Consider it Joy - Called to the Storm

One thing that catches me off guard is James 1. I think when we view it and consider it in the midst of a hardship, it could cause bitterness to rise up. It could cause us to question God, or even to say you want nothing to do with Him. But if we truly believe His word is true, and we truly strive to see the pieces of it fall into place in our lives, we need to take James 1 with the package:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sister, whenever you face trials of many kinds," - James 1:2

As I have walked the line of unknowns, trials, tests, burdens, feeling like a burden all my life, (don't we all feel like we walk this line?) I find this verse intriguing. And over the last several years it has actually been the one that pops into my head most on any given day. That is why I have considered this to be my next "series" in this blog, and furthermore, the topic most likely to become my book someday, as it is one that continues to affect all of us. So without further ado...

Last week was a hard week for the Ruhlig bank account. I get text alerts when our bank account is low and I woke up every morning to a "warning" that we were at $4.91 all week. Talk about anxiety every morning. Sunday - Thursday. The best part is we didn't touch it. The number stayed above 0 all week despite auto bills and forgotten checks. That happens occasionally for us. We end up diving into reserves in the freezer and living on Ramen Noodles, but we always come out the other side. I can't say we're always proud of those moments, but it's a reality we fall into from time to time when the license plates ended up costing way more than we thought, or the gas to get to the appointment was a little unexpected, or that appliance/car/sink/house broke again, or there was a gift to pitch in for and shame didn't allow us to say "can't right now". The bills were paid, but we didn't go nuts last week. Sometimes we're short because of unexpected things, sometimes because we simply didn't think ahead well enough, but we try to learn each time. This is just one of those trials in life we occasionally face that we keep trying to grow from and plan better for. Sometimes inevitable, other times we just make a dumb choice and get forgetful about an expense. 

We can learn from our trials, whether we bring them upon ourselves or not. 

Aside from considering trials joys in James 1:2, the next thing we have to notice is that word "whenever". This insinuate they will happen to all of us. If you're living life, breathing air, dealing with other humans, failing body parts, and fickle finances, trials are gonna happen, y'all. This series is going to get personal because truth is we all deal with storms. So what if I challenge your thinking a little bit today in stating that perhaps the trials we are facing are ones we may be "called" to? Hang with me a second. 

Every single one of us comes with a unique set of gifts, skills, achievements, etc. But every single one of us also comes with brokenness, failures, struggles, weaknesses, etc. Am I depressing you yet? Keep with me. 

So with this reasoning, we can't help but know that our trials, hardships, struggles, etc. are brought about by our own set of unique traits. Some seem unfair and never asked for. Some we bring upon ourselves when we make terrible decisions. Either way, they are considered our trials. But our trials make us who we are. And later on as we continue to talk about them in this series, I'll point out just how we can respond in healthy and not so healthy ways, but consider today that whether you brought upon the hardships you face this very moment yourself, or if they are ones you never asked for, perhaps there is a reason. 

Perhaps you are called to the trials you face. Let me say it a different way...

Perhaps you are meant to face this storm for a reason much greater than you. 

Because down the road, perhaps years from now, someone else will face it too, and need you to show them they will make it through. 

Because down the road, perhaps years from now, you will look back and be able to see so clearly how God's hand was all over you in the midst of that storm, and that realization itself brings about a powerful feeling that your God is so incredibly sovereign. 

Because down the road, perhaps years from now, you will see the reason, even if now you can't. Even if you don't see it until you're standing face to face with your Creator. 

What if we started owning our trials? Not intentionally sinning and falling into the trials of our choices, but what if we took our terrible situations and look for the Real, Powerful, Silver Lining that is actually the Light of our Savior? This may sound naive if you are walking the difficult road of something hard right now, but trust me here. Trust HIM here. What if you are called to be at rock bottom? Not to be tormented, but to actually see Who the Rock is? Because I think as humans, we will search every tangible option we can before reaching out in faith to the only One Who can actually be Our Rock. 

"You call me out upon the waters, the great unknown where feet may fail..." - Oceans (Hillsong)

What if it is true He does call us out into the waves and wind where we have no idea what's going to happen? Aren't these the best times to grow though? For me, those were oddly the golden times of growth, and I pray that they continue to be times of growth with every twist, turn, frustration, and annoyance of the storms I face. I pray I can draw close to Him in the midst of current storms and future storms, because that is the position I need to take to live up to the calling of my storms. May we fulfill the calling well. 

Read:

Mark 14:22-33, James 1:2-4

Ask:

When was a time you felt rock bottom? Do you recall feeling God's presence in that time?

How might we be called to a storm in life? 

What happens when we try to walk through a storm by our own power or other peoples' power? What happens when we actually reach out to God's power?

Fill the Gaps - The Entitlement Trap

As I stepped carefully over puddles and half sidewalks, I could see the smiles coming from through doors and windows. Children came up to us. Parents waved as they held babies. Chickens, dogs, even cows at times roamed the streets, grazing through trash and mud. Barbed wire twisted around some houses, while other houses stood barely held together by sheets of scrap metal and cement blocks. I saw children laughing and playing as they flew plastic bag kites and pulled a milk carton car along the road. Some rolled bike tires down the hills, like it was the best thing ever. I used to ask why does everyone seem so happy here? Maybe it's a front or a face, but there is a genuine way of life that shows contentment as I walk through the village in the Dominican Republic. True, deep contentment. And I finally realized that entitlement is the factor. There is an epidemic of entitlement that runs rampant in America, even with the best of intentions.

Entitlement robs you of contentment. It doesn't take long if you are watching TV, listening to a radio, or walking through a store to realize that our culture and media urges us to think we "deserve" it. Even if you didn't want it before, you find yourself saying, "yeah...maybe I do deserve a (truck, vacation, new house, phone, etc.)" We fail to see what we have all of the sudden and realize we are more wealthy than much of the world we live in already.  Entitlement has you looking at what everyone else has, rather that what you have. Entitlement has you thinking you deserve when in reality we all deserve nothing. As Lecrae's song "Boasting" goes: "Tomorrow's never promised, but it is we swear. Think we're holding our own, just a fist full of air. God has never been obligated to give us life, if we fought for our rights, we'd be in hell tonight. Mere sinners owed nothing but a fierce hand. We never loved Him, we pushed away His pierced hands."

Entitlement says, "I deserve." We were created by an almighty God who can give us what we need when we need it. He gave us exactly what we need to live the best life now and the eternal life after this life, we only need to accept it. We entered this world with nothing, and we can take nothing out of it either. (1 Timothy 6:7)
"I don't deserve bad health."
"I deserve to be noticed."
"I deserve a raise."
"I deserve a better job."
"I deserve to be heard."
"I deserve to go first."
"My kid deserves the best."

We feed this mentality as a culture as soon as our kids are out of the womb. The truth is, our kids don't deserve everything, but sometimes they get everything. The truth is, we don't deserve bad health, but sometimes we're handed that card. We don't deserve anything but condemnation as we stumble around a perfect God. It's harsh, but it's truth. If we don't grasp it, we will be surprised indeed once we reach eternity.

Does this mean we beat ourselves up? Not at all. It means we stop expecting, and we start being grateful. As we continue to look to our model for this series, Ruth, we have seen how much she didn't expect, but showed complete gratitude to her mother in law and to Boaz. She came to this foreign land with Naomi, knowing full well she probably wouldn't have a future there, and started out working hard for her means, and for Naomi's means. She humbled herself to Boaz and showed gratitude for his favor. Ruth didn't expect a single thing. She found contentment.

Furthermore, Ruth's situation was one that anyone had the "right" to be discontented with. Widowed, no signs of a future, and forced to work harder to make a life. There is a good reason Naomi changed her name to Mara (meaning bitter), as Naomi displayed this emotion. And then when Boaz tells Ruth that she needs to wait for him to do the right thing and find a way to marry her legally. As exciting as this is, Ruth was content with this. Whether it worked out or not, she waited.

How do we get by entitlement and the sense of deserving everything in our time, and embrace contentment and gratitude?

