Are you?

 

Many have commented on how quickly the Palm Sunday (Luke 19) crowd turned on Jesus, but maybe their turning was no different from our willingness to reject Jesus's teachings and instead adopt a mob mentality that demeans empathy, charity, and understanding. Are you willing to live like Jesus for Jesus?  

 John revealed in his gospel that Judas had been stealing from the funds that were set aside by Jesus and His disciples to help the poor (John 12). Oddly, many Christians use words from this chapter to curtail giving to those in need, by declaring that there will always be poor people. Have you stolen from the poor by misapplying Jesus's words to serve your own greed?

Awesome's Treasures

 When the Israelites entered the promised land they found an abundance of food (Josh 5). This provision reminds us of the grace God extends to us through Jesus Christ (Eph 2). Perhaps we should consider how much has been given to us and how having received gifts, we should give to others (Matt 8).

Respectable Sins

 Jesus corrected a group that believed their countrymen were punished by God because they died horrible deaths (Luke 13). Jesus often warned us against believing our sins are less offensive than those around us, and later James reminds us of this truth (James 2:10). Which of your sins do feel proud to own, or consider 'respectable?'

God's presence?

 When God made a covenant with Abraham, the Bible describes a "horror of great darkness" falling on him (Gen 15). The Bible consistently associates God's presence with great fear, reminding us of God's absolute power. When God's people face great evil, they gain courage to act by knowing God is all-powerful.

Fear and Darkness

 When God made a covenant with Abraham, the Bible describes a "horror of great darkness" falling on him (Gen 15). During this time of fear and darkness, the covenant of blessing was established. Where can you find hope in your time of fear and darkness?

What's mine is...Pastor Awesome's?

Every year, when the Israelites brought their tithes to the temple, they were prescribed a statement to recite. This statement reminded them that all they had was given to them by God and that it was their privilege to share it not only with the worship leaders, but also with those in need Duet 26:1-11. Do you give as a reminder that you owe everything to someone else, or do you give with an air of expectation for a 'return on your investment'?