Cultivate with Kelly Minter

As we begin a new series in the New Year, I’m excited to focus on Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount in this new four-part series. We’re starting with the Beatitudes where Jesus gives descriptions of what it looks like to flourish and thrive in this life because of the arrival of His kingdom. He gives us an entirely new way to live! And it’s inherently countercultural to what our world defines as blessing.

The message of the Beatitudes is not reserved for those who have every materialistic luxury. In fact, Jesus initially taught this message to a group of people who were historically oppressed and marginalized. And the Beatitudes are not a to-do list for Christians, but instead a definition of Christ followers and how they walk in the newness of Christ’s kingdom. It’s a declaration–when you find yourself in these conditions and you’re a follower of Christ, you are blessed.

As we go into a new year, remember that our God is a promise keeper and He is not forgetful of us or His promises. While this season may carry both joy and difficulty, we have good news! God kept His promise in sending a Savior into the world, Immanuel, God with us.

Don’t forget to sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022 at Lifeway.com

Order the Encountering God Bible study

During the Christmas season it’s easy to get lost in the holiday swirl and lose sight of the promises that God has kept through Jesus. That’s why in this episode we’re looking at Zechariah’s song of praise. His words will give us hope and perspective no matter what we’re going through. As Zechariah recounts the history of Israel and the dawning redemption, our spirits will be lifted.

As we go into a new year, remember that our God is a promise keeper and He is not forgetful of us or His promises. While this season may carry both joy and difficulty, we have good news! God kept His promise in sending a Savior into the world, Immanuel, God with us.

Don’t forget to sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022.

To order the Encountering God Bible study, click here.

Today, we’re unwrapping the story of Anna, the prophetess in Luke’s Gospel. She has a special place in God’s story of redemption, and she serves as a representative for all of us in seasons of waiting and longing. Widowed for 84 years, a woman of modest means, and from an exiled people group, we see God’s favor and grace shine through her life.

Perhaps you feel disqualified from God’s grace. Or you’re struggling to keep sight of Jesus in a season of unmet longing. Anna’s story will remind you that God’s redemption is on offer for everyone. I hope her story finds and refreshes your soul today amid the craziness of this and every season. If you’re longing and waiting in the midst of hardship, allow Anna to be a reminder of what to do when you wait. And more importantly, who to trust in the waiting.

Don’t forget to sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022.

Order the Encountering God Bible study.

Our expectations of Christmas can feel like they come from a Hallmark movie, which doesn’t do us a lot of favors (as much as we love them). The cultural ideal that we’ll be fulfilled and content at Christmas, that everything will fall into place, acts as a magnifying glass to the unmet expectations that we hold all year round.

Through the lives of Elizabeth and Mary, we get a bit of a cultural reset when it comes to our Christmas ideals. What's so helpful about Mary and Elizabeth’s story is the realistic Christmas it portrays—one full of God’s promises being fulfilled in the midst of difficult seasons. By returning to this Scripture, we can sift through the romantic version of a cultural Christmas and see something truthful. A Christmas that celebrates God’s promises coming to fruition in the midst of a dark and waiting world in the person of Jesus.

Don’t forget to sign up here for the Encountering God Online Bible study, starting January 13, 2022.

Order the Encountering God Bible study

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During difficult seasons, we can be tempted to turn back to our old ways of numbing pain. We can begin to question if God is actually good and if he cares about us. But these are not the times to forfeit what we have with Him. These are the times to struggle and weep with our faces pointed toward the Lord, trusting who he is when we can’t see what lies ahead.

I can hardly wait to start studying the book of Ruth with you in today’s Cultivate podcast. As we look at the first chapter, we’ll see three women showing us different ways of weeping. One goes back to her old life, the second turns toward God with bitterness, and the third turns toward Him with total commitment amidst the unknown. Her story–the story of Ruth–is a beautiful picture of how God is not limited by our impossible circumstances.

Weeping will come for all of us, but the direction we weep in is what makes the difference. I hope this episode will encourage you to turn toward Jesus, continuing with the things he has called you to do. There will be a day that your tears will reap shouts of joy (Ps. 126:5-6).

Scripture References

Ruth 1:1-18; Psalm 126:5-6

How do we cultivate this in our lives?

Determine the direction you want to go. Ask God to help you move toward him in these times of weeping.

Don’t walk alone. We need a godly community walking with us. Join a local or virtual Bible study group.

Remember this is a season. You can sow seeds right now in your tears, trusting that there is a joyful harvest coming.

Stuff we think you’ll like:

Cook the delicious grilled salmon with lemon sauce recipe Kelly mentioned in this episode! It’s included in the first week of her Ruth Bible study. Or, check out her full cookbook, A Place at the Table.

Cultivate is brought to you in part by Kelly's Ruth Bible Study. Find out more by visiting this link.

Cultivate is brought to you in part by the Dwell Bible App. Save 30% at dwellapp.io/Cultivate.