Stop asking what people can do for you, and start asking what you can do for them. A huge part of realizing what you have is giving what you have to offer. God's perfect plan is worked into our gifts, talents, skills, resources. When we give, without expecting anything back, we find contentment indeed.

Count your blessings. Sure, your budget isn't as big as the Jones', but you can still get by. Your kids probably have toys that aren't only milk carton cars, but ones you step on every day. Maybe your health is terrible, but you still find joy in the small things that God places before you and you have a different appreciation for life because you know how precious each day is. You may feel like you have nothing, but you have people. You may believe no one is there, but God is, and if you've accepted His grace and gift, you have a gift that will never be taken away. There is always something to be thankful for, and if you can't find one, keep looking.

Let's change the norm in America and fill our gaps with Jesus, not with things we wish we had. Nothing will satisfy more than He.

Scripture to Read:
2 Kings 5:11, Philippians 2:3

Questions to Ponder:
How does entitlement cause us to completely miss seeing grace in our lives?
In 2 Kings we read about Naaman expecting to be healed. How does his attitude reflect one of entitlement and discontentment? What might he be missing in God's plan?
How does not expecting from others help you embrace contentment?

Fill the Gaps - Security Breach

I'm probably one of the most insecure people I know, which is ironic because I work with Jr. High girls. I'm just going to be honest and say I think they are more secure in who they are than I am half the time. Maybe that's why I identify with that group of people best...? Insecurity means a lack of confidence. Uncertainty about oneself. Questioning of your worth and place in this world. But security is not found in anything that can change.

We try to find security in relationships. Singles scramble to keep any prospect in their lives just so they feel secure in marriage. Not a good place to find security.

We try to find security in careers. Feeling a sense of accomplishment and worth in a place that we know won't always be there. Not a good place to find security.

We try to find security in power, beauty, money, people, things...all horrible things to find security in.

Find a security in the One Who says He will never leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6) That will never change, no matter how much you do. When we find security in Christ, nothing else will matter in 100 years. If you truly put your trust in Him and your life in His hands, you have nothing to worry about.

Ruth didn't try to squeeze God into her plans, but she followed the urging from God to go with her mother in law, to a place where no way ever would she find a future, just because of her origin. Ruth simply went about every day life, working to provide for Naomi and herself and God saw her heart and provided not only a living, but a man who honored Him and found favor in Ruth because of her lovely character and diligence. Ruth didn't show insecurity, she showed faithfulness and trust in a God she was just meeting. It is incredible to see how faithfulness wipes away insecurity.

I love the words to Lauren Daigle's song, You Say. It speaks volumes of how we should view security in Christ alone. If you haven't heard it, check it out here!
But the premise of the song is that we fight voices that say we're not enough, we are not loved, we are not worthy, but God says just the opposite of those things, and we should believe that what He says is true.

Insecurity will not only destroy you, it will destroy your relationships. Insecurity will place standards on people around you, mostly on your spouse or significant other, that they can't fill. Only God can fill them. The problem here is that you are trying to find security in humans, not God. The same goes for church. Church is a funny line because it is God's, but it is ran by imperfect humans. Many, many, many times people storm out, throw fits, or rant about how awful a church is because it didn't give them what they needed when they needed it. Again, where is the security here?

Insecurity in your career will leave you on mountaintops that will quickly tumble down into valleys, leaving you wondering why you're not happy. They you'll be scrambling back up the mountaintop again only to find yourself exhausted after each run, and depressed when you tumble back down.

Remember what God thinks of you and ask Him to reveal to you repeatedly the truth He has for you and about you. Insecurity creeps up from every direction - social media is a biggie, but God's Word is filled with love for you. See the things of this world, the circumstances of this life, and the accomplishments of your abilities as vapors that will be gone in the blink of an eye. See God's security as the eternal, secure picture that you should cling to hardest.

Scripture to Read:
Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:8

Questions to Ponder:
How does knowing that God is the same always encourage you?
What sorts of things are you putting security in that are leaving you frustrated and depressed?
How can you take steps today to remind yourself of what God thinks of you, so you can get out of the cycle of temporary securities?

Fill the Gap - Character Challenge

I love caller ID. Seriously, you can't even believe how much I love it. As an introverted, insecure, unsure, plan ahead for any possible scenario, fearful person, answering the phone is something I hate doing. It's a BIG part of my job, so I do it and I find out it wasn't so bad each time, but since I got caller ID, I no longer have to deal with telemarketers. (Except those ones that trick you by calling from a local number when they're really in Tahiti...but another frustration for another day.) The thing is, I can take the easy way out with caller ID with telemarketers. I don't have to worry about them recording my voice when it accidentally says "yes" or something along those lines, and have them use it against me when the "yes" had absolutely nothing to do with the thing they were selling anyways. It's cruel, I know...so I love letting my voicemail answer them.

Taking the easy way out is usually an option. Sometimes, we're forced into corners where this really is no easy way, and I truly believe those are the moments the rubber meets the road in terms of faith. But I also believe when we see something through and do it the right way, we refine and reveal our character greatly.  Another thing I worry about a lot is how I look to people. I have always lived to please man, which is an unhealthy place to be. By pleasing people, I'm too busy trying to stay out of conflict to realize I'm not honoring God, the One I should be pleasing.

When we are in the midst of rock bottom, of singleness, of unknowns, we tend to either keep fighting or give up. We embrace hope, bitterness or both. Ruth, having hope, went out to provide for her mother in law in the fields. Naomi flat out told her old friends that she was bitter. Ironically, Ruth's fighting to find hope is what attracted Boaz to her. (Ruth 2:8-12) "I have heard all the things you have done for your mother in law." Boaz's words to Ruth's question, "why have I found favor with you?"

Character is gained when we fight through the struggle. Character is gained when we can humbly take a knee and allow God to carry us through. Character is gained when we allow the irritating grains of life to turn us into perfect pearls. As I review James 1:2-4, we remember that this is how faith is gained. "because the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

If we really dig into this passage, we see that trials, hardships, unknowns are what give us character. They give us faith. They give us perseverance. They make us mature. With these things, we can take on the next trial, and the next trial, and the next, knowing we can grow even more.

Before you try to fill the gap in your heart with trying to impress people when what you have, with your words, with your body, fill the gap of your heart with Jesus. Nothing screams character more than a person who has an all out pursuit of faith in Him. It may not make you a popular person in this world, it may not win you awards, or even pay the bills, but it will matter as you lead a legacy in your family. Change the hardship story to a story of hope. Cling to Him and build something that may require a risk, or time, or patience. In Him, find peace, find worth, find something greater than your circumstance, and allow Him to build a character in you that can inspire others to find character in Him one day. 

Scripture to Read:
Ruth 2:8-12, Galatians 1:10, James 1:2-4

Questions to Ponder:

What does character mean to you?
How do you build character, especially in Christ?
Hoe does trying to please man over pleasing God hinder a building of character? 

Fill the Gap - Have a Little Faith

The chaos in the hallway with hustling and bustling scrubs and intercom attention flowed through the door as it was left partially ajar from the 5am nurse visit. Another day on the seventh floor of the heart wing had become another day away from my baby girl, and the snuggles we were supposed to be sharing at home. I hit lows a lot as I was trapped on that 7th floor, with nothing but a hallway to walk around and a window to gawk out, as a long, brutal winter became a much anticipated spring. Moving around was still a monitored process as I had just escaped the ICU and the feelings of residual chest tube wounds, along with sawed sternum rang loudly as I would even shift the smallest amount. Holding my baby was a challenge the small amounts of time she was brought from Ludington, 2 hours away, and I felt as if I was missing her entire 1st month of life. I felt jipped. I felt enormous amounts of "why"? I felt as if the precious moments of the one shot I had at motherhood  was slipping out of my fingers, and nothing I could do would make it come back. But I had to learn to have faith in those moments, and that is precisely one of the things God was teaching me.

I think controlling our own fate is something we all do as humans in one way or another. We find life not to be fair, yet we don't see the path ahead, or the bigger picture of what God is trying to prepare us for, prevent us from, and teach us in those awful, frustrating times in life. If I had it my way in that time, I would have made mothering a newborn as a more positive experience. It wouldn't have involved colic, the open-chest surgery, and the not even able to pick up my baby for 8 weeks after my surgery. But God's plan was different. And as I reflect back, I still don't always see the bigger picture or reasons, but I know I'm a different person today because of that season.

