His Word allows our life to perform our role now, but also gives us access to the Power of God.

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:21-23

Jesus Christ, the Living Water and Word of God, has demonstrated this new form of life.  It is not giving viability to a sandbox, but instead is a life-giving resurrection that brings on a new form not yet seen except by the firstfruits, Christ himself.  We are called to more than a single designed life-giving birth, but to be reborn, given life eternal.  While we cannot enter the womb a second time, the squeeze brought on by the conviction of the Living Word and the Holy Spirit is necessary to purge and refine, readying us for His Kingdom. Like Adam, we too, are made with a Promise to be placed alongside God, so let’s suck less air, and stay committed to filling our lungs and exhalations with His life-giving words.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. Describe in what ways you have received life-giving breath from God?
  2. What do you think is God’s purpose for you? How are you doing at fulfilling that purpose? 
  3. How can you help pass along the breath of life to one in need of it? What is your life-giving power? 
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Day and Night

Old Testament: Genesis 1

*Poetry: Psalm 1

New Testament: Matthew 1


I am proud to say that I rang in 2024 without a resolution. In fact, I have been resolution-less for the last three years. In a manner of speaking, I have completely given up on goals and I have no innate desire to make my dreams come true. It all sounds a bit melancholy, but follow me for a moment as I explain this change in mindset.  A few years ago, I stumbled across How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams, the author of the Dilbert comic strip.  In this book, Adams makes the case priorities and their processes have a much greater impact on success versus goal-driven behaviors.  I am not anti-goal or resolution, but when we resolve to make a checklist of accomplishment, no matter how big or small, that is a momentary celebration followed by a lingering aftertaste of, “Now what?”  

“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take  or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.” – Psalm 1:1-3

Psalm 1 presents the idea that Delighting in God and meditating on His words are not quantifiable checklist items that earn badges or streaks.  These are the priorities that help develop processes, such as a daily visit to the Seek Grow Love blog, to help us live a more fulfilled life, whether it is star-studded or filled with very few accolades. Day and night, it becomes the rhythm to which we live our lives, alongside the very beating of our heart.  The only reprieve is a temporary status of death.  Any merit or notoriety we hope to achieve as Christians, such as sitting at the right hand of Jesus (Matt 20), is legalistic hoo-ha, and ironically, resolutions that may keep us away from the pursuit of the Kingdom of God.

So what do processes look like that prioritize God, let His word speak, and lead to Living Water throughout 2024 and beyond? One example we have is the contrast of Mary and Martha in Luke 10. We must choose Jesus over the mundane daily grind. This means that when Jesus is speaking the words of God at your house, you stop what you are doing to sit down and listen. There will always be a nagging chore, entertainment, and distractions, but more than Martha, we have an opportunity to invite Jesus every single day into our home.  Don’t be in the next room working, literally or metaphorically, missing this opportunity. 

Another example might be more related to the execution.  As a parent to a couple of toddlers, I have  wryly pondered the question posed by Peter,  “How many times should I forgive brothers (or in my case, children) when they sin against me?”  The answer supplied by Jesus is 490, a number we have well-passed for the same offenses in my house. I think we all understand that this is not a literal number but a commitment to prioritizing love for others over indulgences of self.  Some of us may be asked to forgive more than others, whether in accumulation of trespasses or a single terrible, unspeakable offense, planting ourselves by the banks of Living Water is the way we have access to the infinite, inexhaustible grace of God and still find delight in the hardest of pills to swallow.

Trust the process of prioritizing and meditating on God’s word.  Find less resolution and rid yourself of the rote. Worry less about what you need to accomplish and look for opportunities, day and night, to spend time delighting in the Lord, who is watching over our way. This year, begin to leave the accolades to Him.

“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” – Psalm 1:6

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What benefits do you see in living more of a priorities and processes life than a goals and resolutions life? 
  2. What are your priorities? What processes do you already do to keep your top priorities top? What tweaks or refinements could be helpful in keeping first things first? 
  3. What does it look like to Delight in the Lord? How does one meditate on His law day and night? What does the life look like that does these things? What does the life look like that doesn’t do these things? Where are you? Where do you want to be? How can you get there?
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New!

Sunday, December 31, 2023, New Years Eve

Theme Week – Celebrating Jesus: Revelation 21

Old Testament: Malachi 3 & 4

Poetry: Psalm 150

            Here we are, the last day of 2023.  We’ve come to the end of the year.  We’ve also come to the end of this eight day focus on the life of Jesus.  We started with the announcement that he was to be born, then his birth announcement, his escape to Egypt, his new beginning in Nazareth, his baptism and testing, his ministry, his death, this resurrection, his ascension to heaven and now we’ve reached the end.  Revelation 21 is a picture of what the future will be after all of the other prophecies surrounding the end of this age and the return of Jesus to reign are completed.    I’m going to insert one passage from 1 Corinthians 15 to help transition us to Revelation 21.

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-24).

Paul here gives the basic outline: Christ died and became alive again.  When he comes again those who belong to Christ will, in the same way become alive again, never more to die.  Jesus will reign for a time, Revelation 20 says it will be 1000 year or a millennium, and at the end of that time there will be a final judgment and all of the powers which opposed God since the beginning will finally be destroyed, at which time Jesus will hand over the kingdom to God himself who will come and reign over us in person.

Today’s reading in Revelation 21 shows what will happen after Jesus hands over the kingdom to God.  God sets up his kingdom on earth, in what Revelation calls the New Jerusalem (it’s much larger than the present city of Jerusalem).

