Tag: relationship with God

Restore Us, O God

2 Kings 18:9-19:37
Psalm 46, 80

Have you ever noticed that when you’re in familiar surroundings, you don’t require all of your senses to function? For example, if you wake up in the middle of the night, can you make your way into the bathroom without turning on a light? Or have you ever found yourself “watching” something on the television while simultaneously scrolling on your phone. You look up to watch the television when you hear the music swell because you know something important is about to happen? 

But in unfamiliar environments, you require most of your senses, even if it doesn’t make sense? Am I the only one who turns down the volume of the radio while I’m driving when I am looking for a specific street sign? It’s like the brainpower used to listen to music needs to be redirected towards my sense of sight. Or when I am about to enjoy the first taste of something delicious, I don’t want any distractions; all I want is to savor the flavors in my mouth. Don’t talk to me, don’t have me look or study something, just let me appreciate what’s happening with my tastebuds. 

In today’s Psalm, the author is appealing to God in a time of national territorial struggle. Outside enemy forces are making their presence known and the nation of Israel is seeking God’s protection and restoration.

Three of the nineteen verses are identical. Verses three, seven, and nineteen all say, “Restore us, O God; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.” Let’s break this repeated appeal down.

Restore us, O God – make us right, heal us, put us back to where we were. Because of the disobedience of the people, their relationship with God has been broken or gotten off track. The petition to God for restoration acknowledges this. 

Make your face shine upon us – this phrase calls back to the Priestly blessing that is recorded in Numbers 6:24-26. When God’s face is shining upon His people, His blessings, His approval, His favor makes life more peaceful. But this can only be experienced when we are in right standing with God. When we are not in right standing with God, it’s like His face is hidden from us. It’s like the lights in the room are on, but we still cannot see; the volume on the television is turned up high, but we still cannot hear; we can add all the seasoning to food, but we still cannot taste it. We walk through our daily lives like it’s unfamiliar territory. We’re seeking for something to make sense and may even turn to external (and ungodly) sources for relief. But nothing can substitute the experience of God’s face shining upon those He loves and who are in right standing with Him.

That we may be saved – When God’s people have been restored and are in right standing with Him, and His favor is among the people, salvation from threats of the enemy is at hand.

The next time you find yourself in an especially challenging trial, mimic King Hezekiah who literally laid his problem out before God and made his appeal that God take action against the enemy. Ask God if there is anything that needs restoration in your life. Request God to make His face shine upon you. And then believe with all of your heart that God will act on your behalf. The course of action that God may take may not make sense and His timing could be very different than what you would like, but know that God sees those who love him and are committed to remain in right standing with Him. And even in the midst of the hard times, you can find peace to enjoy with all your senses the life God has planned out for you.

Reflection Questions

Describe a time when you felt God’s favor, peace, or presence in a tangible way. What was happening in your heart and life during that season?

What distractions – mental, emotional, digital, or physical – are keeping me from noticing or experiencing God’s presence fully?

How might I align myself with God today so that I am in ‘right standing’ with Him?

-Bethany Ligon

SGL.2025.JulyFullPageDownload
SGL.2025.CalendarBookletDownload

Gifts, God and Glory

1 Kings 10-11
2 Chronicles 9

There are simply some things you have to see with your own eyes to understand what all the hype is about. To stand at the edge of the Grand Canyon or to gaze from the helm of a ship in the middle of the ocean are images that have been perpetuated as pinnacle experiences through pop culture. While it’s possible to be in awe while reading a description or gazing at a photo, the real deal—being present in these places—has left me in wonder at the work of the Almighty.

In a similar manner, the stories of Solomon’s wisdom had spread like wildfire, reaching as far as the Horn of Africa—which, in ancient historical terms, was viral. The tale of a singularly wise leader whose work had led Israel into a time of ultimate prosperity made all the hype seem too good to be true. The Queen of Sheba, having received these reports, had to hear and see for herself. What she found was that the blessings were abundant and beyond even what was reported. The sights and sounds of Israel were breathtaking, but none more than the wisdom of King Solomon. After taking it all in, the Queen acknowledged that the sovereign God of Israel had placed Solomon on the throne to rule at such a time.

