Covenant Church at Creekside | Weekly Inspiration for Christian Living

Ama al Necesitado

Sharing doesn't always come easily to us. If you've ever spent time with a toddler, you know how we tend to say, "mine!" It's natural for us to be a bit selfish, but this goes against the teachings of God. In today's scripture, we see early Christians, after a period of revival, combining their money to help those in need. In our modern world, selling assets and giving all the profits to the poor might seem extreme. However, when the Spirit of the Lord inspires, extraordinary generosity occurs.

Imagine if God asked you to sell your house and use the money to help the needy. That level of generosity can be challenging for most of us. We might come up with excuses or try to justify our choices. So, if being selfish is our default, how can we become more generous? The answer lies in practice and experiencing the generosity of others.

To grow in generosity, intentionally give to others at a level that slightly pushes your comfort zone. As you continue to practice, your ability to be generous will strengthen. Remember, we have a generous God. When we reflect on the kindness we've received from Jesus, it motivates us to be more generous towards others.

Ama al que te persigue

Have you ever reacquainted yourself with someone you knew earlier in life and found yourself perplexed by the changes in them? You only had knowledge of their past, lacking the context of how they evolved into the person they are today. In today's narrative, the disciples encounter a newly transformed Saul. Saul had been a fervent and zealous persecutor of those who followed Jesus. Among his many transgressions, Saul even had a hand in the stoning of Stephen. Yet, here he stands, proclaiming to have encountered the risen Christ, claiming a profound transformation. The disciples, understandably, approach this revelation with skepticism and fear.

Too often, the Church responds to those who have lost their way in a similar manner. We react with trepidation and mistrust, keeping our distance. However, Jesus' message is crystal clear in His pursuit of the prodigal. He met Saul right where he was, in the midst of his destructive tendencies. What if we were to extend our pursuit to those who appear the most resistant? To those who seem irretrievably lost? Let us extend an extravagant invitation to become a part of the community of discipleship, for the church of Jesus is a place where all are invited to belong, come as they are, and experience transformation.

Ama al Enfermo

In Jesus' time, sickness like leprosy meant being labeled "unclean." Those who fell ill were cast out, isolated, and cut off from religious life. The leper who approached Jesus had been suffering from leprosy for a long time, as he was "covered in leprosy." Still, he came to Jesus with unwavering faith, believing that Jesus could heal him, but the question remained: would he?

In this moment, Jesus demonstrated something profound. He touched the man, even though he could heal with just a word. This man had been isolated for so long, and the intimate encounter with Jesus conveyed a powerful message - that he had a place with Him.

How often do we hesitate when God invites us to connect, whether due to sickness, differences, or cultural barriers? From the very beginning, Jesus showed us what it means to be His disciples: "Go, be with, touch, restore." Let's seize the opportunities before us and not miss the chance to reach out in love. First, love.

Ama al tormentado

Society often neglects those on the fringes who make us uncomfortable, the tormented souls grappling with severe physical, mental, and spiritual anguish. They can be frightening, perceived as dangerous, or unpredictable. However, in today's scripture, Jesus provides a profound example of "love, first".

Jesus doesn't shy away from the man possessed by many demons, even though he had been cast out of the village and left isolated in his suffering. Instead, Jesus allows himself to be approached and initiates a meaningful connection by asking the man his name. This simple act of recognizing his humanity paves the way for a deeper relationship. Jesus then heals the man, tending to his physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

We are called to follow this example. There's no greater comfort than that offered by someone who has faced similar demons. Consider what unique solace you can provide to someone enduring the same pain you've experienced. We should venture into the world as "wounded healers," for whatever torment afflicts you or others, it's no match for the power and love of Jesus.

Ama a los niños y se como ellos

Jesus teaches us that to enter the Kingdom of God, we must approach it like children. What does that mean? Children will invite anyone into their play. They see no divisions based on age, race, wealth, or any other divisions we've created. They respond with acceptance to everyone, radiating infectious joy. To enter God's kingdom, we must become open and joyful, like children, light in the darkness. We should also live in a state of dependency on God, fully acknowledging our brokenness and need for His provision. While the disciples dismissed the children as unimportant, Jesus showed us to welcome, embrace, and bless them, recognizing the value they bring to our community. The Kingdom is open to all generations. By adopting their joy, belonging, and dependence, we can be transformed into what Jesus envisions us to be.