The 2nd Harvest Haze~

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I was reminded of this devotional I wrote last year during the fall season and it has somewhat become "buried" among the other devotionals I have written over the past year; therefore, I thought it would be most appropriate to bring it back up to the front. You may not be able to witness the haze that's created by large combines in your area during the fall because you live in a city or a non-rural area; however, do not let that keep you from applying the analogy to your life! In the same sense of not witnessing the harvest events that go on in the Dakotas, you may not be a full-time missionary, a pastor or even really involved in your church (although, I hope you are to some degree!). You may be fearful of what others may think or what you will say but the Word commands us to "Go and make disciples of all nations!" You are still called to be a worker of the Lord. There's a huge harvest to bring in; just look around you.

"Harvest Haze" from November 2009 ~
"There's a haze that is being created right now across the Dakotas by thousands of farmers working towards bringing in this year's crops. I was driving down to Sioux Falls last night on I-29 and was overcome with this haze created from a nearby field. The haze was so thick that it was I was almost unable to see the car in front of me. I was immediately reminded of one of my favorite verses in Luke 10



"The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers for the harvest."



I was challenged by this analogy of the "Haze of Harvest." Am I, as a Christ-follower, pursuing the harvest of souls like those combines are working towards bringing in the harvest to the point of creating a haze? How thick is the haze your walk with Christ is creating? You may not always reap the evidence of your efforts in impacting the Kingdom, but you should see some degree of 'haze' in your life. Partner with me today in asking the Lord of the harvest, to cause a haze to be created as you love like our Lord Jesus Christ and bring others closer to their Creator."

Get in the boat!

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Jesus Calms the Storm
23Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24Without warning, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
26He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm.
27The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
Getting in the boat!

Do you ever get yourself into a situation and you’re wondering; how did I even get here? I manage to stumble into some pretty crazy places simply because of being the neieve girl that I am! But sometimes I can tell God is leading me to a place, or even into a conversation with someone about the Lord and I will have a mini panic attack inside because I’m fearful of saying the wrong thing or nothing at all! I somewhat giggled when I read this passage a couple days ago because of my qerky imagination in picturing this story. I think it’s because there’s a much more popular story about Jesus calling Peter out of a boat and Peter freaking out when waves come up; well now Jesus it says that “Jesus got in the boat and his disciples followed him.” And then another crazy storm comes up and they freak out while they’re IN the boat. There’s just no way of escaping this circumstance is there?  Ha. My little imagination continues on and I picture (now don’t take this literally because it’s merely what I invision—Jesus was probably way cooler) seeing these poor guys freaking out on the deck yelling for Jesus to wake-up and help them! Maybe they’re clinging to the wheel or the railing and here Jesus is sauntering up the stairs, rubbing the sleep from his eyes---stretching and yawning and saying “Oh you of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he just basically tells the storm to chill and it immediately stops. Of course then his disciples are like “Oh wow! This guy is crazy—even the winds obey him!”

The thing that drew me the most to this verse was verse 23 “Jesus got in the boat and his disciples followed him.” Like I stated earlier, so often we hear the story and the concept of “Get out of the boat!” which is legit and correct in the fact that we should indeed trust the Lord when he calls us away from our “safety net.” But sometimes, he calls us to a place like a “boat,” an everyday place or circumstance and a storm still manages to come up. The next thing to really glean from this passage is that Jesus was asleep. Jesus was not even the least bit worried about this “furious storm that was going to drowned all his disciples.” Do you honestly think that if the storm was really going to drown his disciples that Jesus would have continued sleeping? If so, picture him sauntering up the stairs to the deck the next morning, rubbing his eyes and yawning only to find that he’s the only one on the boat? As my dad would say, “No way Jose!” :) We need to remind ourselves that Jesus will never leave us, nor forsake us—as he states in the Great Commission:

“"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Do we forget that “all authority in heaven ….AND ON EARTH has been given to…ME? I am such a worry wart and I panic much like how the disciples did in this story. It’s so easy to read it and be hard on the disciples for having such little faith when, I hate to break it to you all but, so do we! My charge for you today is to follow Jesus onto whatever boat you may have in front of you (or off I guess if He’s having you walk on water a little). Remember who He is---yes, I’m sure you will be able to recognize the storm when it comes but remember that Jesus is sleeping downstairs and He wouldn’t have brought you onto a boat only to drown while he’s sleeping. I’m not saying that you won’t encounter some sacrifice in the challenges of life: just because we are Christians doesn’t mean that we are now invisible and immune to trials and tribulations. In fact, Jesus says “In this world you may have trouble ….yup—you’re going to have troubles, sorry guys?” And that’s it? No He says “In this world you may have trouble but …FEAR NOT for I have overcome the world.” (Thank you Lord for John 16:33) And just like it says in the Great Commission, “And surely I am with you always, to the end of the age.” What comforting words! No matter if you’re battling a storm in or out of the boat, notice that Jesus is either walking on the water with you or he’s sleeping downstairs.

His Fist of Lightning

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There is something so uniquely different about thunderstorms than any other form of nature. It often contains huge crashes of thunder that are enough to knock you off your feet but my favorite part of storms is the stillness that is quickly takes over before another wave of thunder and lightning. You can sense the electricity generating a feeling of power and that soft smell of rain drapes over the atmosphere around you.

Normally I am long-winded with blogs (haha--don't you dare nod your head right now!), but for some reason, I feel like I cannot expound on this passage of scripture anymore than what is already written. I think there are moments when we can just sit and simply stand amazed in the presence of God. I came across it this past week and was stunned with the imagery that Elihu is describing to Job. It has has somewhat sparked my interest into possibly reading through all of Job to get a better background on it--but I really appreciated it and feel like it truly dipics just how BIG of a God we serve. The words that are bolded in the passage are the ones that really have impacted me the most and I encourage you to meditate on it and similar verses describing our Great God. Just think of having a being big enough to have a fist-full of lightning. Our God is most certainly, an AWESOME GOD.

JOB 36: 24-33

" 24"Remember to(AI) extol his work,
of which men have(AJ) sung.
25All mankind has looked on it;
man beholds it from afar.
26Behold, God is great, and we(AK) know him not;
the number of his(AL) years is unsearchable.
27For he draws up the drops of water;
they distill his(AM) mist in(AN) rain,
28which(AO) the skies pour down
and drop on mankind abundantly.
29Can anyone understand(AP) the spreading of the clouds,
the thunderings of his(AQ) pavilion?
30Behold, he scatters his lightning about him
and covers the roots of the sea.
31For by these he(AR) judges peoples;
he gives(AS) food in abundance.
32He covers his(AT) hands with the lightning
and commands it to strike the mark.
33Its crashing declares his presence;[a]
the cattle also declare that he rises."

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Dealing with the "Papercuts" in Life

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Are paper cuts not the worst? Ah! Even if it’s just the slightest brush of a piece of computer paper it never ceases to amaze me how much it hurts. Ha, I can recall several times that I would go to lick the flap of an envelope and manage to get cut on my tongue or my lip: cut on my tongue, really—takes a special person to do that right? I mean come on! What about a sliver from a piece of wood? You know what really makes you feel like a champ: Stubbing your toe. Nothing is more humbling then when you stub your toe in front of a group of people and you attempt to be strong in not showing any emotion of pain but inside you’re like wailing!

Even though both of these “injuries” are minor, it’s amazing how quickly we become consumed with them when they occur that for those few moments nothing around us really matters. Areas where you get a paper cut can continue to hurt for a few days especially the lip ones! This morning I feel like I was battling some “paper cuts of life” so much that it was consuming my normal time with God. I continued to “wail” inside up until the beginning of the church service I was at. The pastor shared a short video clip of a missionary over in East Asia who was rejoicing in the opportunity he had had to share Christ with a fellow on a bus. The man came to know the Lord that night after his conversation and the missionary was thanking the congregation for supporting him and his family. The sermon preceded and the Pastor spoke on the meeting the needs of those around us. Shortly after that interview clip however, I had this imagery come to mind: me sniffling over my “my paper cuts” AKA my consuming thoughts of weaknesses and areas I need to improve in my faith and these people surrounding me with critical emergencies—like gunshot wounds (Ha, pretty grotesque for a Sunday morning huh?).