“Praise be to the Lord your God, who has delighted in you and placed you on the throne of Israel. Because of the Lord’s eternal love for Israel, he has made you king to maintain justice and righteousness.”
—1 Kings 10:9

In contrast, in the very next chapter of 1 Kings, we watch the eyes of Solomon shift—from service of the Most High to service of his own flesh. From my own speculations, taken from the perspective in Ecclesiastes, it seems that for a season Solomon focused more on the gifts of God than on his relationship with Him. Israel began looking more like the king and less like its God under Solomon’s direction. He established altars for the gods of his wives and concubines, reshaping not only the physical locations but also the worship of the people. The evidence was in: the splendor of this kingdom, which once pointed to the protection of an undefeated Most High God, was now showing signs of the waning wisdom of a compromised king calling his own shots.

As we read these contrasting moments in Solomon’s life, we should turn and reflect on our own. We may not have the accolade of being the “-est” of anything, but there are tales that could be reaching far and wide about us. When we are visited, our “place settings inspected,” and people look at our sacrifice, what does all our effort and show point to? Are we encouraged—or offended—by those who look at the catalogue of our life’s work and give God the credit?

When God has His hand upon us, it can be recognized and sought by strangers from a distant land who hunger or thirst for answers to their questions. The truth is, sometimes from the outside looking in, the beauty of God’s hand in our lives is more clearly seen. Conversely, from the inside looking out, we may gaze upon the gifts of the Lord and mistakenly see them as our own handiwork, when it is by God’s glory that we are richly blessed. The warning given to us by Job is that the One who gives and multiplies can also take away and divide.

The hype of God has been—and will continue to be—acknowledged by those who look at it from afar in awe. However, the goodness of God is best experienced firsthand, through encountering Him with every thought and action. Let us not forget that He is the provider of grace and the bestower of the fruits of His Spirit; we could never attain these through our own effort. Don’t be so entangled in the blessing that you forget the intention with which it was given: to demonstrate the glory of our Heavenly Father.

-Aaron Winner

Reflection Questions

  1. What thoughts, feelings, desires, or motives do you think led Solomon astray? Which of these same thoughts, feelings, desires, or motives do you see in yourself?
  2. In what ways would you like to be like Solomon? In what ways will you work at not being like Solomon?
  3. Are there gifts God has given you that you have mistakenly viewed as your own handiwork? What happens when we focus on the gifts rather than the Gifter? How can we better see what God has given and in return give to Him the credit, thanks and glory for all His wonderful gifts.
SGL.2025.JuneFullPageDownload
SGL.2025.CalendarBookletDownload

A People for God

1 Kings 8 & 2 Chronicles 5

God’s covenant with His people is a continued theme throughout the Bible. It is confirmed with some of the greatest Old Testament leaders, such as Abraham, Moses, and David. Generations have been taught about God and all He has done for them. Though they have some faults, they have remained faithful to God as His people. The completion of the temple by Solomon further signifies a desire to worship God and be His people. After years of planning and construction the temple is finally used for its intended purpose and the glory of God fills the temple. In dedication, Solomon offers a prayer and addresses the people of Israel regarding the relationship between God and the people.

His prayer is a powerful plea for the LORD to remember His people and be their God. He begins by praising God and thanking Him for keeping His promises. Solomon prays that God will remain with them and hear their prayers. More importantly, he urges God to forgive them when they mess up. Solomon was wise enough to know that even if they tried their best they would sin and require God’s forgiveness. This applies to a variety of situations Solomon covers in his prayer, such as drought, famine, plague, war, and captivity. He argues that they have been God’s people for years and that He should continue to remember them for God’s glory. 

Then Solomon turns to the Israelites with him and requests that they keep their side of the covenant. Speaking to the people, Solomon says, “may your hearts be fully committed to the LORD our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands” (1 Kings 8:61). God has fulfilled his agreement of the covenant in the past, so it is up to the Israelites to follow the covenant they agreed to. They must remain faithful to God to enjoy the benefits of being God’s people and having a hope for the future. There are many false gods that can be worshiped, but Solomon’s desire is that the LORD who brought their ancestors out of Egypt remains their God. 

