Angering the Pastor

 

It's easy to forget that the religious leaders that Jesus spoke so harshly to and about were actually highly respected and loved (Matt 15). Would we be shocked if Jesus spoke about our Chrisitan influencers the same way He spoke of the Scribes and Pharisees? 

Conquerors?

When his rival King Saul dies, David doesn’t celebrate—he mourns him. Saul had repeatedly tried to kill David, yet David refused to answer violence with violence (2Sam1). Jesus later lived that same refusal to retaliate.

Perhaps there’s wisdom here for all of us: retaliation rarely hurts only the people we’re angry with. Innocent people are inevitably caught in the crossfire.

In our relationships, our communities, and even our politics, what would change if we cared more about breaking the cycle than getting even?

BigGuy finds you, even if you don't want to be found

We like to imagine ourselves as the shepherd, not the lost sheep (Matt 18). Yet every one of us wanders—chasing comfort, wealth, or control instead of Christ. Where have you strayed from following Jesus?

Being Like David

 The Old Testament hero, David, illustrates that not every act in the Bible is something that Christians should emulate. David seems very comfortable with violence, like having Uriah killed and slaughtering non-combatants in order to keep his duplicity a secret (1 Sam 27). What sins do you justify in order to make your life easier?

Pushy Jesus!

Jesus pushed past “eye for an eye” and called His followers to love their enemies by refusing revenge. Violence may be the world’s cycle (Matt 5:37-42)—but it doesn’t have to be ours. How can you choose the harder love that breaks the pattern?

 The apostle Paul invites us to step back from our selfish and hypocritical ways and enjoy each other with love and respect (Romans 12). Who do you find hard to love? How do you step back from yourself and love them as Christ loved you?

Pastor Awesome's Super Spirit Soaker

 Jesus promises that those who believe in Him will carry His Spirit like streams of living water (John 7:37-40). When people meet us, do they taste that refreshment or something far less life‑giving. Some days we overflow; other days it feels like the tide has slipped away. Yet the comfort remains—His Spirit never leaves, even when our hearts feel dry.