Now I am not trying to be-little the seriousness of weaknesses nor am I attempting to categorize one sin being greater than another but let’s go with this imagery and think about what the priority of injury: a paper cut or a gun shot wound? I feel like at times, I become so consumed with striving to live the perfect Christian life (which doesn’t exist!) that I forget what the Lord has saved me and has commanded me to share with those around me. Paul speaks of a weakness he had as a “thorn in his side” let’s read about it:

Paul's Vision and His Thorn – 2 Corinthians 12: 1-10

1I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. 3And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— 4was caught up to paradise. He heard inexpressible things, things that man is not permitted to tell. 5I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.

7To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 8Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Often your “paper cuts in life” can be used as platform for God to reveal himself more and ultimately how He has transformed your life. I can relate to Paul’s pleas for God to just take them away. Paul describes how much of a reason he has to boast because of the position God has put him in as an Apostle of Christ—apparently “knowing this man” (we don’t really know who this man is—possibly Paul himself--I don’t know) who was caught up in the third heaven. This man knows things that no one else is privileged to know—but Paul refuses to share more details because it would be boasting in something He, Himself really cannot claim as really HIS doing for the privilege of knowing something so great. He then gets this thorn in his flesh as a way to keep him from becoming conceited much like we get the random paper cuts in life. Does Paul become consumed with this to the point of despair? Well, he pleaded with God three times and then God answered him with such an incredible verse:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”




Paraphrased in Joni’s words,


“Hey! You! Stop freaking out about this, I’ve covered this with my grace. I know you’re helpless and being tormented but you know what, I want the glory in saving you from this weakness---I want to show the world how mighty and powerful-of-a-god I really am! Let me refine you!”




Our response to weaknesses can either show God’s power or show a blubbering idiot consumed with her faults (and I am referring to myself there haha). Again, we are not to belittle the returning occurrence of sin that has already been forgiven by God’s grace through the Blood of Jesus Christ—to be something not worthy of dealing with, but there are emergencies of people around us. That missionary on the clip this morning shared that every 8 seconds an unbeliever in East Asia dies. There are people around you with fatal injuries that are well on their way to dying and you are consumed with your little sliver. Do you get what I’m saying? Does it make sense? It’s a serious matter to sin ---a sin is a sin, but rather than place priority of fixing this area, ask God to pour His grace out on the area and allow his weakness to make you stronger. Ask God to show his power in your weakness and then tend the needs of those around you—they don’t have “all day:” No man-made-band-aid is going to fit over the gunshot wound of your co-workers, friends or family members.

Lastly, I was challenged with this thought along the same lines of helping those around me. It’s really easy to give out of abundance. I know a radio station back home in South Dakota that always does this “buy the meal or coffee for the person behind you in the drive-thru” which is great—but ha, you’re still getting your meal, and still getting your coffee. So often we are safe in the way that we give: we give just enough so it doesn’t hurt. What if Christ would have done that on the cross? I think if it would have been dependent upon our human pain-tolerance Christ wouldn’t have made it past the first lashing of the whip.


Again, I am not standing on a soap box saying, “Quit blubbering with issues in your life. Don’t give anything unless is hurts.” Again, sin is not ranked and neither is our giving but have you asked God what surrendering of your weaknesses looks like? Have you asked God what it looks like to give in such a way that He is most glorified? So often we give out of hearts desiring to get something in return—even if it is just peace of mind that we did something good. Don’t freak out and become all self-conscious about these challenges, but DO something about it! Ask God, what does this look like? Don’t be afraid of the pain involved—the sacrifice that you may have to make because we serve a GOOD God, amen? A God that died for us—that knows our hearts, knows our weaknesses. We say we want to be like our Rabbi, we want to follow Jesus and become like him---Jesus sacrificed his life to save ours so don’t be alarmed if you are asked to sacrifice some aspect of your life from time-to-time. Maybe sacrifice your coffee cup for someone who doesn’t normally get the luxury of Starbucks every morning. Again, all this doesn’t make you any more wonderful or special—but if the Lord leads to use you—even in your humbling moments of weakness, let him do it! Let him use your paper cut to save someone from a gunshot wound and if I recall correctly Christ had some pretty deep cuts (not by choice nor his own doing) as well. He understands a thing or two about using them for God’s glory, don’t you think?

Faith~Hope~Love

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Faith*Hope*Love

Have you noticed the trends in a lot of home decorating? One trend that I have picked up on in (Clarification: I am by no means an interior decorator) is the use of words as a form of décor. I really enjoy home decorating magazines and stores—specifically, Hobby Lobby. Hands-down that is one of the easiest stores to A)spend a lot of time and B) Spend a lot of money: everyday is a sale day there, it’s awesome! Ok, sorry—I digressed! A while back I purchased a few wall-hanging décor signs that have scripture verses or simple words that somewhat represent other scripture verses. A gift that I got a friend of mine that consisted of three of individual signs each with one of the three following words: Faith, Hope or Love. These three words appear to have simple and sweet meanings and are fairly common among the Christian faith --usually referring to passages like 1 Corinthians like this passage:

“And now these three remain, faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

Which is so legit! It’s a great passage, I stumbled however on a few other passages that offer a more “saturated” version of these words giving us a little more background. It’s totally ok if you’re like me when asked “How does one define faith, hope and love?” And you’re like “Dahhhh….good question, hmmm” It’s not ok when we don’t go the next step in understanding these attributes of God. It’s as if you were asked to describe one of your friends and you just gave really blasé answers like “Well, she is about this tall and has kind of blondish hair—“ And your response was “Oh yah! I have totally seen her and I know exactly who you’re talking about” LIAR! :) So consider the following verses as more along the lines of “My friend Danielle has really pretty with a hue of hazy- ocean-like blue; she has pale toned-skin because absolutely hates being out in the sun—she’s afraid of skin cancer…” Got the idea? haha, sorry Dani, love ya! Ok, sorry---read this verse:

“3We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— 5the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel 6that has come to you.” Colossians 1:4-6a

I love, love this verse because it is so crazy to think that Paul is off---doing something different, serving some other area and he hears about what’s going on at the church of Colossae and is just so excited that “he always thanks God when he prays” because of not just their faith in Christ, but their love for the saints. Notice the highlighted words: the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up in heaven.” So this love they have for others comes not from works that these saints are doing for them—but stem from the hope found in Jesus Christ (word made flesh John 1:1 ---I am the way, the truth…got it?) Sweet isn’t it? It gets better---we can cross reference to another passage in the first letter to the church of Thessalonica (of 2!)—also a stellar church of their day that must have been doing something right if Paul is thanking God for them too!

“2(D) We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly[a](E) mentioning you in our prayers, 3remembering before(F) our God and Father(G) your work of faith and labor of(H) love and(I) steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 ESV www.biblegateway.com

Again, Paul is noticing something about this group of believers and check out the description of faith, hope and love (adverbs and adjectives (?) --if I am correct in my English—which doesn’t happen often—sorry for those of you who have that ability, I envy you—in a non-sinful-loving way haha!) “Your work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope.” So cool isn’t it? Faith takes work, does it not? You can only say “Just believe” so many times before you’re like…”Yah, right!” As Christ-followers, our faith in God has to be paired with action---James 2:20- describes Abraham and Rahab this way:

“20You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[d]? 21Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,"[e] and he was called God's friend. 24You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.”
James 2:20-26 www.biblegateway.com

Ok, what about the statement: labor of love. Ha, girls reading this, don’t even go into the fairy-tale, princess-mode with me and say “what about love at first sight? That doesn’t require work—what about Cinderella and Snow White? Yah, realize that Cinderella talked to birds, mice and road in a pumpkin to a ball and Snow White ate an apple from a creepy old lady.” Hehe, ok, a little extreme—but I do really think that our society has an issue with this concept of love. We base far too many decisions on a fake definition of what love really means. I won’t go into all the Hebrew definitions of the true meaning of “love” but this passage describes it in a rather clear and concise way:

7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
Romans 5: 7-9 (www.biblegateway.com)


Yah. Hmm. Do you think Christ was like---“Oh yah---no problem, I’ll just die for these people even though they are disgusting sinners who try to offer me filthy rags (“filthy is a very nice way of putting it—the literal definition is pretty gross—look it up later).” According to Luke’s Gospel, Christ was in such anguish that “he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.” That’s breaking an intense sweat. Love is a lot of work! Does that mean if we work more—God will love us more? No, God will not love us any more than He already does because He loves his son and if we abide in Christ (check out that earlier devo on the word “abide”) we bear the same image of Christ and are co-heirs to the inheritance of eternal life--with GOD! And by the way, eternity starts NOW! This inheritance leads us to the “steadfastness of hope,” portion of scripture—get excited!