That is easy to agree to in good times, but history has proven that is not always the case. There are numerous examples of the Israelites turning away from God for a period of time. Although Solomon’s reign was successful for the Israelites, they would not enjoy the same prosperity and unity for long. Solomon prayed that God be with them in all situations and advised the people to remain faithful to God. No matter what happens, wisdom suggests making a conscious decision to develop a relationship with God and be a people for Him.

-Josiah Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What do you find in Solomon’s Dedication Prayer that would be wise to add into our prayers today?
  2. When did you last make a conscious decision to develop a relationship with God and be a person for Him? How is it going?
  3. Solomon was wise to know we would and will all need forgiveness. When have you veered off the fully committed and living by his decrees path? Have you experienced His forgiveness? What did that look like?
SGL.2025.MayFullPageDownload
SGL.2025.CalendarBookletDownload

Sayings of the Wise

Proverbs 22-24

There have been countless attempts to condense all the complexities of life into a few simple and concise rules to follow. If the steps are practiced effectively then success will be rewarded. Variations of these lists are reiterated over time through experience of generations adapting to changing societies. Each one tries to improve upon the previous list, but there are often more similarities than differences. While there are some noticeable differences between many of these lists and Proverbs 22-24, as a whole these chapters are simply a list of sayings meant to be followed for success. It certainly wasn’t the first list nor last, but it accomplishes the same goal, with the added benefit of being God’s trusted word. 

These thirty sayings are introduced in chapter 22, and it is encouraged for all to hear and pay attention to. “Counsel and knowledge” are provided with a reward of increasing trust in God along with honesty and speaking the truth (NIV, Proverbs 22:17-21). They don’t necessarily promise to bring worldly success, though many do, but instead offer the opportunity to further develop a relationship with God. These sayings align with seeking wisdom. Following them will result in the growth of truthful actions, trust, and an increased ability to love God and others. 

Each of the sayings provide guidance on some aspect of life, though there is overlap. Some of the sayings teach how to interact with others and develop meaningful relationships. For example, avoid exploitation, consider the perspective of others, and don’t be associated with people who will only cause trouble and be a bad influence. Other sayings claim that righteous character and behavior will be rewarded socially, and even if there is no benefit in today’s society God will reward those in the future. Similarly, the opposite is warned against. Another common theme is to not get caught up in chasing money or other common indicators of success, as they aren’t as meaningful as they may initially seem. Lastly, these sayings teach the value in learning and the willingness to be taught.

Study the sayings of the wise and learn from them. These thirty sayings are included in the book most known for wisdom, so if wisdom is loved these sayings should be considered in daily life. The increase in wisdom associated with applying these chapters will encourage genuine care and love for others through truthful words and actions. Further, trust in God is strengthened by wisdom in knowing how God defines success. Although it is still just a condensed list, follow these sayings and success will naturally be rewarded.

-Josiah Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. How is the wisdom found in Proverbs 22-24 similar to wisdom literature from other times and cultures? How is it different from what “the world” today says is wise and profitable for success?
  2. In your relationships with others which of these sayings of the wise would you benefit from focusing on this week?
  3. How can you work towards the ultimate success of having a better, growing relationship with God?
  4. Which verses would be great on your refrigerator, desk, bathroom mirror or bedside table for the next month? Post them.
SGL.2025.MayFullPageDownload
SGL.2025.CalendarBookletDownload

Yearning for God

Psalms 84-85, 87

1 Chronicles 5

Have you ever yearned for something?  

I recently had a baby boy, who decided, after about 3.5 weeks of false labor contractions and me walking around 4cm dilated for a week, he would grace us with his appearance 2 days after his due date.  For comparison, my firstborn came a week early with only those pesky Braxton Hicks contractions leading up to his debut.  Anyone who has known me over the past 9 months knows that I was fully convinced this second baby was coming early.  It felt like my entire mind was consumed by thinking about going into labor every moment of every day!  I was grouchy, distracted, and mentally exhausted.  My yearning brought me no closer to my baby, and really only made me more distant from everything positive going on around me. 