We read that Ruth "happened to" be gleaning in the field that belonged to Boaz. And not only this, but she happened to be there when Boaz was there, which was probably not often as Boaz was a rich man, who probably owned many fields and had many workers. Luck? Coincidence? Absolutely not. Ruth's faith and promptings from God had led her to Bethlehem, a place where as a Moabite, she would probably face much ridicule and no future, and by God's prompting, she gleaned the fields of the man she would one day marry. Ruth's newly acquired faith in the One true God got her off the couch, out of the house, out of her state of moping, and into the field where her future would begin once more. 

Proverbs 16:9 tells us this was God's hand, as it reads, "In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps." And in Ruth's case, we find out that she indeed becomes the lineage of Jesus - a far grander plan that finding a husband and future in another land with hopeless outlook for her origin. 

God took care of Ruth and Naomi is so many ways. In fact, Ruth gleaning the fields tells us that her and Naomi were probably desperate for some food, and Ruth, taking care of her mother in law went out to do what she had to do in taking a risk. Eventually, becoming favored in Boaz's eyes would not only take care of Ruth and Naomi in his wealth as family, but it would take care of us all in leading to the birth of our Savior down the family line one day. God's plan is perfect, and in the midst of the hopeless circumstances of life, He has so much more beyond those frustrating moments that you can't even comprehend.

Nothing could have prepared me for that circumstance, yet looking back I realize more and more God had been preparing me all along, and even in that moment, He was preparing me for more of life's curve balls to come. 21 days in the hospital, and months of recovery at home were actually some of the best ways God could have taught me to look up and know His plan is more powerful. I can't even tell you how close I felt to God in that "rock bottom" moment, and I often long for that type closeness again, as I strive to figure it all out. I remember that having faith in the impossible moments create possibilities. May we all strive to see this when rock bottoms come. 

Scripture to Read:

Ruth 2:1-9, Matthew 1:1-17

Questions to Ponder:

Have you ever felt at the "rock bottom" of life? Why?

How did God show you a grander plan, if He has revealed it to you yet? If not, ask yourself how could "rock bottom" be a grander plan?

How do we have faith to move along despite our circumstances? What can you remember from Ruth's story to help you?

Fill the Gap

I recently saw this post by TobyMac. We can post these words all day ourselves because they sound good, but the fact of the matter is there is life-changing truth in these words if we fully embrace them and strive to apply them. As a woman who used to be a teenage and college-aged girl, I couldn't embrace or understand this for the longest time, and would wish for a man to come into my life to fill the gap, fully convinced I was sold out for God. The scary thing is that in the midst of my personal pining, I realized I wasn't even close to allowing God to have the reins of my life, especially in that area. One day, it clicked though for me. I remember wrapping up the study "Lady in Waiting" with some of my high school ladies and thinking about how I would be okay with or without a guy in my life. I'm not saying this is the "magic formula" but not much later my husband entered my life, and I didn't even think we were dating, but hanging out! That is how much I had clicked that switch off, and had found so much joy and peace, and satisfaction in Jesus. No one else entering my life could cause that kind of joy.  

But after a summer of fishing, baseball games, and just late-night faith talks, I knew this guy was the one. He was attracted to my faith, and I was so blown away by how much he challenged me to dive into God, not into him. That's what made it clear for me. He didn't provide the joy Jesus gave me, but he complimented it. He didn't "complete me", but he complimented my relationship with Jesus.

You see, we try to fit so many different people into a role that only God can fill. We are unfair to our friends, siblings, significant others, parents, loved ones, etc, because we expect them to fix the problems and the gaps that only God can fill and fix. We expect people to bring us a joy and a peace that only comes from God. So for the rest of February, I would like to take some time to consider what it looks like to allow God to fill the gap you think only a human can fill. Or the ones that you may be already trying to fill with a human.

I want to challenge you to give it all to God. This sounds like your basic, Sunday sermon here, but truly, right now, write down the things in your life that are frustrating to you at the moment. The things you can't let go of. Maybe it's finances. Maybe it's a career path you want to be on. Maybe it's finding a spouse. Whatever it is, let's find ways to let it go. Let's consider the things God can give us that those things or those people can't.

Consider Ruth for a moment with me. We read right off the bat that her, her mother in law, and her sister in law had all lost their husbands in a land and people frowned upon by God's people, Moab. Naomi's son's had married Moabite women, Orpah and Ruth, and as Naomi decides to return to Judah, to make amends with God in her homeland, she urges Ruth and Orpah to stay in Moab, as she has nothing else to offer them, and knows full well that Moabite women would have much difficulty creating a new life for themselves in Judah. Orpah goes home, but Ruth insists on going with her mother in law, risking her future at getting another husband, living in a new land that didn't accept her people, and serving a Good that wasn't that of her people. Ruth chose to take a risk. What do you need to let go of in order to allow God to come in and fill the gaps?

Another powerful example from the Bible is when the woman came, broke her alabaster jar for Jesus, and anointed His feet with the perfume. This box represented her future, for they were meant to be broken at the feet of a fiance/future husband, as well as her wealth, as it cost much money of the woman's family to give this as her dowry. This woman gave it up for Jesus, showing that He was her Hope and future.

So the question that remains as we look ahead to this series, is are you willing to sacrifice your plans to God, allowing Him to guide you where He would like you to go, despite where you would like to go? As we move along the next week or so we'll consider how we fill the gap of our hearts with Christ, and how we do that, based on Ruth's story.

Scripture to Read:
Ruth 1, Luke 7:36-50

Questions to Ponder:
What is something you want so badly?
How can you come to a place of knowing that only God can truly satisfy you?
What does it look like in your life for you to abandon everything you have/want to God? (Whether than means that you can't place expectations on your loved ones that only He can fill, etc.)

Agape Love - He'll Never Stop Loving

There are days I feel like people will or want to give up on me. The swings of depression that I get are not only frustrating for the people around me, but they are a giant elephant in the room that no one knows what to do with it or approach it. The scary thing is I don't really know either. I just have to wait it out and let it slide by until I come out of it and wonder when the next dip will come. I continually think about how people could possibly continue to deal with me when I'm in those moments, but they keep loving me for who I am, despite the low times. And I know that God is always there, loving me through too. His love is perfect, and that is why agape also perseveres.

There is a song that goes "Your love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out on me...and on, and on, and on, and on it goes..." It is ironic because this song seems to repeat over and over, much like that songs that never ends. But that is exactly how God's love is for us. It goes on and on and on and on. It never gives up. Love endures all things, and God's love endures forever. (Psalm 136)

James 1:2-4 says "Consider it pure joy, brothers and sisters, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

What this tells us is that persevering through any trial, even those in love, will not be in vain. Persevering is to remain, to not run. It isn't easy to make it through hard patches. Consider some things to remember when those times come:

- Lean on God. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us to not trust our own understanding, but to lean into Him and everything will become clear. When we try to make sense of things, nothing makes sense. When we use our own earthly perspective to unravel the knots of the mess we are in, we lose perspective. When we consider bailing from our hardships, whether in life or in relationships, we are bailing on what God is calling us to do. If we can just remember that God's got it and simply follow His leading, we can handle the hardships with a little more hope.

-Let go of your plans. We all know that life never goes as planned, so why do we try to live like it will? We need to remember to allow our time, resources, etc. to be flexible. We can never see a crisis coming, but we can try to roll with what we can in not grasping too tightly to things, including the things we treasure most. The only thing this world can't take is your faith if you truly have Christ in your life. Cling to that like your life depends on it. 

- Those hardships won't last forever. They will feel like they are going to last forever or that they are, but we can hold onto the hope that this world isn't the end all. (Remember our conversation about hope yesterday?) We can look forward to a reward for our suffering. (1 Peter 2:18-20)

On the flip side of persevering in love, we need to remember to give all we have to Christ. There may be days we just don't want to serve anymore or carry on with our faith anymore because it feels like a lot, but we need to remember His love is light. It doesn't mean life is light, but He will carry you. A poem by Jill Briscoe inspires me as we consider carrying on in our faith without ever stopping. Half of "All the Way Home" below:

"Saw a cross alone, discarded
Lain at rest against a wall,
Who'd lain down such a holy symbol?
Who'd abandoned life's 'faith call'?

