Would I? Could I?

The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. (Acts 3:13)

As with many Bible passages, there is so much going on here. Peter is pointing out truth to the people. Harsh and raw truth that may be difficult for them to swallow. Peter is stressing to the crowd their guilt before God in rejecting the Messiah, joining the mob, and demanding His death. 

The stark reality is they killed Jesus - The Holy One, The Righteous One, The Author of Life. (Acts 3:14-15) Isn't it easy for us to smugly acknowledge 'their' sinfulness? But, how often did/do we reject Jesus, dismiss His love as too demanding and walk away from Him? 

How often did I miss my appointed duty? How many times did I stand by and denounce Jesus as Lord? Have I lost opportunity to tell someone of Jesus and His Love? Is Heaven lined with people that I encountered, but did not Disciple? Did someone else do what I was supposed to do? Tough questions, right?

I wonder sometimes, just what I would have done had I been in the crowd that day...when Pilot washed his hands of the entire matter and let the mob rule. Could I have been strong enough, faithful enough to be a voice of reason - unto death? What about now, today? When the world is struggling against good, turning their backs on Light and Truth, only to embrace what is safe, comfortable and non-threatening, could I make the difference?  

As we approach the Lenten season, how does this passage touch you? Discuss the questions above and share here if you are inclined to do so.

God rescues the Israelites

24  March                                  

Read Exodus 14:21-28 and reflect on the passage.

When I think about how many times God has rescued me, he must be exhausted! I grew up in a house divided, Catholic vs. Methodist. Thankfully, the Christian foundation was always there. But I strayed. And every time I strayed, God rescued me. Throw in the fact that I am a self- admitted “control freak,” and just watch me stray!

God was stirring up something fierce in me this past Christmas season. The Holy Spirit sprinkled in the good, the bad, and the ugly! Thankfully, I let Jesus take the wheel this time. If I hadn’t, I would probably be in the fetal position asking God the following: What have I done to deserve this? Why are you punishing me? When will I catch a break?

This Lenten season, I am truly thankful for all the times God has rescued me. Although I still struggle with control, I am able to ask the Lord questions like: Where are you leading me? Who are you putting in my path? How can I be a blessing to others?

Thank you for rescuing each and every one of us, Jesus!

Questions

1. Do you need rescued in some aspect of your life right now? Who have you put in control of the rescue mission?

2. What will you do differently this Lenten season to allow God to rescue those around you, including non-believers?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray for everyone that needs rescued right now. Thank You, Lord, for being in control, all the time!

—Alicia Kern

Fasting and reflection

Fasting and reflection                                                                                                            March 4

Read Matthew 6:16-21 and reflect on the passage.

The appetite is a funny thing. We know, from a young age, that food sustains us and helps us to grow. God so brilliantly fashioned and designed our bodies with signals from our brain registering our hunger (so we know when to eat) and fullness (so we know when to stop eating).

And yet, so many of us either struggle to identify those cues correctly, struggle to listen to those cues, or misinterpret those appetite cues. And when the appetite is compromised, our health and growth will often suffer as a result.

The same is true of our spiritual appetites. Often, we may misdirect our longing to satisfy our spiritual need for connection with the Lord with less-fulfilling substitutes—in fact, after a long day, I’m really good at “binge” watching my favorite sitcom instead of turning to the Lord for spiritual rest, refreshment, and nourishment.

Jesus Himself speaks of the true nourishment for the soul: “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me.” The food of the Father is truly satisfying!

Questions

1. Are there any areas of your life that are masking a hunger for connection with the Lord?

2. How will you seek to nourish your soul in this Lenten season?

Prayer

Lord, I hunger for You. Grant me spiritual “daily bread,” and reveal areas in my life where I long for connection with You.

—Katie Borden

Sarcastic Tone - 1 Corinthians 4:8-13 (MSG)

Have you ever been the brunt of someone's sarcasm?  Have you felt the sting a sarcastic remark inflicted? Sarcasm is a negative word and is often used to put another in their place.  It would seem that is just what Paul is doing in verse 8 when he says, "You already have all you need. You already have more access to God than you can handle. Without bringing either Apollos or me into it, you're sitting on top of the world—at least God's world—and we're right there, sitting alongside you!

Paul is talking about their pride and arrogance in this passage. These words remind us today to be careful not to boast about ourselves or judge others.  The Corinthian believers viewed the apostles as trash, coming from the wrong side of the tracks.  The Corinthian believers were worldly, treasuring money and prestige.  Paul was calling them to task, warning them and reminding them of their heritage and encouraging them to repent.

This is a lesson many of us could learn as well.  How often do I value 'things' more than people?  God, help me during this Lenten season, to turn from worldly ways and seek you only, trust you only. Show me how to set aside any arrogance or pride I have that would get in the way of your will.

Read our passage for today at Biblegateway and 1 Corinthians 4:8-13.