SEEK Christian Podcast

Who does Jesus chose for the foundation of his group of disciples?  Forgiven, bumbling sinners like Simon Peter, like you and me.   Gospel reading:  Matthew 16: 13-20

A woman comes to Jesus seeking help for her daughter.  What will he do? Matthew 15:21-28

Can anything separate us from God's love?  Romans 8:26-39

What do we do with the problem of evil in the world?  Matthew 13:24-30

Often feel overwhelmed?  Stressed out?  Jesus invites us to come to him for rest. Gospel reading:  Matthew 11:28-30

 How many are there?  God knows! Gospel reading:  Matthew 10:29-31

  Doubting often gets a bad rap in the church.  I think that's a real shame--because as you'll hear, some pretty important people doubted at a pretty pivotal time in the life of the Christian faith.  So, I say, go ahead and doubt.....but keep seeking, even as you doubt.    Gospel reading:  Matthew 28:16-20

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want..... those familiar words to Psalm 23 are part of our focus today.  But notice the pronouns in that phrase...my, I.  When we visualize walking with Jesus the shepherd, it's often just you and Jesus.  But the gospel calls us to be inclusive, to invite others to know God's love.  Who are you called to invite? Gospel reading:  John 10:1-10  Psalm 23 

    Why does Jesus choose to ride a donkey on Palm Sunday?  A horse would certainly be more majestic; a camel would imply being part of wealthy caravan; even an ibex has a hint of the exotic.  But a stubborn, independent, homely creature?  What does Jesus choice say about him and about us?    Gospel reading:  Mark 11:1-11

Ever feel overwhelmed? Beyond stressed?  Sure that everything is completely and totally falling apart?  Yes, the Psalm writer has been there too.  The writer found help in remembering God's steadfast love. Listen to what a difference that made for the writer, and perhaps, for you too.   Old Testament reading:  Psalm 130

  Who is Jeus, truly?  Today's text gives us a glimpse of Jesus as truly God and truly human.  How do the disciples react?  How do we react?   Gospel reading:  Matthew 17:1-9

 Seeking to be an authentic Christian can be, indeed most days it is, a challenge.  What does God want me to do with.....or about that........  Here Jesus adds another layer of complexity to God's commandments.  Why?  To drive us to the cross, to remind us that without God's love and forgiveness found there, we can do nothing.   Gospel reading:  Matthew 5:21-37

 What does Jesus ask us, his disciples, to do?  Here, in this text from Matthew, Jesus announces that we are the light of the world.  With that gift comes a responsibility to let our light shine before others.    Gospel Reading:  Matthew 5: 13-20

  What does God really want from us human beings?  The prophet Micah phrases it this way, "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God".  Let's share stories of people we know who have done this...maybe somewhat imperfectly.  And in sharing these stories, we help people to see that walking with God can be done...and by regular people...like you and like me.     Readings:  Micah 6:1-8, I Corinthians 1:25-31    

  Have you ever imagined what our world would be like if we lived in peace?  Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, has a vision of such a world....even as, in his own time and place, his country was facing imminent destruction by an expanding empire.  Would his people listen and change their ways?  Will we?   Reading:  Isaiah 2:4b-5

  When your world seems to be falling apart, what do you do?  Jesus's words today are both a challenge and a comfort.  Gospel reading:  Luke 21:5-19

  Who, me?  Yes, you!  You are called to be a saint on this day when we remember all the saints who surround us in this world and the next.    Readings:  Ephesians 1:11-23, Luke 6:20-31

  Have you ever wondered why churches do the things they do?  If so, you're in good company!  Martin Luther began a movement that shook the church of his day as he asked, "What does this mean?".  In John's gospel, Jesus asks about truth and what it means to continue in his word.  As we think about this, we're invited to continue this tradition of questioning and seeking to understand how our faith and life intersect.      Gospel reading:  John 8:31-36

  Have you ever agonized over writing a thank you note?  Searched for the right words to convey your thoughts?  Here a healed leper doesn't stop to think....he just says, "Thanks!".  And sometimes just the words, "Thanks" are good enough!   Luke 17:11-19

     How much is enough?  We live in a culture that tells us that we need more and more and more and more! But what about faith?  How much is enough?  How much do we need?   Faith is hard to quantify and measure, but here Jesus tells the disciples that all they need is faith the size of a mustard seed.  Maybe that's to remind us that we're not in control....but God is!    Gospel reading: Luke 17:5-10