Again, hope is something that people throw around as if it’s the latest gadget out on the market “You just gotta have hope!” Ha. Again, LIAR! Life stinks! Do you know how many times a day I put my hope in something and it fails me! A couple months ago, I bought a car---I put my hope in it and you know what, the battery quit like 2 weeks after! I trained all winter long for an outdoor season my sophomore year of college that I never got to run outdoors because I got a stress-fracture in indoor season. I have dated guys …and lol I’m single: enough said! Anyways—you get the idea ha. Point is everything in this life will fail you, outside of the hope we have in Christ. What does the “hope in Christ mean?” Let’s check out some scripture:

Colo. 1:27
To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

Hebrews 3:6
But Christ is faithful as a son over God's house. And we are his house, if we hold on to our courage and the hope of which we boast.

1 Peter 1:3
[ Praise to God for a Living Hope ] Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

1 Peter 1:13
[ Be Holy ] Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Hehe, do you think Peter knew a thing or two about hope? I really like what that last verse says : “give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the HOPE that you have.” You cannot deny the fact that when you first encountered the Truth—and the Holy Spirit pierced that nasty, cold heart of yours—that you did not feel a hope like none other, am I right? You cannot explain that overwhelming (not necessarily a feeling) but just this sense of hope. You cannot deny the hope of thousands of martyrs across the world and those who are in captivity because of their faith—that they have the same hope as that “get the gadget hope” I described earlier. Their hope is steadfast—immovable: they have been stripped of everything and anything else to put their hope in---"and hope does not disappoint us"…(wow, I wish you could witness me writing this devo—I cannot explain the ease I have in recalling these verses into a format that you can understand—Praise God---He is so awesome to us for making His word so clear!)

1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we[a]have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we[b] rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. 3Not only so, but we[c] also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Romans 5:1-5. www.biblegateway.com

Only a hope from God would allow you to rejoice in suffering, amen?

One final and somewhat of a weird connection I found throughout studying this scripture. I am not claiming this as earth shattering Biblical-breakthroughs but I do find it neat how God has actually personified these three somewhat vague terms within the Trinity. Think of scripture pertaining to faith—somewhat corresponds to God the Father (Abraham and his Convenant); Now shift to the concept of love---Christ, the Son (God demonstrates his love in that while we were yet sinners CHRIST died for us—get the connection) And the Holy Spirit—again (Romans 5:5—and HOPE does not disappoint us because God has poured out his love (Christ) by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us—Christ the hope of glory!) Again---just an observation—the Trinity is so incredibly complex and each person is not limited to only being “faith” “love” or “hope” God is all of that ---and more. But it’s cool to see the connection is it not—hopefully it serves a reminder of the attributes of God and the verses from the Bible that back it up!

So yah, it maybe trendy and a good way to remind yourself by hanging up these words on your wall—but better yet, I challenge you to be like the church of Colossae, be like the church of Thessalonica and live it out so much that you get a letter from someone in another country that is actually praying and thanking God for how you are living your life out!

In the Wilderness

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Do you ever find yourself asking God, “Why am I here? God why have you brought me to this place in life or a certain physical state?” I have been asking this question the last two weeks with moving not only to a different state out of the Midwest---but into a city! You can imagine how foreign it feels to a girl who comes from a state with more cows than people! It wasn’t unexpected, in fact, I somewhat chose to come here for schooling but it was a really long process of applying and waiting and so when it actually happened, It was like “Oh! Ok—well just kidding, maybe I’m not ready!” It’s not that I feel ultra homesick or that I dislike this place, it’s more of a, ‘Ok God, now what? It’s hard to feel your presence here and I feel like I don’t really have certain directions on what to do now that I’m here.” I’m sure you can relate to the guessing game that often goes on in ones head when they’re at this place, “Is it because I am going to meet my future husband? Is it because I am going to lead a bunch of people to Christ? Is it because I am going to be challenged ?” And on and on soon leaving me in this state of anxiety, frustration and discontentment. I wake up in the middle of the night unable to sleep because of my mind thinking about the next day or just seeking comfort. This cloud of loneliness will suddenly appear of my head and I am somewhat paralyzed from being a light to those around me throughout my days. My quiet times have been superficial and brief with my prayers ending up in tears and desires to feel God’s presence. Can you relate? There was a group of individuals in the Bible who had somewhat of a different circumstance but have shown some similarities to my situation---the Israelites .

The Psalmist describes their condition in Psalm 106 in light of God’s steadfast love. They were led out of captivity in Egypt and into the wilderness or desert. Though a series of events they found themselves being disobedient to God and their leaders, Moses and Joshua. The first part of the Psalm describes God’s steadfast love and praises him for all of his wondrous works (v 1-7). He leads them through, not over it, not under it but through the Red Sea (still amazes me!) and saved them from their enemies.

The scripture transitions into a portion, a rather lengthy one, of the Psalm that describes their discontentment, forgetfulness and disobedience to God. They begin worshipping other idols in fact this verse gives an immediate snapshot of their state “ They exchanged the glory of God, for the image of an ox that eats grass.” I mean, come on! A cow? Really? (Just wait, I’ll get to our modern-day ‘cows’ in minute). This portion carries on throughout most of the passage until verse 44 where it says this:

“Nevertheless, he looked upon their distress, when he heard their cry. For their sake he remembered his covenant, and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love. He caused them to be pitied by all who held him captive.” (V44-46) ESV

Do you see that! What a remarkable God we serve. Seriously though, think of how it would feel to know that you deserve recognition for something huge and it goes to a cow. Does our God not have the most immense love and patience for us pitiful people. At this point you maybe thinking, “Well Joni, in your circumstance you’re not worshipping cows –you’re just wondering why in the world you’re in Little Rock!” True. But my discontentment stems from the same discontentment of the Israelites and it’s the need to know what’s going on when things are completely out of my hands: why am I in this wilderness?

I, like the Israelites, find myself ‘wandering’ and becoming consumed with ‘figuring out God’s will for me here’ that I am paralyzed from simply trusting Him and listening for His directions. So often I play god in my mind and attempt to figure out tomorrow before I complete living today; attempting to piece my life together so I know what to expect after the season I’m in. So when I am not feeling the Spirit, I become consumed with other gods—my body, my school work/job-related work, being consumed with the next guy I meet or talk to being ‘the one’---aka, Joni’s ‘cows.’ So you get it---now what? I’m still in a city and am not resting in the Lord. I found comfort for the first time yesterday in the words of a passage of scripture that is about as popular as John 3:16---Psalm 23. Let’s read it together/recite it because I’m sure you know 

“1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

www.biblegateway.com (for anecdotes)

I actually listened to a sermon by a pastor Todd Wagner at Watermark Church in Dallas, TX entitled “By Still Waters” (http://www.watermarkradio.com/). He presented both of these passages within his sermon and I felt like the sermon was directed towards me (even though it was actually preached back in 2006! Scripture is timeless, amen?) He described how when we are not at rest in God---when we are consumed with the anxieties of life—we are being disobedient to God and we are sinning! Even though “worry” is not listed in the Ten Commandments or necessarily in those lists throughout the New Testament—like fruits of the flesh, worry is a sin! We are not putting our full faith in God. Additionally, he pointed out something unique—that sleep is actually an act of faith! When we rest—we are trusting that God will provide. The world shouts “Be efficient, be effective and don’t waste a minute of your day!” When in reality, God is calling us to rest! To be called into a place of quiet waters and green pastures of rest. After listening to the sermon and going before the Lord in prayer I felt as though the Spirit just breathed these words into my heart “ Just be all here Joni. Just simply exist here where I have you. You are not missing out on anything anywhere else.” I may never know exactly why I am here but it’s ok, because God does! And after the past two weeks of mayhem, I found myself finally collapsing from my rigid-state of discontentment and resting in the Lord—allowing him to ‘make me lie down in green pastures.’

One final encouragement---I am a big fan of this song by Watermark (how ironic!) called
“The Purest Place.” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSj8JnrG7CM) And in their lyrics they describes where the purest place to be is in Jesus Christ—no matter if we are in the best place on earth or somewhat in the wilderness, we can find rest, peace, and joy in being in the purest place with God. What a gift to simply “dwell in the house of the Lord, forever.” Seek your Shepherd today.

