Embracing God's Balance: Love, Renewal, and Transformation

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Balance in Creation

God orders life in a way that restores balance, not endless exploitation. The cycles of rain, growth, and renewal in creation are reminders that God’s intent is for flourishing and enough for all, not depletion or greed. When we live in harmony with creation and each other, we experience safety, peace, and blessing. Our lives are meant to be aligned with God’s rhythm, not set against it, and this balance is a gift to be cherished and practiced. [19:12]

Job 5:9-27 (ESV)
9 who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: 10 he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; 11 he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. 12 He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. 13 He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end. 14 They meet with darkness in the daytime and grope at noonday as in the night. 15 But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth and from the hand of the mighty. 16 So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth. 17 “Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty. 18 For he wounds, but he binds up; he shatters, but his hands heal. 19 He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch you. 20 In famine he will redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. 21 You shall be hidden from the lash of the tongue, and shall not fear destruction when it comes. 22 At destruction and famine you shall laugh, and shall not fear the beasts of the earth. 23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. 24 You shall know that your tent is at peace, and you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing. 25 You shall know also that your offspring shall be many, and your descendants as the grass of the earth. 26 You shall come to your grave in ripe old age, like a sheaf gathered up in its season. 27 Behold, this we have searched out; it is true. Hear, and know it for your good.”

Reflection: Where in your daily life do you notice imbalance—whether in your relationship with creation, with others, or within yourself—and how might you intentionally seek God’s balance this week?

Day 2: Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus

Just as a cyclist steers toward whatever they focus on, our lives move in the direction of our attention. When we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on fear, anger, or division, we end up heading toward places we never intended to go. But when we fix our gaze on Christ, we are guided toward love, peace, and renewal, even in a world filled with distractions and turmoil. [24:12]

Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

Reflection: What is one specific distraction or negative focus that has been steering your heart away from Jesus, and how can you shift your attention back to Him today?

Day 3: God’s Economy of Renewal—Nothing Is Wasted

In God’s economy, nothing is wasted—not even pain, brokenness, or what seems like death. Just as compost transforms discarded scraps into nourishment for new life, God transforms our failures, hurts, and divisions into compassion, reconciliation, and peace. By God’s love, all things can be made new, and what looks like waste can become the very soil of renewal. [26:42]

Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

Reflection: Think of a recent disappointment or hurt in your life—how might you invite God to transform it into something that brings life or blessing to others?

Day 4: Choosing Love Over Hatred

Love, not hatred or violence, has the last word in God’s story. Jesus’ life and death show us that even in the face of vitriol and brokenness, love restores balance, renews life, and brings peace. We are called to refuse to let anger be the loudest voice, and instead to choose compassion, grace, and love in our interactions, even when it is difficult or unexpected. [27:38]

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)
4 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Reflection: Who is one person you find it hard to love right now, and what is one practical way you can choose to show them compassion or grace this week?

Day 5: Living as God’s Abundance for the World

God’s table is open to all, and we are invited to become the abundance of Christ for the world—sharing, serving, and caring for others as God has cared for us. When we live in God’s rhythm of generosity and hospitality, we reflect God’s justice, peace, and love, and help restore the balance that creation and community so deeply need. [35:03]

2 Corinthians 9:8-11 (ESV)
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9 As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Reflection: What is one tangible way you can share God’s abundance—whether through your time, resources, or hospitality—with someone in need this week?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a community to open our hearts in prayer, lifting up both our joys and our burdens to God, trusting that God is present with us in every circumstance. We celebrated new life, anniversaries, and the return of loved ones, while also acknowledging the pain and brokenness in our world—violence, division, and the sense of imbalance that seems to pervade our society. In reflecting on the scripture from Job, we considered the image of God as the one who brings balance and renewal, not endless exploitation. Just as riding a bicycle requires constant attention to balance, so too does our life with God and creation. When we lose sight of God and focus on ourselves or the chaos around us, we veer off course, both individually and collectively.

God’s design for creation is one of harmony, where all things—people, animals, the land—exist in a rhythm of giving and receiving, of flourishing and renewal. Yet, we often live as if there is not enough, hoarding resources and exploiting both the earth and one another. This leads to a world out of balance, marked by violence and hatred. But God’s invitation is to return to balance, to live in a way that reflects God’s love and abundance. The analogy of composting reminds us that even what seems wasted or broken can, by God’s grace, be transformed into new life and nourishment. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy; pain can become compassion, and division can become reconciliation.

