February 2022
Forgiveness
If you follow Jesus, learning to forgive is not optional. It is required. We have to let go of grudges and forgive others in the same way we want God to forgive us.
Reconciled
In Matthew 18 and 19, there are several stories related to our relationships and how we handle being wronged by others. Jesus teaches that the main purpose of forgiveness in those situations is the reconciliation of relationships.
Sincerity
Paul brings up the character trait of sincerity several times in his writings. We can learn from him what sincerity looks like, and we can follow the example of sincerity in the life of Jesus.
Facades
The Pharisees knew scripture and the oral traditions that accompanied it. They wanted to make sure the details were right. Somewhere in their focus on detail and tradition, they lost sight of the word of God and the Spirit behind it. God’s desire is not simply rule keeping, but transformed hearts.
Consistency
So many people we encounter change their behavior based on time, circumstances or who is around. God calls us to live consistent lives that will honor Him and care for others.
Signs
In Matthew 12, the way the Pharisees focus on the letter of the law causes them to miss the purpose behind it. God wants them and us to move past following rules to changing our hearts.
Go Tell John
While in prison, John begins to question what he knows about Jesus. When our circumstance do not go the way we plan, we often do the same thing. Jesus responds by remind John that God is in control, and His plan is still intact. The same things are true for us today.
Commitment
God wants us to be committed to Him and each other. Tonight we spend our time mostly in Psalm 37 considering what that commitment looks like and what God does in response.
January 2022
Obedience
Loving God includes keeping His commandments. There are numerous examples in scripture of where obedience and disobedience lead people of God. In 2 Kings 5, Naaman is given simple instructions by Elisha, but hesitates to follow them. Eventually through the power of God, his obedience brings the result Naaman hoped for.
Hear and Do
Jesus teaches in the Sermon on the Mount that living for God is about more than the rules. The rules they knew so well had purposes behind them. Understanding those purposes better helps us understand Him better. Living those purposes out helps us to be more of who He created us to be.