The sons of Korah write in Psalm 84:2 “My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (NIV).  The NET translation phrases it as “with my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God”.  This verse paints a picture of absolute, consuming, desire for closeness with God.  The chapter continues on to describe a blessed happiness that can be found when focused on praising the Almighty, when trusting in the Lord of Hosts! (v. 4, 12).  

Psalm 85 continues this picture of desiring closeness with God, but takes a slightly different perspective.  In Psalm 84, I get this imagery of excitement, anticipation, energized passion for God, whereas Psalm 85 depicts an image of peace, protection, and righteousness in relationship.  There is still a deep longing for a connection, but it’s like comparing the honeymoon, “puppy-love” phase of a new marriage, to a secure, content, lifelong covenant marriage.  

Verse 9 describes this type of relationship through salvation by fearing God.  This “fear” is derived from the Hebrew word “yare”, which means to revere, or be afraid of because of profound respect .  It’s not meant to be a fear that causes us to avoid approaching the throne, but rather a fear that places us in rightful, humble, submission to an awesome God, worthy of being revered, and yearned for.  One that should make us say, “my whole source of joy is in you” (Ps. 87:7). 

Even though babies are one of the greatest gifts, my yearning to deliver my son began to impact my relationship with God (and others!) as I began to prioritize birth over my spiritual relationship with the One who made life.  I wanted to control the timing, and I wanted it to be now!  But, when I started to misplace my priorities, I felt less joy, less excitement, and less peace about the whole situation.  How often does this happen in our lives?  We begin to place closeness to someone or something above our desire for closeness with God… and unsurprisingly, we don’t get the same satisfaction we may have been hoping for.  We can become bitter, resentful, stressed, you name it… anything but joyful.  Yearning with such intenseness for the wrong things in life, even when they are good things, will never lead to a joy-filled life.  BUT, when we keep ourselves yearning intensely for a relationship with God, and when we humble ourselves to Him, we experience true joy, true peace, and true satisfaction, only He can deliver!

(And baby boy arrived healthy and happy, just when God intended him too 🙂)

Sarah (Blanchard) Johnson

Reflection Questions

  1. Evaluate your faith walk right now – would you describe yourself as yearning for a relationship with God?  What other aspects in your life might you be misplacing above your relationship with Him?  
  2. What steps can you take to practice fearing, or revering, God today?
SGL.2025.AprilFullPageDownload
SGL.2025.CalendarBookletDownload

A Relationship

1 Samuel 15-17

Being raised as a pastor’s kid, I probably took for granted the accessibility of all things church related. Being a Christian was something that was easily practiced because of the environment I was constantly in. I asked Jesus to come into my heart when I was 5 years old. I was baptized the summer before my eighth grade. But it wasn’t until I went off to college that I really realized that my faith was my own responsibility. If I was going to have Christian friends, I needed to find them on my own. If I was going to attend a mid-week Bible study, I needed to find it on my own. If I was going to attend a Sunday morning service, I needed to find it on my own. Mom and Dad weren’t there to guide and direct me. If I wanted to continue to build up my faith, it was now up to me.

As we read through King Saul’s life, we see that he was hand selected and groomed to take on the role of leading Israel – everything was handed to him. And as a result, he never really owned the responsibility of the position he was put in. He never connected the dots of being the leader of God’s people and having a relationship with God himself.

This is particularly evident in 1 Samuel 15. Saul has carried out God’s instructions of taking up arms against the Amalekites. Once Israel wins the battle, they were supposed to destroy everything: man, woman, child, cattle, sheep, camels and donkeys. Nothing was to be spared. But…that’s not what Saul did. He kept the best of the spoils. He claims that he was going to use the prime plunder as a sacrifice.

Here’s how I know that Saul didn’t own his relationship with God: in verses 21 and 30 of chapter 15, Saul refers to the LORD as Samuel’s God.