Jesus’ life and teachings, especially his parables about seeds and fields, point us to the truth that creation itself teaches us about balance and love. On the cross, Jesus shows us that love—not violence or hatred—has the final word. We are called to live into this love, to practice balance in our daily lives, and to care for creation and each other. This week, the challenge is to seek out ways to embody God’s balance: choosing love over hatred, compassion over vitriol, and peace over violence. Whether through simple acts like composting or deeper acts of grace and reconciliation, we are invited to participate in God’s work of renewal. As we come to the table, we remember that God’s abundance is for all, and we are called to share it freely, living as partners in God’s restoration of all creation.

Key Takeaways

1. Balance Is Essential to Spiritual Life Just as riding a bicycle requires constant balance, so does our walk with God. When we lean too far into self-interest or become consumed by the chaos around us, we lose our spiritual equilibrium. God calls us to a life of balance, where we are attentive to both our needs and the needs of others, and where we keep our focus on God as our true center. [17:46]
2. God’s Economy Is One of Renewal, Not Exploitation God’s design for creation is not endless consumption, but cycles of renewal and flourishing. When we exploit the earth or one another, we step outside of God’s intent and create imbalance and suffering. Living in God’s economy means trusting in God’s abundance and participating in the renewal of all things, rather than hoarding or depleting what has been given. [19:12]
3. Transformation Is Possible, Even from Brokenness The image of composting teaches that what seems wasted or dead can, through God’s grace, become the source of new life. In God’s hands, pain can be transformed into compassion, and division into reconciliation. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy; every broken place is an opportunity for God’s renewing work. [25:52]
4. Love Has the Final Word Over Violence and Hatred Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection reveal that violence and hatred do not have the last word—love does. When we choose to live in God’s rhythm, caring for creation and one another, we participate in the restoration of peace and balance. Fullness of life is found not in power or exploitation, but in the self-giving love that Jesus modeled. [27:38]
5. Daily Practices Can Embody God’s Balance Living into God’s balance is not just a lofty ideal, but a daily practice. Whether it’s pausing before speaking, choosing compassion in a tense moment, or even starting a compost pile, each act can be a step toward renewal. God’s invitation is to seek out these opportunities for balance and love, trusting that even small acts can be part of God’s greater work of restoration. [28:47]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[03:08] - Sharing Joys and Concerns
[06:14] - Opening Prayer and Praise
[07:15] - Celebrating New Life and Community
[08:05] - God’s Presence in Our Struggles
[17:46] - The Bicycle and the Lesson of Balance
[19:12] - God’s Economy: Renewal Over Exploitation
[20:55] - Living in Harmony with Creation
[21:52] - The Imbalance of Our World
[24:12] - Keeping Our Eyes on Jesus
[25:52] - Composting as a Metaphor for Transformation
[27:38] - Love Restores Balance
[28:47] - Practicing God’s Balance in Daily Life
[30:02] - Prayer for Living in Balance
[32:20] - Communion and Thanksgiving
[37:39] - Invitation to the Table
[41:45] - Announcements and Opportunities to Serve
[44:00] - Sending Forth: Embracing God’s Balance

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Job 5:8-27 (selected verses) — > “As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety... For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. You shall know that your tent is at peace, and you shall inspect your fold and miss nothing.” (ESV)

Matthew 6:25-34 (selected verses) — > “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ... Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (ESV)