Then a voice so dear - familiar,
Asked a question - pierced me through,
Who is it that you're expecting
Carrying it home for you?

How could I lay down that crossbeam?
How to think that no one saw?
Who did I expect to lift it 
Carry it to heaven's door?

'Jesus, Jesus, please forgive me,
Carried Thou your cross for me,
All the way to hell to save us,
Help me carry mine for Thee!'

I'm no hero - special woman
Just a lady, old and gray,
But my cross, Lord, I will carry,
Home, Lord, home, Lord - All the way!"

Love endures through all things. No matter how hard something gets, persevere on. Nothing shows love to a hurting person more than sticking around through the hard times, shameful times, and less than wonderful times.

Scripture to Read:
James 1:2-4, Proverbs 3:5-6

Questions to Ponder:
Have you ever wanted to quit at loving someone, or carrying on with a hardship?
How can you rely on God in times that are hard?
How does knowing God's got it and has a grander plan beyond what we can ever see help you in getting through the struggles?

Agape Love - On Rock Climbing, Gas, & Trust

Rock Climbing was something I just loved to do. There is something about it that causes a rush as you have to rely on equipment, your body, and the person at the bottom holding the other end of the rope. In fact, I loved it so much, I worked ropes courses at the camp I worked at for 3 summers in a row, and was part of a "climbing club" that would go as far as 40 miles just to climb each week. I learned a lot about trust in those times, and taught a lot about trust in those times. I have learned that trust comes in all shapes and sizes and any possible area of life. Today, we'll consider trust in love and how it applies to that of agape.

We read in Exodus 18 that Moses had an issue with being over burdened by the people he led once they reached the wilderness. We read how his father in law, Jethro advises Moses to delegate others to take the burdens of disputes and duties that Moses is handling himself, as Jethro sees how unhealthy this is. Moses fortunately takes his father in law's advice and appoints "capable men, who fear God and are trustworthy." Without trust, Moses wouldn't have been able to raise up a team to help him. We do need to consider some things, however, as we hand out our trust to people. Moses didn't just hand out the duties to anyone. He trained them with the values of the decrees and instructions on how to live and behave per God's instruction, so that they could discern disputes and handle conflicts that arose. We need to have similar judgement when allowing people our trust.

I have a hard time letting go of things that are on my task list. I like to do things myself because I know it will be done the "right" way. If I do it myself I know it gets done. If I handle it myself, I know the outcome. If I handle it myself, I feel valued. But this isn't showing that I trust anyone. I don't allow anyone else to take the reins now and then and show they are capable and gifted. For this reason, I don't practice and strive for the characteristic of trust in agape love.

There is something to be said of a relationship that can find love from trust though. If you are in a relationship, friendship, small group that can say anything because they have earned your trust and you have earned theirs, it is powerful indeed. You can say things and hear things and know it is out of love, not for hurting, and that is gold. This takes time, and this is a weird balance at first. Marriage takes time and work, and trust is highly required. You can't stumble around a marriage too long without sharing truths about your spouse with them, or the whole thing is frustrating.

I chuckle a little because I think of when my husband and I first started dating. There is that awkward first few weeks, months, maybe days for some people where you just can't fart in front of them. It's painful, but something is holding you back from just letting it out. (Just me?) When you finally get comfortable enough to just do it, it breaks so much tension. But there is some sort of trust that comes with it. You know that you can be "gross" in front of them and they won't think you're gross or run because they think you are. Someone will "fart" in front of the other at some point in a marriage. Is there enough trust there to just be honest? Nothing spells great love than someone who can see you at your best and your worst. Talk about trust!

The translation of the word "trust" in this trait of agape means to "think to be true, to believe all things, to be persuaded of, to credit, to place confidence in". I love this definition because it insinuates that trust isn't just handed over. It takes credibility and proof. God doesn't want us to be dumb with our trust, but He wants us to give people the benefit of the doubt, especially when they have proven to us before they are worth our trust. People need to give a little to gain from someone. If the relationship is one-sided, it probably isn't a good relationship to be in. I also love the translation that uses "believes all things" rather than trusts. It's the same thing, but in so many words. Can you believe the best in people?

This concept can be taken a little more lightly for every face you come across though. When we interact with people day in and day out, no matter how well we know them, we can strive to see the best in them, and not peg them as a negative description right away. At the 2019 Women's IF:Gathering, Angie Smith shared to try and think toward every person you see, "I love you." Before anything else, say those words in your head about them. You don't have to hand over full trust to someone right off the bat - again, dumb. But try not to see them with a shadow of the doubt, but rather with the benefit of the doubt. They can choose to prove you wrong or right, but believe in them before dismissing them.

"When we look for what's best in the person we happen to be with at the moment, we're doing what God does, so in appreciating our neighbor, we're participating in something truly sacred." -Mr. Fred Rogers

How can you believe the best in people today? I know many will crush your spirits, and disappoint you, but how can you strive to see the good in someone? Can you hand a task over to someone who has shown you that you can trust them? Consider this topic today.

Scripture to Read:
Exodus 18, Proverbs 3:5-6

Questions to Ponder:
How does someone prove themselves to you in terms of earning your trust?
Who can we put our trust in at all times, even when people may fail us?
Why does it take trust to delegate a team or relationships around you?

Agape Love - Envy Eats You

One thing that I have found very dangerous is social media. I think that this is the understatement of the century. Not only is it dangerous because of the way people use it to bully or get into cyber arguments, but I have found it to be the easiest way to start an envy craze in yourself. I have to admit that I love social media and how it connects us, as well as for the positive uses of it, but I do believe it feels like a giant brag box at times that causes envy and eye-rolling. I've fallen into the envy mode of someone's vacation, or living room. Right now especially, I am envious of people in warm places. 

Nothing will eat you up faster than envy, which is an obsessive type of jealousy. Even God is jealous of our hearts, but He is never envious. One of the literal meanings of envy in this context is "to exert oneself for". We use energy to envy, whether we realize it or not. In fact, it is a dangerous game if you are a leader in any capacity. You get stuck in the comparison trap and find yourself driving the people around you nuts, basing your budgets, time, energies, and mind all on the thing you're obsessed with acquiring, because the neighbor, other church, that employer, that friend, etc. has that better car, ministry, job, vacation plan, etc., than you have. It will eat you into obsession. We see how it drove Joseph's brothers crazy as they envied his status in their father's eyes. It became so bad that they sold their own brother into slavery and hurt their father by saying his son was killed by a wild animal. (Genesis 37)

There are many ways envy robs us of relationship and of showing love. Firstly, it keep us from feeling happy for someone. When we live in our own desires and comparisons of someone else, we tend to not like the person who has what we want. In fact, we despise them more when they get something nice, or when something goes right for them, meaning we definitely don't celebrate with them and for them. This is a relationship, team, even a faith, killer. We are so focused on what we don't have that that other person has, we begin to resent them and even resent God.

We also walk in the belief that life should be fair, when in reality, God never said life was fair, nor did Jesus teach this. Just look at the story of the workers in the vineyard. The landowner went out early in the morning to hire workers for his fields. He also hired some towards the end of the day, and they all got the same exact wage. While the early workers thought this wasn't fair, Jesus tells us in this story that those in the back will be brought to the front. (Matthew 20:1-16) We can't believe everyone should have the same amount because we'll go crazy keeping track. We need to believe that God has our best interest and knows what we need, when we need it. Trust Him and show you trust Him.

Envy will drive you insane. You will no longer be an effective part of ministry because you are so busy and obsessed with getting what you don't have. You'll no longer be able to see straight and see what is going on around you because you are so fixated on that thing. Saul gets so envious and obsessed with killing David, that he devotes his energies into finding him. (1 Samuel 18) What could you be possibly missing because you can't tear focus off of what you're obsessed about? Let go of those blinders and start being grateful for what God is doing in your life.