“…the best of what was devoted to God, in order to sacrifice them to the LORD your God at Gilgal.” (v 21)

“…come back with me, so that I may worship the LORD your God.” (v 30)

Saul didn’t understand his disobedience because he hadn’t bothered to grow a relationship with the One who made him king of Israel.

More than anything God desires to have a relationship with us. He wants us to seek Him more than any other person or pursue any other passion. When we grow our relationship with Him, we come to know the things that please Him as well as the things that displease Him. As we grow our relationship with God, our hearts swell with love for Him, His word, and His people. And when our hearts are full of love, obedience comes naturally.

Bethany Ligon

(originally posted for SeekGrowLove April 11, 2020)

Reflection Questions

  1. Why is obeying Him important to God?
  2. Have you ever felt like God is just someone else’s God?
  3. How can you grow your relationship with God?
SGL.2025.AprilFullPageDownload
SGL.2025.CalendarBookletDownload

Rejoice in the God of Your Salvation

OLD TESTAMENT: Habakkuk 3

POETRY: Psalm 119:161-168

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 14

Habakkuk 3:17-19 (LEB):

“Though the fig tree does not blossom,

nor fruit be on the vines,

the produce of the olive fail

and the fields yield no food,

the flock be cut off from the fold

and there be no herd in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in Yahweh;

I will take joy in the God of my salvation.

Yahweh, my Lord, is my strength;

he makes my feet like the deer’s;

he makes me tread on my high places.”

Psalm 119:161-168 (LEB):

“Princes persecute me without cause,

but my heart stands in awe of your words.

I rejoice at your word

like one who finds great spoil.

I hate and abhor falsehood,

but I love your law.

Seven times a day I praise you

for your righteous rules.

Great peace have those who love your law;

nothing causes them to stumble.

I hope for your salvation, O Yahweh,

and I do your commandments.

My soul keeps your testimonies;

I love them exceedingly.

I keep your precepts and testimonies,

for all my ways are before you.”

Revelation 14:1-3 (LEB):

“Then I looked, and behold, the Lamb was standing on Mount Zion,

and with him were one hundred forty-four thousand who had his name

and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.

And I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters

and like the sound of loud thunder.

The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps,

and they were singing a new song before the throne

and before the four living creatures and before the elders.

No one could learn that song except the one hundred forty-four thousand

who had been redeemed from the earth.”

Habakkuk concludes his book with a powerful declaration of faith, despite the dire circumstances he outlines. He paints a vivid picture of loss and despair: the fig tree not blossoming, the fields yielding no food, and the flock cut off from the fold. Yet, even in the bleakest of situations, Habakkuk chooses to rejoice in Yahweh. This radical joy is rooted not in external circumstances but in the unchanging nature of God.

This passage challenges us to examine our own responses to adversity. Are we quick to rejoice in the Lord even when life is hard? Habakkuk’s resolve reminds us that true joy comes from our relationship with God. When we focus on who God is—our strength, our salvation—our hearts can remain anchored in hope, regardless of our circumstances.

The psalmist expresses a profound reverence for God’s word, even amidst persecution. Despite the challenges posed by those in authority, the psalmist finds joy and peace in God’s law. His love for God’s commandments fuels his praise and steadfastness.

This passage underscores the power of God’s word to provide stability and comfort during turbulent times. The psalmist’s commitment to praise God seven times a day illustrates the importance of a continuous relationship with Him. By immersing ourselves in scripture and seeking God’s guidance, we cultivate peace in our hearts. In doing so, we can stand firm against the chaos of the world around us.

In Revelation 14, we witness a scene of triumph and celebration in heaven. The Lamb stands on Mount Zion, surrounded by the redeemed, signifying victory over sin and death. The new song sung by the one hundred forty-four thousand is a testament to their redemption and unwavering faithfulness to God. This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the ultimate hope we have in Christ.

As believers, we are called to anticipate this glorious day when we will stand with the Lamb, rejoicing in his victory. The new song symbolizes the joy and gratitude we will express for our salvation. While we may face trials and tribulations on earth, this passage encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on the promise of eternal life with Christ.

