Masterpiece
Life Shapers
Our friends and community become life-shapers to us. So, who, in your life are helping to shape you and push you to be the best that you can be? Not everyone in your life will be your coach, advocate or cheerleader! In the Bible, Amos 3:3 asks the question, “Can two walk together, unless they agree?” Many times, it’s healthy to respectfully disagree with a friend. But this is never acceptable if this person is hindering your growth in Christ. If you’re in a negative relationship that is holding you back or pulling you down, you may need to cut ties. Seek positive relationships with people who support, grow and challenge you to be the best version of who God created you to be.
It Doesn’t Fit
Think about the last time you went shopping for clothes. What would you do if the sweater you were trying on didn’t fit? Would you force it on or look for one in the correct size? Sometimes we do this with scripture. We may pluck out a verse here or there to suit our needs or fit our opinions. But, out of context, we can do some serious damage by reading the word of God in this way. We may end up attempting to force a verse into a situation that was never intended to fit our expectations. When we’re studying the Bible, it’s important to know the circumstances, timeline and the audience. We should allow the Bible to teach us about who Jesus is and who we are in Him.
Be Bold
In the Bible, when the woman with the issue of blood touched the hem of the Savior’s garment, Jesus already knew that she was going to touch Him. He already knew she was in the crowd. After all, He is God in the flesh. Now, while He could have pointed her out, Jesus asked, “Who touched Me?” God wants us to ignore the crowd around us, look past the chaos, and approach His throne boldly. It could have been an unmentioned miracle, but Jesus would have this unnamed woman speak up publicly, for what she sought after and received from Him. Jesus said to her, “Your faith has made you whole,”. She wasn’t just made well, but WHOLE- completely restored. So, what are you desperately believing God for? And what are you willing to risk? Whatever you do, be bold in your pursuit of God
Introductions
Consider how you introduce yourself to someone new. You might say something like, “Hi, I’m Janine and I’m a school principal.” Or, “Hi, I’m Jake and I’m an engineer”. In these examples, we say our name followed by our job title or some major accomplishment. It’s easy for us to get so wrapped up in what we do, that it becomes who we think we are. In contrast, God values us before we do anything. He would introduce us as Janine, Jake and Meagan as dearly loved children of God. To God, who we are is much more important than what we do. So, certainly, take pride in your work but don’t let it become your sole identity. Before anything, you are a child of God.
Have Dominion
In Genesis 1, verse 28, we read “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth”. Did you know that some people actually point to this scripture to excuse human behavior as we mistreat the planet? Well, according to Strong’s Concordance, did you know that the phrase, “have dominion” is the Hebrew word, radah? This Hebrew word is related to other words which mean descend, wander and spread. Many scholars believe that the appropriate understanding of this verb- in this context means “to rule by going down and walking among the subjects as an equal.” How are we caring for God’s creation in this way? Are we mistreating it as a cruel leader? Or are we treating it with the Grace, love and kindness our Father has shown to us?
A Broken Watch
A boy was told by his father not to play with his watch while he was away. However, not long after he left, the boy decided to just have a look. He put it on just like he always saw his dad and began playing around the house. Before long, he tripped, fell and landed on the watch. (glass break sounds) When his dad came home, his son was nowhere in sight, hiding in shame for what he had done. This isn’t a new story. Adam and Eve hid from God when they realized what they had done. Sin and guilt had drove a wedge between God and His children. So, He came as a man, to die in our place, so He could call His children home. Sin had broken something. A watch, a relationship. But nothing is ever too broken for God.
Strength
Nehemiah chapter 8 verse 10 says: “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” Are you choosing to rely on God daily or are you depending on someone or something else? Trust me, that cup of coffee you’re drinking is not all you need to tackle the day. C.S. Lewis said, “Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done.” Meaning, we need to connect with our heavenly Father every single day. After you pour that first cup of coffee, or before you even get out of bed, make it a priority. Whether that’s reading scripture on your bible app, or listening to your favorite worship song, let the joy of the Lord soak in and be your source of strength.
Pinched
Author C.S. Lewis said that if our charities don’t pinch or hamper us, then they are too small. People today are generally civic minded. They desire to help others and give back to their communities. But Lewis would have us ask ourselves whether or not our efforts are really enough. Are we contributing just enough to check a box for ourselves- or are we really helping our neighbors in need. I find C.S. Lewis’ statement personally challenging. So I’m looking to do something this week that will really stretch and challenge me. Rather than just dropping off some canned goods or donating a few dollars, I might volunteer to serve at a soup kitchen or a homeless shelter. What will you do? Hopefully, nothing too small!
The Mechanic
For the average car owner, what do you do when something goes wrong with it? If the engine starts making a terrible sound, do you look for a schematic diagram of your car, or do you take it someone who knows how to fix it? The author and Bible scholar, N.T. Wright says that, “The Bible isn’t like an accurate description of how a car is made. It’s more like the mechanic who helps you fix it.” When we read our Bible, we shouldn’t be reading it for the purpose being able to spout out Biblical knowledge. We should be reading it to connect with God. When your spiritual life is in need of some maintenance, don’t try to fix it on your own. Look within the Word of God to refuel, tune up and get you where you’re going.
Metamorphosis
I have always been fascinated by the process of metamorphosis. How there can be such a profound change in form from one stage to the next in the life history of an organism. Think, for example, of an ugly, ground-crawling caterpillar that ultimately becomes a beautiful butterfly with wings that enable it to fly. The amazing thing is that spiritually, such a complete transformation can happen to us! The person I am today I know is vastly different than who I would have been without Christ. 2nd Corinthians 5:17 says that in Christ, we can become a new person. Do you need a real makeover or a complete overhaul? Do you need a brand new start? Let Christ transform you!