Conquering envy comes from living a life of gratitude and contentment. You can find these characters if you just stop to be thankful for the provisions and blessings you do have. What better way to reveal trust to the One who knows what you need better than anyone else. Consider what you have and why it's the best for you in this moment.

Scripture to Read:

Psalm 37:1-9

Questions to Ponder:

What are some things you catch yourself becoming envious of? 

According to Psalm 37, why is being envious pointless?

What can you do to conquer envy in your life specifically?

Seek Relationships & Find Opportunities

There is a lasting camaraderie and relationship that happens when you have a shared experience with someone or a group of people. Whether it's a party, a trip, a day of fun, working together, the people you went through it with have a lasting relationship, whether it's a good one or a bad one. A common experience I love to recall was my time working at Portage Lake Bible Camp, alongside people I grew close to and continue to do life with when we can today. These are friends who I've stood up with at weddings, who have come to visit me in the hospital when things were rocky - even though I hadn't seen them in months before then, and we still try to find time to get together for a day out in the midst of life. We grew together as college kids, running through the camp's grounds playing capture the flag, sorting beads in arts n' crafts, having late-night chats as roommates in the dorms, and helping kids conquer their fears at the top of climbing walls. The best parts were growing together and in faith as we worked with kids, working through their faiths. This time was valuable, and I didn't realize how valuable those summers were until they were over.

When you have relationships and you are able to invite someone into your life, you can form opportunities to grow together, and as individuals. Our church recently set a vision to reach 1000 invites into our lives and journeys with Jesus by 2025. This vision does not say "invite 1000 people to MCRC (our church) or even a church." It says into your life and journey with Jesus. It's not about treating people like targets to get them saved, but it's about building a genuine relationship with them, learning who they are, what they need, how you can help each other, and to do that you have to open yourself too. Show your struggles, be open about your life and your past. You never know what kind of story people need to feel encouraged when they don't feel hope. Show them they can get through the storms of life because you have been there and did. 

Jesus displayed this in His ministry. He focused on relationship and raised up His disciples, an imperfect group of people, to follow Him and experience a hope through His resurrection. If it was one thing we can see about Jesus throughout the Gospel, it was that He cared about people. He cared about relationships. He cared about unity. His first miracle happened at a party for the benefit of people. 

There is truth behind Teddy Roosevelt's quote, "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." You can knock on peoples doors all day long and try to slam them with Bible verses and quotes, but the truth is that isn't as effective as actually building a relationship and trust with them first. Jesus Himself said, 

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."

Jesus displayed relationship and open opportunities. The woman at the well. Healing people. Lazarus and his family. The disciples. Zacchaeus. All of these started with relationships and loving people. You won't win a heart through fear tactics (at least for more than a minute), and you won't win through slamming their lifestyles. You will win by showing that you care first and giving yourself a passport into their lives. No one wants to hear they are sucking at life, unless it's from someone they trust. 

You already have someone in your life you can start that relationship with. Maybe it's someone you see at the gas station every time you're there. Or your bank clerk. Or someone in your hunting group, or crafting group. Maybe you have a person you work next to. Start with dinner, coffee, snacks, a hobby. Then over time, the opportunities and the questions will come up because you care and you're different. Show it. Be it. Hint, simply ask them how you can pray for them. Then follow up the next time you see them, asking how that is going. The worst they can say is "no, thank you." 

James 2:14-17 states:

"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

No one will care about your theology until they know you care about them. To do this, you listen. You build trust.

Scripture to Read:
James 2:14-17, John 13:34

Questions to Ponder:
Who is someone in your life regularly that you could get to know and ask how you can pray for them?
How do our "marching orders" in John 13:34 back up this relationship tactic of reaching people?
What is a relationship you value that has changed you?

Parables of Jesus - Foundations

I don't know anything about building stuff. I can barely hang a picture on the wall without a mishap or having it look terrible when I'm done. But I do know that foundations are important. I couldn't tell you how to build one, but I know from house-shopping that that is a deal breaker if it isn't good. Jesus knew that firm foundations were important as well.

As He wraps up His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus sums everything up with a visual of foundations.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” - Matthew 7:24-27

After this sermon filled with words on loving each other and how to find relationship with God and each other, Jesus sums it up with this. Seems appropriate since the words of His sermon are great for foundation building one's faith. Have you really stopped to think about what your foundation is? When the bottom falls out of life or when the storms come, are you still standing on the Rock?

It takes great faith indeed to know that everything will be okay in the midst of hardships. But after you experience so many storms and adjust your foundation accordingly, the storms won't get easier, but the ground you're standing on will be firmer. I think storms help us realize whether or not our foundation is there. This advice Jesus leaves the crowd with is played out perfectly in Peter's life as we see him try to toddle on the waters as Jesus encourages him to do in Matthew 14. Though Peter sinks because of the fear from the storm that overcomes him, Jesus catches him and asks him why he didn't hold onto faith longer.

We can knock on Peter and his short faith all we want, but he got out of the boat, in a storm, and trusted Jesus. The rest of them sat in the boat. I can't tell you why for sure, but I'm guessing fear, the storm, unsureness, was part of it. I think the last thing people want to do in a storm is sink in water. But we see the depth of Peter's faith, though not long.

What kind of storms have you feeling like you're sinking today? I hope you have the faith or begin forming your faith into one that isn't afraid to step out of the boat and allow Jesus to catch you when things get shaky. Peter shouldn't have been ashamed, nor should you be ashamed to have Jesus catch you when you fall. He wants to. He's waiting to. He wants you to put your faith out there to test and continue refining it. We can't do it any other way. Storms, hardships, unknowns - those things beat on us, our houses, and they may collapse it, but pick it back up and learn from your mistakes and the paths you've walked down, ready to adjust accordingly. This is what makes a solid foundation.

Scripture to Read:
Matthew 7:24-27, Matthew 14:24-32

Questions to Ponder:
When have you completely felt your life fall apart? How was your foundation in that time?
What kinds of teachings from Jesus can you put into play to allow your foundation to grow stronger?
How is your faith when it comes to taking risky steps with God's guidance?

Day 132: Living With Certainty

Day 132
Ruth 1-4, 1 Corinthians 15:1-34

The photo above is when I worked at a bible camp and did ropes courses during the summers. Each summer, we'd take on the Leap of Faith at least once, just to get our feet wet a little before campers came. While I would like to say that leaping off of that pole was an easy thing to do, I still doubted at least a little each time that the ropes would hold me, or that people would catch me at the bottom. Yet with God in our lives, we can hold tightly to Him and know He will not fail us. He is even more dependable than those ropes I had to rely on. If we could just live like He has us, our stories would speak volumes.

Holding certainly to God's power honors Him with your life. Ruth and Naomi's story is one that speaks volumes of where God is in their lives. How certain are you that Jesus indeed has risen from the dead to save you? When you can grasp His power and intentions for you, you can move in your story in a powerful way.

Picking up everything and moving to an unknown land can be a nerve-racking thing, especially as a widow in Old Testament times. The book of Ruth is such a breath of air after reading of the destruction and disobedience in the book of Judges. It shows you that there were still people that obeyed God and put Him first in their lives. We see an unselfish love from Naomi as she works to send Ruth and Orpah back to their land so they can remarry and carry on their lives. Orpah agrees with hesitation, but Ruth sticks to Naomi unswervingly.

The way Ruth cares for her mother-in-law is quite a testimony of the person she is, and this reputation gets the ear of Boaz, who is one who looks to the Lord. I think many times, ladies (guys too) especially try to manipulate a situation to gain a relationship, rather than serving the Lord and waiting on His timing. God knows you are ready for a relationship when you can serve Him without putting that relationship ahead of Him. Ruth worked hard to take care of her mother-in-law. Her heart of service and diligence stuck out to Boaz, and he noticed her and in turn, promised to take care of her. Are you serving the Lord while you patiently wait for His timing in your life? Are you showing Him that He is more important to you than what's next in life?