-Jeff Ransom

Reflection Questions:

In what areas of your life are you struggling to rejoice in the Lord? How can you shift your focus from circumstances to God’s character?

How can you cultivate a deeper love for God’s word in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take to incorporate scripture into your life?

Reflect on the ultimate hope found in Revelation 14. How does the promise of redemption encourage you in your faith journey?

Consider the significance of singing a new song in your life. What is your personal testimony of God’s faithfulness that you can share with others?

sglcalendar2024Download

Wonderful Statutes. Wonderful God.

OLD TESTAMENT: Obadiah

*POETRY: Psalm 119:129-136

NEW TESTAMENT: Revelation 10

When’s the last time you paid God a compliment? We all like to be complimented, even if it’s just about our new shoes, nice watch, or friendly smile. In Psalm 119:129 we see a beautiful example of a compliment to God. The psalmist says, “Your statutes are wonderful…” What a beautiful place to connect with our God in relationship. Often the distractions that infiltrate every aspect of our lives, push out what should be a natural response to the greatness and goodness of God.

What naturally follows from the fact that God’s statutes are wonderful is that we obey them. That is what the Psalmist says, “… therefore I obey them.” This is something I have found hard to do with all that the world has to offer. On the outside the world’s handouts appear innocuous, but they are often a distraction that take us off course from following God, or even acknowledging Him. Is God our priority? Do we love and cling to his word? Are we ready to obey him?

 “The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV) The first part of the verse uses the well-known example of light representing good. (Sorry Star Wars fans, the light versus dark paradigm predates George Lucas by a few thousand years.) We also see that God’s word can be understood by the simple-minded. You do not need your PhD to discern the light that the Bible contains. All you need is a heart longing for God and a willingness to open his word.

In verse 131 the psalmist uses the metaphor of opening one’s mouth and panting to show the severity of how much he longs for God’s commands and authority. And yet, it is more than just commands and rules to be followed but it is about a relationship with God.

In verse 132 we see that he imparts grace to those who love him. Earlier in the Old Testament we see examples of when people did not love his name but rather chose to follow a path without God. A doozy being Sodom and Gomorrah when God not only withheld grace but also doled out punishment for the sin of the city by obliterating the whole place.

The psalmist shows his heartbreaking emotion for the people who do not keep his law. Everyone who has experienced God’s changing power within them knows the heart aching emotion the psalmist is going through. God is the center of all creation, the source of true happiness, and the one we should be living for.

-Bridger Grable

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Psalmist compliment God? How can you compliment God today?
  2. What is the Psalmist’s response to God? What is your response to God today?
  3. Which verse in today’s section of Psalm 119 would you like to post in your home and work on memorizing?
sglcalendar2024Download

Home Alone

Old Testament: Habakkuk 1-3

*Poetry: Psalm 139

New Testament: Matthew 25

Christmas is approaching, and today’s reading of Psalms 139 reminded me of the movie Home Alone.  I suspect most of you are familiar with the family who went on vacation and didn’t realize until they arrived at their vacation destination that they had left their very young son home alone.  This seems like a bit of a stretch; did they not consider why they had a leftover plane ticket?  Anyways, it was a fun movie and I know that probably all parents have forgotten about their kids when they were supposed to be responsible for them many times.  This is how crayon drawings happen on walls, unexpected haircuts happen, etc.  However, today we read that we are never alone, not for a second, literally.

God is always with us, whether you like it or not, ALL the time.  From your very beginning in your mother’s womb to this very minute, He has been with you the whole way.  He doesn’t ever sleep, and He isn’t just in the next room over in case you need some help; He is staring at you all day and night long.  I doubt He even blinks.  That is intense!  But that shows how invested He is in your life.  Moreover, He knows more about you than you know about yourself.  Give that a minute to sink in.  I know myself really well because I can hear all the thoughts in my mind, but He knows me more.  He knows my thoughts before I think them.  Whoa!

He is totally inside my head, but He still gives me the freedom to live the life I want, even when it is something He dislikes.  He allows me to go the wrong direction, but you’ve probably heard Him like I have, saying “don’t do that, that’s a bad idea.”  Can you imagine how He feels when we ignore Him and do what makes us feel good instead?  On the other hand, can you imagine how He feels when we listen to Him in those moments and do the right thing?

