SEEK Christian Podcast

seek to be triumphant

   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

Seek the lost

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

Seek the Gardener

  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

Seek protection

  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

Seek to rely on God

  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

Seek to Listen

   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

Seek to be inclusionary

   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

Seek assurance

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.  Yet, that's exactly what God wants!
Bible readings:  Isaiah 43:1-7, Luke 3:21-22

Seek the great silver wolf

Stories of the Season
 Ever feel that you're all alone?  That nobody cares for you?   Barrington Bunny feels this way, until he encounters words of wisdom from the Silver Wolf. Barrington learns the special gifts that pertain to being a bunny.  He also shares those gifts on a snowy, cold Christmas eve in the forest.  This story is written by William White. 

Seek the gift of the magi

Stories of the Season
     In O. Henry's classic story, The Gift of the Magi, we meet two people who love each other so much that they are willing to sacrifice what's most important to them for the sake of the other.  We're preparing to celebrate Christmas--when God is willing to sacrifice his own beloved Son, because of God's love for us. 
Bible reading:  Romans 8:31-35, 37-39