  What have you shared lately?  Your time, your talent, your possessions?       Jesus tells the story of a poor man, Lazarus, and a rich man (unnamed) and their relationship before and after death.  In doing so, Jesus points to God's concern that all people would have enough in this world.      Luke 16:19-31

  Who do you like to hang out with?  At a party or event, is there a group that you gravitate toward?  When Jesus is critiqued for hanging out with the "undesirables", he shares 2 stories about how God sees the world and its social layers.  Will it change who you hang out with?  Listen and see.   Gospel reading:  Luke 15:1-10

   Jesus challenges his followers saying, "Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple".  Those are pretty intimidating words.  But what do they mean?  What does it mean to carry the cross?  What does it mean to follow?     Luke 14:25-33

 If you're planning an event, who are you likely to invite?  Friends, family, neighbors?  Today, while at an event himself, Jesus critiques who was invited and where they were asked to sit at the party.  Jesus reminds the disciples that their first call is to invite those who are the "least of these" my brothers and sisters.    Gospel reading:  Luke 14:1, 7-14

  Do you have a story of when you followed "the rules" perfectly, only to have somebody else totally ignore them? Doesn't that feel really unfair? A man in today's gospel would say, "Yes, it is unfair".  But does Jesus agree?   Gospel reading:  Luke 13:10-17

  Sometimes Christianity is portrayed as a "nice" religion, where everything is all flowers and rainbows as people love and care for each other.  While that would be "nice", it isn't very realistic!  Christians, like all people, are sinners.  As sinners, we are not perfect.  Jesus' words remind us of our imperfection...and also challenge us to work through our sinful state....because God needs us!     Gospel reading:  Luke 12: 49-56 

What does God ask from us?  Does God ask for perfection? Or does God ask for faithfulness?  If this text from Hebrews is any indication, God is willing to use some pretty imperfect people---who are faithful--to do God's work.  What does that mean for you and me?     New Testament reading:  Hebrews 11: 8-16, 32-38

  On Pentecost, the promised Holy Spirit descends upon the disciples and gives them gifts--to be able to speak about the resurrected Jesus without fear.  How does the spirit continue to gift us? Acts 2:1-21

In today's reading, Peter says, "Who was I that I could hinder God?". That's an intriguing question.....do we hinder God's work? Do we get in the way of God's intentions for the world? To be honest, I think sometimes we do. Sometimes we let our agendas and our fears get in the way. In Acts 11, God is trying to be more and more inclusive, welcoming more and more diverse peoples into the early church. The disciples aren't so sure that this is the way things should work. But Peter, the disciple who occasionally blurts out the wrong thing, has it right this time. Do you see parallels with today's world? Bible reading: Acts 11: 1-18

   In 10 years, what will you remember about this day? this year? this point in your life? Remembering is an odd thing, as we call to mind experiences from the past and examine them from various angles.    On Easter day, the women are at the tomb, but they're not sure what they're seeing and experiencing. The angels tell them to remember. When they do, their experience makes sense. What do they do next? Listen and find out... Gospel reading: Luke 24:1-12

   On Good Friday, we hear the story of Jesus in his last hours. The full reading of this account in the gospel of John can be found in chapters 18:1-19:42.

     What does it mean to love one another? How do we begin to show love? Jesus gives us some clues as on this night, before he is arrested with the help of a disciple Judas, he washes the feet of his friends, his disciples. Gospel reading: John 13:12-34

   What does triumph look like? Winning the Olympics? Closing a multi-million dollar contract? Being the official marshal for the Tournament of Roses parade? Successfully completing a job? Dying?     Somehow, we probably don't think that dying is triumphant...or even something to celebrate. But for Jesus, it is. As he enters Jerusalem today, to the welcoming shouts of the crowd, many think that Jesus is at the top of his game, the pinnacle of his influence. But Jesus and God think differently--thank goodness! Why? Have a listen... Gospel reading: Luke 19:28-40

