Character Connections

God uses his people to share and show his love with the world. Jonah didn't want the job, but God's love doesn't stop!

Sometimes it's hard to know what God wants us to do; but often the choice between right and wrong is clear as day. Jonah knew what he should do, but he ran away from it. God didn't leave him alone. He followed Jonah and put him back on the right path.  

God made all things; visible and invisible. There is a spiritual world around us that is just as real as the one we see. We can't see God with our eyes, but we can see the ways in which he provides for us!

Some children dread baths like Naaman did. Sometimes God works in ways that don't make sense, but he can make us clean!

In the Old Testament, God's voice could be loud like thunder or heard through a burning bush. When he spoke to Elijah, his voice wasn't what Elijah expected. Sometimes God whispers.

Elijah faced incredible odds to turn the people's hearts to the Lord instead of a counterfeit god. It appeared impossible, but the Lord worked a miracle. Nothing is impossible for God!

God provided for a widow and her son, even though they were outcasts. Sin has made us outcasts as well, but Jesus has given us life!

Moses saw fire in a bush and a voice told him to take off his shoes. God called Moses to be a servant-leader in order to save the Israelites from slavery. God has given our lives purpose as well. We are called to point to Jesus, the ultimate servant-leader!

Our identity is found in our relationship with God. He is the great creator and we are his creation! His identity as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is a divine mystery, but he has shown us his character in Jesus!

Paul and Silas were arrested and put in jail for sharing God's love in Jesus. While they sat in a dark prison, their feet chained in shackles, they sang songs to the Lord. Their witness changed the lives of those around them. The Lord used them, even in the face of hardship, to help others. God can use you too, no matter the situation in which you find yourself.

The Holy Spirit led Paul to answer the call and share the gospel in a new city. We are often put in situations that we didn't expect. We can trust that God will use us to share his love no matter where we are.

Disagreements are inevitable, but fights aren't. The way we handle conflict shows our character and steers our relationships. When the early church disagreed, the Holy Spirit guided them to act in love. God's love surpasses disagreements.

The crowd in the city of Lystra thought Paul and Barnabas were Greek gods. Paul and Barnabas made sure they knew the truth, even though it put their lives at risk. It is tempting to selfishly put ourselves first. Our Lord Jesus is the servant-king whose self-sacrifice made a way for our forgiveness. 

When Jesus ascended into heaven, he didn't say goodbye. He told his friends that he would always be with them. That promise is true for us as well. Jesus is always with you. Take courage, you don't have to face life alone!

When the dead body of Jesus was put into a grave his disciples hid with fear and despair. God's power doesn't depend on the faithfulness of his followers, even death couldn't hold Jesus!

Jesus spent his life teaching and healing. He noticed the forgotten and showed love to the shunned. He died in the same way in which he had lived; reaching out to those who didn't deserve it. His death was painful and public...but that's not the end of the story!

Out of fear, Peter lied about being Jesus' friend. After Jesus forgave him, Peter went on to be a courageous leader in the early church. God's power can enable us to be too brave to lie, and his forgiveness can empower us to serve without fear.

The disciples stopped parents who were bringing their kids to Jesus. It made sense, Jesus was busy teaching and healing. He surprised his followers by stopping to take time and hug the children and bless them. He showed that God is never too busy to see and hear us!

Jesus allowed some of his disciples to see a brief glimpse of his power and glory. They were amazed and didn't want to leave. When Jesus comes back, he will restore all creation. We will see his power and live with him in glory forever!

A Gentile woman who asked Jesus for a miracle knew she didn't deserve it, yet Jesus healed her daughter. None of us are entitled to God's forgiveness, but God has given it freely through Jesus!

Being a follower of Jesus doesn't mean an easy life. John the Baptist faithfully spoke God's words and he was killed for it. We don't know why things happen the way they do, but we know for certain that Jesus will come back and make things right. We will be raised from the grave and live forever with our Lord!

Jesus took the hand of a dead girl and told her to get out of bed. She did. Jesus will return in glory and tell all of his followers to get out of their graves...and we will!

The disciples were amazed to see that Jesus was calm during a terrible storm. He showed his control over nature and kept them safe. We can rest secure knowing the same truth – God remains at our side during every storm that we face.

Have you ever planted a garden? The way you put seeds in the ground can determine how the plant grows. In this week's parable God is described as a farmer who wants a large harvest and generously throws seeds in all kinds of soil.

Jesus wasn't afraid to reach out to a man who had a contagious skin disease and heal him with the touch of his hand. Jesus reaches into our lives and pulls us out of our sin and isolation. He won't leave you alone!