This brings the Bible full circle.  In Genesis 1-3 when God first created the earth, he came to the Garden of Eden to visit with Adam and Eve in person.  After they sinned and were cast out of the garden, they were separated from God.  They could no longer dwell in the presence of God.  God made provision for his people through various tabernacles and temples that would have a very holy place where the glory of God would come and where a representative of the people, the high priest would come once a year.  But God’s presence was always mediated by other forms- a burning bush, an angel, pillar of fire or pillar of cloud.  Now, in Revelation 21, God is back fully on earth with his people, in an unmediated direct way.  There’s no need for a temple now, for everyone who is there has been made holy by the blood of Jesus which has cleansed them from their sins.  They are immortal and sinless.  There will be no more death or pain or brokenness.  The Lord God announces, “I am making everything new.”

Tomorrow begins a new year, 2024.  My best guess is, not much will change in the world. Yes, you’ll need a new calendar.  People might have a new insurance plan.  But there will still be sickness, there will still be wars, people will still be snarky on social media and the Democrats and Republicans will continue to fight.  And people will still die.  That’s not going to change until Jesus returns and puts a final nail in the coffin of evil in this world.  This passage gives us a hopeful picture of what the world will be like after that happens, when God comes to live with us, when the final enemy of death will be destroyed and God makes all things new.

The world will be the same tomorrow, but you can be made new.  If you put your full faith and trust in Jesus and follow him, he will make you new.    2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”.  Will you choose to be in Christ, will you be made new?  Happy new year and happy new you!

-Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe Revelation 21 to someone who has never read it before? What do you find most exciting about the New Heaven and the New Earth and New Jerusalem? 
  2. Have you chosen to be in Christ? How does life in Christ create a new creation?
  3. Through your Bible reading what have you learned about God and His Son Jesus in 2023? How can what you learned change you? How can you put this knowledge to use in 2024? Who needs to know what you know? Thank God for revealing Himself to you through His holy Scriptures. 

Watch for the NEW 2024 SeekGrowLove Bible reading plan to be revealed later today! 

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Eye-Witnesses and Proof of Life

Theme Week – Celebrating Jesus: Acts 1

Old Testament: Malachi 1 & 2

Poetry: Psalm 149

            Have you ever been a witness and had to testify in court?  I have.  I once witnessed a crime while I was on vacation at the beach.  I was called to come back and testify at the trial.  I didn’t mind, it was a free trip back to the beach.

            There are different kinds of witnesses.  If you ever watch television shows that feature courtrooms like Law and Order or CSI you know that different people are called to witness different things.  You can have a character witness who tells about the defendant as a person.  You can have forensic witnesses to talk about evidence.  Maybe the most important is the eye-witness, who talks about what they saw with their own eyes.  If you get two or three eye-witnesses who testify the same thing, there’s a good chance the defendant will be found guilty.

            In today’s reading from Acts, we get a small glimpse of what Jesus was up to during the first 40 days after he was raised from the dead.  He went around showing his disciples that he was still alive.  Luke, who wrote Acts, says that Jesus gave “many convincing proofs” that he was alive. 

Most of my adult children live a good distance from me, in another state, and one lives in another country.  If I haven’t heard from one of them for a while I will text them and ask for “proof of life” which means- “send me a text, call or Facetime with me so I know you’re doing okay.”  Fun fact: Dads are happier when they can see proof that their kids are okay (even if their kids are in their 20’s and 30’s and have kids of their own.).  A phone call, text, or Facetime is pretty low level proof of life, but I doubt that anyone is kidnapping my kids and doing a deepfake proof of life.  If I can see their face or hear their voice, I’m good. 

For the disciples in the first century, they had proof of life right in front of them.  Jesus was there, in his newly resurrected body, still bearing the scars from his crucifixion.  They were eyewitnesses of the risen Jesus.  But it wasn’t enough for them to just see for themselves that Jesus was risen, he told them that they had an important mission.  They were to be his witnesses.  They were to take the story of his life, teaching and resurrection to the whole world.  And they did.  That is why, 2000 years later there are people all over the world who follow Jesus Christ.

The disciples also witnessed Jesus ascend up from the earth through the clouds to heaven where he now sits at the right hand of God.  As they were eyewitnesses to Jesus ascending, they also witnessed the angels who assured them that Jesus would return in the same way that he left, visibly, in the clouds.  For 2000 years the church has kept alive this testimony from the eyewitnesses: Jesus died on the cross for our sins, God raised Jesus from the dead and many people saw him in his risen body, Jesus ascended to heaven and we heard the promise that he would one day return in the same way.  Each generation of Jesus’ followers have kept this message alive and spread it.  Now you have received it, it’s up to you and your generation to continue keeping this eye witness testimony alive, until Jesus returns.

-Jeff Fletcher

Reflection Questions

  1. If you were called up as a character witness for Jesus how would you describe him? What do you know about Jesus as a person? 
  2. If you were called up as a forensic witness testifying to the evidence of Jesus what would you say? What convincing proofs do you have that Jesus is alive?
  3. If you were called up as an eye-witness for what Jesus has done for you what would you say? How is your life different because of Jesus?
  4. Who needs to know what you know about Jesus, about the evidence surrounding his life, death, resurrection, ascension and coming return, and about how you have experienced Jesus and what he has done for you? How will you share? 
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