Over-turning Tables in Life--a devo from Matthew 21

Image from:http://www.abelardomorell.net/photography/money_01/images_money/money09_fallingcoins1.jpg

What are you protective of? If you were caught in a fire and could only retrieve one thing from your home, what item would it be? Are you protective of your schedule; if someone randomly asks you to do something, are you able to deviate from your regular routine to either help or be with that person? What about your body? Are you protective of how much food you eat; how much exercise you perform and what goes it? Here’s a scenario—if a total stranger said that one of your siblings or even your spouse said something wrong or did something wrong how would you react? Would you abandon your family member to the testimony of that complete stranger?

These are all things that I have been wrestling with. The act of protecting your body, following a schedule, and contemplating what a person outside your family says about a member are all legitimate things to be concerned with but like everything life, there’s a balance. I have noticed a few things within our society and American culture that frustrate me about the concept of protection. Even more bothersome, some of these things are part of my own life. I find myself becoming angry or overly sensitive to things that are not truly close to my heart and are not my first on my priority list of needing to protect. Anger itself is not wrong, it is the act of sinning when we are angry. I feel like anger can serve as a good indicator of the status of my heart. A passage of scripture that has intrigued me on this topic of protection and anger is repeated throughout the Gospels. It is the account of when “Jesus Cleanses the Temple.” I so wish I could have personally witnessed this event in Christ’s life not because I want to see Jesus mad, but I feel like it would empower me more to protect things that are important to God and that I am called to protect when I associate with Christ. Let’s read the passage together from the gospel of Matthew (or you can check out Mark and Luke’s version as well!)

Jesus Cleanses the Temple
12(O) And Jesus entered the temple[b] and drove out all who sold and bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of(P) the money-changers and the seats of those who sold(Q) pigeons. 13He said to them, "It is written,(R) 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but(S) you make it a den of robbers."
14(T) And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. 15(U) But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying out in the temple,(V) "Hosanna to the Son of David!" they were indignant, 16and they said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?" And Jesus said to them, "Yes;(W) have you never read,
(X) "'Out of the mouth of(Y) infants and nursing babies
you have prepared praise'?"
17And(Z) leaving them, he(AA) went out of the city to(AB) Bethany and lodged there.

Matthew 21:12-17 ESV www.biblegateway.com

Wow. How would you react if someone walked into your church this Sunday and overturned different tables (on the account you were selling something of course---not just a random fit of rage). I am trying to even put myself in the place of someone at the temple that day; you know what’s sad, I think I would think in my head “Jesus, settle down, just talk to them and have them remove the tables.” Almost react like an embarrassed child at the grocery store when mom gets upset with the packing of groceries or upset with dad when he is yelling at a umpire at a baseball game---but this is Jesus Christ—the Holy and Anointed Son of our God. The ESV commentary describes the situation as this market-like setting at the temple of travelers to exchange currency and a place to purchase animals for sacrifices. Notice how the church in this case, is simply trying to make something convenient to the people coming and going in the city and those that attend the temple. Jesus compared this scene to a den of robbers---where people “store wealth or store their ill-gotten wealth and plot future crimes” (ESV Study Bible Commentary). Now, I am not trying to accuse the modern-church’s efforts to provide fellowship with coffee shops or different sitting areas because I think those are great; but we must keep a perspective of protecting our temple, our church from becoming like a den of robbers. This is not just the physical building itself, but rather the body meaning the people---what do your conversations consist of when you’re together? Are you meeting together to take care of business or meeting together to lift one another up in prayer and bless one another in fellowship and company?

Notice how Jesus, in verse 14 immediately switches gears to healing people and the first group at the temple to recognize this was…..children! Yes! The children at the temple were able to recognize Jesus as the Son of David and worship him the way we all should. The “regulars” or the chief priests were skeptical and they became angry at Jesus for doing these things. AH! So backwards! But I can totally see how I would be one of these regulars---standing back and saying, “Really Jesus? Why do you have to do that now and look, the children are getting all out of control praising you as the promised Savior.” Obviously if I am seeing this type of reaction with Jesus Christ you can only imagine what my other relationships look like in this area of protection. I become so concerned with what is politically correct and fearful of man’s opinions that I forget about imprisoned souls. Here are just a few examples in my life that I am choosing to be vulnerable with you on in sharing because I think it can shed some light when you are looking at your own life:

Wrongful Protection Example #1- I will choose to skip morning coffee or breakfast with my family because I like to get up by myself, eat by myself and carry out my own routine. I do believe we need to spend time with the Lord alone but to be so consumed with a morning routine to neglect spending time with family is selfish and almost abandonment of a vital communication time with my family.

Wrongful Protection Example #2- Sometimes my mom will share about an event that happened in her day whether at work or just in public where she is blantenly disrespected or the opposite situation where she shows Christ’s love to someone by giving money to a homeless person and I immediately become critical of her and think—“Oh mom, you probably did something to aggravate someone,” or “mom—you need to be careful in giving to homeless people.” Obviously my mom is not perfect but how often do we abandon the testimony of our immediate family member (Spouse, mother, father and sibling) on account of another person’s opinion. We almost shoot ourselves in the foot! There’s a passage that talks about meeting the needs our immediate family members first before we go out and administer to those who are in need outside of our home. Are you quick to give money to a total stranger before you loan money to a family member?

Wrongful Protection Example #3- I love running. I run everyday. Sometimes I become cranky when I can’t run on certain days. I will wake up early, run in the heat of the day, or go out at night just so I can have that time to run. I like coffee and tea—I will get excited to wake up in the morning just so I can make that coffee or tea and if I run out, I will walk over to a coffee shop at 6 am just to get it. I hate procrastination and so I will often study two weeks in advance in efforts to prepare for an exam. I will become defensive if I don’t have plenty of time--even if it is at the expense of spending precious moments with family and friends. Notice how quick I am to defend these things; my body, my hobbies, food and intellectual gain? It’s not wrong to like these things or to prepare for an exam—but notice how I become angry at this but the minute either my family or I see another group of Christians doing something outwardly for Christ—I become critical and somewhat abandon what I should be protecting?

Infidelity is spreading like wildfire in our country—why? Because we give in and abandon to the sin and temptation of sexual sin. Husbands are willing to protect their need of pleasure and fulfillment while abandoning their wife and family. Women are willing to sacrifice precious time with their children in efforts to work just one more hour a day at the office; willing to have someone else raise their child so they can climb the cooperate ladder and obtain a goal. Kids are willing to spend hours on Facebook and communicate with friends every single day yet neglect to read their Bible; as students, they are quick to memorize a textbook but to memorize a single verse from the Bible is like pulling out teeth. I am just as guilty in some of these areas.


Think of Christ in his last few hours before he was crucified; what were the disciples doing? Sleeping. Later on, when Christ was being arrested, where were his disciples? Running away, denying association with him and even selling information to the authorities. AH! That’s totally me! Please, please, please take notice to little areas of your life that you are abandoning Christ in. We are not even in the heat of persecution and we are so quick to “sell-out” Christ. If we can’t protect these little things, how can or will we withstand the firey trials that will undoubtedly come in this life? We need to protect the things that we are called to—especially relationships that we are entrusted with---the most important one needing to be protected is with Christ. Do you need to “turn some tables” like Jesus did at the temple in your own life? Allow the Holy Spirit to convict you and the passage from Matthew and the other gospels empower you to become fiercely protective of the Truth and the pursuit of being like Christ.

