In a moment of despair, Ruth has a choice: a safe obedience that no one could fault her for making or a defiant dangerous disobedience that paired her in solidarity with the oppressed? It was a risky decision, but God once again shows partiality to the oppressed and raises up Ruth to stand in the great lineage of David and Jesus.

Support the show

The followers of Christ were empowered by the Holy Spirit and invited everyone to participate in the Kingdom. As they shared and cared for the poor and marginalized and proclaimed what Jesus had done for the world, their movement grew in strength and power.  But Saul, who was apart of the religious group who held all the power, hatred the followers of Jesus and sought to stop them by any means necessary. Until he had an encounter with Jesus and his Kingdom that left him feeling shipwrecked, but opened his eyes to see in a totally new way and transformed his entire life.

Support the show

The storm in Daniel's life just kept tossing him under the waves: conquered nation, looted treasure, favored advisor, plot to be murdered. Though everyone was running around trying to control the storm, Daniel remained calm and continued to partake in the divine because he trusted that what was out of his control exists under the careful control of the one who works everything for our good. If we are to have hope, we too need to continuously find ways for the divine to dwell in us as we give ourselves to the divine.

Support the show

When Jesus rose from the grave, most of the disciples were filled with joy as the meaning of this good news. But Peter found himself still buried in the water grave of denying he even knew Jesus when he had promised to go with him to the death. He lay there among the wreckage with little hope anything would change. But the hope among the driftwood is that when Jesus conquered the grave, he conquered all our graves.

Support the show

Support the show

Paul’s ministry and spiritual authority were constantly under attack, even by those in the church. Much of the criticism was focused on all of the hardships and suffering and even physical struggles he had experienced.  As Paul defended his ministry, he focused not on his strengths but on his weaknesses. One such weakness is what he calls his “thorn in the flesh.” We don’t know exactly what it was, but we do know that it was chronic and debilitating. At times, it kept him from working and became a hindrance to his ministry. Paul prayed for its removal, multiple times. But it was not removed. 

What Paul did receive was the reassurance that God’s grace was sufficient for him and that God’s power was actually demonstrated most clearly in Paul’s weakness. It was a profound reminder that we are Carriers of a weakness that leads to strength. It’s a message that should give us courage and hope. As we recognize our own limitations, we are less tempted to try and accomplish that to which God has called us out of our own reservoir of strength. Embracing our weaknesses, deepens our worship, re-shapes our character, and challenges our pride. And it results in a strength we could never have possessed on our own. 

Support the show

Support the show

During his third missionary journey, Paul collected money for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Some of the churches that Paul invited to participate in this offering, like the Corinthians, had significant resources. But others, like the churches in Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea), were experiencing financial struggles themselves. And yet, as Paul reminds the Corinthians, it did not stop the Macedonians from giving generously. They became Carriers of a poverty that led to extravagant generosity. 

The Corinthian believers excelled in everything. They had tremendous faith. They possessed gifted speakers. They were filled with enthusiasm and compelled by love. Paul reminds them that financial stewardship is also an important part of their spiritual growth. So, he encourages them to also excel in the grace of giving. And he reminds them that their model is Jesus himself. In his incarnation, Jesus voluntarily became poor by setting aside his glory and his rights. And by doing so, Jesus made them (and us) "rich" through the life-giving power of the gospel. 

Support the show

Beth and Donna play 'Would You Rather' and talk boredom, regret, and postcards.

Support the show