During the season of Lent, each week we will publish a devotional on our blog. These devotionals will build off the Sunday sermons and will include Scripture readings, reflections, and prayer practices to guide you through Lent.

WEEK 4

READING: John 15:1-17

REFLECTION: When we consider abiding in the love of Jesus, we might naturally think of prayer, worship, and spiritual disciplines. These are certainly ways of staying connected to Him. But what does Jesus say? “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love.”

Jesus ties abiding in His loves with obeying his commandments. In verse 12, Jesus says His primary commandment is to love one another. Lent is a time to get honest with ourselves — to confess our sins, to name where our love is lacking, and to allow Jesus to love us further into people of love.

QUOTE: “The test of spiritual maturity is not the ability to speak in tongues, prophesy, or memorize Scripture. It’s the ability to love God and others. Learning to serve others by loving the unlovely, the less fortunate, the lost, and the broken. This is the highest call, that we would fulfill our purpose on earth.” -John Wimber

PRACTICE: Read 1 Corinthians 13 as a diagnostic to see how your love is doing. Confess where your love is lacking. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where He is at work in your heart. What aspect of love is He wanting to form in you in this season?

MORE READING: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41

During the season of Lent, each week we will publish a devotional on our blog. These devotionals will build off the Sunday sermons and will include Scripture readings, reflections, and prayer practices to guide you through Lent.

WEEK 3

READING: John 14:15-31; 16:7-15

REFLECTION: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Jesus does not give as the world gives. He doesn’t give stingily. He doesn’t give with conditions. He doesn’t give so that he can receive something in return. No matter how much He gives, He never runs out. He gives abundantly, generously, consistently, and unconditionally.

That means, no matter how worried or stressed you are, Jesus’ peace is enough. No matter how much fear has gripped your heart, His peace is enough. No matter how many times you have come to Him in distress, His peace never runs out. No matter how much trouble pervades your home, your city, or the world, His Spirit never stops whispering: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Do not be afraid.”

QUOTE: “Those in whom the Spirit comes to live are God's new Temple. They are, individually and corporately, places where heaven and earth meet.” -NT Wright

PRACTICE: In our passage for this week, Jesus says: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth … he lives with you and will be in you.” Take some time to meditate on this verse and the quote above from NT Wright.

When you are feeling overwhelmed this week, try praying this breath prayer from the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” Or I release my trouble. And receive your peace.”

MORE READING: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42

During the season of Lent, each week we will publish a devotional on our blog. These devotionals will build off the Sunday sermons and will include Scripture readings, reflections, and prayer practices to guide you through Lent.

WEEK 2

READING: John 14:1-14

REFLECTION: If God answered every prayer you prayed this past week, what would happen? What would change? If I’m honest, there are weeks where the answer would be: Not much.

There are times we avoid prayer. There are times when our prayers are much too small.

In John 14:14, Jesus tells his disciples: “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Jesus talked this way a lot (see Luke 11:9; Mark 11:24; John 15:7; Matt. 21:22; Matt. 7:11).

These passages can be tough to make sense of, in light of our many unanswered prayers. But what if, instead of trying to figure out what Jesus meant, we simply allowed these words to lift our faith and energize our prayers?

What if Jesus, who has prepared a place for us in His Father’s house, has room in his heart right now to hear your prayers and bring the Kingdom into your present moment?

QUOTE: “True prayer, not just mindless, halfhearted petitions, is what digs the well God wants to fill with faith.” -Beth Moore

PRACTICE: Consider your prayer life. Has it grown stagnant? Are your prayers too safe, too boring? Where is your level of faith and trust? Take a moment to confess these things before God.

Then, practice praying bold prayers this week. Pray salvation over the person you know who is furthest from God. Pray for bodies healed, addictions eradicated, relationships restored, justice enacted in Jesus’ name. As you pray these bold prayers this week, what does it do to your faith? How does it change the way you view people and situations?

MORE READING: Genesis 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17; Matthew 17:1-9

During the season of Lent, each week we will publish a devotional on our blog. These devotionals will build off the Sunday sermons and will include Scripture readings, reflections, and prayer practices to guide you through Lent.

People often choose to engage in the spiritual practice of fasting during Lent. Check out this invitation into fasting for our church.

WEEK 1

READING: John 13:1-7

SERMON: Love to the End

REFLECTION: Jesus washing his disciples’ feet is a profound, self-emptying act of love. After the footwashing, he commands them to do the same. The truth is all followers of Jesus are called to a foot-washing-type love.

The description of the foot washing shows us how to cultivate this type of love in our lives. This passage includes five action words describing the foot-washing scene that I think are packed with meaning:

“…he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet…”

Consider each of these actions.

Got up – Are we willing to be disrupted? Are we willing to “get up” from our work and busy schedule and move toward people in love?

Took off – Other translations say “laid aside”. The Greek used for Jesus’s “laying aside” his outer robe is the same Jesus used when speaking of himself as the Good Shepherd who “lays down” his life for his flock. Jesus is showing His disciples that He will willingly lay down His entire life for them and for all of us. What does it look like for you to lay aside your preferences or opinions for the sake of someone else?

Wrapped a towel – When Jesus wrapped a towel around His waist, He was taking up the tools of the trade of a servant. In Philippians 2, Paul reminds us that this wasn’t a one-time thing — Jesus took “the very nature of a servant.” What does it look like for you to serve others, especially those who cannot return the favor?

Poured water – When I read that Jesus poured water, I am reminded again of the Christ Hymn in Philippians 2. Verse 7 says Jesus “emptied Himself.” In taking on flesh, in healing others, in serving others, Jesus was pouring Himself out. How can we “pour out” our time, talent and treasure for the sake of others?

Began to wash – After pouring the water, Jesus began to wash His disciples’ dusty feet. He isn’t afraid of getting His hands a little dirty. This is a picture of Jesus’ entire ministry. Jesus isn’t above all the messiness and brokenness of our world. He isn’t distant. He is right in the middle of it all. Jesus is dirtied so we can be cleansed forever. May we never be afraid of the mess.

QUOTE: Theologian Kosuke Koyama imagined Jesus says this to those who see him upon death: “You’ve had a difficult journey. You must be tired, and dirty. Let me wash your feet. The banquet’s ready.”

PRACTICE: This week, spend some time meditating on Jesus’ compassionate, foot-washing love for you. Read the text slowly and imagine Jesus washing your feet. What emotions and thoughts rise to the surface? Out of your belovedness, what is one concrete act of love that you could do this week?

MORE READING: Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11

Let not your heart be troubled
A Lenten invitation

We live in a harsh, hurting, and hurried world. This Lent, what would it look like to fast from the things that feed our hurry and anxiety, so that we can feast on the peace and rest of Jesus?