Observation Questions

In Job 5, what kind of relationship does God desire between people, animals, and the land? How is this described in the passage? ([20:55])
According to the sermon, what does the image of riding a bicycle teach us about our spiritual lives? ([17:46])
What are some examples from the sermon of how our world is “out of balance”? ([21:52])
How does Jesus use creation (like seeds, fields, and birds) to teach about God’s care and balance? ([27:38])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says, “God is not interested in endless exploitation, but in cycles of renewal, of flourishing, and of enough.” What does it mean to live in God’s “economy” instead of the world’s way of endless consumption? ([19:12])
The analogy of composting was used to describe transformation. How does this image help us understand what God can do with our pain or brokenness? ([25:52])
The sermon mentions that when we take our eyes off Jesus, we “steer toward” the wrong things. What are some ways this happens in our lives or in our community? ([24:12])
Jesus’ life and death are described as showing that “love has the last word.” How does this challenge the way we respond to violence or hatred in our world? ([27:38])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to “practice God’s balance” in daily life. What is one area of your life that feels out of balance right now? What is one small step you could take this week to move toward balance? ([28:47])
When you feel there isn’t “enough”—whether it’s time, money, or energy—how do you usually respond? How might trusting in God’s abundance change your actions or attitude? ([19:12])
The composting analogy suggests that nothing is wasted in God’s hands. Is there a part of your story or a recent struggle that you want to invite God to transform into something new? ([25:52])
The sermon talks about choosing love over hatred, compassion over vitriol, and peace over violence. Think of a recent situation where you were tempted to respond with anger or harsh words. What would it look like to choose compassion or peace instead? ([28:47])
The pastor said, “When we lose sight of God and focus on ourselves or the chaos around us, we veer off course.” Is there a specific distraction or worry that is pulling your focus away from God right now? What practical step can you take to refocus? ([24:12])
The invitation to the communion table was described as open to all, reflecting God’s abundance and welcome. How can you practice this kind of radical hospitality and sharing in your own life this week? ([37:39])
The sermon mentioned simple acts like composting or pausing before speaking as ways to live into God’s balance. What is one new practice you want to try this week to embody God’s renewal and love? ([28:47])

Sermon Clips

When we exploit the earth, when we exploit one another, when we let anger or hatred rule our lives, we step outside of God's economy. When we align with one side or the other, we have forgotten balance. We have forgotten that we need to be focused on God. [00:23:01] (23 seconds) #BeyondExploitationBalance

I think as a society, we have taken our eyes off of Jesus. I think as a people, we have taken our eyes off of where we need to have our eyes. And you know what? Because we've taken our eyes off of it, we are now driving right towards it where we don't want to go. [00:24:44] (20 seconds) #HopeInGodsEconomy

The good news is there's hope. In the fifth chapter of Job that Denise read for us, we have a vision of another way. We have a vision of God's economy that is not about greed and not about violence, but is about balance. It's not about hatred. It's about love. It's not about exploitation. It's about renewal. [00:25:07] (27 seconds) #CompostTransformsLife

Composting is a beautiful image that I think fits this. Because composting is about taking the stuff that we would throw away, about the stuff that we would discard, the food scraps, the leaves, the coffee grounds, all of this stuff that we think is just to be thrown away. And yet when we compost it, it turns into this beautiful thing that enriches the soil and brings forth new life. It looks like waste. Or maybe it looks like death. But it becomes transformed into nourishment. It becomes transformed into something that gives life. [00:25:48] (48 seconds) #LoveTransformsBrokenness

And I think that's a great analogy for how God works. Because even in our hatred, even in our brokenness, even in all of the brokenness we see in the world in this past week, by God's love, we can all be transformed. We can all be made into something new. In God's economy, nothing is wasted. Pain can become compassion. Division can become reconciliation. Violence can become redemption and peace. Balance. Balance. A balance that's rooted in love. [00:26:37] (47 seconds) #CreationSpeaksBalance

When Jesus told parables about seeds and fields and sparrows, He's reminding us that creation itself is a sermon. Consider the lilies of the field, Jesus says, and how they grow. The earth shows us that it meant, what it meant to live in balance, and what it meant to live in love. [00:27:24] (21 seconds) #LoveHasTheLastWord

Job reminds us that blessing is not found in exploitation, but it's found in balance. Peace is not found in hatred or violence, but it's found in love. Fullness of life comes when we live in God's rhythm, caring for creation, caring for each other, refusing to let anger be the loudest voice. [00:28:10] (24 seconds) #ChooseLoveOverHate

So this week, I'd like to challenge you to think about where can you practice God's balance. Where can you choose love over hatred? Where can you choose compassion over vitriol? Where can you choose peace over violence? [00:28:34] (26 seconds) #LiveGodsPeaceBalance

May we live into that peace. May we live into that balance. May we live into that love. A love that is renewed in God's creation. That includes us. May we live into God's balance. [00:29:58] (23 seconds)

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