Paul sends a reminder to the people of Corinth that they need to live certain in the resurrection that saves them from their sin and separation from God. Without the resurrection of Christ, we live pointless lives as Christians. Without the hope the He gave us through His sacrifice, we have nothing to look forward to. How different does your life look because you are certain of the resurrection of Christ? Consider Ruth's life for a moment here. She lived in service to God, knowing her place in His authority and love. Because she knew that God's plan was good for her, she served without hesitation and took care of her mother-in-law. Because of her certainty in God, she was blessed. How does your life show you are certain about Christ's resurrection and goodness for your life.

How does your life speak certainty to what Christ has done for you? Do you manipulate situations to get your way and worry about Him taking care of you? Remember Ruth and her faith as she pressed on with certainty that God would take care of her. Because of her faith and her trust in Him, she was blessed. Because she proclaimed His name and served Him first, she was blessed by God with a man to take care of her. Are you showing God that He can trust you to put Him first before He gives you that thing you really want? Show God that nothing will ever shove Him aside in your life. Live with certainty that He is there.

Day 131: Be a Light

Day 131
Judges 19-21; 1 Corinthians 14

Sometimes, it take tragic events or desperate hardship to realize we have drifted so far from God. It is up to us as followers of Christ to be a light in those dark times. Today, we will see how terrible it is to drift from God and lose loyalty to Him. Our awakening can be quite harsh at times.

The events of the last books of Judges are quite atrocious. Because of Israel's drifting and the morels of the world at that time, we see how incredibly wicked people were. When a person drifts, a country drifts, a world drifts, we lose sight of where our standards lie, and in time, our standards come from the person next to us, or the country next to us, or the group of people who are "worse than I am". Rather than looking side to side, think about looking up for your standards. Keeping your loyalties in God is the most solid thing you can do to anchor down.

Notice that the people finally started talking to God after this tragic incident. It took something like this for them to realize that God was missing from their picture - because of them drifting and losing sight of Him. Unfortunately, this had been a pattern for the Israelites as kings and leaders came in and out of the picture of their history. The whole situation with the concubine was insane, and the matter shouldn't have even left that community. Yet, it blew up and gave people a reason to go to war, so they did. Because this matter was not handled properly, within the bounds of the community it happened in, it got carried away across the nation. How many times do we blow things so far out of proportion, that rather than letting the process handle the judgement, we rely on our emotions and "right to revenge" work ahead?

The biggest thing we can take from this, and from the entire book of judges is that we need to trust God. When we drift away, we fall out of His direction, guidance, law, light...As a result, atrocious things happen, and we want to blame Him for it, when all along, we wanted nothing to do with Him because we thought our way was better. Let Him light your way in all circumstances. He is the Light that will drive out the darkness in this world, our nation, and our hearts. Be loyal to a God Who has set the system out before us and wants the best for us.

Be a light in your church. Don't walk in asking what you can get from the church, but walk in asking what you can offer to your church and do for it. We need to remember that Paul is writing specifically to the situations that were occurring in the church of Corinth. Many were view church selfishly and wanting their way, when really, Paul wanted the people to work together as one under the One Who guides them. Many wanted to offer their opinions and make the choice on who was smartest, most gifted, wisest, etc. How often do you want to simply "show off" what you're gifted at? There is nothing wrong with showing it off, but there is a lot wrong with doing it out of selfish motive, rather than for the sake of being a light for Christ.

We are all entitled to our opinions, however, we are not to let our opinions overshadow that of God's direction. We can talk for the sake of talking and "being heard", but don't talk for only for that reason. Offer light and love to those you worship alongside of. Remember back to 1 Corinthians 13 where Paul told the people that if they speak without love they are as annoying as a gong. Don't be that person. Speak with love to further the Kingdom, for the sake of the Kingdom and bringing people to it. Don't speak with hate and intent to draw lines in the sand and prevent people who are broken like you from entering God's Kingdom because you put the sour taste in their mouth. Be light. Offer light.

Look to the Light to guide you, and be a light to the people around you. Don't allow hate and revenge to take over the love you should be offering in an effort to further God's Kingdom. His Kingdom isn't exclusive, but available to all who want it. Make sure people know God wants them in it. Walk into your church thinking about what you can give, not what you can get from it. Change your view on people you don't particularly agree with and be a light in love. They are broken like you.

Day 130: Relationship in Prayer

Day 130
Psalms 55-56

As you may have gathered by now, David faced a lot of torment from enemies. Today, you'll read how he finds it more hurtful to feel betrayed by his best friend. Even when our friends may turn on us, however, we can find a more powerful friendship in God, Who will deliver us when we cry out to Him. Find a prayer relationship with God so you can be close to Him when times of darkness hit.

Pray for your community. Even though we are surrounded by so much, various destruction in this world, we can learn to be in a prayerful relationship with God about the evil and taking action. David shows this here, as he prays for wickedness he sees within the city, crying out to God to make it good. How often do you cry out to God for your community? As followers of Christ, we should be the ones on the front lines of our communities and our world, helping and praying where wicked has taken over. When your community can see you (as a church) cares for them in being for them and praying for them, you begin to open up a new relationship with them that is trusting and that they belong.

Pray, so that you can let it go. As David faces betrayal from friends, he does the one thing we should all do when we face disappointment and hurt from loved ones: prays to God. David tells us to "cast our cares on the Lord" (vs. 22). This can be a hard thing to do, especially if someone has hurt us, but it is the right thing to do. Constantly thinking about the ones who hurt you and how you can hurt them back isn't a way to live at all. It is what creates the wickedness that rip through our communities, as we discussed above. David says to give it to the Lord. Are you struggling with a loved one who has hurt you or turned on you? Do as David says.

Pray, building trust in God more and more. Fear can be a very debilitating thing. I can't imagine the fear that went through David as he encountered all of these foes and traitors in his life. Yet his secret was to trust that God had him. It isn't easy to trust God when we face impossible situations, but sometimes it is all we have left to do. The more you practice trusting in Him and the more you see Him delivering you, the bigger your trust will be in Him next time. (Yes, there will probably be a next time.) Praise Him for the deliverance He as given you through those hard situations and know He has you in His mind.

You can build relationships through prayer. Ask the people who serve you (waiters, receptionists, mechanics, baristas...) "how can I pray for you." This tells them that you care about them and then you move from a relationship of being served to serving, opening the door for making them feel like they belong. Prayer is powerful and it can be used in building your trust in God as well. Pray and cry out to God to move you from complacent to passionate. Pray to God to move you from fear to faith. Pray, to build your relationship with Him. It is an important part of our lives with Him and those around us.

Day 128: Unique Puzzle Pieces

Day 128
Judges 13-15; 1 Corinthians 12

There is no such thing as "ordinary" when you are working as a child of God. He calls each of us here on this earth for a reason and He uses us and the gifts He gives us to help carry out something intricate and incredible for Him. Today, we'll read the front end of Samson's story, as well as look at how we are to be used as a part of a greater picture.

The way that Samson came about is very similar to the way Isaac, John the Baptist and Jesus came about. Parents who couldn't have children. An angel appearing. Restrictions or requirements that set them apart. Samson was to be someone great to the history of the Israelites and he was a very unique and gifted individual.

Like any other person, however, Samson had his downfalls. He was a wild at heart sort of man who sought revenge in harsh ways, and was overcome by the spirit of the Lord on many occasions. And like any other person, he got tired, worn out, and depressed after coming off a high. Despite his downfalls and revenge tactics, God used him to rule over Israel for years. This proves that God gives us all different strengths and skills. He gifts us with passions and things that "make us tick". Samson was a unique piece of the puzzle that God used to carry out the rest of history for the Israelites. As a child of God, you are also a piece of the puzzle. Though what you do today may not come to fruition or make sense until after you are gone, it meant something if God commanded it. Don't make sense of the things God calls you to do, but do them, trusting that God will use it in the puzzle He is creating.

You are probably fairly familiar with the passage out of 1 Corinthians today. Just like Samson, you are blessed with a certain strength. God wants to use your passions, skills, gifts, and even your weaknesses to carry out His plan. We are all a part of one body of Christ, working together to carry out the mission set for us. How are you doing with your part of the team? How do you feel when someone else gets the praise for the work you helped with? Are you able to be a team player without letting your selfish ambitions get in the way?