     Have you ever been lost? Have you ever had that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach that says, "this is not right....I'm in the wrong place"?      During Lent, we've been thinking about God's heart, God's character. What does it mean that God is always seeking the lost, always welcoming them home, and celebrating their arrival? In this famous story, the father of two boys longs for the one who has been away to return. And when he does arrive home, there is much to celebrate! Gospel reading: Luke 15:1-32

  Has the promise of spring temperatures made you eager to do some outside yard work? Have you been pouring over seed catalogs or lingering near the flower display at Kroger's? If so, you might like this parable that Jesus tells about the patient gardener. This patient man has waited 3 years for a fig tree to produce some figs. The owner is anxious to put a new tree in this spot, but the gardener has hopes that maybe next year this tree will produce fruit. Gospel reading: Luke 13:6-9

In Jesus' time, people sought protection in walled cities, built on hills to control the surrounding landscape. In today's world, walled cities are just a historical anachronism, but we often find ourselves in need of comfort and protection. When you've been in crisis or feeling overwhelmed, where do you turn for help? Gospel reading: Luke 13:31-35

When push comes to shove, what or who do we rely on? Our selves? Our own strength? Our intelligence? Our connections? When tempted by the devil, Jesus limits himself and relies on God's strength to withstand the temptation. In doing so, Jesus shows us the depth of God's love for us...that we can and should trust in God when we are in the wilderness. Gospel text: Luke 4:1-13

In today's world, we are bombarded by sound--from cell phones ringing to ambulances sirens, from car alarms to TV's. In this barage of noise, what do we choose to pay attention to? On the mount of Transfiguration, Jesus is revealed in glory. A voice thunders: "This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!" How do we focus on Jesus's words? Gospel reading: Luke 9:28-36

Ever had to pick team members for a game in gym class? Ever been the one standing in line with others, hoping that this day you'll be chosen sooner than normal? Your day can be made or you can be devastated based on when you were chosen in the line-up! We humans use this system to select people quite often. But does God? Who would God pick for God's team? Gospel reading: Luke 4:21-30

What does it mean to belong to God?  To have God us call "my own"?  It's pretty incredible that God, who created the Milk Way and countless other galaxies, wants us, calls us to be in relationship with God. And yet, that is exactly what God wants!Bible readings:  Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:21-22

When angels and humans meet in the Bible, what are the first words the angels say?  How are their words good news to us?  Gospel reading:  Luke 2:1-20 A Blessed and Merry Christmas to you!

What human structures do you find impressive? Why? The disciples are easily impressed by the temple in Jerusalem, until Jesus shares with them what lasts forever. Gospel reading: Mark 13:1-8

 Have you ever given your very last bit of food away?  How about your very last pennies?  In today's readings, two different widows, separated by many hundreds of years, do just that.  Given their example, how can we be less than generous? Bible readings:  1 Kings 17:8-16, Mark 12:41-44

How do you imagine heaven? The Old Testament prophet Isaiah speaks of a feast, a banquet, of delicious things spread out for all...and there's still more...the end of tears and death itself. Pretty amazing, isn't it!! This is our future. Bible reading: Isaiah 25:6-9

Psalm 46 reminds us that, in all times, God is with us, a refuge and strength. These words spoke clearly to Martin Luther almost 500 years ago as he struggled with critiquing the church of his day. Even now, the words of the Psalmist speak to us too, reminding us, that in all times, God is with us, ready to embrace us and to be our strong rock.

Our culture bombards with the message that we will find life by consuming...just look at the thousands of commercials we see and hear during a year's time. Jesus counters this message by inviting us to find life by divesting for the sake of the other. Gospel reading: Mark 10:17-31

  When and where have you felt lonely? When Adam cannot find a partner, when he is alone in the newly created world, God says that "it is not good". So what does God do? God creates a life partner, a companion for Adam. Genesis 2:18-24

    How does the world define greatness? Fame, fortune, athletic ability? But, how does Jesus define greatness? As you might guess, he doesn't follow the world's definition!    Gospel reading:  Mark 9:30-37

Who is this Jesus?  How to you describe or define him?  Peter thinks he is on the right track when he describes Jesus as the Messiah.  But he quickly discovers that his definition of what the Messiah is to do and be doesn't match with what Jesus has in mind.  Gospel reading:  Mark 8:27-38

     How do you react to things when you're exhausted?  This passage from Mark gives us insight into Jesus' human and divine nature.  Gospel reading:  Mark 7:24-37