Tears and an Alabaster Jar -A devo from the Gospels Luke and John

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jay_wilkie/2517263873/

There’s a group from our dietetic department my school that goes to Honduras bi-yearly with the army to conduct research on food-insecure populations. I have not had the privilege of going yet, but from what I hear, it is a pretty eye-opening experience. The research involves measuring the degree of wasting of upper arm circumference or stunting do to nutritional deficiencies. Following the research, our group provides fortified rice, a vitamin and sometimes, an iron shot for those who are considered deficient. The group often has a shoe drive before leaving the states called “Happy Feet” so that they can provide the children they perform the various wasting tests on with a brand new pair of shoes. So many diseases can be prevented with good hygiene of feet and so the group often washes their feet and puts their shoes on their feet. Think of that concept for a second and you may recall two very significant moments in Jesus Christ’s life:

Passage from: Luke 7:36-50

36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.
39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."
40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you."
"Tell me, teacher," he said.
41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[d] and the other fifty. 42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"
43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled."
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said.
44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. 45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. 47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little."
48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."
49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"
50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace." ESV www.biblegateway.com


This passage not only gives insight into salvation but gives so much insight into the culture in which Jesus was in at the time. People in that area and during this time period wore sandals. Naturally, the feet of these people were dirty and it was only hospitable for a servant of the house to wash the feet of guests before reclining at the table to eat. When people ate at the table, they somewhat ‘sat on their hip’ with their feet angled slightly behind them. This woman comes in, aware of who Jesus is and just begins to weep behind Christ and begins to wash his feet with her tears. The woman remains unidentified in the Bible and to be honest, I don’t think God could have had this story written any different through Luke than He did (for obvious reasons). Because she remains nameless, we can put ourselves in her place so much easier: we are like that sinful woman and should follow her example in the way that she washed, kissed and poured perfume on the feet of Jesus. This example was just a foreshadowing of what was to come for Christ in a passage recounted in John:


Passage from John 13: 1-17

1Now(A) before(B) the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that(C) his hour had come(D) to depart out of this world to the Father,(E) having loved(F) his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2During supper, when(G) the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, 3Jesus, knowing(H) that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that(I) he had come from God and(J) was going back to God, 4rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel,(K) tied it around his waist. 5Then he(L) poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, do you wash my feet?" 7(M) Jesus answered him, "What I am doing(N) you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand." 8(O) Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, (P) "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." 9Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!" 10Jesus said to him, "The one who has bathed does not need to wash,(Q) except for his feet,[a] but is completely clean. And(R) you[b] are clean,(S) but not every one of you." 11(T) For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, "Not all of you are clean."

12When he had washed their feet and(U) put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, (V) "Do you understand what I have done to you? 13(W) You call me(X) Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet,(Y) you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example,(Z) that you also should do just as I have done to you. 16Truly, truly, I say to you,(AA) a servant[c] is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things,(AB) blessed are you if you do them. ESV www.biblegateway.com


Is this not one of the most beautiful images presented in the Bible? Imagine this! Jesus Christ: son of God, the Creator of the Heaven and the Earth, the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Savior, the Lamb, the Alpha and Omega; kneeling down after putting on a towel to wash the feet of common men—one pair of feet who would betray him, another who would deny him three times and all would abandon him almost hours later. I love verse 13 stating “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” It goes on to state that we as a servant is no greater than his master nor a messenger than the one who sent him. Thinking about the significance of this command---it is similar to a verse in Luke 6 stating “Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Now, does this mean we have the power to forgive sins? No, the true authority to forgive sins is within Christ himself---but he commands us and shows by example in this passage that if Christ can forgive those who crucify him on a cross and betray him, that we can most certainly forgive one another.


You may say, “Ok, I want to obey this command and am willing, but we don’t wash feet like this in America—how does this relate to today?” Well, it remains a beautiful image to follow this in the literal sense; I know of a couple that the husband washed the feet of his wife on their first night together of their wedding day. He desired to show her that he would humbly lead her like Christ. But we can simply ‘wash one another’s feet’ in the way that we approach any and every situation in life. We must recognize that Christ is the reason we are doing it---not to make us appear as though we are more spiritual or ‘holier than though.’ So I would suggest just asking God, “What does this look like in my life God? Whose feet do you want me to wash? Then we need to humble ourselves; get up from the table we are at and take the place of a servant. Next, we need to serve; to wash, to both forgive and to ask for forgiveness of those around us. Lastly, repeat steps one, two and three….seven times seventy times!

Tell the Next Generation

Image from: http://www.flickr.com/photos/skutchb/3741086480/

Perhaps it is my age or the new addition to our family with my little nephew Caleb, but I have become rather intrigued by supporting younger generations. Working at Kanakuk Kamps for two summers, visiting with high school-aged girls in FCA and even interactions with college freshman are all examples of avenues I have been able to influence the next generation. Now that I have graduated from college, I feel as though I have been pushed out of this current generation’s bubble and into a space that I don’t believe anyone likes to admit they are in: the older generation. Don’t worry, my mid-life crisis has not hit me yet at age 22 but it is amazing how one can go from being concerned with the idea that the world is “yours” to “theirs.” Think about it with me for a second: elementary-aged children have been exposed to more technology within their short life span than my grandma has in her entire lifetime! Not only is the upcoming generation technologically driven, but also evidence-based with the demand for proof in every aspect of life. Modern medicine has revolutionized our healthcare system and has transformed the way we approach health and fitness. What about our spiritual status? (….Chirp, Chirp….) Yah, that’s what I thought! Appears as though only a cricket knows what to say, right? Funny how we bring in the topic of religion and people are at a loss of words as how to describe this generation’s view on it. Well, it’s not that this generation isn’t “spiritual” just “spiritual” in a variety of different ways with some being incredibly far away from the Truth. Why do you think that is? Don’t blame the government or the free religion tolerance that is taking place; Yes I believe God has been somewhat slighted-out of schools and public places but do you know what I really think it is: we have a degree of what I like to call “Spiritual Amnesia.” We are a generation of forgetful people, but we are not the first generation to be like this. The other generation that sticks out in my mind as well as in the Bible was notorious for having bouts of spiritual amnesia which caused them to remain in the desert for a period of time. Can you think of a group of people that may have been in the desert for a period of time? Let’s visit an account in Psalm 78 and discuss how our “older generations”—including myself, can learn from their mistake.

Now, Psalm 78 contains 72 verses so we won’t be going verse-by-verse however, I highly recommend you do this and wrestle with each point presented because it will transform the way you not only understand where this generation was but more importantly, it will reveal the character of our great God! I will try and find “natural” breaks in the passage and discuss sections of verses for ‘blogging-sake.’

Within the first four verses we can sense urgency in the Psalmist for getting the attention of those he is writing to: give ear, incline your ears and so on and so forth. He proclaims that he will not hide the things that were made known to him by his father but “will tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.”

In the next section, verses five through eight, he continues to explain why it is important for the next generation to know of God’s goodness. God established a testimony in Jacob and the law in Israel way back in Genesis 17:7; 18:19 and Deut. 6:6-9. Genesis 18:19 states this:

“For I have chosen (known) him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” ESV

So basically, this isn’t a new concept of “telling the next generation” this has been part of God’s plan from the beginning of time! Why you may continue to ask, is this so important? Because the next generation is to “set their hope in God” to “not forget the works of God,” and to “keep his commands; and that they should not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.”

When I read this passage, I feel as though there’s a dependency created between “obedience of God’s law” and “forgetting God’s works,” and vice versa. It makes sense does it not? If your mom or dad said to you “Sweetie, will you clean your room,” you would have the choice to obey or disobey depending on not only your desire to honor your parent, but the running history you may have experienced in choosing one way or the other. If you’ve experienced goodness from you parent, you are going to remember that which may propel you into being obedient; if it was a real bad experience and you were punished for disobedience, I bet that you recall that situation much faster than the other. I don’t know. To me, if you are struggling with a sin, generally that sin is on your mind all the time; but if you continually having the Lord transform your mind---getting into his Word on a daily basis and meditating on those truths---the temptation to sin becomes less likely to be in your mind. Just a thought regarding this point of the passage: let’s continue on!

The next passage of scripture leads into a larger portion of this passage recounting the works of God and Israel’s response. The Ephramites turned back in the day of battle and did not keep his covenant; these people forgot his works. Notice that phrase---“they forgot his works.” To me a “work” a “wonder” like what is described in the next few verses is nothing short than a miracle and yet these people forgot them!

“He divided the seas and let them pass through it and made the waters stand like a heap…”

“In the daytime he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a fiery light,.”

“He split rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink abundantly as from the deep.”

“He made streams come out of the rock and caused waters to flow down like rivers.”

Hmm. In my basic knowledge and understanding of the characteristics of a desert, it appears as though the Lord is providing EXACTLY what these people need, does it not? As we read on into verses 17-22, we realize that these people still did not listen to God and in fact, tested him by saying “Can God spread a table in the wilderness? Can he also give bread or provide meat for his people?” Are you serious? You all just witnessed God dividing seas, splitting rocks and being led by a cloud and fiery pillar—is anything too hard for our God? Apparently the Israelites thought so and rebelled. Naturally God becomes angry because they did not ‘believe in God and did not trust his saving power’ (vs.22). Probably one of thee most beautiful of words follows this verse; yet. Verse 23 says this:

“Yet, he commanded the skies above and opened the doors of heaven, and he rained down them manna to eat and gave them the grain from heaven. Men ate the bread of angels he sent them food in abundance He caused the east wind to blow in the heaves, and by his power led out the south wind; he rained meat on them like dust, winged birds like the sand of the seas; he let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. And they ate and were filled for he gave them what they craved.”
Psalm 78:23-29 ESV

Oh fellow (and fell-a ) beloved, do you see that? Seriously, do you see what has taken place and the revealing goodness of our God? The Lord provided abundantly and goes on to rebuke the people for not being satisfied by actually killing ‘the strongest of them and laying low the young men of Israel’ (vs 24). You may say, well that seems odd that God’s anger would rise after he gives them what he wants. But you have to understand, these people were not getting it! They refused to trust and believe in him and so, much like a Father disciplines a child who refuses to obey, God—who is perfectly Holy and Righteous brings justice to this group and works towards bringing about a generation who worships Him with obedient hearts. Eventually they get it because of his wrath and they begin seeking him earnestly and then revert back to ‘flatter him with their mouths; lying with their tongues.’ They did not remain faithful to his covenant (vs. 30-37). Do you flatter the Lord with your tongue and lie to God? Maybe just meditate a bit on this if you feel convicted in this area before reading on.