Even though you may be good at some things, you are not good at others. You need others on the team to make it a well-rounded team. This way, you are able to face different situations more often. A team of 1 is not a team. But a team that works together as one is a great team. Work to see the gifts that others possess and bring them in on your team. Consider your weaknesses and who you can rely on to help you when you need a skill you don't have. Don't allow selfishness and pride to tear your team apart. You are working for the King and He deserves the best team working with Him.

We all have a unique skill set. God will use your strengths, gifts, skills, passions, and even your weaknesses on His team. Be sure to keep your heart in check as you work with others, so you don't fall into the temptation of selfishness or pride. Rather than always seeking the applause, allow others to have the credit. Most importantly, point that credit right back up to God, as it was Him Who gave you these gifts in the first place.

Day 127: When We Fall

Day 127
Judges 11-12; 1 Corinthians 11

We will stumble many times on this earth, regardless of how much we know about God and His commandments. No matter how centered we are in Christ, we will never be as perfect as He is. However, despite our downfalls and stumbling, He is there to make us great in Him again. Today we'll read about offering our worship and how He does that for one of the judges of Israel.

It is quite clear from our reading that Jephthah had a rocky past. He had a mother who was a prostitute, a handful of half brothers who chased him off so he couldn't have any of his father's inheritance, and yet he was called a "great warrior". Despite Jephthah's upbringing and past, God used him to secure Israel over the Ammonites.

One great downfall of Jephthah was that he made vows he didn't have to make, which resulted in him suffering great loss. Jephthah did not need to make a vow to the Lord, asking Him to lead him into victory over the Ammonites if he did something for the Lord. God never asked him to do that. As a result, Jephthah sacrificed his daughter, the first thing that walked out of his house. Do you ever feel so insecure in trusting God that you consider swearing to Him or solidifying it through your actions? "If you do this for me God, then I will do this for You." The problem is, that isn't how God works. He cares about our heart's motives, not our grand gestures of bartering. In fact, Jephthah had sinned in sacrificing his daughter, as it was very clear to the Israelites that this was unacceptable to the Lord as other nations did it in worshiping their gods.

There is equality in worship. Though these words from Paul could raise much debate, the one thing that is clear here is that he was trying to portray equality in worship. When we come before God, ready to express our awe and our thanksgiving to Him, we don't need to be someone fake. We don't need to pretend we are "good enough" to come to Him and feel inadequate because the person next to us is raising their hands. In fact, worship is something that is very intimate between you and God, as He knows your heart and it's motives more than the person next to you ever can. It doesn't matter if you stumbled or if you fell that very morning - God is there, and for that He deserves our worship without worrying about whether or not we are worthy or equal with the person next to us.

The same goes with the Lord's Supper. It is something that makes us one community in Christ, and for that we can come to the table no matter what our past looks like. There is seriousness, however, in the way you approach the Lord's table. Be sincere in your thanks. Don't do it for looks. And check your heart's motives and the relationships in your life. Come before Him without feeling like you need to ever compare your falls with the person next to you.

We all have a past and times we have fallen or will fall. However, we are all still equals in God's eyes. He will use you, if you are willing, no matter what your past says about you, and no matter how badly you will screw up in the future. Come to Him in worship and thanksgiving without looking to your left and right in comparing your worthiness to your neighbor. It is all between you and God and no one else. No One knows your heart and its motives more than He does.

Day 113: Risk Takers

Day 113
Joshua 1-3; Mark 15

The biggest opportunities for growth come when you step out and take risks. The Bible is full of both risk-takers and those who ran away. The question becomes which will you be when God approaches you with a step of faith to take?

The Lord told Joshua multiple times to be strong and courageous. Part of this charge of being strong an courageous was to be careful to obey the Lord's commands. I think as humans, we don't realize how much courage we can get from clear instruction, whether it is from the Lord or in the midst of a project here on earth. We have more confidence when we have clear direction. The Lord also tells Joshua that He'll be with him wherever he goes. Embedding God's Word on your heart is one way to carry Him everywhere, outside of His actual presence with you.

Rahab took a huge risk in hiding the scouts from the soldiers. Despite her past, Rahab knew the right thing to do, and because of that she and her family would be blessed. You don't have to be cleaned up to come to Christ and serve Him. He'll take you as you are and begin the work on your heart as you go. He has a place for you in His family and in His service. Rahab is a great example of this as we read how boldly she spoke of the Lord's people. She knew that having the Lord on your side was the side to be on. Do you have mistakes from your past that keep you from fully serving God? Remember this story of Rahab and know that you too can be used and redeemed by a beautiful Savior.

The people were getting ready to cross the Jordan, which I'm sure was a nerve-racking thing for them. Joshua tells them "purify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do great wonders among you." What would you do with those words? When the people do go to cross, they must allow the Ark of the Covenant to be ahead of them, as the Lord would lead the way and part the overflowing waters. It can be so hard to take a step into what seems so chaotic and scary, wondering if God will actually deliver you. Remember how the people allowed God to go before them, however. Follow God's leading and keep your eyes on Him as you step out in faith and allow Him to take the glory for your deliverance.

Jesus took the ultimate risk for us. While He was fully God and fully human, we know He knew His Father's will, but we know He felt with human emotions, like we do. He was probably terrified, yet had confidence that His Father's will was to be done to deliver a world that would be otherwise separated for eternity. Pilate on the other hand, didn't want to take the risk. He knew that Jesus was innocent and he even asked the people who should be released, but allowed the convicted criminal to go instead, worried that a riot against him would start.

After Jesus died, Joseph took a risk as a member of the Jewish Court. In order to give Jesus a proper burial, he risked his reputation and took care of Jesus' body instead. The women were in the same boat. They couldn't speak for rights. They couldn't stand up openly to the guards or the crowds, but they did all they could, and ended up playing a big role in spreading the news of Jesus' resurrection. We must look at the risks we take in life and see if they outweigh the ramifications. A risk for God is always worth it and will far-exceed any reputation you are trying to protect. Stand firm and courageous.

Step out and take risks that God calls you to. This is a hard thing to do, as you worry about your life and reputation, but remember that if you are stepping out for God, your risk will far outweigh the life you are trying to protect for yourself. These may be bold words, but there is great evidence in God's Word.

Day 107: The Wide Lens

Day 107
Deuteronomy 22-24; Mark 12:1-27

Every situation we encounter in life has something we can take away from it. Every situation we face also affects us based on the perspective we take on it. Read more on what this looks like with me today.

As you have read through the story of the Israelites so far, you have probably noticed by now that it is riddled with commands and consequences laid out by the Lord to the people in order to keep the community in order and the people close to God. This portion of Deuteronomy is no different, as more regulations are laid out and consequences explained. God wants us to be set apart from this world. Not necessarily by following these specific rules, as they were for that culture and time, but by simply doing things that show our love for Christ. When we make poor decisions, a consequence usually follows. Do you think ahead enough to consider what the consequences of your actions might be and how it may not only affect you, but the others around you? Having this perspective can surely save you some heart ache. However, it is hard to keep the ripples from other peoples' actions from impacting your life. This is why we must be careful and consider what is ahead when we make the decisions we make.

We will all make a poor decision at some point or another. I know I make probably one a day, simply because I don't always think things through as thoroughly as I should. God continually reminds the people to remember where they once were and how He delivered them. He does this because it is so important to remember what God has done for you, and act as compassionately towards others who are in the boat you were once in. We aren't to dwell on the past and our mistakes, but we are to always remember God's power in our lives, and apply it as we continue forward. Learn from your mistakes, and more on from them, striving not to repeat it, and helping others who have been put in that same boat.

If you are truly a Christ-follower, seeking Christ daily, and striving to fulfill the mission He has set you out too, it is important to view everything from an eternal perspective. The religious leaders who continued to try and nail Jesus to the cross didn't see the bigger picture. They couldn't see past the rules, regulations, and traditions that they have learned so well. Jesus, being a game changer, caused them to fear Him and His ideas. When we don't see things through the point of view of eternity and what will truly matter in this life, we too can fear like these leaders did.