As you enter the season of Lent, consider these two questions:

1. What is something in my life that feeds my hurry and anxiety that I can give up for a season? Which appetites have a unique grip on my body or soul these days?


2. Where in your life do you need peace? In Jesus’ final message to His disciples, He says: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

What is a practice that you can add to your life during Lent that would connect you with the peace of Christ?

Breath Prayer for Lent

I release my trouble
And receive your peace

-A Bible
-Notebook and pen for journaling
-Communion elements (bread and wine/juice)
-Seven candles (optional)

This Good Friday service is a “tenebrae” service.

The word "tenebrae" comes from the Latin meaning "darkness." The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian Good Friday service that guides us through the final hours of Jesus’ life through readings from the Gospels.

Below you will find the seven readings. If you have seven candles, light them now. After each reading, you will extinguish one of the candles. As candles are snuffed out, the light in the room diminishes, symbolizing the increasing darkness as we approach Jesus’ death.

Before the last Scripture reading, the final candle, the Christ candle, will not be extinguished but hidden…to symbolize the coming resurrection on Easter Sunday. But for now, we  sit in the darkness of Good Friday and the hopelessness in the world without Jesus.

After the seventh and final reading, the reader will slam shut the Bible, making a loud noise. This symbolizes the earthquake that happened at Jesus’ death.

As you make your way through this liturgy, give yourself space to pray and reflect.

LEADER: The light has come into the world,
and the world loved darkness rather than light.
God sent the Son into the world,
not to condemn the world,
but that the world might be saved through him.
Lift up your hearts.

ALL: We lift them unto the Lord.

Read Luke 22:39-53

Read Luke 22:54-62

Read Luke 22:66-23:11

Read Luke 23:18-25

Read Luke 23:26-43

Read Matthew 27:45-54
Extinguish 6th candle
Hide Christ candle

Take some time to pray. Consider writing your own lament in the form of Psalm 22. Using Psalm 22 as an example, consider using the structure below to write your own lament to God, naming your own grief or the pain you see in the world and bringing them to Him in the presence of His love.

-Cry out to God: “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me?”
-Express your complaint and name your anger, pain, heartache: “Why are you so far from saving me?”
-Name your Request: “Lord, do not be far, come quickly to help me.”
-Give voice to your trust and remembrance of God’s faithfulness in the past: “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One, you brought me out of the womb… in the assembly I will praise you”

Communion Reflections
As we lament the pain and evil in our world and in our lives, we also lament that humanity is so evil that we killed God in the flesh. Jesus was executed by the state for being a threat to the Empire and the religious establishment.

In dying on the cross, in having his body broken and blood shed, Jesus took the worst blow sin could muster. Then he turned his cheek and he forgave. And in doing so, He showed the world that the power of God’s forgiveness and the power of His self-giving love are greater than the evil powers of this world. Colossians 2:15 says, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, [Jesus] made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”

We are right to lament the evil all around us, but the cross gives us hope that evil and darkness do not have the last laugh. One day, Jesus will return and fully cast all the darkness out of our world.

Read Matthew 27:57-60
Strepitus (loud noise by slamming the Bible shut)

Darkness Falls
Darkness falls, the curtain tears
It is finished.
What is to become of the Light of the World?
Into your hands we place our lives
we wait
we hope
we wait

we wait, we hope, we wait
we wait, we hope, we wait

What is to become of the Light of the World?

As Americans, we are drawn to winners. We want to be associated with the winning team (hello 2000s Patriots fans and 1990s Cowboys fans). We want to attend prestigious universities and work for successful companies. We support the political candidate who will do whatever it takes to win. We are drawn to churches with influential, charismatic pastors and sprawling campuses. Being associated with powerful institutions and people makes us look important.

But to follow Jesus is to abandon this obsession with status. To be associated with Jesus, in fact, means being OK with lowering our status and even sharing in his humiliation.

In Jesus’ day, to become a disciple (a better word might be apprentice) of a rabbi, you were attaching your reputation to his reputation. If the rabbi was respected and celebrated, your status was elevated when you became his disciple.

But what happens when your rabbi humiliates himself?

This is what is happening when Jesus gets up from the meal with his 12 disciples and takes up the tools of the trade of a servant, wrapping a towel around his waist and filling a basin (John 13). And their rabbi begins doing one of the most humiliating tasks possible in the ancient world.

Washing. Feet. The work of a slave, not a rabbi. And certainly not the job of the messiah.

When the disciples witnessed their rabbi washing feet, their thoughts were likely not: Look at Jesus. What a humble leader. He is our teacher but he still serves us. That’s so great.

More likely, they were considering what their rabbi’s humiliating act does to their own status and reputation. Do we really want to be associated with a rabbi who washes feet?

For Peter, the answer is no.

“No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.”

Author Skye Jethani suggests that Peter initially refused to have Jesus wash his feet not out of concern for Jesus’ reputation, but his own.  Peter knew that if Jesus brought shame upon himself, it would lower his own status.

“At that moment Jesus wasn’t just humiliating himself, he was humiliating Peter,” Jethani writes in his book What if Jesus Was Serious About the Church?. “He was deconstructing Peter’s pride, destroying his honor, and exposing Peter’s unholy ambition.”

Yikes. As Americans, we are all Peter. We want to be associated with winners.

Jesus, don’t humiliate yourself like that. We can help you with your image.

But when we create a $1 billion advertising campaign for Jesus, are we protecting his image or our own? As the ad suggests, He gets us. But do we get Him?

In what ways in our lives are we creating our own marketing campaign for Jesus? In what ways do we present a Jesus that makes us look good?

Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. (John 13:3-4)

Jesus was secure in his identity as Son of God. He had His Father’s approval. He didn’t need any additional approval or applause from people. So he was free to serve radically, even if it  cost him worldly status and credibility.

Central to the call of Jesus is finding our identity in God and resisting the idols of status, influence and worldly power.

Here is a question that is especially convicting for pastors, like me: How important to me is my own image? And in what ways am I using Jesus to enhance that image or to climb the social ladder?

As a follower of Jesus, you are set free from the need to climb the social ladder. If King Jesus washes feet, it has burned down the entire ladder anyway. "Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master," the foot-washing Jesus told us.

In Christ, you have been set free to love, serve, repent, forgive, weep and dance without any fear of what others may think.

This Maundy Thursday, let’s meditate on the way Jesus serves and loves, even if it is costly to his reputation and our own. And ask ourselves: Are we OK associating ourselves with a King who washes feet?

For Lent, we are in a sermon series on prayer. Pastor Aaron will be sharing some stories about prayer on the blog that we hope will encourage you during your Lenten journey.