The beautiful word ‘yet,’ appears again in verse 38 saying:

“Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their inquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath. He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes and comes not again.” ESV

Do you sense this balance scale that titers back and forth throughout these verses between God’s character traits: compassion and mercy versus justices and righteousness? This continues throughout the rest of the passage. The people continue to refuse disobey and God manages to retain anger and then has to bring forth wrath onto his people to get their attention. They even ‘provoke him to anger with their idols’ (vs. 58). They almost tease the God of the universe with these man-made idols, like the golden calf. How would that make you feel? Maybe you feel like your spouse or significant other is often so preoccupied with some rinky-dink gadget or worse, some other person and they hold that thing up to you and say, “This is so much better than you.” Ouch. I do not wish that upon anyone---but if anyone does not deserve it, it is God! We are merely humans—far from being good let along the perfect God of the universe! What idols are you teasing God with? Again, I challenge you to meditate on this before proceeding to read further in this passage.
Lastly, we encounter more wrath of God that is poured-out on the people of Israel in verses 59 through 68. He did reject what appeared to be a ‘more-likely tribe’ in candidacy of bringing in a king to lead the people and chose ‘Judah, Mount Zion which he loves’ (vs. 68). From this tribe came King David who became a shepherd of God’s people and did so with an ‘upright heart’ and ‘guided them with his skillful hand.’ Later on the ‘good shepherd’ is revealed who we know as Jesus Christ who is also acts as the Lamb of God and takes upon himself, the sin of the world.

I am sure you may be puzzled and hung-up on a few parts of scripture in this text. It’s challenging to see this dual-character of God and not somewhat ask the question, “If God loves us so much, why does he bring his wrath upon his people like that?” But you have to look at it from the Lord’s perspective (which none of us can do perfectly or understand---who can know the mind of the Lord?)---He is both equally just and loving. It would be denying himself if he were to completely go against this aspect of himself and to just give- in and do whatever his people wanted him to do. He wouldn’t be God---we would be able to manipulate him and corrupt him in our sinful ways---which completely goes against him because he is the only thing that is truly good! Seek Him and ask Him to bring a sense of peace to this area if you continue to struggle in it and you know what you can do? Tell the next generation! Find someone younger than you and teach them the goodness of our Lord revealed in both his justice and his mercy in this passage. He didn’t have to have compassion on his people, but he did. He didn’t have to give them what they needed after they deliberately disobeyed him, but he did! We don’t deserve anything! Do you understand that? God does not owe us anything!! Anything that we have that is good is a gift from our Lord—we deserve hell and total separation from the Lord. But in his goodness, he provided a Shepherd—one that laid down his life for us and paid the penalty for our repulsive sins so that we could be in community with the Lord. Think about all of this. Remember the Lord’s goodness in your own life and share that often. Do not become like the people of Israel and complain about being in a wilderness: rejoice in it and say “But we have Emmanuel, God with us! What more can we ask for?” Wake up from your current state of ‘Spiritual Amnesia’ and remember what the Lord has done, is doing and what he promises to do in the next generation.

Coffee with Louie at 4 AM

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You know those nights that not matter what you do, eat, read, and maybe for you die-hards like me, clean—that you cannot fall asleep? A couple nights ago, I found myself so incredibly restless and unable to sleep. I went to bed at 11:00 pm and got up at 1:00 am and just laid there wide awake. I attempted to journal a bit in efforts to quiet my mind and then dozed until about 4:00 am. I decided to get up and just have a quiet time. I wanted to listen to a couple sermons online but my internet was being goofy so I found this Louie Giglio sermon that a friend of mine had given me on CD about a year and half ago. It was on the topic of “Being Disciplined in Solitude” and waiting for God to speak to you and do His will. Isn’t it funny that many of us do not like those awkward silences created in conversation or in church services when maybe the pastor is coming up to speak or the worship team is coming up to play?

So often we as Christians go off once we have prayed about something and say “This must be where God wants me to go…” without really sitting still and listening for the Lord’s reply. Now, I know that God speaks through different ways. He may not present himself in an audible-sense, but there is something to behold in waiting in silence for God. That morning I actually sat there after I heard the sermon …planning on just sitting in silence for 5 minutes. Those 5 minutes turned into one of the most remarkable experiences for me and actually turned into 15 minutes of solitude! I couldn’t help but be somewhat fearful! I was totally alone and it was early in the morning and I feel like I was able to relate to those Bible characters who are visited by an angel or the 11 disciples sitting in that room when Christ appeared out of no where. I was actually nervous! I knew that if God wanted to really show up and speak to me in some supernatural way—He could. I loved it! I felt God’s presence like I had never felt it before and I thought, “Oh man, just imagine when He is standing before me!” I can completely understand and relate to John now when he was first instructed to write Revelation how and why he fell dead because in those few moments of silence, If anyone were to appear before me: I would have too! HA. Another thing that made these moments so sweet was that as I was watching the hand on the clock on my wall go around, I was in total anticipation of God doing something-believing He would.

Louie goes on to explain the scripture found in John, “My sheep know my voice.” And so we as Christ-followers should be able to identify His voice above every other noise. In reality though, I struggle so often in hearing his voice simply because I listen to other “shepherds.” Shepherds like the media, friends, family and even my own thoughts. I often think in song lyrics and although these shepherds may even be means of which God can speak through—my heart longs for whisper from God. You know a passage that I have come to love on this subject and is one that Louie touches on in this sermon is the story of Elijah listening for God. It’s found in 1 Kings 19:1-18. Elijah is defeated and was fearful for his life so he ran off into the wilderness. He’s sleeping under a broom tree an this angel touched him and said “Arise and eat.” So he did and then he fell back asleep only to get woken up again to eat and go on a journey to Horeb, the mount of God.

Our story continues on when Elijah gets to this cave and the word of the Lord comes to him saying “What are you doing here?” Elijah admits to his defeated spirit and is ready to die like the other prophets. Then God instructs him to go out on this mount—so he obeys. Read what happens next…

“11And he said, "Go out and(A) stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and(B) a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind(C) an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.[a] 13And when Elijah heard it,(D) he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold,(E) there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"” ESV www.biblegateway.com

I don’t know about you, but we serve a big God and I would only expect His ways of communication to be just that: Big! However, this scripture shows something so captivating about our God: He whispers. He wasn’t in the wind, earthquake or fire, the word of the Lord came in a whisper. And did you see how Elijah reacted to the whisper---he was in total awe of the presence of the Lord that he had to cover his face! A whisper. Wow. And then it’s like God just tenderly says, “What are you doing here?” Man. Do you not find this quality of God amazing and captivating? It is just satisfying for me to delight in this—wow.

You know that feeling when someone you are close with—maybe a spouse, a friend of a family member gives you a hug and whispers encouraging words to you? I can recall countless times after a race that my mom comes over to me and gives me a hug and whispers with tear-filled eyes, “I’m so proud of you Joni!” Or maybe it’s a husband drawing his wife to him saying, “You are so beautiful.” Ah! There is something about the act of being near someone you love and for the words shared between two people being in a whisper. Where do you think that gift comes from? God. Our God is so marvelous in the way He communicates with His children; don’t drown-out silence, embrace it, and anticipate God’s whisper.

