Today we see in Scripture how Paul calls us to be peacemakers. Being a peacemaker is different than being a peacekeeper or an agitator. Let’s look at what Paul says should be our foundation for every relationship we have.

Jesus tells the disciples the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. What does that mean? Maybe since it is connected to the passage in Ezekiel that part of it is taking care of others. Living our lives in such a way that people see Jesus.

Sukkot or the feast of Tabernacles was a large celebration after the harvest thanking God for the harvest. But also thanking God for the rain they were going to revive. Jesus offers them living water. They might get water but he offered life.

Shavuot or Pentecost was significant to the Jewish that were celebrating. It is still significant to us. We know moving forward all we can do is go where God wants us to go. To come together in one accord moving forward where the Holy Spirit leads.

What did Passover represent and why was Jesus crucified during this time? To better understand the answer we have to look at what Passover means to the first century Jewish.

The harvest was a very important time of celebration for the Israelites. The three pilgrim festivals surround harvest. Moses tells the Israelites in Deuteronomy they are called to recognize that God gives us all things. And our relationship with God and others are more important than things.

Paul talks about the unity of all things in heaven and in earth. What does that look like? We talk about that today.

In Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth he speaks about this new covenant that was entered into through Christ. Where God’s word is written on our heart through the Spirit. We are called to work in cooperation with the Spirit in living this new covenant out. We are called to be ministers of reconciliation and one key part of that is to view everything and everyone from the view of the cross.

Marriage looks very different in the Kingdom culture. It looks like self sacrificial love for both. It looks like a mutual submission which brings healing and restoration for both. May we love that way.

Love looks very different in Kingdom Culture than it does in earthly culture. Love looks like putting others first. Ultimately love God gives us is healing and restoring to us, we are called to love that way- the most excellent way to show we are God’s people.

The Kingdom Culture is different than the earthly culture. So how do we live that out in our every day lives? One way we do that is understanding that all are made in the image of God AND we are called to love God and love others without exception. May our lives always reflect Kingdom Culture even in the times when the world seems out of control.

The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that “little is much when God is in it”. May we always be faithful in the little things so God can use it for His glory.

The parable of the treasure or pearl of great value is a great lesson for us. The kingdom of heaven is of great value. So valuable we should give up everything for the kingdom. But another aspect we need to think about is how valuable we are as well. Jesus gave up everything to offer us relationship. That is valuable.

Jesus speaks in parables in Matthew 13. The first one reminds us not to let the adversary get us off track.

Ephesians 2:1-10 tells us that there are two paths and we have to choose one. There isn’t a middle ground. There will come a point of time in our life that we have to make a decision. Either we live our life for God or for ourselves.

Thomas in Christian circles is usually referred to as Doubting Thomas as a negative. But doubting or having questions aren’t a bad thing. We see that in Jesus’ actions, meeting Thomas in his doubt and drawing him out of it.

In Acts chapter 2 we have a story of how the Holy Spirit came upon those who were gathered to pray as Jesus had told them to. In that moment their purpose shifted. The Holy Spirit now empowered them to move forward and tell others about the good news. To be disciples who make disciples.

Isaiah chapter 6 is a powerful chapter. May we understand how big God is and be willing to be sent out.

Jesus washed feet and instructs us to do the same.

The story in Exodus 33 is at opposite ends of spectrum from Exodus 32. The people wanted a presence even if it was a false one, Moses only wanted God’s presence. Where do we fall on the spectrum?