When I was a child, I lived across the street from a little old lady named Mrs. Fisk. When I was about 7 or 8 years old, I was allowed to cross the street by myself and visit Mrs. Fisk. She was a white-haired widow with kind eyes and a soft smile. She would always offer me cookies and we would talk for a few minutes. She was curious and she took my little life seriously.

Before I would leave to go home, she would always pray with me. While praying, she would always keep her eyes wide open, which I found kind of funny. Surely by now Mrs. Fisk knew how to properly pray.

So one day, I asked Mrs. Fisk, “Why do you always pray with your eyes open?”

She replied: “Oh, sweet boy. I pray with my eyes open so I can see all the things that I can be thankful for. And you are one of those things.”

Pastor and author Tyler Staton said: “Gratitude is the God-given reward for those who can stomach praying for small things.” Mrs. Fisk had cultivated a life of gratitude and contentment through praying with her eyes wide open to the gifts of God all around her.

James 1:17 tell us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”

Prayer is done best with eyes wide open. Wide open to all the good and perfect gifts from God you can be thankful for. Prayer is best done with eyes wide open to the pain and problems of your neighbor, no matter how small. True prayer takes these things seriously, like Mrs. Fisk took my 7-year-old life seriously.

But don’t get the idea that little old ladies only pray about little things.

Theologian William Willimon tells a story about a friend who visited Russia in the late 70s during the Cold War. The friend dismissively said: “The church is just a bunch of little old ladies praying.”

Willimon told this story in the 90s when statues of Stalin and Lenin had been reduced to rubble, and he credits the perseverance and prayer of those little old ladies.

Mark Buchanan, in his book Your God is Too Safe, writes about that story: “Beware little old ladies praying. Secretly they’re revolutionaries who make Bolsheviks look like kindergarteners. They compromise a veritable bomb-making factory.”

Whether they are toppling empires or blessing a 7-year-old child, beware the prayers of little old ladies.

Lent: What, why and how?

Below is a helpful introduction to the what, why and how of Lent from Pastor Aaron.

This week begins the season of Lent in the Church calendar. Some of us grew up observing Lent and may have had negative experiences with it (giving up sweets for 40 days is no fun in any season of life but especially when you’re a kid). Others may have discovered it later in life, while for others, it might be a complete mystery.

Whatever your background with Lent, I invite you to approach it with an open heart and open mind. For me, Lent has become a meaningful season that invites me deeper into the story and heart of God.

What is Lent?

Lent is a 40-day period leading up to Easter, modeled after Jesus’ 40 days fasting in the desert, in which people create space in their lives for intentional prayer, repentance and being with God. It begins Ash Wednesday and ends Holy Saturday (the day before Easter). During Lent, people often enter into a season of fasting and increased spiritual disciplines in order to prepare for the joy of Easter.

But more than that, Lent is an invitation into a story. Lent is a season that we soak our imagination in the story of Jesus in such a way that we begin to enter into the story -- not just in our imagination but also in real life.

But in order to give the Gospel story our attention, we need to remove distractions. We need to put our lives on airplane mode, so to speak.

My wife’s parents live in Japan. It’s a 13-hour flight to get there. And I hate that moment when the flight attendant tells everyone to turn off their devices. Suddenly I’m cut off from the world. I’m cut off from emails, texts, Youtube videos, Twitter threads and Facebook comments.

But I’m not really cut off from the world, right? When my phone is in airplane mode, I’m really cut off from the stimulants and distractions that so often pull me away from the real world. I’m cut off from the notifications, news feeds and narcissism that distract me from God and the person right next to me.

Lent is like putting your life on airplane mode so you can engage in conversation with God and the people God has placed next to you. It also makes space for you to wrestle with your true emotions, your doubts and your secret sins and invite God into them. Leaning into Lent can help you shut off the false narratives of this world and enter into the story of God.

Lent has been described as a “Spring cleaning” for the soul, a season of decluttering and clearing to make room for the joy of Easter.

There are three main practices associated with Lent: prayer, fasting and almsgiving. These three practices, which are all discussed in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, are ways of intentionally being with God and entering into His story.

Prayer

If we are honest, many of us have a complicated relationship with prayer. We like the idea of the Creator of the Universe hearing our thoughts and requests. The idea of God talking back is even more exciting. But what happens when we don’t know what to say or we get distracted? Or when it feels like He isn’t speaking or isn’t answering our prayers?

I think our prayer life often suffers simply because we are in a rush or come into it with an agenda. We approach it like a business meeting in which we outline our needs and wants to God and then ask Him if He has any updates for us, as long as it doesn’t take too long. We do have other business to attend to.

Lent invites us to slow down, take our time, scrap the agenda and be in God’s presence. One way to practice prayer during Lent is to approach prayer without any lofty “goals”. The only “agenda item” is to be in His presence and experience His love.

Our lives are often lived at a 100 mile-per-hour pace that makes it easy to miss a God whose stride is much more leisurely.

Japanese theologian Kosuke Koyama wrote this in his book Three-Mile-an-Hour God:

“God walks ‘slowly’ because He is love. If He is not love, He would have gone much faster. Love has its own speed. It is an inner speed. It is a spiritual speed. It is a different speed from the technological speed to which we are accustomed…It goes on in the depth of our life, whether we notice or not…at three miles an hour. It is the speed we walk and therefore it is the speed the love of God walks.”

Lent invites us to slow down to the pace of God’s love so we can experience it in a deeper way.

Fasting

When Jesus discusses fasting in the Sermon on the Mount, He says, “When you fast…” (Matt. 6:16), not “If you fast…” For Jesus, fasting was a vital aspect of life with God.

During Jesus’ 40-day fast in the wilderness, Satan tempted Him to turn stones into bread. Jesus came back with Scripture: “People shall not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from God’s mouth.”

These aren’t just poetic words. They are true. While fasting from food, Jesus was feasting on God’s Word and His presence, and it empowered Him!

One of the best definitions of fasting I have seen comes from the folks at Gravity Leadership: “Fasting is a way to place ourselves in the way of grace by withdrawing our reliance on earthly things so that we can feast on God’s presence and power.” A fast is a way of intentionally “becoming weak” so we can know and experience God’s strength in our lives (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

Fasting can be done at any time, but many people choose to do an extended fast during the season of Lent, as a way of drawing near to God.

Some ideas for ways to fast:

• Choose a day a week to skip two or three meals.
• Fast from foods associated with “feasting”: chocolate, desserts, caffeine, alcohol, etc.
• Fast from media or entertainment: social media, TV, video games, etc.
• Give up listening to music or podcasts in the car.
• Have “phone-free” family nights.
• Fast from habits and comforts: shopping, following sports, looking in the mirror, makeup, parking in a spot close to the store, finding the shortest checkout line, etc.
• Give up negativity, complaining or self-condemnation. Who knows maybe after 40 days it will become a habit?