Ab(r)ide in Him

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Ab(r)ide—A devotional inspired by John 15 and Psalm 91

For some reason the word “abide” has always had a definition that I found rather hard to completely grasp. It is a great word isn’t it though? I feel like it really summarizes the action of dwelling, remaining and/or conforming perfectly. Not only is the word “abide” often on the ‘shelf in usage’ but also in its verbal-sense. The American culture that we live in screams the antonyms of abide: leave, differentiate yourself and be ambiguous with religion. What does the Bible say about this word? Let’s turn our eyes to the book of John, chapter 15 to get a better idea:

I Am the True Vine

1"I am the(A) true vine, and my Father is(B) the vinedresser. 2(C) Every branch in me that does not bear fruit(D) he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes,(E) that it may bear more fruit. 3Already(F) you are clean(G) because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4(H) Abide(I) in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5I am the vine;(J) you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that(K) bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in me(L) he is thrown away like a branch and withers;(M) and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7If(N) you abide in me, and my words abide in you,(O) ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8(P) By this my Father is glorified, that you(Q) bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9(R) As the Father has loved me,(S) so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10(T) If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as(U) I have kept(V) my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. 11These things I have spoken to you,(W) that my joy may be in you, and that(X) your joy may be full.

(ESV) citations found at www.biblegateway.com

I love this piece of scripture because do you notice how Jesus is so good at personifying a hard concept to his disciples? I also like his personal touch of “I Am” within the very first verse---emphasizes his relationship with God. In verse 2 he is stating the simply known fact that if a branch isn’t producing some fruit on a vine, it serves no purpose and should be cut off so that other branches receive the support from the vine. And if you are producing fruit, you may get pruned a bit because it allows for more fruit to flourish. Jesus transitions in verse 3 explaining the disciples are clean---in cross referencing the phrase “you are clean” to John 17:17 and Ephesians 5:26 we discover that this means having been sanctified by the Truth or the washing of the word. In verse 4, Christ commands the act of abiding in him. The branches of the vine he introduced earlier in the passage require the attachment to the main vine in order for fruit to be produced. How many branches do you see laying on the ground after a strong storm producing a piece of fruit ? Similarly, we cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit on our own. This “fruit” is referring to several passages throughout all of scripture with the most notable being found Galatians 5. The verses following the command explain what happens to those branches that do not abide in the main vine: thrown away. See in verse 7 that although you maybe conforming to the vine, that there is a sense of freedom when Christ says “ask whatever you wish and it will be done to you.” Abide in love: dwell in love, conform in the love of Christ. How does one do that you may ask: by “keeping his commands.” And in verse 11 it says that not only do we get the blessing of simply abiding and obeying our Lord but with that comes the fruit of JOY---complete joy!

I was running the other day praying this scripture over and over in my head. I have a hard time conforming to the Lord’s will sometimes. I always attempt to do things my way—even after prayer, I will often find myself going “behind God’s back” (not possible—but I feel like it). And so as I was running I just kept repeating the word “Abide, abide, abide” and this beautiful imagery came to mind: a bride. Just like ab(r)ide conforms to a husband and becomes one, so are we as Christ-followers. This imagery is not anything new is it? We are the bride of Christ are we not? Well, use that analogy for this scripture and it sheds a little different light does it not? We in America may not have the best examples of a wife conforming to her husband but picture a “Wife of Noble Character” simply dwelling with her husband and showing her love through the way she honors him. I say honor because everyone freaks out when we say “obeys her husband,” but in reality everyone---that’s what a woman is to do correct? Now you have to remember that in the analogy we are married to Christ: you cannot find a better husband than that amen? In the same way a husband has to be like Christ to his wife---so don’t get all upset at me for making those earlier statements, I’m a woman too you know . But do you see the picture created by simply adding an “r” into the word abide? Obviously Christ used the perfect analogy with the vine so I will not even attempt to “top” that, but I did think it was neat how when I was meditating on this word, that the image of a bride came to mind and opened up the verse a little more.

One final example of this word in scripture is found in Psalm 91. At K2 Kanakuk Kamp last summer we memorized this Psalm as a staff because we were in need of some defense in what appeared to be a physical battle with H1N1 in our Kampers. It was pretty frustrating when you finally see a child broken and willing to change and then have to go home because of a fever. I was revisiting that scripture this morning and lo and behold the first two verses say this:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

You have to realize that we are pretty helpless without our God amen? Sure, we may be able to muster up strength to endure some of life’s arrows thrown at us but when trials such as sickness, brokenness and fear are thrown at us, we got nothing! We are as helpless as that branch just thrown down on the ground by the latest storm. But Scripture says that if we “dwell in the shelter of the Most High” and “abide in the shadow of the Almighty” He will become our fortress, our safe-place and our refuge. What a husband! He is protecting us as a husband protects his family! If all we have to do (I know, easier said than done) is to obey his commands while He saves us from deadly pestilence, snare of the fowler, terror of night, arrows that fly by day, pestilence that stalks in darkness and destruction that wastes at noonday—I would say we have a pretty good deal going here. Ha, seriously how silly we are to be ambiguous and attempt to do things our own way. God not only offers his security but he often helps us learn how to trust in Him. Our God provides EVERYTHING for us—we simply need to abide in Him. And if you have issues being abride of Christ—do what any wife would do, talk to her husband! Cry out to the Lord and ask for help: that may come in the sense of peace and the ability to trust Him more or else He may even lead you to scripture or a memory of His faithfulness in the past. He will reveal that we have one wonderful husband leading us and one we cannot help but trust!

Beauty and the Beast

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"Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme....Beauty and the Beast" Last week I was sitting in the Canton High School Commons watching an elegantly and beautifully dressed girl dance with this goofy-looking "Beast" (no offense to the boy of course!) dance back and forth while "Mrs Pots" sang the love song from the movie "Beauty and the Beast." My mom is a choir director in Canton for both the Jr. High and High school and I had the privilege of watching their spring musical performance. The kidos did an outstanding job and really told the story very well; in fact, they stirred up a lot of sweet and precious memories for me of when I was a little girl dancing around to this song in play clothes with some bear or ken doll in our living room. I was infatuated with stories that contained a beautiful girl searching out an adventure. Naturally, every little girl sees her role as "Beauty" when in reality---I think I'm closer to the Beast. I know, I know, I am not trying to fish for compliments or be the girl that never is satisfied with her looks--I'm telling the truth! Turn to a page in the Bible that I was reading in my quiet time this morning and allow me to explain:

"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you. Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that my heart desires besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."

Psalm 73:20-26 ESV

On any given day, I can turn into a beast: past sins, regret and bitterness can easily creep into my heart and make me hostile towards the work of God's holiness and redemption in my life. I can be ignorant and just plain stubborn in surrendering things at the foot of the cross. I recall a scene from the musical last week when the beast yells at beauty " You're not welcomed here! Get out!!!!!!" Ha! I may not say those words audibly---or even think those words, but when I reject the Holy Spirit's leading or conviction, it is as if I am saying those things. My fits of rage and temper tantrums may sound something more like this: " Not now God, I'm too busy with other things. I just want to have a pity party right now ok? It hurts a lot--how could this happen to me, what did I ever do?" Yup. Even though it may have different words than the script, I would say that that those statements have come from a beast: me--bad breath and all!

But the "beauty" in this story (I hear the pretty melody of the transitional background music--if I could insert me humming it right here I would :), is that word found in verse 23 "Nevertheless." Despite my rage and anger, God remains faithful: He holds my right hand, guides me and even receives me into glory (vs. 23-25) The Psalmist confesses that in comparison to any other person or thing both in heaven and on earth---nothing matters and is more desiring than knowing God (v 25). He admits that his flesh and heart may fail but that really, God is the strength (or in Hebrew--Rock) of his heart and my portion forever. Portion refers to "lot, lines," or "inheritance." I think of portion as the only thing I cling to--the only thing that I will have in the end of my life.

Wow. We can watch a movie like Beauty and the Beast and think "what a great story!" But it's deeper than that when you look at it in light of what you know in Scripture: We are like the Beast but then we are transformed because of the grace, the mercy, faithfulness and ultimately, the love of our God. He is not fearful of us in our horrific state of sin: He sees us as 'ugly and gruesome' yet redeemable. The Bible says that once we accept Christ--when we 'died our lives are now hidden with Christ in God' (Col. 3:3). So when God looks at us--he no longer sees the beast, He sees Christ and He promises to 'never leave us nor forsake us' (Deut. 31:6). Surrender the mask of the "beast" to Christ so that you can experience the "beauty" of knowing God and claim the "beautiful inheritance" (Psalm 16:6).