It is entirely easy to worry about money, health, life situations, relationship statuses, etc, But when you can think of those things through the wide angle of the bigger picture to come, or the perspective of what God is trying to do or how He will use it, the intensity can be lessened. Everything in this world is temporary - which can be good if you are heading for heaven, or depressing if you're heading the other way. Nothing in this world belongs to us, including money and spouses as Jesus points out in today's reading. When we can see Jesus for Who He is, and what He did, and apply it to who we are (sinful, deserving eternal separation) and what we can do (nothing apart from Christ), it changes everything. You can lay those worries in the hands of the One Who created you and is laying out the life to come before you. Give to this world what belongs to it. Don't worry about what you are losing, but focus on what you gain in trusting Christ.

Walk this world with a wide perspective of what you've experienced through consequences of poor decisions, remembering what Christ has done for you, and most importantly with the perspective of His Kingdom and plan. Set your worries into His hands and allow Him to take care of what is His (everything). Use every opportunity to point the way to Him and show others how to cast their cares, worries and eternity on the One Who created them.

Day 105: He's Still on the Throne

Day 105
Deuteronomy 16-18; Mark 10:32-52

We have every reason to celebrate a Christ-followers no matter what this world is doing or where we think it's going. Even though the future seems bleak to many, there is something bigger to be looking to rather than what this world is doing. We are reminded today in our readings what Christ has done for us and Who we look to ultimately when we worry about the future.

When we worry, we tend to worship other things or ideas. Are you clinging to the news you hear around you right now? Stop. I'm not saying be ignorant about what is going on in this world, but stop dwelling on the things going on in this world. We are not of it as Christ's followers, even though we are to help. When every conversation starts out "we're doomed, because of the thing I heard on the news..." however, something in that heart is refusing to trust God and His work to come. Faith is and will be essential as you hear about all the crap in the world. Rather than looking negatively at it, remember Who is still on the throne. This was reiterated over and over and over again to the Israelites as Moses stated his parting address to them. They faced struggles and thought their world was ending too. They continually saw how God worked, yet failed to trust Him when the next bit of hardship came. They were tempted to look to other things and other gods to find security. As the song goes "...in the good times and bad, You are on Your throne, You are God alone."

An interesting thing the people are told at the end of chapter 17 is that when a king is to be selected, the Lord must be the One to choose who that is. I think we forget to consult the Lord in many decisions in our lives. We like our freedom, but the greater freedom comes when God has a hand in our lives because He knows exactly what we need and when. Even if we make poor decisions though, we can rest assured that He has us still. We may not acknowledge we've screwed up at first, or even not for years down the road, but God will still use those screw ups to make something beautiful. Praise Him for His grace and sovereignty, no matter what our poor decisions are.

Another thing we are warned about when it comes to worry about our future is not to use fortune-tellers, sorcery, tarot cards, etc. This may not be an issue for you, and you may take it lightly, but it's pretty laid out here. The same goes with false prophets. Only God knows the future, and He knows the true power that Satan and gain against us. Rely on God to lay out the plans for you here in this world and take it day by day. Allow Him to lay out the plans eternally as well, and simply stay close to Him and His Word to know your way throughout.

Jesus lays out His death sentence in Mark, and as you can probably imagine, the disciples probably didn't like it. They didn't understand the grand plan or the bigger picture to come. In fact, even Jesus says the God is the ultimate decider on things of heaven, as James and John ask to sit in the prime spots in heaven. Jesus tries to explain to them the suffering that would come with those seats, but doesn't see them quite fully understanding it, as they eagerly state they are willing to suffer. Humility is the key to being first. To be at the top of the ladder, you need to place yourself at the bottom. Rather than being served, you need to serve. Rather than always thinking about what others should be doing for you, you need to be thinking about what you should do for others. It's so backwards of what this world states brings true greatness.

Finally, we read of Bartimaeus, a blind man who longed to be healed by Christ. Without caring about what the people around him think, he hollers and shouts for Christ to come to him. Jesus displays mercy and Bartimaeus is healed because of his own faith. Are you always looking around at who is watching you, rather than looking up at what truly matters to God? Do you get ashamed of your faith when we are called to be bold? Don't allow this world and it's judgments of Christians to get you down. The only opinion you need is from the One Who sits on the throne and sees your heart.

It's easy to forget in such a fallen world Who is still sitting on the throne with the grand plan. We can get so discouraged by the news, the opinions of others, that we turn to things that aren't healthy for us spiritually. Don't give in to the temptation of finding instant gratification and worrying about what you think you deserve. Remember Who truly knows what you deserve. Praise Him for grace and continue to look up, rather than around for your acceptance. Remember that He's still on the throne and that is all that matters.

Day 104: Worldly Yearnings

Day 104
Deuteronomy 13-15; Mark 10:1-31

One of the biggest struggles for us as a culture is the need for stuff. We always want more or the next best thing we can get. Savvy electronics, fun toys, a bigger camper, a bigger house, nicer car, etc. It's hard to walk in this world and not get bombarded by the media and it telling us what we need. Because everyone falls into the trap, you too, may find yourself in the trap with them. None of these things are bad. I like my toys and smart electronics as much as the next person. However, we can't allow those things to take the place of our zeal for Christ in our hearts. Check your heart this morning and make sure that you not only know your need for Christ, but you know your level of want for Him.

The Israelites are warned over and over again throughout Moses' final words to be careful of not allowing other gods to rule in their hearts. This may sound like something of the "older times" to you, but other gods can be more than a spirit or sculpture. They can be the way we long for certain things more than we long for God. A video game. The newest iPhone. An achievement you're working towards. A Pinterest-beautiful house. A person. The idea of your future and daydreaming constantly about it. If you aren't careful, these things can completely take over your mind and cause you to not even acknowledge Christ in the center of your life. We read about these gods of that time that God warned the people about. He wanted them to have nothing to do with them. In fact, they were to burn that land to the ground. How serious are you about getting rid of something that comes before God in your life?

The flip side of this, is to give to God. Rather than obsessing about your Pinterest-beautiful home, obsess about how God would want you to open your home. Rather than obsessing about that achievement you so desperately want to earn, give God your morning, then go work on it, pray over it, and give God the glory no matter the outcome. Rather than always being on your iPhone, use your iPhone to study scripture and connect with someone that needs to know Christ through it's ridiculous features. God tells the people to bring their tithes to Him before anything else. Do you give your money to yourself, or do you give God the FIRST of it? Trust Him. Allow Him to use those desires of your heart or to get rid of them if they don't align with His plan for you.

One thing mentioned in Deuteronomy 15 is that there should be no poor among the people. Could you imagine if there were no poor in your community? If we all give a little and take care of one another regardless of what we believe about poor people, the world would be a better place. We tend to jump to conclusions about the poor - like they got themselves there, or they don't deserve what you have earned, etc. We aren't called to judge though; we are called to love. Don't bother asking questions if you have the opportunity to be a light to those in need instead. Your grace towards them will be a beautiful picture of God's grace. We need to let go of this world's perception of "you deserve it all", and the entitlement of keeping what is ours. Give and give freely, to God and to others.

Jesus states something a little scary in Mark 10. "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God." Talk about a statement. What Jesus is getting at here however, is that you can't love money more than Him. The rich ruler loved his stuff. He had a lot of it and he didn't want to part with it or his money. If you look at all you have, including your material possessions, your money, even your family, your friends, etc., would you still love God if those things went away? This is the foundation of your heart. If you can't picture life without something or someone and still love God and trust in Him, you have a heart issue. It is a tough pill to swallow and even one that you may believe is a cruel one, but it is where your loyalties truly lie. It's hard to lose someone, or a lose a huge sum of money, but ultimately our hearts belong to God. Those things and those people He has given us also belong to Him.

What does your heart long for? Are you in a struggle between what you want and what God wants for you? Do you trust Him enough to be able to look at all of your stuff and the people in your life and truly say "yes, Lord. Those things, those people are Yours." If you were to lose everything, would you still love God? The world says we need more and greater. God says we need Him and less. You may tell God you need Him, but He wants to know that you actually want Him too. Consider this concept today and take inventory of your heart's desires, longings, and spiritual health.