Something important to remember: Fasting is not a way to prove yourself to God so that he will answer prayers. It is not a way to earn His love or favor. Nor is it a way to deal with habitual sin or addiction.

Also, note that Sundays aren’t included in the 40 days of Lent. You can consider Sundays as “mini Easters” leading up to Lent in which you don’t fast, but feast!

Almsgiving

As much as Lent is inward-facing – repenting of our sin, spending personal time with God and fasting – it is also outward-facing. Almsgiving is giving money, food and resources to those in need. Generosity toward others is equally, if not more, formative than any personal act of devotion.

James 2:14 reminds us that our faith is dead without practical acts of service and care for others. Jesus identified loving God and neighbor as the most important commandments (Mark 12:29-31). Jesus also says when we feed the hungry, clothe the naked and visit those in prison, we do so for Him (Matthew 25:31-45). Lent is a season in which we intentionally seek out ways to love and serve others, especially those on the margins.

Here are some practical ideas for almsgiving:

• Donate to the DCV food pantry or serve at the pantry on a Monday night.
• Save whatever money you would have spent on the thing you are fasting from (coffee, alcohol, sweets) and donate to a local nonprofit serving those in need. Or give a gift to a neighbor in need.
• Think about the people in your neighborhood. Is anyone in need? How can you help in a practical way (lawn care, house projects, etc.)?
• Do you know anyone who is feeling lonely? Invite them over for dinner.
• Practice random acts of kindness, but do it anonymously. Pay for someone behind you in the drive-through, leave a gift on someone’s doorstep, write a handwritten letter of encouragement to someone.
• Write a letter to someone in prison. If you don’t know someone incarcerated, consider getting involved with Crossroads Prison Ministries.
  
  

An Invitation
I encourage you to ask God how He might be inviting you to lean into Lent. Don’t embrace any of these practices out of a sense of obligation or guilt. Lent isn’t meant to be burdensome religious tasks but intentionally moving toward God in relationship. However you choose to observe Lent, God is with you and giving you grace for the journey!

PRAY
O Emmanuel, our King and our lawgiver,
the hope of the nations and their Savior:
Come and save us, O Lord our God.

READ
Psalm 80
Isaiah 7:10-15
Matthew 1:18-23

REFLECTIONS
I love reading The Jesus Storybook Bible to my children. And sometimes, when I am reading it to them, I have to stop and marvel.

In describing the birth of Jesus, Sally Lloyd Jones writes: “The God who flung planets into space and kept them whirling around and around, the God who made the universe with just a word, the one who could do anything at all — was making himself small. And coming down … as a baby.”

These simple words describe the beauty of the incarnation. An all-powerful Creator abandoning heaven to draw near to us and coming in the humblest of ways — as a baby.

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (1:15-16)

Jesus was present at creation. He created all things seen and unseen. And he continues to be present in all of creation, making himself known to us in it.

Eugene Peterson puts it this way: “Look around at creation, at all things visible and invisible: our lives and the lives around us; the visible world of people, animals, houses and food; and the invisible world of thoughts and emotions, ideas and feelings. We must look at all this created world and realize that Christ is in it.”

Jesus first came to us in the most normal of ways – birth – in a normal stable in a normal, small town. And as we await His physical return, Jesus still comes to us in the normal stuff of His creation. He is Emmanuel — God with us. In sunshine and snow, in forests and deserts, in cathedrals and our kitchen, in friendships and strained relationships, in our joy and our pain, in our prayers and our shooting the breeze. O Emmanuel, open our eyes to the wonder of Christ in all creation.

This devotional was prepared by Pastor Aaron in connection with our sermon series on the O'Antiphons.

PRAY
O King of the nations, and their desire,
the cornerstone making both one:
Come and save the human race,
which you fashioned from clay.

READ
Micah 5:1-4
Psalm 118
Jeremiah 30.7-11a
Acts 4.1-12

REFLECTIONS
When we read through Old Testament prophecies, we come to know that long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem, it was predicted that an everlasting ruler would come from the small, insignificant town.

Micah 5:2 announces: “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel.”

From the tiny, backwater town of Bethlehem would come the Humble King who would break down divisions between nations and establish a kingdom of peace.

What is this king going to be like? An aggressive, dominating ruler with an iron fist? No, this leader will have an altogether different kind of strength. The prophet tells us he will be like a shepherd who will care for his flock in the “strength of the Lord”, bringing security and peace (verse 4).

This shalom will extend to the ends of the earth, bringing nations together in harmony.

Jesus clearly takes on this shepherd-king vocation when he says in the book of John: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

The biblical story doesn’t present the Messiah as a tyrant king who forcefully and violently reigns over his people. He doesn’t bring peace by the sword. Rather, what we find in Scripture is Jesus, the humble shepherd-king who protects his flock from danger, directs their path, feeds their souls, and in laying down his life for them, brings peace to the world.

I like how Eugene Peterson describes the world under Jesus’ shepherding rule in the Message translation: “And the people will have a good and safe home, for the whole world will hold him in respect—Peacemaker of the world!”

O’Shepherd-King of the Nations, save us, protect us and bring your perfect peace.

This devotional was prepared by Pastor Aaron in connection with our sermon series on the O'Antiphons.

PRAY
O Morning Star,
splendor of light eternal and sun of righteousness:
Come and enlighten those who dwell in darkness
and the shadow of death.

READ
Psalm 27
Numbers 24:15b-19
Revelation 22:10-21

REFLECTIONS
When you watch the evening news, how would you describe your emotions afterward? When you scroll through Twitter or Facebook, would you describe yourself as more joyful, peaceful and hopeful? Or do you find yourself more stressed, anxious and fearful?

When you watch the news, it’s pretty dark — partisan politics, political bickering, division, racism, violence, and death.

Episcopal priest and author Fleming Rutledge writes, “Advent begins in the dark.”

Advent is a time to “take a fearless inventory of the darkness,” according to Rutledge. This doesn’t take much work today. Every day we are bombarded with news about evil in our world.

But Advent also invites us to take inventory of the darkness in our own lives. I recently completed the Emotionally Focused Family course where I took stock of the anxiety in my life and in my family system. I began feeling really overwhelmed when I considered how I tend to pass on my own anxiety to my wife and my children. I felt discouraged when I considered the unhealthy ways I show up when I am stressed.

But about halfway through my Emotionally Focused journey, I felt the Lord remind me that I am not to look at the darkness in my life in the way the world does. So often the world looks at the evil in the world and the stress in their own life without hope. But the invitation of Advent is to look to the darkness with Christian hope knowing that light has come and is coming.