Let’s put ourselves in God’s shoes for a minute.  I know, basically impossible, but let’s try anyways.  Let’s imagine that you were as brilliant as God, and you used your talents to create a new girl or boy.  You also loved your new creation more than can be comprehended and you wanted to spend all your time with your new person every minute of every day for their whole life.  Does it seem creepy to love someone so much that you never want to leave them alone?  Maybe, but it also shows the incredible degree of love you have for them.

Now let’s look at some potential scenarios and see how you feel about them.  You love this person immensely and spend all day with them, but in the first scenario, they don’t ever even acknowledge you are there.  I would be devastated and extremely hurt.  How rude!  In the next scenario, they know you are there, but they rarely pay attention to you.  They could go hours or even days not saying a word to you.  Why are they ignoring me?  Do they not like me that much?  In the last scenario, they understand what you did for them and that you are there for them.  They stay in contact with you all throughout every day.  They appreciate what you do for them, and they love you as best as their human hearts allow.  That sounds like a great relationship that both people would feel great about.

God cares about you so much that He is always with you.  He nudges you along the way to keep you on the right path, but He lets you make the decisions in your life.  He invests so much in you because He loves you immensely and wants to have a personal relationship with you.  It is an understatement to say we are fortunate to have someone so knowledgeable, powerful, and loving on our side and so involved in our lives.

Reflection Questions:

Do you realize how important you are to God?  Have you thanked Him for that lately?

There is a lot to be upset and anxious about in today’s world.  Does it make it easier when you stop to consider that God is with you to the end through all the difficult times?

How long do you typically ignore that there is someone (God) with you each day?  Do you acknowledge Him throughout the day, or do you get to the end of the day, and say, “Oh, Hi God, I forgot you were there.  Sorry I didn’t have time to talk today”?

-Rick McClain

sgl23bibleplanDownload

Married to a Prostitute

Old Testament: Hosea 1, 2, 3

Poetry: Psalm 121 

New Testament: Matthew 7

As the wife of a pastor, I know first hand that many unintentional happenings in our lives often later become fantastic sermon illustrations. Sometimes, once we recover from the initial shock of a momentous event, my husband Dan and I will look at each other knowingly as if to say, “this will be a great sermon story someday.” Once in a while, Dan will remember and share stories off the cuff while he is preaching. He’s always very respectful of me, choosing to present me in a positive light and make himself the butt of any jokes, but as an introvert who prefers to blend in, I still feel embarrassed when the eyes of the congregation turn to me mid-sermon to take in my reaction to reliving the story. (I’ve joked with Dan that I need to attach a shock collar to him, and every time he starts to say my name, I will activate the shock collar so he will stop talking about me!)

The prophet Hosea was a living, breathing sermon illustration tasked with the responsibility to demonstrate God’s relationship with Israel by marrying a prostitute and having children with her. The whole book is a metaphor about the intimacy, or lack thereof, between YHWH God and his chosen people. It reads almost like a soap opera, declaring how God continues to pursue them even though they keep turning away from Him as Hosea continues to redeem and love his wayward Gomer. (This seems to be the overall theme of the entire Old Testament, doesn’t it?)

It is frustrating to see how our world overall devalues true committed relationships, referring to marriage as a prison, for example. Likewise, our post-Christian culture does not understand the blessing of an intimate relationship with God, our Creator and Sustainer who loves us so much. I am grateful that, though I have sometimes rejected God, He still pursues me. Psalm 121 from today’s reading is evidence of God’s love for us – he wouldn’t help us so much if He didn’t love us and desire to draw us back into a relationship with Him! 

I am still in awe that, despite our wishy-washiness toward Him and even knowing that humankind would tend to always have such a desultory demeanor, still “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV) 

Reflection questions:

-How has God pursued you? 

-In what practical ways can you demonstrate the never-failing love of our Father YHWH to those around you? 

Rachel Cain

sgl23bibleplanDownload