The Fear of Questions-a devo from various scripture

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When asked the question “What are you afraid of?” My answer does not consist of the usual spiders, the dark or some disfigured movie monster—it is actually the inability to give an answer. Do you ever struggle with that? The fear of not knowing what to say or how to express what you know? I’m not just talking about in class when your professor randomly says “Miss Strom…what is the answer to practice problem 10-A?” (Although, it does make me a little nervous) I am talking about the questions that every person who claims to have Christ as the Lord and Savior of their life encounters by non-believers. Questions like: “Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God send people to hell? How do people come to know the Lord if they have never had the chance to hear about him? Why is the church full of hypocrites? Are you sure that Christ is the only way to heaven: do not all religions lead to heaven?” I have a tendency to push this topic or subject of fear from my mind and ignore it’s presence in my mind when in reality, we as Christ followers should be able to give an answer. But when my eyes stumble upon a passage like in 1 Peter 3—I realize that maybe it’s about time to face this fear:

“13Now(S) who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14(T) But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed.(U) Have no fear of them,(V) nor be troubled, 15but(W) in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy,(X) always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and(Y) respect, 16(Z) having a good conscience, so that,(AA) when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17For(AB) it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God’s will, than for doing evil.” (ESV-1 Peter 3:13-17)

It is so great that the first thing addressed here is the reminder that “If God is for you, who can be against you?” (Romans 2:2) If you are proclaiming the name of Christ and being obedient to sharing Him with others—which is what God has commanded us to do, what are you afraid of? The outcomes are win-win: if you share Christ with someone and give testimony to Him in your life, you win and if you are rejected and ‘suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed:’ another win. The next sentence is the heart-beat of this topic and I encourage you to put yourself into the scripture like this:

“Have no fear of them, nor be troubled Joni, but in your heart honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…”

First step in this passage is to ‘honor Christ the Lord as holy.’ What does that even mean? It has to mean more than just saying “Oh yah, God is pretty holy.” No, this means that we are to recognize God as perfect, set-apart from anyone or anything, pure, blameless, righteous, omniscient, omnipotent, Creator of everything: so Holy that no man would even have the ability to look upon God’s face without falling upon his own face, dead. I would say that God is more than just ‘pretty holy.’ I feel like this portion of the verse precedes the action of giving a defense in order to put us in our place. We are not omniscient. We do not have unlimited knowledge, or claim that we can perceive everything. Therefore, if we do not have this knowledge, we should not rely on our own understanding and perception but rather rely on Christ. Remember the verse in Proverbs? “The beginning of all wisdom is the fear of the LORD.” Adam and Eve desired to know both good and evil and so they sinned against God and sought fruit from the Tree of Life. This passage is addressing the core of every human being: a desire to be God—when in reality, all we can be is like God.

Moving onto the next portion of the scripture, “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you..” Just because we are neither God nor omniscient like him, does not permit us to simply waste the mind He has given us. “Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul mind and strength.” (Mark 12:30). Therefore, do not even try to use the excuse that you do not have the ability. All of those questions that were shared in the beginning are targeting the simple reason why you have hope in Jesus Christ. So why do you have your hope in Christ? Not how did you come to know Christ—but why? Even mature Christians may struggle a moment in putting it into words: I know I do! But God’s Word says that we are always give a reason as to why we have placed our hope in Christ.

Even if we express our faith in Jesus Christ perfectly, it does not mean that the person will accept and believe in Christ. I was listening to a sermon the other day by the evangelist, Jack Graham on the topic of “Belief and Unbelief.” He addressed all of these questions and said that these questions stem from a heart of unbelief. I am not saying that if you have periodic doubts regarding God that you are not a Christian---but when you are approached by a person who is asking “Why does God send people to hell?” or “Why do bad things happen to good people?” That ultimately, these questions stem from a heart of unbelief and to be honest, your words cannot make a person believe. It is ultimately God who draws those to him. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 says this:

“4For we know,(A) brothers[a] loved by God,(B) that he has chosen you, 5because(C) our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and(D) in the Holy Spirit and with full(E) conviction.”

Notice how the verse states “that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and full conviction.” ‘Not only in word but in the power and the Holy Spirit’ I am being repetitive because the point is that it’s the partnership of both sharing the Truth and God opening the eyes of the individual to Himself that penetrates his or her heart. God opened Saul’s (Paul) eyes on a road and audibly spoke to Him: think of having that kind of a conversion! (Acts 9) In Galatians 3, Paul is addressing the Galatians on this topic:

“1O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?(A) It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly(B) portrayed as crucified. 2Let me ask you only this:(C) Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by(D) hearing with faith? 3Are you so foolish?(E) Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[a] the flesh? 4(F) Did you suffer[b] so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and(G) works miracles among you do so(H) by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6just as(I) Abraham "believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"?”


I feel like he is somewhat frustrated a little. I don’t know, when someone says something like “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?!” Ha! My paraphrase of this text would be: “Are you high on something—what’s your deal?” But the Galatians were struggling with the concept of works and faith and which of the two were the means of salvation. Notice the placement of the word “Spirit.” Verse 3 states that we began with the Spirit and later on in verse 5, ‘he who supplies the Spirit to you.’ Are you getting the idea now?
This somewhat leads into one of those questions addressed earlier about “Why does God let good people go to hell—why aren’t all people saved?” I will admit, this topic makes me uncomfortable but just because it’s uncomfortable doesn’t mean that we are not to wrestle with it. The element of God’s sovereignty in salvation and the concept of predestination can get a little messy theologically. No body likes to think of people going to hell and if God desires for no one to perish—it doesn’t make sense. This is something that we are to wrestle with as Christ-followers and seek God’s Word on. I am so incredibly humbled with this topic and do not claim to ‘have it all figured out’ but here is what God’s Word says and it is my prayer that you take it and be uncomfortable with it too.
Going back to that verse in 1 Thessalonians, it does state “that he has chosen you.” Romans 8:29-30, Ephesians 1:5,11: six verses total in the New Testament pertain to God “predestining” or “determining beforehand,” other literal meanings are “elected” or in Greek ekloge meaning “choice, selection, election.” (ESV Commentary) This predestination is to be ‘conformed to the image of his son’ or the ‘adoption of Christ.’ Never does it say “God has predestined us for hell.” WE, ourselves, are predestined for hell but God, in His abundant mercy and grace, has now predestined us for heaven. See the contrast? Additionally, we cannot claim to be ‘good people.’ Jesus Christ himself said in Matthew, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." There is only one person who is good. The statement about “keep the commandments” is not saying that you earn salvation through good works but that you must first recognize God as the only person who is good. In that light and recognition, the good that you serves an act of belief in it. We must realize when wrestling with this scripture that God is good! He is not an evil God sending people to hell. Did he elect people to know Him? According to the word, yes—He is God and is sovereign. Does that mean that we who are chosen are to just sit on our bums and let him bring those that are his to himself? I love this passage from Romans 10:

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? R32 And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!" 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?" 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. 18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for"Their voice has gone out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world." 19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,"I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry." 20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,"I have been found by those who did not seek me; I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me." 21 But of Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."
(ESV www.studylight.com)

(Sorry. This devotional is turning into a full-blown lesson—but it is so good to work through this amen?!) The verses 13 and 14 state the fact : How are people going to come to the Lord if they have not heard? And how are people going to hear if someone has not been sent to preach? Can you see how predestination fits into God’s plan and will? The verse “Everyone who calls on the name of Lord will be saved,” reveals that God is good and does not desire for anyone to perish. As we get to verse 18 in this passage, we realize that a lot of people have heard it—but they deny the message. God is so patient amen? Verse 21 it states that “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.” Within the concept of predestination, there is still an element of choice—to obey or disobey. How it all works, I am still not completely sure: it would be foolish to deny the fact that God has predestined us because it takes away from God’s immense sovereignty and is inconsistent with the way he has carefully planned-out all of creation. In the same sense, we are not robots—love is a choice: Christ did not say “You will follow me,” he said “Follow me.” God is not sending anyone to hell: He loves us so much that he granted us a way to be saved from it!

Whew. Questions? :)Ha. Questions may seem rather intimidating but do you realize how important they are? Do you see how facing a fear of questions head-on can actually lead to a deeper knowledge of God? The more we know God—who is love, we can know love. The wrestling is not in any shape or form a means of obtaining head-knowledge, it’s meant to be practiced and put into action. Recognize the reason you came to Christ, passing from darkness into light. The Bible commands us to ‘let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.’(Matt. 5:16). Probably the biggest question you should wrestle with are not the ones people ask you, but the one you should ask yourself daily “Why am I a Christ-follower?” Allow that question to permeate into the way you live your life.