Advent is a season to remember “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” During Advent, we cling to the truth of John 1:5 – “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

Jesus, our morning star, would your light break into our darkness and bring us Advent hope?

RESPOND
Take a few moments to take stock of the darkness in the world or your life. What are the things that break your heart? Where does it seem like darkness has overcome the light? Take a moment to pray for these places and situations and ask the Lord to bring you Advent hope.

PRAY
O Key of David and scepter of the House of Israel;
you open and no one can shut;
you shut and no one can open:
Come and lead the prisoners from the prison house,
those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

READ
Isaiah 22:21-23
Revelation 3:7-13
Psalm 89:1-34

REFLECTIONS
If you’re anything like me, you likely have a large collection of keys. Some important — car keys, house key, key to the office building. But you might also have keys that you haven’t used in a long time and have long forgotten what it opens.

In the ancient world, keys were not as ubiquitous. They were large and weighty, made out of iron or bronze. Keys were so large, in fact, that those entrusted with them slung them over their shoulder. The keys unlocked city gates or a ruler’s palace or a prison.

The one with the key had tremendous authority. He had access to these significant places and had the power to let certain people in and keep certain people out.

In Isaiah 22:22, the prophet tells the palace secretary Shebna that he will be replaced by Eliakim, for God “will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David”. The one who holds the keys has the authority. The “key of David” implies control of King David’s domain, which was promised to the Messiah in both the Old and New Testaments.

Revelation 3 tells us that the key of David has been put in the hands of the only one truly trustworthy — Jesus. He is the Messiah and holds the keys to the Kingdom of God.

In this passage in Revelation, John is writing to the church in Philadelphia. These Christ followers had been kicked out of the Jewish synagogue by the Jewish leaders. These synagogue leaders liked to think they held authority and were telling the Philadelphian church, “You can’t be part of the household of God.”

But Jesus tells the church, “It is I who holds the keys to the house of God, not the religious gatekeepers.”

If you have ever felt kept out by religious gatekeepers, there is good news. Jesus holds the keys to God’s House and He holds the door open, waiting for you to enter.

RESPOND
Where have you felt left out or excluded? Bring this to God. Ask Him to show you His love and acceptance of you. He has flung open the gates to his divine love. Enter in.

This devotional was prepared by Pastor Aaron in connection with our sermon series on the O'Antiphons.

PRAY
O Root of Jesse, standing as a sign among the peoples;
before you kings will shut their mouths,
to you the nations will make their prayer:
Come and deliver us, and delay no longer.

READ
Psalm 50
Isaiah 11.1-9
Romans 15.7-13

REFLECTIONS
In Isaiah 11:1-9, the prophet references a stump of Jesse. Jesse is the father of King David — the former powerful, righteous king who led the nation of Israel to some of its highest heights. This is the King who had been promised by God that from his royal family line would come a King who would rule forever. The Lord promised that David’s throne would be established forever (2 Samuel 7:16).

But Isaiah imagines David’s family tree as nothing but a stump. The hope of the nation of Israel had been reduced to a stump. You see, generations after King David, at the time of Isaiah’s writing, things weren’t looking so good for David’s Kingdom. There had been evil king after evil king. The northern kingdom was defeated and in exile. The southern kingdom was at-risk of it.

But from out of that dead stump, Isaiah writes, a shoot will spring up. Things look bad. Hope seems lost. But watch out for the shoot, the prophet poet writes. The poem imagines from the roots of this stump will come a branch that will bear fruit.

This branch is a coming ruler, who will be filled with the Spirit and rule with wisdom, understanding and the fear of the Lord. This King will execute justice for the poor and the marginalized and bring peace to the earth.

As Christians, we believe this King came to earth as a baby born in Bethlehem. Jesus went on to heal the sick, proclaim freedom to those in bondage, set the demon-oppressed free and ultimately give his life away in love. But out of his stump-like death on a cross, He rose to life again and later ascended into heaven.

And now we wait with great anticipation for the second arrival of King Jesus to bring about His Kingdom of peace that is described in Isaiah 11. But in the meantime, we can have hope that Christ still comes to us now by His Spirit. We can have hope for today that out of the stumps in our lives, new life can spring up.

RESPOND
As we sit in the midst of a cold, dead winter, we long for the Root of Jesse to bring us new life. What in your life seems cold and lifeless? Where do you long to see Jesus bring newness or hope? Bring these longings to the Lord.

On Saturday, my family and I went to the Columbus Zoo Lights. With upbeat holiday music filling the air, we strolled through dazzling, colorful light displays. Everywhere we looked people were smiling and laughing.

The following morning, I got up early and took a long walk through a chilly, foggy Smith Park with melancholy Advent music in my earbuds.

As I walked through the park, I reflected on how these two walks were appropriate for this season. For many of us, this time of year is full of joy and laughter and bright lights. We love the Christmas trees, the decorations, the music and the holiday cheer. For others, this season is heavy, painful and disorienting.

Whether this season feels like a stroll through colorful lights or a long, cold walk in the fog, He invites us to look to Him for hope.

Don’t be overly distracted by the shiny things of the season but look for the “true light that gives light to everyone” (John 1:9). Don’t put your hope in the “spirit of Christmas” but look to Jesus Christ. For others, don’t let the fog overcome you. Don’t let it lull you to sleep. But stay alert (Mark 13:33), looking for flashes of Kingdom light in the darkness.

During my long walk in the fog, I wrote this benediction. It is my prayer over the church this season:

In a world of hurry, may you have space to slow down.
In an age of distraction, may you have the grace to pay attention.
In a society of cynics, may you hold fast to ancient hope.
O Wisdom
O Adonai
O Root of Jesse
O Key of David
O Dayspring
O King of the Nations
O Emmanuel
Come Lord Jesus come
Into our laughter and into our longing.
Into our celebrating and into our weeping.
Into our parties and into the long nights of loneliness.
Into our strolls through Christmas lights
And into our cold walks through the fog.
Would you give us eyes to see your light and life?

This devotional was prepared by Pastor Aaron in connection with our Advent sermon series on the O'Antiphons.

PRAY
O Adonai, and leader of the House of Israel,
who appeared to Moses in the fire of the burning bush
and gave him the law on Sinai:
Come and redeem us with an outstretched arm.

READ
Psalm 106
Exodus 3:1-6
Acts 7:20-36

REFLECT
My friend, Pat, walked beside me nervously as we approached the church building. Pat slipped on a patch of ice, momentarily losing his balance, and yelled out an expletive.

“Oh, sorry, Aaron,” Pat said to me, then looking to heaven. “Sorry God …  I don’t want him to strike me with lightning or anything.” In our years of friendship in middle school and high school, Pat had yelled out hundreds of curse words. But something about being in church and in the presence of God and His people had Pat concerned about vulgar language.

Later that evening, Pat uncomfortably looked around the sanctuary as my youth pastor shared a message from the Bible. But when the worship team began to play music, Pat settled in his seat and dropped his head into his hands, swaying back and forth.

As we drove home, I talked with Pat about some of the problems he was having in life and what he had just experienced at church.

When I pulled into his driveway to drop him off, I asked Pat if I could pray for him. I laid hands on him and prayed, “Come Holy Spirit.” And what happened next I will never forget. Immediately what felt like electricity flowed through my arms and hands. Pat’s body began to shake, and he began to weep. When I was done praying, I asked him how he felt. He described a strange “energy” like he had never felt before. I told him it was the Spirit of God and He made Himself real to Pat because God loves him.

Pat had come to church with fear of lightning bolts of punishment from a distant but powerful God. Instead, he encountered the electric power of God’s love for Him.

Today’s O Antiphon celebrates Adonai, the powerful Lord, ruler and judge of all creation, who draws near to us. He is a God whose power doesn’t distance Himself from us but draws Him as close as the flames of the burning bush for Moses and the tongues of fire above the heads of ordinary men and women at Pentecost.

RESPOND
“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” -Exodus 3:5

One of my favorite poems is from Elizabeth Barret Browning:
“Earth's crammed with heaven,
And every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees takes off his shoes;
The rest sit round and pluck blackberries.”

In what seemingly ordinary places is God waiting to meet you?

This devotional was prepared by Pastor Aaron in connection with our sermon series on the O'Antiphons.

PRAY
O Wisdom, coming forth from the mouth of the Most High,
reaching from one end to the other mightily,
and sweetly ordering all things:
Come and teach us the way of prudence.

READ
Psalm 90
1 Cor. 2:1-13

REFLECTIONS

I still remember feeling torn. I felt like God was calling me to a new job and a new city. But in many ways, it didn't make sense.

I had just been offered a job at a struggling parachurch ministry that was hoping to rebuild. I was looking for a new job, but not like this one. The salary was a pay cut. It was a dramatic switch from my journalism career. The culture of the organization was broken. And taking the job would mean leaving behind family and very close friends.

It wasn’t a wise financial move. It wasn’t a wise career move. It wasn’t a wise relational move. By my own standards, it just wasn’t wise. But I couldn't shake a sense of being drawn in.

So we did it. My wife and I moved away from my hometown and started over. The six years that followed brought some of the greatest challenges of our lives; there were times I wondered if we made the right decision. But the season also produced some of our greatest joys and shaped our family into who we are today. It ended up being one of the wisest decisions we have ever made.

Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” A reverent awe and respect for the Lord is the starting point for wise living.

The beginning of wisdom is turning away from earthly wisdom and fearing the Lord, understanding He is the source of all understanding. We turn away from self-help experts, financial gurus, enlightened spiritual guides and our own opinions. And we turn to our Almighty God.

As we consider the first Antiphon “O Wisdom”, we remember that to know wisdom is to not to know facts or information or wise sayings. It’s not even to know all the Bible has to say. To know wisdom is to know a person — the God revealed in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:24 says, Christ is the “wisdom of God”.

Do you desire wisdom? Look to Jesus. Do you need understanding? Look to Jesus. Not sure what the wise next step is? Look to Jesus.

But beware! The cross-shaped wisdom of Jesus looks like foolishness to the world. His wisdom might look like leaving behind money, a career and other things that are important to you. His wisdom might look like making sacrifices in love. But His wisdom will prove more valuable than anything this world has to offer (Proverbs 3:14-15).

RESPOND

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” -James 1:5

Spend some time seeking the wisdom of God. Maybe you need wisdom or guidance in a relationship, your career or your parenting. Take a few moments of silence expecting God to speak.

Sermon recording

If anyone missed Sunday's sermon, encourage them to watch the recording.

Check-in

Share with the group something you are grateful for and something that is causing you stress

Opening prayer (aloud together)

God of harvest,
gardener supreme
you place us at the center
feed us, equip us and
having provided for us
look to a different harvest—
a fruitfulness of lives
in service to you
and others.
God of harvest,
feed us
prune us
harvest us
that our lives
might bring glory to you.

Opening question

This was the final week of the Harvest sermon series. What has stood out to you the most about how Jesus uses agricultural imagery and parables to describe the Kingdom? What have you learned about the Kingdom? How has your view of the Kingdom changed?

Reading of Scripture

Have someone read Matthew 21:33-46

• What resonates with you in this passage? Where do you experience resistance?
  
  
• In the sermon Sunday, Chelsea explained that the context of this parable was the religious leaders challenging Jesus’ authority. They were asking, “Who is Jesus?” And Chelsea posed the question, “Who is Jesus to you?” How would you answer that question?
  
  
• At the time Jesus told this parable, some people were beginning to believe that Jesus might be the Messiah. And they had a certain vision in their mind of what the Messiah would be like. In your mind, what should the Messiah and King be like? How does the Jesus revealed in the Scriptures confirm or contradict what you think the Messiah should be like?
  
  
• How did Chelsea explain verse 42? — Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: “‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
  
  
• What does this parable show you about the type of Messiah Jesus is?
  
  
• In verse 43, Jesus says the Kingdom will be taken away from the religious leaders and put into the hands of a people who produce its fruit. What do you think Jesus means by this? Who are the people who produce Kingdom fruit? What is Kingdom fruit?
  
  
• In what ways do we tend to be like the religious leaders who heard this parable and rejected Jesus? Are there ways you tend to grasp for control in your life?
  
  
• Why do you think God entrusts his “vineyard” to tenants? 

Responding to Scripture

On Sunday, Chelsea asked us: “In what ways am I rejecting Jesus? In what ways am I welcoming Jesus?” Take some time to honestly reflect on these questions. If you need to repent of rejecting Jesus in some way, take some time to confess and receive His forgiveness.

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

This is a difficult biblical command, especially when life is hard.

With Thanksgiving this week, there are many who are struggling to celebrate and be thankful. If you are reading these words from Paul and it seems impossible to rejoice, you are in good company.

It’s important to know that the Apostle Paul wrote these words to people who, on the surface, didn't have a lot of reasons to celebrate. He wrote these words to a church in Philippi that was facing opposition and resistance from the outside and conflict within. How could he say such a thing to people who are suffering?

Well, Paul himself knew a thing or two about suffering. In fact, he wrote these words from prison, and he wanted to share with his church family a secret for navigating life’s hardships.

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength,” Paul writes in Philippians 4:12-13.

Is it possible to rejoice and give thanks in the face of suffering? Paul would say a resounding “yes.”

But not on our own.

Paul tells us that it is only through the strength of Christ that he can be content in any situation. We can try and try on our own strength to be grateful in all circumstances, but ultimately our efforts will fall short. Paul has learned the secret that even gratitude is a gift.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:15, Paul exhorts another church facing persecution to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Many people interpret this passage this way: God really wants you to give thanks, so you better get your act together and be thankful all the time.

But the truth is that we cannot be thankful in every circumstance by our own willpower. If it’s God’s will for us to be thankful, He will empower us to do it.

When I worked at Crossroads Prison Ministries, I read hundreds and hundreds of letters from people behind bars who were so incredibly grateful, even joyful. Sometimes the letters were a mix of both lament and gratitude. Those things can coexist.

It deeply challenged me how these men and women could be so thankful in the darkest of places. They had learned the secret that Paul wanted the Philippians to learn and the secret that I am inviting our church to enter into. When we don't feel thankful, God is waiting to open our eyes to His many blessings.

As you prepare for your Thanksgiving celebrations this week, you may or may not be feeling very thankful. Maybe it seems like there isn’t a lot in your life to be grateful for at the moment. Would you join me in asking the Lord to bring to mind the many gifts — sometimes hidden, sometimes in disguise — that are all around you?

One of the sages in our congregation recently taught me a helpful gratitude practice. Ask yourself, "What is the smallest thing I am thankful for today?" Then consider: What could the Lord do with a mustard seed of gratitude?

Sermon recording

If anyone missed Sunday's sermon, encourage them to watch the recording.

Check-in

Share with the group something you are grateful for and something that is causing you stress

Opening prayer (aloud together)

God of harvest,
gardener supreme
you place us at the center
feed us, equip us and
having provided for us
look to a different harvest—
a fruitfulness of lives
in service to you
and others.
God of harvest,
feed us
prune us
harvest us
that our lives
might bring glory to you.

Opening question

When you read something in the Bible that offends you, what do you do?

Reading of Scripture

Have someone read Matthew 20:1-16

• What resonates with you? Where do you experience resistance?
  
  
• Have you had a moment when you felt you were underpaid or unfairly compensated? What was that experience like?
  
  
• In Sunday’s sermon, Aaron said: “We all love God’s generosity. Until He extends it to someone we feel doesn’t deserve it.” When have you experienced this? … Do you ever feel like God is unfair to you?
  
  
• This parable shows us the Kingdom is extended first to those we consider last. How have you seen God show mercy to those who are last? … How are you moving toward those the world considers last?
  
  
• In the sermon Sunday, Aaron answered the question “What are we going to do with our offense?” with saying we should repent. The word repentance means “a change of mind”. How have you understood repentance? How does the definition “a change of mind” change how you view repentance?
  
  
• Aaron suggested this parable invites us to change our minds about God, ourselves and what really matters. Is there some way God is inviting you to change your mind based on this parable?

Have someone read Luke 15:11-32

• How does this parable relate to the parable we just read in Matthew 20?
  
  
• In your life, how have you experienced the grace, mercy and generosity of the God revealed in these two parables?

Responding to Scripture

Take a moment and ask God if there is anywhere in your life where you need to repent or “change your mind”. Pray a prayer of repentance of any lies you have been believing and ask God to plant the truth in your heart and mind.

Sermon recording

If anyone missed Sunday's sermon, encourage them to watch the recording.

Opening prayer (aloud together)

God of harvest,
gardener supreme
you place us at the center
feed us, equip us and
having provided for us
look to a different harvest—
a fruitfulness of lives
in service to you
and others.
God of harvest,
feed us
prune us
harvest us
that our lives
might bring glory to you.

Opening question:

In Pastor Robb’s sermon on Sunday, he said: “Seeing is the starting point for all ministry.” Do you have eyes to see people who are in pain or struggling or in need? Who in your life do you notice is in need right now?

Reading of Scripture

Have someone read Matthew 9:35-38

• What resonates with you in this passage? Do you experience any resistance? Any questions you have?
  
  
• In verse 35, Jesus is teaching and proclaiming the Kingdom of God and then demonstrating the Kingdom through healing people. Jesus modeled both proclamation and demonstration of the Kingdom. Which of these comes more naturally to you? In what ways have you engaged in Kingdom proclamation and demonstration?
  
  
• In verse 36, Matthews tells us that Jesus saw the crowds. Pastor Robb said, “We need to see as God sees so we can do what God says.” What do you see God doing in our church or your neighborhood or your workplace? How can you get in on that work?
  
  
• Jesus saw the crowds and had compassion on them. Having compassion is to co-suffer with another. How do you see Jesus co-suffering with people in the Gospels? What stands out to you about the compassion of Jesus? How have you experienced Jesus' compassion for you?
  
  
• Jesus says: “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.” What do you think Jesus means by this?
  
  
• Robb pointed out that Jesus doesn’t say, “The workers are few, so get to work.” But rather he says, “Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Who in your life are you praying that God would send workers to?
  
  

Responding to Scripture:

Robb said that we can be the answer to someone else’s prayer. Take some time to consider someone in your life who is far from Jesus or in pain right now. Imagine who might be praying for them. Are you being called to move toward them?

In the video below, Aaron offers some reflections on the good soil in the Parable of the Sower. If you missed his sermon Sunday, click HERE. 

A great resource for listening to God and cultivating the soil of your heart is the Lectio 365 app. This app offers short audio guided prayers for the morning and evening. There is also a Family Version for listening to God together with your children.

Sermon recording

If anyone missed Sunday's sermon, encourage them to watch the recording.

Opening prayer (aloud together)

God of harvest,
gardener supreme
you place us at the center
feed us, equip us and
having provided for us
look to a different harvest—
a fruitfulness of lives
in service to you
and others.
God of harvest,
feed us
prune us
harvest us
that our lives
might bring glory to you.

Opening question:

On Sunday, we learned that parables both conceal and reveal the Kingdom of God. Parables are mysterious and not clear to us upon first hearing them. They require us to think, reflect, ask questions and look in the mirror. What is your reaction to Jesus’ parables? Do they frustrate you or make you curious? Do you prefer parables and metaphors or straightforward, clear communication?

Reading of Scripture

Have someone read aloud Matthew 13:1-17. Encourage people in your group to use their imagination and try to picture Jesus’ parable as it is being read.

• What was it like to use your imagination while listening to Jesus’ parable? Did it come naturally or was it difficult to do? … As you imagined the story in your mind, what stood out to you?
  
  
• The disciples ask Jesus why he speaks in parables. And he replies in verse 11: “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.” What is your reaction to this response from Jesus?
  
  
• Jesus seems to be suggesting that he is using parables to conceal his message from people who don’t have hearts to receive it. How does that compare with how we as Christians often share the message of the Kingdom?
  
  
• Jesus explains to the disciples that each soil represents the condition of people’s hearts toward His message about the Kingdom. Which of the soils do you think represents the state of your heart right now? Is there a time in your life that your heart was a different kind of soil?

Have someone read Mark 10:17-27.

• How would you describe the soil of the rich young ruler’s heart?
  
  
• How does Jesus react to the response of the rich young ruler? How would you respond?

Have someone read Luke 14:25-35.

• This is a hard Kingdom message of calling from Jesus. Do you experience any resistance to Jesus’ words here?
  
  
• In this passage, Jesus again says: “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” What does Jesus want people to hear?
  
  
• What have you given up to be a disciple of Jesus?

Responding to Scripture:

• Jesus is always sowing Kingdom seeds. Are there any invitations or a calling that Jesus has extended to you that you are resisting?
  
  
• In what ways are you partnering with Jesus in “planting seeds” of the Kingdom to others?

Sermon recording

If anyone missed Sunday's sermon, encourage them to watch the recording.

Check-in

Share with the group something you are grateful for and something that is causing you stress

Opening prayer (pray aloud together):

Godliness with contentment is great gain. We bring nothing into this world, and we take nothing out of it. We, who call Jesus LORD, devote ourselves to resisting greed, which plunges the human heart into ruin and pierces it with many griefs.

We are determined to practice generosity with free hearts, fixing our hope on GOD and not the uncertainty of wealth. We desire to be rich in good deeds and willing to share all that we have, laying up for ourselves treasure that will not decay but will shine in the age to come. Amen.

Reflection questions:

• On Sunday, Pastor Julie interviewed several members of the church about their experience in financial stewardship and generosity. What was it like to hear from these folks? What resonated? What stood out to you? Where did you experience resistance?
  
  
• Sam and Haley shared that they believe that everything they have belongs to God. So that frees them up to share with others. Sam shared the story of using his car to give people rides. One friend was really surprised by how generous Sam is with his car and his time, and it opened the door for Sam to share how his generosity comes from God. Can you think of a time that someone was caught off guard by your generosity? Or a time that you were surprised by someone else’s generosity?
  
  
• Jason shared that when we live with open hands, the blessings God pours into our hands leak through our fingers. Living open-handedly opens us up to see the blessings of God all around us and share them with others. Have you experienced this to be true? How would you characterize your posture toward money right now – open-handed or closed-fisted or somewhere in between?
  
  
• Pastor Dennis and Kaku shared how they pray every year for direction from God about how much they should give. They both pray on their own and then come back together and share what they sensed from the Lord. Very regularly, they agree on the same percentage. With the 90-Day Giving Challenge put before us, would you consider giving this prayer exercise a try by yourself or with your spouse? How much is God inviting you to give?

Reading of Scripture:

Have someone read Malachi 3:6-12

• What resonates with you in this passage? Where do you experience resistance?

• “Robbing God” is strong language. If you were to receive a prophetic message like this, how would you react?
  
  
• In this passage, God commands the people of God to bring the whole tithe (tenth) to Him. He tells the people to “test Him in this.” Are you willing to test him in the area of giving?
  
  
• What blessings have you experienced when you are generous?

Response

Pastor Dennis exhorted the church that “you can’t outgive God.” Dennis and Kaku know this from Scripture but have also experienced it to be true time and time again in their lives as pastors in Japan, living off the financial support of others. Take some time in quiet prayer and reflection and ask God to give you the faith and trust to live out of this truth. Take some time to pray over the 90-Day Giving Challenge and consider how God is inviting you to respond.

Sermon recording

If anyone missed Sunday's sermon, encourage them to watch the recording.

Check-in

Share with the group something you are grateful for and something that is causing you stress

Opening prayer (pray aloud together):

Godliness with contentment is great gain. We bring nothing into this world, and we take nothing out of it. We, who call Jesus LORD, devote ourselves to resisting greed, which plunges the human heart into ruin and pierces it with many griefs.

We are determined to practice generosity with free hearts, fixing our hope on GOD and not the uncertainty of wealth. We desire to be rich in good deeds and willing to share all that we have, laying up for ourselves treasure that will not decay but will shine in the age to come. Amen.

Opening questions:

• In Will’s sermon Sunday, he shared the story of how he was using his backpacking stove upside down with dangerous consequences. He used this story to illustrate how we often use our money and resources in ways that they were not designed to be used.
  
  When is a time that you used something in a way that it was not intended to be used? What happened as a result?

• Will also shared about how he and his wife made a commitment to tithing from the beginning of their marriage. The first check they write is their tithe check. Because of the way they have modeled tithing, their children are doing the same. What was modeled to you as a child? Were your parents generous? Did they tithe? How does that impact your relationship with money today? 

Reading of Scripture:

Have someone read Mark 10:17-27

• What resonates with you in this passage? Where do you experience resistance?

• Jesus said, “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” As someone who is rich in comparison to much of the world, how does this message sit with you? Why do you think Jesus says this?
  
  
• Jesus didn’t call everyone to sell all they have to follow him. But he recognized the young man’s heart was enslaved to money. Jesus’ call for this man to sell his possessions was an invitation to bring freedom to his heart. Will in his sermon said: “Jesus doesn’t want your money. He wants your heart.” How does the idea that giving is a matter of the heart strike you? … Do you desire to have your whole heart devoted to Jesus? What stands in the way of you giving your entire heart to Him?

• Jesus loved the rich young ruler. He loved him enough to tell him what to do with his money. Do you experience Jesus’ call to generosity as an act of love? 

Have someone read Genesis 28:10-22

• In this passage, Jacob has a profound encounter with God and then promises to give a tithe (a tenth) of all he is given back to God. When have you had an encounter with God? Is there a moment when you powerfully experienced his love and presence? What was the result of the encounter? How did it change you?
  
  
• In the past two sermons, it’s been said: “When you receive an incredible gift of love, generosity is a reflex.” Do you find generosity to be reflexive? If not, how might God be inviting you to experience his generous love and healing?

• In his sermon, Will referenced the Old Testament practice of tithing, giving a tenth of your income to the Lord. What has your experience been with tithing? 

Response:

In the Old Testament, the people of God would bring their “firstfruits”— the first and the best of their produce — to the Lord. In your giving, do you give “off the top” or from your “leftovers”? Consider an “experiment of trust”: For the next month or two, try giving away a percentage of your income off the top. And see how God might meet you and provide for you.